* Former News Corp. President and COO Peter Chernin may replace Sam Zell at Tribune Co.
Several published reports, foremost one from the Wall Street Journal, say Chernin is being considered, and might be interested. That speculation began even before Friday's official exit of Randy Michaels as CEO, but now that he's out, the pressure on Zell might grow stronger as he becomes not only the main, but sole, focus of Tribune Co.'s creditors. The company is hoping to soon exit Chapter 11 after filing a new reorganization plan, Friday (Oct. 22). Zell led the 2007 buyout that left the company deeply in debt, ultimately leading to the December 2008 filing for Chapter 11 protection and reorganization. Tribune Co.'s new plan has the backing of its senior lenders, and would allow the bankruptcy to move forward by creating a litigation trust for suits connected to the buyout. However, published reports indicate that it's not clear who exactly would be subject to litigation and who might be exempt from such action. A bankruptcy examiner previously found irregularities in the buyout negotiations, and creditors contend that the deal made Tribune's insolvency inevitable. Tribune Co.'s unsecured creditors asked the bankruptcy judge Friday to allow them to sue Zell, and others involved in the 2007 buyout which took the company private. The judge told them they could sue. Tribune Co.owns the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, WGN-TV, WGN-AM Radio, and other media assets, including television stations and newspapers.
* Radio One again extends the expiration time of its previously announced debt swap offer. Radio One now extends the offer to November 5. That exchange offer is for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, together with the 2011 Notes and the related consent solicitation. So far 92% of the existing notes have been tendered and not withdrawn. The date was previously extended to October 22. It's been revealed that Radio One is attempting a larger restructuring of the company’s debt.
* Political advertising may help stations' revenues, but radio listeners aren't always pleased with the political spots.
Several reports say complaints about political radio ads are increasing. Station owners and their lawyers say they're seeing more demands to take down ads, often threatening lawsuits or complaints to the FCC, reports USA Today and ABC News. "Each year it gets to be a bigger and bigger problem, and that's just a function of ads getting more and more aggressive, and more money is coming in from non-candidate groups," says Washington broadcast attorney David Oxenford, who is also the editor of BroadcastLawBlog.com. "Although political ads are generally protected by the First Amendment, protests can succeed in blunting the attacks," writes USA Today. The FCC doesn't keep statistics but "is not seeing an increase in political advertising complaints," says Commission spokes Janice Wise. She says the FCC has never taken action against a license for the content of ads. But Oxenford says threats of action — lawsuits or FCC complaints — have risen steadily. One reason, says Oxenford, is the influx of money from corporations and unions this year after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down limits on spending. Under federal law, stations are required to run political ads, at their lowest rates, from candidates. So courts have held that the stations can't be held responsible for what those ads say. Independent ads, though, are held to a different standard, and stations could be sued for defamation for airing a false attack.
* Clear Channel Radio Chicago promotes Bryon Henderson to Promotions Director of Urban 107.5 WGCI-FM. Henderson has served as interim Promotions Director since September. A Chicago native, Henderson began his radio career in 2007 as the Promotions Coordinator of sister stations "V103" WVAZ-FM and "Inspiration 1390" WGRB-AM.
Clear Channel Radio Chicago Director for Urban Programming Derrick Brown tells us, "I am excited to see Bryon grow within our organization. In a very short period of time he has demonstrated that he has the leadership skills and vision we need to continue to successfully operate 107.5 WGCI-FM." Henderson adds, "I have been so fortunate to have worked with awesome people who truly believe in me and allowed me to grow professionally. Growing up I listened to WGCI, so this is an honor and the beginning of a new chapter. With the help of the staff, I am sure we will take WGCI to the next level."
* Veteran DC radio host Don Geronimo – now at KHTK-AM, Sacramento – is hospitalized after a fall off a stage. Geronimo sustained head injuries when he fell off a stage during a live show at Cal Expo, according to information posted on the radio station's blog by his producer. The Sacramento Bee reports that Geronimo's producer, Carmichael Dave, says the radio host was admitted to intensive care at UC Davis Medical Center with a head laceration. Geronimo reportedly stepped too close to the edge of a stage and fell several feet to a concrete floor. Geronimo was in intensive care over the weekend with a large laceration on his head, but his prognosis is reported to be excellent. Geronimo underwent further tests at the hospital, and his condition is described as lucid and clear-headed. A former national radio personality, Geronimo joined KHTK in June. His national show was syndicated in as many as 50 markets, including Sacramento on KHTK. Geronimo's radio career includes stops in Pittsburgh, New York, Providence and Detroit before Washington in 1979. In 1981 he left for Los Angeles followed by stints in Chicago. He returned to DC in 1985 where he remained until 2008.
* Pandora founder Tim Westergren goes after radio where it matters most: the car. Westergren tells the Los Angeles Times, "Simply put, half of radio listening happens in the car. People spend 20 hours a week listening to music; 17 hours of that is from radio. About half of that radio listening, or 8.5 hours, occurs while they're in a car. So that's the holy grail. We're actively developing products with car manufacturers and after-market stereo companies such as Pioneer and others. We're already working with Ford, Mercedes and other companies that we can't talk about now. Our goal is to be in every new car that rolls off the manufacturing line." That response was in answer to the question: "You've conquered cellphones. Now what?" The L.A. Times interviewed the, as they put it, "boyish and lanky chief executive who favors striped T-shirts that make him look much more youthful than his 44 years" for an article on Pandora Internet radio. Actually, although he's Pandora's founder, Westergren now serves as its Chief Strategy Officer. Joe Kennedy has taken over as CEO and President from Westergren, who formerly was chief executive. (Thank you Pandora for that correction!) The newspaper begins the report with background on the streaming music service, noting that when Westergren founded Pandora Media in 2000, it was more of a curious academic experiment called the Music Genome Project to analyze the attributes of all types of music, from early Renaissance classical to trip hop and funk. That was followed in 2005 by Pandora's Internet radio, which serves up music deemed by the Music Genome to be similar to favorite songs or bands of individual listeners.
* Whatever happened to that legislation to open the door for more new LPFM community stations? The word from Politico is politics.
The bill that would allow the FCC to give licenses to more noncommercial, localized radio stations is caught in static.
Despite support from both sides of the aisle, including strong backing from Arizona Sen. John McCain, a group of Republican senators has successfully blocked the bill. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso currently has a hold on the measure, which would create a new crop of radio stations — known as Low Power FM (LPFM) stations — dedicated to hyperlocal community news, such as information about school boards, city councils and church groups, or spreading music by local artists. The House passed the bill in December by voice vote, but Senate action has been slow going. Barrasso is blocking the measure from floor consideration because he wants to ensure it includes language that distinguishes full-power FM stations from low-power FM stations. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) previously held up the measure because New Jersey was given an exemption from the proposed changes. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) also moved to block the bill earlier this year. There are currently about 800 LPFM stations in the U.S., according to the Media Access Project, a Washington-based advocacy group. LPFM stations operate at 100 watts or less and reach only a few miles.
* The FCC forms a Technological Advisory Council to help the Commission develop new technology policies.
The council is designed to help the Commission "identify important areas of innovation and develop informed technology policies supporting America’s competitiveness and job creation in the global economy." Core Capital Partners Managing Director Tom Wheeler will serve as Chairman of the new panel, working with CC Chief Technologist Doug Sickert. Chief of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Division Walter Johnston will serve as Designated Federal Officer; Julius Knapp, Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, will serve as the Alternate Designated Federal Officer. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "I'm pleased to announce that the FCC has formed a new Technological Advisory Council, comprised of some of the leading technology and business leaders in our country. Under the excellent leadership of Tom Wheeler, these experts will provide counsel on using spectrum and other communications technologies to drive job creation and economic growth, generating concrete ideas, and acting as a spur to FCC to action." The council's first meeting is set for November 4 at 1 p.m. in the commission meeting room, and and is open to the public.
* Mobile services provider Vibes Media expands its services to Entercom Communications under a new deal.
Vibes will now be providing services to 75 Entercom stations, doubling the previous number of stations. "Entercom is known for unique locally programmed stations, and it is important to create real and lasting connections with each audience of local listeners," says Entercom VP Ken Beck. "Over the past four years, Vibes has given us the solutions we need to create a new level of engagement that can only be achieved through mobile. Not only does Vibes empower us to customize our interactions with listeners — something that has made our mobile campaigns incredibly successful. It also helps us maintain that connection even when people are not tuned in." Vibes head of radio vertical Steve Levy tells us, "Radio station choices are very personal decisions, making radio broadcast an ideal market for mobile campaigns, which help extend this personal connection to a brand. Today, consumers have many options for entertainment beyond radio, yet we've been able to help Entercom not only maintain listenership, but grow it across stations through engaging and personal mobile campaigns."
* And now the backlash to NPR's firing of Juan Williams begins with calls to cut off NPR's federal funding.
In response to the firing, South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint planned to introduce legislation to end federal funding for NPR, his spokesman Wesley Denton confirmed Thursday night (Oct. 21). Denton said the senator would expand upon his proposal in a statement Friday. As Republicans denounced NPR's decision, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Fox News that Congress should investigate NPR for censorship and consider cutting off its public funding. "Juan Williams: Going Rogue," former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Thursday in a Twitter message. "NPR should receive NO fed tax dollars if it operates as intolerant, private radio. Mr. President, what say you?" In June, Colorado Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn introduced legislation to cut funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting after fiscal year 2012. It is in committee. The corporation is the primary channel for federal funds distributed to public media including NPR. Meanwhile, conservatives and some liberals say NPR went too far in firing a longtime news analyst for saying he gets nervous on planes when he sees people in Muslim dress. NPR CEO Vivian Schiller said Thursday about the decision to terminate Williams that controversial opinions should not come from NPR reporters or news analysts. NPR was nevertheless soundly criticized for axing Williams' contract for giving his feeling in an interview where he also said it is important to distinguish moderate Muslims from extremists. Speaking today (Oct. 22) on ABC's "Good Morning America," Williams said he was simply saying how he feels at a moment like that. "It's a feeling. And I don't say 'I'm not getting on the plane,'" Williams said. "I don't say 'you must go through additional security.' I don't say 'I want to discriminate against these people.' No such thing occurs. So, to me it was admitting that I have this notion, that I have this feeling in the immediate moment."
* Black Crow Media Group is suing secured lender GE Capital for subordination of debt.
Black Crow, the owner of 22 radio stations in five markets, currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, launches a new attack in its ongoing battles with General Electric Capital Corp., the secured lender owed $38.9 million at the outset of the reorganization in January. Bloomberg reports that relying on what it called “misconduct” by GE Capital before and during the Chapter 11 case, Black Crow filed a lawsuit this week asking the bankruptcy judge in Jacksonville, FL, to subordinate the lenders’ claim and prevent GE Capital from voting on a reorganization plan. Black Crow also wants damages for abuse of legal processes by GE Capital. The suit by Black Crow comes after a complaint GE Capital filed in late August asking the bankruptcy judge to declare that substantive consolidation of all the companies is improper. According to GE Capital, Black Crow wants creditors to have claims against one pot of assets rather than against the individual companies obligated on the debts. The bankruptcy judge said in July that Black Crow’s exclusive right to propose a plan wouldn’t be extended beyond Nov. 8 “unless truly extraordinary circumstances occur which could not have been reasonably anticipated.” In March, Black Crow defeated a motion by GE Capital to dismiss the case or allow foreclosure. Black Crow filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, two days before a hearing in U.S. district court where GE Capital was seeking appointment of a receiver following default on term loans and a revolving credit.
* Lincoln Financial Media Denver gives the nod to John Thomas for Program Director of KYGO-FM and KRWZ-AM.
Thomas replaces Joel Burke at Country "98.5 KYGO" and "Cruisin' Oldies 950" KRWZ-AM. Burke recently exited the company. Thomas comes to Lincoln Financial Media from Entercom's five-station Rochester, NY, cluster where he's been Director of Operations and Programming, and also was direct PD of Country WBEE-FM. Previous stops include hosting mornings on WBNS-FM, Columbus, programming and management in Savannah, GA, and Grand Rapids. "John has had ratings success at every stop of his radio career," says LFM Denver SVP and General Manager Bob Call. "The impressive job he's done at heritage Rochester Country station WBEE got our attention. John understands the unique place KYGO holds in the Denver market and is the perfect choice to lead our talented programming team. The second part of the win-win is John's multi-format programming experience, which includes Classic Hits/Oldies. That background will be a nice addition to the Cruisin' Oldies 950 team." Thomas tells us, "After spending time with Bob Call and John Dimick in the hallways of KYGO and KRWZ, it became clear to me that this is possibly the best programming job around. KYGO has been on my radar a long time and I can't wait to start. And I'm looking forward to being part of the fun staff at Cruisin' Oldies 950."
* Greater Media taps Kris Abrams to be the new Program Director of "107.9 The Link" WLNK-FM, Charlotte.
"The Link" airs a mix of Hot AC and female-oriented talk. This new assignment returns Abrams to Charlotte where he previously was Assistant PD and Music Director for the former WMXC-FM and "Kiss 102" in the mid-1990s. After leaving Charlotte, Abrams became Program Director of WRIT-FM, Milwaukee. Says Operations Manager Bill White, "Kris is a strategist, very creative and will be an excellent addition as we continue to build one of the most unique Hot AC's in the country with our entertaining personally line-up of Bob & Sheri, Kelly McKay, and Matt & Ramona." And is the radio veteran happy to return to Charlotte? Abrams tells us, "It will be great to be back in Charlotte. The opportunity to work with Bob & Sheri and Matt & Ramona, along with the great staff at WLNK, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in today's radio environment. Greater Media offers the kind of culture that programmers want to be a part of." Other stints on Abrams impressive resume include Operations Manager at Citadel in Albuquerque, before moving to Phoenix, where he served as Program Director and Operations Manager for CBS Radio's KOOL-FM. He's also been PD of WMQX-FM, Greensboro, and WIVY-FM, Jacksonville, FL.
* NPR terminates longtime news analyst Juan Williams for his comments about Muslim terrorists.
Williams, who has written extensively on race and civil rights, was fired by NPR after saying on the Fox News Channel that he gets nervous when he sees people in Muslim garb on an airplane. NPR issued a statement late Wednesday (Oct. 20) saying his contract as a senior news analyst was being terminated after Williams' comments Monday on The O'Reilly Factor. Host Bill O'Reilly featured guests to discuss his own appearance last week on ABC's The View during which Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg walked off the set in protest of O'Reilly's views on Muslims. "Where am I going wrong here, Juan?" O'Reilly asked. Williams answered that too much political correctness can get in the way of reality.
"I mean, look, Bill, I'm not a bigot. You know the kind of books I've written about the Civil Rights movement in this country," said Williams. "But when I get on a plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous." Before Williams was fired, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said such commentary from a journalist about other racial, ethnic or religious minority groups would not be tolerated. "NPR should address the fact that one of its news analysts seems to believe that all airline passengers who are perceived to be Muslim can legitimately be viewed as security threats," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. Later Wednesday, NPR issued a statement saying Williams' comments were "inconsistent with our editorial standards and practices, and undermined his credibility as a news analyst with NPR. Juan has been a valuable contributor to NPR and public radio for many years and we did not make this decision lightly or without regret," said NPR spokeswoman Dana Davis Rehm in an emailed statement.
* Radio management veteran Ed Krampf joins Adelante Media Group as COO.
Krampf's career has included SVP and corporate management positions with Clear Channel and The Park Lane Group as well as stints as a Market Manager in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tampa and Orlando. Says Adelante CEO Jay Meyers, "When Ed became available it presented a huge opportunity for us to move forward as a company, and since Adelante is Spanish for 'moving forward,' we jumped all over it. In all my years in broadcasting, I have met few performers who are as brilliant and visionary as Ed, and now our brand new company will be the beneficiary of that brilliance."
Meyers adds that Krampf [right] is "the perfect COO for the incredibly talented team we've been able to assemble at Adelante.” Adelante, of course, is the new company formed by NAP Broadcast Holdings, mainly from the former Bustos Media. Krampf says he sees the new radio group as an opportunity. "I'm here because I see an incredible opportunity to grow this company into the premier Spanish-language operation in all our markets. I'm also here because of the opportunity to work with Jay, because he and I see the path to success the same way. When we worked together he was always the voice of sound logic, sound business sense and most importantly top performance." In addition to his COO responsibilities, Krampf will also handle Market Manager duties for the company's Sacramento operation consisting of three stations – two radio and one television. Previous Sacramento General Manager Jerry Del Core recently exited to become VP and General Manager for Tribune's KTXL-TV, Sacramento.
* Augusto Delkader is named President of both Union Radio, the radio division of Grupo Prisa, and of Cadena SER.
Delkader, who replaces Ignacio Polanco, had been CEO of both companies. That position that will be assumed by Javier Pons, who joined the company in March this year as Deputy Managing Director. The appointments are part of a major restructuring of the boards of the Prisa companies. SER is Sociedad Espanola de Radiodifusion. Joining the board on behalf of Prisa is Ricardo Alarcon, GM for the company in South America. Javier and Carlos Godo continue as members of the Council representing the Godo group and Maite Ballester on behalf of the 3i fund. Alejandro Zubillaga and James Lillie round out the new board. "The changes represent a further 'professionalization' of our corporate structure," says Delkader. "We will be more operational and efficient to the challenges of the new digital environment and will boost our growth and expansion in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world." Pons adds, "Union Radio has the resources and talent to develop the most ambitious project on the global radio and to become the leading multi-format content creation company in the markets in which we operate."
* Gregg Lindner will join Arbitron in the new position Chief Research Officer and EVP Service Innovation.
According to Arbitron, Lindner, currently Scarborough Research EVP, will be responsible for Arbitron's research quality and methods, product development as well as policies and standards for PPM, diary, and cross-platform services, and leadership for the company's MRC accreditation initiatives. Lindner will also serve as an Arbitron representative on the Scarborough partners committee. "Gregg brings with him more than 25 years of experience as a leader across key areas of our business–research, product development and operations–areas that are important to Arbitron's future growth," says Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr. "In addition to his strong technical skills, Gregg is widely respected by broadcasters, agency executives, and marketers as well as by his peers in the media and marketing research industry. Gregg is expected to help Arbitron strengthen the quality and sophistication of our core radio audience measurement services and to lead the development of the research methods and systems for our emerging cross-platform media and marketing measurement services." Lindner previously worked for Arbitron from 1981-92, until moving over to Scarborough. Kerr adds, "Through his expertise in media and marketing research, and through his knowledge of its application to business, Gregg will help direct Arbitron's strategies and resources in the evolving arena of media measurement and cross platform services." Lindner, based in Arbitron's headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, will report to Kerr directly on matters of research and service quality, and to EVP U.S. Media Services Sean Creamer for ongoing operations.
* Scarborough Research launches a search for a new CEO.
Gregg Lindner's new position at Arbitron creates an opening at Scarborough Research, which is half owned by Arbitron and half by Nielsen. As EVP, Lindner has been managing Scarborough's day-to-day business and operations since President and CEO Robert Cohen began a medical leave of absence in November 2009. Scarborough now says Cohen will not be returning in a full-time capacity. That prompts a search for a new CEO. For now, Lindner will continue to manage the Scarborough business and operations until the end of this year or a new CEO is hired. He will also continue as a member of the Scarborough board.
* Rebecca Swan is named VP/General Manager for Journal Broadcast Group's Boise and Twin Falls, ID, stations.
"Becky has tremendous passion for our business, and I'm very happy that she's joining the Idaho operations," says Journal EVP of Television and Radio Operations Jim Prather. "She has demonstrated the ability to manage multiple brands across two DMAs in Montana, and she is now looking forward to helping us grow and develop our cross-platform radio-television-digital brands in Boise and Twin Falls." The Idaho stations that Swan will oversee include Rock KJOT-FM, Alternative KQXR-FM, Classic Hits KTHI-FM, and Triple-A KRVB-FM, plus three TV stations. Swan most recently was VP and GM for three TV stations in Montana. Swan says she's "truly honored to be joining Journal Broadcast Group." She adds, "Growing up and working in Wichita gave me firsthand exposure to the quality of the Journal Broadcast properties and its employees. I look forward to working with the Boise team and building on not only the success of the Boise operations, but Journal Broadcast Group as a whole."
* Bridge Ratings looks at the effect of new media competition on radio in a survey of 12-to-21s.
The study, showing affinity – "favoriteness" – for radio is decreasing, looks at the effect of new media on terrestrial radio over the past 12 years, going back to the rise of Napster in the late 1990s. Bridge surveyed 3822 persons ages 12-21, who currently listen to the radio, use an MP3 player, listen to Internet radio, use social networking sites, all for at least 30 minutes a week, along with regular cellphone use. Bridge – measuring "favoriteness" of listeners ages 12+ – looks at how many had a favorite radio station then and now. In the late '90s, about 85% of the demographic had a favorite station, but by 2010 this has fallen to just over 72% of listeners. The study shows a "tipping point" in radio listening that first happened between 2002-2003, but the "collective momentum" of digital alternatives to terrestrial radio hit a new point by 2007. In 2007, 12-21 year olds' usage of MP3 players overtook what Bridge calls the Bridge Ratings Index – the relationship between weekly radio listening (cume) and favoriteness. The study report concludes, "This study has been both an exercise in historical perspective and an opportunity to expose the trends that have shaped the competitive landscape for terrestrial radio as new media is adopted over time by the public. Listening levels will continue to be affected by the introduction of new technologies and the adoption by a growing number of consumers of more recent audio tech improvements. As this analysis attests, traditional radio is more resilient than the press would have many believe."
* The teen charged in the stabbing death of newscaster George Weber says he stole from the victim, let him die.
John Katehis, on trial for the murder of the veteran ABC Radio news anchor and WABC-AM, New York, host, admitted fishing through his victim's pockets as prosecutors say Weber bled to death. "We were both struggling over the knife, we're pulling toward each other and the knife just goes and jabs him in the neck," the then 16-year-old Katehis says coldly in a videotaped confession played Wednesday (Oct. 20) for jurors. Katehis met Weber online via a Craigslist sex ad, he told Brooklyn prosecutors during the 40 minute confession taped in the early morning hours of March 25, 2009, five days after Weber's death. Katehis said he was promised $60 for rough sex. "Smothering, he wanted someone to smother him," Katehis, now 18, said while slowly picking at a donut, reports the New York Daily News Weber, 47, supposedly pulled out a knife and the two fought – even though Katehis admitted the victim was on his stomach and his legs bound with duct tape, he said. The teen, who at times laughed between bites of the donut, said he only remembered stabbing Weber once, although official medical examiner reports say the radio news reporter was stabbed at least 50 times. "He (Weber) was still moving around, mumbling and cursing and I went into his left pocket and took the sixty bucks that was for the smothering garbage," said Katehis in the police video. Prosecutor Anna Sigga Nicolazzi says the murder was no accident or result of a struggle, and that Weber posed no danger to the teen. Kathis' lawyer has called the newsman a sexual predator. Even though the crime happened when Katehis was 16, he was charged as an adult with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. He's on trial in Brooklyn.
* Former Miami radio show producer Steve Brancik, awaiting trial on sex charges, found dead in apparent suicide.
The former Classic Rock "Big 105.9" WBGG-FM, Miami, "Paul and Young Ron" morning show producer, who had been awaiting trial on molestation charges, was found dead Monday night (Oct. 18) in Florida, reports the Orlando Sentinel. One of Brancik's friends found him dead inside a home in Hollywood, said Police Lt. Manny Marino. Brancik, 44, was arrested in August 2009 on four counts of molesting a child between 12 and 16 years old by an offender 18 or older, and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition. Brancik had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a trial date had not been set, Broward County court records show. Clear Channel Radio fired Brancik from his WBGG-FM job soon after his arrest. A report in August 2009 quoted Clear Channel Miami President and Marketing Manager Brian Olson saying: “I can confirm that he is no longer with the station. Beyond that, I have nothing else to share”. Brancik was arrested August 11, 2009, charged with three criminal charges: sex activities with underage persons, aging between 12 to 15 years and one count of vulgar and showing or producing sexual desire. At the time, authorities said there might be more than one victim involved. Paul Castronovo, of "Paul and Young Ron" said then he was thinking about the probable victims and their families as it's hard being a talk show host not to talk about it, but because the legal issues were pending he couldn't comment.
* A politcal radio ad urging Nevada Latinos to not vote is pulled from the air amid an outcry.
The campaign spot drew the ire of Democrats who claim it was a dirty trick against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in his hotly contested race against Republican Sharron Angle. The Washington Post reports from Las Vegas that Reid sought to link the ad to Angle as the ad drew a harsh rebuke from President Obama, Hispanic leaders and candidates from both parties in Nevada. The Republican group Latinos for Reform had planned to eventually run the commercials in Nevada, Florida, California, Texas and Colorado through the November 2 election. "Don't vote this November. This is the only way to send them a clear message," the ad's narrator announces in Spanish. "You can no longer take us for granted." Univision says the spot was pulled from one of its Spanish-language radio stations in Las Vegas shortly after the commercial hit the air Tuesday (Oct. 19). "Univision will not be running any spots from Latinos for Reform related to voting," Univision said in a statement. "Univision prides itself on promoting civic engagement and our extensive national campaigns encourage Hispanics to vote." Robert de Posada, the founder of Latinos for Reform, said he is trying to determine whether he can legally challenge Univision, which approved the commercials Friday (Oct. 15). De Posada says that the ads were made because Nevada has two candidates who have, according to him, acted irresponsibly against Latinos. "That's the problem: we have two very poor candidates that have acted irresponsibly against our community and we cannot reward anyone of the two," Posada said.
* Poll: Most Americans say the media encourages political division – especially radio talk hosts.
A majority of Americans say the media, both partisan and nonpartisan, encourages political division more than it does cooperation. Only 30% of respondents believe the mainstream media is interested in political cooperation, according to a new ABC News/Yahoo! News poll. Some 63% say reporters help stoke division.
Journalists have long been criticized for chasing after scandals and controversy. But the poll is noteworthy for showing just how much the public considers the media a factor in creating the current divisiveness in American politics. Partisan talkers didn't fare much better than mainstream reporters. Conservative radio hosts also clocked in at 30% in terms of cooperation, with 61% saying they help foster division. "The national media and talk show hosts shouldn't feel too bad, though," writes Michael Calderone. "Americans are just as likely to say their political leaders are fomenting political division." Some 44% said Democrats in Congress sought cooperation. Just 31% said the same about Republicans.
The ABC News/Yahoo News! poll was based on a random sample of 1,025 adults and was conducted Oct. 6 to Oct. 12.
One surprising finding, notes Calderone, was that President Obama – whom voters tend to see as a polarizing figure on either side of the ideological divide – got a majority of respondents agreeing that he was interested in political cooperation, at 59%. Sarah Palin and the tea party movement polled at 34% and 31% on the same question, respectively.
* Radio ranks third in STRATA's third quarter agency survey, which reveals the economic recovery "stumbles."
Economic recovery for agencies slows as political ads dominate and digital advertising gains focus, according to the third quarter study by media buying and selling software provider STRATA. The survey, which follows advertising trends from leading agencies across the country, discovered that there has been a relapse in economic confidence. Some 33% of advertisers don't anticipate the economy and their businesses to return to a strong growth period until at least mid 2011 and 47% are seeing their clients keeping the same budget as last year. TV is the top advertising choice followed closely by digital, but a significant growth area this quarter was cable. The survey revealed that cable ranked second for political spend, followed by radio in third place.
Over half of the agencies polled say they are competing with political advertisers for space on TV, but with a finite amount of space on TV, many advertisers are looking into alternate mediums to get their message out. "That doesn't necessarily mean that more dollars are going into political advertising this year," says STRATA. "58% say their political spend is about the same as it was during the 2008 political year and 36% say it is less than the last time around."
STRATA President and CEO John Shelton says, "The economy is not recovering as quickly as originally projected. Even with the increase in political advertising, spending has been fairly stagnant this quarter. We have noticed that cross-platform advertising is prevalent though, with nearly 47% saying they are doing more cross-platform advertising than ever before. Advertisers just don't buy TV or digital; they are utilizing both simultaneously to stay competitive." For the first time, the STRATA survey shows more agencies saying they see no obstacle to increasing digital spending. In the previous survey, the majority said the lack of advertiser demand was their largest obstacle. [More »]
* Journal Communications reports third quarter radio revenue was up 3.1% to $18.5 million. Overall, Journal reports a 1.7% increase in total third quarter revenue to $101.6 million from $99.9 million in 2009. Radio political and issue advertising revenue was $400,000, compared to $100,000 for Q3 2009. Operating earnings from radio stations were $4.5 million, up from $4 million, and radio operating expenses increased 0.4%. For the company overall, operating earnings rose from $4.1 million to $11 million; net income increased to $6.3 million from $1.8 million; and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was up from 3 cents to 11 cents. "Operating earnings of $11 million increased significantly in the third quarter compared to last year, led by double-digit revenue growth in broadcast," says Journal Chairman and CEO Steven Smith. "The primary drivers of the broadcast revenue increase were political and issue advertising, and a 30.5% increase in automotive advertising. Our focus remains on growing revenue in our markets through expanded local content and enhanced sales initiatives."
* Toledo Radio launches Country ''107.7 The Wolf'' WPFX-FM, Toledo — after a long, long move-in.
The new Country outlet on 107.7 occupies the former home of non-commercial WLFC-FM. As WPFX-FM, the station launches a Country format, accompanied by a power increase to 4.6kw from 155 watts. The station, licensed to Luckey, OH, was formerly owned by University Of Findlay. Toledo Radio is donating a transmitter, land and an antenna in North Baltimore, OH, to the university. The donation is worth about $300,000. The new "107.7 The Wolf" is currently running commercial free with 10,000 songs in a row to be followed by the addition of air personalities. Former crosstown Country WKKO-FM personality Craig Snyder joins as Assistant PD, with Rusty Walker as consultant. At last check, the station's new Website &mdash at www.1077wolf.com was still "parked," but is expected to be launched soon. But, then again, the launch of "107.7 The Wolf'' from Luckey, OH, has been a long, slow process, spanning several years. WPFX at 107.7 was formerly a North Baltimore station, once owned by Clear Channel, more recently owned by BAS, which sold it to Toledo Radio, as a Luckey, OH, move-in. But awaiting facilities, it went silent. The University of Findlay’s noncommericial WLFC-FM (at 88.3) seized the opportunity of silence on 107.7 to launch a 155 watt signal there with assistance from Toledo Radio, which donated WPFX’s previous transmitter, tower, antenna and land in North Baltimore to the university. This enabled WLFC to upgrade their signal back on 88.3, and change their city of license to North Baltimore. That satisfied the FCC's objections to WPFX moving to Luckey, OH. The Commission originally shot that move down saying it would leave North Baltimore without its sole radio signal.
* Active Rock WYBB-FM, Charleston, SC, exes out the "X" and returns to its longtime "98 Rock" monicker.
WYBB had used “98 Rock” from July 1988 until January 2004, when the station switched to "98X" — but now returns to the heritage identifier. Visitors to the LM Communications station's Website won't see a change of logo – yet. A note on the home page says, "As soon as we can wake our webmaster out of his drunken stupor.. we'll be sprucing this place up! In the meanwhile.. I'll fill you in on what's new at 98," adding: "98 ROCK 98 ROCK 98 ROCK 98 ROCK - Still the same great rock with a shiny new name! .. no rap.. we promise." WYBB also adds syndicated Bubba the Love Sponge for mornings 6-10am. "Questions? Comments? Kudos? ... mmmmm... kudos granola bars. Those ones with the M&Ms... OK OK sorry.. If you'd like to get in touch with us, please send your emails to 98Rockand1055thebridge@gmail.com" adds the explanation of "what's new" at the station. WYBB, licensed to Folly Beach, SC, signed on July 4, 1988, as WYBB with an Album Rock format as "98 Rock."
* The Board of Directors of the Tribune Co. was expected to ask for the resignation of Randy Michaels, October 19, according to a person directly involved in the matter, reported The New York Times. Of course, we now know he didn't resign Monday, but the reports continued that the resignation was coming soon. The Times' source, who spoke on the condition of not being identified, said the board has lost confidence in the ability of Michaels to lead the troubled company. Michaels' resignation would follow the exit of another top executive at the media company, Lee Abrams, Tribune’s Chief Innovation Officer, who resigned Friday after sending a sexually explicit memo to the entire company. Michaels became CEO of Tribune last December, about two years after joining the company as an EVP in charge of the company’s broadcasting and interactive businesses. Prior to Tribune, Michaels had a long and lucrative career in the radio industry, having worked for Jacor Communications and Clear Channel Communications. Jacor was owned and eventually sold by Sam Zell, the Chicago real estate magnate who bought Tribune Co. in 2007. Tribune filed for bankruptcy in December 2008, less than a year after the company was acquired by Zell for $8.2 billion. The company remains mired in bankruptcy court in Delaware, with legal fees now over $180 million, but it said last week it had reached a tentative deal with a group of lenders. However, some major creditors remain absent from the agreement that would end the company’s Chapter 11 proceedings.
Veteran Chicago media reporter and columnist Robert Feder, a longtime critic of Michaels, picked up on the NYT report and wrote Tuesday (Oct. 19) at Vocalo.org, "Randy Michaels, whose frat house antics and crony-laden management style turned the 150-year culture of the Chicago Tribune into a national laughingstock, appears to be on his way out as chief executive officer of Tribune Co." At the end of an article which recounts information we printed above, and recent news-making reports involving Tribune, Michaels, and the CEOs closest associates, Feder adds: "Nowhere was Michaels’ heavy hand more apparent than at Tribune’s one and only radio station, WGN-AM, where he installed longtime crony Kevin Metheny as program director and continued to meddle in everything from personnel matters to words that newscasters were forbidden to utter on the air."
* Former Tribune Chief Innovation Officer Lee Abrams wants the last word on his abrupt exit, defends himself.
Abrams Tuesday distributed an email defending himself against criticisms of his actions in his now former job,
claiming the "offensive" email that started last week's chain of events was distributed not to titillate or offend, but to illustrate a valid point. “My apology for sending the Onion News Network parody clip stands,” writes Abrams — a reference to the link that prompted complaints to Tribune's HR Department from some employees. “Though, as Tribune is a multi-media company competing at the most dramatic cross-roads in media history, I would have hoped that the use of a brilliant parody to demonstrate the ills of popular TV would have been an effective communication vehicle and that people would have taken it as it was intended; a parody that illustrates what not to do.” Abrams acknowledges that the timing of the controversial October 11 email may not have been the best. “I am sorry for the timing and the results of my action, but continue to believe that people working in traditional media needs to open their eyes to the realities of our culture in 2010 without denial, self-righteousness or arrogance. It was my intention to use any reasonable vehicle to help that happen.”
Abrams concludes by writing: "I want to go on record that I hope for nothing but success for everyone at Tribune and that includes some of the newspaper people that I can’t help thinking were focused on undermining my work and accelerating my decline at the company instead of moving us to the future. I just hope that no one will get mired in the drama and instead focus on the spirit of positive change that has never been more important in the battle for eyes, ears and minds in this 21st Century." TPMedia has obtained a copy of Abrams' defensive email, and made it available here (rtf).
* Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin is exploring alternatives for a possible "life without Howard Stern."
With Stern's five-year, $500 million contract expires in December, and no agreement yet reached for Stern to stay, the satcaster is exploring programming alternatives in case they can't agree on a new deal says Karmazin. Stern is continuing to negotiate with Sirius XM and a final resolution, one way or the other, will come before the end of the year. Karmazin said in an interview with Bloomberg. Sirius XM channels, such as Raw Dog Comedy and Playboy Radio, would help retain many of Stern’s listeners if he left, says Karmazin. “There’s no deal. The only announcement will be when there is a deal, or there’s not a deal. And I’m hopeful there will be a deal,” says Karmazin. Stern is responsible for adding about two million subscribers to Sirius XM since he moved to satellite radio from terrestrial in January 2006, according to Tuna Amobi, an analyst at Standard & Poor’s in New York. Total subscribers are expected to surpass 20 million before the end of the year, Sirius XM said recently. Karmazin declines to give an estimate of how many subscribers would cancel the service if Stern leaves. Without Stern, Sirius XM would “save $100 million a year” and use the money to fill the programming gap with various types of shows, he said. “You don’t try to replace Howard,” Karmazin said. “I don’t think there’s a radio personality that’s out there that we would bring in and say to the Howard Stern fans ‘let us introduce you to this new talent.’”
* After many postponements, the FCC adopts rules for Sirius XM leased channels to "qualified entities."
The Commission has now streamlined the definition of a “qualified entity” to avoid constitutional challenge and opens the process to populate the channels — a requirement of the approval of the merger of the former two rival satcasters.
