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7/14/09 - WASHINGTON, D.C.’S FM SPORTS STATION, SPORTSRADIO 106.7 THE FAN, LAUNCHES ON MONDAY, JULY 20... D.C.’s Newest FM Sports Station To Feature Established Morning Drive Talent, The Sports Junkies, In Addition To Washington Post Columnist Mike Wise, Sports Connoisseur Bill Rohland, Former Washington Redskins Linebacker Lavar Arrington And WJFK’s Chad Dukes... Sportsradio 106.7 To Serve As The Flagship Station Of The Washington Wizards... On Monday, July 20 at 6:00AM, WJFK-FM will become “Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan,” D.C.’s newest home for local sports talk and play-by-play coverage. The FM sports station, available on-air at 106.7, online at www.1067thefandc.com and through a variety of mobile outlets including the iPhone, iPod Touch and select Blackberry devices, features a number of the area’s favorite personalities, athletes and analysts. WJFK favorites, The Sports Junkies, will remain in morning drive, and will add to the local sports coverage provided by talent such as Washington Post columnist Mike Wise, local sports expert Bill Rohland, former Washington Redskins linebacker Lavar Arrington and WJFK mainstay Chad Dukes. Besides offering the biggest names in D.C. sports, Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan will also serve as the flagship station for the NBA’s Washington Wizards. The station will air all regular, pre- and post-season games, as well as pre- and post-game shows. Dave Johnson will be the broadcast voice for the team’s play-by-play, while Glenn Consor will provide analysis. The station will also broadcast Westwood One’s NFL play-by-play coverage, including Thursday night, Sunday afternoon, Sunday night and Monday Night Football, the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl XLIV. Additionally, Sportsradio 106.7 will provide D.C. sports fans with the most comprehensive online local sports coverage, powered by CBSSports.com (www.cbssports.com). This extensive sports destination will feature an array of local content including blogs from the station’s personalities, sports videos, scores, polls, message boards, community groups and the most up-to-date sports news, as well as on-air schedules, team schedules and talent information. Sportsradio 106.7 will also cater to and engage its audience of Washington based sports fans through the implementation and use of social networking sites such as Twitter (www.twitter.com/1067thefandc), Facebook and Myspace (www.myspace.com/1067thefandc). Through these multiple avenues and platforms, fans will be able to listen to Sportsradio 106.7 from virtually anywhere and connect with its hosts, fans and fellow listeners for a new kind of interactive radio experience. “It is an honor to bring fans in the D.C. area a new outlet to discuss, analyze and listen to their favorite teams, as well as the best in local sports. With CBS RADIO’s recent success in the FM sports arena, along with the Company’s world renowned AM sports stations, Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan is poised to be the next generation of sports programming for our area,” said Sam Rogers, Senior Vice President and Market Manager of CBS RADIO Washington, D.C. The weekday programming schedule on Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan is as follows: 5:00-10:00AM: The Sports Junkies... 10:00AM-2:00PM: Mike Wise and Bill Rohland... 2:00-6:00PM: The Lavar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes... The Sports Junkies: The four biggest sports fans in D.C. have ruled the area airwaves since debuting at night on WJFK over a decade ago. EB, JP, Lurch, and Cakes are childhood friends who started a radio show in 1996. They have since dominated the ratings in multiple dayparts, and will continue their successful run in mornings on WJFK, where they have been heard since January 2006. The Mike Wise Show: Washington Post columnist Mike Wise brings his unique take on D.C. sports to the airwaves. Wise is joined by George Mason University basketball play-by-play man and radio vet Bill Rohland for their new show, weekdays 10:00AM-2:00PM. The Lavar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes: Lavar Arrington was one of the most outspoken Washington Redskins in the last decade. Now D.C. sports fans can hear what he has to say every afternoon from 2:00-6:00PM. Arrington is joined by Chad Dukes, a lifelong D.C. sports fan who most recently hosted middays at WJFK. About WJFK-FM: WJFK-FM is owned and operated by CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States. A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 134 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation's top 50 markets. In addition to WJFK, CBS RADIO owns and operates WTGB-FM, WLZL-FM, WHFS-AM and WPGC-FM in Washington, D.C.
4/30/09 - Baltimore Sun reorg just announced - To the staff: Today, we begin announcing our working newsroom structure for the journalism we produce across all platforms. While we publish for multiple platforms, our singular focus will be on journalism, news and information. Producing and maintaining the best local reporting in the region is our top priority. These changes will enhance The Sun's ability to provide greater access to the solid beat reporting, enterprise reporting, the relentless watchdog journalism and personally relevant stories that form our covenant with the Baltimore community. We've said this before: Circumstances may change. How we perform our jobs may change. But our values do not. Some of the titles you will see in this note reflect not only the new world we work in, but the world of The Baltimore Sun's audiences who expect their news delivered in print, online or on their Blackberry or iPhone. That means gathering news and information as real-time reporting -- whether it is in the form of the quick-hit information of our blogs or the in-depth investigative and enterprise reporting from our beats -- and publishing when those stories are ready. We will also increase our focus on growing the total audience for Sun stories, photographs, videos and graphics. Everyone has a role to play in creating conversation and forging greater connection and interaction with readers around our stories and content. We want them to select The Sun as the first read among myriad choices they have. Over the past six weeks, many of you have acquired greater skill sets and understanding about new media and our online content management system. That training will continue in the coming weeks and months as we transition to a platform-neutral newsroom. Last week, we announced these key leadership positions: Head of print: Mary Corey... Head of digital media: Matthew Baise... Head of night content & production: Chris Rickett... Director of audience engagement: Mary Hartney... We will be surrounding our journalism and coverage around specific areas led by topic heads, who will be responsible for overseeing dynamic, interesting and timely print and online stories, blogs and communities for their designated topic. Most topic areas are broad and will have several communities and sub-topics included. Today, we are announcing the following positions. The topic managers will report directly to Corey and Baise. These changes take effect Monday, May 4. Director, content editing and enterprise: Marcia Myers... Marcia will oversee development of stories for print and online across all departments, with a particular focus on Page One candidates and with direct responsibility for investigative and enterprise projects. Head of Maryland news: David Nitkin and Dave Alexander... Politics & Government Editor, Jean Marbella... Crime & Courts Editor, Michelle Landrum... Education Editor, Jen Badie... Director of Breaking News, Ben Pillow... GA Editor, Liz Atwood... Content editor/chief makeup editor, Linda Schubert... David and Dave will focus their efforts jointly what we consider the core of what we provide to our readers: coverage of the city and its surrounding counties across multiple platforms. David Nitkin brings a wealth of experience as an editor and reporter. He's a rock-solid journalist whose instinct for news is