Boston Phoenix media critic Dan Kennedy explores WBUR’s controversial sale of two AM frequencies in Rhode Island and other allegations of management misconduct, asserting that “There’s plenty of smoke, but it’s too early to say whether there’s any fire.” (via mediabistro.com)

“I’ve pretty much been around the world, but the thing about it is when I go away I’m not thinking about relaxing, I’m thinking about the story I’m working on,” says Nova senior executive producer Paula Apsell, in a profile by her hometown newspaper.

The Twin Cities’ City Pages says public radio’s Pop Vultures is “conversational to the point of free association.”

Supporters of public radio in Rhode Island plan to meet tomorrow with executives at Boston’s WGBH about the future of their state’s stations, reports the Providence Journal. (More in the Boston Globe.)

In a feature on nonprofit journalism by Carl Sessions Stepp, American Journalism Review finds that the PBS NewsHour, Pacifica’s KPFK, NPR and several nonprofit periodicals enjoy (literally) a feeling of independence unknown to many media professionals. Via Benton.org.

WTTW plans to adapt its hit restaurant review series for other major market stations, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

PBS will move its headquarters to Crystal City, Va., in February 2006.

KUVO-FM in Denver became the first radio station to broadcast a live concert in digital surround sound, reports Radio Magazine. Also in Radio: the International Association of Audio Information Services has endorsed in-band, on-channel digital radio.

KCPW-FM in Salt Lake city aims to distinguish itself from competitor KUER-FM with shorter news reports and a new branding statement, reports the Salt Lake Tribune.

Last week’s “Savage Love” featured a tie-in with public radio’s The Next Big Thing.

Two top execs left the Public Radio Partnership in Louisville, Ky., as a result of restructuring, reports Business First of Louisville.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) praised CPB’s recent grant supporting the Center for Native American Radio, reports Radio World.

Bob Edwards, making the media rounds to plug the launch of his new show on XM Radio, tells the New York Times he’s excited about his new gig even though “you wouldn’t think, at 57, you could get excited about much of anything.” In a Q-and-A with media website mediabistro.com, Edwards describes XM’s plan for his show as “Let Bob be Bob.” “So for better or worse,” he says, “that’s what you’ll get.”

Boston University is investigating charges of nepotism and financial mismanagement leveled anonymously against WBUR-FM, reports the Boston Herald. (More in the Boston Globe.)

Jim Lehrer’s performance moderating last night’s presidential debate drew widespread praise, but the conservative media watchblog NewsMax didn’t like it one bit. (For more debate reviews, visit Romenesko and page down.)