As part of their merger, XM and Sirius agreed to lease 4% of their channels to qualified entities. The long-delayed guidelines allow Sirius XM to select the lessees. The FCC sets an implementation deadline of April 17.
The new definition of "qualified entity" says they must not be "directly or indirectly owned, in whole or in part, by Sirius XM or any affiliate of Sirius XM; not share any common officers, directors, or employees with Sirius XM or any affiliate of Sirius XM; and not have any existing relationships with Sirius XM for the supply of programming during the two years prior to the adoption date" of the FCC Order. The Commission previously defined "qualified entity" as "any entity that is majority-owned by persons who are African American, not of Hispanic origin; Asian or Pacific Islanders; American Indians or Alaskan Natives; or Hispanics." The Commission says: “We expect that this revised Qualified Entity definition will encourage new entry because programmers already carried on the Sirius XM platform are excluded. In addition, we believe that additional guidance will help focus Sirius XM’s selection of lessees in a manner that will promote source, viewpoint, and programming diversity.” Lessees will be restricted to four channels each, with Sirius and XM considered as separate entities (a simulcast channel heard on both services would count as two channels). And 4% of each of the platforms, Sirius and XM, will be set aside for lease with a minimum of six on each. All leased channels will be available at no charge to Sirius and XM subscribers, and will be included in Sirius XM programming guides. Leases will be for a minimum of five years.
* Red Zebra Broadcasting is selling DC's AM 730, which becomes the new home of Talk WTNT-AM.
Metro Radio, based in Manassas, VA, takes over AM 730 WXTR-AM, Alexandria, VA, and relaunches Talk WTNT-AM, formerly on 570 AM. First word of the move came from DCRTV.com reporting that it had confirmation that Red Zebra is selling WXTR-AM to Metro Radio. The deal includes the just-abandoned WTNT call letters and its format tagged as "The Truth." Red Zebra's 570 AM recently flipped from the Talk format to Sports Talk as WSPZ-AM. Under an LMA, 730 AM flipped to "The Truth" Monday (Oct. 18). The call letters are officially sought for 570 AM in a filing at the FCC. The LMA began Monday under the deal, for which no terms are announced, although we expect to find out a price when we see the FCC filing. WXTR had been airing a temporary Oldies format since dropping ESPN Desportes a week ago. The new incarnation of WTNT on 730 picks up the largely Talk Radio Network conservative talk programming that 570 dropped in September, including "America's Morning News," plus Laura Ingraham, Michael Savage, and Jerry Doyle. Metro Radio has obtained the 730WTNT.com Web address, where the new talker is now online. A splash screen invites visitors to "Listen Live." Metro owns Spanish language outlets in Manassas and Warrenton, plus a Classic Country station in Warrenton. "Metro Radio is proud to have a new voice in the Nation's Capital. The conservative NewsTalk format with 'The Truth' tells it like it is. WTNT 730 AM will strive to bring the best possible programming to the Nation's Capital," says Metro Radio President Bruce Houston. Talk Radio CEO Mark Masters adds, "It is an honor and a privilege to be on such a powerful signal as the new 730 AM 'The Truth' WTNT in the Nation's Capital. We are excited to work with the entire 730 AM WTNT team in this exciting launch – the marketplace of ideas will be all the richer for it – more light, less heat, that's what 'The Truth' 730 AM WTNT will be all about." The deal leaves Redskins owner Dan Snyder's Red Zebra with two DC area Sports Talk stations – "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM and WSPZ-AM.
* Clear Channel promotes Patty Graham to Director of Sales for Soft AC "99.9 KEZ" KESZ-FM, Phoenix.
Graham, who was the station's National Sales Manager, takes over from Sean Johnson, who moves to Clear Channel's San Diego cluster as DOS there. Says Clear Channel Phoenix President and Market Manager Jeff England, "I am very pleased to see Sean continue his career and grow within Clear Channel, he has worked very hard and been a strong leader within the CC Phoenix Sales organization. I know he will truly make a difference for our clients and team in San Diego. I am also very happy to have Patty Graham at the helm of KEZ Sales, she has a great reputation with our clients and staff. This will be a smooth transition." Linda Little, Director of Sales for Clear Channel Phoenix added, "Sean is a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills and creative abilities. I am very excited for him in his new role and know he will make an impact in our San Diego market." Little adds, "I am equally pleased that the stars aligned perfectly on this move for Sean, as it gave us the opportunity to put Patty Graham in charge again at KEZ. Patty has been a valuable asset to the management team for many years. Her passion and determination to win will lead her to great success at KEZ."
* Pacifica's noncommercial KPFK-FM, Los Angeles will add a Spanish-language AM service utilizing a novel plan.
The service will be launched as an Internet stream but ultimately offered on AM via a string of Part 15 low-power stations, reports L.A. Observed. Program Director Alan Minsky says in a memo to staff the chain of LP AMs "can relay the signal as far and wide as we can, so long as each transmission complies with Part 15 regulations." Minsky, though, has a bigger vision for the future. He adds, "Of course, once we establish ourselves at a place on the dial, it should make things much easier if we choose to raise money to have a more powerful signal." The L.A. Pacifica FM station broadcasts a wide variety of programming, including some Spanish-language shows. They will remain "at least until the Spanish language station's listenership exceeds that of KPFK in the hours that KPFK is also broadcasting in Spanish." To Minsky, getting a non-commercial Spanish-language service going “will be one of the two greatest days for Pacifica Radio in Southern California, alongside June 26, 1959, when KPFK first broadcast.”
* Pandora targets mobile ads with an expanded partnership with AdReady.
Pandora will be able to offer localized mobile ad campaigns to small and medium-sized businesses at no additional cost
via AdReady technology. That, says Pandora, means that local and regional businesses will have access to "an affordable, streamlined campaign implementation process" to put localized campaigns on Pandora's mobile apps.
According to Pandora, more than half of its daily listening is on smartphones. "Historically, up-front costs associated with running a mobile campaign made it difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to advertise on mobile," says Pandora Chief Revenue Officer John Trimble. "This streamlined platform gives local and regional advertisers, from universities and banks to car dealerships and entertainment venues, the ability to implement multi-platform digital campaigns that effectively reach very large local audiences on Pandora."
* NPR wins a $1.8 million grant from the Open Society Foundations to cover state governments, will add 100+ jobs.
Affiliates of National Public Radio in all 50 states will be stepping up their coverage of state government with the three-year grant for a program called "Impact of Government." NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller tells us, “NPR and our member stations are better positioned than any other news network to look at the effect that state government has on local communities. This initiative will provide the public not just with information, but with the context they need to hold local governments to a higher level of accountability. Our network provides a perfect vehicle for cross-state, cross-region and national analyses of the most critical issues facing our country.” According to NPR, almost 800 NPR-affiliated stations will be involved in the project, which will provide funding for reporters, editors and analysts, building on the best of that which is already in place. NPR eplains in a news release: “It significantly augments the work of existing public radio reporters that cover the statehouse and related issues – ultimately adding at least 100 journalists to strengthen public radio’s service to local communities with reporting on-air and online.”
* Silent for 10 months, WPAZ-AM, Pottstown, PA, returns to the air, with a pending sale and current LMA.
The station begins airing a loop Tuesday (Oct. 19) promoting a return to full programming Saturday. Longtime owner Great Scott Broadcasting is selling the station to nonprofit Four Rivers Community Broadcasting, headed by Charles Loughery.
The WPAZ Preservation Association , which has been trying to raise money to bring the station back to the air, will lease the station under an LMA to ultimately buy the station from Four Rivers, with LMA payments going towards the purchase price. Great Scott Broadcasting CEO Mitchell Scott (incorrectly) tells Pottstown's The Mercury FCC rules prevent him from disclosing the exact purchase price until the agreement is approved, but said it was between $45,000 and $60,000. The sale agreement is pending FCC approval expected within 60 days. Rick Rodgers who, along with Ross Landy, is the driving force behind getting WPAZ back on the air, says the two have been meeting with on-air personalities in order to get a line-up set. Once it's up and running, the station will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week and many regular listeners will recognize many of the voices as familiar WPAZ hosts.
* Former Atlantic Broadcasting co-owner and GM Brett DeNafo is charged with allegedly stealing from the company. DeNafo is accused of using station cash for more than $76,000 in personal expenses and airing nearly $100,000 worth of ads that
were never paid while he was General Manager. Atlantic Broadcasting operates a five-station cluster in Atlantic City, NJ.
DeNafo is now charged with second-degree theft and theft by deception. He was released after posting 10% of his $35,000 bail. DeNafo was fired earlier this year. His attorney Steven Scheffler tells the Press of Atlantic City the charges are “110% bogus.”
* Report: The Oakland A's are actively seeking to purchase their flagship station, KTRB-AM, Oakland.
Rich Lieberman's 415 Media is reporting the A's are trying to buy the 50,000-watt station, which recently went into receivership and now signs off the air at sundown.The A's pursuit of the station is not exclusive, writes Liberman, who says "according to several broadcast observers, at least two-to-three serious players are also interested in purchasing the property." The report notes that the station at 860 AM, even with enhanced tower maintenance, is difficult to hear in many parts of the Bay Area. "Various reports have the price tag of KTRB, (part of Pappas Broadcasting) at roughly $12 million, but that doesn't include debt assumption, which makes the real acquisition price significantly higher," says the 415 Media article. KMPH, another Pappas outlet, ceased operations September 1, and KTRB went into receivership with Comerica Bank two weeks later.
* Spanish Broadcasting System says it's received a notice from Nasdaq warning that SBS is in danger of delisting.
The report comes in an SEC filing. SBS says an October 12 Nasdaq notice advises them that their common stock had closed below the exchange minimum of $1 for the previous 30 consecutive business days. SBS has 180 calendar days — until April 11, 2011 — to get its price back in line with Nasdaq requirements. If it is unable, Nasdaq will notify SBS that it is to be delisted. At that point, the company will have the option to appeal. SBS says it plans to utilize "all reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of its common stock" on the Nasdaq Global Market; however, there's no guarantee it will be able to do so. In April, after an earlier delisting notice, SBS Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon Jr. approved a reverse stock split of no more than one-for-five. SBS's stock moved back up over $1, and the company didn't go forward with the reverse split at that time. Alarcon is the company's controlling shareholder.
* The trial of the accused teen murderer of veteran ABC Radio reporter George Weber begins in Brooklyn.
As the trial got underway, the lawyer for John Katehis said Monday the slain radio newscaster/anchor "lured" Katehis, then 16, to his home. Katehis is accused of fatally stabbing Weber after establishing contact via an ad on Craigslist. Katehis’ lawyer said in opening statements at the murder trial Monday (Oct. 18) that 47-year-old Weber offered Katehis $60 to move boxes in March 2009. When the teen got there, the defense says, Weber offered alcohol, what Katehis believed was cocaine and money for sex. Prosecutors say Weber responded to Katehis’ Craigslist ad offering sex for money. They say the defendant intended to kill Weber. Last week, as we reported at the time, a video of Katehis was admitted into evidence in pretrial motions, over the objections of the defense. That video shows Katehis saying that Weber was killed in a struggle over a knife. The video, a written statement by the defendant, and a witness identification from a lineup and photos were admitted in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Weber, an anchor for ABC News Radio and a former WABC-AM, New York, newscaster, was found stabbed to death at his apartment in Brooklyn on March 20, 2009. Katehis tells police in the video that he had gotten "super paranoid" from the drugs and alcohol and went for the knife when Weber pulled it out, and that in the struggle, Weber yanks the knife back and "it jabs him in the neck."
* Clear Channel appoints Sean Johnson Director of Sales for its San Diego cluster.
Johnson will oversee all sales operations and management for the San Diego stations, beginning Monday (Oct. 18). He was previously General Sales Manager at co-owned "99.9 KEZ" KESZ-FM, Phoenix. "Sean Johnson is a strategic and creative leader with a proven track record of building and managing high performing teams and successfully growing revenue and market share," says Clear Channel San Diego President and Market Manager Debbie Wagner. "I am excited to have Sean on board as our new Dir./Sales and look forward to great success as he applies his experience in managing Clear Channel’s diverse platforms to the Clear Channel San Diego cluster. Along with a strong record of management success, Sean is also highly respected by his peers for his commitment to winning, making him the perfect choice to lead our sales efforts and continue to build our strong and talented sales team here in San Diego." Clear Channel EVP Western Region Susan Karis adds, "Sean is a proven performer in Clear Channel. His leadership and contributions have been a key part of our growth in the Phoenix market. I look forward to Sean's leadership as Director of Sales producing strong results in San Diego." Meanwhile, Johnson tells us, "I couldn't be happier about this opportunity. With top stations, tremendous digital assets and a strong team of media professionals, Clear Channel San Diego has all the elements needed for top performance in our industry. My family and I are excited for this move and the opportunity to become a part of the San Diego community."
* Beasley Broadcast Group appoints Kimberly Sonneborn to the new position VP of Digital Design and Production.
Sonneborn, based in Beasley's Miami office, will oversee their digital projects from conception to launch. "She is responsible for formulating the initial design concepts and then determining the most appropriate manner in which to present digital projects to both station personnel and advertisers," says a news release. "She also evaluates and recommends emerging Web and online technologies." Additionally, Sonneborn will manage Beasley's team of designers and programmers. President and COO Bruce Beasley tells us, "It is with great pride that we recognize Kimberly's keen abilities and longtime dedication to our company. She has been a leading force in Beasley's interactive efforts for ten years now, and we very much look forward to the watching her further develop this department and Beasley's digital platforms." VP of Interactive Kathleen Bricketto adds, "Kimberly is instrumental in creating the vision and strategy for Beasley's ever-changing digital space. She developed the Company's interactive presence from a one-woman office into today's vibrant, creative division." Sonneborn, joined Beasley as Interactive Coordinator in 2000, adds: "“The challenge of a new technology keeps me enthralled with my job. I’m driven by the attention to detail that my work requires and I truly enjoy translating ‘techie’ jargon into concepts our sales and programming colleagues can understand.”
* "After MidNite" host Blair Garner signs a long-term contract renewal with Premiere Radio Networks.
Terms of the new agreement are not disclosed. "After MidNite" is heard by 2.7 million weekly listeners, will continue to broadcast daily from midnight to 6am on more than 260 affiliates. During his years with Premiere, Garner has won Academy of Country Music's "On-Air Personality of the Year" twice. Says Garner, "I'm very pleased to continue my relationship with Premiere. It's an exciting time for radio and the opportunities for engagement that Premiere continues to develop - from on-air and digital to off-air events - are tremendous and benefit our listeners, artists, affiliates, record labels and advertisers. I look forward to breaking new ground with the Premiere team!" Premiere President of Content & Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott adds,"We're extremely proud to continue our partnership with Blair. He's one of the most talented personalities in radio, so it's no wonder that After MidNite has achieved such great success."
* Benztown Radio Networks will handle syndication for "Todd 'N Tyler's Radio Empire."
Their morning show will continue to be based out of its flagship Rock "Z92" KEZO-FM, Omaha. It already airs on "T-95" KICT-FM, Wichita and "Big Sports 590" KXSP-AM, Omaha, in addition to KEZO. "We had an extensive search to find a syndication partner that could bring our vision to life, Benztown's game plan for taking our show to new audiences is strong, creative and focused," says the duo. "Todd and Tyler are thrilled to be joining the Benztown team."
Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes adds, "TNT's massive ratings in Omaha are unlike anything I have ever seen and we look forward to growing their Empire. Needless to say, we are excited to be working with Todd & Tyler, Jim Spector, Mark Todd, Tom Land, Steve Wexler, and the entire team."
* ISP signs with Skyview Networks to provide radio broadcast services for the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network. The multi-year agreement is for ISP's full package of radio broadcast services for UGA football, baseball and men's basketball broadcasts. Skyview, an integrated pro sports broadcasting company, will provide satellite distribution along with inventory management software and network automation systems to the network. Says ISP Conference Network Manager David Shumate, "We look forward to utilizing the expertise provided by Skyview to both distribute and assist in the traffic management crucial to operating a large network such as the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network." According to a news release, Skyview has deployed smart receivers and automation systems across the 52 affiliates comprising ISP's Georgia Bulldog Radio Network. With these systems working in tandem, ISP will have full control over advertiser scheduling and the ability to localize and regionalize advertiser messaging at the station level.
* Television sports network NESN and WEEI Sports Radio enter into a programming partnership to simulcast "The Dennis and Callahan Show" weekday mornings, live from 6-9am. Beginning November 16, Dennis and Callahan will be available on NESN in New England and across the country on NESN National. The duo joined WEEI in October 1997 for middays and moved to mornings in September 1999. "We're excited because this is the next logical step in our progression as a powerful brand, giving us the ability to provide our great content far and wide," says Entercom New England VP and Market Manager Julie Kahn. "We've built an unprecedented regional radio network, we stream our radio content worldwide via the Web, we have original Web content, mobile streaming – and now we will be available regionally and nationally on TV."
* The FCC denies a petition filed by Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters for reconsideration of the Commission's July 2008 approval of the merger of Sirius and XM, and again proclaims there are no indecency rules for Sirius XM. Los Angeles Mt. Wilson owner Saul Levine asserted that the conditions imposed by the Commission and accepted by Sirius and XM are not adequate because the merged entity should have been required to comply with the Commission's rules prohibiting the broadcast of obscene material and restricting the broadcast of indecent material. Mt. Wilson argued that such a condition was needed because the FCC had become aware that allegedly indecent satellite radio programming was being received over terrestrial radio frequencies on broadcast receivers, made possible by low-power FM modulators. The Commission found Mt. Wilson's contention that a low-power FM modulator intended to relay satellite programming from a subscriber's satellite receiver to the subscriber's car radio using broadcast frequencies unconvincing. It said that FM modulators, whether operated in compliance with Part 15 requirements or not, are not engaged in broadcasting as defined in the Communications Act, and are not providing "radio communications intended to be received by the public."
* Westwood One will continue as the exclusive radio coverage provider for the 2011 Masters Tournament. Westwood One signs a renewal contract that provides the radio syndicator with on-course radio rights, including live hole-by-hole coverage. Additionally, the radio broadcast will be streamed live on the Tournament's Website at Masters.com. "Westwood One is committed to maintaining its long-standing leadership position in play-by-play sports on radio," says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. "This renewal continues the longest running national radio broadcast partnership in all of sports, and we are looking forward to an exciting season of bringing listeners the highest quality sports broadcasts on the air in 2011." Westwood One has been the radio home of the Masters for nearly 60 years.
* Chief Innovation Officer Lee Abrams resigns from Tribune Co.
The Friday (Oct 15) resignation culminates a week of headlines involving Abrams, starting with complaints about a companywide email that contained content considered inappropriate for the workplace. Then there was another email, this one an apology from Abrams; next, news that Tribune CEO Randy Michaels had indefinitely suspended Abrams. To cap the week, his resignation. Michaels announced the resignation in a memo dated October 15: "As you know, earlier this week we suspended Lee Abrams from his position as Tribune Company's Chief Innovation Officer for distributing an email and video link that some employees found offensive. Today, Lee offered his resignation and I accepted it. Effective immediately, Lee will no longer be an employee of Tribune." The Monday (Oct. 11) email that launched the chain of events contained links to satirical video parodies of newscasts. One, which included profanity and nudity, was labeled “Sluts.” Chicago media reporter Phil Rosenthal, who has been on top of all the developments (as previously reported here) was first to report Abrams resignation. Rosenthal now writes, "Michaels, whose leadership of the company had been characterized as fostering a sexist 'frat house' atmosphere by the New York Times just one week earlier, placed Abrams on indefinite unpaid suspension on Wednesday, pending review." Michaels said in announcing the suspension that the satire was “in extremely bad taste,” and sending it to every single Tribune Co. employee was “the kind of serious mistake that can’t be tolerated” and promised “to address it promptly and forcefully.” Abrams reported directly to Michaels, a former radio executive with Jacor and Clear Channel who brought Abrams to Tribune Co. in March 2008 after a decade as chief creative officer at what was then XM Satellite Radio. Abrams, for years among the radio industry’s most influential consultants, is considered one of the founding fathers of radio research. It is unclear what will happen to Abrams’ Tribune Co. projects and initiatives with his departure. Next Friday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey is scheduled to consider a motion filed by a large junior bondholder creditor asking him to appoint a bankruptcy trustee to take over the case from Tribune Co. "Sources close to Tribune Co.’s Chapter 11 case," reports Rosenthal, "said they expected the issues raised by Abrams’ memo and the New York Times story to cast a shadow on the bankruptcy proceedings." The Chicago-based Tribune Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2008, a year after real estate billionaire Sam Zell took the company private in a debt-heavy deal and installed the management team led by Michaels.
* ESPN Radio announces Los Angeles and Chicago Program Directors. Mike Thompson and Adam Delevitt will take over as Program Directors of the network’s owned stations in Los Angeles and Chicago, respectively. “We’re proud to strengthen two of our O&O’s with the distinctive talents Mike and Adam bring to their new and richly deserved positions — Mike with 16 years of national experience, and Adam with unabashed Windy City passion as a lifelong Chicagoan who’s been with ESPN Radio 1000 since 1998,” says Tim McCarthy, Senior Vice President, ESPN Radio Group. “Each brings with them the skill to find the best on-air personalities available in L.A. and Chicago to serve their market’s sports fans. That we are able to stay ‘in house’ to put such qualified people in these high-profiled positions speaks to the depth of talent at all levels of ESPN Radio.”
Thompson is named PD at "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, overseeing all aspects of programming, talent development, and the station’s play-by-play of the Los Angeles Lakers, USC football and men’s basketball, and "AM 830" KLAA (The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim). He will also work on integrating the station’s digital site into the framework of 710 ESPN. Thompson, who had been General Manager and PD at WEAE, 1250 ESPN in Pittsburgh, began his career at WCNN in Atlanta, laid the format foundation for one of the most successful stations, Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas/Ft. Worth, and programmed "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York. As Senior Director of Digital Media, Thompson created content for ESPN branded channels on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. He returns to Southern California where he programmed the former "XTRA Sports 1150" and The Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network in the late 90’s.
Delevitt, who has been with Chicago’s "ESPN 1000" WMVP-AM since 1998, will be responsible for the station’s on-air sound and programming strategy, along with overall imaging and talent development as PD. He will also work closely with the Sales, Traffic/Continuity, Marketing/Promotions, Production and Engineering teams. Delevitt had been Assistant Program Director at "ESPN 1000" the past four years after serving as Executive Producer of The Afternoon Saloon from 2001-2006 and producer of The Huge Show from 1999 to 2001. Previously, he worked in the sports departments of WGN Radio and WGN TV.
* Emmis Communications reports $66.9 million in net revenues in its fiscal second quarter, ending August 31.
Emmis discloses in an SEC filing that revenues were up from $64.2 million in the same period in 2009.
For the quarter, Emmis reports a net loss of $2.3 million (6 cents per share), narrowing from a loss of $135.6 million ($3.67 per share) in the year-ago period. For the Emmis radio division, revenues totalled $51.7 million, rising from $49.7 million a year earlier. Publishing was also up, at $15.1 million vs. $14.5 million in 2009. Emmis says its stations increase of 4.2% was short of the market average of 4.8% as reported by Miller Kaplan. The New York, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Austin stations grew more than the overall average, but that was offset by declines at KPWR-FM, Los Angeles, and WLUP-FM, Chicago.
* Journal Communications revamps its retirement plans. Journal will permanently freeze benefit accruals in its current pension and supplemental benefit plans, effective January 1. Instead, says Journal, the company will offer enhanced 401(k) matching contributions to its employees. Journal will match 50 cents on every dollar up to 7% of an employee's eligible pay, with a maximum match of 3.5%. Previously, it matched up to 5% of eligible wages for a maximum match of 2.5%. The pension freeze will not affect retirees' benefits. CEO Steven Smith says the move gives the company better financial flexibility while still offering a retirement benefits to employess. "We believe this decision allows us to maintain our financial flexibility while still offering a solid retirement benefit," says Smith. "Enhancing our 401(k) matching contributions will help us recruit and retain talented people as competitive 401(k) plans are a valued benefit in today’s workplace." In February 2009, Journal Communications temporarily suspended 401(k) matching contributions; then also suspended benefit accruals to the pension plan, SERP and the AEC for an 18-month period beginning July 1, 2009. The changes effective January 1, 2011 will impact only active employees of Journal Communications. The pension plan freeze will not affect the benefits of retirees, beneficiaries or terminated vested participants of the Pension Plan, says the company. Journal Communications, headquartered in Milwaukee, has operations in publishing, radio and television broadcasting, interactive media and printing services. Journal Communications is the parent of Journal Broadcast Group which includes 33 radio stations.
* The RAB board elects CBS Radio EVP of Operations Scott Herman as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Herman, who currently serves as the board's Vice Chair, will assume his new position January 1, taking over from Weezie Kramer, a Regional President for Entercom, who becomes Immediate Past Chair. Herman is a longtime member of RAB's board and previously served as Chairman of the board's finance committee. Herman's management tenure includes News WINS-AM and Talk WNEW-FM, New York, before becoming SVP and Market Manager for the then-Infinity's six-station cluster in New York and WYSP-FM, Philadelphia. Herman was elected RAB Chair during this week's board meeting (Ot. 13) in Orlando.
* Smooth Jazz is out, Smooth AC is in — at WXJZ-FM, Gainesville-Ocala, now "Smooth FM 100.9."
Asterisk Communications chooses Broadcast Architecture's Smooth AC format. Some have called the format the evolution of Smooth Jazz. Regardless, WXJZ ends 12 years of authentic Smooth Jazz. "It was our desire to freshen up our successful run of Smooth Jazz with new artists and more vocals in order to attract a younger, more mass-appeal audience," says General Manager John Starr. "Broadcast Architecture's Smooth AC is the logical choice." Broadcast Architecture President Allen Kepler tells us, "With typical AC stations moving away from the softer approach we know that there are many adults looking for a companion to help them relax and enjoy their day. The music mix offers a variety of styles, genres and eras of music not found on other stations and we see this to be a solid opportunity to deliver strong 25-54 PPM ratings." The Smooth AC format is about 75% vocals, with core artists including Sade, Michael Buble, Michael Jackson, and Seal. The rest of the music comes from such Smooth Jazz staples as Boney James, Dave Koz, and Chris Botti.
* The controversial sale of noncommercial "Rice Radio" KTRU-FM, Houston, is going forward despite opposition.
The University of Houston officially moves forward with the purchase of Rice University's noncommercial KTRU-FM for $9.5 million, as a formal agreement is signed. Rice is selling the student-run station to University of Houston, which plans to team KTRU with its own KUHF, with one broadcasting News and the other Classical. There's increasing opposition to the deal from Rice students and members of the community. "We will consult with KTRU’s student managers about the timing for turning the tower over to KUHF, but we expect that to occur by the end of the semester or calendar year," says Rice President David Leebron. "In the meantime, KTRU will continue to deliver its programming on 91.7 and online through www.ktru.org. In my conversations with the student managers, although we have disagreed about the sale of the tower and broadcasting rights, I have been encouraged by their commitment to explore ways to make KTRU of even greater value to the Rice community." Leebron adds, "We are also working with KTRU leadership to explore some alternatives in addition to the online station. We will dedicate some proceeds from the sale to KTRU for improvements now and ongoing support in the future. KTRU has played an important role at Rice, and we expect it will continue to play an important role in campus life in the future." Leebron acknowledges how controversial the sale has become, as the "Friends of KTRU" group hires a law firm to attempt to stop the deal. Says the Rice President, "I know the decision to sell the tower was controversial, as was the need to conduct those negotiations confidentially. This was clearly an exception to our usual process for undertaking major decisions at Rice, and we have emphasized that this was a result of unique aspects of this sale and not a precedent for future decisions. As a whole, members of our community expressed their opinions with great civility and thoughtfulness, and the KTRU leadership and staff were appropriately strong advocates for their viewpoint. We look forward to working with them and others in putting the sale proceeds to work for the benefit of our students and university."
* SNL Kagan reports 237 media sector deals with a transaction value of $746.2 million during the third quarter.
That includes announced mergers and acquisitions for Q3 2010. The deals announced during the period, coupled with those announced during the first two quarters of the year, helped position Bank Of America Merrill Lynch as the top financial adviser based on transaction value for the year to date, according to SNL Kagan's third quarter tables. Bank of America worked on four deals during the first three quarters, with a combined value of $860 million. CMS Station Brokerage is the top financial adviser by number of transactions with 13 deals, for the year so far. Among legal advisers, Fletcher Heald & Hildreth is the leader in numbers, providing advice on 104 deals in the first three quarters of 2010. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett led in transaction value, advising on four deals that added up to $736.1 million.
* JVC Media agrees to purchase WKJI-FM and WRCN-FM in the Hamptons from I.W. Limited LLC for $3 million.
WRCN-FM is based in Riverhead, WKJI-FM, Center Moriches, both in New York. The seller is part of the Barnstable Group, which also has WBZO, WHLI-AM, WKJY-FM, and WMJC on central Long Island. JVC, headed by John Caracciolo, also has WBON-FM and WPTY-FM on Long Island. Kalil & Co. represented the seller, and Richard L. Sharpe represented the buyer.
* NPR journalists are being cautioned to stay away from political rallies — especially on October 30.
The reminder from NPR CEO Vivian Schiller comes as interest is generated in the upcoming Jon Stewart “Rally to Restore Sanity” and Stephen Colbert “March to Keep Fear Alive” in Washington DC. Schiller's memo tells NPR's journalists to keep their distance. She issues a reminder of NPR's policy that it does not allow its journalists to participate in marches or rallies, run for office, endorse candidates, join online social community clubs centered on a candidate, or make contributions to a political campaign. NPR, apparently without a sense of humor, reportedly views the events being staged by Comedy Central’s late night funny guys Stewart and Colbert as a political event. According to Salon.com, NPR execs have warned their news staff away from the event, and even suggested other employees should also steer clear of the October-ending events. Schiller's memo was sent to all employees reminding them that they represent NPR regardless of their work function and have a responsibility to avoid activities that would tarnish the objectivity of NPR's news service.
* Sean Cocchia is named SVP and General Manager for Radio Disney.
Cocchia, who will oversee the Radio Disney Network with 35 terrestrial affiliates, succeeds Michael Riley, who was recently named President of ABC Family. David Cobb is named to replace Cocchia as VP of Business Planning and Strategy of Disney Channels Worldwide. "These promotions come at a time of dynamic expansion and innovation for our portfolio, and especially as Radio Disney rises to meet the needs of its growing audience of kids, tweens and families," says Disney Channels Worldwide President Carolina Lightcap. "They also reflect Disney's commitment to identifying and cultivating leaders within the organization and to consistently providing exciting and challenging career opportunities for our team. Sean brings strategic acumen, extensive knowledge of our business and leadership skills to his new role, and David is a proven strategic thinker whose intrinsic business planning expertise will serve us well as we continue to grow domestically and internationally." Cocchia has been with Disney since 1998. Cobb joined Disney in 1996.
* "The Truth" is that "Joe" is dead, killed by "Fort Wayne's First FM News Talk."
The Adult Variety Hits format named "Joe" — a distant cousin of "Jack" — disappears from WJOE-FM, licensed to Columbia City, and is replaced by the new FM talker. "106.3 The Truth" has a line-up that includes Mancow, Neal Boortz, Dennis Miller, Todd Schnitt, Michael Savage, Rusty Humphries, Jerry Doyle and Phil Hendrie in eight three-hour segments. The new station is online at the late Joe's www.1063joefm.com Website with a splash screen [pictured left] that invites visitors to listen with "Hear's [sic] The Truth." The Adult Variety Hits format launched in September 2008, when the station, owned by the Oasis Radio Group, dropped its gold-based Rhythmic AC format, and changed call letters from WVBB to WJOE as "Joe FM - 80s, 90s & Whatever." Rick Farrant, a media reporter with the Fort Wayne Business Weekly, says the latest flip may be a good strategy since the conservative NewsTalk platform has been flourishing across the nation for past several years. "NewsTalk, particularly conservative news talk, has done very well in this country for the last decade," says Farrant.
* SparkNet Communications partners with Athens-based Off The Record Consulting to offer "Jack FM" in Greece.
Greek radio broadcasters will be able to create their own style of "Jack FM" programming using the standard positioning statement, "Playing What We Want." Off The Record Consulting Group CEO Peter Triantafyllou says, "Off The Record Consulting has established very strong ties with radio, and has developed creative media programs with high acceptance by top radio brands and advertisers in Greece and Europe. Now, with the tools from our new partners and our expertise, we can help a select group of radio stations create a new path to success." SparkNet Executive VP of Licensing Ken Benson tells us, "I began working with Peter back in 2005, where we provided the strategic support and research for the turnaround of Athen's Dee Jay 95.2. Peter is a talented radio personality and an astute marketer. We are eager to work with Peter to adapt the internationally beloved Jack FM radio brand and create another winning radio format in Greece and Cyprus."
* Sirius XM says a group of state attorneys general is investigating the company's consumer practices.
The satcaster makes that revelation in a Wednesday (Oct. 13) filing with the SEC. Sirius XM tells the SEC: “In October 2010, a Multistate Working Group, led by the Attorney General of the State of Ohio and joined by the Offices of the Attorneys General of Arizona, Connecticut, Tennessee, Vermont and the District of Columbia, commenced a multi-jurisdictional investigation into certain of our consumer practices. The investigation focuses on our practices relating to the cancellation of subscriptions; automatic renewal of subscriptions; charging, billing, collecting, and refunding or crediting of payments from consumers; and soliciting customers. A separate investigation into our consumer-related practices is being conducted by the Attorney General of the State of Florida. In addition, in September 2010, the Attorney General of the State of Missouri commenced an action against us regarding our telemarketing practices to residents of the State of Missouri.” Sirius XM adds: “We are cooperating with these investigations and believe our consumer-related practices comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.”
* Sirius XM reports adding 334,727 net subscribers in the third quarter bringing the total to almost 20 million.
The satcaster won't release its compete third-quarter results until next month, but Sirius XM says it completed the quarter with a record high 19.86 million total subscribers. They expect to top 20 million by the end of the year. The third quarter add of 334,727 net subscribers is up from 102,295 in the same period a year ago. The gains were greater for the Sirius segment of the merged company than for the XM segment. For the year to date, Sirius XM has added more than a million – 89,417 more as of the end of Q3. That results in the satcaster upping its projection for the year from 1.1 million adds to 1.3 million. For the first three quarters, XM added 469,165 net subscribers, compared to a loss of 145,855 in the same period in 2009, while Sirius added 620,252 net subscribers, compared to a loss of 242,271 in 2009. One satellite radio observer notes that the timing of this announcement is "curious." He tells us: "I've noticed that whenever Sirius XM Satellite Radio is facing some bad news, it always seems to counter with a news release that speaks positively. Is this really just a coincidence?"
* Pandora is targeting radio's in-car drive time listeners — and advertisers.
As Pandora increasingly finds its way into automobiles, in-car listening is its next target, and also the advertisers who target those listeners. Pandora is able to target users based on age, gender, home ZIP code and musical tastes, which gives advertisers the ability to run more relevant ads than what's possible on regular radio, says Ford Digital Marketing Manager Scott Kelly. Ford plans to ship Fiesta cars, early next year, with software that operates Pandora via voice controls. According to Bloomberg, Pandora is already luring advertisers with the promise of an expanded footprint. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Kelly says: "It's very intimate. Because Pandora knows so much about the user and who they are, where they're listening and what artists they like, it really lets us hone in on that message." In addition to Ford, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz also is promoting Pandora in vehicles, and Pioneer Electronics sells car stereos that include the service. Pandora needs a foothold in cars to challenge traditional radio and attract more advertisers, which pay a premium to reach listeners during drive times. Pandora intends to get a bigger chunk of the more than $17.1 billion radio ad market. For now, advertisers mostly reach its more than 65 million listeners via personal computers and smart phones. Pandora is one of the most popular applications on both Apple's iPhone and Google's Android devices. But the streaming music service is looking to in-car listening to enable it to capture more of radio's ad spending.
* A video of the accused murderer of radio newsman George Weber is admitted as evidence as his trial opens.
The video of defendant John Katehis, now 18, shows him saying that Weber was killed in a struggle over a knife after Weber gave him beer and cocaine. The video, a written statement by the defendant, and a witness identification from a lineup and photos were admitted in Brooklyn Supreme Court over objections by the defense. Katehis, 16 at the time, said he met the veteran radio news reporter through a Craigslist sex ad. Weber, an anchor for ABC News Radio and a former WABC-AM, New York, newscaster, was found stabbed to death at his apartment in Brooklyn on March 20, 2009. Katehis tells police in the video that he had gotten "super paranoid" from the drugs and alcohol and went for the knife when Weber pulled it out, and that in the struggle, Weber yanks the knife back and "it jabs him in the neck." Katehis initially maintained the killing was accidental. Jury selection for Katehis' trial was scheduled to begin Thursday (Oct. 14).