unparalleled. Nitkin has been a reporter in Baltimore County, the state house bureau chief, Maryland editor, and spent time covering the White House. He oversaw coverage of the 2006 and 2008 elections. Dave Alexander's success as online deputy editor and his unique and keen understanding of our diverse audiences -- he has print experience at newspapers in Virginia and North Carolina -- provide the perfect complement and the leadership we need. Dave's career at baltimoresun.com progressed from sports producer to news producer to senior news producer before becoming online deputy editor. Head of money & spending: Tim Wheatley... Content editors, Justine Maki, Liz Hacken... While much of Tim's career has been spent in sports, he was also AME/Business at the Indianapolis Star and responsible for coverage of the Conseco bankruptcy, Eli Lilly and the downsizing of the auto industry. He brings a broad approach to story development and knows how to surround an issue, providing readers with greater context. In his time here he has led our Sports staff to one of its most successful years in 2008 with multiple writing and section awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors, and we expect him to continue that success in leading our business staff. Head of sports: Trif Alatzas... Executive Sports Editor, Ron Fritz... Deputy Sports Editor, Pete Sweigard... Assistant Sports Editors, Kevin Eck, Steve Gould, Matt Bracken... Content Editor, night: Andy Knobel... As business editor for the past nine months, Trif has been known for his great sense for news and for knowing how to develop sources that deepen our readers' knowledge and understanding of stories. Bringing that type of experience and drive will enhance our Sports coverage, particularly with a greater emphasis for breaking news online. He has been an outstanding editor, helping guide coverage of the Constellation Energy Group and quickly mobilized the staff around coverage of the economic meltdown last fall and Wall Street's collapse. The proposed sale of Constellation won a breaking-news award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He will be excellent at leveraging our highly popular Sports content online. Head of opinion: Andy Green... Deputy Opinion Editor, Michael Cross-Barnet... Andy brings a wealth of politics, state house and government coverage experience, with broad understanding of the issues affecting the lives of Marylanders. He also understands the heightened role that readers and online audiences are increasingly playing in helping to shape public opinion; that it's just as much about "what we say" as it is helping focus discussion and debate around what our readers and online audience are intensely interested in. Head of lifestyle & entertainment: Dave Rosenthal... Arts & Entertainment Editor, Tim Swift... Content editor, food: Sarah Kelber... Content editor, nightlife/bands: Sam Sessa... Content editors, lifestyle: Kate Shatzkin, Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Matt Brown, Kim Walker... Events coordinator, Rebecca Hyler... Dave will guide our lifestyle and entertainment topics. In lifestyle, these topics reflect how we live and events and issues that directly impact our readers' lives. These topic areas include parenting/family, health & wellness, green living, science, faith, home, commuting, recreation and travel. In entertainment, we will focus locally on food and dining, the arts scene, nightlife, bands, celebrities, television and movies. Dave has guided The Sun's weekend and Sunday edition coverage where many of the important projects and investigations of the past few years have been showcased. His insight into readership habits and his creative approach to story ideas will be invaluable for increasing our online audience in these areas. Head of visuals: Jay Judge... Director of Multimedia, Steve Sullivan... Director of Photography, Bob Hamilton... Director of Interactive Design, Lauren Custer... Multimedia/interactive art director, Kevin Richardson... Jay will guide the visuals presentation for our print and online platforms, bringing solid versatility and a knowledge of the importance visuals play in helping tell stories in myriad ways. You've known Jay as a highly creative colleague, an acute problem-solver and an editor who applies great journalistic skill to visual presentation. Head of night content & production: Chris Rickett... News Editor, Steve Young... Design Director, Anthony Conroy... Assistant News Editor/Pagination, Derrick Barker... Copy Desk Chief, Phil Klinedinst... Director of audience engagement: Mary Hartney... Community coordinator, Maryland news, Julie Scharper... Community coordinator, money & spending, Phill McGowan... Community coordinator, sports, Dean Jones Jr... Community coordinator, opinion, Nancy Johnston... Community coordinator, lifestyle, Maryann James... Community coordinator, entertainment, Carla Correa... The community coordinators are responsible for cultivating one or more dynamic communities of interest in their topic areas on the Web using blogging, social media and other community outreach tools. Community coordinators are responsible for generating loyalty, frequency and advocacy among users so that they help our audiences grow. They will report directly to Mary. Newsroom technology manager: Jeff Bill... Jeff, as he has done so ably for the photography staff as deputy director of photography, will expand his role into providing technical assistance, system performance, and inventory for the newsroom's computer and cellular telephone equipment. Please congratulate our colleagues on their new roles. Again, these roles become effective on Monday, May 4. During the transition of the next few weeks it is important that we remain flexible. Everyone will be getting used to the new roles, new relationships with supervisors, a new way of thinking about newsgathering and audience engagement, and new process requirements. The topic managers will hold introductory meetings with reporters and columnists beginning tomorrow to talk about beats, coverage and our focus on providing journalism, news and information across multiple platforms. Monty, Mary and Matthew
12/15/08 - CBS RADIO to Swap Five Mid-Size Market Stations for Two Large Market Stations With Clear Channel Communications... Deal Furthers the Company's Strategy to Divest Mid-Size Market Stations and Focus on Large Markets... NEW YORK, Dec. 15 - CBS RADIO today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. to swap five mid-size market radio stations for two large market stations, moving forward in its strategy of divesting mid-size market stations to focus on large markets. The swap satisfies U.S. Department of Justice conditions placed on its approval of Clear Channel Communications' merger with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and Bain Capital Partners, LLC earlier this year. In the trade, Clear Channel will obtain CBS RADIO's KBKS-FM (Seattle), WQSR-FM (Baltimore), KXJM-FM and KLTH-FM (Portland, Ore.), and KQJK-FM (Sacramento, Calif.). In return, CBS RADIO will acquire two stations in Houston, the country's 6th-largest radio market, KLOL-FM (Mega 101.1) and KHMX-FM (Mix 96.5). "This deal represents a financially advantageous opportunity for us to shed some of our mid-size market stations while expanding in a Top Ten market, which is our focus," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "Both of the newly acquired Houston stations, KLOL-FM and KHMX-FM, are format leaders in the market," said Dan Mason, President and CEO, CBS RADIO. "We are thrilled to be adding them to our portfolio and believe they will nicely complement our four existing stations." Since the fall of 2007, KLOL-FM has featured a music intensive contemporary Latino pop format resulting in significant growth in 2008. The station ranks among the Top 10 properties in the market with Adults 18-34 and 25-54. Mix 96.5, regarded by many as the nation's first Hot Adult Contemporary station, has a loyal female audience and earned Top 5 rankings with Women 18-49 and Women 25-54 in the most recent Arbitron survey. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval.
