Charlie Cook On Air: Who Is Going To Own Radio?

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Last month Clear Channel made more personnel cuts, this time going into bigger markets than in the past. The discussion that followed centered on whether radio companies really care about doing live and local programming any longer.

Let me say that Clear Channel should do whatever they believe works for them. They know what makes their company successful. They know what they need to do to deliver the kind of programming that will create revenue and ratings.

Last weekend someone asked me, “Who is going to own radio stations in five years?” The question came from this person’s belief that the Clear Channel model of eliminating personnel and operating stations with just a few live bodies in house (he was not suggesting the hallways are strewn with dead bodies, by the way) sends a message that the business is not profitable enough to be involved with.

I still have few miles left on this chassis and I hope to drive all the way to the end of the road as a radio person. So this worried me at first.

After I left my friend (making sure he paid for lunch, as he is no longer in radio or records and appears to have a more secure future than me), I started to really think about this. However I became less worried about the future if there would still be owners who:

  1. Believe in the responsibility to serve their local communities.
  2. Believe in presenting programming that gets results for their clients.
  3. Believe that running the local high school football games on Friday night is both a great programming tool and a revenue generator.
  4. Believe that engaging their listeners in contests and discussion throughout the day makes the station an important part of the audience’s day.
  5. Make sure local and national newscasts are more than just once per day part.
  6. Think weather forecasts are programming elements, not just sales features.
  7. Who feel like the people that work for them are not just line items but part of the family.
  8. Who still do public service programs, not because the government mandates it but because they know it’s right for the listener.
  9. Who are not in a race to own the most stations, but the best.
  10. Who believe that live and local morning shows are important.

Not all owners feel the same way about their properties. This does not make them bad guys or wrong. I really have no problem with businesses running their operations however they please. That is not what this article is about.

This is simply the answer to the question my friend posed. His question came from not thinking anyone would want to be in the radio business in five years. I think that, if the big guys decide to sell some of their properties in order to meet their financial goals, there will be people who believe in the tenets above and will be happy to be in the business.

Kathy Mattea Joins Sugar Hill Roster; Plans New Music

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Kathy Mattea

Singer/songwriter Kathy Mattea has signed with Sugar Hill Records. The venerable roots, bluegrass, and Americana label has plans to release Mattea’s new album Calling Me Home, which Mattea describes as a love letter to her home state of West Virginia, later this year.

“Signing at Sugar Hill is like coming home,” said Mattea. “It’s a wonderful fit for the music I am making these days, and I’m so excited to be there.”

Mattea, winner of two Grammys, released her most recent album Coal in 2008 as a rootsy tribute to the mining traditions of Appalachia.

George Jones Released From Hospital

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George Jones is back at his home resting, according to a statement from his publicist. He was hospitalized last week following an upper respiratory infection, but was released on Tuesday (4/3).

“Thanks to all my fans and friends for their prayers and support during this time,” said Jones in the statement.

Jones plans to rest at home until he returns to the stage for a show April 20 in Minnesota. He was also recently nominated  (along with Charlie Daniels) for an ACM Award for Vocal Event of the Year, for his participation in Aaron Lewis’ “Country Boy.”

Bigger Picture Group Signs Rachel Bradshaw

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Songs of Bigger Picture Group Alan Kates; Rachel Bradshaw's mother Charla Bradshaw; Bigger Picture Group chief strategy officer & board member Gary Veloric; recording artist Rachel Bradshaw; NFL commentator and Bradshaw's father Terry Bradshaw; and Bigger Picture Group president & CEO David Robkin

Bigger Picture Group welcomed singer-songwriter Rachel Bradshaw to its artist roster during an intimate cocktail reception and dinner at the stylish Hutton Hotel yesterday (4/4). The Dallas, TX native celebrated her signing with a close group of family and friends including her father, famed football legend Terry Bradshaw, mother Charla Bradshaw, Bigger Picture Group executives Keith Stegall, Michael Powers, Bob Cahill and David Robkin; Gary Veloric, Red Stripe Plane Group; and industry friends Bobby Huff (Ten Ten Music Group); Keith Miller (William Morris Entertainment) and Robert Ellis Orrall (songwriter/producer); among others.

“I’m proud to announce that Rachel will be joining the Bigger Picture Group artist family. She is an amazing talent, amazing singer, amazing songwriter and we are thrilled to be her new home,” said producer and Bigger Picture Group chairman/chief creative officer Stegall. Bradshaw is the first solo female recording artist to join the company.

Bradshaw moved to Nashville in 2006 after finishing high school, and attended Belmont University. During this time she befriended singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann, who later co-wrote his Top 5 hit “What Do You Want” with her.

Opry Releasing Gospel Favorites Collection

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The Grand Ole Opry has partnered with Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Nashville for distribution of the new two-CD set Opry Legends: Gospel Favorites, which will appear exclusively in Walmart stores for Easter 2012.

The project features recent recordings of gospel classics by 19 Opry favorites, including Bill Anderson (“Turn Your Radio On”), Crystal Gayle (“In The Garden”), The Oak Ridge Boys (“This Little Light Of Mine”), Ray Price (“Softly and Tenderly”), Charley Pride (“On The Wings of a Dove”), Connie Smith (“There Will Be Peace in the Valley For Me”) and many more. Future Opry releases through Rhino/WMN will include new recordings by Opry artists as well as archival recordings from the past.

“We’re pleased that through this partnership with Rhino and Warner Music Nashville, some of the Opry’s finest artists and many of the show’s greatest musical moments throughout its history will be available to music fans, several for the first time,” said Pete Fisher, Opry Vice President and General Manager.