* Contemporay Christian WBFJ-FM, Winston-Salem, NC, morning host Darren Stevens dies unexpectedly.
Stevens died early Wednesday (Oct. 13) from complications after an appendix rupture. He was 42 years old. WBFJ-FM says Stevens was recovering in the hospital from emergency surgery that was performed on Friday. An exact cause of death is still unknown. Stevens, a lifelong area resident, was the third member of the station's "Family Friendly Morning Show." He began co-hosting the show in 2004. "He loved the idea he could do what he loved to do and be a servant of God in a ministry," says co-host Tami Rumfelt. "It's shocking and hard to believe. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and this was a dream and this didn't happen, and that's hard. But as hard as it is for me, there are three children whose dad won't walk into the door again." He's survived by his wife and three young children. WBFJ-FM remembers Stevens at the top of the main page of the station's Website, and has set up a Memorial Page for their late personality.
* Premiere Radio Networks host Glenn Beck returns to his radio show, saying: "I’m not dying."
Beck took Monday and Tuesday off for a series of tests at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. He'd told listeners before the weekend (Oct. 8) that he'd be off at the start of the week for the tests, revealing some new health issues. "Next week on Monday and Tuesday, I am going to take time off. I’m going out West to have some testing done. I have told you before that I have been losing feeling in my hands and my feet and I have been feeling tingling in my hands and my feet, and it’s traveling up my arms and it’s just a very bizarre sensation." Wednesday (Oct. 13), he returned talking about the tests. "I had two MRIs, two CAT scans and then I was going into the PET scan, and they said 'we've read all of the others we don't think you have cancer.'" Doctors have ruled out cancer, multiple sclerosis and lupus, but think he could have Raynaud's disease — a disorder that causes a lack of feeling in his hands and feet — and small fiber neuropathy, which damages nerves near the skin and can result in occasional but intense pain. Beck described Raynaud's as fairly "common" while the neuropathy could be "kind of dicey." He is still awaiting an official diagnosis. Doctors do not know the cause of the partial paralysis of his vocal cords, which he had also previously indicated was a concern, but now says the issue could be a virus. "I want you to know, I'm not dying," said Beck.
* Tribune suspends Chief Innovation Officer Lee Abrams for a "serious mistake" with his Monday "offensive" email.
In a Wednesday (Oct. 13) memo to employees, Tribune CEO Randy Michaels says the Monday (Oct. 11) email containing links to offensive videos was the "serious mistake" — serious enough to warrant an indefinite suspension. Michaels writes: “Lee recognizes that the video was in extremely bad taste and that it offended employees." The CEO notes that Abrams has "apologized publicly" but adds Michaels "this is the kind of serious mistake that can’t be tolerated. We intend to address it promptly and forcefully.” Earlier, we reported that Abrams [pictured left] apologized for the memo that received complaints to Trubune's HR Department. Abrams is the longtime radio consultant hired by Michaels in March 2008. The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal reported that Abrams apologized “to everyone who was offended” in another company-wide email Tuesday (Oct. 12). "Days after Tribune Co.’s corporate management was characterized in a newspaper article as fostering a sexist 'frat house' atmosphere, one of its top executives sent a company-wide email with links to off-color satirical videos," writes Rosenthal. "Among the videos was one the executive, Lee Abrams, labeled 'Sluts' in which a gyrating woman appeared to pour liquor on her bare breasts." With the apology, Abrams now concedes “poor judgment” on his part. Among the complaints was one from Chicago Tribune Editor Gerould Kern. “I thought it was offensive and I thought it was completely inappropriate to be sent out in a workplace setting to everyone in this company,” Kern said. “We’ve had some employees complain as well, and I took it to HR.” Kern said he also complained to Abrams, whose email followed by less than a week an unflattering New York Times front-page story on changes to Tribune Co. corporate culture since real estate billionaire Sam Zell took the company private in December 2007. Zell installed a new management team led by former Clear Channel and Jacor radio exec Randy Michaels. Abrams sends weekly notes to employees encouraging them to reinvent the media business and not be chained to convention. Now Rosenthal reports on Abrams suspension.
* Lincoln Financial Media taps Scott Lindy for Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Star 94" WSTR-FM, Atlanta.
Lindy fills the gap created with the July exit of J.R. Ammons. Lindy comes to "Star 94" after nearly two years as Operations Manager at Clear Channel's six-station Atlanta cluster, where he also was direct Program Director of WUBL-FM and WGST-AM. "Scott's a solid programmer who knows Atlanta radio," says Lincoln Financial Media Atlanta SVP and General Manager Rick Mack. "Most of all, he understands the unique position held by Star 94 – we represent the music and local feel that Atlanta loves. I'm confident Scott will run with that and take us to the next level." Says Lindy, "I'm extremely pleased to be able to work with great radio minds like Rick Mack, (LFM VP of Programming & Operations) John Dimick and (LFM President & CEO) Don Benson. I'm proud to join a company that invests in their people and stations the way Lincoln Financial Media does. It will be my honor and pleasure to take Star 94 into its next dominant phase in Atlanta." Lindy has also held programming management positions with Sirius XM's Nashville-based Country stations, Clear Channel's Baltimore cluster, and WTVR-AM-FM, Richmond, VA.
* Program Director Dennis Constantine exits Alpha Broadcasting's Triple-A KINK-FM, Portland; OR.; Chris Mays joins as Acting PD. Constantine departs after 13 years at the station, and Alpha Broadcasting brings in programming veteran Mays, for now as Acting PD. "We are so grateful to Dennis Constantine for his many contributions to KINK over the last 13 years," says Alpha President and COO Bob Proffitt. And from what Proffitt adds, it sounds like Mays will become more than "acting" PD. "KINK is such an incredible brand with deep roots here in Portland, and we're ready to embark on the next chapter with Chris at the helm." Mays, who has been programming and marketing radio stations for over 30 years, will work in conjunction with consultants from the Pollack Media Group. While familiar with many styles of music, her specialty is Rock-based music. Her radio career includes on-air, as well as Marketing Director, Program Director and Station Manager. She has programmed various music formats including Triple-A, Adult Rock, AC, Hot AC, Jazz, Oldies and AOR. She has worked with both traditional and new media. Mays most recently has been consulting stations around the country, since exiting as Program Director of CBS Radio's "Alice" KLLC-FM, San Francisco. Previously, she programmed KLSY-FM and KMTT-FM in Seattle. "I am honored to be joining the Alpha family in Portland and look forward to working with Larry Wilson, Bob Proffitt, Scott Mahalick and the Pollack Media Group to evolve KINK into the future and be a part of this legendary station," says Mays. "My passion for radio is unparalleled and I'm excited to move to the Portland area. KINK has assembled a world-class team. It will be a privilege to bring my vision and leadership to this group."
* Keymarket Communications VP of Programming Frank Bell will exit after 10 years at the end of October.
Bell oversees programming on Keymarket's Pittsburgh-area Country "Froggy" tricaster WOGI-FM, WOGG-FM and WOGH-FM, as well as Classic Hits WPKL-FM, WKPL-FM, and WUKL-FM, Wheeling, WV. Other Keymarket stations include Wheeling's WYJK-FM and ESPN Sports WSTV-FM. Before joining Keymarket, Bell was Assistant Director of Programming for Cumulus Media. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with Sinclair Communications and its predecessor, Keymarket Communications, as head of radio programming. "I am especially grateful to the incredible team of Keymarket programming and promotion people who've worked very hard over the past ten years to make our fourteen stations an important part of their local communities," says Bell. He adds he's currently evaluating future opportunities.
* Citadel Talk KGO-AM/KSFO-AM, San Francisco, promotes Director of Sales Deidra Lieberman to General Manager.
She replaces Mickey Luckoff, who resigned last week after 35 years. Lieberman joined the Citadel stations in September 2003, as General Sales Manager, and was promoted to DOS in 2006. She joined Citadel from crosstown KFOG-FM where she was Local Sales Manager. According to a KGO news release, "Deidra began her career in radio in 1990 and has risen the ranks through sales management." Citadel President and CEO Farid Suleman announced the promotion to the staff Monday (Oct. 11): "It is a privilege and honor to promote someone from within this fantastic organization. Deidra is a nationally respected sales professional and I look forward to working with Deidra, Jack Swanson and everyone here in San Francisco," says . Lieberman adds, "This is absolutely the happiest day of my career. I'm excited beyond words and this comes from the very bottom of my heart. We will continue to focus on relevant content and serving our listeners, community and advertisers. I'm excited to get started!" Operations Manager Jack Swanson tells us, "What an outstanding choice to lead us in the decades ahead. I'm thrilled to be on the team." Lieberman is a native New Yorker and now lives in Marin with her husband, Eric.
* William McKenna returns to Arbitron in the new position SVP of New Media Ventures.
McKenna will report to EVP of Business Development & Strategy Tim Smith, and will be based at the company's Columbia, MD, headquarters. In his new role, McKenna will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and executing new business opportunities with a focus on new customers and market segments for Arbitron's PPM technology. "He will be a key contributor to Arbitron's long-range strategic plan and will support the company's international initiatives," says Arbitron's news release. "Mr. McKenna will also serve as the corporate voice at domestic and international industry forums regarding audience measurement for new media and emerging technologies." Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr tells us, "Bill's decades of experience as an innovator in media research make him a perfect choice to develop new markets and platforms for our Portable People Meter technology. As current media continue to expand to new platforms and as new media emerge, Bill will work to establish Arbitron as an innovative and leading provider of media and market intelligence." McKenna's appointment marks his second tour at Arbitron. In the late 1980s, he was a co-creator of Arbitron's ScanAmerica service. Most recently, McKenna was President and CEO of Integrated Media Measurement Inc. (IMMI). In June, Arbitron acquired the technology portfolio, patents, and trade name of IMMI. McKenna also served as President and CEO of KMR North America, an operating unit of the KMR Group and WPP's Kantar Group.
* The CMA Award radio winners are announced in advance of the November 10 awards telecast.
Winning the Country Music Association award as national personality, for a fifth time, is Lon Helton, longtime host of the Westwood One-syndicated "Country Countdown USA." Taking the major market award are Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray Stevens, morning personalities at WUSN, Chicago. "The House Foundation" on WSIX, Nashville, wins large-market honors as the show prepares to end its long run in December. WIVK, Knoxville, staple "Andy & Alison and the Morning Crew" receives the medium-market prize. "The Dex & Mo Show" on WUSY, Chattanooga wins for small market.
The CMA Station of the Year awards go to: Major Market: KWJJ/Portland, OR; Large Market: KAJA, San Antonio; Medium Market: WIVK, Knoxville; Small Market: WGSQ, Cookeville, TN. A full listing is available here from TPMedia.
* The University of Florida will flip "Rock 104" WRUF-FM, Gainesville, to Country as “103.7 The Gator” October 16.
The 100,000 watt commercial station's “Rock 104” programming will move online to Rock104.com. UF Executive Director of Multimedia Properties Randy Wright says the flip is “to attract a broader audience and help ensure the economic viability of the media properties for decades to come,” reports the Gainesville Sun. The station has featured a Rock format since the 1980s. It will now compete with two established Country stations in the market: "K-Country 93.7" WOGK-FM, which was the top-rated station in recent Arbitron ratings, and "Thunder Country 102.3" WTRS-FM. WRUF is one of the rare University owned commercial radio stations. The University of Florida has registered Country1037.com, 1037TheGator.com, and Country1037TheGator.com. The Gainesville Sun reported in September that the station’s contract to air the syndicated "Lex & Terry" morning show expires October 16. The remainder of the station’s hosts are interns from the University student body. The University of Florida also operates Non-Commercial NPR/Talk WUFT/WJUF and commercial Sports WRUF-AM. A flip to Country will place WRUF-FM in direct competition with market leading “K-Country 93.7” WOGK and “Thunder Country 102.3” WTRS. Rumors about the pending change of format for WRUF-FM have swirled for several weeks. Now, the University of Florida confirms them with a news release. “Throughout my career I’ve been involved with numerous format changes on radio and program launches on television and without doubt this is the most exciting,” says Wright in the news release.
* Former Arkansas "Hog Radio" Sports KAKS-FM reporter Renee Gork gets a new job — in Gainesville, FL.
Gork, who lost her job at KAKS-FM, Huntsville-Fayetteville, AR, making national headlines because the termination followed her wearing of a Florida Gators cap at a University of Arkansas news conference, is welcome to wear that cap at "SportsRadio 850" WRUF-AM, one of the University of Florida's commercial stations. Gork joins the station as morning "SportScene" co-host with Steve Russell. She's a Florida U. grad who sparked the ire of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino for wearing the Florida hat. The station denied that just wearing the Gators hat was the reason for her termination, but admitted it was the final catalyst after other unspecified issues. Gork had said she wore the cap, which she had from her days at the Gainesville-based university, without even thinking about the implications. "I just grabbed the first hat I could," she said following the national coverage of her firing at "Hog Radio."
* Clear Channel offers a flurry of format changes and moves in Norfolk, VA, and drops Smooth Jazz in the shuffle.
Urban AC "Kiss FM" WKUS-FM moves from 105.3 to two frequencies – 92.1 and 107.7 FM. "Cool 92.1" WCDG-FM is replaced by "Magic 105.3" as it magically moves, rebrands, and switches from Oldies to a mix described as "the greatest hits of the baby-boomer generation, including Motown and Top 40 acts popular during the 1970s." The other frequency for the transplanted "Kiss FM" – 107.7 – had been Smooth Jazz WJCD-FM, which bites the dust as the format has in an increasing number of markets. Clear Channel is emphasizing that "Magic" is not just a rebranded "Cool" at the new frequency, but neither is it an experimental format. "It's not a new format like you were creating some kind of monster in the laboratory format. This is a format that is out there in other markets and they've had success with it," says Operations Manager Travis Dylan. "We feel that Hampton Roads deserves a station like this." The new "Magic" is online at MyMagic1053.com, but as you can see from the new logo, the word "My" is not a part of the station's new identity as some are reporting.
* Just a popular guest host no more, Doug Urbanski gets his own Westwood One show starting in January.
Known as "America's Favorite Talk Radio Guest Host," Urbanski's own three-hour daily talk show will combine politics, entertainment and humor. He's often guest hosted for Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Fred Thompson, Dennis Miller, and others. "I am fortunate to have known everyone, been everyplace and done everything," says Urbanski, commenting from London. "My entire life people have said I should be on radio. These past five years speaking to millions of people for Rush, Savage, O'Reilly, Ingraham and others, combined with my own brand of humor, my love of telling 'the story', and my conviction that I am actually one thousand pundits rolled into one, it seemed to make sense to give me my own microphone." Urbanski is currently in London serving as Executive Producer of the film version of John LeCarre's cold war spy thriller, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, to be released in 2011. "When you find someone as schooled in talk radio as Doug Urbanski, with a resume so unique that it can't be matched by anyone else in the business, that spells 'winner' to me," says Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz. "His experiences are so varied and unique that his conservative, yet very independent, approach will be truly special."
* CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason was honored Wednesday night (Oct. 13) by the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, as they presented him with their Ralph Gabbard-Distinguished Kentuckian Award. That award is given to current or former Kentuckians who have earned fame or acclaim in their field of endeavor, in recognition of the value of those achievements to the state and nation. "I am so grateful to receive this award," said Mason. "Ralph Gabbard stood for great local broadcasting and I saw first hand the impact he had on the broadcasting business in Kentucky."
* Global Security Systems: FEMA-funded study finds that FM radio-based alerting is effective.
GSS reports the study conducted by Northrop Grumman Corporation confirms the effectiveness of FM radio alerts and warnings provided by ALERT FM, the personal emergency alerting system that uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology. It delivers text messages, up to 240 characters, to any electronic device with Alert FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip. That includes mobile devices. AlertUs Technology and Metis Secure were part of the study. Global Security's GSSNet is the manufacturer of ALERT FM. The yearlong study includes continuous working demonstration of the ALERT FM system over a three-month period across three locales — a college campus, four counties spread across two states, and a larger region. The structured live demonstrations tested the effectiveness of ALERT FM by activating receivers; adhering to Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) requirements; implementing geo-targeting exercises; and executing an all-clear wrap. Following the operational test, the study surveyed alert originators and radio broadcasters. ALERT FM is a CAP-compliant solution capable of delivering both audio and data feeds to radio broadcasters. "More than 35 million people in 14 states have access to the technology," says GSS. "State broadcast associations from Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, and Tennessee, and radio groups K-LOVE, Air1, Commonwealth Broadcasting, and the Cromwell Group support ALERT FM for emergency alert messages in their states and markets. ALERT FM has been implemented at the university, state, county, and multi-county levels."
* Study from Clear Channel Outdoor and MarketShare Partners shows radio and billboards work well together.
"How Outdoor Advertising Works" considers out-of-home advertising's part in an "optimal marketing mix" that delivers "the right message in the right place at the right time with the appropriate vehicles and results in maximizing the sales lift from a firm's total marketing spend." Cross-marketing optimization company MarketShare Partners finds that out-of-home (OOH) can provide a direct sales lift "by increasing brand awareness and consideration," and can also increase the effectiveness of other forms of marketing. When OOH is combined with radio, the sales lift is "significantly higher" when the campaign includes a call to action. “After careful analysis of thousands of marketing optimization models, and considering decades of research and applied marketing science, independent research from MarketShare Partners conclusively shows that OOH is an effective marketing vehicle and should be included as a component of the optimal marketing mix across a broad range of industries,” says Clear Channel Outdoor SVP of Business Development and Marketing Debbie Reichig. “For the first time, this report gives marketers proven models that show OOH not only provides a direct sales lift by increasing brand awareness and consideration, the medium can also increase the effectiveness of other marketing vehicles including TV, radio, print and online.” [More »]
* Entercom signs with Vancouver-based Strutta.com Media to power online contests.
Strutta will provide contest marketing solutions for Entercom's 110 radio outlets in the U.S. Under the new agreement, each Entercom station will have access to Strutta's Contest Builder tool to create contests in the local market, while Entercom will use Strutta's Contest API to manage national promotions. Strutta supports multi-media contests and offers integration with social media. "Strutta has enabled us to substantially elevate our game in one of our highest-profile initiatives," says Entercom Senor Director of Digital Content Joe Rosenthal. "We believe these types of promotions are powerful tools to drive both user engagement and sponsorship revenue."
* The Tribune Company announces a new agreement with creditors as it continues to seek Chapter 11 resolution.
Tribune says it supports the new agreement reached by its Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors; Oaktree Capital Management; Angelo, Gordon & Co.; and JPMorgan Chase Bank on a plan of reorganization that will settle certain claims surrounding both 'Step 1' and 'Step 2' of the company’s 2007 going-private transaction. This settlement expands upon the previously-announced settlement with Oaktree and Angelo Gordon, and comes as a result of the court-ordered mediation overseen by U. S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Gross. "With the able assistance of Judge Gross, we continue to achieve success in our mediation efforts, and are pleased to have now expanded the plan settlement to include the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors," says Tribune’s Chief Restructuring Officer Don Liebentritt. "The additional value being allocated to our bondholders and other unsecured creditors represents a fair and equitable settlement for all of our constituencies. We remain confident that Tribune continues on a path toward resolution of its Chapter 11 cases that maximizes the value of the bankruptcy estates, preserves all stakeholders’ legitimate entitlements and enables the company to conclude its bankruptcy proceedings as soon as possible." New in this epanded settlement is the contribution of $120 million in cash by recipients of pre-bankruptcy payments on the Incremental tranche of the Tribune Senior Loan and the Bridge Loan facilities through an optional settlement of those claims, with the arrangers for those facilities, which will help to ensure that the estates receive the full settlement payment on the plan’s effective date. "Still absent from the settlement, however, are several key junior creditor groups, including major bondholder Aurelius Capital Management, a litigious New York hedge fund known for disrupting large bankruptcy cases. Sources close to Aurelius have said the fund plans to file its own plan by the court imposed October 15 deadline," reports the Los Angeles Times.
* The University of Minnesota's "Radio K" KUOM-AM-FM, Minneapolis, loses $50,000 in federal CPB funds.
The Corporation For Public Broadcasting says the station's ratings are too low under Arbitron's PPM system, but station staff say Arbitron’s ratings measurement methods are potentially unreliable. While the station receives about five times the lost $50,000 in funding from student services fees, "Radio K" Marketing Director Alex Gaterud doesn’t downplay the significance of the loss. “In any public radio or public broadcasting setting, that’s a huge hit,” says Gaterud. “We’re confident we can deliver [an] excellent product continuously, but we’re still looking to fill that gap.” The university's campus newspaper The Minnesota Daily reports that due to the relatively low "Radio K" ratings compared to more prominent stations, Arbitron doesn’t report its numbers. Gaterud says Arbitron’s PPM system has potential to be technologically unreliable because the devices may not detect faint signals or may only pick up something “fleetingly.”
* John Lynch sues the company he founded, Broadcast Company of the Americas, and his former partners in BCA.
Lynch claims that he and his daughter, VP of Sales Kara Guthrie, were unfairly fired from the company in September. Lynch is suing BCA, the Viejas Tribe, his partner in BCA and a casino operator in San Diego County, and San Diego Padres owner John Moores' JMI company, alleging that because of the termination, Lynch "can no longer attract the investments that he needs to recapture his position at BCA, which position was promised to him," and has lost his stake in the company, which he estimates at $9 million. The suit claims that Lynch is particularly harmed by his termination because of his age (63) and that the BCA investment was supposed to "see him into retirement." Lynch's suit, filed in California Superior Court, alleges breach of contract, fraud and other wrongful acts, by the various parties he is suing. BCA was created in 2003 to operate Sports XEPRS-AM, Classic Hits XHPRS-FM, and Sports-Business Talk XEPE-AM. The Viejas Tribe became majority shareholder in 2006. Lynch's suit allleges that BCA attempted to merge with Local Media of America (LMA), created by Lynch with private equity firm Thoma Bravo, and tried to buy out Viejas, which had indicated it wanted to sell its outside investments, but that Viejas resisted and demanded an "inflated price" and that the Viejas interim CEO threatened that if Viejas "did not get what it was demanding, he would personally ensure that everybody lost." Lynch and his daughter were both ousted from BCA when his financial backers brought in Larry Patrick as the new CEO.
* Syndicated personality Bubba the Love Sponge files suit against porn star over supposed Tiger Woods sex tape.
In March, porn actress Devon James (aka Melinda Jannette or Melinda Brinling) alleged an affair with golfer Tiger Woods on Bubba's show, and Bubba (Todd Clem) claims he signed her to a deal that gave him exclusive rights to release all information relating to the alleged affair. He also says that under the agreement, he would receive a portion of the profits in exchange for a $3,500 advance to the porn star. Bubba claims in his lawsuit that James violated the deal by either selling or attempting to sell a video she claims shows her having sex with Woods. The suit seeks injunctive relief and damages above $15,000. James husband and manager, Nick James, meanwhile, says that the videotape is his and has already been sold to another undisclosed party, which will run it online starting October 15. Such a Website has now appeared promoting advance sales of the tape. James' trustworthiness and truthfulness has already been challenged. She originally claimed that Woods was the father of her nine-year-old son. However, her mother said that allegation was a hoax to make money. Her former manager says that even the sex tape was a hoax. Bubba's producer also investigated her allegations before concluding that she was not telling the truth.
* Clear Channel's Miami Dolphins deal has the NBA Miami Heat hot enough to sue the broadcaster.
The owners of the Heat file suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Clear Channel, alleging terms of their 2008 contract have been violated and seeking unspecified damages. The team has also put flagship “The Sports Animal” WINZ-AM on notice that it is leaving the station, effective November 5. Thee Miami Heat suit against Clear Channel claims breach of contract, saying that the new deal with the Dolphins entitles the Heat to an "equivalent package." The Dolphins agreement should have brought about a clause in the Heat's contract for better terms, claims the suit, which says that after viewing the Dolphins contract, the Heat notified Clear Channel of the breach. The Heat also alleges that Clear Channel waited until the eve of the NBA season before notifying the team that it was "not willing to provide the Heat with any of the more beneficial material terms granted to the Dolphins," the suit reads. The Dolphins' games now air on Classic Rock WBGG-FM and Sports WINZ-AM in Miami, and include pre-game and post-game shows, specials and an HD Radio multicast channel.
* Entercom Kansas City renews to carry University of Kansas Athletics broadcasts through 2016. The agreement is between Entercom Kansas City, the Kansas Athletics and Jayhawk Sports Marketing. Jayhawk football broadcasts will continue to air on "610 Sports Radio" KCSP-AM. The weekly Kansas football coach's show, "Hawk Talk," will also air on KCSP. KU men's basketball broadcasts will air on "610 Sports Radio," as will the weekly men's basketball coach's show. Women's basketball broadcasts will air on Entercom's KXTR-AM along with the women's basketball coach's show. Select women's games will also air on KCSP. "We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Kansas Athletics and IMG," says VP and General Manager Dave Alpert. "Jayhawk fans across the Kansas City area will have a powerful signal they can turn to every game day and game night. With the addition of coaches shows and special features during the week across our brands, 610 Sports Radio and Entercom Kansas City are committed to providing the best coverage of KU in the region." Entercom has been a radio broadcast partner for the Kansas Athletics through Jayhawks Sports Marketing since 2006.
* After six consecutive quarters of decline, the U.S. ad market is showing signs of a turnaround in 2010.
Advertisers spent an estimated $54 billion during the first half of the year, up nearly 4% from a year earlier, according to the Nielsen Company, which attributes the uptick to a modest improvement in consumer confidence. Among the bright spots, as reported by Forbes, the auto and auto insurance categories, which respectively registered 27% and 23% gains, year over year. The former, which remains the largest category at $4.4 billion, was driven in part by increased spending at car-maker General Motors, up 73% from a year earlier. Ford and Toyota similarly increased their ad expenditures by 15% and 22%, respectively, while the 82% uptick at UAW Health Care Trust was a significant contributor to latter. Each of the remaining top 10 categories, with the exception of department stores (+5%) and restaurants (+2%), posted declines during the six-month span. Among them were telephone and wireless services, which were down nearly 14% to $1.5 billion for the period. "Not surprisingly, auto ad spending is closely tied to auto sales, given that those sales dollars enable increased marketing expenditures," says Sallie Hirsch, SVP of Research for Nielsen's automotive unit. "Last year was abysmal for the auto industry as economic factors drove down sales to very low levels. Now that we're seeing an improvement in the market and consumers are more willing to open their wallets, car sales have started to rebound, and that's what's driving the increase in ad spending for 2010." For radio, Nielsen reports that network radio spending was up .61% in the first half of 2010 – to $494.8 million. Spot radio was down 2.23% to $2.5 billion.
Global ad spending increased 12.8% (at rate card values) in the first six months of 2010 when compared with the same period in 2009 and totaled $238 billion — driven by booming emerging markets and a return to double-digit ad spending in automotive, durables, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), financial services, and telecommunications, reports Nielsen. Ad spend increased in 35 out of 37 countries covered by the Nielsen Global AdView Pulse, an in-depth study on global advertising trends, with 26 countries posting double digit percentage growth. Only recession-battered markets of the UAE (-5.8%) and Ireland (-3.2%) recorded negative ad spend in the first half of this year. “The latest Q2 numbers reflect similar growth trends that emerged in Q1 this year,” says Michele Strazzera, Deputy Managing Director of Nielsen Global AdView. “According to rate-card figures, the global advertising industry continued to improve in Q2 with positive growth in all regions and across all media, led notably by the Asia Pacific market.” While numbers showed a slower path towards recovery for North America and Europe, the trend is still positive with a return to discretionary ad categories such as automotive and durables. “Discretionary ad spend categories recorded the highest year-on-year increases, which is a leading indicator that advertisers and consumers are more confident to spend again,” said Strazzera. The automotive sector in North America (17.3%) saw the biggest year-on-year increase in ad spend in the first half of this year.
* It's official: The NHL New York Islanders are airing radio coverage on a college radio station.
In what is a rather rare radio sports rights deal, Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM, Long Island, becomes the new radio home of the Islanders. First word of a possible deal came from the blog IslandersPointBlank.com, which apparently is credible enough to be quoted by the New York Times. The Islanders were hoping to finalize a unique radio arrangement with Hofstra University prior to the Saturday night (Oct. 9) opening of the NHL regular season, and apparently they did. Now, writes IslandersPointBlank.com, "The best news to come out of the Islanders’ deal with Radio Hofstra University is the assignment of Chris King as the play-by-play voice. King has been working in Islanders radio for a long time, and I know how much he dreamed of being the lead announcer." Radio Hofstra University on 88.7 FM actually provides Islanders radio broadcasts with a stronger signal than the franchise has had in five years. WRHU covers most of Long Island and carries into Queens and Brooklyn. The Islanders broadcasts are also available on the Internet. Before the deal was finalized, there was some interesting speculation Friday. "What would Hofstra get out of the arrangement?" asks, and then answers, IslandersPointBlank.com: "For starters, the University’s Communications program would be able to sell to prospective students that their school provides opportunities for youngsters to work on NHL games. While a veteran broadcaster would likely lead the charge, Hofstra students would serve as intermission hosts and sideline reporters. There’s even a chance that students would be color commentators on select broadcasts at home and on the road." Students would also run the technical end – production, engineering, audio. The Islanders play-by-play previously aired on Barnstable's Hot AC WMJC-FM, Smithtown, and Adult Standards WHLI-AM, Hempstead. One issue not raised by previous published reports is the lack of ad revenues for the Islanders in utilizing a noncommercial radio outlet. Or were such revenues so lacking already that they won't be missed?
* A weekend brush fire destroys the transmitter building of Vietnamese-language KSJX-AM, San Jose, CA.
The station was taken silent by the wind-driven brush fire Saturday night (Oct. 9), reports the San Jose Mercury News. The blaze started on a grassy patch of mostly vacant land. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Strong winds sent flames into vegetation, and the KSJX tower building was consumed in flames and was still burning several hours later. "It was very dynamic with a lot of fast-moving parts," says San Jose Fire Department spokesman Robert Culbertson. He adds that 70 firefighters were called to the scene of what became the equivalent of a three-alarm blaze. A huge amount of smoke from the brush fire and the tower building enveloped the nearby Kellogg's plant, which itself was threatened for a time by the brush fire. KSJX is one of 15 radio stations in California owned by Multicultural Radio Broadcasting, which in all owns and operates 44 radio stations in 11 states.
* “Lite Rock” gives way to Hot AC at Townsquare Media’s WLHT-FM, Grand Rapids, now "Channel 95.7- Best Mix."
The new format is basic Hot AC with a mix of currents, recurrents, and gold-based titles from the past several years. "Hi! Welcome to Grand Rapids NEW Channel 957! We ain't yo momma's W-Lite anymore!" says the station's first entry on its new Facebook page. The syndicated "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" replaces the former “Barnaby and Friends” morning show, while Wendy is hosting middays (10am-3pm), followed by Program Director Jerry Noble in afternoon drive. Former midday host Kim Carson moves to middays on sister AC “The River 100.5” WTRV-FM "Soft Favorites from Yesterday and Today." The new "Channel 95.7" is online with a new Website at WLHT.com, and streaming audio here. For those who want to see exactly what the station is now playing at a glance, that's available on the PlayList page of the new online site.
* Alternative Rock "Radio 92.9" WBOS-FM, Boston, says Happy Halloween "With Beer On Street".
Greater Media's WBOS, licensed to Brookline, MA, will operate a beer tent on the Saturday and Sunday nights of Halloween weekend in Salem, saying the beer tent "helps to fund the radio station's production and air time." The Salem News reports that the Licensing Board approved a request by the station to operate the beer tent on Salem's Federal Street near the side entrance of Superior Court. "While beer tents on Salem Common might stir controversy, they don't seem to cause much commotion downtown," writes the newspaper. The tent, with a capacity of 400, will be set up near a stage with live music. "I was very impressed with the security," says Licensing Board Chairman Robert St. Pierre, the former police chief. The tent is designed, he said, "to make sure underage drinking does not take place." Police Capt. Brian Gilligan, who is in charge of Halloween security, said he supports WBOS's proposal for a music venue because it will help spread out the crowd on two nights when huge crowds are expected. "For me, it's a positive security step," he said. There will be two fences surrounding the beer tent to provide buffer zones, a WBOS rep told the board. Security and staff provided by the radio station will be supplemented by a small police detail. By the way, WBOS does NOT stand for "With Beer On Street" despite one suggestion that it might.
* Cumulus Media names programming veteran Greg Frey as Country Format Captain, effective October 25.
Frey will be based at Cumulus Corporate Programming in Atlanta. He replaces the recently departed Bill Jones as Country Format Captain. Frey, who has over 20 years experience in Country Radio, has spent the past six years with CBS Radio Houston as Assistant PD for Country KILT-FM and Hot AC KHMX-FM. Previously, he was APD at Country KSON-FM, San Diego. Says Cumulus SVP of Programming Jan Jeffries, "Greg's multi-format knowledge and emphasis on Country programming make him the perfect fit to our corporate programing staff. His experience, winning track record, work ethic and team spirit are second to none and will be a major contribution to our stations." Frey adds, "I'm thrilled to join the Cumulus team, and I'm looking forward to working with Jan Jeffries and Cumulus' great radio stations."
* Former FCC chairs agree that indecency guidance is needed, and that cross-ownership rules should be elimated.
Former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says that he doesn't reget fighting the indecency battle during his term with the Commission. "I don’t think the agency should either be afraid of ultimately the way the court could rule one way or another. Additional clarification of what the extent of what the agency’s authority is a good thing, if only so it will help the commission respond to the many complaints they receive." Michael Powell, who was Commission Chairman when the Janet Jackson-Super Bowl "nipple-gate" incident occurred, calls indecency enforcement a "heinously difficult" task. "I never found it to be a particularly enjoyable part of the job in any way shape or form." Powell says he saw the incident happen on live national television, and watched a taped replay after the game. "I turned to my wife and said tomorrow’s going to really suck. And it did." Martin and Powell, along with former Chairman Reed Hundt appear on C-Span's "The Communicators" [available here]. Regarding media cross-ownership rules, Hundt suggests, "Why don’t we get an eraser and just get rid of them? None of us thought these rules made sense." Powell responded, "It’s a simple reason. It’s politics." Powell adds, "If you looked at every sector of communication regulation, there is no more incoherent collection of rules than the media ownership rules. They are rooted in a market that is decades gone. Maybe they made sense 50 years ago when there was no cable industry, no satellite television industry, or no Internet or no VCR or no DVDs."
* Monterey radio host and real estate broker Barbra Alexander is arrested on federal fraud charges.
A federal grand jury indicted Alexander and her business partners, Michael Swanson and Beth Pina, charging them with mail fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. As we previously reported, the SEC filed civil charges against the three for misappropriating $2.5 million they received in allegedly fraudulent sales. SEC prosecutors allege that Alexander used her status as the host of business focused radio show "MoneyDots" to lure investors into the scheme. "MoneyDots" airs on KION-AM, Monterey, CA, with live streaming online, and is internationally syndicated. According to the SEC, the misappropriation of $2.5 million is from $7 million allegedly raised through fraudulent selling of interest in two real estate investment funds. $1.2 million allegedly went to their own use and $1.3 million was used to finance the show and businesses. "Alexander led investors to believe she would invest their money in secured real estate financing, but she and her cohorts merely used the money for their own benefit," says SEC San Francisco Regional Office Director Marc Fagel. Alexander spent one night in jail on the criminal indictment, and was released Friday (Oct. 8) on a $50,000 bond. Her next court appearance is Oct. 21. The FBI, SEC, and the Monterey District Attorney’s Office investigated the case with collaboration from President Barack Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. Meanwhile, according to the "MoneyDots" Website, it's business as usual for the radio show.
* Radio-advertiser debt relief firm American Tax Relief is shut down by court order, as the FTC sues.
American Tax Relief, says the FTC, falsely claims it can reduce consumers' tax debts, and has allegedly defrauded 20,000 customers out of $100 million. American Tax Relief was hit with a temporary restraining order in September, freezing their assets, appointing a receiver, and stopping the company from taking on new clients. The company's California state business license was suspended last year for nonpayment of taxes. The couple that owns American Tax Relief is scheduled for a court hearing October 18. "We've made it a top priority to go after scammers who try to exploit the financial hardship of others," says FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director David Vladeck. "For people having a tough time paying their taxes, the last thing they need is to lose more money to a fraud." American Tax Relief advertised on radio, TV and the Internet to promote its claims which the FTC says were false ones. Visitors to the company's www.AmericanTaxRelief.com Website now see a plain text message reading: "The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has filed a lawsuit against American Tax Relief LLC alleging that it has engaged in deceptive practices relating to the advertising, marketing, promotion, offering for sale, or sale of tax relief services. The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the alleged practices. You may obtain additional information directly from the FTC at www.ftc.gov."