11/12/08 - News Release Issued: November 12, 2008 6:01 AM EST... SIRIUS XM Radio Announces Extraordinary New Channel Lineups... The Best Audio Experience Now Available For Subscribers at No Extra Cost and No New Hardware... Exclusive Channels and Shows From Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Grateful Dead, Jamie Foxx, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett and more, available to all subscribers for first time... NEW YORK, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today unveiled new enhanced channel lineups. Effective immediately, and for the first time, XM subscribers will hear SIRIUS' dynamic and exclusive music, news, talk, sports and comedy shows and channels, and SIRIUS subscribers will have access to XM's equally diverse and unique content. SIRIUS and XM subscribers will hear the exclusive music, talk and comedy channels and shows from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Presley, Grateful Dead, Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Jamie Foxx, Metropolitan Opera, NPR, NYU's Doctor Radio, The Catholic Channel, Blue Collar Comedy, Cosmo Radio, Tom Petty, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, the Grand Ole' Opry, Barbara Walters, Deepak Chopra, and more, now available to all subscribers. The change delivers to all current subscribers unquestionably the best lineup of audio entertainment today. Listeners can now get easy access to channels spanning SIRIUS and XM that feature music's most critically-acclaimed artists for the first time at no increase in the subscription fee and with no need to change or upgrade their existing radios. With this new programming lineup, subscribers will receive the same number of music and non-music channels on the SIRIUS and XM services as they have in the past. "This is the ultimate evolution for our channels and sets a new bar for audio entertainment. The breadth and quality of the new programming lineups make it clear that everything worth listening to is now on SIRIUS XM," said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS XM's President and Chief Content Officer. XM subscribers will have access to new exclusive music, talk and comedy channels and shows. Here is a selection: -- Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio features music spanning three decades from the rock icon, including new releases, concert recordings, rare archival recordings and interviews. -- Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville is a radio paradise of great music as well as live broadcasts of Buffett's concerts. -- The Grateful Dead Channel features music spanning the band's career with unreleased concert recordings, rare archival interviews with Jerry Garcia and original shows hosted by band members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. -- Eminem's Shade 45 features uncensored, commercial-free hip-hop programming executive produced by Eminem. -- "Little Steven" Van Zandt's Underground Garage and Outlaw Country channels, both created and executive produced by the E Street Band member, feature the best rock 'n' roll records ever made and shows hosted by some of country music's biggest names, including Mojo Nixon, Shooter Jennings and others. -- Elvis Radio is the world's first and only officially authorized, commercial-free, Elvis all-the-time radio channel, broadcast live from Graceland. -- Frank Sinatra on SIRIUSLY Sinatra broadcasts the Great American Songbook as recorded by Sinatra and the greatest singers of all time. -- Metropolitan Opera Radio broadcasts live performances throughout the Met's entire season and classic performances spanning the Met's 77-year broadcast history. -- Jamie Foxx's comedy channel, The Foxxhole, is Jamie Foxx's exclusive 24/7 entertainment channel. Foxx created the channel and hosts a live, weekly show. -- Blue Collar Radio features favorites from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and everyman humor from other great comedians and hilarious new stand-up stars. -- Cosmo Radio, geared toward Cosmopolitan magazine's audience of fun, fearless females, features smart relationship advice, tips on beauty, fashion and health, and entertainment news. -- SIRIUS XM Stars features exclusive weekly shows from Barbara Walters, Deepak Chopra, Jane Pratt, Judith Regan, Senator Bill Bradley and others. -- The Catholic Channel, produced by SIRIUS XM and the Archdiocese of New York, is a modern talk format with an open dialogue focused on Catholicism in today's world, including daily call-in talk shows, live daily Mass from Saint Patrick's Cathedral, and football and basketball games from the University of Notre Dame. -- NPR Now offers in-depth news, features, and entertainment produced and assembled by NPR specifically for SIRIUS and XM Radio, featuring shows Fresh Air and Marketplace, plus public radio favorites like Car Talk, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, Talk of the Nation, and more. -- Doctor Radio powered by NYU Langone Medical Center is a groundbreaking 24/7 national radio channel featuring live, call-in shows hosted by leading doctors from the NYU Langone Medical Center, representing a vast array of fields including child psychology, sexual health, men's health, diet, nutrition and more. SIRIUS subscribers will have access to new exclusive music channels and shows. Here is a selection: -- Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour is an award-winning weekly show hosted by the iconic artist that features an eclectic mix of songs from a wide variety of musical genres related to that week's theme, as well as on-air thoughts and commentary from Dylan and special guests. -- Tom Petty's Buried Treasure is a weekly hour of musical rarities and classic tracks handpicked by Petty from his private vaults. -- Willie's Place broadcasts live from Willie Nelson's very own honky tonk deep in the heart of Texas, featuring a nickel jukebox playing the best traditional, rustic and rich country and western swing. -- B. B. King's Bluesville features a broad range of blues and gospel music hand-selected by the Mayor of Bluesville, B.B. King. -- Grand Ole' Opry showcases the best live American country music with performance archives and programs hosted by Eddie Stubbs, a regular announcer for the Grand Ole' Opry, popular country music DJ and respected country music historian. -- '40s on 4 is where you go for the biggest hits from the 1940s and the greatest standards to come out during the first half of the 20th century. -- enLighten broadcasts Southern Gospel roots music based on four-part harmony featuring family groups, trios, quartets and soloists. -- '90s on 9 plays the biggest hits of the decade featuring songs from every genre - pop, rock and rhythm ... from grunge to boy bands. -- XM's Artist Confidential series, hosted by Lou Brutus, features up close and personal interviews, plus exclusive performances from some of the biggest names in music including Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Sting, Santana