RadioInsight

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Nearly Instant Insight On Today's Big Moves

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 02:08 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/blogs/...ays-big-moves/



There are plenty of days when there is little news to report which then
gets balanced by days like today when you get flooded with big stories that
have the potential to have repercussions for many months and years forward.

Starting with Entercoms purchase into Charlotte via the mandated Greater
Media divestitures and WFNZ, you have to first start with noting how much
was paid compared to what Greater Media acquired WBT AM/FM and WLNK in
2007. Entercom will pay less than a quarter of the $100 million Greater
Media forked down for one less station nine years ago. The debt taken on
just before the economic collapse eventually led to Beasley acquiring the
company.

With Entercom bulking up lately on sports play-by-play rights and Beasley
shying away from the format (Selling WQAM Miami and blowing up 98.7 The Fan
Tampa in the 2014 CBS deal) the addition of WFNZ to the former Greater
Media cluster makes sense. Entercom will now have the rights to both major
sports franchises in the Charlotte market with the NFLs Carolina Panthers
on WBT and the NBAs Charlotte Hornets on WFNZ.


Don Imus has been a fixture in New York morning radio for over four
decades. But when your station is down to a 1.3 share is keeping the status
quo with a 76 year old really the best thing for the future? If anything
the new deal with Cumulus makes two major points clear.

There is no future for Conservative Talk. Cumulus and WABC are going to go
down with the ship rather than attempt to resuscitate the dying patient.
The talent pool is so diluted that WABC believes that there is nobody they
can put on AM drive in New York to change the destiny of the station.



Meanwhile iHeartMedia hasÂ*a Woody future in mornings for its Alternative
Rockers. From the time Jeff Woody Fife brought his Woody Show to Alt 98.7
KYSR Los Angeles it was expected syndication would follow. That finally
came to fruition with his return toÂ*St. Louis, but many more markets will
follow. Has iHeart finally found a male oriented program to lead its
Alternative and Rock stations just as the likes of Elvis Duran, Ryan
Seacrest, and others have done at CHR and Hot AC and The Breakfast Club and
Big Boy are at Urban and Rhythmic CHR.


How many jobs are enough for Ebro Darden? The WQHT New York morning host
and Beats 1 evening host will team with his WQHT partner Laura Stylez for
an early afternoon slotÂ*at Alpha Medias We 96.3 KWEE Portland. Is this an
early roll-out for eventual syndication elsewhere? Thats what weve been
told off the record, but no confirmations yet. AndÂ*does the absence of
fellow WQHT morning host Peter Rosenberg portend anything for his future at
the station?



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Ebro Returns To Portland For Third Gig

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 11:43 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...for-third-gig/



Alpha Media Urban We 96.3 KWEE West Linn/Portland is bringing Ebro Darden
back to the market.

The morning host at Emmis Hot 97 WQHT New York and evening host on Apples
Beats 1 will be heard on KWEE from 1-4pm along with his WQHT morning
co-host Laura Stylez. Darden worked in the Portland market from 1999
through 2003 at Rose City Radios Jammin 95.5 KXJM and served as the imaging
voice of KWEE when it launched in August.

Alpha Media, Portland announced today the addition of Ebro and Laura Stylez
to WE 96.3 (KWEE). The duo will take to the airwaves from 1-4pm M-F,
starting October 24th. Ebro currently hosts Apple’s Beats 1 and morning
drive on New York City’s HOT 97.

Alpha Media VP of Programming, Phil Becker commented on the announcement,
“One of the core values of Alpha Media is our relentless effort to create
new content in ways that others might have overlooked. One example of this
was during the creation of WE 96.3 by using Ebro Darden to narrate the
brand. Now with the addition of Laura Stylez, WE have even more
opportunities to push the brand forward while welcoming Ebro back to
Portland.�

“Portland is an awesome city and being on #TeamWe to bring real Hip-Hop
back to the radio in this city is super exciting,� remarked Ebro.