* Glenn Beck is off the air after revealing some new health issues and the need for medical tests.
On recent broadcasts he’s discussed that he has been having problems with feeling in his hands and feet. He explained to his radio audience that “small fiber” issues may be involved but that testing will provide more understanding. Beck told his listeners Friday (Oct. 8): "Next week on Monday and Tuesday, I am going to take time off. I’m going out West to have some testing done. I have told you before that I have been losing feeling in my hands and my feet and I have been feeling tingling in my hands and my feet, and it’s traveling up my arms and it’s just a very bizarre sensation." Beck added, "They're going to be doing CAT scans and MREs or MRIs and PET scans and they're going to be doing blood work like crazy. I've seen five different doctors. One of them said to me the other night, we have to do all of these blood tests because we have to look for toxins and poisons, and that word stuck out to me. And it's not poison like you know, it's like lead paint. And I'm like, no, I haven't been eating lead chips. And that word stuck out to me." This isn’t the first time that health problems have plagued the radio and TV host. "I’ve told you also that I have been diagnosed with macular dystrophy, which means that I love this diagnosis I could be totally fine with eyesight for the rest of my life, or I could be blind within a year. The macular dystrophy has not progressed at all in the two months since it’s been diagnosed, but there’s something else that has also been going on. And if you’re a long time listener, you might be even be able to tell it just by listening to my voice now. There is something wrong with my voice, and we’re not sure what it is," Beck added on his Friday radio program. In 2008 Beck was hospitalized, resulting in a memorable video he recorded. Later that year he also tumbled down a flight of stairs.
* Hedge fund R2 Investments sues Citadel Broadcasting over the award of $110 million in stock grants to executives. display of corporate greed and dishonesty" in the stock grants, and seeks to "prevent one of the most egregious frauds by a company emerging from bankruptcy under Chapter 11." R2 asks that the stock awards be revoked, including $55 million to Citadel CEO Farid Suleman. The New York Times calls R2's suit an "unusually venomous" filing, as the hedge fund attacks the awards, saying the Citadel reorganization plan called for awards of stock options, not grants, and that the grants dilute the new ownership's stake in the company. The Times points out, however, that the Citadel board had discretion to change compensation policies. The creditor says the result is “not what creditors expected when they voted on the plan.” It asks the bankruptcy court to order Citadel to revoke its awards of restricted stock to managers, and issue stock options instead. Along with Suleman, other top executives and all the members of the Citadel board received stock. "The filing by R2 Investments contains misleading and inaccurate charges," says Citadel in a statement. "The board of Citadel Broadcasting, which was appointed by the lenders, acted appropriately, within its authority under the equity Incentive plan that was filed with the court and in the best interests of the company. When the court reviews the record, we are confident this motion will be dismissed."
* A Missouri judge grants a preliminary injunction to block Sirius XM from repeated calls to unwilling consumers.
Specifically, the injunction bars the satcaster from making solicitation calls to those on the state's do-not-call list who have told Sirius XM they don't want the service. Also barred are calls to those whose trial subscriptions have expired and do not want a longer term subscription. Sirius XM may still call people on the No Call list who have given permission for those calls. Last month, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster obtained a temporary restraining order against Sirius XM Radio for making solicitation calls to state residents who had previously placed their names on the state's No Call List. Now, a judge has granted the Attorney General's request for an injunction blocking Sirius XM from making the unwanted calls. "When Missourians register with our No-Call List, they do so with the reasonable expectation that they will not receive these unsolicited, harassing calls," said Koster last month. Koster says now, "Our office will continue to prosecute any business, regardless of its size, when it makes unlawful telemarketing calls to Missourians registered on our No Call List. It is a consumer's right to demand that illegal telemarketing calls that violate Missouri's laws stop, and no matter how aggressively it fights, no business is immune from Missouri's law. We will continue to go after those who violate the law." Sirius XM may still make calls to existing customers, unless a customer asks them not to call. Koster also is seeking a civil penalty of $5,000 for each violation of Missouri law, costs of the investigation and prosecution, and all court costs.
* AFTRA reaches a tentative agreement with NPR on a new five-year contract.
The deal, subject to ratification by members of the bargaining unit, came early Friday morning (Oct. 8), following an all night bargaining session, according to
a published report. The report cites an email to public radio staff from NPR President Vivian Schiller. Verification of that report comes from a series of tweets at Twitter.com/AftraNpr. "Both sides worked very hard & reached a tentative agreement. Detailed email coming soon. Finalizing for approval, info sessions next week," reads one. The most recent, just before publication of this report by TPMedia says: "We are NPR! Thank you AFTRAns -- your support helped this happen. And thanks to our negotiating team for all their hard work!"
* Triad Broadcasting flips “Classic Rock 105.9” WHGO-FM, Biloxi, MS, to Adult Variety Hits “105.9 Bob-FM.”
The Friday afternoon (Oct. 8) format flip followed a week of stunting with a countdown clock. That stunt generated local attention as some listeners believed that the station was counting down to a potential terrorist attack on local oil refineries, as reported by GulfLive.com in an article headlined: "Chevron dispels terror threat rumor based on radio station 'countdown'." The flip was overseen by Program Director JJ Duling, working with the DeMers Programming consultancy. The new “105.9 Bob-FM” launches with 10,000 songs in a row, commercial-free. Like other "Jack" copycats, "Bob" has a variation on the "Jack" slogan (which is a trademark). Biloxi "Bob" tells listeners: "We Play Anything." Duling says the diverse musical selection will include anything from “AC/DC to Abba, Elton John to Green Day, Bon Jovi, to Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow to Journey – and everything in between.” A splash screen at www.Bob1059.com welcomes visitors, with a link to listen to the new station. WHGO is licensed to multi-hypenated Pascagoula-Gulfport–Biloxi, and is owned by Mississippi Media, a Triad Broadcasting Company.
* Ryan Seacrest is reportedly in "initial talks" to launch a new Cable TV channel, tentatively named AXS.
According to Forbes, the cable channel would be launched in collaboration with talent agency CAA and entertainment company AEG. The new venture, which was first reported by The Holllywood Reporter, will use content from AEG’s concert and live venue locations. Reportedly, Seacrest will leverage his experience and connections to get the venture launched. Although a Seacrest spokesperson declined to respond to Forbes, Lacey Rose, who wrote the article, received exclusive details from AEG CEO Tim Leiweke. The concept is being described as music, pop culture and lifestyle-oriented. Rose writes, "Though there are obvious challenges to launching a cable network, the most significant of which is distribution (see Epix’s struggles), news of Seacrest’s involvement shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who has charted the 35-year-old’s meteoric rise. Sure, he lacks the traditional Hollywood skill set that catapults a Johnny Depp to no. 1 at the box office or a Lady Gaga to the top of the music charts. But as we wrote in our June profile, 'The Man Without A Shtick, Seacrest is more than just the hardest working man in Hollywood; he is also one of the savviest.'" Seacrest’s resume already includes radio personality, TV host, series producer and brand ambassador. Next, will he add cable channel owner?
* Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati, afternoon co-host Eddie Fingers is out after contract renewal talks go sour.
The Clear Channel station and Fingers were reportedly unable to reach an agreement. That report comes from the talker himself, as he posts on his Facebook page, "I never post, but it's true. I'm out at WLW. Couldn't agree on contract. Biz is a bitch. New show to come." Co-host Tracy Jones remains in afternoons on "The Big One." Fingers joined WLW at the beginning of 2008, after 22 years at sister Rock WEBN-FM, where he ended his run as morning host. He and former Reds star Tracy Jones, who had been a WLW weekend personality, took over from longtime WLW talker Gary Burbank, who retired after 27 years at the end of 2007. Program Director Darryl Parks went on the air Thursday afternoon (Oct. 7) as interim co-host with Jones. Parks told listeners that "it really, really hurt when I got the call, actually from Ed, that he was no longer with the radio station." Parks added, I'm really kind of shaken a bit." The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter asks: "Why Did WLW-AM Cut Off Its Fingers?" and offers this answer: "People inside the Clear Channel building, and others who deal regularly with WLW-AM or Fingers, all tell me that this is NOT a prank (although with WLW-AM you never really know). They say Eddie Fingers’ was negotiating changes in his contract, which may have been coming up, and it blew up up. And corporate ordered him fired today about 1:45 p.m. Then they erased all references to him on the website, and Tracy Jones and Darryl Parks mourned his passing on the show at 3 p.m."
* "The Official Voice of the Hood" pirates Christian radio with hard core rap, until the sheriff shuts it down.
"Christian hymns don't often have a bumping bass line, so when listeners of a religious radio station heard hard core rap lyrics interrupt their worship, there could only be one explanation. No, it wasn't the devil. It was pirate radio," reports Miami TV station WTVJ. And it wasn't the FCC that silenced pirate "Trap Radio" on 89.5 FM. Broward Sheriff's Office deputies put the heavenly clamps on two guys stealing the Christian station's signal out of their garage in Lauderdale Lakes Thursday (Oct 7). Maurice Roland and Mikhail Rhodd, both 22, were arrested and a search of the house turned up two microphones and a laptop with loads of tunes attached to an antenna on the roof. Authorities believe the men used the equipment to broadcast "Trap Radio" using the tag line, "The Official Voice of the Hood." The unsanctioned rap station is directly between 89.3, a Christian station, and 89.7, which plays classical music. Listeners of both legit stations would often have their programming interrupted by profane lyrics and advertising about the "most happening night club." Rhodd, who is an aspiring rapper known as Blakk Babi, was charged with unauthorized transmissions to or interference with a public or commercial radio station licensed by the FCC. Roland was arrested because of an outstanding warrant for battery.
* Tribune Co. CEO Randy Michaels urges employees to "ignore the noise" of a New York Times article. Michaels Tuesday night (Oct. 5) sent an email urging employees not to pay attention to a lengthy New York Times story he expected to "apparently paint the work environment at Tribune as hostile, sexist and otherwise inappropriate."
The story by Times media columnist David Carr, which the paper posted online almost 90 minutes later in advance of publication on the front page of Wednesday's New York edition, included criticism of the way Michaels and his management team conduct business and conduct themselves. Michaels, before the Times article was published, wrote that Carr's line of inquiry "concerned events, distortions and rumors more than two years old" and an outside firm's investigation found "the most substantial of these allegations ... to be without substance," reports the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal. A longtime radio executive, Michaels came to Tribune Co. as real estate billionaire Sam Zell took the company private in a debt-heavy December 2007 transaction. The Chicago-based media concern has operated under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since December 2008. Carr wrote that Tribune Tower headquarters "came to resemble a frat house" under Michaels. "Mr. Carr has made clear that he is digging up these old allegations because he believes that decisions about the company’s management are about to be made, and he wants to influence those decisions," Michaels wrote in his email to employees. A Tribune Co. spokesman declined further comment.
* Mediation talks in Tribune Co.'s reorganization have reportedly broken down.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Tribune's bankruptcy is "muddled as mediation founders" and "rival creditor groups" are "preparing restructuring plans." The report says the New York Times story, on which we previously reportedly, was "a black eye for company management" and contributed to the breakdown in mediation. According to the Chicago Tribune report "sources close to the situation said that at least three groups, including aggressive hedge fund Aurelius Capital Management and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, are prepared to file separate plans outlining opposing formulas for resolving the 22-month-old case, setting the stage for a renewed battle over splitting up the company's value." While a court-ordered mediator has yet to abandon the effort to find a friendly settlement, says the report out of Chicago, the adversaries remain deeply divided, these sources said, "suggesting the messy case promises to get messier as the sides hunker down for a fight." The published report quotes "a source in the middle of the fray" as saying: "It's kind of a free-for-all right now. Some parties have really dug in the heels." Although Michaels issued a blanket denial of the Times' article's characterization of Tribune Co.'s work environment as a hostile and sexist "frat house," sources predicted creditor groups looking to discredit management will almost certainly use the article as ammunition.
* Univision Communications receives a $1.2 billion investment from Grupo Televisa. Univision, which is the parent of Univision Radio in addition to its various television subsidiaries, receives the investment as Grupo expands its relationship with Univision in the U.S. The inflow of funds comes under an agreement which includes Televisa receiving enhanced royalties from Univision. The latter will also issue new shares and convertible debentures to Televisa. The Univision board expands to 20 members, with Televisa taking three new seats. "We are extremely pleased to have reached this important agreement, which fully aligns the interests of Univision and Televisa for the long term as both companies work to further serve the substantial growth opportunities in Spanish-language media in the United States," says Univision Communications Chairman Haim Saban, on behalf of Univision owner Broadcasting Media Partners Inc., in a prepared statement. "Univision is performing strongly, and this strategic partnership uniquely positions the company for the foreseeable future." Televisa and Univision are expanding and extending their long-term program license agreement to "enhance their respective business potential and value creation opportunities." With the new program license agreement (PLA), Univision receives exclusive Spanish-language digital rights for Televisa programming and can use the programming online and on its current and any future TV networks, as well as on current or future interactive platforms. The PLA's expiration date is extended from 2017 to 2020 and may be extended to 2025 if certain conditions are met.
* After 35 years as President/General Manager of Citadel's San Francisco radio duopoly, Michael Luckoff resigns.
The 2008 Radio Hall of Fame inductee wrote in a staff letter Monday (Oct. 4) he felt the resignation was necessary after changes at “News Radio 810 “ KGO-AM and “Hot Talk 560” KSFO-AM, reports "Fox 40" KTXL-TV, Sacramento. He didn't say what those "changes" are, but suggests staff and/or on-air product is being "compromised." Luckoff writes: "I have repeatedly assured our incredible talent and loyal staff that I would stay until they or the on-air product we created became compromised." He adds, "The day you're not able to stand behind or believe in the decisions you are being asked to make is the day you must be true to yourself and to those you care about." Luckoff began at KGO Radio in 1975 and has since gone on to win several dozen awards, including 12 Marconi awards and two Edward R. Murrow Awards. Luckoff also oversaw the station's transition into the first entirely-solar powered broadcaster.
Luckoff has served on the Arbitron Advisory Board and been president of the California Broadcasters Association and the Northern California Broadcasters Association. Luckoff says he'll spend his free time working on his book and planning his upcoming wedding. KGO Radio has broadcast to the San Francisco market since 1924. KGO Radio broadcasts most of its own content, relying heavily on locally-produced shows. The station's signal can be heard in San Diego and Seattle during evening broadcasting hours, notes "Fox 40," whose report also notes that parent company Citadel Broadcasting, the third-pargest radio communications group in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late 2009. Citadel purchased KGO from former parent company ABC Radio in 2007. TPMedia is told by a source inside Citadel that another announcement revealing what changes Luckoff was told were mandated — that he feels would "compromise" either the staff or on-air product, or more likely both — should be forthcoming shortly. However, Luckoff says there was no single event that precipitated his resignation, but that his disagreements with station ownership have accumulated over time. In an interview with San Francisco Business Times, Luckoff said Citadel executives bypassed him and dealt directly with his department heads and otherwise undermined his authority. "I've had a resignation letter in my desk for nine months," he said. "I just can't operate the way this company operates." Media observer/reporter/blogger Rich Lieberman, though, gives credence to our source, writing: "Take a good look at the current KGO landscape. Its likely to change dramatically in the coming months. Citadel is a losing money machine that is part of the larger no-room-for-extra expenses mentality. They are bleeding and are forcing the hand of even their most profit-making radio stations, like KGO even."
* Cincinnati's "Max 97.7" will become a Spanish-language station November 1.
First Broadcasting signs an LMA with TSJ Radio LLC, a local company associated with The Spanish Journal, to operate Adult Variety Hits WOXY-FM, effective November 1. Along with the LMA, TSJ has an option to purchase the station. Meanwhile, TSJ will drop its current format in favor of Spanish-language programming that has yet to be announced. WOXY is currently simulcasting co-owned "Max 99.5" WAOL-FM, Ripley, OH. First Broadcasting obtained WOXY, licensed to Oxford, OH, in 2004 with plans to move it closer to Cincinnati and re-sell the station. At the time First Broadcasting purchased the station it was Triple-A “97X.” The LMA with TSJ was brokered by Dallas-based Doug Ferber of DEFCom LLC for First Broadcasting.
* Clear Channel promotes Keli Williams to Director of Sales for its Little Rock cluster.
The cluster includes Country KSSN-FM, Alternative KDJE-FM, Gospel KHLR-FM, Adult Variety Hits KHKN-FM, and Country KMJX-FM. Williams replaces Kevin Waltman who transferred to Clear Channel's Tallahassee, FL, group. "Keli has earned this position by being a valuable sales leader and manager for us since 2003," said Market Manager Ron Collar. Williams adds, "It's an honor for me to accept this new position and the responsibilities that come along with it. I'm looking forward to helping Clear Channel continue to grow its dominant position in this competitive market with the help our talented staff."
* Genesis Orlando picks Riccardo D'Anconia as Market Manager of its Orlando-Melbourne cluster.
Those stations include "ESPN 1080" WHBO-AM, "ESPN Deportes 1190" WAMT-AM, and News Talk WIXC-AM. D'Anconia most recently was Managing Director of Behrens Rhineheart where he handled the marketing for International Motor Speedway. He's also served as General Sales Manager for ImpreMedia in New York. "We are very pleased to have Riccardo lead our team in Orlando-Melbourne. His very successful background in leading marketing companies is a great benefit to Genesis with its ESPN brands throughout Central Florida," says Genesis Orlando President Bruce Maduri. D'Anconia adds, "Genesis has built many outstanding partners with its Sports radio and digital properties. We will continue to be the leader in on-air, on-line and event marketing for our clients and sports fans."
* United Stations Radio Networks adds Amanda Kress to its Advertising Sales Department as Account Executive.
Kress will be based at USRN's Los Angeles office. She joins United Stations following a decade of service at Westwood One in both the company's New York and Los Angeles offices. "We're thrilled that Amanda has joined the United Stations team," says USRN VP of Sales & Operations Anne Martinez. "Her strategic and multi-platform experience with clients is incredibly valuable to our company as our advertisers continue to look for new and creative opportunities." While at Westwood One, Kress worked in various capacities in the ad sales arena, most recently as an Account Executive in Los Angeles. Kress started in radio in production side with stops at Citadel's Sports outlet in Providence and at Radio Lynx in London, England.
* URBan Radio Broadcasting brings in Johnathan Cruz as their new Creative Services Director.
Cruz, who joins URBan from Sunburst Media in Thibodaux, LA, where he was Operations Manager, replaces Jeff McDermott, who left several weeks ago to join McDonald Broadcasting's cluster in Saginaw, MI, as Production Director. As Creative Services Director, Cruz will develop new marketing campaigns for URBan's clients including commercials, new media and social networking opportunities. Cruz will report to URBan's Regional Director of Programming Brian Rickman, URBan's Corporate Director of Sales Maynard Grossman and the company's Meridian, MS, Operations Manager Bob O'Dell. URBan Radio Broadcasting owns and operates radio stations in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi; and Ohio. The company, founded in 1999, is based in Mobile, AL.
* AT&T signs with CBS Interactive Music Group as presenting sponsor of the "Live on Letterman" concert Webcasts.
The concerts feature artists playing at "Late Show With Dave Letterman" home, the Ed Sullivan Theater. The "Live on Letterman" concerts are streamed on the Late Show Website and heard on select CBS Radio stations the same night they're recorded. They are then made available on-demand on CBS TV station sites and at TV.com, ETonline.com, and TheInsider.com. MP3.com and Last.fm are used to drive traffic to the Webcasts at CBS.com. The performances are also available through Vevo.com and YouTube. Each band's Webcast will follow the taping of a Late Show appearance.
* Katz 360 Sales adds three new audio affiliates to its Katz Online Audio Network.
The new affiliates are Cumulus Media, Tribune's WGN-AM, Chicago, and New York's Pulse87.com. The new affiliates join "several of the industry's premier terrestrial audio streams" and many of the pure-play Webcasters, including Clear Channel, CBS Radio, Pandora and AccuRadio among others. The new lineup allows Katz Online to customize content selections and creative campaign solutions for its expanding list of national brands. Cumulus provides a variety of formats in 68 markets. "We are seeing exceptional revenue and audience growth as we expand our ability to reach a critical mass of listeners where they live, work and play," says Katz 360 SVP of Publishers Scott Taylor. "We've built an unmatched digital audio offering as a one-stop shop for our agency customers. Katz 360 launched the Katz Online Audio Network two years ago and has been adding audio publishers ever since. The network is sold by Katz 360 digital sales reps along with over 200 Account Executives within Katz Media. Katz 360 is the digital sales arm of the Katz Media Group
* Same company, new name — WAY-FM Media Group is now just WAY Media. COO Lloyd Parker says the change reflects the Christian ministry's growing involvement in media other than broadcasting. "Although radio broadcasting remains our core operation, we also have been focusing on other ways to communicate," says Parker. "This includes mobile, Web properties, social media, podcasts, and video. WAY Media, and especially Mornings With Brand and Total Axxess, will develop these areas, so it only made sense to drop the 'FM' from the official name." WAY Media has radio stations in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. A new logo reflecting the name change is expected to be unveiled in the near future
* Longtime market radio/TV personality J.C. Corcoran is joining "Talk Radio 550" KTRS-AM, St. Louis, October 25.
Corcoran has worked at one time or another for most of the radio stations in St. Louis, but has been off the air for the past year. A Chicago native, Corcoran started working in St. Louis in 1984. He was on local TV for many of the following 15 years, as entertainment editor at KSDK-TV (Channel 5) and KMOV-TV (Channel 4) and a commentator at KTVI-TV (Channel 2). His radio resume includes KSHE-FM, KMOX-AM, KSD-FM and KIHTH-FM. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports: "While Corcoran is in at the station, Charles Jaco is out. Corcoran will fill 10am-1pm, and John Brown's early afternoon show will be moved back an hour, airing 1-3pm. Jaco's 10am-noon show will be gone when Corcoran's show begins." KTRS President and General Manager Tim Dorsey says of Corcoran: "We are very proud to add J.C. to the KTRS family of professional communicators. His accomplishments over the last three decades in St. Louis are legendary, especially his ability to pull great ratings. He is obviously loved by listeners and advertisers alike." Corcoran's comment: "To quote Richard Nixon, I'm tanned, I'm rested, I'm ready." Corcoran, who also has written two books for Virginia Publishing in St. Louis, lives in St. Louis County with his wife, Clarissa, and their new baby, Francesca.
* Clear Channel flips two-decade Rocker KRZR-FM, Fresno, to Urban 80s-90s as "103.7 The Beat."
"After two decades of rockin' the valley, The Wild Hare is headin' down the rabbit hole to our new hi-def home. The valley's only real rock lives on, now even better, in high definition audio! The great KRZR rock you love can now be found on HD radio, at 103.7 HD-2," says the message on what was the KRZR 103.7 Website. The station is offering HD Radios to 25 listeners. "Don't have an HD Radio yet, or the bread to go buy one? We can hook you up! Just click the link below and enter to win one of 25 top line HD tuners we're giving away. Rock on!" The new format, says VP and Market Manager Jeff Negrete, will showcase the best of Hip Hop, R&B, Freestyle and Funk from the 80's and 90's. "This exclusive new format to the Fresno radio market brings energy and a sound that has not been heard in 20 years. 103.7 The Beat mirrors our area's fastest growing population, the Gen-Xer's. The Beat will become their favorite radio destination, this music is an integral part of their life," says Negrete. Operations Manager Steve Weed adds, “103.7 The Beat fills a musical void in Fresno and the central valley. This station has a unique vibe, showcasing the best Hip Hop, R&B, Freestyle and Funk from the 80’s and 90’s. The Beat truly reflects the rhythm of the valley.”
* CBS Corp. plans to sell $600 million of debt, commences $250 million tender offer. Bloomberg reported that "CBS Corp. plans to sell $600 million of 10.5- and 30-year debt." The report, as published by Bloomberg Businessweek, says that information is "according to a person familiar with the offering." The notes due February 2021 may yield about 190 basis points more than similar-maturity Treasuries and the bonds maturing in October 2040 may pay a spread of about 225 basis points, said the person, who declined to be identified because terms aren’t set. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point. Proceeds will be used to repay debt maturing in 2012 and 2051 and for general corporate purposes, New York-based CBS says in an SEC filing today (Oct. 4) that doesn't specify the size or timing of the offering or the yield on the bonds. Citigroup Inc., Credit Suisse Group AG, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. are managing the sale, according to the filing. Moody’s Investors Service assigns CBS a grade of Baa3 and Standard & Poor’s ranks it an equivalent BBB-. CBS last sold debt in March, when it issued $500 million of 10-year, 5.75% notes, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The debt traded at 111.04 cents on the dollar to yield 4.32%, or 180 basis points more than similar-maturity Treasuries, on October 1, according to Trace, the bond price reporting system of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Meanwhile in a news release, CBS Corp. announces "that it has commenced a cash tender offer for up to $250 million combined aggregate principal amount of specified series of its outstanding debt. The terms and conditions of the tender offer are set forth in an Offer to Purchase dated today" (Oct. 4). In the tender offer, CBS Corporation is offering to purchase, under certain conditions, the 8.625% Debentures due August 1, 2012 and the 5.625% Notes due August 15, 2012." A table offered provides priority levels. "The tender offer is scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on November 1, 2010, unless extended," says the official news release. " Holders of notes subject to the tender offer must validly tender and not validly withdraw their notes on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 18, 2010, unless extended, to be eligible to receive the total consideration as described."
* Red Zebra Broadcasting "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC signs Tony Kornheiser to a new two-year deal.
Kornheiser, the former "Monday Night Football" commentator and 16-year radio vet, will remain on WTEM weekdays 10am-noon. Kornheiser will also continue to co-host "Pardon The Interruption" with fellow Washington Post columnist Mike Wilbon on ESPN's cable/satellite channel. Wilbon is a frequent guest on Kornheiser's WTEM radio show. Kornheiser has aired on Washington radio since 1992. Red Zebra Broadcasting EVP of Sales and acting CEO Rick Carmean says, "Tony is a very important part of our franchise and having him in the fold makes our brand even stronger." Director of Programming Chuck Sapienza adds, "Tony's show is one of the most popular shows on the radio, not just in DC, but nationwide. His fans will be happy to know that not only will his show remain the same, but Tony's program is streamed and available for download at ESPN980.com."
* Ben Hill returns to CBS Radio as SVP and Market Manager for the five-station West Palm Beach cluster.
The cluster is comprised of AC WEAT-FM, Country WIRK-FM, Urban AC WNEW-FM, CHR-Top40 WMBX-FM, and Alternative WPBZ-FM. This marks a return to CBS Radio for Hill, who was President and General Manager of WPGC, Washington DC, from 1987-2001. After that Hill was Market Manager of Pamal Broadcasting's four-station group in Gainesville-Ocala. "Ben is a results-oriented manager with uncompromising standards," says CBS Radio EVP of Operations Scott Herman. "His enthusiastic style of leadership and levelheaded approach to business will undoubtedly help our West Palm stations grow and succeed." In addition to CBS Radio, Hill has served as a Regional Executive for Infinity Broadcasting, overseeing stations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Charlotte and Houston. He has also served as President of Cook Inlet Partners.
* Clear Channel appoints Kevin Waltman Market Manager of its five-station Tallahassee cluster.
The cluster includes WFLA-FM, WGMY-FM, WNLS-AM, WTNT-FM and WXSR-FM. Waltman transfers to Tallahassee from Clear Channel Little Rock, where he served as Sales Director. In Tallahassee, he takes over from Lisa Rice who moves to General Sales Manager for WBTP-FM, WFLZ-FM and WXTB-FM in Tampa. SVP of Operations Southeast/West Dave Crowl tells us, "I am very pleased to appoint Kevin Waltman as our new Market Manager in Tallahassee. Kevin has established a great track record of success in Little Rock and I am very confident he will build upon the winning results being delivered by Lisa Rice and her team." Waltman adds, "I'm thrilled about being part of a team with such a strong foundation, diverse formats and unlimited potential. The Tallahassee team is an incredibly strong 'Clear Channel family' and I'm excited about being part of its continued success."
* President Obama urges Citadel Media's "Michael Baisden Show" listeners to vote in upcoming "huge election."
Obama told Baisden's radio audience, "Everybody who's listening to your show, everybody in the barber shops and in the beauty shops and at work, everybody's got to understand: This is a huge election." According to Baisden's Website, Obama said Republicans are "fired up and mobilized." He told Baisden and his listeners that if the Republicans regain control of the House and Senate, it would mean "we are going to have hand-to-hand combat up here on Capitol Hill. We're not going to keep on making progress."
Before turning to the upcoming midterm elections, Obama congratulated Baisden on his Million Mentors program while also talking about his administration's efforts to encourage education. Baisden asked about the outlook for jobs. Obama noted, as he has previously, that job growth was sluggish during the previous administration. "We lost 4 million jobs in the four months before I took office. Then we lost 750,000 jobs the month I took office." He said that of about 8 million jobs lost in the U.S. during the economic downturn, "Most of those jobs were lost before any of my economic plans were put into place." He credited the economic stimulus plan for saving as many as 3 million jobs but acknowledged that "the unemployment rate is still too high." Obama pointed to the recent small business bill and other steps the administration is taking, saying they are "critical" and will "lay a new foundation for long-term economic growth."
* Citadel Broadcasting Names veteran programmer Byron "Ron" Harrell Station Manager in Detroit.
In his new role, Harrell will manage Citadel's two Detroit FM outlets, Hot AC WDVD-FM and Variety Hits WDRQ-FM. Harrell joined WDVD as Program Director in 2004 and added Director of Operations and Programming duties for WDRQ in 2005. "Ron is one of the top programmers in the company and has been instrumental in the success of our FM stations in Detroit. We are delighted to have this opportunity to have Ron manage two of our leading stations," says Citadel CEO Farid Suleman. "This is a win for the audience and staff of WDVD and WDRQ because the present vision and day-to-day operation values of these stations continue without interruption. I'm honored by the confidence Mr. Suleman has placed in our Detroit team," adds Harrell. Previously, Harrell programmed stations in Denver, Nashville and Jackson.
* Kevin Callahan is named the new Program Director for "Country 97.3 and 92.1" KSON-FM, San Diego.
Callahan will replace John Marks, who previously exited the Lincoln Financial Media station to pursue other opportunities. Callahan had spent the last seven years with Pamal Broadcasting, where he was Regional VP of Programming for stations in New York, Vermont and Florida. "Kevin Callahan is a rising star in our business," says SVP and General Manager Rick Jackson. "He has an exceptional track record as an imaginative, winning program director. I'm looking forward to watching him elevate KSON. He's a natural fit for us here in San Diego." Callahan adds, "To say that I'm excited to join a station as legendary as KSON would be an understatement," he said. "Vision, commitment and leadership brand Lincoln Financial Media as a premiere company in radio. I am anxious and grateful to become part of the team in San Diego." Callahan has also served as Operations Manager for stations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and he's held programming positions in West Palm Beach, Omaha and Lincoln, NE.
* Salt Lake City's "NewsRadio" KSL-AM-FM replaces Sean Hannity with new show “The Browser.”
KSL decided not to renew Hannity’s contract, and the station aired his nationally syndicated show for the last time Friday, October 1, citing their desire to feature more local programming. Hannity’s show moved to crosstown rival KNRS-FM this week. “The Browser” is hosted by Amy Iverson and recent Dallas transplant Jay McFarland, and according to a KSL promo features the hosts “watching the Web for you.” It's a two-hour show that airs 1-3pm followed by KSL’s “Afternoon Local News,” which previously began each day at 4pm. McFarland moved to Utah last week after a stint as a talk show host on KRLD-AM, Dallas. On the air during his last show in Dallas, he told listeners that his Utah family had pressing medical issues he needed to attend to, and an inner voice told him to apply for the KSL vacancy. A Mormon, McFarland has written books on marriage and politics, with the latter described on his Website as redefining “how you view the United States Government and what role we all must play in restoring this nation to the principles that made it the greatest nation on the earth.” KSL Program Director Kevin LaRue says the new show is designed to broaden the appeal of KSL.
Deseret Management Corporation CEO Mark Willes says, “The Browser is a unique concept in that it’s a marriage of traditional media and digital media. Offering our listeners news, information, entertainment and uplifting stories from the Internet while they are on-the-go. Our goal is to provide our community with relevant topics in a respectful, fun manner.”
* Longtime Toledo CHR-Top40 "Tower 98" WTWR-FM relaunches as AC "My 98.3" WMIM-FM.
Cumulus Media says it's not a format flip; it's the birth of a new station. They aren't so direct to say the obvious: it's also the death of an old station. Unlike "Tower 98" which targeted both Toledo, OH, and Monroe, MI, the new station is aimed directly at Monroe, promoting “Monroe’s Best Mix of Yesterday & Today” and duplicating the AC format of sister “Star 105.5” WWWM-FM, Toledo. The station had been using the WTWR call letters since it left the Detroit market on 92.3 in 1982. The new station — online here — is already promoting itself on YouTube (although so far no video), and on Facebook. Some media observers in the Southeastern Michigan market area believe the WTWR calls will soon be found on another station which will relaunch the "Tower" CHR-Top40 format. So far, though, there's nothing official on that possibility.
* CBS Radio’s "1210 AM The Big Talker" WPHT-AM, Philadelphia, extends with the Phillies baseball franchise.
WPHT and the Philadelphia NL East team agree to an extension of their broadcast partnership for live play-by-play coverage of pre-season, regular season and post-season games. The new agreement, for which terms are not disclosed, begins February 2011 with live coverage of the team’s spring training camp from Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL. It's believed to be a second one-year extension of a previous five-year agreement. The radio coverage extension announcement comes as the Phillies begin their attempt to win the 2010 World Series with a National League division series against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia — a game which the Philadelphia team won in a no-hitter Wednesday night (Oct. 6). Phillies hometown radio announcers Scott Franzke, Larry Andersen, Tom McCarthy, Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews are calling the action exclusively on WPHT throughout the Phils playoffs.
The broadcasts will run simultaneously with the live television coverage on TBS. Phillies radio announcer Jim Jackson will host the pre- and post-game shows. "The Phillies have a long history with 1210 WPHT and we're proud to have them continue to be the Phillies flagship radio station in Philadelphia," says Phillies SVP of Marketing and Advertising Sales David Buck. CBS Philadelphia SVP and Market Manager Marc Rayfield tells us, "As the thrill of October baseball again brings Phillies Phever to unprecedented levels, we look forward to the future with one of the most exciting teams in baseball."
* Two Gulf Coast radio stations join Orange Beach company, as former owner goes to prison for child sex abuse.
WBZR-AM and FM officially join the holdings of the company that has been operating them for months, Gulf Coast Broadcasting, after FCC approval. Reports the Mobile Press-Register, the deal was closed as 68-year old Walter John Bowen, the previous owner of the stations formerly known as WNSI-AM-FM, was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in Baldwin County Circuit Court to child sexual abuse. "We’re happy to have this completed and move forward with operating (the stations) as a group," says Gulf Coast Broadcasting President R. Lee Hagan. He says he bought his newest stations out of bankruptcy court in November, having bid $220,000 for WNSI-FM 105.9 in Atmore and $190,000 for WNSI-AM 1000 in Robertsdale. Hagan has been operating the stations since mid-December after Bowen’s arrest and changed the call letters shortly after taking over.
"Normally, we wouldn’t have taken over until we closed (on the sale), but (Bowen) was arrested and the stations were sitting there empty," he said. The acquisition brings the Gulf Coast Broadcasting’s holdings to four stations. Other stations in the group include WABF-AM, Fairhope, and the flagship operation, WCSN-FM 105.7 in the Orange Beach/Gulf Shores area. Hagan had owned the Robertsdale station before selling it to Bowen nearly a decade ago.
* Arbitron Multicultural Marketing Manager Oveda Brown receives AURN's Urban Knight Award.
The award from American Urban Radio Networks is presented to individuals who work to improve marketing and representation in the Urban consumer marketplace. Brown creates multicultural outreach strategies for Arbitron, with her work designed to promote radio as a strategic vehicle for reaching America’s growing population of multicultural consumers. "Arbitron has made it a priority to represent and serve radio broadcasters and their listeners of all ethnic backgrounds," says Arbitron President and CEO Bill Kerr. "Oveda is a stellar example of that commitment. Her continued efforts to work with ethnic broadcasters and multicultural advertising agencies in order to help them better understand the nuances of marketing to America's growing ethnic consumers has not only been a benefit to Arbitron, but to the industry as a whole." Brown is a 17-year media veteran whose background includes both radio and television.
