Froggy 101 TV Star

McFly, the Producer/Personality of "THE DOC SHOW" on Entercom's WGGY/WGGI reports that they got a very pleasant surprise on TV last night:

We made the BIG TIME..
A Recurring Role on One of NBC's HOTTEST NEW SHOWS The Office!

It's fictionally based in Scranton PA, so at the end of last season, we collected "Scranton Exclusive" items and sent them to the set. It looks like it's official... a FROGGY 101 Bumper Sticker sent by The Doc Show, along with other 'Scranton-ish' items has found a permanent home on the set of NBC's THE OFFICE. It made several appearances last night.

Catch THE OFFICE on NBC Tuesdays at 9:30PM EST and be watching for our friends in Scranton..

USA Today Says "Country Is Cool"

"Country is cool with Redneck"

JA says: "DUH!"

Lia & Toys For Tots' Gulf Coast Christmas

Lia: "Many of these kids don't have a place to live or food to eat, let alone presents under a Christmas tree. This Christmas, I'd love to send presents to these kids who have absolutely nothing. Let's band together and help bring a sense of normalcy and happiness to these children in need!"

Tips on Running Successful Promotions

A bonus from the recent Albright & O'Malley client teleconference with Graham Knowles and Ivan Braiker of www.hipcricket.com:

Know why you're running the promotion - Establishing a well thought out promotion strategy including objectives; will ensure that the promotion is correctly targeted and matches the image both the client and the radio station are trying to project.

Keep it simple and user friendly - The best promotions are simple, simple to enter - simple to win. Promotions should be understandable by the youngest and least sophisticated members of your audience.

Design promotions so everyone has fun; don't try to trick listeners.

- All messages received by listeners must be:

1. Personal
2. Relevant
3. Valuable
4. Timely
5. and Anticipated

Do… provide value
Do… tailor content to target market
Do… personalize the message
Do… make the response method clear
Do… use humor and entertain
Do… create a way to drive usage
Do…state the coupon value clearly
Do…seriously consider actual money value rather than a % off
Do…show clearly the period for which the coupons are valid
Do… make offers appear exclusive
Do… target by time: day segment, events etc
Do… messages of urgency, such as dollars off NOW
Do… make offers viral - forward this to your friends
Do… make it easy for people to Opt-In and Opt out

Don't…use the medium to advertise without delivering value
Don't …use to sell the mundane - keep it exciting
Don't…bombard the listener - keep interaction timely and relevant
Don't…forget to measure performance
Don't…repeat the same message to a listener
Don't…overcomplicate the message
Don't…make offers that are vague and ambiguous

They were telling us about the basics of mobile messaging, but - truth is - these tips apply to everything we do on the air, don't you think?

WKIS Miami's HD Side Channel = Gretchen 99.9

Beasley's Miami cluster has a new HDRadio secondary audio channel to 99.9 KISS COUNTRY named after Epic/Nashville’s Gretchen Wilson.

She cut liners for it, asking folks to try her station, which plays lots of southern rock (Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels Band, The Allman Brothers, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Travis Tritt, Toby Keith, etc). And, of course, lots of "Politically Incorrect" Wilson and Muzik Mafia music too. WKIS PD Bob Barnett told R&R's Lon Helton yesterday that it's dedicated to “other musically inventive creative ‘outlaws’ of the format.”

Gretchen's sophomore LP, "All Jacked Up," releases today and after doing the "Today" show, she flies to Toronto to visit with Canadian media. Interestingly, the Billboard chart which is out this morning (dated 9/30/05) had the song "Politically Incorrect" from the album with Merle Haggard debuting at #58.

Mediabase monitors "All Jacked Up" still as the most played track by a mile, but other ones which appear to be getting spins today are "California Girls" and "Skoal Ring."

Lose A Bet; Wear A Dress

During a recent on-air stunt, WBYT radio personality Rick Hummer, a morning radio co-host who lost a bet with a friend over who would win the Notre Dame/Michigan football game, recently had to wear a dress and stand on the street corner in front of the radio station studio for one hour. South Bend Tribune staff writer Robin Toepp had a chance to see the DJ in action and talked with him about life behind the microphone.

The KEY To Making Commercials and Promos WORK

Philadelphia radio legend Jerry Lee gives Inside Radio's Mike Kinosian the secret sauce in a nutshell:

Likeability is the key determinant on whether or not a commercial works, but that conclusion comes with a critical caveat. “If they like you just because you’re entertaining, it means nothing,” Lee states. “Is that them in the spot? Is it something they can aspire to? Is it a dream of theirs? If it doesn’t have something new, or if people can’t relate or have empathy with it, it just won’t work as a commercial.”

Metheny Touts 'Less Is More' At NAB

Phyllis Stark at Billboard reports that Clear Channel/Cleveland's Kevin Metheney was a passionate advocate for his company’s “Less Is More” (LIM) clutter reduction strategy at a Sept. 23 session focused on the topic at the National Assn. of Broadcasters Radio Show.

When Jefferson-Pilot/Denver’s Cat Collins asked whether CC stations will drop a scheduled promo if they have an opportunity to add spots, Metheney said no.

“We’re not fooling around with this,” he said of LIM. “We’re living this every day.” Ultimately, Metheney said, LIM has turned out to be about much more than simply reducing spot load. “It has focused us very much on leaving no moment unwasted.”

LIM, he said, has forced CC programmers to “be more careful about what we do and to be careful about every word,” that goes on the air. Radio is better served, Metheney said, by focusing on one message at a time. In the course of implementing LIM, he said, “we’ve become better practitioners of our craft.”

Metheney also spoke about the quality of the spots, noting, “Crappy commercials drive people away.” He also said radio sellers are not effectively working with clients on “outcome-based” spot development.

It continues to amaze me that as I travel North America listening to the radio many operators seem to think that Clear Channel's couragous initiatives have nothing to do with them.

In case you or your owner happens to be one of them, let me connect the dots for you: 1,200+ radio stations doing something simply cannot be ignored by the rest of us.

If five or six (or more) other stations in town increase their time spent listening, that has the potential to increase average persons using radio even if their cume doesn't go up at all.

And, if PUR increases .. as has happened in many markets over the last few months .. and your average quarter hour audience stays the same, your SHARE of audience will go down. By ignoring change, you are not staying the same, you are moving backward.

Rascall Flatts Raises Over $600,000 For Children's Hospital

Neil Haislop notes that RASCAL FLATTS have donated proceeds from last weekend's Gaylord Entertainment Center concert in Nashville to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The $600,000 donation becomes the largest fund-raising event ever for the hospital, which includes a donation from Rascal Flatts of $350,000 from concert proceeds and a $250,000 donation from their record label Lyric Street Records and its parent company Disney.

Earlier in the evening at a pre-show VIP party, Gary, Jay and Joe Don accepted framed picture collages made by all the children at the hospital. They were presented to the guys by 3 patients whom they had met Sept. 14 during a visit to the hospital. The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is a leading provider of pediatric healthcare, ranked #8 among the nation's children's hospitals and #7 in the care of children with cancer by Child magazine.

Lyric Street's Dale Turner adds: "it was a special night....all the Disney characters joined the Flatts for a hospital visit a week prior to the concert and from that, a video presentation was incorporated during intermission."

Everyone Loves A Parade

KMOX, St. Louis, GM Dave Ervin says that the station is going to "Celebrate St. Louis" on Cards opening day: KMOX is throwing a parade to celebrate St. Louis and to thank "everyone who has been so supportive of KMOX over the years," Ervin said in an e-mail Wednesday.

