» Arbitron Rebuffs FCC Investigation Of PPM: The ratings company has submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission opposing a petition that seeks an investigation by the agency into Arbitron's Portable People Meter radio ratings service. In the filing Arbitron cited extensive precedent in which both Congress and the Commission have previously recognized that the FCC lacks authority to regulate audience ratings. Both Congress and the Commission have expressly stated that the reliability and methodologies of audience ratings services are best left to private industry groups such as the Media Rating Council (MRC). The comments also call claims by the petitioners -- representing a group of minority broadcasters -- "misstatements of facts, unsupported speculation and overheated rhetoric." You can read Arbitron's full statement HERE.

» Traffic Reporter, Or WWF Contender? During a visit to a local food market yesterday (9/24) WHO/Des Moines morning traffic reporter Brad Erlich observed a wood-be thief and decided to take matters into his own hands. Before you can say, "Let's get ready to rumble," Erlich tackled the robber as he was making a break for the door. With help from the store's manager Erlich managed to subdue the criminal and held him down until police arrived on the scene. Raw surveillance video of Erlich's "take down" has been posted on the WHO website HERE.

» Does Bill Belichick Know About This? The New England Patriots coach has had some previous experience with stealing signs, but here's a shenanigan he might not be familiar with. KERN/Bakersfield host Scott Cox has been suspended after confessing to stealing campaign signs around town for Kern High School District Trustee candidate Chad Vegas. Cox told a local TV station that the whole thing was meant to be a prank. "We were going to take down a bunch of signs, wait until people noticed them missing, then do this bit on the radio where we've got to get these signs back," he told KGET-TV. Asked by a reporter if he'd maybe not exactly thought the stunt through very well Cox replied, "Oh, I never think anything entirely through. "I get through the first or second step, tops. Once I get to the point that would be funny, then I go do it and I worry about the rest later." See the full story HERE.

» USRN Taps Slade Sohmer For Dobbs Show: Already Senior Producer and Research Director for The Dobbs Group, Sohmer is promoted to the new role of Executive Director for Dobbs' daily United Stations Radio Networks talk show. Prior to joining Lou Dobbs' team in 2003 Sohmer was on Wall Street as an equity trader and hedge fund analyst. In his new gig, Sohmer will oversee the editorial and production staff of The Lou Dobbs Show and the weekend Best of Lou Dobbs program. Congratulate Sohmer on his new job HERE.

» KDKA Sets "Warm-A-Thon": The CBS Radio/Pittsburgh News/Talker will team with the non-profit Dollar Energy Fund to stage the first annual "Warm-A-Thon," a fundraising effort to benefit local Pittsburgh area residents in need of assistance to pay utility bills in both fair and foul weather. "Unfortunately, many of our elderly and working neighbors struggle to maintain basic utilities," said Dollar Energy Fund CEO Cindy Datig. "No one should have to face a Pittsburgh winter without utility service." All funds raised from the February 12-13, 2009 event will stay in Pittsburgh. "I am extremely excited and proud to have KDKA partner with Dollar Energy Fund for the first-ever Warm-A-Thon," said Michael Young, CBS Radio SVP and KDKA GM. "We look forward to making this an annual event to help raise money for people and families in need of assistance with their energy expenses."

» Laura Ingraham Adds New Affiliates: The Talk Radio Network syndicated show picks up KTLK/Minneapolis, KPAM/Portland, WEOL/Cleveland, WTMY/Sarasota, FL, and WINC/Winchester, VA. The latest are among 18 new stations signed for the daily talk show in the past two weeks which also includes debuts on WBAP/Dallas and KVI/Seattle. "We want to welcome all of our new stations to Laura Ingraham's growing family of affiliates and we are proud to have them on board," said TRN CEO Mark Masters about the latest additions to Ingraham's affiliate roster.