* Consent decrees with buyer and seller end FCC's problems with the change of operation of WLIU-FM, Long Island.
The FCC's Enforcement Bureau agrees to consent decrees with Peconic Public Broadcasting and Long Island University concerning Peconic's purchase of the university's WLIU-FM, Southampton, NY. Pecnoic was formed to purchase WLIU-FM and late last month, after a couple of extensions, finally succeeded in raising the funds it needed to complete the $800,000 deal. The FCC had been investigating a complaint that Peconic took control of the station prematurely during an LMA. Both LIU and Peconic deny it, but in the interest of saving the time and money it would take to dispute the allegations, have signed the decrees. Each will make a $5,000 voluntary contribution to the U.S. Treasury, with Peconic arranging to pay in 10 installments of $500 each. Both LIU and Peconic will create a compliance plan and file reports with the FCC annually for three years, under the consent decrees. However, once the sale of the station is approved by the FCC, LIU could be off the hook, although it continues to operate another station, for which Peconic has agreed to provide services under terms of the agreement for WLIU.
* Premiere partners with Polycom to "revolutionize the way radio stations participate in remote broadcasts."
Premiere Radio Networks and Polycom, in announcing the new agreement, tell us: "As part of Premiere's annual radio remote broadcast leading up to 'The 44th Annual CMA Awards,' Country radio stations will have the opportunity to utilize Polycom's cutting-edge video and telepresence solutions to virtually participate in the remote broadcast from Nashville November 7-9." The news release from PRN says the "innovative technology will allow stations to interview Country Music's biggest stars via live video, thus minimizing on-site staff to a single representative." According to Premiere, the "video-link" stations will also have the "unique opportunity" to immediately post video of the interviews on their station's Websites. Participating video-link stations include: WUBL, Atlanta; WMZQ, Washington DC; WSSL, Greenville, SC; WBCT, Grand Rapids; KTST, Oklahoma City; and WYRK, Buffalo. "We're excited to work closely with an industry leader like Polycom," says Premiere Radio Networks Content and Affiliate Relations President Julie Talbott. "At a time when every employee is crucial to the day-to-day operations of a radio station, we felt it was important to lead the charge and embrace this technology in order to continue providing stations great access to special events like the CMA Awards." Polycom SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Heidi Melin adds, "We're honored that Premiere Radio Networks turned to Polycom and our flexible, standards-based solutions for this game-changing approach to delivering the CMA Awards to radio stations and their listeners/online audiences around the world. Polycom video solutions create location liberation so people can have more engaging, interactive experiences in new ways that defy the boundaries of distance, and the CMA Awards are a prime example of video in action."
* WAY-FM Media Group signs an LMA with Cumulus Media to expand WAY-FM's Louisville coverage.
Contemporary Christian WAY-FM moves to Cumulus-owned WLCL-FM, replacing the Classic Hits format that had aired on the Louisville station — at least until it went silent two months ago. For several months, WAY-FM will have two outlets in the market, also remaining on its own WAYI-FM, purchased from Salem in 2008. Says WAY-FM President Bob Augsburg, "This is a very exciting move for us. WLCL has full market coverage and even serves a good portion of southern Indiana. Now contemporary Christian music fans will be able to tune in to WAY-FM anywhere in the market as well as on their commutes to the outlying suburbs." WAY-FM Louisville General Manager Matt Hahn adds, "Over the past few years the listeners of Kentucky have come to love WAY-FM and it's very exciting to now be able to reach all of Louisville and Southern Indiana with a much stronger signal for our area." Future plans for WAY-FM's 105.9 outlet (WAYI) will be announced later this year.
* The end is in sight for analog LPTV Channel 6 "FM radio stations." FCC Media Bureau Audio Division Chief Peter Doyle predicts that the Channel 6 operations will be brought to an end as LPTV stations are required to switch to DTV as all full power television stations already have. Doyle is no fan of such operations which he calls “Franken-stations.” He first discussed his thoughts and feelings on the subject at last week's Radio Show in DC, which has resulted in several Q&A sessions and subsequent reports. “I am persuaded that these stations cannot possibly be operating in technical compliance with the television technical rules,” says Doyle. He also questions how they can comply with public service and other requirements. Doyle wants them shut down and is delivering that message to the people at the FCC responsible for LPTV licensing. He says that if he had the authority, such “Franken-stations” would already be forced to cease operations.
* NPR announces its support of the Public Radio Music Enhancement Act of 2010.
The Act, H.R. 6307, was introduced last week by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The measure would improve the audience experience provided by public radio music stations in communities across America by easing restrictions on public radio stations' music streams imposed by the performance complement. "My legislation offers a narrow fix that has broad implications for the music-loving public in my home state of Wisconsin and across the country," says Baldwin. "I look forward to working with NPR to further enhance its programming and better serve its listeners." NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller tells us, "We are enormously grateful for Congresswoman Baldwin's leadership on this issue. Music is a critical element of public radio’s community service, connecting audiences with the performers, songwriters, musicians, lyricists and composers who enhance their lives. Congresswoman Baldwin's common-sense legislation would allow public radio to improve that service and enhance audience enjoyment in the digital age." Included as part of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act in 1998, the performance complement limits the number of times stations can stream songs online from the same artist, album or compilation within a three hour period. NPR claims "this prevents public radio stations—some of the last free sources of music in quintessential genres like classical, jazz and folk—from streaming symphonies in their entirety, promoting local and emerging artists, or properly educating their listeners about the lives and careers of American musical masters."
* Freedom of Speech PSAs winners are announced by NABEF and BEA. The NAB Education Foundation and the Broadcast Education Association announce the winners of their annual Freedom of Speech public service announcement (PSA) competition for college communications students. The first-place winners in the radio and television categories were recognized during the Mark of Excellence Awards Luncheon at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) National Journalism Conference in Las Vegas. More than 100 communications students from across the country competed in the Freedom of Speech PSA contest calling for 30-second spots that creatively address "What freedom of speech means to me." The winning radio entries: 1st Place: Brent Wycinski, Central Michigan University; 2nd Place: Rachel Stephens, University of Tennessee at Martin; 3rd place: Michael Langdon, IsoThermal Community College. All of the winners are listed here. "We are pleased that students continue to submit entries with such creativity, enthusiasm and dedication," says NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "It is crucial that projects like these exist to educate students across the country about the instrumental role that free speech plays in broadcasting and the fundamentals of our society."
* Adelante Media Group signs a multi-year contract with Arbitron for PPM and diary ratings across all markets.
Adelante is the new media group formed after Bustos Media was merged into NAP, a company formed by Bustos creditors. "Arbitron is the gold standard in audience measurement, and we are pleased to have expanded our partnership for both our PPM and diary markets," says Adelante President and CEO Jay Meyers. "As a new broadcast company serving the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, Adelante has followed the industry debate closely. We recognize and appreciate the excellent progress Arbitron has made refining the representativeness of their sample. At Adelante, we will use both Arbitron's diary and PPM data to give advertisers confidence in their Hispanic radio buys."
Arbitron EVP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Carol Hanley says, "We are thrilled to announce this expanded agreement with Adelante Media, a new broadcast company focused on serving the emerging Hispanic markets. With the Arbitron ratings services, Adelante Media can give advertisers the evidence they need to effectively reach today's Hispanic consumer."
* In North Georgia, Jacobs Media's former Oldies "Kool FM" launches NewsTalk WDUN-FM, Gainesville.
WDUN-AM continues as NewsTalk, and the AM and FM will simulcast locally originated programming. Jacobs Media Corporation says it's adding Glenn Beck on the new FM talker, while the AM sister will continue to air Rush Limbaugh.
Says Jacobs Media President Jay Jacobs, "As we've done throughout our sixty-year history, we are responding to the needs of a changing populace that demands more local news and talk radio. With the growth of digital music and satellite radio, FM stations across the country are beginning to replace music formats with Talk radio. We are excited about the opportunities in positioning WDUN on the forefront of this fast-moving trend." WDUN-FM and AM will simulcast the local programming with "The Morning Show" hosted by veteran broadcasters Bill Maine and Joel Williams, local talent Al Gainey, whose show covers political topics from a local perspective, and Fox 5 TV Atlanta News. From mid-morning to afternoon, the new FM talker will air syndicated programming that include Laura Ingraham, Dave Ramsey, and Mike Gallagher, as well as Monica Crowley and Michael Medved on weekends. Jacobs Media, based in Gainesville, has been locally owned and operated by the Jacobs family since 1949.
* Clear Channel names Dylan Paul as Creative Imaging Producer for its six-station St. Louis cluster. That group includes KATZ-AM, KLOU-FM, KMJM-FM, KSD-FM, KSLZ-FM and KSDD-FM. Paul joins Clear Channel from Westwood One in Washington DC, where he produced the "Fred Thompson Show." Operations Manager Mark Anderson tells us, "Dylan is on the leading edge of our industry's next generation of audio branding virtuosos. We're darn lucky that we found him and we're thrilled to have him here, making fun and memorable noise for our products." Paul adds, "Clear Channel always has its finger right on the pulse of creative branding, and the St. Louis cluster is no stranger to great imaging. Several producers I've always been fans of spent time here. It's a real honor and I'm pumped to continue their trail of creativity that comes out of these walls." He joined Westwood One 13 months ago coming to from Milwaukee, where he was Creative Services Director and imaging voice at Alternative WLUM-FM.
* AC "B101" WBEB-FM, Philadelphia, donates its Radio Mercury prize money.
WBEB owner Jerry Lee donates half of the $10,000 in Radio Mercury Awards prize money the station received to the Radio Creative Fund. The nonprofit was created to promote effective and creative radio commercials. Lee donates the other half of the prize to the winning spot’s copywriter, Michael Bense. "B101" was recognized for a commercial spot it produced called “Woodpecker” for engagingcommercials.com. This is the latest of multiple awards WBEB has won for the “Woodpecker” spot, which humorously compares good and bad commercials. Lee tells us, “Basically, one out of five national commercials are engaging, and an engaging commercial can be eight times as effective as an average commercial. And when you get an engaging commercial, it’s dramatic the difference you see in sales." He adds that “85% of all TV commercials nationally are tested. Virtually 0% of radio commercials nationally are tested.”
* No surprise here: Emmis officially accepts Alden exec's resignation from the Emmis Board.
An SEC filing makes official the resignation of Alden Global Capital's Heath Freeman from Emmis Communications Board of Directors. Freeman submitted a resignation letter May 25, with the resignation becoming effective with the official termination of Alden Media Holdings' participation in Jeff Smulyan's failed attempted buyout of the company. Smulyan's JS Acquisition is suing Alden over the latter's pullout from the go-private buyout, which resulted in the ending of the effort. After a "lock-block" of preferred shareholders forced multiple delays of the privitization, Smulyan successfully negotiated a deal with them, only to have Alden back out. Smulyan claims Alden agreed to the revised terms. Alden denies that.
* Opie & Anthony sign a new deal with Sirius XM Radio that will keep them on the satcaster for another two years.
They revealed the agreement that came at the expiration of their previous contract on their Friday (Oct. 1) show. Opie (Gregg Hughes) and Anthony (Anthony Cumia) had been in contract negotiations for quite some time, and they even vented their frustration on-air in a move to get bigger studios. Prior to the on-air announcement by Opie & Anthony, there had been conflicting reports about what was happening. Several published reports said a deal had been reached, while several others indicated the duo was countering those reports with tweets on Twitter indicating they were close to an agreement, but no deal had actually been reached. Opie & Anthony reportedly wanted more than money. They wanted a larger studio size, and voiced their disappointment and frustration with not getting all of what they wanted. When comparing how they were treated by XM to how they are now being treated by Sirius XM, Opie said, “They made us really happy at XM with a lot of extra things.” There was some confusion when Anthony posted “We signed” in the show’s PalTalk room and then Opie followed by tweeting, “NOT signed anything as I tweet this.” It was explained on the air Friday morning that Anthony had signed first late Thursday, but Opie didn’t finalize and sign his contract with Sirius XM until early Friday morning. The exact details of the contract were not disclosed, but they now indicate their new two-year deal that will keep them on Sirius XM through 2012 gives them "about the same" as what they were earning under their first deal with XM Radio. With Opie & Anthony’s contract negotiation now resolved, it’s on to Howard Stern’s contract. Will Sirius XM’s deal with Stern be for only two years as well — if the King of All Media actually remains with the satcaster?
That question is now being asked by satellite radio watchers.
* Bob Rivers and CBS Radio Classic Rock KZOK-FM, Seattle, fail to reach agreement on a contract renewal.
The nine-year-plus KZOK morning host, and the creator of the “Twisted Tunes” song parodies, hosted his final show Thursday (Sept. 30). Before KZOK, Rivers spent more than a decade at Rock KISW-FM, Seattle, after which he had to sit out a one-year non-compete. There's no official word on if and how long he will now have to wait out a non-compete period from KZOK. Rivers, however, has indicated he has no current plans to look to another market. The KZOK Website today (Oct. 1) bears a message from Program Director Carey Curelop that reads: "It’s with great disappointment that I must inform you The Bob Rivers Show will no longer be heard on 102.5 KZOK. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we have not been able to come to an agreement on a new contract. For nine years, Seattle has woke up to the Bob Rivers Show from the KZOK studios with the most compelling and entertaining talk show in the Northwest. We are forever grateful for their talent and friendship. We wish them the very best."
Rivers, meanwhile, will continue to reach his fans at BobRivers.com. There, he posts: "Sadly, the Bob Rivers Show is not staying at CBS Radio. We are grateful for the 10 year partnership with some of the best radio people in the biz. It's a challenging time for media and we understand and respect that things sometimes change. Rest assured that our radio family will be sticking together, and we will return to the airwaves as soon as we can."
* Mark Edwards is out after more than six years as Director of Programming at KEZK-FM and KYKY-FM, St. Louis.
Edwards, whose exit from the CBS Radio St. Louis AC KEZK and Hot AC “Y98” KYKY is sudden and unexpected, tells Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, “I had a great vacation. I was in Chicago. Got to throw out the first pitch at a Cubs game. Two days later, I got fired. Maybe I need to start blaming the Billy Goat.” Edwards is the former Program Director of Chicago’s "Lite FM" WLIT-FM. Edwards, 50, had recently boosted KEZK to the top of the ratings in the Gateway City. The news came one day after he was praised in Chicago as the genius who turned WLIT-FM into an AC powerhouse in the ’90s, writes Feder at Vocalo.org. Feder speculates, "Perhaps this will hasten a return to the market for the Chicago native and die-hard Cubs fan."
* CBS News DC Radio Bureau Manager Howard Arenstein is arrested on marijuana charges in Washington.
Arenstein and his wife were arrested early Saturday (Oct. 2) and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to DC police spokesman Lt. Nicholas Breul. Vice units had received a complaint of marijuana growing in the couple's backyard, reports MediaNewsWatch. Police then obtained a search warrant for the home in northwest DC, says the police spokesman. Breul says officers found large, mature cannabis plants, standing more than 8 feet high. In addition, they found packaged marijuana inside the home. A CBS News spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by MNW. Arenstein serves as both a CBS Radio News correspondent and as Radio Bureau Manager for CBS News, Washington. According to CBS News, he has supervised coverage and reported on major Washington stories such as the disputed 2000 presidential election, the September 11th hijackings, the war in Iraq and the DC area sniper shootings. He oversaw and reported on the entire impeachment process of President Clinton, anchoring daily wrap-ups of the Senate trial. In 2002, Arenstein won an individual Edward R. Murrow award for Feature Reporting. He won a second individual Murrow Award in 2006 in sports reporting for his coverage of the Washington Nationals first home game.
* A Brooklyn radio personality with a large Caribbean following faces deportation after his arrest on gun charges.
Authorities say Jamaican native David "H-Diggy" Duncan, 41, was caught with a .22-caliber pistol after he and a friend were pulled over for a burned-out brake light on his car last month, reports the New York Daily News. Now Duncan is being held by federal agents at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he is awaiting removal proceedings, according to a spokesman. Since the arrest, listeners at "One Caribbean Radio" — which airs on the HD channel of New York's WSKQ-FM (97.2 HD2) — have been calling in and asking why they haven't heard Duncan's talk show, "The Jew and the Jamaican," which he co-hosts with Berel Lerman. It wasn't until recently that the station learned why Duncan, who also hosts under the name Mr. H.D., took a sudden leave of absence, says a spokesperson. "It was obvious he was in a bad time when he did this. After he took the hiatus, we weren't hearing from him," says the "One Caribbean Radio" spokesperson, who adds that the program has been suspended until further notice. Duncan – who has a list of prior arrests that include drug possession, trespassing and criminal possession of a weapon – also has a show on Brooklyn Public Access television called "What's Up New York."
* The owner of two radio stations in Fargo, ND, may be forced to pay back $36.3 million in Ponzi scheme profits.
Michael Hofer allegedly made the profits in the recent $3.6 billion Ponzi scheme involving Minneapolis businessman Tom Petters and his Petters Group Worldwide. Hofer is the co-owner of Fargo stations "Eagle 106.9" KEGK-FM and "1100 The Flag" WZFG-AM. Doug Kelley, the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, is seeking to recoup all profits from that scheme in order to repay victims. However, Hofer's attorney, Lowell Bottrell, says that Hofer is one of the victims and that Kelley is trying to take advantage of a "gray area" in the law. Bottrell says that his client will vigorously fight the allegations. Jim Lodoen, one of the attorneys coordinating the recoupment effort, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "The trustee believes it is the responsibility of these folks to pay back the money regardless of any knowledge they had or good faith in their investment." Petters was sentenced to 50 years in prison in the case, considered the largest corporate crime ever perpetrated in Minnesota.
* Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says the company expects to finish 2010 with about 20.1 million subscribers.
That's an all-time subscriber high for the company. Sirius XM's projection implies the company now expects net subscriber additions of approximately 1.3 million in 2010. Although Karmazin doesn’t single out a reason, observers say improving auto sales certainly help the satcaster, which has deals with the automakers. Also, it appears the company is betting on its newly announced "XM Snap!" to add additional subscribers. Snap says the satcaster is an "easy" car satellite radio. Sirius XM Says Sirius XM, it's easy to install, easy to set up and easy to use. The new unit will be available this month for $59.99. It will deliver all channels that are currently available on XM. As soon as users plug the unit into a vehicle cigarette lighter or power-adapter socket and connect the antenna, they'll be able to listen through their existing car radios.
* Clear Channel Communications adds Live Nation’s Irving Azoff to its Board of Directors.
According to an SEC filing, Azoff fills the vacancy left by the September 27 resignation of Kent Weldon, a partner at private equity firm THL Partners. Azoff has been Executive Chairman and a member of the Live Nation Entertainment Board of Directors since January 2010 and Chairman/CEO of Front Line Management Group since January 2005. Before joining Live Nation in 2010, Azoff was CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment. He's also the personal manager for the Eagles, Christina Aguilera, Neil Diamond, Van Halen, Josh Groban, and Steely Dan. Azoff began promoting and booking bands during his college years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has worked as an agent, personal manager, concert promoter, movie producer, independent record label owner, merchandiser, music publisher, and CEO of a record company.
* Westwood One prepares to debut "The Robert Wuhl Show" in January.
Hosted by Robert Wuhl, best known for his role as sports super-agent Arliss Michaels on HBO and the reporter Knox in "Batman," the forthcoming radio show is a new Sports Talk program with a comedic twist. The three-hour daily show will air from 3-6pm from the Westwood One studios. "This marks the first step in Westwood One's renewed focus on original programming for radio," says Westwood One Founder Norman Pattiz. "Robert Wuhl's unique talent, humor and passion for sports, plus a digital rolodex that includes every sports figure and fan on the planet, will make The Robert Wuhl Show an experience like no other. Big time fun is coming to sports talk." Adds Wuhl, "This opportunity combines all of my passions from sports, entertainment, media and interviews. I come at this from a completely different perspective because, as far as I know, I am the only host in the history of sports talk radio that doesn't vote for the Heisman Trophy, but does vote for the Academy Award."
* "NewsRadio 1030" WBZ-AM, Boston is named 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Legendary Station of the Year.
The CBS Radio station was named for the honor during the 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards hosted by longtime Dallas radio personality and programmer Ron Chapman. Citadel's Scott Shannon was named Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year. Bonneville's All News WTOP-FM Washington DC was named Major Market Station of the Year and News-Talk Station of the Year. Large Market Station was awarded to KSTP-FM, Minneapolis; KKOB-AM, Albuquerque, received Medium Market honors and KFGO-AM, Fargo, ND, won Small Market Station of the Year. Ronn Owens of KGO-AM, San Francisco, was awarded Major Market Personality of the Year. Doug Wright of KSL-AM, Salt Lake City, was named Large Market Personality; WJMZ-FM, Greenville, host Kelly Mac received Medium Market honors, and Leo Greco of WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids, IA, won Small Market. Winning stations by format: AC: WMJX-FM, Boston; CHR: KIIS-FM, Los Angeles; Country: WFMS-FM, Indianapolis; Oldies: WCBS-FM, New York; Religious: WMIT-FM, Black Mountain, NC; Rock: WMMR-FM, Philadelphia; Spanish: WOJO-FM, Chicago; Sports: WFAN-AM, New York; Urban: WVEE-FM, Atlanta.
Established in 1989, and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. An independent task force selected finalists and ballots were sent to members of the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy in August. The ballots were tabulated by an independent accounting firm.
* Radio stations apparently have 180 days to install new EAS equipment — equipment that doesn't yet exist.
FEMA adopts a new digital message format for the next generation Emergency Alert System. And it appears the announcement starts the clock ticking on the 180 day countdown until the new EAS equipment must be installed. The only problem: equipment to meet the new digital message requirement doesn't yet exist. Asked about the apparent deadline at the 2010 Radio Show in Washington DC, FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell indicated he wasn't sure if the 180 day countdown began with FEMA's announcement or will when the FCC actually adopts new equipment standards. The NAB is advising members to assume that the clock is ticking — at least until they're advised otherwise. FEMA's adoption of the new digital message format comes after several years of public hearings and meetings with local officials and first responders. McDowell indicated that he would support an extension as a reasonable course. “I think it’s better to do it right than to do it fast,” he said. “That’s one vote. You only need two more.”
The new standard uses the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) v1.2 Standard. The CAP open standard will enable alert messages to be easily composed by emergency management officials for communication with citizens using a much broader set of devices to reach as many people as possible. A statement from Rear Admiral (ret.) James Arden Barnett, Jr., Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, says: "The adoption of the new CAP standard will ultimately transform America's emergency alert and warning capabilities and better enable Americans to receive these potentially life-saving alerts over television and radio broadcast stations, via the Internet, and on their cell phones. The ability to receive alerts over multiple platforms will dramatically increase the likelihood that Americans are receiving this critical information timely and are better informed to take actions that will help protect themselves and their families during emergencies,”
* FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell says broadcast indecency is likely bound for the U.S. Supreme Court. And, speaking at the 2010 Radio Show, McDowell says he would "welcome" that. “It will give us clarity on this issue,” said McDowell. His comments come only weeks after the FCC appealed a ruling that called the agency’s indecency rules “unconstitutionally vague.” NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith expressed some mixed feelings on the indecency issue. "As a father, I appreciate indecency standards. As President of NAB, I obviously argued that I want my members to fully enjoy their First Amendment rights in the marketplace of ideas." He asked McDowell whether radio and television will ultimately be governed under the same standards as other media. McDowell said the issue is currently in a "no-man's land," and if it goes back to the Supreme Court, there may be no firm answer until mid-2012. But he said that this time is "a terrific opportunity for broadcasters to say what your standards are." The scarcity of broadcast spectrum is a key justification for the FCC's regulation of broadcast content, and McDowell said that may no longer hold up in a media marketplace that has "multiple, multiple platforms" and is moving from a "push" model to a "pull" model of distribution. He said, "I think spectrum scarcity, the future of it, is in question." However, he declined to make a prediction as to what the Supreme Court will do.
* ICBC Broadcast Holdings President/COO Charles Warfield accepts the NAB National Radio Award.
Warfield accepted the award Friday (Oct. 1) in the final day of the 2010 Radio Show, jointly sponsored by RAB and NAB
in Washington, DC. He first thanked his wife, Mary, and the rest of his family: "This is about family for me, because without them, I'm not here. I don't get to do this." Warfield was greeted with a long standing ovation in the Grand Hyatt Constitution Ballroom. He thanked by name a long list of colleagues and friends from throughout his career, and acknowledged ICBC founder Percy Sutton and CEO Pepe Sutton — as well as Hal Jackson, a member of the NAB Broadcast Hall of Fame and, as Warfield mentioned, the best man at Warfield's wedding. Warfield said, "It is special to receive this award from an industry that I've been allowed to serve for 33 years. There has never been a day that I didn't want to go to work and be a broadcaster." He told the capacity crowd that radio "must find a way to put the fun back in our business," explaining that the "men and women, our staffs, our employees deserve that." Of the award presented to him by the NAB, Warfield said: "This is a great honor, which I will cherish."
* The IAAIS calls for Congressional support of NAB's proposal to mandate radio-capable cellphones. The International Association of Audio Information Services represents audio information services for blind and disabled persons. Those services provide free, verbatim human voice readings of magazines, newspapers, and other publications over FM subcarriers. IAAIS sees this application as being particularly useful in emergency situations. "When the next hurricane or other disaster strikes, people would be able to easily take their radios with them. All that they would need to communicate and receive communications could be carried in one device," says IAAIS Government Relations Committee Chair David Noble. "Even more, no matter where a person traveled to, they would have fast access to the most up-to-date local news. Having this capability built into devices that are already being used by people with disabilities brings them one step closer to equality and independence. And, because local radio stations are free, a disabled person, who typically makes less than his or her nondisabled peers, won’t have to buy a smart phone and add an expensive monthly data plan."
Commenting on the IAAIS support for mandated radio-capable cellphones, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton says, "News reading services provide a critical information and lifeline resource to people who are visually-impaired, and local radio stations are the conduit for making these services possible. NAB is proud to have the support of an organization committed to making a positive difference in communities across America."
* A former radio traffic reporter, now a Pennsylvania DEP spokesman, is accused of sexually assaulting two young girls.
William Thomas Rathbun III, 52, is accused of sexually assaulting the two girls over a period of several years beginning when they were 8 or 9, authorities said Thursday (Sept. 30).He was arrested Wednesday after interviews with the girls that were conducted when police received a call reporting the alleged assaults, according to arrest documents.
Rathbun, whose voice was familiar to thousands of commuters in the mid-1990s when he was an on-air midstate Pennsylvaniia reporter for Traffax, was behind held in Cumberland County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail. According to court records, Rathbun was arraigned Thursday morning in front of District Judge Thomas Placey on three counts of indecent assault, soliciting involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, possession of child pornography, photographing or videotaping a child under the age of 18 engaging in a prohibited sexual act, unlawful restraint or involuntary servitude, unlawful contact with minors and endangering the welfare of children. According to two reports — here and here — from PennLive.com, police said Rathbun, who is the chief spokesperson for the Pennsylvania DEP, began assaulting the two girls when they were 8 or 9 years old. The girls said Rathbun touched them inappropriately, and one said he engaged in various sex acts with her. One of the girls told investigators that Rathbun would show her pornography on his computer and tell her stories as if she was one of the individuals in the photographs. Police said Rathbun took nude photographs of her in various positions. Rathbun admitted touching the girls inappropriately when he was confronted by an individual the girls told about the acts, according to authorities.
* An Alabama radio station owner receives a prison sentence for sexually abusing a child under 12.
WNSI-AM-FM, Atmore, AL, owner Walter John Bowen is sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charge. The 68-year-old owner of the stations was accused of fondling a girl. Circuit Judge Charles Partin sentenced Bowen, based on a plea agreement. The plea agreement meant prosecutors dropped a second sex abuse case involving another child younger than 12. The charge of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 is a class B felony and carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years, according to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office. Al.com reports that Bowen was ordered not to contact either victim or their families. He will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison, according to prosecutors. Bowen made national headlines in 2008 in a dispute over music licensing with the performance rights organization ASCAP. The WNSI-AM and FM combo does not itself play music—the clips at issue were played during the syndicated Dave Ramsey Show—and hasn't since a June 2004 switch from Country to Talk. Bowen, upset by ASCAP's refusal to reduce his licensing fee from about $80 per month to the talk radio rate of $17 per month, stopped paying the fee altogether. Citing the airing of two song clips in September 2006 on the Ramsey program, ASCAP sued Bowen's Great American Radio Network, Inc., for damages. Bowen's attorneys and ASCAP reached a $15,000 settlement with a payment plan but Bowen refused to pay, calling the settlement "legal extortion."
* Radio One still can't complete pending exchange offer, extends it once again. Radio One now extends the expiration of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, together with the 2011 Notes and the related consent solicitation, to October 22. So far, about 92% of the notes have been tendered. Radio One says in an SEC filing that it "believes that it continues to make significant progress in reaching an agreement with the members of the ad hoc group of holders of a significant portion of its Existing Notes relating to certain amendments to the terms of the exchange offer and the related exchange notes, including the conditions to the exchange offer, and with its lenders under its existing senior secured credit facility relating to an amendment thereto." Radio One has already seen several announced deadlines come and go, each time extending the expiration date.
* Entercom Memphis names Amy Hughes as General Sales Manager for Hot AC WMC-FM and Sports WMFS-FM.
Hughes most recently was General Sales Manager for crosstown Citadel Broadcasting. Her previous positions have included Account Executive and General Sales Manager for Barnstable Broadcasting. "Amy's success in building sales teams, managing multiple brands and inspiring clients make her a great addition to our leadership team," said VP/Market Manager Dan Barron. "Each of our radio stations plays an important entertainment and informative role in this community. Amy's addition to our team compliments our already stellar team of broadcast professionals." Adds Hughes, "I am very excited for this opportunity to join the Entercom Memphis family. It is my pleasure to work for such a legendary group of stations."
* Clear Channel Boston names Bob Price as General Sales Manager for Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" WJMN-FM.
Price returns to the Clear Channel Boston cluster after two years as GSM at crosstown Sports WEEI. Price began his radio career as a Senior AE for "Kiss 108" WXKX-FM for ten years, prior to serving eleven as GSM at WJMN-FM. Clear Channel Boston President and Market Manager Tom McConnell says, "I'm very excited for the opportunity to work with Bob. He is an incredibly talented manager and will prove to be a valuable addition to our sales management team." Director of Sales Mary Menna adds, "Bob brings a great knowledge and passion for sales, coupled with his ability to grow revenue, his leadership and his large network of business relationships made him the #1 choice."
* Arbitron and Jacobs Media unveil an ethnographic study exploring the impact of smartphones. The study, unveiled September 30 at the 2010 Radio Show, looks at the smartphones' impact on Americans' everyday behaviors and their use of traditional media. Most importantly for radio, the study also highlights the unique position that radio is in to "capitalize" on the new mobile movement. The 60-minute video project "Goin' Mobile" profiles 18 smartphone owners – all within the age range of 18 to 49 and located in Los Angeles, Dallas, Cleveland and Baltimore. It captured on video a full day of their normal activities – at home, at work and in the car. Although the focus of the study went well beyond multimedia usage, the research concluded that increasingly, consumers are taking advantage of the growing array of mobile apps, with online radio service Pandora, the most common smartphone app next to Facebook. For radio, some other notable conclusions of the study are: Radio listening is impacted by in-car smartphone activity, making it all the more important for the industry to adopt a mobile presence. In the workplace, smartphones are often used to help boost productivity. For radio, there exists an opportunity to create apps that connect listeners to businesses, in order to help boost radio's share of overall advertising dollars, while taking advantage of the streaming opportunity for workers on the job. Nearly every "Goin' Mobile" respondent used Facebook on their smartphones, making it even more "imperative for the industry to expand its presence on social media platforms." Apple iPhone and Android smartphone owners are far more likely than other smartphone users to be immersed in apps. Jacobs concludes that radio companies need to design apps with customer needs and desires in focus, in order to win downloads and "time spent using" on smartphones.
* iBiquity Digital: Images are coming to broadcast radio via HD Radio. HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital announces the launch of its newest advanced service, Artist Experience. Designed to add visual entertainment to the digital audio and data services HD Radio already delivers, the feature will appear at retail on the first consumer device beginning in October. iBiquity CEO Bob Struble characterizes Artist Experience as: "The next major step for broadcasters to enhance their listeners' experience. As visual, audio and textual information all converge on the devices people enjoy, it is important for broadcast radio to reflect the expectations consumers have." And Struble says, "Artist Experience will not only deliver album cover artwork, but will also integrate in unique images related to the songs being played and creative station promotions. We believe this an important aspect for broadcasters and fits nicely with other infotainment features enabled by HD Radio Technology, such as iTunes Tagging, real-time traffic and Journaline.
The infrastructure for Artist Experience will also enable broadcasters to sell advertising images synced to traditional audio advertisements. Meanwhile, Best Buy says its Insignia brand will offer the first device to feature iBiquity's Artist Experience. The Insignia NS-HD02 will be in Best Buy stores nationwide on October 24, retailing for $69.
* Alpha Broadcasting Country KUPL-FM, Portland, OR, launches the first pure listen-live application for the Droid.
KUPL listeners who are Droid users now have the ability to listen live, view song lyrics, see artist and album information, read reviews, watch videos, listen to station podcasts and more. KUPL already had apps for the iPhone and BlackBerry. "The previous apps were so well received and now we're pleased to be first with Droid users, providing their own app for KUPL," says Alpha Director of Music Programming Scott Mahalick. "Droids are becoming increasingly popular, and we want to make it as easy as possible for our listeners to take KUPL on the go, no matter what mobile device they are using." For the KUPL Droid app, Alpha Broadcasting leveraged TuneKast, a solution designed for terrestrial and Internet-based radio stations. TuneKast also features a background player which allows listeners to hear content from KUPL while using other Droid applications. The Droid app, like Alpha's previously released iPhone and Blackberry apps, is free of charge and requires no registration.
* Emmis Interactive offers two new products – “TagStation” and “Guidable” – at the 2010 Radio Show.
Emmis Interactive teams with Broadcast Electronics on TagStation, a Web-based song-tagging solution that leverages BE's data-management studio system with Emmis Interactive's new proprietary tag-management system. TagStation was designed to integrate with BE's TRE on-air software, and the joint tagging solution will enable listeners to tag songs played over-the-air by FM RDS and HD Radio receivers. "This is a key partnership for us and for the industry," says BE VP of Studio Systems Ray Miklius. "We expect it will result in broader adoption and market penetration of song tagging because we're essentially integrating all the tools and services broadcasters want to provide their listeners." Emmis Interactive's Guidable allows for the creation of enhanced profiles for advertisers around an unlimited number of themes. "Most local directory products allow for a general set of business listings with basic information about an advertiser, says Emmis Interactive President Rey Mena. "Guidable goes much further. It allows you to create enhanced listings that connect users with businesses but does so contextually around a particular theme to better serve up an advertiser's message or offer. Guidable also allows you to have multiple guides on your site at one time to increase the opportunities for both the station and its advertisers."
* jacAPPS and Abacast partner for mobile radio applications. Abacast, a provider of online radio streaming solutions, and jacAPPS, a division of Jacobs Media, partner to provide Abacast-branded online radio mobile applications for Abacast online radio customers. The applications, which will be branded as the “Abacast Mobile Player, developed by jacAPPS” will be tightly integrated with the Abacast Radio Streaming Platform and provide multiple features for station revenue generation including rotating panels for multiple sponsorships and integration with the Abacast Ad Insertion System for in-stream audio ads with synchronized banners, pre-roll video ads and display ads. “After looking at many of the online radio app developers in the market, we chose jacAPPS because of their deep radio domain experience, focus on station revenue generation, and app development expertise,” says interim Abacast CEO Rob Green. “jacAPPS’ state of the art mobile apps will provide our customers with the ability to capitalize on the growth in mobile listenership and provide them a significant revenue stream.” Says jacAPPS VP and General Manager Paul Jacobs, “We’re excited to work with Abacast because of their extensive customer base and deep experience in monetization of radio stations. Both companies realize that the explosive growth in mobile means not only an increase in audiences but also significant and new revenue opportunities.”
