Weekly Radio Report (5/15/20)
Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
John Dimick Promoted At Cumulus
John Dimick
John Dimick has been elevated to the newly-created position of Senior Vice President, Programming Operations, Cumulus Radio Station Group. He was previously Vice President, Programming Operations for the company, a position he’s held since joining Cumulus in 2016.
In his new role, Dimick will lead Cumulus’ team of Vice Presidents, Programming Operations, and 11 Format Specialists across the company. He will continue to report to Brian Philips, Executive Vice President, Content and Audience, Cumulus Media and is based in Atlanta.
Prior to joining Cumulus, Dimick was Senior Vice President, Programming for Lincoln Financial Media. He has over 30 years of radio programming and operations experience in markets across the U.S.
“In my first year, John has proven himself to be an indispensable partner in the leadership of this programming group,” said Philips. “He is gifted with the intuition, pragmatism and patience to see us to greatness. This move validates the hard-earned trust and confidence John enjoys within our entire company.”
Dimick commented, “Cumulus programming professionals are passionate about radio and understand the value of locally programmed and community involved stations. I am honored to assist Brian Philips in leading our team in this new position, while continuing to learn from the best minds in our industry. I’m pleased to work with Mary Berner, Dave Milner, Bob Walker and especially, Brian Philips, as Cumulus continues to reinvent the audio entertainment landscape.”
BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Adds Adrian Michaels
Adrian Michaels. Photo: Cody Heckber
BBR Music Group has named Adrian Michaels to Stoney Creek Records staff as Vice President of Innovation, Radio and Streaming, effective June 1. He joins from his previous post as National Director of Radio and Streaming at Warner Music Nashville. He succeeds Byron Kennedy who has exited to follow his lifelong passion for comedy.
Michaels is a 27-year veteran of the Music Row community with stops at RCA, Curb and Warner Music. Over the course of his career he has represented country icons such as Alabama, Clint Black, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes and Kenny Chesney and has played a part in more than 100 No. 1’s. Most recently at Warner, he led the promotion team in launching the careers of Ingrid Andress, Devin Dawson, Michael Ray and Morgan Evans. He also developed two national television shows for HGTV and GAC and is a member of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
Michaels will oversee the Stoney Creek Records radio promotion for its roster of artists, including chart-toppers Randy Houser, Parmalee, Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell, as well as multi-national six-man band King Calaway. Additionally, he will be charged with fostering innovation across the label’s three promotion teams to take advantage of the continually evolving technology and processes which help measure and drive music consumption at the local market level, while continually looking for ways to aid radio in creating even deeper connections with their listeners and BBR Music Group artists.
Michaels will begin effective June 1 following Kennedy’s departure and will report directly to Carson James, SVP Promotion, BBR Music Group.
“Carson and I have talked for years about how much we wanted Adrian to be part of the BBR family and feel like we just signed that MVP who is hitting free agency at the height of his career,” says Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. “I’m still pinching myself. Adrian not only brings with him 25+ years of deep and exceptional industry relationships, but also the curiosity and mind-set of a 25-year-old Silicon Valley whiz kid who is never-satisfied with the status-quo and is always looking to build a better mousetrap. He is going to make us all better and as a result, even better partners for our friends in radio.”
James added, “I had the pleasure to work with Adrian years ago during our time at Curb. He rose from regional to VP in a short time for two reasons… he’s the quintessential promotion person but… more than that, he’s a true record guy. There’s no bigger compliment in this business than to be THAT. I’m honored to be working with him again!”
“I am incredibly excited to join Jon Loba, Carson James and the BBR/BMG family,” said Michaels. “Being given the opportunity to innovate and re-imagine the art of promotion for such a progressive company is an honor. I can’t wait to join the already successful team. Any record man would be humbled to represent the artistry of the roster at Stoney Creek.”
Kennedy will be leaving to pursue opportunities in the comedy world which has long been a personal passion. Loba remarked, “I want to thank Byron for leading the Stoney Creek team to new heights. Under his tenure, they made history by delivering back to back No. 1’s on Jimmie Allen; further cemented Lindsay Ell’s stature as one of the most unique and accomplished females in the genre and was instrumental in introducing King Calaway and showing the world what an accomplished group of musicians and vocalists they are. His closing salvo was starting the early buzz on Blanco Brown and Parmalee’s new single, “Just The Way,” which stations started playing before it was even shipped.”
Loba continued, “While he played such an important role at BBR, I always encourage staff to pursue their passions, even if that means losing someone who means so much. When Byron started having some very real success with open mic nights, I encouraged him to take the leap and dive full-time into something he has dreamed about his entire life. We will be cheering him on all along his journey…and will hold him accountable when he thinks he is too big for meet and greets!”