Garth Brooks to Perform at Calgary Stampede

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The Calgary Stampede is celebrating its Centennial anniversary this year with a concert from Garth Brooks. The country mega star will step out of the Vegas lights on July 12 at 7:30 pm for an appearance at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Ticketing information for the Stampede concert will be announced Tuesday, April 10 at noon.

“Garth Brooks has a long history with Calgary,” says Paul Rosenberg, vice-president Programming, Calgary Stampede.  “We are thrilled to have him here during our Centennial year. Garth is a country music legend; to have him perform at the Centennial Calgary Stampede is incredible.”

Brooks retired from touring in 1998 and now performs a special one-man show at the Wynn Las Vegas. Outside performances are rare, except for occasional special charity events.

The 2012 Centennial Calgary Stampede will be held July 6–15. Brad Paisley is scheduled to perform with The Band Perry Sat., July 14, and Johnny Reid will perform on Fri,. July 13. Additional Stampede Concert announcements are expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Jackson to Play Benefit Show for Virgina Town

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Alan Jackson will play a special show for the small town of Mineral, VA – population 490 – on Sunday, May 20 at 8 pm in the parking lot of Louisa County High School. Smithfield Presents “Alan Jackson Music For Mineral” will benefit the Louisa Education Foundation (LEF) and its rebuilding efforts.

Fans across the country had two months last fall to vote for which city would receive a concert from Jackson. The little town of Mineral amassed over 31,000 votes and won the opportunity to host the concert. Mineral continues to repair and rebuild after a rare East Coast earthquake that hit on August 23, 2011, causing widespread damage in the region.

Funds raised for the LEF will be used to assist the county public schools, including replacement of Louisa County High School’s extensively-used auditorium. The Louisa County High School is currently condemned.

Tickets for Smithfield Presents Alan Jackson: Music For Mineral are on sale now at www.ticketfly.com.

In addition to the concert, The Alan Jackson Charity Golf Classic will be held at The Royal Virginian Golf Course on the morning of Saturday, May 19. For details on registering as a player or team, please visit www.theroyalvirginian.com/Tournaments.html. All proceeds from the tournament will help fund LEF.

Young Guns Publishing Signs Cyndi Thomson

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Ramblin’ Music’s publishing division Young Guns has signed singer/songwriter Cyndi Thomson to its writer roster.

Thomson signed to Capitol Records in 2000 and released her debut album My World featuring the No. 1 single “What I Really Meant To Say.” Thomson was a co-writer on eight of the Gold-certified album’s 11 tracks. Outside of her own recordings, Thomson also co-wrote the Gary Allan hit “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.”

“Having written and worked with Cyndi in the past I can honestly say she is one of the most unique and talented artists I’ve ever met,” said Cliff Downs, President of Ramblin’ Music. “We are thrilled that she will be part of our staff and we look forward to the new music that she will be creating with us.”

The Young Guns roster also includes Weston Burt, Kimberly Paige, Ben Reno, Phoebe Sharp, and Gimm & Icky (Garrison and Tripp Weir).

Rascal Flatts Launches Album with Multiple Appearances

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Rascal Flatts is promoting the April 3 release of its eighth studio album, Changed (Big Machine Records) with a special one-night-only concert documentary premiering tonight (4/5), in addition to a slew of television appearances.

The trio’s performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show airs today (4/5) as the group prepares to walk the red carpet tonight in New York City’s Times Square for the premiere of Changed: One Night Exclusive Movie Theatre Event. The special will appear on over 650 movie screens across North America. Limited tickets are still available.

While in New York, Rascal Flatts will wrap a busy week with an appearance on Good Morning America Fri., April 6. Additionally, CBS is preparing the premiere of the Lionel Richie & Friends- In Concert special for April 13, which includes the band’s duet with Richie “Dancin’ On The Ceiling.”

Additional promotional appearances included a performance on the 47th ACM Awards with Steve Martin appropriately playing banjo on the band’s latest single, “Banjo.” On release day (4/3), the band traveled to Los Angeles for a live appearance on the Dancing With The Stars results show.

Check back with musicrow.com for extended coverage of the Changed theater event.

Changed tracklisting:
1.  Changed
2.  Banjo
3.  Hot In Here
4.  Come Wake Me Up
5.  She’s Leaving
6.  Let It Hurt
7.  Lovin’ Me
8.  Hurry Baby
9.  Sunrise
10. Great Big Love
11. A Little Home

Changed Deluxe Album features Bonus Tracks:
1. Friday Can’t Come Fast Enough
2. Fall Here
3. Right One Time
4. Next To You, Next To Me

UMPG Extends Publishing Agreement with Lori McKenna

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Lori McKenna

Universal Music Publishing Group has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Lori McKenna. McKenna originally signed with the company in 2009.

“Lori McKenna is one of the most highly regarded talents in the Nashville songwriting community and beyond,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Nashville. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our relationship with her and look forward to our future successes.”

The Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her appearance on Oprah, where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s album, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Sara Evans, and LeAnn Rimes clamored to record her songs. Recently, McKenna has been co-writing with Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd, and Little Big Town.

McKenna herself has opened for Trisha Yearwood and for Hill and McGraw’s wildly popular Soul2Soul Tour. McGraw co-produced her first major label album Unglamorous (Warner Bros.) in 2007, which she followed with her most recent release Lorraine. Additionally, the songstress’ recording of “Two Soldiers Coming Home” can be heard on the Act of Valor soundtrack.