The Industry Dot Biz: There are many things that we never address in the black community and we act like these things simply don’t exist. But we know good and damn well they do. We have never paid a lot of attention to mental illness in the black community. It is one of the many things that gets swept under the table because we don’t want to deal with it and would rather act like it doesn’t exist. This is repulsive at best. It is also another reason I have an issue with the black church. Someone will email me now and say “My Church deals with it” That’s STILL not acceptable and it’s not enough this is a NATIONAL issue. I would be hard pressed but thrilled to find one major church that has ever dealt with the issue either. This video is most unfortunate and it is rumored that the actress is prostituting. Her mother, famous author BeBe Moore Campbell who died a couple of years ago constantly discussed mental illness in her family but she didn’t reveal who she was talking about and was often elusive, now it is evident. When BeBe died it was stated she had 2 grand children. Maia had an older brother but in this video she says she is looking for her daughter. She was once such a beautiful sister and she is screaming out for help. Sources say she is schizophrenic and she refuses to take her medicine. These people are not able to cope and live everyday life on their own and they need help. This sh… really bothers me.
Kevin Liles Exits Warner Music Group
The Industry Dot Biz: Kevin Liles has exited Warner Brothers records it was announced today. I actually heard this was about to happen from a very good source a few weeks back. No details were given on the situation except the usual political stuff. In addition, we hear that Warner has been interviewing several black cand idates to run the urban division but what is taking so long? Are they going to actually hire someone?
Why Did Don Cornelius Let 2 HUGE Ideas Pass him by? Soul Train is Back but WITHOUT him
The Industry Dot Biz: The ‘Soul Train’ Vaults have been opened for a DVD deal and I MUST have my industry copy. Sh…, I would even pay for this. I can’t help but to wonder why Don didn’t think of doing this HIMSELF before selling his rights to the company to MadVision Entertainment a little over a year ago. There is a generation of black entrepreneurs that absolutely REFUSE to embrace any kind of technology and Don probably lost millions by not doing this himself. In addition, I was watching the Shalamar story from TV One. EXCELLENT show and they said on there that Don had Shalamar first on Soul Train Records but didn’t see the vision for the label or the group WHAT? Excuse me, I am now going to slam my head into the wall until I am unconscious… hold on.. I met Don once and told him how much I admired all the work that he has done and what a big fan I was of Soul Train at the Soul Train after party one year. That old bastard growled at me (laugh) like a fooking bear about to attack. I lost all respect for him at that moment. Don buried his own concept in the last few years of Soul Train, nobody that I knew in the industry liked him and in my opinion hiring hosts like Shermar Moore was an EXTREME error… What in the fook was he thinking (hmm, I think I know) but why not just hire Maya Angelou to host?
At least MadVision is on on the job. Old ST Show clips can be viewed at globalimageworks.com. Fans can also visit the Soul Train YouTube channel for more info on the release of the new DVD set. In the meantime, BET’s new Centric channel will bring back the Soul Train Awards this November (I think it’s too early for that, get the dance show off and running first). The channel is licensing old episodes of the dance show for broadcast as well. (Won’t they have to pay those dancers from the old show?) A “Soul Train” documentary is being developed for VH1 and also in discussion for next year: a new “Soul Train” show. (they better come VERY correct for this one. Please limit the break-dancing) Producers state “It would have to be updated for today’s world of competitive reality programming like ‘American Idol’ and ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ It’s not something we take lightly. We want to do it with the same kind of passion and respect that Don had.” (yeah but without Don)
I would love to know what Damita Jo Freeman, Joe Chism, Tyrone Procter, Pat Davis, Vickie Ambercrombie and the other old dancers are up to today.
Reggie Rouse Gives Keyshia Coles’ Mom Frankie her First Gig on WVEE (audio)
The Industry Dot Biz: I’m not going to make any jokes on this I actually think it’s a great idea for V103.
San Diego’s Hip Hop Blazin 98.9 Pink Slips Staff. Will they hire black Radio DJs?
The Industry Dot Biz: 
While it’s the best place to make money if you have your own ideas, one of the most racist radio states in the country is California. It’s a horrendously RACIST radio market just like Hollywood. For anyone working back east, it’s hard to imagine that a station can call itself a hip hop music station and not have any black Radio DJs but it happens DAILY in the California market and has been for the past 30 years.