Alpha Media Program Director, Chris Stewart added, “It is great to have
Ebro back on in Portland. He is an incredible talent whose knowledge and
authenticity of the format makes him the perfect piece to our puzzle. I’m
sure with him and Laura on our team WE will do big things.�



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Alt 104.9 St. Louis Debuts With Woody Show In Syndication

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 10:00 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...04-9-st-louis/



iHeartMedia flipped Rhythmic CHR Wild 104.9 KBWX Columbia IL/St. Louis to
Alternative Alt 104.9 at 12pm today.

The new format debuted as the first syndicated affiliate for The Woody Show
based at Alt 98.7 KYSR Los Angeles. Prior to joining KYSR in 2014, Woody
co-hosted mornings in St. Louis at Emmis Alternative 105.7 The Point KPNT.
Former co-host Scott Rizutto remained with KPNT and continues to host
mornings there. KPNT currently ranks seventh in the market with a 5.5 share.

The new format debuted with Foo Fighters Everlong, Twenty One Pilots
Heathens and The Killers Mr. Brightside.

iHeartMedia St. Louis announced today the debut of The New Alt 104.9, St.
Louis’ Alternative Rock, effective immediately.

Alt 104.9 will connect listeners with their favorite alternative rock
music, including hits from artists including Foo Fighters, Green Day,
Blink-182, twenty one pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. The station
will broadcast The Woody Show featuring Woody, Ravey, Greg, Menace, Seabass
and Tony “Whipping Boy� Mott. The show will return to St. Louis’ airwaves
with their quirky take on pop culture, local news and alternative rock
music expertise. The Woody Show will broadcast from 6 to 10 a.m. and after
10 a.m., the station will feature limited commercial inventory, playing 60
minutes of non-stop music after every commercial break.

“St. Louis has been very eager for a new alternative rock brand,� said Beth
Davis, Region President for iHeartMedia St. Louis. “We are excited to
deliver on that request as well as the return of “The Woody Show� – I’m
excited to watch how quickly Woody will reinstate his relationship with
both listeners and advertisers here in St. Louis.�

“We are truly thrilled about the launch of the new Alt 104.9 and the return
of “The Woody Show.� The strength of Woody’s brand in this market coupled
with the strategic launch of our new station will be like no other and will
make an impact from day one,� said A.J., Senior Vice President of
Programming for iHeartMedia St. Louis.

“St. Louis is really where The Woody Show began,� said Woody. “Its not only
the city where I built my career, but its also the place where I met my
wife and where my kids were born. So to launch into syndication and for St.
Louis to be the first market is not only appropriate, but really special.�

iHeartMedia is a leading media outlet in the St. Louis market and its
content is available across multiple platforms, including its broadcast
station; online via its branded digital site; mobile; and social, with
nationwide listening through iHeartRadio, the all-in-one streaming music
and live radio service – with its more than a billion downloads and 90
million registered users. Fans can listen to Alt 104.9 on the station’s
website www.alt1049fm.com as well as on iHeartRadio.com.




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Westwood One Takes Chris Plante National

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 09:12 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...ante-national/



Westwood One has announced it will begin syndicating conservative talker
Chris Plante nationally from 9am-12pm eastern beginning Monday, January 2,
2017.

Plante has worked at Cumulus 630 WMAL Washington DC/105.9 WMAL-FM
Woodbridge VA since 2005 and has been syndicated internally on additional
Cumulus stations the past few years. Prior to joining WMAL, Plante spent 17
years as a reporter at CNN.

Westwood One today announced that it will launch The Chris Plante Show,
featuring conservative talker Chris Plante, on Monday, January 2, 2017. The
program will emanate from its flagship station, Washington, DC’s WMAL 105.9
FM/AM 630, from 9 am – 12 noon ET.