and over a hundred more. Enhanced music, talk, and sports channels will bring together the best hosts in their fields and genres. -- The Loft will continue to be led by Mike Marrone and will now add exclusive shows by rocker Lou Reed, Vin Scelsa, Dave Marsh and David Johansen. -- Deep Tracks will add veteran rock DJ Pat St. John. -- Marky Ramone's show, Punk Rock Blitzkrieg, can be heard on Faction. -- Jonathan Schwartz, the renowned Standards DJ, will host his daily and Sunday show on SIRIUSLY Sinatra. -- '60s on 6 has a stellar lineup of hosts including Cousin Brucie, the legendary Oldies DJ who will continue his Wednesday show on '50s on 5. -- '70s on 7 will now air Casey Kasem's original American Top 40 countdowns, as well as Joe Causi's Disco Saturday Night. -- '80s on 8 will be the home of all the former MTV VJs including Mark Goodman, Martha Quinn, Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood. -- XM's channel for the presidential election, POTUS '08, and SIRIUS' channel for the independent voter, Indie Talk, have combined into POTUS - Politics of the United States, and will be heard on both SIRIUS and XM. POTUS will feature, from SIRIUS, actor and commentator Ron Silver, The Blog Bunker (the first show dedicated to the biggest blog headlines), and Pete Dominick; and from XM, Joe Mathieu, Tim Farley and more. -- SIRIUS XM Book Radio, previously known to XM subscribers as Sonic Theater, now brings SIRIUS and XM listeners excerpts of the greatest and hottest books, interviews with authors, and readings by some of the biggest authors in the business. -- Kids Place Live, targeted to entertain kids aged 3-8, now offers the best kid-friendly music previously heard on Kids Stuff and XM Kids, along with hosts Kenny Curtis, Absolutely Mindy and Robbie Schaeffer, and guests and specials. -- The previously announced Mad Dog Radio sports talk channel will launch soon on SIRIUS channel 123 and XM channel 144 offering sports fans engaging talk and interviews 24 hours a day. Renowned sports talk personality Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo headlines the channel and can currently be heard hosting its anchor program, Mad Dog Unleashed, weekday afternoons live on SIRIUS 123 and XM 144. The new SIRIUS XM channel lineup will also continue to feature channels from the top news outlets in the country, including BBC World Service, Bloomberg Radio, ESPN Radio, CNBC, CNN, CNN en Espanol, Fox News Channel and Fox News Talk, among others. Specific times and exact channel numbers for the new lineups of SIRIUS and XM can be found at: www.sirius.com and www.xmradio.com. About SIRIUS XM Radio... SIRIUS XM Radio is America's satellite radio company delivering The Best Radio on Radio™ to more than 18 million subscribers, including commercial free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. SIRIUS XM Radio has content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Frank Sinatra, Opie & Anthony, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, NBA, NHL, and PGA TOUR, and broadcasts major college sports. SIRIUS XM Radio has arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Target, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart. SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in- vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic® service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets. This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SIRIUS and XM, including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: general business and economic conditions; the performance of financial markets and interest rates; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction on a timely basis; the failure to realize synergies and cost-savings from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time- consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; and operating costs and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on employee retention and on our business relationships with third parties, including manufacturers of radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' and XM's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and their respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov/). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and SIRIUS and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.
7/29/08 - For Immediate Release - SIRIUS AND XM COMPLETE MERGER... SIRIUS XM Radio Chosen as New Corporate Name... Combined Company Has Over 18.5 Million Subscribers, Annualized Second Quarter Revenue Exceeding $2.4 Billion... Company to Offer Consumers Best of Both Services, While Maximizing Significant Efficiencies ... SIRIUS XM Reiterates Financial Guidance; Expects 2009 Synergies of $400 million and 2009 Adjusted EBITDA of over $300 Million... NEW YORK, NY – July 29, 2008 –SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio today announced that they have completed their merger, resulting in the nation’s premier radio company. The new company plans to change its corporate name to Sirius XM Radio Inc. The combined company’s stock will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SIRI”. SIRIUS XM Radio begins day one with over 18.5 million subscribers, making it the second-largest radio company, based upon revenue, in the country; and, based upon subscribers, the second largest subscription media business in the U.S. With under 10% penetration of the home and car market, the opportunity for continued growth is significant. “I am delighted to announce the completion of this exciting merger between SIRIUS and XM,” said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS XM Radio. “We have worked diligently to close this transaction and we look forward to integrating our best-in-class management teams and operations so we can begin delivering on our promise of more choices and lower prices for subscribers.” “Every one of our constituencies is a winner. Combined, SIRIUS XM Radio will deliver superior value to our shareholders. By offering more compelling packages and the best content in audio entertainment, we are well positioned for increased subscriber growth. Our laser focus on subscribers will continue and listeners can be assured that there will be no disruption in service. We also believe that the completion of the merger will eliminate any confusion that has been lingering in the marketplace,” added Karmazin. XM shareholders will receive 4.6 shares of SIRIUS common stock for each share of XM. Competitive New Options for Consumers... SIRIUS XM Radio broadcasts more than 300 channels of programming, including exclusive radio offerings from Howard Stern, Oprah, Opie & Anthony and Martha Stewart, among others. SIRIUS XM Radio will offer these expanded options to consumers through arrangements with the world’s leading automakers and its relationships with nationwide retailers. As a result of the merger, SIRIUS XM Radio will also be able to offer consumers new packages in audio