Philadelphia Phillies Add 'SportsRadio 94' WIP-FM
CBS Radio and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a multi-year partnership that will allow Phillies games to be broadcast on Talk WPHT-AM and "SportsRadio 94" WIP-FM. Phillies play by play will be heard on WPHT and WIP during the pre-season, regular season and post-season. The agreement begins in February during Spring Training. The first game on WIP-FM will be March 3, the Phillies pre-season opener against the New York Yankees. Says Phillies SVP of Marketing/Advertising and Sales David Buck, "1210 WPHT has a long tradition as the Phillies flagship radio station in Philadelphia. We’re proud to continue the partnership and look forward to many exciting seasons ahead. We’re also thrilled to have an FM station broadcasting our games with the addition of SportsRadio 94 WIP.” CBS Radio Philadelphia SVP and Market Manager Marc Rayfield tells us, “It’s a very exciting time for WPHT and WIP, and this partnership with the Philadelphia Phillies only adds to the interest audiences have in these two leading radio stations. We look forward to the future with the most thrilling team in baseball.” WIP-FM will have a studio housed at Citizen’s Bank Park, Anthony Gargano announced on the air. Phillies President and CEO David Montgomery joined Gargano and Glen Macnow on WIP-FM Monday (Feb. 6) to make the announcement. Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen will continue to call the games for WPHT and WIP.

Chicago's WLS-AM Faces $44,000 Sponsorship ID Fine
The FCC is proposing a $44,000 fine against Cumulus Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, for sponsorship identification violations. A complaint alleged that WLS-AM aired "program matter" from a group called Workers Independent News without identifying that it was "an advertisement, not a news story." Workers Independent News describes itself as a group "focused on the issues and concerns of working people," and claims to be "a news service" which "is devoted to bringing the voices of workers, their families, communities and organizations to the widest public possible, using all means of electronic media." WLS-AM says that between March 18 and May 30, 2009, it aired 45 ninety-second spots, 27 fifteen-second promotional announcements, 2 two-hour programs, and 1 one-hour program from WIN in exchange for "consideration or the promise of consideration." It said that all of the programming complied with sponsorship identification rules except 11 ninety-second spots that did not carry a notice that WIN paid for or sponsored the spot but did identify WIN and the narrator, Doug Cunningham, which the former Citadel station claims satisfied the rule. The FCC rejected that contention, and also the station's claim that because the spots ran within commercial clusters, it was apparent to listeners that the material was paid content. The Commission says rules requiring that the ads, considered political, themselves had been paid for by Workers Independent News were violated by the station. Each of 11 airings that were not properly identified receives a $4,000 fine for the total of $44,000 proposed by the Commission. Some listeners said to spots sounded like a news item.

Nashville 'Lightning 100' PD David Hall Dead at 57
Veteran radio programmer and on-air personality David Hall has died at the age of 57. Most recently, he's been Program Director and afternoon drive host at Triple-A "Lightning 100" WRLT-FM, Nashville. The station posts the news of Hall's passing, and its shocked reaction, on the "Lightning 100" website: "This weekend, we were devastated to learn that our co-worker, Program Director, longtime family member and faithful friend, David Hall, had passed away. David’s steadfast professionalism and charm were hallmarks of his time at the helm of Lightning 100. He was THE face and THE voice of Nashville rock radio and Lightning 100, spanning decades at the microphone. He was a fierce advocate of many Nashville artists you hear on Lightning 100, a role which he relished as “David Hall Rocks Y’all,” every weekday afternoon. He brought them to Nashville radio and the rest of the world via live broadcast and the internet every Sunday with Nashville Sunday Night. In local music, David championed everyone from Jason & the Scorchers in the 80’s, The Evinrudes and Leigh Nash in the 1990s, to Gabe Dixon and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, in 2012. Prior to his work at Lightning 100, Nashville radio listeners knew David, a Kentucky native, from his years at WKDF-FM, which was one of the south’s legendary rock stations during his employment there, from 1980 -1988. David also broadcast as part of the 1988 -1993 line-up at Classic Rock WGFX “The Fox,” before coming to Lightning 100. In the coming days we will mourn the loss of our loyal friend and celebrate his life and contributions to the Nashville music scene."