Plante, known for his conservative values, will bring his daily political
talk show to radio stations nationwide. The Chris Plante Show – insightful,
irreverent, and always entertaining – weaves pop culture references
throughout the discussion of the topical news of the day.

A third-generation media pro, Plante began his radio career at WMAL in 2005
after 17 years inside the Washington bureau at CNN, where he moved up the
ranks from researcher and assignment editor to Pentagon correspondent.
During his tenure at CNN, he crisscrossed the globe, covering events from
Vietnam and Albania to Jakarta. He was the director of the U.S. television
network pool operations in Saudi Arabia for three months following Saddam
Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Plante won the Edward R. Murrow Award from the RTDNA for his live coverage
of the terrorist attack on the pentagon on September 11th, 2001. He was
the first to report that the Pentagon had been attacked. He was also
recognized by the Television Academy for his September 11th reporting. He
makes regular appearances on The Fox News Channel and The Fox Business
Network.

Plante follows in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, Pat Barnes,
who was a radio pioneer in New York and Chicago in the 1920’s and 1930’s
following his return from Europe after World War One. His mother, father,
and several brothers have also made careers in broadcasting and journalism.
His stepfather is esteemed CBS News correspondent Bill Plante.

Plante said, “I can’t wait to engage with new audiences around the country,
where I will continue to rattle the cages of the high and mighty and share
the unfiltered truth in this incredibly treacherous time. It is a great
honor to be invited into your community, where I hope to become a welcome
guest in your daily lives. And remember, just because the wheels are
coming off everywhere you look, that doesn’t mean you can’t laugh your face
off about it.�

“Chris Plante takes the news of the day and breaks it down in his signature
direct, funny, and fearless style,� said Suzanne Grimes, President,
Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Marketing, Cumulus. “He engages a legion of
devoted fans who tune in every day whether they agree with him or not. He’s
a captivating storyteller who makes great radio. It’s the kind of
programming we are proud to add to our best-in-class talk lineup.�

Stations interested in The Chris Plante Show can contact Stuart Greenblatt
at (212) 419-2946 or .



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Dick Taylor: Its Another Fine Mess

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 08:39 AM PDT
https://dicktaylorblog.com/2016/10/1...her-fine-mess/





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Entercom Acquires Beasley Charlotte Spinoffs And WFNZ

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 06:20 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...otte-spinoffs/



Beasley Media has agreed to sell four stations in the Charlotte NC market
to Entercom for $24 million.

Entercom will acquire Greater Medias News/Talk 1110 WBT Charlotte/99.3
WBT-FM Chester SC and Hot AC 107.9 The Link WLNK Charlotte as well as
Beasleys Sports 610 The Fan WFNZ/102.5 W273DA Charlotte. The Greater Media
stations were to be placed in a divestiture trust when Beasley closed on
its acquisition of the company. Instead Entercom will begin operating
WBT/WBT-FM and WLNK via Time Brokerage Agreement when Beasley closes on its
acquisition of Greater Media, which Entercom anticipates taking place on
November 1. It will also begin operating WFNZ on January 1, 2017 via TBA if
this deal has not closed by then.

With the divestiture of WFNZ from its current Charlotte cluster, Beasley
will retain CHR “Kiss 95.1� WNKS, Urban “Power 98� 97.9 WPEG, Urban AC
“V101.9� WBAV, Country 103.7 WSOC, AC “K104.7� WKQC, Sports and
Conservative Talk Americas Pulse 1660 WBCN.

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: BBGI) (“the Company� or “Beasley�),
a large- and mid-size market radio broadcaster, announced today that it
entered into a definitive agreement to sell two FM and two AM radio
stations in Charlotte to Entercom Communications Corp. (NYSE: ETM)
(“Entercom�) for $24 million in cash following the completion of, and
contingent upon, the Company’s previously announced acquisition of all of
the outstanding stock of Greater Media, Inc. (“Greater Media�).