* Edison Research releases preliminary results from its "American Youth Study: 2010." This study is the sequel to Edison's 2000 study, and presents both a look at today's 12-24 year-olds, and a companion from the 2000 study, "Today's 22-34 Year-Olds." The new study was unveiled today (Sept. 29) at the 2010 Radio Show. According to Edison President Larry Rosin, the original 2000 study was, what he calls, "a real wake-up call to traditional media companies, particularly the radio industry. Now, with this 2010 data, we have an opportunity to see just how teens and young adults have changed over the past decade, and which media are best poised to be competitive in the near term." Rosin says radio is still the leading source for music discovery, but other outlets, including YouTube and social networks, have become significant also. According to the 2010 study, 80.2% of 12-24s listen to AM/FM radio to hear their favorite songs. Some 71.9% listen to learn about new songs, and 66% listen to find out what the popular songs are. Additionally, 88.2% discover new music by listening to the radio. That includes 50.6% frequently; 37.6% sometimes. YouTube is the choice for finding new music of 72.2%, while 64.7% discover new music when it's featured on TV shows. Other outlets for new-music discovery include music video channels (61.7%) and social-networking sites like MySpace and Facebook (58.8%). Internet radio stations such as Pandora, Last.fm and Yahoo Music come in at 41.6%. Broadcast radio that's streamed online pulls in 35.7%. Radio is also the top medium to first hear about upcoming concerts that were ultimately attended by respondents. At 16.9%, that's far ahead of social-networking sites, which placed second among media at 10.2%. Word-of mouth from friends, family, or co-workers is the leading source of news about concerts, at 43.5%. The new study also shows music tastes have shifted among 12-24s over the past decade: those radio listeners who indicated that Top 40/Pop stations were their favorite have more than doubled, while Alternative Rock stations were selected by half as many listeners in 2010 as in 2000. A complete set of slides on the results, as presented at the RAB-NAB Radio Show is available from the Edison Research Website.
* The CEA continues its fight against Radio's effort to have radio-capable mobile devices mandated. The Consumer Electronics Association releases the results of its own poll that counters one being promoted by the NAB. According to CEA, 75% of adults say consumer electronics manufacturers should determine what's included in devices, not the government. And 80%, says the survey results, say the government should not require cellphones to include an FM chip. The NAB-commissioned Harris Interactive poll found that 76% of cellphone owners would consider paying a onetime fee for including FM in their phones, and 73% said radio in a mobile phone would be "very" or "somewhat" important in an emergency. Some 66% of those responding ents in the NAB Harris Interactive poll said they would use an FM tuner if their cellphone had one. The CEA says that survey is not accurate. "Americans continue to want consumer electronics (CE) products designed by market demand rather than government mandates," says CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "The CE market is the most innovative and growing sector in our economy. We understand that radio broadcasters are facing competition from new services and technologies, but rather than rely on government mandates, we encourage broadcasters to provide innovative services that Americans actually want to use." The NAB, with the support of the recording industry, is proposing a mandated FM chip in mobile phones as part of a set of legislative proposals that could possibly result in a compromise agreement on performance royalties for radio. Shapiro said, "CEA and its member companies encourage Congress to leave such unwanted and unnecessary mandates out of any performance royalty legislation." Says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton, responding to the CEA poll, "NAB stands by the findings of Harris Interactive, a nationally recognized polling firm with the highest integrity. Ironically, CEA's own member companies build cellphones with radio capability that are in high demand in numerous markets outside the United States. Only in the America, where exclusive contracts between manufacturers and carriers govern the mobile phone market, is radio-capability relegated to third-class status."
* The NAB launches a new consumer-oriented Website — RadioRocksMyPhone.com. It promotes radio-capable mobile phones and educates Americans on the benefits of the technology, says the NAB, which notes that more than 239 million Americans age 12 and older listen to radio every week, based on Arbitron stats. "There is a movement taking place, and radio fans are asking why cell phone gatekeepers are resistant to offering a free entertainment option that can also provide lifesaving emergency information," says the new Website. RadioRocksMyPhone.com details the benefits of radio-enabled cellphones, notes that the U.S. market lags behind other countries with regard to the integrated technology, and encourages visitors to write their lawmaker expressing support for the technology. "The few cellphone models that are radio-enabled and available in the United States are highlighted on the Website," says the NAB. "The site also references a recent nationwide online poll conducted by Harris Interactive, which shows that 76% of American cellphone owners would consider paying a one-time additional fee to gain over-the-air access to free and local radio stations through their mobile phone."
* Peconic Public Broadcasting succeeds in raising enough to buy Long Island University’s public radio WLIU-FM.
Peconic Public Broadcasting is the grassroots group that has taken over the operation of the public radio station.
The Southampton Press reports that Peconic has come up with the money to complete the $850,000 purchase of the station’s license and broadcasting equipment using a combination of private donations and large loans from Bridgehampton National Bank and two unnamed individuals. Peconic placed $637,000—the balance due on the purchase price—into a joint escrow account Tuesday (Sept. 28). It had already made $213,000 in down payments to the university in the last six months.“We are pleased that this transaction may now be completed,” said university President David Steinberg in a statement released by the school, “and are heartened to know that the rich tradition of community-based public radio on Long Island’s East End, which the university has proudly cultivated for decades, will continue to flourish.” The deal still requires approval by the FCC, expected in the next six weeks. “This is an exciting moment and very satisfying achievement,” longtime WLIU station manager and Peconic Public Broadcasting founder Wally Smith said in a statement. “We are so grateful to everyone who worked on this, contributed and supported our efforts.” Long Island University operated WLIU for 20 years before putting it up for sale in 2009. Peconic, which was formed by employees of the radio station and a small group of supporters, won the right to purchase the licenses and equipment with a closed bid of more than $800,000 last October. The group took over the operation and funding of the station in late 2009. Several employees, including on-air personalities, worked without pay or took extended hiatuses for several weeks in January to help Peconic cover its costs. Smith has said that he is still not taking a salary for his work at the station or on the fundraising campaign.
* Sirius XM Radio introduces "XM Snap!" which the satcaster says is an "easy" car satellite radio.
Says Sirius XM, it's easy to install, easy to set up and easy to use. The new unit will be available in October for $59.99. It will deliver all channels that are currently available on XM. As soon as users plug the unit into a vehicle cigarette lighter or power-adapter socket and connect the antenna, they'll be able to listen through their existing car radios. "XM Snap!" is mounted on an adjustable stalk for easy access by the driver and includes large arrow keys, a rotary knob and presets. Accessories include the Magnetic Mount Antenna and an Aux-In Cable to facilitate Aux-In connections in vehicles that support this capability. "XM Snap! is an attractive, easy-to-use radio that makes it easier than ever for more consumers to bring satellite radio into their vehicles," says Sirius XM Group After Market Division VP/GM Bob Law. "Offering amazing value, the new XM Snap! also gives customers the opportunity to discover what makes Sirius XM the ultimate destination for the best in audio entertainment."
* NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith and RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley each offered opening remarks Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 29) at the 2010 Radio Show. Smith began by speaking about radio's ability to adapt and survive in the ever-changing media landscape. He then shifted to the ongoing effort to make FM radio receivers mandatory in cellphones. "Radio is reaching more listeners every day. In fact, 239 million people listen to radio each week – an increase of four million listeners in just one year. And we're working to ensure free, local radio is available for Americans anytime and anywhere – on their cell phones," said Smith. "Nearly everyone has a mobile phone, making it ideal for radio's emergency alerting capabilities. Yet carriers have not prioritized making free, local radio a standard feature on their phones in this country. By contrast, in Latin America and Asia, nearly half of all users list radio as one of their top three choices in choosing a mobile phone – making it even more popular than mobile Internet access or even texting. Radio could reach 257 million American cell phone subscribers if included in all phones – that's an incredible reach. From the Microsoft Zune to the Apple iPod nano, mobile devices like these are making radio new again, creating a new base of radio fans."
When he took over, Haley expressed optimism regarding radio's advertising revenue. "This week we'll air more than 15 million advertising spots for our clients and will continue our revenue growth which stands at +6% for this year while the gain for all media is only projected to be 3%," said Haley. "When your growth is double that of the rest of the field, you are winning. We are winning in Radio this year and it feels pretty good!" Haley noted that the radio industry as a whole seems to have regained its confidence, but "We don't want it to become arrogance. We still need greater accountability to our customers. They will expect and we should be proud to give it – confident in the ability of Radio to have impact and influence – real value beyond what is paid for."
The first full day of sessions also produced these reports from AllAccess.com:
• CEOs Discuss State Of The Radio Industry, Stress Topline Growth, De-leveraging
• Sen. Bennett, Rep. Stupak Discuss Radio Issues At NAB/RAB Radio Show
• Key Analyst Paints Dark Picture For Radio Industry
Thursday's schedule (Sept. 30) includes a conversation between FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell and NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, moderated by NAB EVP and General Counsel Jane Mago. "A Conversation with Commissioner McDowell" will examine the key issues facing radio today. Topics will include HD Radio, the future of media, radio advertising and radio translators. That will follow the Advertiser Luncheon keynoted by Jon Bond, advertising industry innovator and entrepreneur. Bond is the founder of the venerable Kirshenbaum and Bond agency in New York City. The session will feature a roster of national and local advertising panelists and speakers from the automotive, retail, restaurant, and financial service industries.
* The 2010 Radio Show, hosted by the NAB and RAB, opens Wednesday (Sept. 29) in Washington DC.
The Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Broadcasters have joined forces to offer this year's Radio Show, being held at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The first full day of sessions begins with "You're Closer to the Capital Than You Think" and includes panels and talks on tech, traiining, disaster recovery, marketing and promotion, and an Arbitron-hosted panel on using ratings data to bring in sales. The afternoon sessions will include opening remarks by NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith and RAB President Jeff Haley. Thursday (Sept. 30) will include a conversation between FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell and Smith, moderated by NAB EVP and General Counsel Jane Mago. "A Conversation with Commissioner McDowell" will examine the key issues facing radio today. Topics will include HD Radio, the future of media, radio advertising and radio translators. That will follow the Advertiser Luncheon keynoted by Jon Bond, advertising industry innovator and entrepreneur. Bond is the founder of the venerable Kirshenbaum and Bond agency in New York City. The session will feature a roster of national and local advertising panelists and speakers from the automotive, retail, restaurant, and financial service industries.
* There's a tie for this year's $100,000 Radio Mercury Grand Prize award. In a first ever tie, the Grand Prize is split between two spots: “Cinco” – Dos Equis, Heineken, Euro RSCG NY; and, “Dear Me” – Washington State Department of Health, WONGDOODY. Jerry Lee's AC "B-101" WBEB-FM, Philadelphia, won the award for Station Produced spot with its "Woodpecker" spot for EngagingCommercials.com. Winners were awarded in all five categories, and as promised, prizes were doubled in the Radio Station Produced, PSA, and Student categories. “The creative work this year, was exceptional, and there was a noticeable difference compared to what we heard last year,” says Mike Hughes, President and Co-Chief Creative Officer, The Martin Agency and Co-Chief Judge for the Radio Mercury Awards. ‘We realized that this could be a bit controversial when it came to splitting the prize; however, these two campaigns were by far the best work that we heard throughout the competition, and they deserved to be recognized as such.” Also a first for the Radio Mercury awards was the presentation of awards for the same spot in two different categories. Lapiz, a subsidiary of Leo Burnett Worldwide, won for Procter & Gamble’s Bounty, originally produced in Spanish and then in English. MINI USA Brand Communications Manager Jennifer Layton accepted the Radio Marketer of the Year honor on behalf of the automotive company. The re-implementation of the Radio Creative Workshops was announced at this year’s event, with workshops scheduled for New York in November, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago in early 2011. The workshops will feature Radio Mercury Award Winners, with the purpose of showcasing best practices and innovative ways to use Radio as an integral part of a robust campaign. The winning spots and finalists, with audio of each, are available from the Radio Mercury Awards Website.
* Coleman Insights' "Successful Audio Streaming Strategies" study: streaming audio an "underdeveloped brand."
The study shows consumers are unaware of the many streaming audio options available online. Coleman finds that "The low awareness levels and shallow perceptions found in the research lead Coleman Insights to conclude that streaming audio is a brand category that remains highly underdeveloped." According to the study, "on average, consumers who regularly use streaming audio can name 1.6 streaming audio brands on an unaided basis. This compares to the six or seven brands consumers can usually name for mature brand categories." Coleman also finds that streaming audio services offered by terrestrial broadcasters and Pandora are the only brands with "meaningful awareness levels." Less than one in ten streaming audio users is aware of brands such as AOL Radio, Yahoo! Music Radio, Last.fm and Slacker on an unaided basis. Pandora is the leading brand when it comes to streaming audio, "but it is far from dominant." Only 28% of streaming audio consumers are aware of Pandora on an unaided basis and only 22% use it regularly. Pandora was also found to lack strong association with the product attributes streaming consumers deem most important. Streaming audio consumers are more than twice as likely to be aware of an “Internet-only” streaming brand as the streaming service offered by a “terrestrial” AM/FM radio station. Some 77% of those consumers can name an “Internet-only” brand, while only 33% name a “terrestrial” AM/FM radio station stream on an unaided basis. In keeping with the data from recent studies by Bridge Ratings, Coleman also found that users of streaming audio are much more likely to listen to Internet-only streams than streams offered by terrestrial stations. Half of streaming audio consumers report listening to Internet-only streams but 28% listen to online streams of AM/FM stations. Streaming audio consumers also prefer listening to "pure play" Internet-only streams over other sources of audio, including over-the-air broadcasts of AM/FM radio stations. Only 15% of streaming audio consumers — and only 7% of 15-34 year-olds who use streaming audio — choose over-the-air broadcasts of AM/FM radio stations as their preferred source of audio. [More from Coleman Insights »]
* BIA/Kelsey: Mobile Local Advertising Revenues to Exceed $2 Billion In 2014.
U.S. mobile local advertising revenues will increase from $213 million in 2009 to $2.02 billion in 2014, representing a compound annual growth rate of 56.9%, according to a newly released update to BIA/Kelsey's U.S. Local Media Forecast, 2009-2014. BIA/Kelsey defines mobile local advertising as advertising that is targeted based on a user's location and/or advertising that is locally actionable. For large and small advertisers alike, location targeted ads will command premiums over non-local advertising, due to higher immediacy, consumer buying intent and conversion levels. "We expect advertisers will be drawn to mobile marketing as the overall market shifts to digital ad platforms," says BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek. "A lack of traffic to fulfill quotas on geotargeted ads will likely accelerate mobile Website and application development by publishers." BIA/Kelsey cites smartphone penetration, mobile Web usage and related increases in ad inventory as additional mobile ad growth drivers. Says BIA/Kelsey Mobile Local Media Senior Analyst and Program Director Michael Boland, "As we've seen in the online space over the past decade, tools will be introduced to democratize and localize the mobile ad buying process. Google has already begun to bundle mobile ad placements within its pervasive AdWords search marketing platform." BIA/Kelsey also projects that total local advertising in the U.S. will grow from $130.6 billion in 2009 to $145.2 billion in 2014, a CAGR of 2.1%. It also points to a "steady shift" toward digital media, projecting a total CAGR of 0.9% over five years for traditional media while online/interactive grows by a CAGR of 17.4% between 2009-2014.
* Katz Media: 'National Spot Radio Market is heading into the final quarter showing strong gains'. Katz Media CEO Stu Olds, in his latest memo to clients, writes: "The National Spot Radio Market is heading into this year’s final quarter showing strong gains amid growth in all regions of the country and increased spending in the run up to the November elections. National Spot Radio revenue is pacing up 15% through September year-to-date from the same period last year. Based on the pacing of business on the books today, the fourth quarter is pacing up 43% compared to the year-ago period. As a result, we expect to end 2010 on the same positive note that we’ve experienced all year." Olds says radio's core business is driving theose results. National Spot Radio’s top seven categories, excluding political, in the fourth quarter are all pacing well ahead of last year’s results. Each of the seven categories is up more than 34% from last year, including Retail (+51.6%), Finance (+34.8%), Entertainment (+36.1%) and Auto (+68.9%). Olds notes that the largest spenders by category represent the depth and breadth of National Spot Radio’s broad-based recovery. And Olds writes: "National Spot’s broad-based recovery can be seen across all market groupings. In the fourth quarter, pacings for every tracked market segment are up double digits. What’s more, each one of the top 100 markets is up significantly over last year’s results." He adds that "political spending is adding substantially to the overall results as the period between August and Election Day historically accounts for almost 75% of total political/issue spending for the year. The strength of additional political pressure on inventory will continue to push up pacing trends."
* iBiquity Digital launches a comprehensive consumer marketing campaign provided by the HD Radio Alliance.
The campaign ia designed to accelerate receiver sales by influencing holiday shopping plans and driving consumers to major partner retailers, and will run in 100 markets with a high frequency level on on 600+ radio stations during the fourth quarter of 2010. The campaign has two related creative bursts. The first, "The North Pole Gears Up," will feature famous North Pole residents during October as they plan for the annual holiday season. The second, "Time to Shop," brings listeners into the lives of Santa, Mrs. C., the elves, and consumers as they make decisions for holiday 2010 gift giving during November and December. Each of Sears, Best Buy and Magnolia Home Theatre will be individually supported in specific creative executions. These retailers have collaborated with HD Radio partner brands JVC, Denon and Insignia and the HD Radio Alliance to launch new products and special holiday offers. Interactive and drive to web messaging will be included and supported on relevant web sites. "While the economy has slowed overall retail sales, HD Radio product sales are bucking this trend and continue to expand rapidly," says iBiquity COO Jeff Jury. "We are delighted to have worked closely with our brand and retail partners as well as the HD Radio Alliance to create this integrated campaign. This is a great example of how the radio broadcasting industry is partnering with innovative brands to bring the latest in digital audio entertainment to consumers."
* Townsquare Media hires former AOL Media President Bill Wilson for new position EVP/Chief Digital Officer. Wilson will be responsible for Townsquare Media's digital media strategy, reporting to Chairman and CEO Steven Price. As President of AOL Media, he had overall responsibility for the company's global content strategy. In his nine years at AOL, he also served as President of AOL Programming & Studios and EVP of AOL Programming. "We are delighted that Bill Wilson is joining our management team," Price said. "Bill is one of the leading digital-media executives in the world, and we are very excited about the growth prospects of our digital media business under his leadership. Our digital strategy is of paramount importance as we continue our evolution into a multi-platform local media business." Says Wilson, "I am honored and excited to be joining the Townsquare Media team and look forward to developing world-class consumer experiences across multiple platforms for our local audiences and partners. With the reach and scale of our 171 radio stations across the U.S., Townsquare Media is in a powerful position to build innovative media products for consumers and advertisers on a hyper-local as well as a national level."
* Zapoleon Media Strategies' Steve Davis is named Program Director for DC Hot AC "94.7 Fresh FM" WIAD-FM.
Davis has been SVP/Consultant at Zapoleon where he spent the last 13 years. He's now tagged by CBS Radio to be the
"Fresh FM" PD in Washington DC. "I am incredibly excited," says Davis. "To be a part of the CBS Radio team is a programmer's heaven. It has been a great run with my partner and dear friend Guy Zapoleon but this is an incredible professional opportunity." Before Zapoleon, Davis was VP of Programming for NextMedia. His programming stops also include stations in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Tampa, Richmond, VA and Birmingham. "I'm thrilled to have Steve join our team in DC," says CBS Radio Washington SVP and Market Manager Sam Rogers. "He is a first-rate programmer and manager. We are anxious to have him lead Fresh to the next level."
* Talk Radio Network CEO Mark Masters says TRN is starting a new long-form all news radio network. Masters says the new network will offer multiple live, weekday, three-hour syndicated news programs in most dayparts throughout 2011. The shows will launch in sequence beginning in January, with four more three-hour dayparts to follow through the year. Says Masters, "Our teams will fill the void on both ends of the spoken word spectrum, with 'Best in Breed' opinion talk through the different TRN networks, and long-form news-only programming specifically designed for radio, through the new all news radio network," The new network will create 15 live hours per day of syndicated long-form news radio by the end of 2011, creating options for stations to either use individual three-hour syndicated news blocks to fit in their existing stations' lineups, or use those three-hour blocks back-to-back to launch a 24/7 all news syndicated lineup in each market. "The flexibility of being able to 'cherry pick' certain three-hour long-form news blocks, or go all news, all the time will be unprecedented and highly profitable for our affiliates," adds Masters. "Long-form syndicated co-anchored news-blocks' time has come," says Phil Boyce, TRN's President of Programming and President of Talk Radio Network Syndications, which provides syndication services to the TRN companies and will also to the new news network.
* HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital and Citadel Media announce a partnership to help stations upgrade to digital.
Together they will offer stations the ability to upgrade to digital broadcasting while avoiding cash expenditures. Stations will be able to provide on-air inventory to Citadel in exchange for the HD Radio license fee and equipment supplied by Broadcast Electronics, Continental, Harris and Nautel. "We're seeing exciting progress and continued momentum in the consumer rollout of HD Radio Technology. There are now over fifteen automakers building the technology into more than 85 different vehicle lines, and more than 100 different HD Radio receiver models are available at more than 12,000 retail outlets nationwide," says iBiquity Digital President and CEO Bob Struble. "We've more than doubled HD Radio receiver sales every year for the past several years." Citadel Media President John Rosso tells us, "This partnership with iBiquity makes it easier than ever for a radio station to enter the digital world. HD Radio Technology provides significant benefits that will help stations remain competitive. We're making those benefits available with flexible options on a no-cash, barter basis for broadcasters both large and small."
* A new NRSC guideline helps FM IBOC stations determine total authorized digital power. The National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) adopts a new guideline providing broadcast engineers an easy-to-use, quick method for determining an FM IBOC station's authorized total digital sideband power level. The NRSC is a technical standards-setting body co-sponsored by the NAB and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). NRSC-G202, FM IBOC Total Digital Sideband Power for Various Configurations, was adopted Wednesday (Sept. 29) by the Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB) Subcommittee, which is co-chaired by Andy Laird, vice president and chief technology officer, Journal Broadcast Group, and Mike Bergman, vice president of new digital technologies, Kenwood USA. It was developed by the subcommittee's IBOC Standards Development Working Group (ISDWG), which is chaired by Dom Bordonaro, chief engineer, Cox Broadcasting Connecticut. "This guideline is intended as an aid to those who are responsible for or involved with FM IBOC facility design, operation and compliance monitoring," says NAB. "A companion, Web-based total digital signal power calculator tool has also been designed by the NRSC with assistance from broadcast engineering consulting firm of Cavell, Mertz and Associates." The new document is a companion to another NRSC Guideline, NRSC-G201-A, and expands upon information contained in Annex 1 of that document. The guideline, and the Web-based calculator, will be available on the NRSC Website — www.NRSCstandards.org — following a final procedural review which will take approximately two weeks.
* Adelante Media Group is born as NAP Broadcast Holdings closes on its acquisition of Bustos Media.
The takeover of Bustos by NAP — being called a "merger" — was approved by the FCC earlier this month; the transaction is now completed, and the new name is announced. NAP was formed in June by Newstar Financial, Atalaya Capital and Prudential for the purposes of the taking over Bustos. BMT's Jay Meyers, who has been serving as interim CEO of Bustos Media, as expected, takes over as CEO of the new company. "This is an exciting time for all of stations and all of our employees," says Meyers. "We are backed by a visionary group of owners who are as confident about the upside for this company as I am. Our new name, Adelante, which in Spanish means 'moving forward' and is often used as a greeting when welcoming someone into your home, is a perfect banner to operate under into the future." Adelante launches with radio and television properties in nine Arbitron rated markets. "We operate in emerging Hispanic markets, and when the new census is finalized, we will be well positioned to take advantage of the growth," adds Meyers. "The mission is to build a great broadcast company that will serve the fastest growing segment of the population with great Spanish programming." In a separate but related transaction, NAP is selling its four Portland, OR, AM stations to Bustos Media Holdings, the personal ownership group of former Bustos CEO Amador Bustos. An LMA will begin on October 1 and will remain in place until closing, expected sometime in 2011.
* Donkey Comedy Network partners with Orbyt Media for affiliate and advertising sales representation in Canada.
The agreement extends the distribution of Donkey Comedy Network's "24/7 Comedy Radio" format to Canada. "24/7 Comedy Radio is a unique addition to Orbyt's library of compelling radio brands for the Canadian market," says Orbyt Media GM Lesley Soldat. "The content is funny and the Top-40-inspired presentation is unlike any other comedic product on radio. The stand-up comedy, laugh-a-minute approach is just as perfect for Canadian radio audiences as it is for their American cousins when they want or need a good laugh." DCN Director of Affiliate Relations Dave Van Dyke adds, "All of us at Donkey Comedy Network are thrilled to call Orbyt Media our partner in Canada for distribution of our 24/7 Comedy Radio format. Orbyt's connections in the Great White North along with their relationship with Astral Media, the largest broadcaster in Canada, add tremendous power to 24/7 Comedy Radio's affiliations potential. I look forward to working with Lesley."
* New York City's bedbug invasion reaches the Sirius XM studios of Howard Stern. The King of All Media told his satellite radio listeners: "We received treatments here and supposedly we're 100% bedbug-free." But those who heard that say he sounded doubtful. Stern said he came to the Sirius XM Sixth Avenue studio and headquarters in a haz-mat suit — despite the fact that the studios were closed this past weekend for a bedbug treatment. "All I know is I'm scratching every minute... I just wish our contract was done and we could get out of here," Stern said, according to a transcript posted on a fan blog. "My new routine is: as soon as the show's over, I get out of here." Stern said he had his limousine checked and bedbug sniffing dogs found trouble — which meant that his limo had to be fumigated with poison gas. He said he doubted if he would ever go back in the limo again.
* Jake Russell joins Media Management Group as SVP of Affiliate Sales and Relations. Russell will handle affiliate duties for "Doug Stephan's Good Day" - "AARP Radio" and "Both Sides Now with Arianna Huffington and Mary Matalin." Russell's career has included sales, affiliations, management, ownership and group management for companies such as Triangle Publications, General Communicorp, Transtar, Russell Broadcasting, Radio Terrace, Pamal Broadcasting and, most recently, Take On The Day. He's also served on many radio broadcast associations including NYMRAD and the New York Broadcasters Association. "We are delighted to have someone with Jake's skills and experience join the company," says MMG President and CEO Ian Heller. "Our goal has been to create a full service media management company, providing our clients with whatever they need to succeed. Having Jake on board to handle affiliates sales allows us to do just that."
* Tribune Company reaches an agreement with two creditors on a reorganization plan. The agreement with Oaktree Capital Management and Angelo, Gordon & Co. will settle claims surrounding 'Step 1' of the company’s 2007 going-private transaction. "The plan addresses two primary issues that are fundamental to a successful reorganization of Tribune," says Tribune Chief Restructuring Officer Don Liebentritt. "First, it enables the company to exit Chapter 11 and distributes the equity of the reorganized Tribune and its subsidiaries to the holders of the Initial and Incremental Term Loan claims. Second, to the extent not settled prior to confirmation, all claims identified by the Examiner's Report relating to 'Step 2' of the company's going-private transaction are preserved and placed in a litigation trust. We remain confident that additional settlements will be reached." This settlement comes as a result of the court-ordered mediation requested by the company and overseen by U. S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Gross who
endorses the agereement.
* Global Security Systems signs with Educational Media Foundation's K-LOVE and Air1 for its Alert FM Network.
Global Security Systems (GSS) signs EMF to implement Alert FM in a scheduled rollout that will double the number of locations where the FM-based personal alerting and messaging system is operational. The deal adds over 450 radio outlets in the U.S., says GSS. K-LOVE and Air1 join Commonwealth Broadcasting and The Cromwell Group in support of Alert FM, which uses Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) FM-subcarrier technology to deliver emergency alert messages to any receiver equipped with an FM radio chip and Alert FM software. "The ability to save lives in a disaster is a significant part of the public trust that we seek to fulfill at all of our radio stations," says EMF VP of Engineering Sam Wallington. "Because Alert FM ensures real-time concurrent distribution of emergency alerts to all devices equipped with an FM receiver and Alert FM software, it is far superior to cellular transmission." GSS CEO Robert Adams notes, "By putting Alert FM into action, K-LOVE and Air1 serve and protect their listeners and secure their station's relevancy in public service in the local communities where they have radio stations. By facilitating the dissemination of emergency text-message alerts over the RBDS pathway to all FM-enabled devices and Alert FM software, Alert FM expands the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and allows broadcasters to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of FM-delivered alerts and warnings."
* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says he's impatient to move the Obama administration's technology agenda.
Key parts of that agenda are stalled at the FCC. Genachowski "took over the FCC 15 months ago with an ambitious to-do list, including a plan to improve U.S. broadband service and a promise that he would prevent phone and cable companies from interfering with Internet traffic," writes The Wall Street Journal, which notes that the technology industry was a big supporter of President Obama's 2008 campaign in part because industry executives believed his administration would support rules to prevent broadband providers from restricting Web traffic—a policy known as net neutrality—and encourage faster, more affordable broadband service. Genachowski, in response to critics said, "I'm impatient, too. This is an important area that touches a lot, and it's important for our economy. There's a lot to do. There's a lot we've gotten done, but there's a lot to do." Genachowski has recently delayed action on a net neutrality proposal until after the November elections, saying both sides need more time to comment on a few issues. FCC officials spent most of the last year working on the National Broadband Plan, a blueprint for improving broadband availability. The agency has already approved some of its proposals, including changes to a U.S. phone subsidy fund that will make it easier for schools and libraries to buy Internet service. "I'm very proud of that plan. And we're moving on a whole series of items related to it," says Genachowski. FCC officials say they plan to move forward on several outstanding items soon, including Genachowski's plan to auction off TV station airwaves through incentive auctions. The agency is also planning to focus on overhauling an $8 billion-a-year federal phone-subsidy program that's funded by consumers to pay for broadband service next year. Meanwhile, the FCC Chairman said Monday (Sept. 27) that the FCC won't complete the congressionally mandated review of media ownership rules this year.
* Radio One DC names Christopher Wegmann VP/General Manager, Alan Leinwand joins as Director of Sales. The five-station Radio One Washington DC cluster consists of Urban AC WMMJ-FM, Rhythmic WKYS-FM, Gospel WPRS-FM, Gospel WYCB-AM, and News-Talk WOL-AM. Wegmann, a 30-year industry veteran who joined the company last year, will continue as St. Louis VP/GM and Dallas Regional VP in addition to his new DC duties. Leinwand joins Radio One from GSM at Clear Channel's WHTZ-FM and WWPR-FM, New York. Leinwand is a DC radio vet who spent a dozen years at the market's WJFK. "I am excited to have Chris assume the position of general manager of our five-station cluster in DC," says Radio One Radio Division President Barry Mayo. "His ability to increase revenue and market share is amply evident in the results that our St. Louis and Dallas markets have posted in 2009 and 2010, and I anticipate the same outcome in DC." As the new VP/GM of the DC group, Wegmann says of the new DOS, ""Alan's strong track and history of success in Washington along with his knowledge and passion for the DC market, made him the clear choice for the DOS position to lead this Radio One cluster."
* Cadillac Jack is stepping down as Program Director of Urban "Power 105" WWPR-FM, New York. He will focus on his Operations Manager duties for Clear Channel Radio's Boston and Providence clusters. Cadillac Jack will relinquish his duties in New York by the end of 2010, according to Clear Channel Radio SVP of Programming Tom Poleman. "It’s with mixed emotions that I share with you that Cadillac will be leaving Power 105 to return full time to his role as OM for Boston and Providence at the end of the year. It’s a decision that he’s been weighing heavily for some time. Cadillac's contributions to Power, and all of our NY stations, have been vast. He’s one of the smartest programmers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s also a great person. He’s developed an outstanding team and has shaped Power for continued success."
* Kim Myers joins Arbitron in the newly-created position of Senior Media Relations Manager. Myers will be Arbitron's primary contact with reporters and editors in the radio trades, local media, national business and consumer outlets as well as the broadcast and cable networks. Myers previously spent nearly eight years at Brainerd Communicators working on PR programs for Clear Channel, Entravision, SBS and Cox Radio. Myers joins Arbitron from newsPRos where she worked with more than 70 attorneys in a variety of practice groups at two international law firms. There she created and executed media outreach programs that supported individual practices and the overall goals of the two firms. Jessica Benbow will transition from her former role with press and public relations to a broader, more inclusive communications role in the Arbitron Marketing Communications department.
* Tracy Austin is named Program Director at CBS Radio Hot AC "Mix 96.5" KHMX-FM, Houston.
The announcement is made by CBS Radio Houston VP of Music Programming Mark Adams, who says Austin, a nearly 20-year radio veteran, starts today (Sept. 27). "Tracy is a bright, creative, and focused programmer who brings a wide array of major market competitive experience to Mix," says Adams. "I’m excited to hear her signature on the station, and confident she’ll help us become even more successful." Austin most recently was Program Director of Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Q102" WIOQ-FM, Philadelphia. Her resume also Program Director stints in a number of markets, including four years at Hot AC KRBE-FM, Houston. "I'm so excited to have the chance to work with all the great people at CBS Radio and KHMX, and continue what they’ve started," says Austin. "There is such a wide variety of talent at the station and I look forward to using everyone’s skills to deliver the best programming for our listeners and advertisers."
* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego, names night host Frankie Vinci Music Director.
Program Director Joe Haze tells us, "It's with great excitement that I get to announce Frankie Vinci as the new Music Director for Channel 933. His talent and passion for music will bring many years of success to KHTS. Frankie brings his fist pumping ability and his knowledge of music Selector and it will only make Channel 933 stronger." Selector is a music scheduling program. "I'm so blessed for this opportunity to be promoted to MD of such an amazing station! My OM Jimmy Steele and my PD Haze are two of the most respected people in this buisness," says Selector expert Vinci. "I hope to make them both proud as we continue to grow the Channel 933 brand! Thanks to both of them for believing in me."
* Broadcaster Ward L. Quaal dies of natural causes at a nursing home in Chicago at age 91. Quaal began his career on WGN-AM, Chicago, as an announcer in 1941 and became president of WGN Continental in 1961. He served on the boards of the Broadcast Pioneers and the Broadcast Foundation, and was a recipient of the NAB's Distinguished Service Award. NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith says in a statement, "Free and local broadcasting was built by a handful of visionary giants, but few stood taller than Ward Quaal. During his long and storied career, Ward Quaal built WGN into an institution whose impact extended far beyond Chicago, and he counted as friends even those who occupied the Oval Office. NAB extends our sympathy to the Quaal family and we mourn the passing of this broadcast pioneer." The Broadcasters Foundation in 2008 renamed its annual Pioneer Award the Ward L. Quaal Broadcast Pioneer Award. The organization at that time credited Quaal with developing WGN Radio and WGN TV to "iconoclastic status in the broadcasting industry."
* "101.1 Jack FM" replaces Oldies “Hippie Radio” WHPI-FM, Peoria, IL; sister "99.9 WWCT" also flips formats.
The Adult Variety Hits format — "Playing What We Want" — has a new Website online at Jack1011.com.
WWCT, the former Modern Rock "99.9 The Buzz," moves to "Progressive Radio WWCT 99.9" – described by ears in the market as essentially a Progressive Rock and Triple-A hybrid – and establishes its online presence here. The new format is unveiled after an extended period of stunting. Advanced Media Properties recently acquired the stations from Independence Media. Advanced Media, headed by Michael Rea, also acquired two other stations from Independence. More information on the former “Hippie Radio” is provided than that for WWCT. The new "Jack FM" posts on its new Website: "At 9:45pm on Sunday, September 26, JACK took control of 101.1 FM. The first song Jack played was Unwell by Matchbox Twenty, and that about somes up Jack’s opinion of radio in Central Illinois. Jack doesn’t play bad music, Jack doesn’t like cauliflower, and he doesn’t take requests. What Jack does want to do is give you $1000! To celebrate his arrival, Jack’s gonna play 1000 songs in a row. Then he’s gonna play a few commercials from some of his new friends. Of all of Jack’s new listeners to tell us what commercials played, he’ll draw one person to win the cash! Then Jack is gonna play another 1000 songs and give away another $1000. Then he’s gonna do it again. And again. And again… You get the idea." WWCT is displaying only a splash screen online that says: "Website Coming Soon."
* Clear Channel awards $1 million in free advertising to the top four winners of the 4A's 2010 O'Toole Awards. The award winners will be named during Advertising Week 2010, Monday (Sept. 27). Winners for best large, mid-sized, small agency and the O'TooleBox category — which designates the best integrated campaign of the year — will each receive $250,000 in free advertising across Clear Channel's radio, digital and outdoor platforms. The top four O'Toole Award winners will be announced at the Best Buy Theater in New York, hosted by Chuck Porter, the 4A's Chairman and Chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, in partnership with Yahoo! Clear Channel EVP John Partilla will present the free ad awards to the 2010 O'Toole honorees. "The O'Toole Awards is unlike any advertising industry competition and we look forward to further recognizing creative agencies' high level of work by providing effective platforms to display future campaigns," says Partilla. "As these firms seek to drive results and support their clients' growth objectives, we hope they continue to push the envelope to the maximum and take advantage of all the creative possibilities of our radio, digital and outdoor assets to reach their desired audiences."