The staff at XHMORE-FM (98.9), licensed to Tijuana, Mexico, were recently informed that the station would remain a Hip Hop station but it would be automated fulltime, without the live personalities. Where I come from, that clearly means the current staff could not execute the format properly. Those hand ed pink slips include morning driver Chris Loos, afternoon DJ Vanya, DJ Seph, production staffers Chris Morrison & Noah Alaya, and promotions manager Jeanice Lee (Jeanice? that sounds like a sister). OM/Brand & Marketing Manager Lee Cornell was also relieved of his duties (Lee Cornell? That sounds like a brother) has been maintained to work in a new capacity (… for a hip hop music station? Why not make him a, Oh I don’t know…. PROGRAMMER?) Cornell says he believes Loos and Vanya “are exceptional talents and performers” and will “be a great asset” to any station bringing them on-board (Oh those station politics).
CONGRATS TO KJLH: Station Upgrades Online Image EXCELLENT Marketing Concepts
The Industry Dot Biz: I have to honestly say I get news and info from many urban and pop stations but KJLH wins hand s down for sending me EVERYTHING and one thing I can say about this station is the marketing is EXCELLENT. Everything from their email blasts to the website make the station look much bigger than it actually is.
KJLH makes the MOST of limited entertainment for the small black population in LA by providing CONSTANT entertainment and by coming up with numerous ideas to make the station look much bigger than it actually is. As the state of California is currently broke and rents and home prices are on the decline and many who moved from LA to Atlanta begin to see how overrated Atlanta is I guarantee you the black population will start to increase in LA again within the next 5 years and KJLH is in an excellent position to dominate the urban market there.
Without question, KJLH is in a great city and it has been the only survivor in the urban realm. Even with the problems with PPM, the station continues to shine. I don’t like the fact that Steve Harvey is on BUT he actually works on this station, even though I can’t listen, and I think he’s going to bring the station ratings success. Finally since the station is so community oriented, I have to also give the programming dept and Stevie Wonder credit for shortening the shifts and keeping a majority of the staff and keeping the station MOSTLY syndication free. Urban radio murders itself by overworking Radio DJs. A Radio DJ should not be on the air longer than 4 hours a shift this is not Walmart. Who can keep the momentum for more than 4 hours? I would not add another syndicated show at KJLH unless it’s from kevRoss (laugh) no, unless it was during the weekends as it would destroy what KJLH is doing so well, being a community oriented local station. KJLH Website
We Like CBS Radio! Congrats to WPGC and Donnie Simpson: Station Announces Winner of Next Top DJ
The Industry Dot Biz: I know I talk about how stale urban radio often is here but this is one of those occasions when I have to get credit to a corporation that I have given credit to several times before. I really like CBS radio in Atlanta and now DC for leaving the programmers and the staff alone to do their jobs. THIS IS HOW RADIO IS SUPPOSED TO WORK Radio One and Clear Channel. The recent campaign at WPGC is nothing that nobody else in urban radio has not thought about but to IMPLEMENT IT! Now THAT’s the task and Donnie and the WPGC staff did an excellent job of creating a lot of hype around urban radio again. Sh…, even I was excited about the campaign. This, once again, shows how local urban radio can win in a market and this is also where syndicated shows hurt the urban radio concept. As you know, I am a “LocalUrbanRadioist” (laugh). Once again congrats to the WPGC staff on bringing life back to local urban radio and continued success.
YOLANDA ADAMS ADDS TWO MORE MAJOR MARKETS, DALLAS AND SAN DIEGO!
The Industry Dot Biz: Syndication One announced today that the Yoland a Adams Morning Show is now airing on Morentenson Broadcasting’s KHVN in Dallas and San Diego Gospel Radio Inc.’s KURS in San Diego.
Dion Mortenson ,GM of KHVN in Dallas stated, “According to our research, the Yoland a Adams Morning Show has achieved great successes in many other major markets.
After speaking personally with Yoland a and her staff at Syndication One, it was clearly evident that her passion, spirit, and dedication to her ministry would be a perfect fit
for the audience of KHVN. We are extremely excited about the positive impact that the Yoland a Adams Morning Show will have upon the Dallas-Ft. Worth market through Heaven 97″.
“Preacherman” Larry Thompson, owner of KURS in San Diego commented, ” Yoland a Adams is an authentic radio personality which translates perfectly as we are San Diego’s authentic Gospel station”. Calling upon his trademark phrase, he added “and that’s for real sure ” when referring to the power and impact of the Yoland a Adams Morning Show winning big in San Diego.
The Yoland a Adams Morning show is now airing in over 40 markets including 6 out of the top 10 and 14 out of the top 20 African American Markets featuring New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Houston, Raleigh, Memphis, and Norfolk just to name a few.