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 2 - same day as the Cardinals' final regular season game at Busch Stadium. The event will feature 75 units, ranging from the Cardinals to the Waterloo German Band, and with such unique participants as the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and the Valley Park Redneck Rookies. Star-spangled participants scheduled to be involved include Hall-of-Famer Lou Brock; rap star Murphy Lee; Joe Mokwa and Jerry Lee, St. Louis and St. Louis County police chiefs; Sherman George, St. Louis Fire Department chief; County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, and Mayor Francis Slay.

Post-Dispatch columnist Deb Peterson reports the parade will take off from Union Station and travel down Market Street to Kiener Plaza, where viewers and participants will be encouraged to party until game time at 1:15 p.m.

Talk about the end of an era. 2005 will be KMOX's final year as the Cards' flagship station since the Busch-owned team purchased KTRS last year. Play by play moves starting in Spring 2006.

KYGO Is Now Podcasting

Denver's Kelly, Jonathan and Mudflap are officially podcasting their "best" bits.

Click Here to get all the info. Want to podcast but don't know how? Get all the info here.

B-104.7, Syracuse Is Giving Away Gas Through The End Of 2005

Here is the promo, written by Clear Channel Syracuse OM Rich Lauber:

B104.7 GREAT GAS GIVEAWAY
If you haven't heard, B104.7 is giving away gas for the rest of theyear in the B104.7 GREAT GAS GIVEAWAY. It's easy to win! Sign upright now at www.b1047.net. Then be sure you are listening for yourname to be called each weekday morning at 9 AM with Ron and Becky. Ifyou hear your name, you will have an hour to call us back to win GAS FOR THE REST OF YEAR!! How great is that? PLUS, listen for BONUS HOURS, where you can win gas for a week! Because you are a BVIP, we are giving you those times right now! So,sign up right now, and start listening for your chance to win big fromyour official 'GAS STATION', B104.7!

Christmas In Omaha

Inside Radio's Tom Taylor reports that the first station in the world has already gone all Christmas, (mark it down) on the first day of fall: "It’s already Christmas in Omaha — Clear Channel AC KEFM is “the home for holiday music.” Yes, they definitely claimed the niche. KEFM looks like the first convert to all-Christmas this year. Taylor's Inside Radio tipster says 'it was 103 degrees here yesterday!'"

Speaking on behalf of all the "at least wait until Thanksgiving" Scrooges out there, hopefully, it's just a first week of the fall ARB stunt, but when I just clicked on "just played" on their web site, indeed, here is what I saw:

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Jo Dee Messina
Winter Wonderland - Johnny Mathis
Sleigh Ride - Debbie Gibson
Christmas Song - Gloria Estefan
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - James Taylor
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Jewel
What Christmas Means To Me - Paul Young
Celebrate Me Home - Kenny Loggins
Winter Wonderland - Aretha Franklin
Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow - Jessica Simpson

WHEW.. turns out that it was a weekend stunt, as part of a format change. They do go into the record books, though, as the first of fall 2005... Who's going to be next? Hopefully, we can all wait until November, at least..

The KILT, Houston, Storm Center

Infinity Radio country team captain Jeff Garrison and his KILT crew have suspended regular programming today as they face Hurricane Rita. "Infinity Team Coverage" and simulcast coverage by their news anchors and air staffers who are bivouacked on the 19th floor of the Greenway Plaza starts Friday at noon.

Listeners Just Keep Giving

In case you're thinking that all of the fund-raising is beginning to reach overkill levels, KNCI certainly found that not to be the case in Sacramento.

Hats off to PD Greg Cole and his hard-working and dedicated staff.

Wanted: The Froggy Fugitive

Here's what's up at KFGE/Froggy 98 in Lincoln:

Someone is loose! The Froggy Fugitive is somewhere in the listening area and needs to be found! We've sworn one person to secrecy, but if you're the first to find him or her, walk up and say "Froggy 98's Gary and Sue want to know if you are the Froggy Fugitive. Are you?". When the Fugitive hears those exact words, we'll hand you $2500!

We'll start giving clues as to the Fugitive's identity on Monday! Listen to Gary and Sue for the first clue at 7:20am. Additional new clues at 10:20am, 1:20pm and 4:20pm. Plus....as a Froggy VIP Club Member, we'll be sending you ADDITIONAL BONUS CLUES! Keep watching your e-mail. The Froggy Fugitive could be anybody, so listen for the clues and have Froggy Fun!

Older Than Willie

Joel & Linda at KICX-106.7, Kitchener-Waterloo and also Barrie-Midland's Rupe & Carrie do a cute twist on the boring old "this date in history" items that everyone (over)-uses.

They point out that Willie was born in 1933, and then give a datebook item (the ice cream cone was invented on this date) and award a prize if the contestant is able to tell if it's older or younger than Willie.

(.. ps: the ice cream cone IS older than Willie..)

WMIL Drops Their Drawers to help Hurricane Katrina survivors

This message from Milwaukee's FM 106.1 E-Team says it all:

The Moo Crew wants you to Drop Yer Drawers to help Hurricane Katrina survivors. This Thursday, September 22nd, from 5am until 6pm, Karen, Scott and Radar will collect new, packaged underwear at the Greenfield Wal*Mart, and deliver it to the Salvation Army. All sizes are needed, socks and undershirts too – men’s, women’s and kids’. Make your donation between 5 and 10am and register to win a pair of front row seats for Keith Urban’s concert in Madison that night! Hopefully we’ll see you on Thursday at the Greenfield Wal*Mart! From Continuous Country Favorites of Yesterday and Today FM 106.1.

KSON San Diego Flies Supplies To Hurricane Katrina Victims

Morning show Cliff and Company and KSON, San Diego, have teamed up with local San Diego air service Jim's Air to fly supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Last Thursday KSON listeners helped fill a 757 cargo plane with supplies in less than a day.

This week the show is collecting a hangar full of everything from baby food to water for New Orleans with smaller jets leaving almost daily. One of the sponsors, 10,000 RV, rented several tractor-trailers to haul supplies to Louisiana.

Grand Ole Opry Red Cross Benefit

COUNTRY REACHES OUT: AN OPRY BENEFIT FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2005 7:00 - 10:00 PM in Nashville, starring so far.. Porter Wagoner, Riders In The Sky, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Dickens, LeAnn Rimes, Marty Stuart, Terri Clark, Craig Morgan, Julie Roberts, Billy Currington, Keith Urban, Alison Krauss, Jimmy C. Newman and Alan Jackson.

And, in more country news..

GARTH BROOKS RECORDING AGAIN NOT A COMEBACK
From an interview Country Weekly, Garth Brooks’ producer, Allen Reynolds, Garth has returned to the studio. He’s been working on some unreleased material that will be included in a box set to be released later this exclusively through Wal-Mart stores. The tracks include a tribute to Chis LeDoux titled, “Good Ride, Cowboy.”Reynolds was quick to point out the new sessions do not mean Garth is coming back, “It’s not a comeback. He’s very clear about staying home with his daughters until they’re grown.”

CLINT BLACK TO RELEASE NEW CD
Clint Black will release his second CD for his label, Equity Music Group, on October 4, 2005. Titled Drinkin’ Songs & Other Logic, the all new music written by Black is a deliberate return to his past. Featuring the new single, “Code of the West,” the 12 song collection has the flavor and flair of the music Black grew up listening to.

Thanks to Neil Haislop for the Music City headlines.