The planned divestiture of the four Charlotte stations reflects Beasley’s
previously stated intention to divest certain radio stations in order to
comply with FCC ownership regulations. Beasley intends to use the net
proceeds from the sale of the four stations to reduce the borrowings
required to complete the Greater Media transaction.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Entercom will acquire WBT-FM,
WLNK-FM and WBT-AM, all of which are currently owned by Greater Media and
held in trust pending the completion of Beasley’s acquisition of Greater
Media. Entercom will also acquire Beasley’s WFNZ-AM in Charlotte and an FM
translator. In addition, Entercom will begin operating WBT-FM, WLNK-FM and
WBT-AM upon the closing of Beasley’s acquisition of Greater Media pursuant
to a time brokerage agreement.

The sale of the four Charlotte stations, expected to be completed later in
2016, is subject to FCC approval and other regulatory approvals, the
closing of Beasley’s acquisition of Greater Media and other customary
closing conditions. Michael J. Bergner of Bergner Co. served as the
broker in the transaction.

On July 19, 2016, Beasley and Greater Media entered into a definitive
merger agreement whereby Beasley will acquire all of the outstanding stock
of Greater Media for an aggregate consideration of approximately $240
million, subject to adjustments. Under the terms of the agreement, Greater
Media shareholders are expected to receive approximately $100 million in
cash and approximately $25 million in shares of the Company’s Class A
common stock (at a fixed value of $4.61 per share). In addition,
shareholders of Greater Media will receive the net cash proceeds from the
sale of its tower assets, estimated to be approximately $20 million.
Beasley will repay approximately $82 million of debt of Greater Media.
Excluding transaction costs, Beasley’s acquisition of Greater Media is
expected to be accretive to Beasley’s operating results (inclusive of
expected financial and operating synergies and the divestiture of the
Charlotte stations described above) following the expected closing later
this year.



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Don Imus Signs Extension With WABC

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 06:15 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...ion-with-wabc/



Cumulus Media and Don Imus have agreed to a contract extension to keep Imus
In The Morning on News/Talk 770 WABC New York and in syndication for
multiple years.

The 76 year old Imus has been with WABC since his firing from CBS Sports
660 WFAN in 2007. He currently hosts his show from his ranch in Texas. As
part of the new deal, Imus program will drop the 9:00am hour beginning in
January 2017 and air from 6-9am. Imus current support team of Executive
Producer Bernie McGuirk, Comedians Rob Bartlett and Tony Powell, producer
Lou Rufino, sportscaster Warner Wolf, and news anchor Connell McShane will
remain in place.

Cumulus Media and 77 WABC Radio announce the multi-year renewal of New
York’s most iconic talk radio program the “Imus In The Morning� show. Host
Don Imus and his incredible cast members will continue their historic run
on 77 WABC, one of New York’s heritage radio stations and the flagship
station for the “Imus In The Morning� show network since 2007.

Mike McVay, Senior Vice President, Content and Programming, Cumulus Media,
said: Don Imus is not a media icon. He is much more than that. He is an
American Icon. Mr. Imus brings his ‘A’ game every day. And if you miss one
day, you miss a lot. We are thrilled to have Don continue with Westwood
One, Cumulus and WABC.

Chad Lopez, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Media-New York said:
“Don Imus has been entertaining New Yorkers for an unprecedented four
decades and I am thrilled that he has agreed to continue with us at WABC.
He is a broadcasting legend with a very strong loyal audience that truly
appreciates his talent and professionalism.�

Don Imus commented, “I don’t know anything about this. Who are these
people?�

Don Imus began his career in Palmdale, CA at KUTY and has been performing
the “Imus in The Morning� show from New York first with WNBC, then with
WFAN, and for the last nine years on WABC Radio. Beginning January 2, 2017,
“The Imus In The Morning Show� will air from 6 a.m.-9 a.m. ET with the
renowned cast featuring Executive Producer Bernie McGuirk, Comedians Rob
Bartlett and Tony Powell, producer Lou Rufino, sportscaster Warner Wolf,
and news anchor Connell McShane.