College Radio Station Says No to iHeartRadio Offer
Carleton College noncommercial KRLX-FM, Northfield, Minnesota, doesn't want any part of Clear Channel's iHeartRadio – at least not as offered. Or, as The Carletonian, the student-run newspaper of Carleton College a small, private liberal arts college in Minnesota, puts it: "KRLS refuses to 'sell out'." The college station has turned down an offer to be carried by iHeartRadio. As we've previously reported, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced January 23 that it will add college radio stations to its iHeartRadio. KRLX student Station Manager Danny Nathan tells the student newspaper that Clear Channel offered streaming equipment in exchange for carrying the station on the app, but that Clear Channel would retain ownership of the equipment and remove it at any time, while KRLX would be responsible for maintaining the equipment at its own expense. A KRLX student board member adds that "the only benefit for signing up with Clear Channel would be a $2,000 piece of equipment that we could easily purchase. It would be a loss of independence for no benefit." Nathan adds, "They weren't asking us to change our programming, but we could no longer claim to be a fully independent, student-run, college- owned radio station." He says, "it would be great to get free stuff, but all of the baggage that comes along with that free stuff was not worth it to us. It comes down to the fact that we can do this ourselves, we should do this ourselves, and we'll be better if we do it ourselves."

Conclave 2012 Rockwell Award Recipients Announced
The Conclave announces that Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media, and Rich Meyer, President/CEO of Airplay Intel are recipients of the 2012 Rockwell Award. They will be honored at the annual awards luncheon during the Conclave Learning Conference July 20 in the MusicMaster Room of the Doubletree Park Place Hotel in Minneapolis. Says Conclave Board Chairman Mark Bolke, "I am thrilled to see Fred Jacobs and Rich Meyer named as this year's recipients of the Rockwell Award. They have distinguished themselves as industry leaders, innovators, and most importantly, benchmarks of integrity and character. It will be my honor and pleasure to see them both formally recognized in front of their industry peers this July in Minneapolis." Jacobs' company Jacobs Media has been an active part of the Conclave Learning Conference and since 2010 has presented its Jacobs Media "Summer School" series. He tells us, "As a lifelong radio guy and student of the game, I am so humbled and excited to be named a Rockwell honoree. Thanks to the Conclave for this special honor." And says Meyer, "I am extremely honored and grateful to be receiving the Rockwell Award this year. It is a true testament to the hard work of the hundreds of talented individuals I have had the privilege of working with for so many years. If the award could be broken up into tiny little equal sized pieces, I would give a piece to every single person that has been there along the way." Awarded annually by the Conclave’s Board of Directors, the Rockwell Award is the Conclave’s highest honor. Since 1989 this lifetime achievement award has been given in memory of one of the Conclave’s founding members, Mike Rockwell.

CHR-Top40 'i97-5' Debuts in Tucson with 'All The Hits'

Cumulus Adult Variety Hits "97.5 Bob FM" KSZR-FM, Tucson, flips to CHR-Top40 "i97-5" with the slogan "All The Hits" – targeting today's young adults including Gen Y listeners and adults 20-35. The new format launched Friday (Feb. 3) at noon with 10,000 songs in a row, giving listeners what it calls "a high impact, concentrated sample of what 'All The Hits' really means." The new "i97-5" is online at AllTheHitsi975.com. Says Market Manager Ken Kowalcek, "We couldn't be more excited about the new i97-5. This station brings an energy and enthusiasm that revolves around all the hit music that is the heart of i97-5." KSZR-FM, which is licensed to Oro Valley and serves the Tucson market, didn't stunt before the flip, but the new format and identity was not a complete surprise. The station had told advertisers it would begin commercial free programming Friday at noon. Rumors swirled that a CHR-Top40 format would debut at that time. The late "Bob" had told listeners he had the "Greatest Hits from the '80s, '90s and today!" but the station struggled for ratings. The "i97-5" branding is similar to other Cumulus CHR-Top40 stations which use the "i" identity. KSZR has gone through a variety of format changes in the past, including AC "Star 97.5" before the former Citadel changed it to "Bob" in late 2004. The "Star" format followed two different attempts at Country music as "Cat Country" and "Coyote Country." The newest format appears to be in direct competition to Clear Channel's market leading CHR-Top40 "93.7 KRQ" KRQQ-FM, which ranked third in Arbitron’s fall survey when "Bob" was 16th.