entertainment, including the first-ever a la carte programming option in subscription media. In addition to two a la carte options, the new packages will include: “Best of Both,” giving subscribers the option to access certain programming from the other network; discounted Family Friendly packages; and tailored packages including “Mostly Music” and “News, Talk and Sports.” The first of the new packages will be available in the early Fall. “One of the most exciting benefits of this transaction is the ability to offer subscribers the option of expanding their subscriptions to include the Best of Both services. Given the respective popularity of exclusive programming on both SIRIUS and XM, we expect many subscribers will upgrade their current subscription,” said Karmazin. “The upside potential for both consumers and shareholders is huge. Consumers have the ease of adding premier programming without purchasing a new device. For shareholders, this kind of organic growth is a key part of the company’s future and the success we expect to see,” said Karmazin. As promised when the merger was first announced, existing radios will continue to work and every subscriber has the option of maintaining their current service package. Benefits for Shareholders Begin Immediately, Integration Already Under Way... SIRIUS XM Radio expects to begin realizing the synergies expected from this transaction immediately. “In addition to realizing significant potential revenue growth, the management team will move quickly to capitalize on the synergies that many analysts have predicted for this combination. We expect to begin achieving those synergies without sacrificing any of the world-class programming and marketing we are known for,” said Karmazin. The company today also reiterated guidance for the combined SIRIUS XM Radio. Based upon a preliminary analysis, the combined company expects to realize total synergies, net of the costs to achieve such synergies, of approximately $400 million in 2009; to post adjusted EBITDA exceeding $300 million in 2009; and to achieve positive free cash flow, before satellite capital expenditures, for the full year 2009. The company also expects that both synergies and adjusted EBITDA will continue growing beyond 2009. “We have all the tools necessary to begin executing as a combined company with high aspirations for subscriber growth and greater financial performance in part from the significant synergies that we begin realizing literally today – on Day One. We are moving quickly to integrate the operations,” said Karmazin. The corporate headquarters will be located in New York, NY and XM Satellite Radio, the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, will remain headquartered in Washington, DC. Effective after the close of the market yesterday, trading in XMSR common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market ceased. About SIRIUS XM Radio... SIRIUS XM Radio is America’s satellite radio company delivering the “The Best Radio on Radio” to more than 18 million subscribers, including 100% commercial free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. SIRIUS XM Radio has exclusive content relationships with an array of personalities and artists, including Howard Stern, Oprah, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis, Jamie Foxx, Barbara Walters, Frank Sinatra, Opie & Anthony, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tom Petty, and Bob Edwards. SIRIUS XM Radio is the leader in sports programming as the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, NHL, and PGA, and broadcasts major college sports. SIRIUS XM Radio has exclusive arrangements with every major automaker. SIRIUS XM Radio products are available at shop.sirius.com and shop.xmradio.com, and at retail locations nationwide, including Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Target, Sam's Club, and Wal-Mart. SIRIUS XM Radio also offers SIRIUS Backseat TV, the first ever live in-vehicle rear seat entertainment featuring Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network; XM NavTraffic service for GPS navigation systems delivers real-time traffic information, including accidents and road construction, for more than 80 North American markets.
6/4/08 - Red Zebra Broadcasting today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire WTEM (Sportstalk 980), WTNT (570-AM) and WWRC (1260-AM) from Clear Channel Communications, creating an exciting new combination of local and national talk radio programming. “It has always been our goal to grow our company, expand our Redskins Radio footprint while also venturing into other forms of broadcast entertainment,” said Bruce Gilbert, CEO of Red Zebra Broadcasting. “We are especially thrilled to be adding local sports talk icons John Thompson, Doc Walker, Brian Mitchell, Steve Czaban, Andy Polin and others to our team, which already includes Hall of Famer John Riggins.” In addition to bringing together some of the best sports talk talent in the marketplace, this acquisition will bring to nine the number of stations in the Red Zebra/Redskins Radio family. “We’re thrilled to take ownership of these stations so that we can first and foremost deliver to sports fans the best events, breaking news, big name guests, information, and interactive debate. Additionally, we are excited about adding the news and talk programming heard on WTNT and WWRC to our lineup,” Gilbert added. In the near term, WTEM 980-AM, WWRC 1260-AM, and WTNT 570-AM will maintain their current formats and programming. “During the coming months we’ll evaluate all program lineups to determine the best mix of programming to serve the many diverse fans of sports and news talk. Some things will change, some will remain the same, but our goal will be simple: to bring the best radio to the most listeners,” Gilbert said. “Beyond the Washington Redskins, we look forward to expanding our professional and collegiate play by play offerings for area sports fans.” Closing of the acquisition is subject to FCC consent and other customary closing conditions. Under a separate agreement Red Zebra will provide programming for the stations beginning July 1. Red Zebra currently owns and operates three Washington, D.C. area radio stations (WXTR 730-AM, WWXT 92.7-FM, and WWXX 94.3-FM). These stations serve collectively as the flagship for the Redskins Radio Network. Red Zebra also owns the ESPN Radio all-sports station in Richmond, VA, WXGI (950-AM), and the Fox Sports Radio affiliate in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA, heard on WXTG (102.1-FM) in Virginia Beach and on WXTG (1490 AM) in Hampton. All of Red Zebra’s owned and operated stations are home to the Washington Redskins. The Company was established in 2006. Daniel M. Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, and Dwight C. Schar, a minority owner of the team, are primary investors in Red Zebra Broadcasting. Both are members of the parent company’s Board of Directors, but have no operating role in the company.