Imus is a recipient of 4 Marconi Awards, was selected as one of Time
Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in America for 1997. He was inducted
into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1996. The Imus family has raised
over $250,000,000 (a quarter of a billion dollars) for cancer research,
childhood illnesses, the Intrepid Fallen Hero’s Fund and various charities
including the Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer which Don and Deirdre Imus
founded, personally donating millions of dollars in the process, the
Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, SKIP and the CJ Foundation for SIDS. The Imus
Foundation recently contributed $250,000 helping with the launch of Tackle
Kids Cancer, affiliated with Hackensack Medical University Center. In
addition, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center at Hackensack
University Medical Center is celebrating over 15 years of protecting
children’s health and the environment.




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All 80's Comes To South Bend

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 05:50 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...to-south-bend/



The third format change this month has come to South Bend IN.

After breaking up the simulcast of Classic Hits 97.7/102.3 The Stream to
flip 97.7 WSSM Goshen to Classic Rock Rock 97.7 WYXX, Sound Management
flipped 102.3 WSMM New Carlisle to 1980s Hits All 80s 102.3 WYET on Monday.

The new station is promoting a playlist of over 2500 songs and core artists
including Huey Lewis and the News, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Brian Adams, Whitney
Houston, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins. The format change
takes the station out of direct format competition with Midwest Family
Broadcastings Z94.3 WZOC Plymouth which continues with its Rock leaning
Classic Hits format.

Monday at 12:01 PM, a new 80’s radio station will launch in South Bend, IN.
102.3 FM, WYET, will play its first song: Don’t You Want Me by Human
League. With an 80’s library of over 2,500, 102.3 FM will give Michiana a
new taste of the greatest music from the 80’s.

With core artists like: Huey Lewis and the News, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Brian
Adams, Whitney Houston, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins
102.3 FM will play the best that the 80’s had to offer and provide
listeners with a plethora of musical choices, news, weather and community
service information.

President Arthur Angotti was excited about the launch saying “All 80’s
102.3 FM will play more 80’s music than any other radio station in Michiana
and provide listeners with a chance to relive the excitement of the best
music that the 80’s and the surrounding years had to offer. Having looked
at the first week’s playlist and extensive music library, I have been
eagerly anticipating this launch for some time and look forward to tuning
in to All 80’s 102.3 FM.�

All 80’s 102.3 FM will operate using the call letters WYET and is owned by
Sound Management a local Indiana based broadcasting company which also owns
U93 and ROCK 97.7 FM.

All 80’s 102.3 FM website will launch shortly at www.1023radio.com



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KCOH Brings Spanish Tropical To Houston

Posted: 18 Oct 2016 05:00 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...al-to-houston/



Latino Broadcasting Corporation of Houston has launched Spanish Tropical La
Calle 92.5 as 1230 KCOH Houston has signed-on 92.5 K223CW to bring the
station to FM.

KCOH was purchased earlier this year by Pueblo de Galilea from Liberman
Broadcasting for $1.8 million and had been running Spanish Christian
programming since the sale closed. Hector and Roberto Guevaras Latino
Broadcasting Corporation are operating the new format as its third in the
market joining Spanish Christian/Sports La Nueva 94.1 K231CN/KODA-HD3
Houston and Regional Mexican La Mejor 104.5 K283CH/KTBZ-HD3 Houston.

The new Tropical station is being promoted as the first in the market to
feature the format.



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Emmis, Midwest & DLC Media Make Deals In Terre Haute

Posted: 17 Oct 2016 09:21 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/blog/headli...n-terre-haute/



The FCC filings for the three deals reveal a bit more info regarding how
the deals are structured and show a slightly different price than
previously announced.