Way To Go, Arlo! (And, AMTRAK)

From Dec. 5-17, Arlo Guthrie and friends are planning to travel from Chicago to New Orleans on the Amtrak's famed City of New Orleans line to benefit performance venues damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Guthrie, who had a Top 20 hit in 1972 with the Steve Goodman-penned "City of New Orleans," will join other artists by playing at train stations and small venues along the way. Go to http://www.arlo.net/ and click on "Schedule..."

12-05-2005 - Chicago , IL;
12-07-2005 - Kankakee , IL;
12-09-2005 - Champagne , IL;
12-11-2005 - Effingham , IL;
12-12-2005 - Carbondale , IL;
12-13-2005 - Memphis , TN;
12-14-2005 - Yazoo City , MS;
12-15-2005 - Jackson , MS;
12-16-2005 - Hammond , LA;
12-17-2005 - New Orleans , LA

Jim Rose: Brooks & Dunn #1; R-I-P C-D?

BROOKS & DUNN HAVE DONE IT AGAIN
Last week, the Hillbilly Deluxe C-D debuted at #3 on Billboard's Top 200 Pop chart and #1 on the Country list. This week, that monster C-D remained in the #1 spot on the nation's Country chart. That's 2 weeks in a row at #1!

KIX BROOKS says, It feels so good when we play anything from this record out there live. In a lot of places, these songs get the same response as our hits, so I guess it's okay to say that people liked it.

RONNIE DUNN comments, We worked hard on this record, not that we don't on all of them. This one has fire in it. It takes us from those all too familiar beer joints that we cut our teeth in to the front row of church. I feel like we're barely scratching the surface with the first single 'Play Something Country', because there's so much more on this record.

BROOKS & DUNN filled two semi trucks jammed full of supplies for folks in Jackson, Mississippi. The dynamic duo has taken a much deserved break from their Deuce's Wild Tour, which featured Muzik Mafiosos BIG & RICH and THE WARREN BROTHERS.

Good for BROOKS & DUNN!

C-DS MAY NO LONGER BE HOT TO TROT
One thing we can depend on for sure is that nothing lasts forever. Are we about to see the demise of the C-D? There are those in the recording industry who now look beyond C-Ds. What's next? Well, to get the ball rolling, WARNER BROTHERS records' new band, THE SUN, has sent its debut album to stores in your neighborhood for September 2005 on DVD and online, but not on CD.

If you'd like Jim Rose's daily "Rose Remembers Radio" email, just ask him to send it to you. It's free.

Have you heard the new slogan at Scotti's Record Shops?? "Buy It, Burn It, Then Return It!"

Ya wonder how long the RIAA will allow that to continue, but the word is that young customers LOVE it...

A Lifeline Sent by Airwave

Phoenix-based sales and management guru Jim Taszarek and SCBA Exec Director Mary Beth Garber both insisted that I stop my busy day to be inspired by this story the the LA Times. Now, I am doing the same for you.

Eddie and Troy PSA For The Red Cross

Twice sidelined by serious injury in recent months, country duo Montgomery Gentry (tickets) forge ahead with a tour schedule that now stretches into the winter, but the Columbia Records artists took time last week to record a PSA for radio's Katrina relief effort (click to download the wav).

Trace Adkins Hospitalized for Abdominal Surgery

On Friday (16th), Trace Adkins was admitted to a hospital in Morton, Minnesota.

Adkins had been experiencing abdominal pain for the past two days and entered hospital for treatment before heading to his next venue. He was diagnosed with an abdominal inflammatory infection and emergency surgery was performed. The procedure was a success and he is expected to make a full recovery with no post-operative complications.

Trace's scheduled dates through September 24 have been cancelled.

(Tropical Storm Renee?) Zellweger Jumps to Chesney's Defense

After my earlier post, I think I owe it to Rene and Kenny to also add this too:

Zellweger Jumps to Chesney's Defense Over 'Fraud' Listing The actress filed for an annulment from the country star after four months of marriage. Renee Zellweger has jumped to the defense of her estranged husband Kenny Chesney, after intense media speculation over her citing of "fraud" as the reason for their marital meltdown. In court papers filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the actress filed for an annulment from country star Chesney after just four months of marriage, citing "fraud" as the reason for the breakup. But Zellweger has now issued a statement insisting, "(The term is) simply legal language and not a refection of Kenny's character. I would personally be very grateful for your support in refraining from drawing derogatory, hurtful, sensationalized or untrue conclusions. We hope to experience this transition as privately as possible."

Zellweger, 36, and Chesney, 37, got married in a small surprise May ceremony on the Caribbean island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. It was the first marriage for both. They met at the Concert of Hope tsunami relief benefit on January 15, where Chesney was singing and Zellweger was answering telephones.

ARB Cancels New Orleans Summer Book

A release from Arbitron announces that the Summer Phase 2 Arbitrends will be out as scheduled on September 26, but the Summer Quarterly Report will not be produced for New Orleans.

Morning Show Goes One to One In The Face Of An Overwhelming Disaster

WKZL/Greensboro's Murphy in the Morning are helping out a New Orleans family who lost their home and most of their belongings in the hurricane.

It started with a letter from a listener.

Katrina FAQ's

If you're in (or hear from folks) the area affected by Hurricane Katrina, here's a link for your website: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has posted a frequently asked questions page on disaster assistance. There's also one for people with disabilities.

Sadly, I looked in vain for the answer to this question: why are the usual list of big contributers to the Bush campaign, many of the same companies who also received billions as a part of the rebuilding of Iraq, being given no bid contracts with no questions asked, rather than first at the very least trying to find local Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama-based contractors, whose businesses and workers have been devistated and need to find a way to start making money, to do the rebuilding work?

The conservative Jacksonville, NC Daily News asks: what about local and state officials and the people of New Orleans? Is the federal vision their vision? What if they just want it repaired, and then reshape it the way they want? And, as you might expect, the more liberal Washington Post quotes labor leaders with a similar viewpoint but for completely different reasons. The Post also has an excellent blog with constant updates on the relief fundraising efforts around America's Capitol.

A Promotion Director's Worst Nightmare

After dropping out of the "Hands on Hardbody" contest at a KYKX/Longview run event at local Nissan dealership, contestant walks across the street to a K-mart, steals a shotgun and kills himself. The person who kept hands on the truck longest would win it.

Mystery why contestant committed suicide
Contestant remembered as kind, hard-working

It capped a week of very positive events at KYKX:

Evacuee Fundraiser Held By Local Radio Stations
Longview Station Delivers Evacuee Teddy Bears

The station's website is impressive, compared to most we see. They even have contest rules and local public service messages prominently displayed for all their events. My heart goes out to them. You know that this outcome could happen to any of us and yet who would anticipate such a horrible thing?

KUPL and Jason Aldean Team Up For Hicktown Benefit

It's a free show, with families welcome and a suggested donation of $5 for the American Red Cross.
Portland, of course, is no "Hick Town," but Bubba Dave's BBQ will be on hand grilling up some dogs for donations while supplies last. KUPL will be holding a special auction to raise additional money for the families in the SE. Check out KUPL's Hurricane Katrina Relief.

(Still More) Benefits (Thanks To Music Row)

- The “Help Us Help Habitat for Humanity” benefit will be held Sept. 22 from 9 p.m. until midnight at Nashville’s 12th & Porter with proceeds going to rebuild areas ravaged by the hurricane. Cover charge is $5 for 21 and up, $10 for 18-20 year olds. To make a donation or help as a sponsor, contact Debbie at ShaneMontanaRocks@yahoo.com or (615) 973-5229...

