WJMZ Accepts Marconi for Urban Station of the Year

The year ends with big honors to Greenville/Spartanburg, SC Cox Broadcasting’s urban WJMZ-FM (107.3) which won the NAB’s Marconi Award for Urban Station of the Year and was a finalist in the Medium Market Station of the Year category. “We were thrilled just to be nominated. Winning a Marconi is incredible, and our staff is very proud. It’s gratifying to have our industry recognize 107-3 JAMZ in Greenville/Spartanburg as one of the great stations in the country. The entire staff is appreciative for the recognition of their work at 107-3 JAMZ and their dedication serving our listeners, advertisers and partners in the Upstate,” said Steve Sinicropi, VP/GM for Cox Radio Greenville, who is shown accepting the award with OM/PD Steve Crumbley.

25th ANNIVERSARY Congratulations to Detroit Radio’s Afternoon Anchor FRANKIE DARCELL

The year 2009 marked veteran air personality Frankie Darcell’s 25^th anniversary in broadcasting. More than 250 guests joined the popular Detroit afternoon drive host of WMXD-FM (Mix 92.3) at the Roostertail Restaurant for a star-studded celebration that included performances from Ruben Studdard, Kem and K’Jon. U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick presented Darcell the Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council and Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell presented a proclamation from the State of Michigan. Frankie used her special milestone to honor Black Family Development, AugMe Foundation Breast Cancer for Women, and Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Egypt Claims WBLS Middays

Egypt Sherrod is the new midday host for Inner City Broadcasting urban AC WBLS-FM (107.5) in NY. The multi-media do it all tried out with other celebrities for the 10am-3pm slot previously occupied by Wendy Williams in September with an impressive performance and guest list that included Idris Elba, Michael Strahan, Toni Braxton, and Tommy Davidson, among others. This is her second stint with WBLS, having left in 2003 to pursue her television and syndication options. Prior to that she was co-host in NYC for WWPR-FM (Power 105)’s morning show and has a following from her stints at WPHI-FM (100.3 the Beat) in Philadelphia and WERQ-FM (92Q) in Baltimore.

She will continue with her multiple roles as host of Fine Living Network’s “Bartender Wars,” correspondent for NBC Universal’s “The Maury Show,” and co-host of the syndicated daytime TV hit “Home Delivery” currently re-airing on the ION Network, as well as being the voice of Premiere Radio Networks “Synopsis” entertainment report on “Live In The Den With Big Tigger” which is broadcast in more than 72 cities across three continents and her blogsite www.EgyptSaidSo.com,

Dr. Bobby Jones Donates $6M to TSU

Renowned gospel singer and host and executive producer of two popular BET gospel shows—“Bobby Jones Gospel” and “Video Gospel”—has donated approximately 30 years of recordings as well as exclusive rights of his performances and television programs to his alma mater, Tennessee State University. Professionally appraised at $6 million, Jones’ archives constitute the largest in-kind gift the university has ever received.

Hurricane Hits Atlanta

Veteran radio programmer and air personality David Glenn “Hurricane Dave” Smith will relocate to Atlanta from Dallas in July to take over the vacant spot at Radio One Atlanta operations for Urban WHTA-FM (Hot 107.9). Previously the executive producer for syndicated ABC Radio Networks—now Citadel Media– “The Ride with Doug and DeDe,” Hurricane Dave is currently already part of the Radio One team as Director of Operations for its Syndication One arm—a position he will resign.
Having programmed or served as OM for at least seven number one radio stations in various formats from hip hop to classic rock, Hurricane Dave has proven his versatility again and again. He oversaw the five station Cumulus Tallahassee group that included not only Hip Hop and R&B and Urban AC formats, but also Hot AC, ESPN Sports and Classic Rock.
He began his career and adopted his moniker of Hurricane Dave in Texas, where, as the winner of Service Broadcasting KKDA-FM (K104)’s nationwide best air-personality talent search, he won first place prize, which included a job at the Dallas station. Later at Radio One KMJQ-FM (Magic 102) in Houston, his moniker was born his first day on the air, which also marked the first day of the hurricane season.
Touting “I keep the mic hot!” Dave has proven to be successful no matter what daypart, region or format—even syndication—whether in the studio or boardroom.  The list of Hurricane hits includes: WOWI-FM, Norfolk (highest rankings in its history); Album Rock WOMP-FM, Bellair, Ohio; Top 40 WXGT-FM (92X) Columbus; KMJQ-FM, Houston, Texas; WBLK-FM, Buffalo, NY; WAMO-FM/WYJZ-FM; Radio One Cleveland cluster WIZF-FM/ WENZ-FM/WWLD-FM.
His website lists such accolades as “Best numbers in five years” from Pittsburgh’s two stations; best numbers in WOWI-FM history during which time WOWI became the #1 12+ 18-34 demo and #1 mornings demo 25-54 under then PD Dave; #1 highest 12+ shares ever reports WIZF-FM in Cincinnati; #1 for 3 1/2 years at Top 40 WXGT-FM in Columbus, Ohio; #1 highest shares ever at Album Rock WOMP-FM in Bellaire, Ohio; #1 highest nighttime shares at Urban KMJQ-FM in Houston; 11 up books out of 14 at WAMO-FM in Pittsburgh.
Also president of his own pre-paid bankcard company, the ECS-Financial Network, Dave is actively involved in supporting the urban communities. Just ask the ‘Canes Kids he rewarded for improving their grades in Cleveland when he was OM/PD/MD or view the video he participated in for the Texas Department of Education Student Job Search program available in every Texas high school.

