'Bout one month ago today, over on Sportatorium, Richie called it: Russ Martin would be taking over as morning-show host on KEGL-FM (97.1) some time this month. J.D. Freeman, Clear Channel's market manager, just made it official: The one-time Observer cover boy begins July 12 at 6 a.m. The full announcement follows.

I asked Freeman: Did Clear Channel buy out what Richie reported was his million-dollar CBS contract through April 2011? He responded via e-mail: "Russ wanted to get back on the radio, and CBS released him from his agreement."

Before you jump, this is what Martin has to say about his return to the station where he used to work, oh, 'bout a decade ago:

"After my almost 10 year leave from The Eagle, I'm excited to be back home and give the listeners what they want......ME! I'm ready to ruffle a few feathers and have fun doing it. My life in radio has been a big influence on me as a man, it has allowed me to explore my hobbies, cars...Russ Martin Automotive; music.....The Russ Martin Show Band. Radio has even given me a way to give back, The Russ Martin Show Listener Foundation; we recently sent a check for $35,000 to the family of fallen Lancaster Police Officer Craig Shaw. That makes it all worth while."

Ah, who says terrestrial radio's dead? (Proper punctuation, on the other hand ...) On the other side, comments from Chris Ryan, the station's program director, and Freeman.