- The American Idols Live! Tour 2005 ended last weekend with a Sept. 11 benefit concert for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Carrie Underwood requested that the proceeds from merchandise sales go to the Humane Society to help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina...

- Phil Vassar will be donating all proceeds from his “One Country One Night” concert on Sept. 21 at Kansas City’s Whiskey Tango to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief efforts...

Another Disaster With A Woman's Name (Renee)

This one is a nuptual disaster, and I suppose isn't a total shock but it's still a disappointment:

Renee Zellweger splits from Kenny Chesney

Our first hint: People Magazine says they have only been together six days since the ceremony.

A Moving Web Video

.. Sugarland's "Stand Back Up." The audio would make a great radio PSA too.

Pop Watch

If you need to be a culture vulture (and who DOESN'T).. click on Entertainment Weekly's blog.

For example:

* Is March of the Penguins' depiction of devoted nesting behavior a parable about monogamy, heterosexuality, and even ''intelligent design''???

* Mr. T Returns with a new reality TV show I Pity the Fool.

* Mixed reviews after the first day of "Martha." Several outlets praised her performance, including The Associated Press, which declared that Martha ''found Stewart in affable, informative form,'' and Business Week, which called the host ''funny, down to earth, light-hearted, and well, likeable.'' Others, however, doused her in Haterade. USA Today said her ''stint in prison has done nothing to dent Stewart's faith in the overweening importance of a properly folded T-shirt. Nor has it done much to take the chill off her oddly intimidating TV persona.'' (They say that like it's a bad thing!) The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, meanwhile, argued that ''in the interest of accuracy, [the show] should be renamed Martha, Martha, Martha'' because of the emphasis on its host.

Overnight ratings news for the first episode was somewhat mixed as well. While Martha's 2.4 rating and 8 share improved on its lead-in programming and year-ago time-period averages, it's worth noting that last year, The Jane Pauley Show drew a 2.2/6, and had the plug pulled by season's end. In other words, as MediaWeek's Marc Berman notes, ''Had expectations been lower for Martha, this could be considered a positive debut. As it stands, Martha after day one is really just a modest success.''

The Latest From New Orleans

New Orleans Times-Picayune Web site and also WWL 870 AM are amazing resources, especially when you know that they are sending reporters into and out of the city from their relocated headquarters in Baton Rouge at the moment.

Country Artist Benefit News

...The “One Country” concert has been announced for Hurricane Katrina relief, with George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Martina McBride performing at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on Oct. 1. Other acts are expected to be added to the show which is staged and produced by Houston-based concert promoter Louis Messina. “One Country” will be produced entirely with donated equipment and services including use of the facility. Tickets go on sale Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, with Ticketmaster service charges also to be donated. The show will air live on CMT at 7 p.m. CT

...Brooks & Dunn are sending a pair of their semi-tractor trailers to Jackson, Miss. with supplies for the people devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Sam’s Club helped with the relief effort

...Reba McEntire contributed time to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts by working the phones and taking donations during the first hour of the multi-network Shelter From The Storm concert. Reba will also be the centerpiece of a music feature in the December issue of O magazine

...Sugarland performed “Stand Back Up” on ReAct Now: Music & Relief. The group has agreed to donate all proceeds from the sale of the e-single to hurricane relief efforts

...On Sep. 28 at the Expo Center off Music Valley Drive, the Music City Jam will feature Lila McCann, John Stone, Cowboy Crush, Little Texas and others to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The event is sponsored by Music City Motorplex, and hosted by radio talent Steve Gill (WWTN 99.7)

Visit www.musiccitynews.com for more information...

Canadian Country Music Awards Photos

.. are online now: CLICK

For example: here are A&O clients and pals KICX 104.1, Midland-Barrie-Orillia, Group PD Derm Carnduff, PD/morning cohost Ted Roop, GM Mora Austin and President Paul Larche grinning like Cheshire cats after learning that their great team was named CCMA Small/Medium Market Station of the Year, 2005.

George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Martina McBride To Perform in Houston for Katrina Relief

ONE COUNTRY will go on sale this Friday, September 16 at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, or may be charged by phone at 713/629-3700 in Houston: 214/373-8000 or 972/647-5700 in Dallas; 512/494-1800 in Austin; 409/833-7747 in Beaumont; 979/268-0414 in Bryan – College Station; 361/881-8499 in Corpus Christi; 210/224-9600 in San Antonio.

The Gulf Coast has experienced one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Now Houston will be the site for one of the biggest fundraisers to benefit its survivors.

On one day, superstars George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson and Martina McBride will perform in Houston to raise money for the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts – and they are bringing their friends with them!

From his first Number One song, 1982’s “Fool Hearted Memory”, through his 51st , “I Hate Everything” the words “George Strait ” and “country hit” have been synonymous. In fact, he has scored more Number One songs than any other single artist in history and has sold over 63 million records - amassing 28 platinum or multi-platinum discs – more than any other country artist.

Reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney will thrill the crowd with one of his legendary live performances and treat fans to his last concert of 2005. Having played to over one million fans each of the last three years, the man whose quadruple platinum When The Sun Goes Down , has been the soundtrack of the past two summers is thrilled to do his part.

Add in yet one more superstar - Alan Jackson ! In the midst of another amazingly successful tour himself, Mr. Jackson has sold over 43 million records and has amassed 31 Number One hits—including 21 he both penned and performed as well as two additional chart-toppers he penned for fellow artists.

Other performers scheduled to appear is the current CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Martina McBride (CMA Female Vocalist of the Year) and Texas legend Willie Nelson . Ms. McBride has scored 20 top ten country hits and has five platinum and two triple platinum records to her name. Nelson, one of the most prolific songwriters and performers of our generation, is certainly one of the most generous humans alive. Not only is he the author and performer of countless hit songs, he is also one of the founders of his own initiative, Farm Aid.

Louis Messina, New Orleans native and president of The Messina Group/ AEG, is one of the driving forces behind this event. “I watched my birthplace float away,” said Messina, “ I knew I needed to help, and this is the way I could reach the most people.”

Fellow Chairmen, Dr. Carolyn Farb , author and well-known philanthropist and Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Paul Somerville, answered the call to action and pledged their talents and resources to ensure the promise of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Already at the forefront of the Houston relief effort, Shea Guinn , general manager of Reliant Park said, “We are eager to be a part of such an incredible event that has the potential to provide additional mass relief to our Gulf Coast neighbors.” The Reliant Stadium facility and all related services, including staff and the proceeds from parking as well as food and beverage sold at the event, have been donated.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, known for its commitment to helping others, has graciously joined the effort by offering the use of its production facilities, underwriting crew costs and unleashing the full strength of its fulltime staff and 17,000 member volunteer force. Additionally, ticket stubs from ONE COUNTRY may be redeemed for a day ticket to the 2006 Houston Livestock Show, including admission to the livestock and horse shows, carnival, shopping and food exhibits, and children’s and educational exhibits (admission does not include events at Reliant Stadium).

Ticketmaster has also pledged its full support through donating all service and convenience charges to the cause.

The show is being produced almost entirely with donated equipment and services – from the sound and lights, to the stage, the crews, the artists, security and ushers – all the elements necessary to put on a first-class show. This concert will truly benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Benefactors to date: Aggreko, Anschutz Entertainment Group, Carolina Holdings, Inc, Carey Limousine, Kenny Chesney, Cube Inc, Gina Rotolo Public Relations, Hotel Icon, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Alan Jackson, LD Systems, Martina McBride, The Messina Group, Mojo Barriers, Morris Leasing, Willie Nelson, Reliant Park, Screenworks, ShoMotion, Show Pros Entertainment Services, StageCo, George Strait, Ticketmaster, Bill Young Productions and FrontPage Publicity.

