» NY Guv Clears "Broadcast Freedom To Work Act": Another blow to those always controversial non-compete clauses imposed on many broadcast talents and salespeople, as Democratic New York Governor David Patterson signs a bill into law barring such clauses for all broadcasters excluding station management. Patterson said non-competes were an "unfair burden" on those working in the industry and blamed them for pushing radio pros into leaving the Empire State for the greener pastures of those states that ban them. For the record New York becomes the eighth state to prohibit non-competes.

» First Amendment Leans Neither Right Or Left: While there's frequently news of protests, boycotts and lawsuits over comments made by conservative Talk radio hosts, this time around it's Nova M syndicated lib-talker Randi Rhodes. The former Air America Radio host was in the crosshairs of an $11 million suit filed by a Virginia-based private contractor over her comments about the company's work at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. A three judge Federal Appeals court panel threw out the suit saying Rhodes' comments were protected under her First Amendment rights. While judges called Rhodes' criticism of the company's work "caustic and indignant," they noted that the right to speak freely is "an essential privilege" that "allows robust debate about the actions of public officials and public figures." A lower court had previously issued a similar ruling.

» The Day Your Mother Warned You About: "Radio's Best Friend" Art Vuolo will be turned loose behind a live radio microphone this Sunday night (8/10) when Vuolo and his Michiguide.com writing partner Mike Austerman host two hours of late night talk on otherwise rocker WRIF/Detroit. Vuolo says the pair will be happy to talk about trends in radio or pretty much, "anything but the presidential race or politics." Noting that putting him on the air live proves that station PD Doug Podell is "a man not afraid to take risks," Vuolo adds he is, "totally geeked" about the whole deal. Hear just how much Art's learned from all those years of videotaping and talking to a cavalcade of radio's biggest names at 11pm (ET) HERE.

» Talk Media News Notes: Congratulations to Talk Radio Network's syndicated Motor Trend Radio and host Bob Long as the automotive talk show picks up five trophies at the annual International Automotive Media Awards, including "Best of Radio" ... WWL AM&FM/New Orleans signs a new three-year deal to remain the radio flagship of the NFL New Orleans Saints ... Envision Radio Networks debuts USA Today's Don't Quote Me, a daily 60-second vignette based on the popular board game. The new radio feature is connected with USA Today's launch this week of a print version of the puzzle that gives the newspaper's readers a chance to guess who said what. An interactive website is also part of the radio/print/online package. Get more info HERE.

Which Guy Is Going Bowling Later? New York City got a brand new Talk station yesterday (8/6) as Salem Communications debuted WNYM "The Apple." Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher (left) was in town for the launch and joined GM Sean O'Neill for a big "thumbs up" to the Big Apple AM radio dial's latest addition.