The five-time Grammy Award winner is joined by thirty-year broadcast veteran Brother Larry Jones, comedian Marcus Wiley, and Minister Anthony Valary.
WHAT? Tarsha “Jonesy” Jones Most Likely Candidate for Mornings at Power? Where’s Toshamakia?
The Industry Dot Biz: Dan Gross writes for the Philadelphia Daily News that “TARSHA “JONESY” JONES is hosting mornings all week on Power 99 in what radio insiders say may likely become a permanent gig.” I have not heard that so I don’t know who his sources are but it would seem she is the best choice to go up against Charlamagne as far as content… however, I would not hire a woman that LOOKS like Charlamagne (laugh)… (whew I kill me). As a programmer, I would go after that super fine chocolate chiplet that Donnie Simpson’s show dropped in the DC Next Top DJ contest named Toshamakia, the leading lady of urban radio deliciousness (pic below). Then I would get a male sidekick that would also be easy on the eye and a super fine out and about lesbian as the entertainment reporter and create a huge billboard campaign and make them the morning STARS in Philly. I would market to straight and gay people in the market. It’s 2009 folks. It’s about time urban radio had announcers that look like someone you would want to fook.
OH NO: Montgomery Radio Owner Bluewater Files for Bankruptcy
The Industry Dot Biz: 
Radio station owner files for bankruptcy
Montgomery broadcaster Bluewater, which operates five area radio stations, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but representatives say listeners shouldn’t expect to hear any changes. Bluewater, which operates FM stations WBAM, WQKS, WACV and WJWZ and AM station WACV in the Montgomery market, declared Chapter 11 after its main lender called in a $4.5 million loan. But the company said broadcasts will continue as normal, certainly for the immediate future.
The broadcast company has a $4.5 million loan from Land mark Bank, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and others. The loan, which has been renewed, was used to purchase the stations that make up Bluewater about five years ago. The lenders requested a private valuation of the properties earlier this year, and Bluewater’s stations were appraised at about $3.73 million, less than the face value of the loan.
On Aug. 5, Land mark and the other lenders notified Bluewater officials that they were requesting immediate payment on the loan. When no payment was received, the lenders notified Bluewater on Aug. 18 that it planned to take legal action and enforce the loan’s terms. Bluewater responded by filing for bankruptcy Aug. 24, seeking time to find ways to pay off the debt and to reorganize operations. In court filings, Bluewater said the lenders’ actions had the effect of foreclosing on the business and asked the court for protection. Terry Barber, Bluewater’s general manager, said the stations would continue to broadcast during the bankruptcy. “We are still open and broadcasting like before,” he said. He declined to say what might happen in the longer term, but said the broadcaster planned no immediate changes. “These radio stations are worth a lot more on the air than they are as empty buildings,” he said.
Bluewater operates country station WBAM, 98.9 FM, oldies rock station WQKS, 96.1 FM, hip hop music station WJWZ, 97.9 FM, talk radio station WACV, 107.9 FM and an AM WACV talk radio station, 1170 AM. [source]
Robert DeBarge Sr., patriarch of the DeBarge family Dies
The Industry Dot Biz: 
Robert DeBarge Sr., patriarch of the DeBarge family and father of El DeBarge passed away this past week. No other information or current pictures were sent to us.
OH NO: “Station Fire” in LA Doubles in Size threatens Radio and TV Antennas
The Industry Dot Biz: Station fire likely to hit historic Mt. Wilson observatory. 22 TV stations and nearly 20 FM radio stations are estimated to have some kind of antennas on Mt. Wilson fire officials say. The fire would cause more damage to FM stations in the area since most TV stations also have a cable signal which most residents have.
Firefighters Monday were working to hold back a massive wildfire that threatened to consume roughly 12,500 Los Angeles-area homes, structures and a crucial communications center as they mourned two of their own who were killed in the line of duty. Fire Capt. Tedmund Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and firefighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, 35, of Palmdale, were killed when their vehicle rolled down Mount Gleason near the city of Acton, the department said in a statement. [read the whole story here]
Cruise for Big Women: Should Black Radio ENCOURAGE being Overweight.. and CONTENT?