Net proceeds from this historic event will go to benefit the courageous survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The focus of this effort is two-fold. Its first commitment is to provide immediate assistance to the relocated survivors. The second is to spur the process of rebuilding the gulf coast region and allow the displaced an opportunity to return home and build their lives once again. One Country is researching potential beneficiaries in an effort to find a charitable organization(s) that can maximize the mission of the project and put the funds raised to work on the front lines.

Tickets for this event are $125/ $100/ $85/ $65/ $39.50. There will also be a limited number of exclusive $1000 VIP packages.


Contact: Kate DesEnfants McMahon, The Messina Group-AEG (713/224-5588) or email Kathy Best.

Categorized CMA Award Nominees

Steve Holstein at Interprep just posted these very helpful pages:

CMA NOMINEES CATEGORIZED LIST

CMA NOMINEES ALPHABETIZED LIST

Congrats To The CCMA Radio Award Winners

CKRY (Country 105), Calgary's smiling crew was seen posing for photos following the Gala Dinner Sunday night where the first CCMA Awards were presented. No wonder: they were surprised by CRS-Nashville representatives Ed Salamon (CRB Exec Dir) and Jeff Walker (CMA and CRS Board Member) with the first-ever International Award and also received CCMA Major Market Station of the Year honors as well. PD Phil Kallsen, who is also Corus Entertainment's Director of Country Programming is celebrating his 20th year at CKRY.

A&O had three horses in the "Station of the Year" CCMA Radio Awards race, Pattison's CJJR (JRfm), Vancouver and CHAT, Medicine Hat, as well as KICX 104.1, Midland-Barrie-Orillia, and we are constantly proud of all these stations' achievements.

Still, it's a big thrill seeing friends up there on the podium getting recognition from their peers. So it was terrific honor watching KICX, Midland, GM Mora Austin, PD Ted Roop and Group PD Derm Carnduff making their 2005 Secondary Market CCMA Station of the Year acceptance speeches as owner Paul Larche beamed in the background.

Focus On What People Believe

"..and then tell stories that spread (because they) reinforce their world view. Or, become irrelevant." -- Seth Godin

CLICK TO HEAR MORE from his new book ALL MARKETERS ARE LIARS

Thanks to DMR for providing this audio sample as a free advance listen to the keynote Godin is presenting in Philadelphia at NAB next week, sponsored by Direct Marketing Results. Recently Godin told DMR's Tripp Eldredge that a lot has changed in the outside world of the consumer, but not much has changed in radio since he first addressed the industry at the Boston RadioINK Internet Convention in 2000.

Click here to read the interview with Seth in its entirety.

PS: The NAB has asked DMR to present at the Secrets To New Radio Marketing session on Thursday, September 22 at the Annual Radio Show in Philadelphia. If you're unable to attend, don't worry as dmr will create a podcast of the information presented. How's THAT for practicing what you preach?

"Shelter For The Storm" and "Fashion Rocks"

If your digital TV recorder was working Friday night, you may want to replay Tim McGraw's CBS-TV tribute to New Orleans on Monday's show, "My Old Friend." But, the new single version is cut two on the "Live Like Your Were Dying" LP and that's the one I'd play. The single is also on New Music Server.

Meanwhile, on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN and the WB — the six biggest broadcast networks along with several cable networks, viewers in nearly 100 countries were able to tune in as the politics were restrained and the celebrity pleas for assistance for the Red Cross and Salvation Army were impressive, well-done and heartfelt.

None of the country musical moments were radio-friendly, unfortunately.

Garth Brooks, Trishia Yearwood and the "Late Show'' band did "Who'll Stop the Rain,'' and it absolutely was a moment for the musical history books. But, if you were hoping for the debut of a radio hit (as I was), unfortunately, you were disappointed.

Ditto with the Dixie Chicks' performance, which was certainly artful and very emotional. MSNBC has a video clip of them and other performers online now. But, it's nothing that I'd play on the radio either, for the same reasons.

Perhaps it was a hint that their new LP won't be country friendly. Perhaps it wasn't. I guess we'll just have to wait until early next year to find out...

BUT, one thing for sure: all of these class acts did show a lot of heart and soul as they all took the time to help make the two shows a huge musical and financial success.

Gretchen Wilson PSA's For Red Cross

If you didn't receive them direct from Epic Records, here's the link to download them, as well as PSA's from Miranda Lambert too.

Katrina - Radio and Our Listeners Continue to Respond

FMQB has a great review of inspiring fund-and-awareness-raising efforts.

KSRX/San Antonio, PD/afternoon driver Mark Landis held a "staff meeting" at a loading dock where he and his staffers helped load/unload trucks with relief supplies earmarked for 25,000 of the Gulf Coast victims that were relocated to San Antonio.

WNNX/Atlanta this past week also took $100 donatons for requests on their afternoon show with Axel with all of the money going to the American Red Cross.

WKQX (Q101)/Chicago is planning a "My Shuffle" weekend this weekend (9/10-11) dedicated to helping hurricane victims. Listeners can use the "My Shuffle" feature on the station's Web site to create their own playlist from the Q101 music library. During the process they'll be asking listeners for donations. Every hour all weekend the station will play a different listener's playlist and reward the people who donate by allowing them to program the radio station.

WWWQ/Atlanta launched an initiative to help raise donations for the over 3,000 school kids who will be arriving in the Atlanta area that will be in need of school supplies and clothing.

Tampa Bay radio stations set aside their rivalries and are banding together for "Tampa Bay Radio Relief" and are taking donations for the American Red Cross at Raymond James Stadium.

Radio World reports that radio groups serving New Orleans and the surrounding area have combined resources to provide reliable radio broadcasts of emergency recovery and relief information.

NAB is working with the Salvation Army and American Red Cross todistribute 10,000 battery-operated handheld radios to residentsdisplaced by Katrina.

Friday morning, some 30 Minnesota radio stations joined to broadcast live from 5 a.m. until noon; listeners heard interviews of victims and experts from the Red Cross and University of Minnesota. An e-commerce Web site and phone lines were provided for financial donations.

In Michigan some 200 broadcasters, including radio and TV, with Gov. Jennifer Granholm observed Michigan Cares/Michigan Gives Fundraising Day Friday, in a three-hour morning event. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters also arranged audio messages from state celebrities urging donations. Those messages are available on the Michigan Cares/Michigan Gives page of the MAB Web site.

Philadelphia's WXTU(FM), a Beasley country station, will host singer Alan Jackson in concert at the Tweeter Center on Saturday. Jackson, Beasley and the Tweeter Center management will each donate $1 toward relief efforts for each ticket sold to the event.

Bustos Media is working with Spanish-language operator Grupo PRISA and its international radio unit in establishing a cross-border radiothon linking Bustos' 23 stations with Ke Buena stations in Mexico. The event will be broadcast air Sept. 11, noon to 6 p.m. PT.

KDGE(FM) in Dallas plans "Storm Aid: The Concert at the Gypsy Ballroom" on Sept. 18, with bands including the Burden Brothers, Space Cadet, Blue October and Edgewater performing acoustic sets as part of a six-hour show. The station's promotions director said all proceeds will go to the victims.