Clear Channel Goes All Out for Madonna
Premieres New Madonna Single Across Multiple Platforms Worldwide
Clear Channel has partnered with Madonna to launch a worldwide campaign for her latest single and video, "Give Me All Your Luvin'." The campaign – which includes the new single airing on Clear Channel and partner radio stations and websites – will reach more than 150 million people around the world. The video and single are also available on demand at iHeartRadio.com; on Clear Channel radio station websites in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand; and via Global Radio's Capital FM Network in the UK. Clear Channel will also use extensive on-air and online promotions to drive listeners and Madonna fans to iTunes, where they can buy the new single and pre-order (with a special discount offer available only through the weekend) her new album MDNA, scheduled to be released in March 2012. This morning (Feb. 3), the "Give Me All Your Luvin'" single aired simultaneously across 95 Clear Channel CHR and Rhythmic CHR stations as well as Clear Channel stations in Australia and New Zealand. The single will also run across stations throughout the United Kingdom through Clear Channel's partnership with Global Radio's Capital FM Network, the UK's premier radio company. The premiere featured a introduction by Madonna, and was followed by an exclusive megamix of unreleased tracks from MDNA, her new album. In addition to the premiere, from February 3-5, participating Clear Channel stations will play "Give Me All Your Luvin'" at the top of every hour and air the megamix throughout the weekend. Clear Channel-New York City stations are also promoting Madonna's halftime appearance this Sunday, with a chance to win a trip to see her performance. Participating stations will also direct people how to enter to win a trip for two to the kickoff of Madonna's world tour overseas.

At the same time, the full-length Madonna music video of "Give Me All Your Luvin'" ran on Clear Channel Outdoor billboards in New York City; Fashion Island, Las Vegas; Piccadilly Circus in London; La Defense in Paris; Oslo Central Station in Norway; and Helsinki, Finland. More than 1,600 Clear Channel Outdoor digital billboards around the world will feature Madonna before, during and after the premiere, including in subways, malls, railway stations and bars. In advance of the premiere, a teaser campaign featuring a countdown clock was launched globally to build excitement surrounding the premiere of the single and to tell fans where they can watch and listen to the new single this Friday. "Madonna Radio" will be featured on the homepage of iHeartRadio.com. The single will stream on demand on the home pages of 95 Clear Channel CHR and Rhythmic CHR websites, and promotion for the single will be posted on all Clear Channel CHR and Rhythmic CHR station Facebook pages, as well as the iHeartRadio Facebook and Twitter pages.

"This first of its kind multi-media premiere with Madonna demonstrates the unequalled scope and strength of the entire Clear Channel platform -- a range and depth that enables us to work with the most talented and creative artists in the world to develop truly groundbreaking promotional opportunities," says Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman. "By combining the power of broadcast radio on several continents; online and mobile via iHeartRadio and our station websites; and our dynamic digital outdoor advertising network with Madonna's extraordinary talent, creative drive and taste for innovation, we can reach millions of Madonna fans around the world and present audiences around the world with an unforgettable entertainment experience."