3/24/08 - STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANTITRUST DIVISION ON ITS DECISION TO CLOSE ITS INVESTIGATION OF XM SATELLITE RADIO HOLDINGS INC.’S MERGER WITH SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO INC.... Evidence Does Not Establish that Combination of Satellite Radio Providers Would Substantially Reduce Competition... WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division issued the following statement today after announcing the closing of its investigation into the proposed merger of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.: “After a careful and thorough review of the proposed transaction, the Division concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that the proposed merger of XM and Sirius is likely to substantially lessen competition, and that the transaction therefore is not likely to harm consumers. The Division reached this conclusion because the evidence did not show that the merger would enable the parties to profitably increase prices to satellite radio customers for several reasons, including: a lack of competition between the parties in important segments even without the merger; the competitive alternative services available to consumers; technological change that is expected to make those alternatives increasingly attractive over time; and efficiencies likely to flow from the transaction that could benefit consumers. “The Division’s investigation indicated that the parties are not likely to compete with respect to many segments of the satellite radio business even in the absence of the merger. Because customers must acquire equipment that is specialized to the satellite radio service to which they subscribe, and which cannot receive the other provider’s signal, there has never been significant competition for customers who have already subscribed to one or the other service. For potential new subscribers, past competition has resulted in XM and Sirius entering long-term, sole-source contracts that provide incentives to all of the major auto manufacturers to install their radios in new vehicles. The car manufacturer channel accounts for a large and growing share of all satellite radio sales; yet, as a result of these contracts, there is not likely to be significant further competition between the parties for satellite radio equipment and service sold through this channel for many years. In the retail channel, where the parties likely would continue to compete to attract new subscribers absent the merger, the Division found that the evidence did not support defining a market limited to the two satellite radio firms that would exclude various alternative sources for audio entertainment, and similarly did not establish that the combined firm could profitably sustain an increased price to satellite radio consumers. Substantial cost savings likely to flow from the transaction also undermined any inference of competitive harm. Finally, the likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term. Accordingly, the Division has closed its investigation of the proposed merger.” ANALYSIS... During the course of its investigation, the Division reviewed millions of pages of documents, analyzed large amounts of data related to sales of satellite radios and subscriptions for satellite radio service, and interviewed scores of industry participants. Extent of Likely Future Competition between XM and Sirius The Division’s analysis considered the extent to which the two satellite radio providers compete with one another. Although the firms in the past competed to attract new subscribers, there has never been significant competition between them for customers who have already subscribed to one or the other service and purchased the requisite equipment. Also, competition for new subscribers is likely to be substantially more limited in the future than it was in the past. As to existing subscribers, the Division found that satellite radio equipment sold by each company is customized to each network and will not function with the other service. XM and Sirius made some efforts to develop an interoperable radio capable of receiving both sets of satellite signals. Depending on how such a radio would be configured, it could enable consumers to switch between providers without incurring the costs of new equipment. The Division’s investigation revealed, however, that no such interoperable radio is on the market and that such a radio likely would not be introduced in the near term. For example, in the important automotive channel, such a radio could not be introduced in the near term due to the engineering required to integrate radios into new vehicles. The need for equipment customized to each network means that in order to switch from XM to Sirius, or vice versa, a subscriber would have to purchase new equipment designed for the other service. In the case of a factory-installed car radio, switching satellite radio providers would have the additional disadvantage of requiring an aftermarket radio that would be less integrated into the vehicle’s systems. Data analyzed by the Division confirmed that subscribers rarely switch between XM and Sirius. As to new subscribers, XM and Sirius sell satellite radios and service primarily through two distribution channels: (1) car manufacturers that install the equipment in new cars and (2) mass-market retailers that sell automobile aftermarket equipment and other stand-alone equipment. Car manufacturers account for an increasingly large portion of XM and Sirius sales, and the parties have focused more and more of their resources on attracting subscribers through the car manufacturer channel. Historically, XM and Sirius engaged in head-to-head competition for the right to distribute their products and services through each car company. As a result of this competitive process, XM and Sirius have provided car manufacturers with subsidies and other payments that indirectly reduce the equipment prices paid by car buyers to obtain a satellite radio. However, XM and Sirius have entered into sole-source contracts with all the major automobile manufacturers that fix the amount of these subsidies and other pertinent terms through 2012 or beyond. Moreover, there was no evidence that competition between XM or Sirius beyond the terms of these contracts would affect customers’ choices of which car to buy. As a result, there is not likely to be significant competition between XM and Sirius for satellite radio equipment and service sold through the car manufacturer channel for many years. The Division’s investigation identified the mass-market retail channel as an arena in which XM and Sirius would compete with one another for the foreseeable future. Both XM and Sirius devote substantial effort and expense to attracting subscribers in this arena, with both companies offering discounts, most commonly in the form of equipment rebates, to attract consumers. Retail channel sales have dropped significantly since 2005, and the parties contended that the decline was accelerating. However, retail outlets still account for a large portion of the firms’ sales, and the Division was unable to determine with any certainty that this channel would not continue to be important in the future. Effect on Competition in the Retail Channel... Because XM and Sirius would no longer compete with one another in the retail channel following the merger, the Division examined what alternatives, if any, were available to consumers interested in purchasing satellite radio service, and specifically whether the relevant market was limited to the two satellite radio providers, such that their combination would create a monopoly. The parties contended that they compete with a variety of other sources of audio entertainment, including traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio, MP3 players (e.g., iPods®), and audio offerings delivered through wireless telephones. Those options, used individually or in combination, offer many consumers attributes of satellite radio service that they may find attractive. The parties further contended that these audio entertainment alternatives were sufficient to prevent the merged company from profitably raising prices to consumers in the retail channel – for example, through less discounting of equipment prices, increased subscription prices, or reductions in the quality of equipment or service. The Division found that evidence developed in the investigation did not support defining a market limited to the two satellite radio firms, and similarly did not establish that the combined firm could profitably sustain an increased price to satellite radio consumers. XM and Sirius seek to attract subscribers in a wide variety of ways, including by offering commercial-free music (with digital sound quality), exclusive programming (such as Howard Stern on Sirius and “Oprah & Friends” on XM), niche music formats, out-of-market sporting events, and a variety of news and talk formats in