BMI Unsigned Showcase Returns to Atlanta

DJ Khaled will host BMI’s 12th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase in Atlanta at Club E.S.S.O. on April 23rd. Nas, Trey Songz and Novel will perform at this showcase that will feature four finalists competing in front of a panel of music industry heavyweights including singer/songwriter Dallas Austin (Madonna, TLC); Capitol Records Senior Vice President, Urban Music Leonard Brooks; MySpace Records President, Urban Music Marquis Collins; manager and Imani Entertainment Group CEO Manny Halley (clients include Keyshia Cole & Lyfe Jennings); Def Jam Recordings Executive Vice President Chris Hicks; Polo Grounds Music President and RCA Music Group Senior Vice President, Urban Bryan Leach; manager and Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Rosemond (clients include The Game, Gucci Mane & Pleasure P).This year’s final four include the group 718, Kameron Corvet, Ryn Nicole and Rain.  Additionally, BMI will be presenting its Legends of ATL Award to a community leader who has contributed to the local music scene. Past recipients have included Dallas Austin, Organized Noize and Big Oomp.

The Streetz102.9 of Atlanta Silent

The on air and online stream from low power urban hip-hop FM Streetz 102.9 (www.streetz1029.com) was short-lived. Reportedly, Radio One had an injunction issued which shut the operation down. Former Radio One VP Steve Hegwood, who was reportedly involved with premature launch, still has abut three months to go on his non-compete clause before he is free to move about.

Tom Joyner Back In Chicago

The immediate fallout over the replacement of  “The Tom Joyner Show” with the “Steve Harvey Show” on Clear Channel urban AC WVAZ-FM (V103) radio has been less that positive.  Listeners have been e-mailing the station in great numbers voicing their disappointment.  Most see Steve Harvey as not having an adult show, saying that his show appeals more to young people. Some have even called for protests.
That’s been the Windy City mood since “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” disappeared from Chicago airwaves). Fans can now rejoice. According to radio consultant Tony Gray, the show is expected to return to its morning timeslot on Crawford urban AC WSRB-FM (Soul 106.3). A deal is in the works to return Joyner to this market where his ratings were higher than those of  the “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” which was moved over from WGCI to replace him at WVAZ.
As Clear Channel VP Doc Wynter explained, “It was strictly a business decision. We are trying to appeal to a younger demographic at WGCI and we have a vested interest in “The Steve Harvey Show.” The WGCI replacement team we have put together is extremely witty and funny.”
WVAZ  PD Derrick Brown commented, “I feel like V103 just won the lottery! Steve Harvey is an entertainment and marketing juggernaut. There are very few entertainers who have successfully tackled radio, TV, film, stage, online and publishing. His unique life perspective and riveting content fit V103 like a glove. Being a ‘King of Comedy,’ nobody can beat Steve being funny and I’m absolutely elated that he’s joining our team.”
On a sadder note though, Brown added, “Tom Joyner has been a great partner with V103 for the past 13 years, making it difficult to part ways. We appreciate all Tom’s hard work and wish him continued success.”
Obviously disappointed, Tom Joyner responded, “After 16 years, ‘The Tom Joyner Morning Show’ won’t be broadcast on a local Chicago radio station at this time. For Sybil and me, our relationship with the Chicago radio listeners goes back more than 20 years, and believe me it has not ended by any stretch of the imagination.”
And sure enough, Joyner’s back in Chicago.

Steve Hegwood Buzz: Extreme Media

With Atlanta all abuzz over the “All New Streets” hip hop and R&B hitting the airwaves on WWVA HD2 102.9 (website www.streets1029.com)–currently licensed to Clark University–veteran programmer Steve Hegwood quietly launched Albany, Georgia’s WZBN-FM as the new Power 105.5. The formerly Cumulus owned southern soul 6,000 watt station that covers Lee and Dougherty counties hit the airwaves March 30 with back to back music as new PD Jammin Jay took over the controls. Committed to Clear Channel urban crosstown WJIZ-FM (96.3 Jamz) until April 15, Jammin’ Jay says he’s juggling both responsibilities for now. Call number to reach Jammin’ Jay is (866) 877 6559 and he’s open to music days Monday through Friday. He says the station is looking to relocate to another building shortly and will be hitting the pavement hard for ad sales at very competitive rates.
Formerly head of radio network On Top Communications, Hegwood previously owned and operated WRXZ-FM (106.1) and WFFM-FM (105.7) in Albany as part of his On Top chain. Most recently Hegwood had been VP of Programming at Radio One.

Change Comes To WRNB

Radio One urban AC WRNB-FM (107.9) in Philadelphia launched a new format on January 20 tilted more towards the R&B gold from the ‘90s and old school hip hop. The station will continue to play current R&B titles, but the playlist will now be proliferated with such artists as Boyz II Men, Mint Condition, Maxwell, Keith Sweat and Jodeci.

 

“While America is experiencing change in our nation with President Barack Obama, Philadelphia and WRNB are experiencing a change as well,” explains Radio One/Philly OM Elroy Smith. “Tailoring this format and unveiling a new attitude exclusively for WRNB and Philadelphia is an exciting undertaking. This market knows what they want and our job at WRNB is to respond to their request. We are now positioned in a lane all by ourselves and the fans of the ’90s and today’s R&B will not have to sit through a number of eras to hear the sound they have asked for. Philadelphia now has a radio station that they are helping to build.”

 

The new lineup promoting the new sound is: “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” APD/MD Mo’Shay LaRen at middays, Lady B in afternoons and DJ Todd takes nights.

 

WRNB’s new position in the marketplace is “The New sound of 107.9 WRNB, R&B of the 90’s and Today.

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