» Will McCain Now Have To Weigh In On PPM? I'm betting absolutely nobody would've predicted an injection of Presidential politics into the rollout of Arbitron's PPM audience measurement system, but there it was today in a letter sent to company President/CEO Steve Morris from Democrat candidate Barack Obama and his fellow Democratic Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. The duo asked Morris to "delay" implementing PPM technology until accredited in all markets by the Media Research Council (MRC). While acknowledging that PPM "is more accurate than the paper and pencil diary system currently in use," Obama and Durbin charged that a lack of full MRC accreditation for PPM in all markets to be rolled out has led both Senators to conclude, "the system does not accurately reflect the behavior of all consumers, including minorities."

» Arbitron Responds: In a statement released this morning Arbitron President/CEO Steve Morris said the company will continue to follow the MRC's Voluntary Code of Conduct and pledged to continue to seek MRC accreditation in all markets. "But the radio industry should not wait any longer for electronic measurement," said Morris. "Broadcasters, agencies and advertisers in radio's top markets have long called for the adoption of a more precise and credible audience measurement tool. They have made it clear that the adoption of the Portable People Meter service is critical if radio is to remain competitive in and increasingly challenging media marketplace."

» Jackie Paulus Windy City Bound: Most recently Director/Marketing, Digital and NTR at CBS Radio News/Talker KMOX/St. Louis, Paulus is joining WGN/Chicago as Director/Marketing and Digital Innovation. "In her new role Jackie will lead our marketing team while building a strong, new interactive department," said WGN VP/GM Langmyer who previously worked with Paulus when he was VP/GM at KMOX. "She'll be responsible for taking full advantage of content from all Tribune brands, adding new technologies and leading the staff to greater involvement in our digital effort, which is critical to our success.  She'll also lead in the creation of revenue-based digital programs and NTR initiatives for sales." Congratulate Jackie on her new gig HERE.

» Barely Looks A Day Over 19: Congrats to syndicated talker Doug Stephan who joins a very exclusive radio fraternity this month as he celebrates his 20th year in national weekday syndication. From October 1-20 Stephan's Good Day will look back at the best - and worst -- of all that has happened on the show and in the world during his two decades of coast-to-coast broadcasting. Stephan has also kicked off his new "20-Every-20" contest giving listeners the chance to win prizes every 20 minutes during the show throughout this month's celebration. Stephan is also unveiling his newly re-tooled WEBSITE in conjunction with his 20th anniversary. Currently heard in a reported 485 markets nationwide you can send Doug your happy anniversary wishes HERE.

» Bassik Named CDO At AAR: New York City-based Air America Radio has named Michael Bassik to the newly created position of Chief Digital Officer for the liberal Talk radio network. Most recently VP/Interactive Marketing at online political marketing firm MSHC Partners, Bassik has more than a decade of online political marketing and advertising background, including directing political ad strategy for AOL from 2000-2002. He's also served in a variety of roles at the New York Times, the White House and New York City Hall. In his new gig Bassik will focus on AAR Media's digital strategy with the goal of "building AirAmerica.com into a leading source for independent news, commentary and community." He'll report directly to company CEO Bennett Zier.

WTAE's All Day Tailgate Party: In front of last night's Monday Night Football contest between the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike In The Morning broadcast their show live from the Steel City as part of affiliate WTAE/Pittsburgh all-day tailgate party to fire up fans for the big game. The motivation apparently worked as the Steelers handed the Ravens their first loss of the season, winning 23-20 in overtime on kicker Jeff Reed's 46-yard field goal.