“I’d like to thank Jon Loba and Carson James for taking a chance on me when I wanted to leave radio and move to the record side, when no one else would,” reminisced Kennedy. “The last four and a half years working in Nashville and for BMG have been some of the most amazing and gratifying years of my life. I think the transition from records to comedy will be an easy one for someone who has spent the last few years being laughed off the phone every time I tried to hand them a hit. It might in fact be why Jon Loba has been so supportive and encouraging me to follow this new path.”
He continued, “As hard as it is to leave an incredible company like BMG it would be even harder to not explore the opportunities that have recently presented themselves. Stay tuned for some exciting news and developments right around the corner!”
Westwood One Launches Syndicated Country Radio Show ‘Morning Koffy’
Paul Koffy, Jasmine Sadry
Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has launched a new country radio morning show, Morning Koffy, which will air Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET. Morning Koffy marks the first new syndicated show from Westwood One Nashville.
The syndicated program is hosted by Paul Koffy, with Jasmine Sadry as his sidekick. Both will be based in Nashville. Koffy previously hosted the morning show for country station KMNB Minneapolis. His career also includes time at country stations including Atlanta’s WUBL and Tampa’s WFUS. The Utah Broadcasters Association awarded Koffy with “Best Morning Show” while he was with KEGA Salt Lake City. Koffy has also been honored with a Country Music Association award for Personality of the Year.
Sadry has worked in broadcast media for 18 years, including time at FOX Sports, CBS, ESPN, KVUE-TV, and iHeart, as well as television and voice work gigs. She has been featured on MTV2’s Ain’t That America and the MLB Network. Sadry was nominated for 2018 CMA Broadcast Personality of The Year for her work co-hosting a country morning show on KSCS Dallas. Sadry is a co-host of First and 10s, a podcast about sports from a woman’s perspective.
“Well known in the radio industry and well-liked by Country artists, Paul is the ideal host for this new show,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “Paul has spent his entire career in country music and, surprisingly, has never before hosted a program from Nashville – we can’t wait to see what he does from Music City. With Jasmine on the other mic, this show is one good morning brew.”
“The fact that this team came together over hours of Zoom and phone calls is proof that we are turning a new page at Westwood One Nashville,” said Paul Williams, Director of Programming for Westwood One Nashville. “With Paul’s home-spun ‘my tractor is more expensive than my car’ attitude and Jasmine’s Texas swagger, they just light it up together.”
“This opportunity to serve stations, businesses, communities, and individuals meets in a junction box with pivotal timing, an enormous platform, and a swell of creatives,” said Koffy. “I am deeply thankful for everyone who has been a part of bringing this together and stoked to be on the team.”
Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett Make Country Radio Chart History
Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett
Today (April 27), Ingrid Andress notches her first No. 1 hit on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart, with “More Hearts Than Mine.” The chart success of Andress’ debut single follows last week’s No. 1, “I Hope,” also a debut chart-topping song from fellow Warner Music Nashville artist Gabby Barrett.
Never in the recorded history of Country Aircheck have two debut females had back-to-back No. 1 singles.
The two chart-topping hits follow Maren Morris‘ “The Bones,” which topped the both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart and the Billboard Country Airplay chart in early February, marking three No. 1 hits by solo female artists so far this year. Morris’ “The Bones” marked the first song since 2012 to spend two consecutive weeks at No. 1 since 2012.
Also in the Mediabase/Country Aircheck Top 10 is Carly Pearce with Lee Brice, on “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Other solo female artists in the Top 20 this week include Carrie Underwood‘s “Drinking Alone” at No. 12 and Miranda Lambert‘s “Bluebird” at No. 20.
Monument Records Adds Radio Promotion Team
Top (L-R): Katie McCartney and Drew Bland. Bottom (L-R): Lisa Mastrianni and Katelyn Lester
Monument Records, led by Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, has added an in-house promotion team, led by Drew Bland, who will oversee executives based in various regions across the country.
Katie McCartney has been promoted to General Manager, while Lisa Mastrianni joins as Director, Regional Promotion and Katelyn Lester joins as Manager, Regional Promotion. One additional regional will be announced in the coming weeks.
“There has never been a more crucial time to invest in music, and in the creative community we are all part of, and that’s what we’re doing with the expansion of Monument,” said Owen.
Bland comes to Monument Records from Seattle’s KKWF, where he was the Program Director. In Bland’s 15-year career in radio, he has programmed major market radio stations in Phoenix, Orlando and Seattle. He has won an ACM Award for Station of the Year and a CMA Award for his work.
“We wanted a head of promotion that will approach radio as we approach everything we do, with a unique and limitless view. Drew’s background as a PD, and his overall vision for what a promotion staff can do, made him an obvious choice,” said McAnally.
