Radio Gazza - Nov 11, 2009

Hard to believe that it's November already, but I suppose we say that every year. Been a busy Autumn so far with me and Geoff on the road more often than not. Air travel has become so frequent that Geoff actually had an Air Canada flight attendant walk up to him and continue a conversation he'd started a few weeks prior. The last few runs have included laps through Toronto where I was lucky enough as always to stop in at EZ Rock & Virgin to hang out with Wayne and Barb. I also got my first glimpse at the new CHUM headquarters which are amazingly located in the old "Whiskey Saigon" nightclub. If only those walls could talk... well I guess CHUM staffers would prefer they didn't.

The main reason for the trip was the annual 102.1 The Edge "Casby" Awards where Frontside had three acts performing. Matthew Good, Mother Mother and Metric. If you've never been, you should make the effort sometime as it's a great 'radio' driven event that ties in music, listeners and sponsors seamlessly. As it should by this point, since it's been going on for upwards of 20 years.

Also made a quick run up the lake (thank you Porter Airlines) to visit with Live 88.5 and get the lowdown on their incredible "Big Money Shot" event. It's been a few years running and is just getting better with age. Last years winners were rewarded with cash and various other sundry items, like a showcase slot at the SXSW music festival in Austin, TX. Not bad for a bunch of rock and rollers from the Capital.

Big concert week this week as I line up Jet, Papa Roach, Blue Rodeo and Metallica from Thursday to Sunday. I guess I'll just have to sleep some other week.

-Gary

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for July 8th, 2009

Sad news in Canadian radio today at the news of former 102.1 The Edge jock Martin Streek passing away suddenly. He was an icon to many and he will be missed.

Notable:

-Mike Religa and Mocha are back at the newly relaunched Kiss 92.5 Toronto

-Bohn releases new Ranking the Formats: here

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Mediabase Canada):

MOST ADDED ALL FORMATS

1. Jet "She's A Genius"

2. Tim McGraw "It's A Business Doing Pleasure With You"

3. Green Day "21 Guns"

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for June 16th, 2009

Since R&R stopped publishing a few weeks back I've been without a credible source for "Most Added" in Canada, however it now seems as though Mediabase is getting pretty close to having a usable list, so in speaking with them we've agreed to publish them here moving forward. I'm only including the all format chart this week but hope to add more charts in the near future as more stations contribute their adds.

Notable:

-Russell James is leaving as APD/MD at The Bounce

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Mediabase Canada):

MOST ADDED ALL FORMATS

1) Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" & George Canyon "Let It Out"

2) Doc Walker "Coming Home"

3) Pitbull "I Know You Want Me" & Stereos "Summer Girl"

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for May 22nd, 2009

Still a lot of folks on post-ratings vacation, but that hasn't slowed things down on the add front, especially at rock radio. The big news, though it's not fully reflected below was that Billy Talent and Linkin Park dropped new tunes which were added everywhere they could be.

Notable:

-Dean Ernst has reportedly joined the Yangaroo team (DMDS' parent company)

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Radio & Records):

Top 40:

#1 Kristina Debarge "Goodbye"

#2 Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

#3 Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow"

Rock:

#1 Billy Talent "Rusted From The Rain"

#2 Arkells "Ballad Of Hugo Chavez"

#3 Nine Inch Nails "Not So Pretty Now"

Hot A/C:

#1 Rob Thomas "Her Diamonds"

#2 September "Can't Get Over"

#3 Kristina Debarge "Goodbye"

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for May 15th, 2009

Just back from a week off in Miami, so no colour commentary this week, just the goods.

Notable:

-David Corey bumped to National PD at CHUM Radio

-Stephanie Friedman hired as GM of Nielsen BDS Radio Canada

-Russ Empey is the new MD at CJAY 92 Calgary, Chad Martin is new PD

-Ceara K moves from Kool Victoria to PD at Vibe (replacing Martin) in June

-680 News Toronto launches Blackberry Application

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Radio & Records):

Top 40:

#1 Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

#2 Sean Kingston "Fire Burning"

#3 Jonathan Roy "Lies"

Rock:

#1 Nickelback "Burn It To The Ground"

#2 Chickenfoot "Oh Yeah"

#3 Cage The Elephant "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked"

Hot A/C:

#1 Kelly Clarkson "I Do Not Hook Up"

#2 Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

#3 Suzie McNeil "SuperGirl"

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for April 24, 2009

Spring is finally hitting most parts of the country while our friends in Calgary got a snow storm on Wednesday. Some more staffing changes at stations across the country as the 're-structuring' continues at radio. Also, playoff hockey continues to be the only thing anyone talks about, Go Rangers!

Notable:

-Dave Hunter is the new PD at 89X Windsor/Detroit

-The soon-to-be on-air Shore FM Vancouver issued a clarification statement about it's sales team relationship with Astral Media:

"... For clarification, Astral Media RADIO SALES has been signed as the National Radio Sales Representatives for SHORE 104 FM Vancouver, to sell National Advertising time on SHORE 104 in Toronto. In addition, SHORE 104 FM has engaged the services of WTR Media Sales in Calgary for regional representation in the Prairies. Local sales in the Greater Vancouver area are being conducted exclusively by the in house sales team at SHORE 104.

There have been numerous rumours circulating about relationships between SHORE MEDIA GROUP INC. and other broadcast organizations. For clarification, there are no ownership, management or LMA agreements in place or contemplated by SHORE Media Group Inc. Our ownership is Vancouver based and totally independent of any ownership, control or influence of any other broadcast organization."

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Radio & Records):

Top 40:

#1 Eminem "We Made You"

#2 Pink "Please Don't Leave Me"

#3 Shinedown "Second Chance"

Rock:

#1 Green Day "Know Your Enemy"

#2 Chickenfoot "Oh Yeah"

#3 Cage The Elephant "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked"

Hot A/C:

#1 Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

#2 Miley Cyrus "The Climb"

#3 Pink "Please Don't Leave Me"

Radio Gazza - Canadian Radio Update for April 17, 2009

Ratings are just about over, so md's are beginning to talk about freshening up playlists in the coming weeks. Just in time for summer ratings. Also, hockey playoffs have just begun making that pretty much the only thing anyone is talking about.

Notable:

-The Bounce Halifax putting on a "Classified" concert at a local high school

-Layoffs at CTVGlobemedia Windsor including 89X staffers

-Ben Mulroney picks up a weekly radio show on CHUM outlets

-Shore Vancouver sales to be handled by Astral Media

This Week's Most Added Tracks at Canadian Radio (**As published by Radio & Records):

Top 40:

#1 Eminem "We Made You"

#2 Jamie Foxx Feat T-Pain "Blame It"

#3 Flo Rida Feat Wynter "Sugar"

Rock:

#1 Cage The Elephant "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked"

#2 Franz Ferdinand "No You Girls"

#3 Saving Abel "Drowning (Face Down)"

Hot A/C:

#1 Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

#2 Ciara Feat Justin Timberlake "Love Sex Magic"

#3 Mariana's Trench "Cross My Heart"