a service that is accessible nationwide. The variety of these offerings reflects an effort to attract consumers with highly differentiated interests and tastes. Thus, while the satellite radio offerings of XM and Sirius likely are the closest substitutes for some current or potential customers, the two offerings do not appear to be the closest substitutes for other current or potential customers. For example, a potential customer considering purchasing XM service primarily to listen to Major League Baseball games or one considering purchasing Sirius service primarily to listen to Howard Stern may not view the other satellite radio service, which lacks the desired content, as a particularly close substitute. Similarly, many customers buying radios in the retail channel are acquiring an additional receiver to add to an existing XM or Sirius subscription for their car radio, and these customers likely would not respond to a price increase by choosing a radio linked to the other satellite radio provider. The evidence did not demonstrate that the number of current or potential customers that view XM and Sirius as the closest alternatives is large enough to make a price increase profitable. Importantly in this regard, the parties do not appear to have the ability to identify and price discriminate against those actual or potential customers that view XM and Sirius as the closest substitutes. Likely Efficiencies... To the extent there were some concern that the combined firm might be able profitably to increase prices in the mass-market retail channel, efficiencies flowing from the transaction likely would undermine any such concern. The Division’s investigation confirmed that the parties are likely to realize significant variable and fixed cost savings through the merger. It was not possible to estimate the magnitude of the efficiencies with precision due to the lack of evidentiary support provided by XM and Sirius, and many of the efficiencies claimed by the parties were not credited or were discounted because they did not reflect improvements in economic welfare, could have been achieved without the proposed transaction, or were not likely to be realized within the next several years. Nevertheless, the Division estimated the likely variable cost savings – those savings most likely to be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices – to be substantial. For example, the merger is likely to allow the parties to consolidate development, production and distribution efforts on a single line of radios and thereby eliminate duplicative costs and realize economies of scale. These efficiencies alone likely would be sufficient to undermine an inference of competitive harm. Effect of Technological Change... Any inference of a competitive concern was further limited by the fact that a number of technology platforms are under development that are likely to offer new or improved alternatives to satellite radio. Most notable is the expected introduction within several years of next-generation wireless networks capable of streaming Internet radio to mobile devices. While it is difficult to predict which of these alternatives will be successful and the precise timing of their availability as an attractive alternative, a significant number of consumers in the future are likely to consider one or more of these platforms as an attractive alternative to satellite radio. The likely evolution of technology played an important role in the Division’s assessment of competitive effects in the longer term because, for example, consumers are likely to have access to new alternatives, including mobile broadband Internet devices, by the time the current long-term contracts between the parties and car manufacturers expire. The Division’s Closing Statement Policy... The Division provides this statement under its policy of issuing statements concerning the closing of investigations in appropriate cases. This statement is limited by the Division’s obligation to protect the confidentiality of certain information obtained in its investigations. As in most of its investigations, the Division’s evaluation has been highly fact-specific, and many of the relevant underlying facts are not public. Consequently, readers should not draw overly broad conclusions regarding how the Division is likely in the future to analyze other collaborations or activities, or transactions involving particular firms. Enforcement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and the analysis and conclusions discussed in this statement do not bind the Division in any future enforcement actions. Guidance on the Division’s policy regarding closing statements is available at: www.usdoj.gov. ###
3/5/08 - NPR ACQUIRES 1111 NORTH CAPITOL STREET NE, WASHINGTON, D.C., FOR NEW WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERS... Facility to Include 60,000 Square Foot Newsroom for Broadcast and Digital Activities; NPR to Serve as Anchor in Redevelopment of NoMa Community... Washington, D.C.; March 5, 2008 – NPR, one of the premier worldwide media organizations, has acquired the 1111 North Capitol Street NE property in the District of Columbia for its new global headquarters. The news was announced today at a press conference by Ken Stern, Chief Executive Officer, NPR and Adrian Fenty, Mayor, District of Columbia. Also scheduled to participate at the press conference are Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman for the District of Columbia, and members of the Council of the District of Columbia. NPR has been located in D.C. since it was founded in 1970, and based in the city’s Penn Quarter neighborhood since 1992. This acquisition will relocate NPR’s 600 Washington-based staff to the new D.C. business improvement district of NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue), an emerging area that has begun redevelopment into a multi-use community. The façade and portions of the current four-story 1111 North Capitol Street property – constructed in 1927 for the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company and listed on the historical registries of both the District and the U.S. government – will be retained and be integrated with a new 10-story office tower. All of NPR’s Washington journalism, multimedia, business and executive activities will be housed in this new facility, with occupancy planned for 2012. This will include a 60,000 square foot space for NPR News’ extensive, award-winning broadcast and multimedia operations and a public space for live shows and events. “NPR has been a part of the District of Columbia community for nearly four decades and we are delighted to continue our relationship for at least 20 more years,” said Mr. Stern. “A major factor in our decision was the opportunity to play a role in the revitalization of NoMa, much as we did 16 years ago as a pioneer in the Penn Quarter renaissance. We thank Mayor Fenty and his team for their dedication to NPR and their belief in our value to the city.” “NPR is a Washington icon,” said Mayor Fenty. “Their decision not only to stay in the District, but to build their new headquarters in one of our most important emerging neighborhoods says a lot about how far we’ve come in transforming our city.” Added Congresswoman Norton, “I am very pleased that NPR recognizes the considerable resources that the federal government and the private sector have put into making NoMa the place to be in downtown Washington. The nation’s premier public broadcaster belongs in the nation’s capitol.” NPR began its search for a new headquarters 19 months ago and initially identified over 100 sites in 35 locations throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Following extensive analysis, this list was narrowed down to 1111 North Capitol Street and a location in Silver Spring, MD. “We appreciate the interest and enthusiasm of the Silver Spring community and the Montgomery County officials who worked hard to bring NPR there,” added Mr. Stern. “Silver Spring is justly recognized as a welcoming location for media companies. As a news organization that provides significant coverage of national news, our interest in having all NPR staff in a single facility, rather than creating a satellite office downtown for News staff requiring duplicate costs and systems, ultimately affected our decision.” Stern noted that the new space will be designed to reflect NPR’s evolution from a radio company to a company active in all forms of broadcast and digital media. “The new headquarters will be the physical manifestation of our broader thinking about NPR for the future – what kind of organization we must be so we can best serve the 800-plus NPR Member stations around the country and our 26 million listeners. This translates to a setting that offers our staff the most creative, collaborative and interactive atmosphere to do their best work and an environment that will permit us to nimbly adapt to changes and opportunities, whether in two years or in 20.”