Envision Radio Networks' morning show prep service Today's Bits is making available Katrina audio downloads to stations. Sound bites include President Bush's initial warning to Gulf residents, evacuees telling their stories and a "Bridge Over Troubled Water" Relief Mix, featuring victims and news clips with Johnny Cash's version of the Simon and Garfunkel song playing underneath. The site is www.todaysbits.com.

Delaware's WSTW(FM), in conjunction with sister station WDEL(AM) and local bank Wilmington Trust, launched the First State Friendship Fund campaign to raise funds through the American Red Cross of Delmarva Relief Fund. The campaign was to kick off Friday with personalities broadcasting live from a local restaurant. Money collected goes to the Red Cross. Donations will be accepted at Wilmington Trust branches for the next couple of weeks.

Positive press for the "United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans," the joint effort of Entercom and Clear Channel. "I think we've saved lives. In fact I know we have," says Dave Cohen, news director of WWL(AM).

Where Will You Be On September 11?

The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. This September 11th, the nation will gather in Washington, D.C. to remember the victims and honor our veterans, past and present, with the America Supports You Freedom Walk, organized by the Department of Defense. Click here for details.

Country superstar, singer, songwriter Clint Black will star in an America Supports You musical salute following the Freedom Walk.

To march, you must register online before 4:30 pm today (Friday).

Organizers of the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial Freedom Walk on Sunday are taking extraordinary measures to control participation in the march and concert, with the route fenced off and lined with police and the event closed to anyone who does not pre-register.

More info: Freedom Walk, Sept. 11, 2005

DoD News: Rumsfeld Announces America Supports You Freedom Walk

Security Tight for Pentagon's Freedom Walk

Christian AC Getting Into Your Audience Shares?

It may be because they cut their clutter load and you didn't. As usual, Mike Kinosian has a very enlightening analysis and interview for Inside Radio:

Spring 2005 Christian ratings results

Keith Urban News And Rumors (Nicole Kidman?)

First, the "official..."

BIG SCREEN CONCERTS(SM) EVENT WILL present Urban's new DVD concert film with a FEATURE EXCLUSIVE INTRODUCTION BY THE ARTIST, presented in High Definition and Cinema Surround audio specifically formatted for the big screen for this one-time showing in theatres of the DVD

-- Keith Urban to Donate a Portion of the Proceeds from this Event to The American Red Cross to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

-- Tickets On Sale Now

Multi-platinum artist Keith Urban has captivated audiences around the world with his astonishing live performances, and will now conquer the big screen with the premiere of his first ever concert DVD, Livin' Right Now, on Monday, September 26th, at 85 movie theatres nationwide beginning at 7 p.m. local time (6:00 p.m. in Alaska).

The two-hour Big Screen Concerts(SM) event will feature an exclusive introduction from Keith Urban and the DVD's amazing concert footage, filmed during his two-day engagement at the historic Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. The show contains a wide-ranging collection of Urban's music including all six of his #1 singles, such as "Days Go By" and "Making Memories Of Us," from his double platinum album Be Here, as well as his record breaking #1 "Somebody Like You," "You'll Think Of Me," "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," plus the first and only commercial audio release of his rendition of Billy Thorpe's "Most People I Know (Think That I'm Crazy)" featured in the GAP fall campaign "Favorites." The event will also feature some of the DVD's behind the scenes footage, including Urban at sound check and personal perspectives from Urban about his music.

"I'm very excited about this chance to connect with my fans in a whole new way," remarked Keith Urban. "Also, It is my hope that, by donating a portion of the proceeds from this special event to the American Red Cross' hurricane relief efforts, we're helping support our fellow citizens in these hard-hit communities and letting them know that we stand together through this terrible crisis"

Keith Urban: Livin' Right Now will be presented by National CineMedia in High Definition and Cinema Surround Audio at participating Regal, United Artists, Edwards and Georgia Theatre Company movie theatres across the country. Tickets for this exciting new Big Screen Concerts event are on sale now at theatre box offices and online at www.BigScreenConcerts.com for $10.00 in advance and $12.50 on the day of the event. (For a complete list of participating theatre locations, please visit the Web site.)

CONTACT:
National CineMedia: Amy Jane Finnerty, 212-931-8117
Scoop Marketing: Hannah Kampf, 213-639-6159

Next, the UNofficial (but fun!)..

"The new rumored Aussie power couple, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban supposedly stole away a few days in the Bahamas for a private getaway."

Kidman spotted with Keith Urban
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's Getaway?
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban just friends

What Happens Right Away When People Click On Your Website?

Does a jingle play? Does a client pop up with a web video?

Nothing happens? Aren't you in the "wow, how did they do that?" business??

Katrina Caveat Emptor

ABC News reports the American Red Cross has asked the FBI to investigate at least 15 fake Web sites that are designed to look like legitimate Red Cross appeals for donations to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Colorado State College Reviewer Disappointed By Satellite Radio

Jess Brooke writes Satellite Radio may disappoint listeners.

I love his style: "Here's to you, music junkie. The cost of your CD collection exceeds the blue book value of your car. The 10,000 songs a 40GB iPod holds is simply not enough. You've spent more time camping out in ticket lines than in the woods. I feel your pain."

CMA Nomination Quotes - And, Questions

BRAD PAISLEY tied with Lee Ann Womack for the lead with 6 nominations for this year's CMA Awards.

"I'm blown away," exclaims Paisley. "I have been so wrapped up in making and supporting my new album (Time Well Wasted) that I honestly was exhausted and in dire need of sleep (until right now). What a great wake-up call! This is the kind of day you dream of when you make records...when you get this kind of good news. I am truly humbled by these nominations and of course, I can't wait to eat that New York pizza."

Neil Haislop reports that Paisley's nods include his first nomination in the Entertainer of theYear category as well as Male Vocalist, Single of the Year for"Alcohol", Song of the Year for "Alcohol" (as songwriter), Video of theYear for "Alcohol" and Vocal Event with Sara Evans for "New Again."

Sara Evans received two nominations from the Country Music Association as “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Musical Event of the Year” for her duet with Brad Paisley “New Again.”

“All my life growing up I would watch the CMA Awards and dream about what it would be like to get nominated,” commented Evans. “Now I am kind of used to going to the Awards, but it is still such a thrill every year, it’s like Prom Night and being nominated for Prom Queen. I love the music, the clothes, the red carpet and seeing all my friends. I feel more connected to it now more than ever before.”

Rhetorical questions, not to take away from the nominees' richly-deserved delight: No Tim McGraw? No Reba nomination for female? How could Rascal Flatts miss Entertainer of the Year? How does Dierks Bentley get on the Horizon Award? Just askin' and nominating these as my personal picks who deserved better from CMA voters. -JA

America Supports You

"America Supports You" is a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense that showcases the many ways America is showing its support for servicemembers and their families. The program is designed to gather information about and recognize the many activities Americans are doing to support our troops.

More importantly, "America Supports You" lets servicemembers and their families know about these programs. The "America Supports You" website offers detailed information on the program, including materials such as press kits, downloadable logos, stories of support, and an ever-growing page of responses from servicemembers around the world.

To honor and aid the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are actively involved in the war effort and Katrina relief, bandsforfreedom.com and Military.com today announced their co-sponsorship of an upcoming contest offering members of the military and/or their spouses a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to meet Brad Paisley.

The winner of the contest will receive two round trip tickets to Los Angeles, a two-night complimentary stay at either the Sheraton Universal or Universal City Hilton Hotel, and two tickets to Brad Paisley's upcoming "Time Well Wasted" concert featuring Sara Evans, and Sugarland. The winner will meet Paisley and his band backstage.