Beasley Broadcast Group Q4 Net Revenue Down
Net Income Rises 1.7%, Full Year Net Income Increases 26.5%
Beasley Broadcast Group reports a 6.8% decline in net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2011, a year-to-year drop of $1.8 million, which "primarily reflects the impact of a reduction in national and political advertising compared with the same period in 2010." However, net income rose 1.7% to $3.4 million attributed to a $1 million reduction in interest expense. A "$0.9 million, or 11.5% year-over-year reduction in 2011 fourth quarter operating income is primarily attributable to the year-over-year revenue decline which more than offset a $0.9 million or 4.9% reduction in total operating expenses compared with fourth quarter 2010 levels," reports Beasley. "Fourth quarter 2011 station operating income (SOI), a non-GAAP financial measure, dropped $1.0 million, or 9.5%, to $9.4 million compared with the 2010 fourth quarter based on the revenue decline which more than offset a $0.8 million or 5.0% reduction in station operating expenses. The 1.7% growth in 2011 fourth quarter net income reflects a $1.0 million, or 42.9% reduction in interest expense as a result of lower outstanding credit facility balances and the expiration of swap agreements at the end of the 2011 first and third quarters which more than offset the reduction in operating income during the period. Net income per basic and diluted share was $0.15 for both the 2011 and 2010 fourth quarter periods."

Says Chairman and CEO George Beasley, "Radio advertising remained relatively stable despite widespread economic concerns and volatility in the capital markets throughout the year. Importantly, during the fourth quarter and throughout 2011, we continued to make progress across the organization in enhancing operating efficiencies and maintaining a disciplined approach to spending. Overall, the industry recorded seven consecutive quarters of growth through the third quarter of 2011 which underscores our belief that radio remains both resilient and highly relevant in a digital world. During the quarter, the Company celebrated its 50th consecutive year in radio broadcasting and our success over this period has been defined by our ability to bring consumers and advertisers a platform that efficiently addresses their respective needs. In this regard, Beasley Broadcast Group remains committed to continuously developing strategies to benefit from changes in the media and advertising environments and the preferences of consumers and advertisers. Beasley Broadcast Group's fourth quarter revenue decline reflects a combination of weak overall national spending in our markets and several unique national advertising issues that we have addressed or which were essentially one time in nature. In addition, approximately one third of the overall revenue decline relates to a reduction in political spending in a non-election year. However, even during periods of lower revenue, our bottom line continues to benefit from our streamlined cost and operating structure. In light of the challenges faced during the quarter, we lowered station operating expenses by 5% while total operating expenses for the quarter were also reduced by 5% on a year-over-year basis. These factors, combined with a significant reduction in interest expense, led to a 1.7% increase in 2011 fourth quarter net income.

"Excluding the impact of political, revenue would have increased on a full year basis. Through active management of station operating expenses, which we reduced by 1.9% in 2011, SOI rose by 2.9% in 2011 compared with 2010. In addition, 2011 net income rose 26% over 2010 levels and reflecting our ongoing focus on costs and efficiencies, we increased SOI margins to 35%, from 34% in 2010. During the fourth quarter, we further strengthened our balance sheet as we made repayments totaling $5.9 million against the credit facility, reducing total bank debt to $126.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $142.0 million at the end of 2010. We ended the fourth quarter with our lowest leverage ratio in over five and a half years and remain committed to using cash from operations to further lower debt as well as other initiatives that can enhance shareholder value. Looking forward, we remain focused on our station clusters matching or exceeding their market's revenue performance, and further strengthening the balance sheet through reductions in borrowings. We have strong station clusters and ratings in key markets and we are highly focused on generating profitable station and digital revenue growth. We also continue to actively evolve the company through the deployment of relevant technologies as we expanded our digital capabilities and offerings and launched a new app for Android devices. We believe our concurrent focus on our core content and new media opportunities allows us to best address both current and prospective radio users. We also believe our platform is emerging as a high value media buy for advertisers and a primary source of on-air, online and mobile entertainment for consumers, which in turn is expected to generate new value for shareholders. In addition, we expect a return of political spending in 2012 with several of our markets expected to benefit from contested elections."

