Talk Show Producer Campaigns To "Free Lindsay"

OK, you can argue the relative sanity of Free Beer & Hot Wings cast member "Producer Joe," but it's tough to argue with his knack for getting himself on TV. Joe embarked on a cross-country journey, from the show's home base in Grand Rapids to Los Angeles, in a customized 1995 Dodge Caravan (pictured) dubbed "The Freedom Machine." The vintage van was also emblazoned with the Compass Media Networks-syndicated show's logo, a number of sponsor logos, and a "Free Lindsay" message to show Joe's support for the troubled Hollywood starlet. As just about everyone on the planet knows, Lohan surrendered to authorities this week to begin serving a court-ordered jail sentence in connection with a previous drunk driving arrest. Joe, a.k.a. "The Guy In The Pink Shirt," managed to get almost as much media coverage as Lohan received outside the courthouse, while also managing to not get himself arrested for his antics. Check out some video coverage of the radio stunt posted at the show's website HERE.

ABC News Radio Pacts With Slacker

Slacker's online "personal" radio service adds a news channel to its lineup, featuring content provided by ABC News Radio. Part of Slacker's Radio-Plus subscription service, for $3.99 a month users can access coverage of world national, sports, business, and tech news, along with feature segments from ABC News programs including Good Morning America and Nightline. There's also an option to add ABC News Radio hourly updates on any of Slacker's other "stations." Commenting on the newly launched service, ABCNR VP Steve Jones (pictured) said, "ABC News is excited to provide Slacker listeners with award-winning audio news content. Slacker offers their audience immense flexibility to enjoy custom content anywhere: in the car, on their phones, and at home. We are happy to provide the full range of ABC News coverage to the Slacker Radio experience."

Talk Media News Notes

KWHN/Fort Smith morning host Brian Harris exits after a long career at the Clear Channel News/Talker. Harris has been hosting the program solo following the death of former longtime co-host Gary Elmore last month. Talk Radio Network's syndicated America's Morning News now airs in the wakeup timeslot formerly occupied by Harris and Elmore ... R.I.P. Chuck Madden. The veteran Los Angeles news and sportscaster (KNX, KABC, KMPC) was remembered by friends, family and colleagues during a memorial service held earlier this week in suburban Simi Valley, CA. Madden died July 16th following several strokes and a recent diagnosis of leukemia. He was 61.

Special Big Time, Mid-Week "Gig Alert"

Regular readers know that, as a service to News/Talk/Sports media pros, we provide free listings for both those with job openings and those seeking jobs in our regular Friday feature publication, NTS MediaOnline Weekly. But, today we have a major "Gig Alert" we'd like to share with you a bit earlier than usual: CBS Radio is looking for full and part-time talk show hosts for its industry leading Sports radio stations around the country. Yes, it is important to know 'X's and O's,' but can you truly create a compelling, entertaining, and engaging radio show? What if it is a slow sports news day, can you still deliver? Are you currently on-air in a different format, but looking to make the jump to all-Sports? If any of the above refers to you, rush your resume and audio to SVP/Programming Chris Oliviero HERE. Look for more "Gig Alerts" in the July 23rd issue of NTS MediaOnline Weekly, arriving to your inbox first thing Friday morning!

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