» Russ Martin Update: A Texas grand jury has issued misdemeanor assault charges against the KLLI (Live 105.3)/Dallas talk host, who was arrested last July on aggravated assault charges stemming from an incident involving his fiancé. Martin was booked after the woman accused him of hitting her and waving a gun at her during an argument at Martin's home. A Tarant County, TX grand jury returned the three-count misdemeanor complaint against Martin late last week. If convicted the veteran Dallas talker could face up to a year in the slammer and a fine of $4,000 according to a report in today's Dallas Morning News.

» Scott Cox Back On At KERN/Bakersfield: Last week we told you that the talk host had been suspended by KERN management over a publicity stunt that backfired. Cox, who admitted to removing 15 campaign signs around town for Kern High School District candidate Chad Vegas, returned to the air this morning after station PD D.C. Carter released a statement saying the host had expressed regret for his actions and that he now has, "a better understanding how of his responsibilities as a KERN employee and a prominent member of our community."

» Ike Blows Away Week One Of Houston PPM Results: In its latest status report Arbitron has announced that the ratings company will not produce a Portable People Meter report for October Week 1 (September 18-24) due to the continuing impact from the hurricane that struck the region earlier this month. Arbitron says it is also currently "evaluating the impact of Hurricane Ike on October Week Two and will continue to issue status reports on upcoming deliverables as each release nears." In other news from Arbitron: The company has tapped John Stavropoulas as the new VP of Arbitron's technology group. He'll be responsible for all product development for the PPM including next-generation encoders and monitoring equipment. For the past 14 years Stavropoulos has held various roles at Dialogic where he was most recently Director of Engineering for media server products.

» Genesis Buys Third Tampa Station: The company has agreed to purchase 50,000 watt WMGG-AM from Mega Communications. The new station will give the Atlanta-based broadcaster its third outlet in Tampa Bay where it already owns News/Talk WWBA and ESPN Radio Sports/Talker WHBO. Genesis will begin operating WMGG immediately under a local marketing agreement, with the final sale and closing expected to take place in early 2009. WMGG currently airs a Spanish-language music format, but Genesis management says "new format plans will be announced soon." Genesis also owns and operates Sports/Talker WHOO and News/Talk WAMT in Orlando and Sports/Talk WIXC/Melbourne, FL.

» WOR Radio Network Ups Two: The Buckley Broadcasting-owned network promotes Willis Damalt to the new position of Director/Affiliate Sales West, and Nick Hammer to Director/Affiliate Sales East. Both Damalt and Hammer will represent WOR Radio Network's long and short form programs, as well as several unique affiliate services to stations in their respective sides of the country. "I am proud of the effort these dedicated professionals have shown in representing our numerous nationally syndicated programs to stations across the United States," said WOR VP/GM Jerry Crowley about the new promotions.

» Will They Re-Name It The Super "Boss?" After a couple of weeks of rumors, NBC and the NFL confirmed last night (9/28) that Bruce Springsteen will perform at the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII halftime show at Tampa Bay's Raymond James Stadium. The show, which last year attracted nearly 150 million viewers in the U.S. alone, will be broadcast worldwide in over 230 countries. Springsteen and his E Street Band join a list of major rock stars that have performed at the Super Bowl in the past several years including U2, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. No "wardrobe malfunctions" are planned for "The Boss'" halftime show performance.