Salem Appoints Phil Boyce Director of Spoken Word
Salem Communications announced today (Feb. 2) the appointment of Phil Boyce to the position of Vice President, Director of Spoken Word Format. In this new role, he will oversee the programming practices of all spoken word English formats, and will lead Salem's programming department as, says Salem, "we improve the overall sound and effectiveness of our News Talk, Teaching and Talk, and Business formatted stations." Says Salem Communications Radio Division President Dave Santrella, "Phil Boyce brings an impressive pedigree to Salem and we are confident that our media platforms, our advertisers, our programmers and our listeners will all profit from his oversight. Phil's track record is a testament to his abilities and we look forward to reaping the rewards of his talents to our mutual benefit." Boyce says of his new appointment, "The more I learn about Salem Communications, the more impressed I am with this great company. I could not be more thrilled to be joining them as we work together to make their stations even better. This company has become one of the best places to work in radio, exhibiting class, integrity, and a true dedication to great programming. Ed Atsinger and Dave Santrella have created a position that perfectly fits my skillset, and I am grateful for their trust and support." Boyce joins Salem after three years as President of Programming at Talk Radio Network. Boyce is known for his 14-year stint as Program Director of WABC-AM in New York. During his time there, Boyce was named Vice President of News Talk Programming for ABC Radio and later Citadel. He is widely credited with hiring Sean Hannity in New York and taking his show into national syndication for ABC in 2001. Later he hired Mark Levin at WABC and took him into national syndication in 2006. Boyce left WABC in October of 2008 shortly after WABC hit a 5 share 12+ in New York (Arbitron PPM Sept. 2008), the highest share the station has achieved since going talk from rock in 1982. Before joining WABC, Boyce programmed WJR in Detroit.

Radio Disney Promotes Sean Cocchia and Phil Guerini
Radio Disney VP of Marketing Phil Guerini is promoted to succeed Sean Cocchia as VP and General Manager of Radio Disney. Cocchia is promoted to SVP of Business Operations and General Manager of Disney Channels Worldwide, supervising Disney Media Sales and Marketing and Radio Disney. The Radio Disney Stations Group will report to both Guerini and to Disney Media Sales and Marketing, overseen by Cocchia. Cocchia joined Disney in 1998 and previously served as SVP/Business Planning and Development for Disney Channels Worldwide and in executive positions at Disney Channel U.S. Disney Media Sales and Marketing. Business Planning and Strategy, Radio Disney and the business functions of both the new Disney Junior and Disney XD cable channels will report to Cocchia, who will also oversee the group's interactions with Walt Disney International, the Finance and Distribution teams and with Disney ABC Television Group's Franchise Management group on new business models and opportunities. Guerini joined Disney in 1992 and was named VP of Marketing in October 2008 after serving as Executive Director of Broadcast and Strategic Marketing of Walt Disney Records and in various positions at the Disney Parks and Resorts division. Radio Disney Programming, Marketing and Finance teams will report to Guerini, and the Radio Disney Stations Group will report to both Guerini and to Disney Media Sales and Marketing. Disney Channels Worldwide President/Chief Creative Officer Gary Marsh says of Cocchia, "Sean and I have worked together for years and it's always been clear that our team benefits greatly from his extensive knowledge of our business and his strategic approach to building on our success in the marketplace." Cocchia says of Guerini, "Phil is held in high esteem throughout our business and has a strong track record of driving growth through innovation. I'm confident that he’ll apply that same insight and energized leadership to his new role and will drive Radio Disney forward as we continue to grow our connection with kids and families in their cars, homes and on the go with mobile devices."