The Industry Dot Biz: 
Without question, the black community should not DISCRIMINATE against fat people and the point could be driven home more often if being overweight was not so incredibly unhealthy. Sorry, there is no benefit to having high blood pressure, diabetes and being a good cand idate for a heart attack, blood clots, cancer and an early death. I remember a famous basketball player told me, no matter how her hair looks, no matter what kind of clothes she wears or how much money she had, if she was fat, it just didn’t look right. I don’t totally agree with that but many brothers AND sisters do…
I remember when the whole drinking oil and lemon juice thing was out and Cliff Winston had done it at KJLH and lost a lot of weight. All of the sudden black people, especially women were calling in and asking for his advice. One woman called in who said she was 4’6″ and weighed 450. The studio was silent. At that time, I could only picture a bowling ball with wiggling fingers. I could not imagine someone that height carrying that kind of weight…. then I moved to Atlanta years later and saw both women and men literally defy gravity by even being able to STAND they were so magnanimous. In an effort to help her out, Cliff asked the woman what she had for breakfast and she confessed that she had eaten Ribs and Macaroni and Cheese…. FOR BREAKFAST… I laughed till I almost sh…ted on myself. Granted, I have had to battle my weight all my life too but you know you are at the point of no return when you have Ribs and Mac and Cheese for Breakfast. I’m sorry, there is no excuse for that sh…. A whole box of cereal… maybe… but Ribs? What was for lunch … Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings?
In the black community we don’t have an obesity problem we have mental issues with food. When I would see the HUGE people in Atlanta, I surmised, damn what happens when you have 150 pounds to lose, how motivated can you be to do that? And we love a quick fix, if you lose that kind of weight (quickly) without exercising like a maniac, you’re thin but you will look droopy and sick … you’re STILL not going to find anybody to fook.
Ian Smith might be considered obese in some of the poor villages in Ethiopia but in America his bony ass can’t motivate enough people cause he doesn’t have a weight problem. If Tom Joyner lost 50 pounds he’d have a better chance of rallying listeners to join in. He fits the profile of someone who would be a leader for the cause… he’s not as easy on the eyes as Ian Smith and he’s older.. Most of the listeners can relate to that. People believe people who have experienced the same problem they have. A former crack addict is the best person to help current crack addicts.
Monique WAS an advocate for fat women. She says she lost the weight for her relationship translated: she lost the weight so she could continue to get fooked. Homeboy gave her an option. That was a contradiction to her being a spokesperson for bigens nationwide, writing books and even talking about it in her comedy routines. She would go home and her man told her… “Baby, I don’t give a sh… WHAT you tell those other fat ass women to do, YOU need to lose some of that damn weight or I won’t be here when you get back!” Needless to say, ONE man defeated a nation of fat women and the spokeswoman for fat ladies died and Monique started walking up mountains.
I came across this info for a cruise for big women. I know what MILF stand s for but what does BBW stand for? Big Beautiful Women? I see it in the porn…. oops, I mean I’ve seen it on various pamphlets. At any rate, it’s a cruise for big women to have a good time and enjoy not being discriminated against but what happens when the cruise is over? Can a woman really get mad at a man for not being sexually attracted to her because she is overweight? Is that discrimination?
OK, enough jokes. Bottom line, however you look what gets you over each and every time is CONFIDENCE and COMMUNICATION SKILLS. I’ve seen some of the UGLIEST, toothless and crippled people who have a ton of confidence and great communication skills and they get it in.
Has Media Been too Hard on Chris Brown? He States he doesn’t Remember Beating (vid)
The Industry Dot Biz: With all the child abuse cases, rapes, molestations and neglect that go on in all communities… why has the media used a 20 year old as a poster boy for the national problem pertaining to physical abuse? Is this really fair? I have to admit, I don’t believe him when he says he doesn’t remember it but it has been documented that sometimes in order to cope with a traumatic situation people block it out.
Writer Suggests Cathy Hughes’ Performance Tax Plight Utilize her Station’s Platform to Expose “Failing” Black Politicians
The Industry Dot Biz: 
I was reading an article with an interesting perspective (below) this morning on Cathy Hughes/Radio One plight to ensure her urban radio stations do not have to pay Performance taxes. William Reed (the writer) points out that Cathy is failing to take FULL advantage of her position via her own outlets, the airwaves, and that she should use this opportunity to educate her millions of listeners to those politicians who refuse to not only side with her cause but who refuse to be accountable to blacks in their political positions. A black politician who reaches the upper echelon of the national political land scape would be a FOOL to (obviously) make himself accountable to blacks. That’s just not the kind of “politics” our country adheres to and it would be the fastest route to a career demise. That’s not saying a black politician cannot look out for black causes but he or she creates an immediate glass ceiling and dissension towards himself via his colleagues that he has to work with on daily basis. Who the hell wants that? That’s why they call it “politics” it’s all a game.