“I am grateful to be joining Monument Records at this exciting time. It’s thrilling to start this new career chapter combining my programming background to the incredible team led by the most progressive professionals in the business” said Bland. “I can’t wait to leave the house and hit the road with our amazing regional team and dynamic artists to visit each market.”
McCartney joined Monument in 2017 to help re-launch the imprint, she had previously spent time at Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, and Lyric Street Records, among others, and has worked on major marketing campaigns for superstar acts such as Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Shania Twain, Lauren Alaina, and Brothers Osborne. As General Manager, she oversees the team and all label operations.
“In an ever shifting landscape, it was important to keep the team small and nimble, and most importantly to find individuals that have unique views on how to thoroughly infiltrate markets on the ground level,” said McCartney.
The team will begin promoting Walker Hayes’ new single “Trash My Heart,” which releases digitally on April 24 and impacts radio in June.
Cumulus Media Names Paul Williams As Director, Programming For Westwood One Nashville
Paul Williams
Cumulus Media has appointed Paul Williams to Director of Programming for Westwood One Nashville. Williams is based in Nashville, and reports to Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media.
In this role, Williams oversees the marketing, content, and operations for Westwood One’s award-winning, nationally syndicated country programming, including: The Ty Bentli Show, The Blair Garner Show, Nights With Elaina, American Country Countdown, Country Countdown USA, Country Gold, and With Elaina.
Williams was most recently Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for Reviver Entertainment Group in Nashville. He had previously served as an executive at RCA Label Group Nashville and as Operations & Marketing Director for the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick Show. Prior to that, he programmed KPLX-FM in Dallas, TX, and spent six years as a liaison to national radio at Universal Studios Orlando radio broadcast center.
“As the largest audio network in the country, Westwood One is committed to bringing high-quality content to our quarter of a billion listeners,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “Paul has the perfect suite of capabilities to build on that promise and take our programming to the next level.”
“Paul brings energy, pure radio instincts, great relationships, music taste, and a wealth of big brand-building experience in entertainment,” said Philips. “We’ve set him up to rally the team and build business for Westwood One Nashville.”
“I can’t wait to step into this role and lead the dedicated, talented people of Westwood One Nashville,” said Williams. “I’m eager to contribute to the innovative future of our Nashville-based brands, content, and marketing.”
Weekly Radio Report (4/17/20)
Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
iHeartMedia Morning Shows Extend Airtime Due To Demand During COVID-19 Pandemic
iHeartMedia morning shows including Nashville’s “The Bobby Bones Show,” New York’s “Elvis Duran and The Morning Show” and “The Breakfast Club,” and Los Angeles’ “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” are extending their daily airtime for an additional hour+ because of increased listener demand received through daily call-ins and social media feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently more than 65 morning shows across more than 50 markets have officially extended their morning shows by at least one hour. In addition to each station’s regular programming schedules, on air personalities across the country will continue to serve and inform communities during these unprecedented times with the latest COVID 19 facts, with special local market broadcast reports on the latest news provided by iHeartRadio’s 24/7 News Network every hour.
“Given the amount of positive feedback our stations were receiving from their listeners, our on air talent began asking them if they should stay on air longer in the mornings — and the response was incredible,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer of iHeartMedia. “This listener feedback, combined with the data we are seeing with our on demand shows, is a testament to the connection that our radio personalities have with their listeners, and the fact that broadcast radio still holds such a unique place in American culture especially during a time of crisis. These on-air voices are trusted friends with close emotional connections to their listeners, and they inspire their communities; and help them cope with anxiety and concern; and provide entertainment and stress relief.”
iHeartMedia also recently released data and insights on how Americans are consuming podcasts during the pandemic, noticing an uptick in the on-demand podcasts category with Top 5 on-demand shows up nine percent month-to-date. In addition, with consumers spending more time at home, iHeartRadio usage across digital platforms has seen an overall increase in smart speakers, for some as high as 57 percent, 60 percent on web, 35 percent through smart TVs and social engagement with on air personalities has increased 19 percent.
Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction Rescheduled
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has rescheduled the 2020 Country Radio Hall of Fame induction and dinner, which was originally set for June 24, has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 3 at Nashville’s Westin Hotel.
As previously announced, the 2020 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees will include three off-air radio broadcasters and three on-air radio personalities. The off-air honorees include Jim Duncan, Victor Sansone and George Beasley. The on-air honorees include Tim Wilson, Chuck Edwards and Mark “Hawkeye” Louis. Country Radio Hall of Fame honorees must have made a significant contribution to the radio industry over a 20-year period, in which 15 of those must have been in the country radio format.
CRB’s Board President, Kurt Johnson, commented, “For the safety of our country family attending the ceremony, we are delaying the CRHOF event, and encourage everyone to stay safe. I want to say congratulations to the Class of 2020. While we are sad to hold off an evening celebrating you, it will definitely be all the sweeter when we can gather later. See you then!”