Westwood One announced today that Norman J. Pattiz, the Company’s founder, is retiring from the Board as Chairman Emeritus, and has signed a new contract as a Consultant to the Company. He will be succeeded as Chairman by Mark Stone, Senior Managing Director of the Gores Group. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with Stone and the Company’s senior management. “I’ve been sitting in the same seat for over 30 years, and will continue to do so as a Consultant to the Company,” said Pattiz. “I am, …

Citadel Media announced the launch of 10 new nationwide networks designed to provide advertisers with more targeted audiences and prime inventory during key day parts by consolidating similar station formats within the network’s lineup based on consumer behavior. The new networks, which will be in place by Q4 2010, are Contemporary FM; Contemporary FM Weekend; Family FM; Boomer FM; Boomer FM Weekend; News & Info; Upscale Adult; Entertainment Weekend; Metro Latino; and Nuestra Familia. Each offers advertisers detailed characteristics including coverage, audience composition and ratings and also provides unique lifestyle …

Arbitron’s latest RADAR 105 report released today shows that radio reaches more than 239 million persons aged 12 and older over the course of a typical week, up from 213 million listeners one year ago in RADAR 101. Radio syndication company Dial Global held onto to the top ratings positions in the report that was released Monday (June 21) and covers the period April 2, 2009 to March 31, 2010.
Dial Global’s Contemporary, Complete FM and Adult Power Networks were ranked one-two-three in Adults 18-49, the same ranking as the previous …

Premiere Radio Networks has announced a deal to become the exclusive source for Redlasso’s proprietary Pro Prep Service, which the network will offer on a barter basis throughout North America. Redlasso’s service is designed specifically for radio, allowing users to quickly and easily create custom audio clips from hundreds of sources to use on-air. “We’re excited to partner with Redlasso to provide radio stations with this unique audio asset,” said Premiere President/Content and Affiliations Julie Talbott about the just-announced deal. “The Pro Prep …

FOX News Radio and Clear Channel have signed an extension that keeps the syndicated radio news network providing news for some 100 CC stations for the next five years.  FOX’s full-service, general-interest news offering features FOX News’ top talent and includes a five-minute top-of-the-hour newscast, a nightly signature news broadcast, and 24/7 dedicated national news coverage. Also under the agreement, FOX News Radio will …

While Citadel continues to work out it’s reorganization plan to dig out of debt,  Disney/ABC is taking steps to make sure that any bankruptcy procedures or terms ensure that certain intellectual property stays with Disney/ABC. Citadel bought ABC’s major market radio stations and syndicated radio network in a $2.7 billion deal back in 2006, a transaction that in the wake of the economic downturn, became a major contributor to the company’s decision to file Chapter 11. Citadel and ABC are said to be working together on new …

Westwood One Network Radio has made changes to it’s affiliate sales team effective immediately. Stuart Greenblatt returns to the syndicator as Senior Director overseeing station affiliations for the syndicated radio network’s new Harpo Radio products as well as other talk radio programming. Greenblatt rejoins Westwood One after nine months as head of the affiliate sales department for Air America. Rezell Simmons returns to Westwood One as Regional Director overseing Urban/CHR clearances for programming including “The Fab 30 with Perez Hilton” and the MTV Radio Network. …

MC Lyte and Loni Love discuss new syndicated radio show.

Westwood One has announced that gossip blogger Perez Hilton is set to launch a weekly countdown radio show as an alternative to Premiere Radio Network’s Ryan Seacrest.  Hilton’s new radio program promises a “cooler alternative” to “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest,” which has been airing since 2004.
According to Billboard.com, Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, will countdown the top 40 with his own hand picked set list.
A regular fixture with A-listers in Hollywood and the music industry, Hilton will use his rapport to add some sass to on-air interviews. Hilton explained that he wants …

Director of Affiliate Marketing Eric Stanger moves up to VP of Operations for Premiere Radio Network’s The  Sean Hannity Show. He continues to report to Premiere President of Content & Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott.
In his new post, Stanger oversees all daily operations for the show, including production, affiliate relations and marketing, and staff management.