Bob Struble: 'AM/FM Is Only Analog Technology at CES'
HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital's President and CEO Bob Struble recounts his findings after scanning 1.85 million square feet of exhibit space at CES. His conclusion: “I can’t say I saw every one of the 31,000 exhibitor’s booths, but I did see a lot, and came to a distressing realization: AM/FM radio is the only analog technology remaining at the CES, everything else is digital.” Struble adds "that is not a long term growth strategy.” He writes in his iBiquity column at www.ibiquity.com/struble, "In what is somewhat of an annual ritual, I want to share some perspectives from [January's] Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas. Most know that CES is the world’s largest consumer technology trade show and a launching pad for the hottest CE products and services." [Full disclosure: I serve on CEA’s Board of Industry Leaders.] The 2012 CES broke most important records: 150,000 attendees, 31,000 exhibitors, over 1.85 million square feet of exhibit space. The excitement about new technology and enthusiasm for creating new business was infectious. As others have said, more radio people need to be at CES to see what is happening and feed off the vibe." He goes on to write, "Every competitor to AM/FM, every other source of information and entertainment and every CE gadget radio listeners are carrying around or enjoying at home or at work, are based on digital technology – except AM/FM. And that should concern all radio broadcasters, deeply." In a news release about Struble's findings, we are told that the theme of those findings is: "The 2012 International CES showed that the vastly superior consumer experience from digital technologies will win out over the limited capabilities of analog technology. Broadcasters must deliver compelling digital consumer experiences equal to other digital options, in cars, on CE devices and cellular handsets/tablets, or be left behind by consumers and advertisers alike."

Sacramento's KFBK Celebrates 90th Anniversary
Clear Channel NewsTalk KFBK-AM-FM, Sacramento, is celebrating its 90th anniversary. As part of the celebration, KFBK is unveiling an online museum at kfbk.com showcasing the station's history. The museum includes audio clips, photos and videos. "Since 1922, KFBK has covered Sacramento, providing vital news and information, and cutting edge entertainment," says the online introduction. "As we celebrate our 90th year, we invite you to take a trip in the KFBK time machine and relive some of your favorite moments. And we thank you for helping make KFBK one of the most enduring brands in media." Clear Channel Sacramento VP and Market Manager Jeff Holden tell us, "Having the privilege of working with the people that keep KFBK a significant and relevant voice in the community is a daily occurrence that has been happening for every General Manager of the station over the years. The celebration today is recognition and confirmation that the commitment of the employees, past, present and future, is exactly what Sacramentans, at each point in time over the past 90 years, have so welcomingly accepted into their lives. I couldn't' be more proud to be part of such an illustrious and valuable asset to the region and a part of the team that is making history." KFBK Operations Manager Alan Eisenson adds, "I'm proud and humbled to help lead one of the most enduring brands in media. KFBK's amazing legacy of entertainment, information and service to the community, as well as the station's rich history of helping grow local businesses and create jobs through the myriad of marketing opportunities KFBK provides, can't be equaled."

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Facebook Files IPO, Seeks $5 Billion

As expected, Facebook filed for an initial public offering Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 1). The social networking site seeks $5 billion in the IPO. The company's filing documents say it has 845 million daily users. Facebook had $3.7 billion in revenue in 2011 with $1 billion in net income. Revenue was up 88% in 2011 after a 154% gain in 2010. The offering came after stocks finished higher as investors shrugged off the doldrums of January's last few days amid evidence that global manufacturing is alive and well. But profit-taking swept over markets and trimmed gains substantially.

Facebook's IPO has been eagerly anticipated as a defining moment for the social networking company, with more than 800 million members and strong sales of about $4.3 billion last year. Facebook has redefined the way millions of people worldwide interact and share information on the Internet. A Facebook valuation of roughly $100 billion would rank the company just below McDonald's, which is currently 25th, at $101.5 billion, says Howard Silverblatt at Standard & Poor's. In the proposed stock offering, the eight-year-old company detailed its financials for the first time ever. It also stated the various competitive risks to the company. Facebook shares could start trading as soon as May. Once Facebook stock starts trading, it will have to ramp up revenues to maintain such a lofty valuation. Facebook's fortunes hinge on advertising, which accounted for 89% of its annual revenue last year, or about $3.8 billion. Google raked in $37.9 billion last year, 96% of that from ads. The good news, say analysts, is that Facebook commands a 28% chunk of the U.S. online-display ad impression market, up from 21% a year ago. Its closest competitor, Yahoo, had 11% of the display-ad market, up slightly from 10.9% in 2010. The bad news is that Facebook ad sales worldwide are slackening. They grew 104% in 2011 but are expected to climb just 52% to $5.8 billion this year and only 21% to $7 billion next year, according to eMarketer.

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