* Vision Critical Survey: Change is on its way with the growing use of personal digital music in the car. A new three-country online survey on the State Of In-Car Listening, conducted by Vision Critical, outlines the beginning of important changes to in-car media usage, many of which have a potential impact on radio. The good news is broadcast radio remains by far the most common media used in the car, followed by CDs or cassettes. However, the survey of 4,020 online consumers in the United States, Britain, Canada finds that change is on its way with the growing use of personal digital music in the car. Several major auto companies are building and promoting new technologies to put online media entertainment inside the car. That's generating interest among drivers in all three countries. More than half of respondents who spend a minimum of 15 minutes a day in their cars express interest in new technologies that would bring access to online music radio services or on-demand playlists of music, news talk, and entertainment into the car. Vision Critical says "we should be careful to assume that increased use of in-car audio alternatives will displace listening to terrestrial or satellite radio." Three-quarters of online Americans and Canadians say they typically spend at least 15 minutes a day traveling in a vehicle. A smaller proportion of online Brits (56%) are in their cars for at least 15 minutes in a typical day.
Among those online consumers who spend 15 or more minutes per day in their vehicles, broadcast radio is the primary form of entertainment, with more than three-in-four adults in all three countries reporting they had listened in the week prior to being surveyed. [More »]
* Former Riverside, CA, Spanish Oldies "La Preciosa" gets even funnier with the new 24/7 Comedy Radio format.
Earlier the Spanish Variety Oldies were dumped, the call letters were changed to KFNY-AM, and the station began airing "All Comedy Radio" programmming. Now, the new KFNY switches over to 24/7 Comedy Radio as "Funny 1440 AM."
Says Clear Channel SVP of Programming Jon Zellner, "I'm a fan of stand-up comedy on the radio. We've seen the format work for satellite radio, and it's a no-brainer for terrestrial stations looking to differentiate themselves from everything else on today's broadcast spectrum." He says the “short-attention span all-comedy” format includes such comedians as Dane Cook, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jeff Foxworthy, as well as "the newest comedians targeting a young adult audience." Clear Channel Radio Riverside VP and Market Manager Bob Ridzak tells us, "On AM radio you have to find a niche — something special that no one else is doing — and with a high probability for success. Comedy Radio is something no one else is doing in Riverside, and everyone loves to laugh. Laughing is healthy, and in today's current environment it provides an outlet — a listener's special place." Donkey Comedy Network recently launched 24/7 Comedy Radio, as TPMedia NewsPage recently reported. All Comedy Radio has been around for about seven years. As KDIF-AM, the station was one of Clear Channel's original "La Preciosa" outlets.
* "1250 ESPN" WEAE-AM, Pittsburgh, will flip to Radio Disney at the start of 2011, ending local Sports Talk now.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, citing "multiple industry sources," is reporting that WEAE "will cease to operate in its current manner at the end of next week and most if not all full-time employees will be fired. The station will continue with a sports format until the end of the year and then switch to Radio Disney." According to the published report, "Present plans, according to sources, have the station carrying ESPN national programming almost exclusively until Dec. 31. On Jan. 1, the station will switch to Radio Disney, a format for pre-teens and younger that has been hugely successful and features talent such a Hannah Montana, Justin Bieber and Selana Gomez." The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN, has been running Radio Disney on 540 AM WWCS, Canonsburg, but Disney's lease with WWCS expires at the end of the year. At that time, Radio Disney will move to 1250, sources tell the Post-Gazette. The station has reportedly been losing money for years — as much as $2 million a few years back. It has made significant cuts in personnel. Sources said the station has been for sale for some time but with the down economy and the weak 1250 signal, 5,000 watts, no buyer could be found. The entry into the market of "The Fan" KDKA-FM, caused the station to lose more money as some listeners and advertisers left 1250. Sources maintain, however, that "The Fan" is not the reason for this move and that the station has been headed in this direction for several years. ESPN continues to hold a ratings lead, sometimes large, during the 6am to 6pm time slot. According to sources, writes the Post-Gazette, "1250 ESPN" will continue to carry Penn State football and shows involving Steelers linebackers James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley and Larry Foote. Those shows all make a profit for the station. Presumably, part-time talent will be brought in to host the shows. The report adds that when WEAE switches to Disney Radio, it will not mean the end of ESPN national programming in Pittsburgh. "In all likelihood," Clear Channel, which operates six stations in the Pittsburgh market, will take on the ESPN programming at "Fox Sports Radio 970" WBGG-AM.
* CBS Radio's KRLD-AM, Dallas, goes All News in the daytime today, dropping daytime Talk programming.
KRLD-AM is going all News from 5am-8pm weekdays, starting today (Sept. 27). Out is midday Talk programming including 9am-noon host Jay McFarland. Former 1-3pm host Ernie Brown stays on to team with news anchor Mike Rogers from 5-9am, followed by anchor Mitch Carr and former 7-9pm host Scott Braddock from 9am-1pm. Anchor David Rancken and Bonnie Petrie will now air from 1-4pm. Alice Rios and host Will Sterrett will occupy 4-8pm. McFarland announced Friday morning (Sept. 23) that he will be leaving KRLD-AM to go to a station in Salt Lake City, adding that the decision was partly family-related: his mother isn't doing well. Robert Philpot reporting for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes: "The last time anyone tried an all-news format here, it was KEWS/94.9 FM, and it didn't last long. According to Mike Shannon's History of Dallas-Fort Worth Radio and Television (a must for local-media junkies), KEWS began its all-news format on Feb. 27, 1996 (before it even had the KEWS call letters) and was dropped before the year was over."
* Chicago ESPN Radio PD Justin Craig is named Program Director for "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York.
Craig will move from "ESPN 1000" WMVP-AM, to sister New York "1050 ESPN" in mid-October. He will fill the vacancy resulting from the exit of Aaron Spielberg earlier this year. "1050 ESPN" General Manager Dave Roberts says, "Justin brings 20 years of experience and a proven track record to ESPN New York. Justin's creativity and leadership helped ESPN 1000 place #1 in the key male 25-54 demographic several times in the Chicago market." Craig is a former Producer of ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning." He also served as evening and weekend programming director at "ESPN 1000." Craig was promoted from those duties to WMVP PD four years ago. Craig first joined ESPN Radio in 1998 as a technical director and producer for the network's "Mike & Mike in the Morning."
* Larry Elder returns to Citadel Talk KABC-AM, Los Angeles, replacing the exiting Frosty, Heidi & Frank.
Elder returns to KABC-AM after almost two years away. "The final piece of the puzzle putting KABC back to a position of dominance in the Los Angeles TalkRadio arena is in place," says KABC President and General Manager Bob Moore. "Larry Elder is a consummate professional and a truly gifted Broadcaster. KABC and Larry Elder will once again allow Los Angeles to have a local voice in the 9am-noon time period." Program Director Jack Silver adds, "Having LARRY rejoin our station is the first step in returning KABC to the market dominance it has enjoyed. Larry will benefit from having Peter Tilden with Teresa Strasser on before him, and Sean Hannigty and Mark Levin following his show." Silver calls that "an amazing daytime lineup." Elder, who rejoins KABC-AM's lineup Monday (Sept. 27) left the station in December 2008 after 15 years with KABC-AM.
* CBS Radio AC "94.7 Fresh FM" WIAD-FM, Washington, DC, Program Director Greg Dunkin is out. Dunkin joined the station soon after the "Fresh" brand arrived in DC, with nods to his prior experience with the brand. The staff was told today (Sept. 23) that Dunkin is no longer with the station, but details were sparse. There's no immediate announcement of a replacement. Dunkin, a 30-year programming veteran, previously served as Operations Manager for the Journal Broadcast Group's cluster in Tucson. Before joining Journal in February 2004, he spent nine years as Operations Manager of Emmis' WENS-FM and WYXB-FM, Indianapolis. Dunkin was also the first PD of KYSR-FM, Los Angeles. He's also been a VP with Coleman Research Group.
* CBS Radio Hot AC "Mix 105.1" WOMX-FM, Orlando, promotes APD Bobby Smith to Program Director. Smith will also manage WOMX's digital assets such as online streaming, video and new media platforms. Smith has been WOMX's Assistant PD and afternoon personality since January 2008. "Already having an elite staff leading our sales and promotion departments makes this opportunity a dream come true," says Smith. "WOMX is one of the strongest brands in Central Florida and I am thrilled to be programming such a legendary station. Having incredible company wide resources makes this opportunity even more exciting." SVP and Market Manager Dave Robbins tells us, "By combining the power of those assets with top notch on-air programming, Smith will deliver to the Orlando market a progressive and fun radio station." Smith was previously an air personality, APD/Music Director at KHFI-FM, Austin. He's also held similar positions at stations in Philadelphia.
* Sports "103.7 The Buzz" KABZ-FM, Little Rock, host Tommy Smith collapses while on the air. Smith, who hosts "The Show With No Name," was taken to a local hospital, after collapsing Friday morning (Sept. 24).
KABZ says he "had a medical emergency live on the air around 9:30am," adding: "911 was called and he was transported
to an undisclosed hospital." The station reported Friday afternoon that Smith is "resting comfortably and his condition is non-life threatening." VP and General Manager Steve Jonsson said, "The family asks for your continued thoughts and prayers, and wishes to express their gratitude for your outpouring of support for Tommy. We have conveyed to the family the numerous phone calls and emails we have received. KABZ is committed to whatever Tommy and his family need during this time. KABZ will communicate with the public his condition as information becomes available." Updates are being posted on the station's Website at this url.
* Ten staffers are out at Cumulus Media's six-station Radford, VA, group due to budget cuts, others reassigned.
The Roanoke Times reports Cumulus Radford Market Manager Sarah Leftwich was ousted, but will relocate to another Cumulus market. Also let go are Sports WWBU-FM, Active Rock WBRW-FM and NewsTalk WFNR-AM Program Director Joe Johnson. He'll move to Fayetteville, NC, for a show that will be simulcast on WBRW-FM. Sports host Rick Watson is also out along with seven other full and parttime air personalities and staffers. These include WPSK-FM Promotions Director and air talent Nicole Williams and WNMX-FM host Don Walker, who remains in a parttime on-air role.
Scott Stevens remains with the Cumulus Radford cluster as group Operations Manager.
* Southeastern Connecticut's Citadel Talk WXLM, New London, is moving from FM to AM to make way for WELJ.
The announcement on WXLM's Website tells listeners of the move from 104.7 FM to 980 AM, but what is not announced is the future of the FM frequency. However, widespread speculation is that it will be a simulcast of New York's Hot AC WPLJ, also a Citadel station. Credible sources say that 104.7, to be re-tagged as WELJ, will indeed be a WPLJ simulcast. The WXLM call letters are going with the talker as it moves to AM next month. There it will replace Spanish Tropical WSUB-AM. "NewsTalk 104.7" WXLM is licensed to Montauk, NY, and serves the New London, CT, area. The 980 AM frequency is licensed to Groton, CT, and also serves New London. WXLM is promising the announcement of the exact date for its move to AM "soon" – saying it will be announced on the Website and on its Twitter and Facebook pages.
* Portland radio's Noah "Porkchop" Homsley exposes his brother, now in custody, as the "Where's Waldo Bandit."
Rock "101 KUFO" morning show player "Porkchop" said on-air the man in a surveillance photo released by the FBI was his 29-year-old brother, Ryan Homsley, who has since been arrested. The FBI now says Ryan Homsley was found in a nearby hospital and has been charged with the Portland area bank robbery. Noah Homsley spoke openly about his relationship to the suspect in the robbery on KUFO's "The Kidd Chris & Marconi Show" Thursday (Sept. 23), saying his brother has been addicted to drugs for years. "Opiates, heroin, prescription drugs and, on top of that, he's diabetic, Type 1," Noah Homsley said. The FBI identified Ryan Homsley as the man who held up a Key Bank branch and dubbed him the "Where's Waldo Bandit" after video surveillance showed him wearing a striped shirt and large, horned-rim glasses. Noah Homsley said he was shocked by the picture released by authorities. Noah presents "The Sports Chop with Porkchop" weekday mornings during "The Kidd Chris & Marconi Show." The show, on the KUFO Website, had posted a "WANTED: Porkchop's Brother" article, with a description of Ryan Homsley and a picture.
Noah said he wanted his brother to turn himself in before he or someone else got hurt. Over the weekend, it was reported that the FBI had located the suspect in a hospital for an undisclosed reason.
* Former KERN-AM, Bakersfield, CA, host Inga Barks files sexual harassment suit against KERN and former co-host.
Barks accuses her former co-host Scott Cox of sexual harassment, and the station of refusing to take action. She alleges that Cox sexually harassed and assaulted her throughout much of the last decade. Barks now works as a conservative talk host for KMJ Fresno. BakersfieldNow.com reports the lawsuit alleges Cox groped her, forced her to kiss him, demanded both conventional and oral sex, and called her by derogatory names, among other claims — all of which are graphically detailed in her complaint. Barks accused her former employer, American General Media, of inaction despite numerous attempts to get the company to intervene. AGM is named as a co-defendant. In 2008, Barks discovered others had made complaints against Cox for his "harassing and offensive behavior," according to the lawsuit. However, Barks alleges the company still failed to stop the harassment against her. Barks said Cox and AGM subjected her to assault, discrimination, defamation and emotional abuse. Cox remains at KERN, currently hosting an 8-10am weekday talk show. A copy of the lawsuit complaint is available here in pdf format.
* Canada's "K-Rock 10" (usually "105.5") CKQK-FM, Prince Edward Island, offers $10K — contest goes out of control. Half Price Steaks on Prince Edward Island found itself part of the radio contest, even though it wasn't involved — the result of misinterpreted clues. "K-Rock 10" listeners flooded the store, rummaging through freezers looking for the station's "missing 5.5" to win the $10,000 prize. According to a CBC.com report, clues offered to listeners as to the whereabouts of their quarry were “half price,” “steaks” and “bridge.” Half Price Steaks is located near a bridge. "We started seeing people in here tearing the store apart, looking for some magical ticket or something for some radio contest on K-Rock," store owner Rick Brazel told the CBC. He said the disruptive listeners crowded out regular customers and cost the store thousands in sales. Brazel also says the station initially didn't take his complaints seriously. "Their response was, well, there's a contest going on, and they found the whole thing quite funny." But then CKQK announced that Half Price Steaks is not involved in the contest. Station General Manager Jennifer Evans said, "Certainly damage to private property is not part of the game."
* Deseret Media’s Salt Lake City cross-media reconfiguration leads to the combining of sales teams. Classic Hits "Arrow 103.5" KRSP-FM and Soft AC "FM 100" KSFI-FM will share a combined sales team. Todd Larsen is appointed Local Sales Manager for the cluster's music outlets, while Alan Blackburn adds Local Sales Manager for NewsTalk KSL-FM-AM and KSL-TV. Stephanie Palmer remains the cluster's Director of Sales. "What a strong combination to have two leading stations in their respective formats. Now we can meet the needs of our clients more effectively and efficiently," says Palmer. KSL-TV Director of Sales Dale Darling will now handle the group's digital sales management. "Dale has sold KSL.com from the beginning. These important steps will streamline our digital business so we can act more quickly and be more focused for our clients," notes VP of Sales and General Sales Manager Mark Wiest.
* Media Monitors: Political spending shows up in some key races for the week of September 15-21. Media Monitors data shows that in California Jerry Brown ran 1,101 spots on radio, which added with the spots that the Peace Officers Research Association endorsing him brought the total to 2,318. That's against Meg Whitman's 3,012 radio spots. The political action group known as Public Notice continued to run ads decrying the way the government is spending money. They ran 741 messages on radio last week. In Nevada, Harry Reid spent a little over $30,000 on radio with 529 spots, while his rival, Sharron Angle ran 182 spots. In Florida, Rick Scott spent more than $835,000 to run 1,958 TV ads against his opponent Alex Sink who spent a little over $1 million and ran 1,484 TV political ads. Another ad that is running in Florida on TV is called: Republican Party Against Alex Sink, with 1,139 spots at the cost of slightly over $600,000. Neither Scott, nor Sink ran radio last week. In New York, Andrew Cuomo running for Governor spent more than a half million dollars on TV last week and ran 243 spots against Tea Party endorsed candidate Carl P. Paladino who did not run any spots last week. In the three-way race for Senate in Florida, we start with TV. Kendrick Meek ran 783 TV spots spending $325,000, while Charlie Crist, former Governor, ran 666 spots at the price tag of $321,000. Marco Rubio spent more than $426,000 and ran 560 spots. On radio, Kendrick Meek ran 206 spots compared to Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist, who did not run spots on radio for the week.
* SNL Kagan: Heated midterm political races could spell big advertising revenue gains for broadcasters. "Broadcasting Guide to the 2010 Elections" is a study that analyzes the footprint of TV and radio station owners in the states where highly competitive races are expected, taking into account the number of stations in exposed markets. Although TV stations will receive the lion's share of ad dollars, SNL Kagan indicates that radio will also benefit as political campaigns tighten TV inventory in the fourth quarter. Radio political ad revenue is expected to reach approximately $560 million. Among radio pureplays, SNL Kagan’s analysis reveals Cumulus Media has the largest footprint in toss-up states, with a total of 114 stations. Despite the immense exposure of pureplays to highly competitive races, CBS Radio is likely to receive one of the largest windfalls in political advertising in 2010. The company owns 78 stations in 53 markets; including 50 stations, or 64% of the total, in California, Florida, Illinois and Ohio. SNL Kagan Analyst Tony Lenoir notes: “In 2010, we expect that the combination of political unrest, high-profile congressional and gubernatorial races, and the Jan. 21 Supreme Court ruling that struck down certain laws restricting corporate and labor contributions to campaigns will lead to a political ad revenue treasure trove for broadcasters.”
* Kantar Media and Wells Fargo Securities see political ad revenues looking good for radio. Kantar Media is forecasting political advertising revenues will soon be flowing to broadcasters. Kantar Media President Evan Tracey says, "Three-quarters of the $3 billion expected windfall will be spent in the final seven weeks." Kantar released data in May that showed total advertising expenditures in the first quarter of 2010 rose 5.1% from a year ago and finished the period at $31.3 billion. Now, ad spending is already $160 million above the same period in 2006. "It’s the most competitive political environment I’ve ever seen," says Tracey. Although local TV will lead the way, radio is expected to see big increases in spending. Radio can expect to receive an estimated $560 million in political for the year. Digital and social media will also be on the rise, but trending behind traditional media.
Meanwhile, Wells Fargo Securities analysts Marci Ryvicker and Timothy Schlock say political advertising is picking up. "Our take is that political is still strong but expectations are high." They add, "Our takeaway is that core advertising is pacing better than expected for television and radio. From most of the conversations we have had, core advertising has been better than expected, driven by auto, retail, telco and financial. We asked operators and media buyers if this is merely a result of advertisers pulling budgets forward in advance of the political onslaught. For the most part, there has been no evidence that this is the case, although most admit it is hard to know for sure."
* The Obama administration nominates Carlos Garcia-Perez as the new Radio Marti chief.
Garcia-Perez is nominated to be the Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting at the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), the position overseeing Radio Marti and TV Marti. They're the stations aimed at listeners and viewers in Cuba.
Garcia-Perez is an attorney in Puerto Rico. He's a member of the Cuban American National Foundation, a group which has been critical of the stations' efforts. He would replace Pedro Roig, who recently resigned. The two stations were created to break the Cuban government's monopoly on information, broadcast news and entertainment to the island. Havana jams them, but is more successful at blocking the TV signals than the radio signals.
García-Pérez was proposed by President Obama but must be confirmed by the BBG.
* Radio One receives a Nasdaq Notice Of Delisting for the company’s Class D common stock. Nasdaq notes that for the 30 consecutive business days ending September 17, 2010, the bid price of the company’s Class D common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing under the Listing Rules. That, says Nasdaq, means Radio One’s Class D common stock had become non-compliant with the requirements. The Notification does not affect the Class A common stock. Nasdaq gives the company 180 days, until March 21, 2011, to regain compliance with the rules. If, at anytime through March 21, 2011, the bid price of Radio One’s Class D common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide written notification that the company has achieved compliance. If not, Nasdaq will provide written notification that the Class D common stock will be delisted.
* American taxpayers are no longer investors in Lincoln Financial Group radio subsidiary Lincoln Financial Media.
The U.S. Treasury Department has sold its warrants to purchase the company’s common stock. Lincoln Financial Media was the only broadcast group to receive a government investment through the TARP program to bolster financial institutions. Parent company, Lincoln Financial Group, is a major insurance company. It bought back the $950 million of preferred stock from the government in June and now the U.S. Treasury has sold its warrants as well. A few hours after the Treasury Department announced it had sold its 13 million warrants to purchase common shares of Lincoln Financial Group, Lincoln itself announced that it had been one of the big buyers at the auction. Lincoln Financial Group acquired 2.9 million warrants to purchase its common stock at the Treasury auction, representing 22.3% of the warrants sold by the Treasury. At $16.60 each Lincoln Financial is paying just over $48 million. "Lincoln's participation in Treasury's successful auction of the warrants reflects our confidence in the strength of our balance sheet and the long-term value of the franchise," said Lincoln Financial Group President and CEO Dennis Glass. "This investment was also an opportunity to reduce future dilution to our shareholders at an attractive price,"
* The NHL Nashville Predators move from Sports WGFX, Nashville, to crosstown Active Rock WBUZ. "102.9 The Buzz" WBUZ becomes the new flagship station for the Predators, replacing "104.5 The Zone" WGFX, in a multi-year deal. WBUZ will air select preseason games and all regular season and postseason games each year, including a 30-minute pregame show and hour-long postgame show. Tom Callahan returns as play-by-play announcer for radio-only broadcasts and will join Pete Weber and Terry Crisp for the other 22 games. “We are very excited to announce The Buzz as our new radio flagship partner,” says Predators EVP and Chief Sales Officer Chris Parker. “WBUZ is Nashville owned and operated, boasts a 100,000-watt broadcast signal and is a top-ranked station in Middle Tennessee with tremendous demographics. Add to this their promotional ability and the fact that our fans can preset 102.9 FM for every game, and this is a fantastic partnership that will benefit our fans.” The change of flagships takes the NHL team from Citadel to the Cromwell Group. “We’ve seen the excitement that the Predators generate for the Nashville community, and as a local business we are proud to be a part of that,” says Cromwell Group President Bud Walters.
* Entercom elevates Wes Poe to Program Director of Country "106.5 The Wolf" WDAF-FM, Kansas City, effective October 1. He will replace Dan Persigehl, who was recently named Operations Manager for Clear Channel Atlanta. Poe previously was WDAF's APD/MD. He continues as midday host. Before WDAF, Poe was Program Director of Country KTOM-FM, Monterey. "Wes has a passion for Country music, a passion for radio, and a passion for winning. This is a well deserved promotion," says VP and Market Manager Dave Alpert. Poe adds, "I was thrilled to come home to KC a year-and-a-half ago when I was hired to be the Assistant Program Director/Music Director for The Wolf. Now I am very excited to have the opportunity to program a legendary station, it's like having your cake and eating it too."
* Dial Global’s "Thom Hartmann Program" is moving its base of operations to Washington DC from Portland, OR.
Starting in October, Hartmann will be broadcasting his show from the nation's capital, building out a brand new radio and TV studio in a space contiguous with Talk Radio News Service. "This is a great opportunity for us, broadcasting from the belly of the beast," says Hartmann. "For a political talk show it doesn't get any better, and we're also very excited to have access to the extraordinary news resources of TRNS, which have been a part of our show for nearly eight years."
The "Thom Hartmann Program," now in its eighth year, is syndicated by the Dial Global, Pacifica, and Free Speech TV networks. It's carried on more than 130 terrestrial radio stations and cable TV systems, as well as American Forces Radio, both Sirius and XM, and simulcast as live television on both DirectTV and Dish Network.
* Clear Channel Radio teams with Subway on a nationwide campaign that includes an unsigned artists competition.
One artist will receive a chance to open for the Goo Goo Dolls at an upcoming concert. The first phase of the contest, now underway, invites artists to submit newly composed "wake up" songs to complement the restairant chain's "Build Your Breakfast" campaign. Listeners can vote for their favorites through the iheartradio.com network and the OurStage.com contest engine. "Subway Fresh Artists is changing the paradigm for discovering and monetizing musical content," says Clear Channel President of Global Media Sales John Partilla. "This is a win-win for all concerned — for Subway, for fans of new music, for Clear Channel's media platforms, for the Goo Goo Dolls band, and for the new artists themselves. What we're doing here is leveraging incredible, fresh content to deliver added value for Subway's marketers." Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund CMO Tony Pace says, "Subway is a brand and business that is all about opportunity. With Subway Fresh Artists, we are providing an opportunity for emerging musical artists to perform and be heard by a larger audience. We are pleased to provide that opportunity and glad to give our consumers an early peek at some emerging artists. We also believe in multi-platform programs, and this works well across several media content platforms."
* CBS Radio Pittsburgh VP of Programming Keith Clark resigns, effective October 1, to join Velocity Broadcasting.
Clark will be EVP and Director of Private Entertainment. He will oversee new business development initiatives in the private entertainment and media sectors, as well as its private performance platform FirstSpin. "Keith brings such a depth of experience and passion for the music and entertainment industry to FirstSpin and Velocity Broadcasting," says President and CEO Philip Elias. "His addition will enable Velocity Broadcasting to open doors into the most well-known music and entertainment companies that are looking for new and innovative ways to engage fans. Velocity Broadcasting is at the forefront of an exciting shift in the entertainment paradigm. We're confident that Keith will continue to further our vision for how fans experience music and interact with their favorite performers." Clark says, "The media landscape is currently ripe with opportunities for innovation. I have become very passionate about the vision of Velocity Broadcasting and FirstSpin, and am pleased to become a part of this dynamic company. Velocity Broadcasting has created a new platform and vision for private entertainment events that is unparalleled. I'm excited to join the Velocity team in the ongoing development of the entertainment experience of the future." As VP of Programming for CBS Radio Pittsburgh, Clark oversaw Country WDSY and Hot AC "Star 100.7" WZPT. "I am extremely proud of the work I did during my decade-and-a-half with CBS Radio in Pittsburgh," says Clark. "I offer many thanks to CBS Radio and I wish my colleagues every success."
* Saga Communications promotes group DOS Annmarie Topel to Milwaukee Radio Group VP/General Manager.
Topel, a 29-year industry veteran, takes over as Saga Milwaukee Radio Group VP/GM immediately. Topel, who has served in a number capacities for the cluster over the past fifteen years, will now oversee WKLH-FM, WHQG-FM, WJMR-FM, WZBK-FM and WJYI-AM. "It is indeed a welcome experience when the best choice is right in front of you," says Saga President and CEO Ed Christian. "After looking across the country and here in Milwaukee, there is no question that Annmarie is the unquestioned winner. It is with great pride that we announce the appointment of Annmarie Topel to the position of Vice President/General Manager for Lakefront Communications, Milwaukee Radio Group." Topel adds, "A smart leader is someone who respects and preserves the people and things that make a company successful, while unearthing new ideas and key growth areas. We are filled with exceptionally talented broadcasters and have been a stellar group of radio stations for decades. I look forward to protecting what we have achieved while building on that foundation as we move forward." Milwaukee Radio Group, doing business as Lakefront Communications, is owned by Saga Communications
* Saga Communications' Manchester Radio Group names Patrick McKay Director of Programming and Operations.
McKay will also host afternoons on AC "New Hampshire's 95.7" WZID. Manchester Radio Group President and General Manager Ray Garon tells us, "For the past 10 years, Pat has mastered the art of programming multiple stations with a special emphasis on Adult Contemporary radio. He also has directed many interactive projects, such as Websites, Facebook, Twitter, and text projects to engage listeners. These are the exact qualities we need as we produce local broadcast radio in 2010 and beyond. We look forward to Pat’s leadership in these areas." Saga Communications EVP Steve Goldstein adds, "Pat has been a top programmer in New England for a long time and we are thrilled to bring his expertise to our group of Manchester stations."
* Arbitron veteran Thom Mocarsky is promoted to SVP Corporate Communications and Investor Relations.
Mocarsky returned last summer after exiting a few months earlier. Since then he's been VP of Investor Relations.
In the latest in a series of management changes, the 27-year Arbitron vet replaces SVP of Corporate Communications Didi Blackwood, who exits. Mocarsky will be reporting to EVP of Organization Effectiveness and Corporate Communications Marilou Legge. Blackwood joined Arbitron in the Spring of 2009 as part of a new management team established by former CEO Michael Skarzynski. That's when Mocarsky departed. Arbitron is now unifying press, investor and corporate communications under Mocarsky, who has handled each, separately or together, in the past. “I’m delighted to be back in this role,” Mocarsky says. “And we wish Didi well.”
* RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey: The number of minority journalists was down in 2009. The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey found that the percentage of minority news directors rose in both television and radio in 2009 but, overall, the percentage of minorities in both radio and television fell for the third straight year, although the drop in television was small. “Again, the percentage of minorities in television decreased from the year before. In fact, we end the decade with no gains whatsoever for minorities in TV news, and the percentage of minorities in radio news is down substantially,” says Bob Papper, professor of journalism at Hofstra University and the survey director.
According to the survey, women in radio news rose slightly, but the percentage of women radio news directors went down, as did both the overall percentage of women in TV news and women TV news directors. The drop in women TV news directors was small, and the percentage of women TV news directors stands at the second-highest level ever.
“Women have been right around the 40 percentage mark of the TV workforce for more than a decade. Last year, the number edged up to 41.4 percent, but this year it's back down to 40.0 percent. That could indicate that women in TV news lost their jobs at a higher rate than men, but it could also just be an anomaly in the numbers,” Papper said.
According to the survey, it was a mixed picture for women in radio news this year. The percentage of women in the radio workforce stayed essentially the same, up by 1.0 percent, and the percentage of stations with women rose by 10 percent, but the percentage of women radio news directors fell by nine percent.
* Representatives from the NAB write House and Senate leaders for the Judiciary and the Commerce committees. The purpose, says the NAB, is to "correct and clarify the record" regarding "the important consumer benefit" that could be derived from "unlocking the mobile phone market and granting consumer access to radio's free and unique offerings." The letters were signed by NAB Joint Board Chair Steve Newberry, President and CEO of Kentucky-based Commonwealth Broadcasting; and NAB Radio Board Chair Caroline Beasley, EVP and CFO of Florida-based Beasley Broadcast Group. Newberry and Beasley note the strong weekly listenership — 239 million Americans age 12 and older — for free and local radio and highlighted the "crucial lifeline" provided by local radio stations during times of emergency and crises. "Americans ought not be denied access to such a pivotal lifeline service," they wrote. The letter referenced a recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive, which showed that a sizable majority of American cell phone users would like the ability to listen to their favorite local radio stations through a built-in radio receiver on their mobile phone. Newberry and Beasley also noted the global demand for radio-capable cell phones, pointing out that a recent study predicted market penetration for radio-capable devices will reach 45 percent within the next year. "Despite such global demand, much of the U.S. cell phone market remains founded upon exclusive contracts between consumer electronics manufacturers and mobile phone carriers, and consumers are being denied access to radio's free services on many mobile phone devices for competitive reasons," today's letter explained. "Cell phone providers apparently would rather reap the revenue of data-intensive, fee-based streaming apps than offer consumers a free and local alternative." Newberry and Beasley add, "In the end, this is an issue of consumer access. Americans deserve better choices than what is being offered by gatekeeper mobile service providers. The demonstrated demand for radio-capable cell phones, coupled with local radio's role as a lifeline service during times of crisis, are considerations we hope you will take into account as this debate continues."
* American General Media Albuquerque names Gary Cox as Market Manager, effective October 4.
Cox will oversee AGM's eight-station cluster in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. Most recently, he served as EVP and General Manager for Kemp Broadcasting in Las Vegas. Says AGM President Rogers Brandon, who is also serving as Interim GM, "We are fortunate to have someone of Gary's skill, savvy and maturity join our company and lead these great stations for years to come. He is uniquely suited for the challenges ahead of us and will be a great leader in the community." Cox adds, "I am thrilled to be a part of this great community and look forward to the effort ahead with these great stations and the fine staff that are a part of American General Media."
* Clear Channel Phoenix names KESZ-FM Program Director Kevin Gossett Digital Program Director for the cluster.
Gossett will continue as PD and afternoon host for the group's Soft AC "99.9 KEZ," but will also oversee digital content development for the market's eight Websites and their social media extensions. Clear Channel Phoenix President and Market Manager Jeff England, in a news release, tells us: "I am pleased to appoint Kevin to this newly-created position. His knowledge and vision in the digital realm is remarkable. Coupling the current upsurge in digital media consumption with the excellent reach of our terrestrial radio stations makes for a powerful and engaging combination for our listeners and customers." Director of Programming and Operations Smokey Rivers adds, "Kevin has been a digital mentor to the Phoenix programming staff for the past few years. His appointment to this new position is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his skills and contributions." Gossett says, "I couldn't be more excited at the opportunities we've got today, as my two worlds merge. We've got the most digital-savvy programming team I've seen here at Clear Channel/Phoenix, and I'm looking forward to working with this exceptionally good group of programmers here to make our cluster the digital standard-setter for the company and industry."
* Spanish Broadcasting System appoints Joe Cunningham as VP of SBS Radio National Sales. Cunningham will also continue as VP and General Manager of "La Raza 93.3" KRZZ-FM, San Francisco. Says SBS Radio Division.CRO Marko Radlovic, "Joe is a proven radio industry leader that has done an exceptional job in our San Francisco market. He is ideally suited to lead SBS's National radio revenue efforts as we continue executing our strategic plan and best position our radio division for future growth." Cunningham adds, "I am looking forward to working more closely with Marko and the rest of our national sales team on extending our SBS National platform and driving results in all of our markets. Spanish Broadcasting System has a very impressive footprint in the nation's top markets and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead our National efforts." Cunningham began his radio career in the Bay Area as an AE and Sales Manager for Anaheim Broadcasting in 1987. He then moved up through a variety of management positions within Crescent Communications, Evergreen and AMFM Inc. Cunningham also served as VP/GM and Market Manager for Clear Channel's stations in San Francisco and San Jose. He joined SBS in San Francisco as VP/GM KRZZ-FM in 2007.
* Veteran broadcaster John Lund will host middays on Sports "95.5 The Game" KXTG-FM, Portland, OR. Lund takes to the air on "The Game" October 4. He's spent the last dozen years in Sports radio, most recently as morning host and Operations Director of KZNS-AM, Salt Lake City. Lund has also programmed ESPN Radio outlets in Dallas and Pittsburgh. Alpha Broadcasting Director of Talk Programming Brian Jennings tells us, "John's knowledge and talent for sports talk radio runs deep. He's the consummate fan, has a passion for the Ducks and the Blazers, great leadership skills and so many terrific ideas for his new show. I'm thrilled to have him join our team." Says Lund, "I've always been a sports radio guy and have covered Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, the Ryder Cup, MLB All Star Games and NCAA Bowl Games. As a college football and NBA junkie I'm ready to bring my passion and energy to Portland sports fans and now I can share the perspective I've gained through my stops in Detroit, Dallas and Pittsburgh."
* Fox Sports Radio launches Stox 'N' Jocks, hosted by NFL players-turned-traders Jon and Pete Najarian, September 25.
Also a part of the new program, which debuts this weekend, is the Najarians' business partner Guy Adami. The show will air Saturday mornings 7-9am (ET), and will feature investment ideas, financial analysis, and interviews along with sports talk. The Najarians founded the optionMonster financial services group that includes the optionMonster investor information service and the tradeMonster online brokerage. Adami is a 20-year Wall Street vet who joined optionMonster in 2008. Adami and the Najarians are regular contributors to CNBC's "Fast Money Halftime Report" and "Fast Money."
FSR Network VP and General Manager Don Martin says, "Stox 'N Jocks is a tremendous addition to our new weekend lineup. These three men are at the forefront of the financial industry, and with their knowledge and background in sports, they will provide our audience with a unique listening experience."
* Salem Communications' Salem Web Network acquires fundraising company Samaritan Fundraising. The price is not disclosed price. Samaritan Fundraising raises funds for organizations through the sale of discount cards for major retailers. "Samaritan Fundraising has become a success with its Samaritan Card program," says Salem Web Network EVP Rick Killingsworth. "We are excited about offering this fast and effective fundraising product to Christian organizations." He adds, "Christian fundraising is often a tiresome and laborious task for churches and ministries who rely on donor support for their everyday operational needs. This acquisition gives us the ability to become a provider of easy, profitable fundraising, allowing ministries and churches to focus their time and energy on their real mission." Samaritan Fundraising founder Tom Freiling joins Salem as VP and GM and will continue to work from Fairfax, VA. He says, "By combining our innovative fundraising company with the significant reach of SALEM COMMUNICATIONS, it's exciting to think about how many more churches and Christian groups will achieve their fundraising goals."