Emmis will still receive $4.3 million in its sale of Country Hi 99 WTHI
Terre Haute and the intellectual property of Classic Rock 105.5 The River
WWVR West Terre Haute to Midwest, however $300,000 of that will be the
proceeds of Midwests divestment of Classic Country 95.9 Duke-FM WDKE
Seelyville to DLC Media.

The price DLC Media is paying for CHR B92.7 WFNB Brazil, and Sports
1130/99.5 The Fan WFNF Brazil/W293AL Rochester, and the license for 105.5
WWVR is $865,000 and not the $900,000 listed in the Emmis press release
last week.

Original Report 10/12: Three transactions involving three companies will
shakeup the ownership structure in Terre Haute IN.

The result will see Emmis Communications exit the market, Midwest
Communications improve its holdings, and DLC Media enter the market.

The first deal will see Emmis sell Country Hi 99 WTHI Terre Haute and the
intellectual property of Classic Rock 105.5 The River WWVR West Terre Haute
to Midwest for $4.3 million.

The second deal will see the rest of Emmis Terre Haute holdings: CHR B92.7
WFNB Brazil, and Sports 1130/99.5 The Fan WFNF Brazil/W293AL Rochester, and
the license for 105.5 WWVR go to DLC Media for $900,000.

Finally, Midwest will divest Classic Country 95.9 Duke-FM WDKE Seelyville
to DLC Media for an undisclosed amount to remain under the ownership limits
in the market.

When the dust settles, Midwest will own AC 98.5 WBOW Paris IL, Country Hi
99 WTHI, CHR 100.7 Mix-FM WMGI Terre Haute, Country Q102.7 WDWQ Terre Haute
(Future home of WWVR to remove competition with WTHI?), and Talk 1230 WIBQ
Terre Haute/1440 WPRS Paris. DLC Media will add CHR B92.7 WFNB Brazil,
Classic Country 95.9 Duke-FM WDKE Seelyville, the license for 105.5 WWVR
West Terre Haute, and Sports 1130/99.5 The Fan WFNF Brazil/W293AL Rochester.

Emmis Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: EMMS) has announced agreements to
sell Terre Haute’s WTHI-FM 99.9 FM, WWVR-FM 105.5 The River, WFNB-FM B92.7,
and WFNF-AM 1130AM/99.5FM The Fan. The sales will deliver gross proceeds
to the Company of $5.2 million.

Emmis will sell the assets of WTHI-FM and the intellectual property of
WWVR-FM to Midwest Communications, Inc. for $4.3 million. Midwest
Communications is a family-owned media company with radio properties in
Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana,
Illinois and Tennessee. Headquartered in Wausau, WI, Midwest Communications
was founded in 1958.

Emmis will also sell the assets of WFNF-AM, WFNB-FM and WWVR (other than
the IP for that station) for $0.9 million to DLC Media, Inc., a company
owned by Dave Crooks, who operates radio stations in other Indiana markets.

Because Midwest is currently at FCC ownership limits in the Terre Haute
market, Midwest is also selling one of its stations, WDKE-FM, to DLC Media.

These three transactions are cross conditioned and will result in gross
proceeds to Emmis at closing of $5.2 million, subject to working capital
adjustments.

Emmis has owned WTHI and WWVR since 1998, adding WFNB and WFNF in 2012. The
transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close after the
first of the year.

“The sale of our stations in Terre Haute, while difficult, will help us
further our goal of de-levering our balance sheet,� said Emmis Chairman
CEO Jeff Smulyan. “We are thrilled the buyers value radio and have long
traditions of success in smaller markets, like Terre Haute. I’d also like
to thank our people at these stations. They have been tremendous stewards
of their brands and wonderful ambassadors of Emmis’ culture. We wish them
continued success.�

Kalil Co., Inc. served as the broker in the transaction.



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The Interrobang: Comedians Name The Most Influential Radio Shows for Stand
Up

Posted: 17 Oct 2016 04:21 PM PDT
http://theinterrobang.com/comedians-...o-shows-stand/