» OK, Cancel That Fill-In Host: Most News/Talk stations and the major radio news networks breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama will be in Mississippi tonight for the first of their scheduled debates before Election Day in November. Along with airing on radio and all of the U.S. broadcast and cable TV news networks, tonight's primetime debate (9pm/ET) will also air on BBC America.

» Carl Anderson Upped At ABC Radio Networks: Most recently VP/Music Programming, Anderson is promoted to the newly created position of SVP Programming/Distribution for Dallas-based ABCRN. In his new role he'll be the network's top programming strategist "leading all content development and distribution for the company" and reporting directly to ABCRN President Jim Robinson. "To remain successful in the current environment, we must be willing to take innovative steps and look for different solutions to the challenges facing network radio," said Robinson. "The pairing of our programming and affiliate relations functions reflects our commitment in this area. I have complete confidence in Carl to lead this new division." NTS Aircheck Today has learned that current SVP/Programming and longtime ABC Radio Networks veteran John McConnell will remain with the company with an announcement about his new role expected to come early next week.

» In Dallas ABCRN's TJ Lambert Exits: In the wake of the above announcement detailing the combining of ABC Radio Networks programming and affiliate relations operations, NTS Aircheck Today has learned that network SVP/Affiliate Relations T.J. Lambert has left the building at ABCRN's headquarters in Dallas. Lambert, a 15-year veteran of the network, was named to his most recent position in August 2007. Newly named SVP Carl Anderson will assume Lambert's duties overseeing distribution and affiliation of all ABC Radio Networks programming and services.

» Off The Front Page, But Still On The Front Lines: That about sums up the situation in Houston and Southeast Texas three weeks after hurricane Ike came to town. "Power is still an issue KTRH/Houston PD Bryan Erickson tells NTS Aircheck Today. "About 400,000 people still have no power, including yours truly. There's nothing like an ice cold shower to wake you up in the morning after a sweltering night of no sleep because you neighbor's generator is running non stop outside your window!" Erickson says the almost non-stop storm and post-storm coverage, combined with covering the presidential election news and the Wall Street crisis, is taking a toll. "Our staff is worn out after Ike," he says. "But we realize we are providing vital information regarding the recovery efforts and we're all overwhelmed by hundreds of e-mails and phone calls we've received from listeners actually thanking us for our non-stop coverage during and after the storm."

» Jeff Monosso Joins FOX News Radio: Fresh off covering the recently held Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities, Monosso is headed to the Big Apple where he's been named a New York-based General Assignment Reporter for the network. Most recently an anchor and reporter at Clear Channel FM News/Talker KTLK/Minneapolis-St. Paul, Monosso also previously served as News Director for the station. Prior to his move to the Twin Cities Monosso's radio news resume included stints at Milwaukee News/Talkers WISN and WTMJ and Hot AC WKTI.

» RTNDA's Barbara Cochran To Be Honored: The President of the Radio-Television News Directors Association will receive the "Edith Wortman First Amendment Award" from The Matrix Association tomorrow night (9/27) at the Association For Women In Communications annual conference in Washington, DC. The award honors individuals working to support the First Amendment and First Amendment rights. As head of the RTNDA Cochran has made protection of First Amendment rights for reporters and the public a high priority issue for the association throughout her current tenure.

KFI's Towering Presence: After four years of battling local officials over rebuilding a tower toppled when a small airplane crashed into it, KFI/Los Angeles celebrated the christening of their new 654 foot stick with a live broadcast from the new tower located in suburban La Mirada. KFI afternoon duo John & Ken were on hand as the switch was thrown to return the Clear Channel News/Talker to its full 50,000 watt output.