Welcome to the ABC Radio Katrina Newsroom

ABC News Radio Correspondent Alex Stone uses an oil can as a work table while covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Stone's laptop contains digital editing software and is wireless-enabled, allowing him to mix his production pieces in the field and upload them to ABC News Radio

Katrina Country Artist PSA's

Toby Keith - (5 seconds)
Brooks & Dunn - (20 seconds)
Sugarland - (6 seconds)
Aaron Tippin - (15 seconds) - (30 seconds)
Andy Griggs - (29 seconds)
David Lee Murphy - (15 seconds) - (30 seconds)
Lila McCann - (15 seconds) - (30 seconds)
Mark Miller (Sawyer Brown) - (15 sec) - (15 sec) - (15 sec) - (15 sec)
Little Texas - (15 seconds) - (30 seconds)

The Marketing Group and Impact Radio Networks will continuously update the list as new artists are recorded, so please check back often.

For more info, email Becky Robertson.

Caring For Pets In The Aftermath of Katrina

If you're like me, you may have a dog or two, or a couple of cats...or a horse. Animals love us unconditionally and we love them and care for them. Thru the hurricane, many pets were separated from the owners. Rescue units were only prepared to take the human beings and were snowed under with that. There have been some heartbreaking pictures of the pets who are left without food, shelter, and love. They are lost and confused.

I called our local vet for advice on how to send money in there to a reputable place who is making an effort to rescue the pets and give them shelter until they can be "found" again by their human families. If you're like me, you have to do something to help them too.

Here's the address. It is the Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. They have a website that will tell you all about their efforts. www.vetmed.lsu.edu/#DONATIONS

Or you can send a check payable to LVMA Dr. Walter J. Ernst Veterinary Memorial Fund Foundation (write Katrina Fund on the memo line), address LVMA, 8550 United Plaza Blvd, Ste 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

Just thought you'd like to know.

Tenderhearted,

Debbie Gibson Palmer
St. Regis Int'l Ltd.
Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91403

HD Radio Playbook

Ibiquity's promotion tool for HD Radio is now up and running.

PS: With the growing interest in Multicasting FM broadcasts in the U.S., Kenwood USA Corp. is now shipping the new KTC-HR100TR HD Radio auto sound tuner, the first in the industry built from scratch to feature FM Multicasting.

The new external HD Radio Tuner is easy to connect with most Kenwood in-dash receivers and is completely feature-compatible with the KTC-HR100MC (read more - Business Wire)

Canada's Fall BBM Started Yesterday

.. as if you couldn't tell by listening (or reading Milkman):

- The Not – So Desperate Farmers Calendar
Top 12 chosen to be in CISN’s Not So Desperate Farmers Calendar and the farmer with the most votes from CISN Country Listeners is going to win a trip for two to the Dominican Republic for CMT Fall Fling! Click Here for details!

CISN is also "Too Poor To Design Our Own Billboard Campaign" - do you have any artistic ability? Click Here for details!

- Free Money Man Freakin' Out Folks In Fredericton$1000 dollars cash just for saying “I listen to 92.3 FRED-FM."

- "Leafs Lunch" Goes Live From Training Camp
AM640, TORONTO RADIO, The Home of The Leafs has announced that it will broadcast an exclusive series of special edition Leafs Lunch radio shows with hosts Bill Watters and Jeff Marek “Live” from the sidelines of Leaf Training Camp at The Ricoh Centre, beginning this Tuesday September 13th.

- Fugitive Hits Halifax
Are you the Q104 $10,000 fugitive?

KSON's Cliff & Company "Buys A Tummy Ad"

KSON, San Diego's Cliff & Company morning crew contacted Amber, a local military wife who was offering advertising space on her pregnant tummy for the highest bidder on e-bay. After a week, the highest bid was only 250 dollars, so the show offered Amber $1000 to help her family.

This weekend Amber will walk the beaches of San Diego with her belly sporting the KSON logo for all to see. Also this weekend Cliff and Company will join a group of Navy Seals to raise money to help military families effected by Hurricane Katrina.

Next week the show will continue to give away free gas, starting Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. and every hour until 5 p.m, then, Louisiana-native Kix Brooks will talk to the station about the affects Katrina has had on his family and what plans Brooks and Dunn have to help victims. Brooks will also give us the first line for “Write A Song Wednesday,” where listeners will write the rest of the song to be prefomed later on the show. The songs are all available at KSON.com, with podcasting of the songs coming soon.

WMIL's Operation Storm Aid, WAXX's Candle Project

A&O clients and friends across Wisconsin are taking action right now:

FM 106.1 and Fox 6 WITI in support of the American Red Cross and America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin broadcast live at Wisconsin State Fair Park on Tuesday, September 6th from 5am – 10pm and unite in a major effort for hurricane relief.

Listeners are encouraged to drop off monetary donations for the American Red Cross. We also encourage listeners to drop off the following items in support America’s Second Harvest.

The items include:
• bottled water (no individual bottles)
• healthy ready-to-eat snacks
• energy/breakfast bars
• granola bars
• canned soups/chili
• cereal
• diapers
• peanut butter
• paper plates
• paper cups
• plastic eating utensils
• flashlights
• packaged batteries
• paper towels/napkins
• toilet paper

An email today to the FM-106.1 'e-team' database and promos on air call the effort, "Neighbors Uniting. Thank you to all those who are helping Clear Channel and Fox 6 WITI’s with this hurricane relief effort - Wisconsin State Fair, Quad Graphics, WITCO Systems, Great Lakes Packaging Corporation, New Way Pallet, Karl’s Event Rental and Office Depot."

Meanwhile, in west central Wisconsin, WAXX in Eau Claire is also pulling its community together in partnership with the other Maverick Media cluster stations in yet another heart-warming campaign.

Buffalo's Katrina Radio-and-TV-athon

Hats off to WYRK and Infinity Broadcasting, who will partner with WKBW-TV Channel 7 to present a "Katrina Relief Telethon" Labor Day from 4-6:30PM broadcast live from the American Red Cross Chapter at 786 Delaware Ave.

The "PM/Buffalo" program will kick off the fund raising effort and it will continue through "7 news". The public is being asked to drop off donations in person or call the phone numbers that will be listed on the screen.

30 Donuts In 30 Days

Rock expert Fred Jacobs' great blog got me to thinking about the next time A&O has to launch a new morning show and our client doesn't have the budget to do ESPN's "50 States In 50 Days" or the male-partying values to do Jacobs "30 Bars in 30 Days."

Get your remote codec or RPU fired up and buy donuts & coffee for listeners in all the neighborhood coffee shops in your hot zips. "Hometown Handshake" tours always work for country, but if you've been there and done that, why not try "30 donuts in 30 days?"

Tim McGraw-led NBC-TV Fundraiser Nets $30 Million

Neil Haislop reports: Tim McGraw reportedly began thinking of what he could do for his home state of Louisiana when he first heard reports that a category 5 hurricane was about to hit the Gulf Coast. That might explain how the NBC TV, special came together so quickly last week with so many big stars, including wife, Faith Hill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harry Connick, Jr. and Wynton Marsalis.

Host, Matt Lauer invited viewers to contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by phone or on the Web. Louisiana native Tim McGraw teared up as he told Lauer, “I know the citizens that weren’t affected by this directly are gonna stand up and do good things for people.”

