» TJ Lambert Joins Radiolicious: The longtime former ABC Radio Networks exec has been named EVP/COO of Radiolicious, a new iPhone application available through the iTunes App Store. In his new gig, Lambert will direct the company's software development, customer service, sales and marketing teams and lead efforts in securing radio stations, networks and content providers looking to expand their digital distribution. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Regent Broadcasting as the exclusive player for all Regent radio stations to play on the new iPhone3G. "This is truly a perfect opportunity for me, as it combines my lifelong passion for radio with my natural curiosity for new technology," said Lambert. "Making the right content available on the right device is critical to staying relevant with the younger audience and the newest generation, the millennials. Our goal is to provide the most compelling content from around the world through our player."

» Fairness Doctrine Is "Obsolete": That's the opinion of Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth who says the doctrine -- which was repealed in 1987 and paved the way for the explosion of Talk radio -- has no place in the modern media world. "Today listeners have countless options for obtaining information and opinion -- not just broadcast radio and television, newspapers, and large-circulation magazines, but also an ever expanding array of cable TV stations, an endless variety of niche and alternative periodicals, satellite radio, Internet radio, and an Internet marketplace that offers streaming audio and video, blogs, and online newspapers that is growing exponentially each day. If someone questions what is coming out of their radio receiver, they turn it off and seek answers from Google, Wikipedia, or FactCheck.org." Read more of Smyth's comments on the potential return of the Fairness Doctrine HERE.

» Rush Is Fascinating: Celebrity maven Barbara Walters apparently agrees with millions of daily radio listeners as she names Premiere Radio Networks host Rush Limbaugh to her list of 2008's "10 Most Fascinating People." Also included on this year's list are actress and comedian Tina Fey, U.S. Olympic star Michael Phelps, actors Will Smith and Tom Cruise, and teen pop sensation Miley Cyrus. The remaining four to make her annual list -- including her number one pick -- will be unveiled during Walters' annual ABC-TV special this Thursday night (12/4).

» Talk Media News Notes: Another industry cutback as WPEN (950 ESPN)/Philadelphia Station Manager Bob Deblois exits after his position is eliminated at the Greater Media Sports/Talker ... NPR reporter Ivan Watson narrowly escaped injury after a bomb planted under his car exploded yesterday (11/30) in Baghdad. Iraqi authorities arrested a man with alleged ties to Al Qaeda in the incident ... WKXW (New Jersey 101.5)/Trenton midday co-host Judi Franco exits as evening talker Michele Pilenza slides into the co-host's chair alongside Dennis Malloy. Michelle Jerson replaces Pilenza in the station's 7pm-midnight slot ... Jury selection begins today in Lafayette, LA in the murder trial of former WWL/New Orleans talk host Vince Marinello charged in the shooting death of his estranged wife back in 2006 ... Opie & Anthony are o-u-t at WBCN/Boston, the fourth CBS Radio station to drop the syndicated duo in the past year.

Newsapalooza Blows Into Chicago: What do you get when you mix the musical talents of some of the Windy City's most recognizable news reporters and anchors into the band of Grammy Award winner Richard Marx? "Newsapalooza," a special event hosted by WLS/Chicago afternooner Roe Conn this Saturday (12/6) to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Among the journalist/musicians who will join Marx and Conn on stage this weekend will be television news icon Bill Kurtis along with anchors and reporters from Chicago's local NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX television affiliates. Get details and purchase tickets HERE.

Ramsey Makes Waves: Media industry guru and Mercury Media Research President Mark Ramsey has released a new book, Making Waves: Radio On The Verge. The second book penned by Ramsey, Making Waves focuses on how broadcasters can learn to "navigate a digital wonderland of infinite choice and endless competition" to succeed in the media world of today and tomorrow. It's a quick read packed with interviews and insights from leading marketing thought-leaders about radio and its future. Learn more HERE.

R.I.P. Bill Drake: Whether you are in Talk radio or any other radio format today, chances are you were influenced directly or indirectly by the programming genius of the legendary Bill Drake. The man who was the force behind the "Boss Radio" tidal wave that swept over Top 40 radio in the 1960s and '70s died Saturday (11/29) from lung cancer. He was 71. Among the call letters included on Drake's radio resume were KHJ/Los Angeles, KGB/San Diego, KFRC/San Francisco, WRKO/Boston, WOR-FM/New York and KYNO/Fresno. A memorial service for Drake is scheduled to take place this Wednesday (12/3) in Los Angeles.