New Beginnings

LeAnn Bennett

>>>LeAnn Bennett has announced the formation of Bennett Entertainment Group, a full-service project development company specializing in entertainment media from conception to delivery. BEG will oversee creation and coordination of both physical and digital media including CDs, DVDs, books, film/TV, merchandising and more which can include the negotiation of rates and usage, licensing, clearances, compilation of label copy, creative services, manufacturing and delivery. Bennett recently served as Director of Special Projects at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where she was responsible for the complete management of and licensing for CMF Records, CMF Video, CMF Press, JCM, and Hatch Show Print. Contact BEG at www.bennettentgroup.com or leann@bennettentgroup.com

>>>The Board of Directors of Vanderbilt Student Communications and the Board of Directors of Nashville Public Radio have transferred the license of WRVU 91.1FM to Nashville Public Radio. The new station’s call letters will be WFCL, and its mission will be to showcase classical music and the arts and promote local performances and events. The change in format is effective June 8. WRVU’s eclectic programming format continues without interruption as an online service and will resume over-the-air broadcast service on WPLN’s HD3 channel beginning in the fall of 2011. The agreement calls for a payment of $3,350,000 from Nashville Public Radio to Vanderbilt Student Communications, gives WRVU the use of WPLN HD3 and guarantees internship opportunities for Vanderbilt students in Nashville Public Radio’s award-winning news department.

Stephanie Taylor

>>>Entertainment and Music Industry attorney Stephanie Taylor has joined the law firm of Bone McAllester Norton PLLCand will oversee the firm’s Entertainment Law Group. Prior to joining Bone McAllester Norton, she owned Stephanie Taylor Law. Ms. Taylor also has been a professor of music business at Middle Tennessee State University and directed MTSU’s Recording Industry Exchange program with Russia.

>>>The Country Network has named former KWNR/Las Vegas PD Cary Rolfe, Exec. VP. In his new role, Rolfe will be based in Nashville and responsible for the company’s artist relations, programming and promotions initiatives. Rolfe has over 30 years experience in the industry, including time with Citadel/Spokane and Giant Records. “To be able to step in and contribute to a revolutionary venture like The Country Network is very exciting,” says Rolfe. “My career has always been about the music and this opportunity offers the perfect venue to fully engage all avenues of this passion.”