He sang two songs, then became the first of the evening’s stars to sign a Gibson Les Paul Special guitar to be auditioned online. McGraw also reportedly lead the way for country radio to simulcast an event in just 48, that would’ve normally taken months to pull off.

Faith Hill, who appeared in the TV promo spots for the Hurricane relief concerts, sang “There Will Come a Time.”

FARM AID…TO AID KATRINA DEVASTATED FARMERS

Farm Aid today activated the Family Farm Disaster Fund to encourage donations so that farm families can get the help they need to recover from the hurricane and continue farming. "This is a moment when each of us can take stock of what we can offer to everyone affected by this catastrophe, and Farm Aid is in a position to act for farm families," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "Crop and livestock losses will be massive. Many farm buildings were destroyed in the storm and ensuing flooding. A disaster of this magnitude can be a breaking point for many Southern family farms."

Willie recorded a PSA, which can be downloaded as well. The PSA urges people to donate to the Family Farm Disaster Fund.

Individuals can contribute to Farm Aid’s disaster fund on-line at www.farmaid.org or by calling 1-800-FARM-AID. In addition to funds raised by people across the country, Farm Aid has sent an initial $30,000 to several of its partner family farm organizations in the southeast. The funds will allow the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and the Louisiana Interchurch Conference to immediately begin assessing needs in these states and providing emergency relief. The Farmers Legal Action Group will also step in with information they have developed on how farmers can access federal disaster programs.

"We Can Help" = WXTU and Alan Jackson Raise Katrina Funds

Philadelphia’s Country Music Station will host Country Music Superstar, Alan Jackson, in-concert, at the Tweeter Center, on Saturday, September 10th at 7:30 p.m. For every ticket sold, Alan Jackson, Beasley Broadcast Group and the Tweeter Center management will each donate $1 towards Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. If all 25,000 seats are sold, donations have the potential to approach $75,000.

Shelter From The Storm

ABC.com - Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast

Jobs For New Orleans Refugees Who Come To Your Area

Atlanta's Star 94 is working with a staffing service in Alpharetta (GA) to help place Gulf Coast refugees in temporary jobs.

Out of all the promotions I've read about I thought that had a nice twist--nothing like being able to earn a living to help you get your mind off the hurricane horrors.

Many thanks to WQDR, Raleigh, PD LisaMcKay for tipping me to the above. Her non-radio sister works for the job placement service working on the co-promotion.

Sensitive Songs

Listen carefully to your music for what might seem like insensitivity to some folks. Lyrics that strike me as inappropriate right now, for example..

Garth Brooks/Calling Baton Rouge
Mel McDaniel/Louisiana Saturday Night
Tanya Tucker/Two Sparrows In A Hurricane
Terri Clark/I Wanna Do It All

Are you hearing any others?

Rah, Rah RAB!

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is making its online auction software, ezAuction available free of charge to any member Radio stations that want to use the service for hurricane relief efforts.

An even better idea: make it available to NON-members too...

Sugarland's "Stand Back Up" - Katrina mix

Thanks to KYGO, Denver, PD Joel Burke for sharing this:

(right click to download it) This song is off the Sugarland CD called, "Stand Back Up."

Stars Shine in Katrina Benefit

Hats off to Tim & Faith and the NBC-TV folks.

They did almost everything perfectly (including bleeping some no doubt heart-felt, but uncalled-for in this setting, political sentiments), except for involving radio in the pre-promotion on Thursday. It made me sad to see all the TV sppearances listed Thursday to promote the NBC special on Tim McGraw's website and no effort at all to speak to the 40 million + country radio listeners in advance of the show.

Curb Records and A&O made the attempt/requests, along with hundreds of other radio people and heard absolutely no response. Kudos to Curb Records National Promo guy Carson James for coming to bat for us and working until late Thursday night trying to make something happen.

A personal aside, that may or may not be true, but it's the impression I was left with after making this effort to help:

Ironically, Tim was performing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Ontario at Casino Rama, which works very productively with our clients Larche Communications KICX in Barrie and Kitchener, so when they told me that Tim was "somewhere, 70 miles from nowhere in Canada out of cell phone reach," (nowhere = Toronto?) that's when I realized that there was a credibility gap in what I was being told.

Finally, at about 11 am Friday, someone woke up and offered radio the simulcast free. Hopefully, lots of country stations took them up on the offer and someone in Tim McGraw's or Scott Simon's office noticed. We are proud to support Tim and Faith's efforts. Hopefully, it's not unrequited love.

SUGGESTION FOR SUPERSTARS: Take a lesson from Reba and hire someone in your office whose only job is to improve and sustain your relationship with country radio.

"Be nice to people on your way up because you'll meet them on your way down."
-Wilson Mizner

Broken Bow, Broken Levy

If you, like me, marvel and admire the success of indy label Broken Bow and wonder sometimes how they appear to be able to do what the many, many other small imprints out of Nashville don't seem to be able to, here's a clue as to what a class act this little label is, as their values shine through and set an example for others to follow (again):

BROKEN BOW RECORDS STEPS UP TO HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS IMMEDIATELY

Nashville, TN. – (September 2, 2005) – It was announced today by Broken Bow Records’ President/CEO Benny Brown that the record label, in conjunction with RED Distribution and CRT Custom Products, will donate $1 per unit sold on all BBR CD products including Craig Morgan, Jason Aldean, Joe Diffie and Sherrie Austin from today through 2005. These funds will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to assist the Hurricane Katrina victims.

Hurricane Katrina has left a trail of devastation throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Much of the Gulf Coast is obliterated and floodwaters continue to rise in the overwhelmed city of New Orleans. Millions of people are suffering and desperately need water, food, shelter and medical care today, as well as help coping with what promises to be a major long-term recovery effort.

"The devastation is overwhelming and we all need to help in the relief effort as quickly and with as much compassion as possible,” said Benny Brown. “Effective immediately, Broken Bow Records will donate $1 per unit sold on all BBR CD products with the hope of raising one million dollars by the end of the year. We may be considered a small company by some, but I'm proud to say that everyone at BBR has a huge heart when it comes to helping others and with a team like ours, great things can happen!”

Katrina engulfed thousands of homes and decimated the landscape in what could become the most destructive storm in U.S. history. The magnitude of this disaster will result in relief assistance requirements for weeks and months ahead.

For additional information please contact:
Summer Harman Broken Bow Records
Director of Publicity 209 10th Ave South
T: 615-244-8600 Suite 230
F: 615-244-3700 Nashville, TN 37203
http://www.brokenbowrecords.com/

Michael Buble's "Home" - Katrina mix

Eric Miller of Clear Channel's Mobile cluster (WMXC) put together this breath-taking production, that certainly provides evidence that he lived through the disaster and experienced it first hand.

(right click to download) "Home" by Reprise artist Michael Buble' with current audio from a variety of news sources.

Thanks to AC guru Mike McVay for letting A&O clients and friends know about it.

Looking Inside Listeners' Heads

Gord Eno, PD at JRfm, Vancouver just went through the diary comments from the S2 BBM book.

He sends along a couple classics hoping that all of us who speak on radio will heed...

A 25-34 year old female listed five different stations and a total of 15 quarter hours per week (roughly 2 x 15minutes a day) and says of air personalities on her favourite station: "It would actually be nice to hear them only when they have something interesting or actually relevant to say – otherwise just play some good music and keep it quiet."

Another woman, about ten years older (35-44): "Up until Frosty left I would listen to CKNW during my commute. ....but since Frosty left, they have too much news. In short, I don't want to think that hard before work."