3/4/08 - Imus in the Morning Returns to Washington, D.C. Radio - NEW YORK (Mar. 4, 2008) - ABC Radio Networks announced today that the Imus in the Morning radio program will return to the Washington, D.C. airwaves on the new True Oldies 105.9 beginning Thursday morning, March 5. The Citadel-owned station recently made the switch in formats to True Oldies and will now be adding the highest-profile morning show in the country for the all-important morning drive time slot. The show is hosted by legendary broadcaster Don Imus and launched on December 3, 2007 from flagship station WABC in New York. Imus in the Morning is syndicated nationally by the ABC Radio Networks and airs from 5 – 9 a.m. EST. “We’re thrilled to add Imus to our lineup as we wake up the movers and shakers in Washington,” said Jeff Boden, President and General Manager of True Oldies 105.9. “This is a great fit for us and we know Imus will bring new listeners to the station who will stick around for the new mix of oldies we’ll be playing the rest of the day.” Imus in the Morning is widely recognized for the hosts’ opinions and banter with a lineup of top-name guests, particularly from the political arena. In addition to Don Imus, the cast includes longtime newsman Charles McCord, producer Bernard McGuirk, engineer Lou Rufino and comedian Rob Bartlett. Karith Foster and Tony Powell are new comedic additions to the program. The show is heard in markets across the country including Los Angeles, Boston, Tampa and Providence. “Don’s unique ability to draw top newsmakers to the show and get them to speak candidly on topics they wouldn’t elsewhere is tailor-made for our nation’s capitol,” said Phil Boyce, Vice President of News/Talk Programming for Citadel Broadcasting. “The current presidential campaign is generating a level of interest and excitement that this country has never seen and Imus’ radio show will be the morning focal point for listeners and newsmakers alike.” Imus has been honored by the Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters and is the recipient of four Marconi Awards. He and his wife, Deirdre, run the Imus Ranch in New Mexico, which provides life experiences to children fighting cancer and he has raised millions of dollars for the CJ Foundation for SIDS and Tomorrows Children’s Fund through his broadcast career.
2/4/08 - LEGENDARY BROADCASTER DON GERONIMO TO PRESENT HIS LAST SHOW ON WJFK-FM ON FRIDAY, MAY 30 - Mike O’Meara Continues With Station As Host Of “The Mike O’Meara Show” - For more than 16 years, Don Geronimo has entertained millions of listeners with his acerbic and honest wit. The show he has anchored has been named one of the top radio talk shows in the country by Talkers magazine, and Don & Mike have been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as favorite Air Personalities several times over the years. It is with mixed emotions that WJFK-FM announces Don’s final broadcast on the station will be on Friday, May 30 as the acclaimed radio host with a rich history of success in markets across the country steps down from hosting the popular DON AND MIKE SHOW. Broadcast on flagship station WJFK (106.7 and www.wjfk.com) in Washington, D.C. for more than 16 years, the DON AND MIKE SHOW has been the perennial No. 1 program among male demographics for several years and also rates well with Adults 25-54. Co-host Mike O’Meara will continue with the station hosting the self-titled MIKE O’MEARA SHOW on-air and online (3:00-7:00PM, ET) along with newsman Buzz Burbank and producers Robb Spewak and Joe Ardinger. “To say Don will be missed is an understatement,” said Michael Hughes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the station. “He delivers for his audience every single minute of every hour he’s on the air and that kind of talent is hard to find. For the better part of two decades Don has kept us all entertained and engaged with his ability to tell it like it is and willingness to share the most personal of details in his own life. We’ll certainly feel the absence of his sense of humor, but wish nothing but the best for him in the future.” “I want to thank CBS RADIO for standing by my side during not only the 17 years I've had the pleasure of working for them, but especially since the passing of my beloved wife, Freda,” said Geronimo. “As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, it's tough. But Freda was more than my wife of 25 years and mother to our son. She was my at home program director and an on-air participant when I needed one. She was there for the joy of my being hired at WLS, and the one to pick me up after being canned from KIIS-FM. We discussed our sex life on the air, for God's sake. How could I continue to do this show after this happened? It was then, and three times since, that I've tried to quit. My life has changed. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but it does help. I've got a wonderful girlfriend and we're planning our lives together. My son is graduating college, I've got three grandchildren in Minneapolis and I need a break to enjoy these times.” He added, “I made this decision not because I was defeated by loss, but because I am rejuvenated by life. So, Dan Mason, Michael Hughes and the rest of the jolly gang have been nice enough to allow me to take a hiatus, to see what else is out there. Radio is not something I can get out of my blood. I just don't know where I fit in right now. I need to get some down time, and see what happens next. Maybe on air, maybe off air. But for a while, no air. Since 1985 I've had the pleasure of sharing a studio with Mike O'Meara. I am thrilled for him to get a chance to start a sentence and not have me cut him off. He is like my brother. I love the guy and would do anything for him. I hope he enjoys this new chapter as well. I've worked with Buzz Burbank since 1983 and Robb Spewak since, well, a long time. These guys will continue to be the continuity Mike needs, and I love em too and wish em well. CBS has left me some future options, and I again am in their debt.” "My partnership with Don has been an amazing experience,” said O’Meara. “I will miss his friendship as well as his radio genius. As we move forward, I am excited to build on the success of the show, with Buzz, Robb and the rest of my dysfunctional radio family." Hughes added, “It gives me great pleasure to know Mike will be staying on with the station having played such an integral part in the success of the Don and Mike Show. Mike’s far-ranging talent from insightful observer of news and pop culture to a myriad of “dead-on” impersonations is something listeners count on to get through their afternoons. Working with Buzz and the rest of the team, Mike’s new show will have that same familiar feeling with a few new elements and surprises.” 106.7 WJFK serves the Washington, D.C. area with a top-rated lineup of personalities including The Junkies, Big O & Dukes, and The Don & Mike Show. The station is owned and operated by CBS RADIO.
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