In addition I think this type of ‘you-owe-me’ thinking is what has way too often divided the urban music community’s generations. An urban industry vet who may not be in touch with TODAY’s music industry may think the suggestion for Hughes to attack with her platform is a great idea, Cathy Hughes, who is a vet but who works in the industry daily is not that stupid. I know many of you think I don’t like Cathy but I actually admire her and I think she is often underestimated but very savvy. To use the airwaves to attack her black political opponents would be suicidal in many ways. First, if an opportunity ever does arise where these politicians CAN help Cathy it won’t happen and second, the listeners don’t want to hear that sh… and they don’t care. Finally, the listeners are already being bombarded with weak, syndicated shows with brain dead content. To go from that type of programming to challenging their intellect leaves no room for any type of proper mental transition from not thinking to giving it some thought to racking one’s brain (laugh) (community radio, community radio, community radio). There IS not a middle ground in urban radio in 2009. You either talk about relationships and someone cheating on his baby mama or you play music. Talking about ANY kind of politics or challenging the minds of listeners is simply unacceptable.
As always, if there is an urban Radio DJ or station out there that wants to challenge anything I say or if they don’t agree with this type of programming, we’d love to hear from you. Comment or write me. I have no problem with that. Read William’s story below.
Radio One Should Pump up the Volume
Regarding political empowerment, Blacks now hold high rankings in Congress, but their impact for Blacks in general is negligible. Economic empowerment is represented by Cathy Hughes, founder and chair of Radio One, Inc. Radio One owns or operates 53 radio stations located in 16 urban markets and has interests in TV One, a cable/satellite network; and Reach Media, Inc., owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show (TJMS) and businesses associated with Tom Joyner .
The battle has been drawn. Hughes is waging a war against targeted members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that is worth noting.
Stations “˜in jeopardy’
As Black members have risen in seniority and status on Capitol Hill, there has been a contrasting chorus accusing them of “not being accountable” to Blacks. Hughes is upset that Black radio properties are “in jeopardy at the hand s of a Black man.” That Black man is John Conyers, the 80-year-old Detroit congressman and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
The longest-serving African-American in the history of the House is a jazz aficionado. Conyers developed an interest in jazz as a teenager in Detroit and played trumpet. In 2007, Conyers introduced the Performance Rights Act, the focus of Ms. Hughes’ ire. The chairlady of the nation’s largest chain of Black-formatted radio stations alleges that Conyers’ bill, H.R. 848, will cost her money.
Under current law, stations only pay copyright royalties to artists who compose hit songs, not those who perform them. Station owners say a law requiring them to pay additional royalties would bankrupt them. Recording artists get money for concerts and make money selling downloads or CDs. But they get nothing when their songs play on the radio. That money goes to the people who write and publish the songs.
Radio One controls a host of airwaves in districts where Black Members of Congress reside and has the clout to attack their legislative actions. How many times have you heard ads on Radio One stations or programs propagating that the legislation is a “performance tax” that is going to destroy Black radio? Hughes has the power to put a legislative issue that normally would have escaped public attention on the minds of millions.
New strategy
Some will argue whether the issue is a legitimate “˜Black concern.’ The battle has brought about a new dimension that could work against lawmakers used to easy reelections.
Hughes’ ads have targeted a number of Black lawmakers and even questioned the integrity of Chairman Conyers. The fight has divided the civil rights community, with the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens supporting Conyers, while Blacks such as the Rev. Al Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson line up with Hughes and other Black-owned stations. Radio One operates stations in or near the districts of Reps. Sheila Jackson-Lee (Houston); Mel Watt (Charlotte, NC); Hank Johnson (Atlanta); and Robert “Bobby” Scott (Richmond, Va.) and aired ads criticizing them.
Major impact
Hughes’ practices could have a major impact on the national Black political land scape. It has begun to take a toll on Black long-time lawmakers accustomed to cruising to reelections. In chiding CBC members that support Conyers’ legislation, Hughes says, “All five of these Black elected officials continue to ignore the imminent danger to Black media ownership.” Criticizing Jackson-Lee for claiming that Conyers’ bill would not force any Black-owned stations out of business, Hughes says, “How could she possibly know anything about what it takes or doesn’t take to operate a broadcast facility?”
As Congress returns to sessions, Ms. Hughes should pump up the volume to defeat H.R. 848. It’s a brand of political activism others should well follow.
Contact William Reed via www.Black- PressInternational.com. [source]