MJ (Todd Schnitt) is bringing his “crotchety old man” calls and other bits from his historic run in Tampa morning radio back to the market starting Monday, Oct. 5. Only this time “The MJ Morning Show” will air on Beasley Media Group classic hits “Q105” WRBQ, the stations that MJ and his former “Power Pig” co-conspirators competed with in one of radio’s most infamous format wars. Read more

Charges will not be filed against Josie Huang, a reporter at Pasadena Area Community College news/talk KPCC Los Angeles, who was arrested earlier this month during unrest that followed the shooting of two sheriff’s deputies in Compton. The Los Angeles County’s District Attorney’s Office said Huang did not intentionally interfere with deputies who were making an arrest of another individual. Read more

We may have the first “official” Christmas flip of the year as Cumulus Media puts oldies on hold at “Z104” WWIZ Youngstown and launches “Christmas 104,” the Valley’s Christmas station. “We Need A Little Christmas” by Percy Faith and his Orchestra ushered in the holiday season at, appropriately enough, 12:25pm on Friday, Sept. 25, three months ahead of the holiday. Read more

There is another change at the top of a public media outlet. Tim Eby has been removed as General Manager of news/talk “St. Louis Public Radio” KWMU. According to a KWMU report, Eby and other station leaders have come under fire over allegations of a “legacy of racism” at the University of Missouri-owned station. Read more

Apple has quietly been putting more focus on its podcast business this year, recruiting staff and making tweaks to its operating system and hardware to become more podcast-friendly. It is also apparently buying companies, not that it wants anyone to know. Apple is now confirming a Bloomberg report that revealed Apple purchased the startup Scout FM earlier this year. Read more

WNYC Studio’s Radiolab, one of its most popular and influential podcasts and radio shows, announced that creator and host Jad Abumrad will be joined by two new co-hosts following the retirement of longtime co-host Robert Krulwich. Abumrad is joined by Lulu Miller, a veteran of the show and former co-host and cofounder of NPR’s Invibilia podcast. Also taking on co-host duties is Latif Nasser, who is currently Radiolab’s Director of Research. Read more

Joshua “Crisco Kidd” Carmona has stepped down from afternoons on Riviera Broadcasting rhythmic CHR “Power 98.3” KKFR Phoenix to run for mayor. “With the events that have affected our city since March, and our elected officials' lack of response and leadership, my mind and my heart, feel it it’s time to represent and serve the people of Phoenix,” Carmona says. Read more

Vertical Bridge REIT has completed its second successful securitization of 2020 with the issuance of $360.5 million of secured tower revenue notes, according to a news release. Proceeds from the notes will be used to refinance Vertical Bridge’s October 2016 securitization, fund its recently announced acquisition of Cumulus Media’s broadcast tower portfolio, and fuel company growth. The Boca Raton, FL-based company is the nation’s largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure. Read more

ABC News Radio and Fox News Radio to cover first Presidential Debate… “The Bob & Tom Show” gets late-night TV show in Indianapolis… Radio One Ohio and AARP hosting voter information discussion… Benztown produces “Blizzard of Ozz 40th Anniversary Special… KMKT Bells, TX raised $52,000 from its “Back the Badge Memorial Golf Tournament.” Read more