Radio briefs: Scotty K and Riley’s ‘Thriller’ Halloween, Star 94’s Jingle Jam, Fish 104.7’s GM political endorsement

Mike Moran, the general manager for Fish 104.7, a Christian pop station, recently went on air to endorse Senatorial candidate David Perdue before he handily won the seat this past Tuesday.

It is unusual for a music station management to make any political statement on air whatsoever. But he is part of Salem, which runs mostly conservative talk stations and Christian pop stations, including the local 920/WGKA-AM. Presumably, he didn’t get much backlash since his listeners are likely to be heavily Republican.

The station also made an unusual pre-ad disclaimer before any ad supporting Democrat Michelle Nunn to say it did not necessarily endorse what she was saying but was required by law to run her ads.

I am awaiting comment from Moran about this decision.

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Radio station jocks rarely mess with the music they play. That’s been long run by the bosses above them.

But Power 96.1’s Scotty K and Riley Couture threw out the playlist for a bit on Halloween, spinning Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” multiple times during the morning to get people in the mood.

At least one very young listener was a fan:

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Star 94’s Jingle Jam has had its ups and downs over the years in terms of star power. This year is one of the more modest line ups to date, with the Script as the headliner and two relative newcomers as support: Lindsey Stirling (“Shatter Me”) and Echokids (“Cool Kids”).  The show this year will be on Dec. 18.

This is the Script’s second appearance at a Star Jingle Jam. They came in 2011 as well. Tickets are priced $35 to $75. 

The Irish pop rock band has a handful of hits under their belt including “Breakeven,” “Hall of Fame,” “For the First Time” and the current song “Superheroes.”

As a sign of smaller ambitions, Jingle Jam was moved from its usual home at the Gwinnett Arena to the more intimate venue that is Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Last year’s featured the Backstreet Boys, the Fray, Avril Lavigne and Colbie Caillat. I attended and it was great fun.

My favorite Jingle Jam has always been 2003’s lineup: Maroon 5, Sarah McLachlan, Jessica Simpson and Barenaked Ladies.

Here were the rest, for posterity:

2004: Duran Duran

2005: Jason Mraz, Switchfoot, Gavin DeGraw, Howie Day and James Blunt.

2006: Hinder, the Fray, K.T. Tunstall, Goo Goo Dolls

2007: Elliott Yamin, Colbie Caillat, Jonas Brothers, Avril Lavigne

2008: We the Kings, Flyleaf, David Archuleta, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw

2009: Justin Bieber, Owl City, Cobra Starship, Jordin Sparks, The Fray

2010: Train, Plain White T’s, Christina Perri

2011: Daughtry, the Script, Big Time Rush, Matt Nathanson, Parachute

2012: Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz, Phillip Phillips, Andy Grammar, Alex Clare, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

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