* Dickey Publishing closes on the purchase of city magazine publisher Modern Luxury Media. Cumulus Media will manage the properties for Dickey Publishing. Modern Luxury publishes 26 titles, including two upscale lifestyle magazines. Says Cumulus Chairman & CEO Lew Dickey, "This transaction represents an exciting new chapter for the great brands in the Modern Luxury portfolio. It infuses the requisite capital to sustain and move this company forward. We will be bringing the significant resources and talent from Cumulus Media to help grow the Modern Luxury brand into the world's premier luxury marketing vehicle." Modern Luxury President Michael Dickey adds, "We look forward to working closely with the dedicated and talented team at Modern Luxury to build on the success this great company has achieved in its first decade. We share Modern Luxury's commitment to producing best-in-class publications and to working closely with our valued clients to maximize their return on investment and brand activation."
* Lenco Mobile signs a definitive agreement to acquire Jetcast. Jetcast's ReplaceAds Internet radio ad network was ranked number one by comScore in the "Entertainment-Radio" category last August. ComScore showed a potential reach of 40.7 million unique visitors in the U.S. Lenco CEO Michael Levinsohn says, "Over the last eight months, we have been building the RadioLoyalty platform with Jetcast. During that time it became evident that Jetcast has a unique, defensible and highly scalable business that, when coupled to our mobile and internet technology platforms, provides our carrier partners and mobile brand advertisers with superior advertising solutions and better ROI." Jetcast CEO John Williams adds, "The Jetcast shareholders were unanimous in their support for the transaction because they felt that Lenco Mobile will expand Jetcast's already large and diverse group of Internet and mobile broadcasters. The close relationship with Lenco Mobile provides additional resources, products and services that Jetcast believes will grow their audience, broadcaster base, and monetization capabilities."
* Peconic Public Broadcasting has an apparent green light to acquire WLIU-FM from Long Island University. After a third extension to find the funds, it now appears Peconic has raised enough to complete the deal. Peconic Public Broadcasting was formed by former employees of the station specifically to save WLIU, preserving its longtime programming. Several reports say there are still issues requiring attention, and ultimately FCC approval of the license transfer, but Peconic says they have enough money raised now to meet the end of September deadline. Reports from Southampton say fans of the station have been giving small donations, but the key has been a large loan of front money from a lone benefactor and a bank loan described as being less than $300,000. The original deal for the station, licensed to Southampton and serving eastern Long Island, was filed with the FCC in mid-March. It called for an $850,000 deal. According to the terms of the contract, Peconic was to enter into a Programming and Engineering Services Agreement with Long Island University, providing management, technical and engineering services to the school’s WCPW-FM Brookville, NY, in the adjacent Nassau-Suffolk NY market.
* Dave "Chachi" Denes exits Black Card Radio to form and head a new syndication company. Benztown Radio Networks – online here – already has a talent roster that includes "Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!" ... "Hot Mix Mainstream and Crossover" ... "The Dr. Bruce Hensel Show" ... and, "Medical Minutes." Additional programs and products are to be announced. Joining Denes in the new venture is Masa Patterson, who will head up Affiliate Relations with Chris Johansing providing affiliate support. Also invested in the new company are industry veterans Heather Case and Andreas Sannemann, among others.
* The Broadcasters Foundation raises more than $150,000 to support their work of assisting broadcasters in need.
The 2010 Broadcasters Foundation of America Celebrity Golf Tournament was held last week in Bronxville, NY. BFA says the funds come at a time when more broadcasters than ever are in need of assistance. Last month, BFA granted the highest amount of financial aid to the largest number of broadcasters in a 30-day period ever. The Celebrity Golf Tournament is one of BFA's biggest annual fundraisers. For the second year in a row, over 150 executives and celebrities attended the fundraiser including LPGA future stars Ryann O'Toole and Susan Choi. "The tremendous efforts of this year's co-chairs, Paul Karpowicz of Meredith Broadcasting and Tim McCarthy of ESPN, helped us significantly increase the amount of money we raised from last year's Tournament," notes BFA President Jim Thompson. "These fundraisers, along with the support of individual broadcasters and the generosity of our sponsors, make it possible for the Foundation to continue its mission of helping broadcasters in need."
* The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): 36th Annual Gracie Awards to be held May 24-25, 2011 in Hollywood, CA.
The Gracies Gala, which honors national winners, will return to the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Los Angeles on May 24, 2011. The luncheon, which celebrates excellence in local markets, will be held the following day. AWM also says a 60th anniversary celebration in the Fall of 2011 in New York is now set. AWM President Erin M. Fuller tells us, "We had such a positive experience with our LA debut in 2010, that we decided to return to Hollywood in 2011. Hosting The Gracies on the west coast once again gives us a fabulous complement to our 60th anniversary celebration being held in the fall of 2011 in New York City." The Gracies are presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AWM that supports educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns, and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Gracies, established in 1975, honors programming and individuals of the highest caliber in all facets of radio, television, cable, and Web-based media, including news, drama, comedy, commercials, public service, documentary, and sports.
* Arbitron's latest RADAR 106 report shows network radio up to almost 190 million people 12 and older. That, says Arbitron, is how many heard one or more network radio commercials in an average week during the survey period, up from about 188 million in RADAR 102, a year ago. RADAR 106 finds that commercials airing on the 53 affiliated networks reached 73.8% of people 12 and up — or 189.8 million people. Also shown is that the reach is to 74.2% of people 18+ (172.5 million), 73.5% of those 35+ (119.1 million), 76.5% of 18-49 (103.3 million), and 76.9% of 25-54s (97.5 million). Dial Global Contemporary Network leads the 18-49 ranks in RADAR 106, with a 3.5 average rating and an average audience of 4.7 million. Dial Global Compete FM Network, in a virtual tie, has a 3.5 average rating and an average audience of 4.7 million. Dial Global Adult Power follows with a 2.5 average rating and average audience of 3.3 million. Next in order are Premiere Modern Women Network, 2.0 rating and 2.6 million; and United Stations Impact Network, 1.9 rating and 2.6 million. Among adults 25-54, Dial Global Contemporary was the leader, with a 3.5 average rating and an average audience of 4.5 million, followed by Dial Global Complete FM Network, with an average rating of 3.3 and an average audience of 4.2 million; Dial Global Adult Power, 2.6 rating and 3.2 million; Premiere Informed Network, 2.5 rating and 3.1 million and Westwood One Adults Network, 2.2 average rating and 2.8 million.
* Ando Media: Pure Play online-only stations account for over 50% of the top 20 Average Active Sessions for July.
Ando Media releases its monthly Internet Radio rankings for July 2010. The rankings are based on Session Starts (SS), Average Active Sessions (AAS) and Average Time Spent Listening. Ando notes that in July, Pure Play online-only stations account for over 50% of the top 20 AAS from Monday-Friday and 60% of the overall Domestic AAS. Pure Play stations also accounted for 36 percent of the M-F All Streams Ranker and 42 percent of the full week. This follows last week's Bridge Ratings study (which used Ando data) showing Internet Radio stations outpacing streams of terrestrial stations.
Ando also notes that Slacker made its debut in its rankings and excluding its mobile offerings, debuts in the top 20 in all four Ranker categories. For the July AAS Domestic Ranker for the work week (M-F 6a-8p), Pandora was #1 for the month, with 448,684 AAS. CBS Radio came in second, followed up Clear Channel, Citadel and Entercom. The top ten is rounded out by ESPN Radio, Slacker, Cox Radio, Digitally Imported and EMF Corporate. The All Streams Ranker for the same time frame puts CBS Radio at #1, followed by Digitally Imported, 977Music.com, 1.FM Corporate and Entercom in the top five. ESPN Radio, Slacker, Cox Radio, EMF Corporate and AccuRadio fill out the top ten. July's Domestic Ranker for the entire week, 6a-mid, also puts Pandora at the top for July, followed by CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Citadel and Entercom. ESPN Radio, Slacker, Cox, Digitally Imported and EMF Corporate round out the top ten. The All Streams Ranker for July's full week (6a-mid) also has CBS Radio at #1, followed by Digitally Imported,977Music.com, 1 FM and Entercom in the top five. Again, ESPN Radio, Slacker, Cox Radio, EMF Corporate and AccuRadio complete the top ten.
* Clear Channel Atlanta names Dan Persigehl as Operations Manager and Program Director of Country WUBL-FM.
Persigehl, currently Entercom's OM/PD at WDAF-FM and KGEX-FM, Kansas City, starts at Clear Channel Atlanta
September 30. Persigehl will work with PD at the company's six stations in Atlanta as well as the Georgia News Network and Total Traffic Network. "Radio has been my passion for some 20+ years," says Persigehl. "I'm looking forward to working with Melissa and [SVP Programming] Clay Hunnicutt and growing Atlanta's cluster to its full potential. I can't wait to get started!" Clear Channel Atlanta President and Market Manager Melissa Forrest says, "Dan's leadership and track record of programming success across multiple formats make him a fantastic fit for this position. I look forward to seeing the impact Dan's passion and creativity will have on our Atlanta staff." Persigehl replaces Scott Lindy.
* Entercom promotes WEEI.com GM Tim Murphy to VP and General Manager for the Boston cluster. Murphy, who has been in charge of WEEI.com for the past two years, will now oversee all digital initiatives in Boston, and will spearhead sales strategy and processes, day-to-day business operations and oversee engineering and IT operations on all radio initiatives, as well as oversee Sports WEEI-AM, Talk WRKO-AM, Adult Variety Hits WMKK-FM, and Active Rock WAAF-FM. As VP/GM for WEEI.com, he directed the expansion of WEEI content distribution across digital platforms. Under Murphy's direction, unique visitors to WEEI.com grew over 173% in its first year since the re-launch and the WEEI Live mobile app has been downloaded by over 70,000 consumers on both the iPhone and Android platforms. Before joining Entercom, Murphy worked at the Golf Channel as the Director of Sales for Digital Media. He also served as VP of Strategic Marketing for Monster.com, VP of Sales and Marketing at Boston Globe Media, and Brand Manager for Titleist & FootJoy Worldwide. "In the two-plus years that I have been with Entercom Boston, I have developed a deep appreciation for our brands and am proud of the significant influence they have on the community of Boston, particularly as it pertains to the discussions and debates surrounding our city's great passion points: sports, politics and music," says Murphy.
* Vonneva Carter is named General Sales Manager at Entercom Norfolk, effective September 27. A 31-year industry veteran, Carter will oversee sales for AC WWDE and Modern AC WPTE-FM. Most recently Carter served as Market Manager for crosstown Max Media in the Hampton Roads area. Entercom Norfolk Group VP and General Manager Jeff Brown says, "We are delighted to welcome Vonneva back to the Entercom family. Vonneva is a strong leader with a clear vision of the future. Her experience, discipline and strategic thinking will help this cluster attain even greater levels of success. She is an outstanding addition to the Entercom Norfolk team." Carter adds, "I am extremely excited to rejoin the Entercom family. I have an incredibly talented group of people with whom to work and I look forward to that which we will accomplish together. Returning to Entercom is like returning home and indeed there is no place like it."
* Entercom promotes "Mix 94.7" KAMX-FM, Austin, APD/MD and afternoon host Nikki Nite to Program Director.
The veteran programmer and air personality joined the Entercom Hot AC station in May 2009. Previously, Nite spent three years with CBS Radio Dallas, where she served as PD of the former "MOViN 107.5" KMVK-FM. "It's with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Nikki Nite as Program Director for KAMX, Mix 94.7," says VP of Programming Cat Thomas. "Nikki's programming experience and expertise will continue the excellent progress we've made with Mix since the arrival of PPM to Austin." Nite adds, "I'd like to thank VP/Programming Cat Thomas and VP/Market Manager Alan Kirshbom for this incredible opportunity. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I love for such a great company, alongside great people, in one of the coolest cities in America."
* Crista Broadcasting flips "The River" KFMK-FM, Austin, to Contemporary Christian "Spirit 105.9". Tim McCoy, former general manager for Univision’s Central Texas stations, is the new station's General Manager. “We have done extensive research to ensure we are programming the type of local station that Austinites have been asking for,” says McCoy. Crista purchased KFMK from Clear Channel's Aloha Trust in June, announcing plans for the new format and identity for the station. "We are ready to deliver an outstanding product to this city," says Crista VP and GM Stan Mak. "Austin listeners have been an integral part of creating the name, logo, and even the playlist for Spirit 105.9. We know listeners will be proud of this station and how much it will become part of the Austin community over time." Crista also owns two stations in Seattle and one in Bellingham, WA, all with Christian formats.
* Clear Channel NewsTalk WGY-AM, Albany, adds an FM simulcast on 103.1 FM, now WGY-FM.
On the WGY Website, the station tells listeners: "The first radio station in New York State is now first for News-Talk on FM – AM 810 and now 103.1 FM. News Talk WGY."
Clear Channel ended the Alternative Rock format on what it had branded as “Channel 103.1" since 1999, reports CNYRadio.com. The FM station also changes its call letters from WHRL to WGY-FM. The new simulcast — and WHRL’s call sign change to WGY-FM — took effect just after midnight today (Sept. 20). In a statement on the WGY Website, General Manager Kristen Delaney says, “Despite the huge audience we currently enjoy, the fact is a significant portion of the Capital Region audience never thinks to visit the AM dial.” She says the new FM simulcast is expected to result in a “significant” ratings boost to the news-talker, which already consistently ranks in the top 3 among listeners ages 12+ in the Arbitron ratings for the Albany/Schenectady/Troy market.
* Clear Channel Urban "103 Jamz" WOWI, Norfolk, VA, Program Director Lawrence "Cool DJ Law" Brown Dies at 40.
The station reports that Brown died of a heart attack Sunday afternoon (Sept. 19). He was the morning co-host as well as the station's PD. WOWI has set-up memorial pages for "Cool DJ Law" on its Website,
with a page for fans to share their favorite memories of Brown here. The site's main page is filled with tributes to the "Jamz" personality, starting at the top of the page. HamptonRoads.com reports that Brown, with Horace “Big B” Belcher, hosted the “Boodah Brother Morning Show.” The two had been working together at "103 Jamz" since 1992, but became friends when they were third graders in Fayetteville, NC. The two were both from military families and later attended Hampton University. Belcher, in 1997, said the two were like family. “We even spend Christmas together,” he said. In 2004, the Boodah Brothers took over mornings after stints in afternoon drive and before that evenings. They originally had hosted a mix show.
* Vox Communications WXZO-FM, Colchester, VT, flips from True Oldies "Dot-FM" to CHR-Top40 "Planet 96.7".
The station is poised to take on longtime market leader CHR-Top40 WXXX-FM, Burlington. "Your new favorite radio station is taking over Burlington," says the new WXZO Website at www.theplanet967.com. The station's city of license is Willsboro, NY, but its studios are in Colchester, and it bills itself as in the Burlington, VT, market. The station is airing the Premiere Radio Networks syndicated Elvis Duran morning show, billed as "The Planet Morning Show." The former True Oldies format lasted two years before giving way to the new "Planet 96.7" which promises "All the Hits." The new station has already established its presence on Facebook and Twitter with links to each from its new Website.
* Lex & Terry promote their Executive Producer Jason Carr to Director of Network Operations. Lex Staley and Terry Jaymes name Carr to replace Peter Welpton, who was Director of Network Operations for 13 years. Carr will also continue as Executive Producer of the Lex & Terry Show. He adds to that role oversight of the program's staff, technical issues, affiliate services and liaison work with the show's new distributor USRN. Says Staley, "His training ground at WZZR in West Palm Beach with 'The Love Doctors' made him a clear choice as our show producer. Once he was here it was obvious he had the skill set to take on much more. No headhunters or nationwide search were needed. We have the man for the job." Jaymes adds, "Jason is a true talent. It's great to have a guy like him so we can concentrate on doing great radio shows." Carr began his career in 2001 at "Real Radio 94.3" WZZR-FM, West Palm Beach. Over the next seven years he became Executive Producer of "The Love Doctors," director of imaging, webmaster, programmer and host of his own talk show. In 2008, Lex & Terry brought him to Dallas, as Executive Producer of their show. Carr tells us, "I am truly honored to take this position. I've worked hard and learned as much as possible over my career. My mentors, Rich Dickerson, Glenn Curtis, Dano Russo and Peter Welpton have all helped instill in me a strong passion for this business. I am excited to work along side Lex & Terry as we evolve with this ever changing industry."
* Donkey Comedy Network (DCN) launches the new "24/7 Comedy Network" for radio. It claims to be "the world’s first 24-hour comedy radio network," despite previous such efforts, most of which are long gone. But it's up and running. "What is the 24/7 Comedy Network?" The network's Website both poses and answers that question. "There are a lot of great comedy sites on the Web, but the 24/7 Comedy Network is the first to combine a syndicated, full-time radio station in markets across the country, with a comedy site that features videos from some of the funniest sketch groups, stand-up comedians and more. Our staff hails from both the radio world and comedy world, with backgrounds in sketch, stand-up and improv." DCN says that "the fast-paced, research-driven format is programmed like hit-music radio with live air-personalities, short bits, themed blocks, daily features and more. Shaped by some of the nation’s top radio strategists — Harker Research and Vallie-Richards-Donovan Consulting — 24/7 Comedy Radio is unique, Cume-building and PPM-driven."
* Former University of Florida broadcaster Steve Babik is sentenced to 12+ years in federal prison for child porn.
Babik was sentenced Friday (Sept. 17) to 12 years and seven months in prison on federal charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography, reports the Gainesville Sun. Following that prison term, Babik will be on probation for life under the sentence handed down in Gainesville by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Stephan Mickle. The sentence was the result of a plea bargain. Babik, 51, faced as many as 20 years in prison. According to court files, the case against Babik centered around 326 instances between June 2008 and November 2009 in which his Internet Protocol address offered different known child pornography files for distribution. Federal investigators calculated that 107 video clips and eight still images featuring prepubescent children were found on the Dell computer seized from the Babik family home. During Friday's three-hour sentencing hearing, Babik and his supporters pleaded for leniency while a federal prosecutor urged Mickle to hand down a long sentence. Babik was ordered to report for prison by noon on November 1. The former University of Florida sportscaster recorded a PSA against child pornography, available here from Gainesville.com.
* Arbitron: Well over 90% of Black consumers aged 12 years and over listen to the radio each week. According to Arbitron's "Black Radio Today 2010 Edition – How America Listens to Radio," radio reaches a higher penetration than television, magazines, newspapers or the Internet. "Black Radio Today" is an analysis of audience demographics and listening patterns of the ten most popular radio formats for Black Americans: Urban Adult Contemporary, Urban Contemporary, Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio, News/Talk/Information, Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Pop Contemporary Hit Radio, All Sports, All News, and Religious. Arbitron's Julian Davis tells us, "Radio continues to be a vibrant and relevant part of the lives of Black Americans with 94% aged 12 years and older listening each week. In today's media landscape, Radio plays a vital role providing entertainment and information so that regardless of age, time of day or location, it is the true media companion of Black consumers."
Highlights from the report:
• Urban AC consumed nearly 31% of their radio listening—an increase of 9% from 2009 and more than 11 percentage points ahead of the next-most-listened-to format.
• Following spectacularly high ratings during the 2008 presidential campaign, African-American listening to News/Talk/Information stations tapered somewhat in this report.
• The All Sports format increased 50 percent from 2008 to 2009 and attracted the most affluent black listeners and was the #1 format among high-income households.
• Young Black consumers spent more time listening to Urban Contemporary radio than any other format.
• Pop Contemporary Hit Radio (Pop CHR) experienced a surge in ratings in all dayparts.
• Despite the youthful age profile of the Urban Contemporary format, nearly two-thirds of its African-American listeners lived in households that earned at least $25,000.
• Nearly eight million African-Americans tuned into Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio (Rhythmic CHR) every week, representing an 8% increase from the previous report.
• Due largely in part to its age and gender composition, Gospel once again held down the No. 2 position for at-home listening as it has for many years.
* Jim Battagliese is named Director of Traffic & Transit Operations for Bonneville News WTOP, Washington DC.
Battagliese will lead WTOP's expanded in-house traffic operations when its contract with Metro Traffic expires next year. He'll launch and lead a new expanded traffic operation beginning February 1. WTOP recently announced its intentions to bring the department completely in-house after the expiration of its contract with Metro Traffic. Previously, Battagliese helped to launch Traffic.com, and traffic and weather channels at XM Radio in Washington, DC. He began his career at Shadow Traffic in Philadelphia as a reporter and later added management positions in Denver, and Philadelphia. He was instrumental in opening new markets for Shadow, including DC, Detroit, Dallas, Miami, Baltimore and Minneapolis.
Senior Regional VP Joel Oxley tells us, "This is one of the biggest and most important undertakings in the history of WTOP. Having the best, most inclusive and most reliable traffic is a key to our success and we think, in Jim, we have the right person to lead this new venture." In recent years, Battagliese has consulted for several companies, including Redlasso and Traffic Talk, a voice-based social network tied to local traffic communities.
* BP's Arco commercial that mimicked an EAS alert is now pulled from the air. Earlier this week (Sept. 14), we reported that the EAS-tripping Arco 30-second spot remained on the air, despite SBE warnings. According to Media Monitors, the spot continued to run even after the Society of Broadcast Engineers alerted its members that the radio ad with "simulated EAS header tones at the front of the message" and "the spoken phrase, 'This is a test'" had been reported to trip real EAS units. The spot was produced to sound like the Emergency Alert System announcement, which is to be used only for national or regional emergencies, with the exception of regular tests of the system. The spot reportedly triggered EAS activations in several cases. After the latest reports BP-subsidiary Arco decided to kill the offending spot. The Society of Broadcast Engineers said it may have also violated FCC rules for stations to air the spot. Ad agency Ogilvy & Mather now is apologizing for the confusion and is replacing the ad with new a new one.
* Vanderbilt University is exploring the possible sale of its student radio station WRVU, Nashville. On WRVU's Website, an appeal to prevent the sale of the station appears, reading: "The board of Vanderbilt Student Communications, the body that controls WRVU, is considering selling our dear station. Click through for more information and to see what you can do to help." The posting goes on to quote a news release from vandymedia.org/wrvu: "In response to changing student habits and evolving economic challenges, Vanderbilt Student Communications Inc. is exploring the migration of radio station WRVU to exclusively online programming and the sale of its broadcast license. If the license were to be sold, the proceeds would be used to create an endowment to support innovative student media experiences, facilities and operations at Vanderbilt in perpetuity. 'Currently operating revenue for student media is mostly generated from print advertising whose future is less than certain,” according to Mark Wollaeger, VSC board chair. “We want to explore whether a sale would help protect our students’ future interests better.' No immediate decision on the possible sale of the WRVU license is expected from the VSC board of directors."
* Two Tribune Co. creditors jointly file a reorganization plan for Tribune, in Chapter 11 since the end of 2008.
Tribune is scheduled to soon go into mediation with creditors. Oaktree Capital and Angelo, Gordon & Co.say their plan has been presented "in the event that the upcoming mediation does not produce a fully consensual resolution to these cases." Tribune's own reorganization unraveled when creditors withdrew support when a bankruptcy examiner said there were irregularities in the negotiations leading up to the 2007 deal that took Tribune private. Gordon and Oaktree say in a release that their proposal is designed to "provide a mechanism to litigate more complex claims surrounding the buyout without delaying Tribune's exit from bankruptcy." To accomplish that, the plan gives creditors interests in a litigation trust, which would pursue legal claims found to be viable by a bankruptcy investigator.
* KSBJ, Houston, is launching NGEN Radio, "an online and on-air entertainment experience for Christian youth." Noncommercial Christian Contmporary "89.3 KSBJ" says that beginning in November, NGEN Radio will be available on HD Radios on 89.3 HD-2 in Houston and 92.5 KWUP HD-2 in Bryan-College Station, TX. It will also air on FM analog receivers through 93.3 FM in Bryan-College Station and 99.7 FM in Brenham and will be accessible globally online at www.NGENradio.com. "This new station is designed to power a world of good and capture the powerful energy of today’s youth," says KSBJ on its Website. "Why? The inspiration for launching a next generation digital music experience: Deeper engagement for this next generation of listeners to positively affect community; fill a gap that currently exists in Houston and other communities; create a deeper connection through a radio experience that is developed and directed by them; and, create a continuity of ministry across all age-groups." Core artists for NGEN Radio are expected to include TobyMac, Skillet, Fireflight, Group 1 Crew, Lecrae, Relient K, Superchick and Switchfoot. The station said listeners will have an "active role" in what NGEN plays and talks about. "For years, KSBJ has been dreaming about a full-time radio station for our youth," says KSBJ President and General Manager Tim McDermott. "That day is finally here. We feel it is important to provide this 'now' generation of Christian youth with what they want, a station designed especially for them. It is our hope NGEN will capture the energy of today's youth as well as power a world of good."
* Radio One is making progress with holders of existing notes, again extends expiration date for exchange offers.
Both the 8 7/8% notes due 2011 and the 6 3/8% notes due 2013 exchange offers are advanced to September 30,
along with the 2011 notes and the related consent solicitation. So far, about 92.% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. In it's filing, Radio One writes, "Over the last several weeks, the Company believes that it has made significant progress in reaching an agreement with the members of the ad hoc group of holders of a significant portion of its Existing Notes relating to certain amendments to the terms of the exchange offer and the related exchange notes, including the conditions to the exchange offer, and with its lenders under its existing senior secured credit facility relating to an amendment thereto." Radio One is in technical default under its 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, but is still negotiating with its lenders and bondholders.
* The "Jody Dean & the Morning Team" show on CBS Radio Classic Hits "98.7 K-LUV" Dallas will soon be on TV. CBS' "TXA 21" KTXA-TV will simulcast the morning show live from 7-9am, starting October 25. KTXA President and General Manager Gary Schneider says, “The show is clever, funny, and sometimes irreverent — but it’s always entertaining — and we’re looking forward to adding a popular local morning program on TXA 21 from one of our CBS Radio partners.” The show is hosted by Jody Dean, featuring players Kathy Jones, Bernie Mack, Jonathan Hayes and Rebekah Black. CBS Corp President and CEO Leslie Moonves has been asking CBS-owned radio and TV stations to work together, in a new "synergy," which also extends to online sites combining in given markets.
* Citadel Talk WABC-AM, New York, declares September 20 as Bob Grant Day. It was on September 20, 1970 that radio talker Bob Grant first went on the air. To celebrate the anniversary, WABC plans a special Bob Grant Day with a two-hour salute and on-air roast from 10am-noon, emceed by Mark Simone, featuring Bob's favorite memories, show clips and live tributes from Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Mike Huckabee, Monica Crowley and other surprise guests. Fans are also encouraged to call and share their favorite memories. WABC, in announcing that Monday will be Bob Grant Day, says that over the years he has informed, entertained, and infuriated, but he has paved the way for many of the most successful radio talk hosts today. Bob Grant Day special programming will be streamed live on www.wabcradio.com. WABC will also produce a special behind-the-scenes tribute video, available Monday at WABCradio.com.
* Syndicated talker Rush Limbaugh was taken in by a Wikipedia prank: the judge was not loaded for bear. Limbaugh quoted the prank item on his national radio show, and ended up making news himself for being taken in. Limbaugh claimed that Pensacola Federal District Judge Roger Vinson was a longtime hunter and amateur taxidermist who had mounted the heads of three brown bears he'd killed over his courtroom door in order to "instill the fear of God into the accused." Judge Vinson recently announced he'd allow a full hearing for the legal challenge to the new health care law.
“This,” said Limbaugh, “would not be good news” for liberal supporters of the new health care law. But, in fact, reports the New York Times, "Judge Vinson has never shot anything other than a water moccasin (last Saturday, at his weekend cabin), is not a taxidermist and, as president of the American Camellia Society, is far more familiar with Camellia reticulata than with Ursus arctos." On Sunday night (Sept. 12), and again Monday morning, someone identified only as “Pensacolian” edited Judge Vinson’s Wikipedia entry to include the invented material. The prankster footnoted the entry to a supposed story in The Pensacola News Journal. The article — like its stated publication date of June 31, 2003 — does not exist. The same person who posted the information removed it Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 14), Wikipedia logs show. But Limbaugh quoted it that morning. , Limbaugh spokesman Kit Carson said a staff researcher had found the information in an article on the Pensacola newspaper’s Website, and not on Wikipedia. But Ginny Graybiel, the paper’s managing editor, said it had never published such material. As calls flooded in about Limbaugh’s depiction, Judge Vinson, 70, took it all in stride. “I’ve never killed a bear and I’m not Davy Crockett,” said Vinson.
* Chris Berry exits "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles as VP and General Manager. “While the station has had a good year, anchored by a strong Lakers performance, we both felt it was best to move in a new direction,” says an ESPN Radio spokesman. LARadio.com reports that the longtime ABC executive has “left the 710 headquarters”, and that “operations and programming executives from back East are in town” to inform the staff about Berry’s exit. Before joining the ESPN outlet, Berry was President/GM of NewsTalk WMAL-AM, Washington DC, from 2002-2009. Previously, he was VP and GM/Operations for ABC Radio News from 1999-2002. He also was Director of News & Programming for All News WBBM-AM, Chicago. Berry has also served as President of the Washington Area Broadcasters Association. Just days ago, Berry announced that Brian Long was named Program Director of "710 ESPN" KIRO, Seattle, effective October 4. Long has been Assistant PD at KSPN, and was covering in the wake of the recent resignation of PD Larry Gifford.
* Tommy Edwards joins AccuRadio to oversee the "ChicagoRadioOnline.com" streaming music channels. The legendary radio personality will manage the programming and voice talent for the channels. The seven-channel Internet radio station, crafted for fans of legendary Chicago radio and personalities, features such Chicago radio stalwarts as Danae Alexander, Fred Winston, Mitch Michaels, Connie Szerszen, Doug Dahlgren, Clark Weber, Scotty Brink and Linda Marshall, as well as Edwards. Edwards was a PD for heritage Top 40 "MusicRadio WLS-AM, Chicago, in the early 1970s where he also served as on-air personality Lil’ Tommy on Radio Hall of Famer Larry Lujack's "Animal Stories" segments. Edwards' other major-market PD positions included WODS-FM, Boston, and KCBS-FM, Los Angeles. "I enjoy working with the legendary radio talent on Chicago Radio Online," says Edwards. "The pros have fun with this new technology and make it all worthwhile. We understand the future of radio and are all excited to be a part of it." "Chicago Radio Online" is "a beta test" to "find out how the audience reacts," says AccuRadio COO John Gehron. "It's just another way we try to add another level of entertainment,"
* Classic Hits "Cool 92.1" WQFM, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, flips to '90s-based Modern Rock "FM 92.1" WFUZ. The Times-Shamrock Communications station says it will be '90s-based, and will also play what it considers the best from the 2000s and the best currents. Core artists include Green Day, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, R.E.M. and No Doubt. "Today we took an exciting step for listeners who want a station like this in Northeast Pennsylvania" says Operations Manager Willobee Carlan. "Cool 92.1" WQFM had been simulcasting on 100.1 FM. So far, no official word on a format for that signal, although it appears to be continuing the Classic Hits format. "FM 92.1" WFUZ launched at 5pm Thursday (Sept. 16). The first song aired was R.E.M.'s "It’s The End Of The World As We Know It" signaling the end of "Cool 92.1" and the Classic Hits format. The new station is online and streaming at RadioFM921.com.
* Front Range Sports relaunches "105.5 Jack FM" on the recently acquired KJAC-FM, Denver. In addition to an improved signal, Denver is the first market to debut the Adult Variety Hits brand's new "Jack Custom" product utilizing Dial Global's StorQ local delivery technology. "105.5 Jack FM" first launched in Denver on April 14, 2004 under former owner NRC Broadcasting. KJAC, located in Timnath, CO, broadcasting to the Fort Collins-Denver, CO, area was the first "Jack" radio station in the United States. Front Range General Manager Tom Manoogian says, "We are excited to be the first Jack Custom brand in America. The response from our listeners has been great and we look forward to continuing to 'Play What We Want.'" "Jack Custom" features 24-hour Jack branded programming using the StorQ delivery system that allows elements of localization and customization for each station and market. In a recent announcement, SparkNet and Dial Global said: "Jack Custom gives stations control over their content and features seamless programming continuity with imaging, advertising and localized music choices."
* Red Zebra will flip NewsTalk WTNT-AM, Washington DC, to "SportsTalk 570 Powered by ESPN” Monday (Sept. 20).
The new Sports Talk format — replacing current conservative talker "Freedom 570" — will feature Sporting News Radio’s syndicated Steve Czaban Show in wakeups, followed by ESPN Radio personalities Colin Cowherd, Scott Van Pelt, Doug Gottlieb and Brian Kenny to round out the day and evening. The station's Website – currently displaying a "Coming Soon" splash screen – will be online at SportsTalk570.com. WTNT joins co-owned Sports Talk clustermate WTEM, which is billed as “ESPN 980" and airs the network’s Mike & Mike In The Morning, along with DC mainstay Tony Kornheiser and local favorite John Thompson. Red Zebra Broadcasting's ownership is led by Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder. WTEM is the NFL Redskins flagship outlet. Commenting on the WTNT flip, EVP Rick Carmean says, "This further enhances Red Zebra's image as the area's leading Sports Radio company." Red Zebra Director of Programming Chuck Sapienza adds, "We are very excited to offer local listeners the Steve Czaban morning show, and continue our relationship with the strongest brand in sports, ESPN." The end of the Talk format on 570 AM will mean the loss of a DC outlet for the Washington-based "America's Morning News," which recently was taken over by distributor Talk Radio Network, ousting former partner the Washington Times, which is in the midst of a family struggle for control of the newspaper. TRN has said it "remains firmly committed to the morning show and its future," which apparently no longer includes a Washington home base.
* 2010 Radio Show organizers say exhibit space is sold out for the upcoming convention in Washington DC. More than 70 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest in radio technology, services and solutions, September 29-October 1, at the first Radio Show jointly produced by RAB and NAB. New to this year's Radio Show is "The Marketplace," a new component that will feature networking opportunities and must-see tabletop exhibits in a centrally located and easily accessible destination. "The Marketplace is the core of the Radio Show — a place where the show's participants will congregate to network with each other and with the industry's most innovative suppliers," says NAB EVP of Conventions and Business Operations Chris Brown. "The sold out space this year will feature a robust assortment of new and returning RAB and NAB exhibitors, all focused on delivering products and solutions designed to enhance the future of radio." The Marketplace will also be the hub for a variety of special events, including the Radio Show's Opening Night Reception sponsored by Timeless Cool and the Networking Lounge sponsored by SESAC. A complete list of Radio Show exhibitors is available at www.RadioShowWeb.com.
* Westwood One realigns its digital business to more closely reflect "the rapidly growing digital marketplace." The official word says Westwood One wants to expand its digital operations for both Metro Traffic and Network Radio. Digital Group GM Richard Kosinski exits to "join an entrepreneurial venture in the digital space," while VP of Product Development Ezra Palmer is promoted to SVP of Content & Product Development, covering both Metro Traffic and Network Radio. He will be responsible for creating new online content, as well as identifying third-party digital products. Of Kosinski Westwood One President Rod Sherwood says, "Richard is a natural entrepreneur, and we thank him for his commitment and contributions to our growing presence in the digital space. We wish him continued success in his new venture." And of Palmer Sherwood tells us, "We look forward to Ezra expanding his role in content and product development as we focus on our digital opportunities and commit additional resources to leverage the assets of Network Radio and Metro Traffic for our customers." Palmer has served in oversight of Product Development since joining Westwood One in 2008. He's been creating and managing online products since the mid-1990s, when he was part of the founding team of The Wall Street Journal's online edition. Prior to joining Westwood One, Palmer was Managing Editor and Senior Product Director of Yahoo! News. Westwood One is also realigning the digital business functions of sales, finance and research into the individual operating divisions in order to "provide seamless solutions for their radio and digital needs." Kosinski's departure is the third recent exit from Westwood One. Network President Gary Schonfeld's departure was followed closely by that of Network Radio Division EVP and COO Cathy Csukas.
* FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker is critical of proposals to "rescue" the news media with public funding. "Our nation has flourished for over 200 years with a strong independent press," said Baker addressing the Capitol Hill Media Summit Wednesday (Sept. 15). In her speech she also asserted, "We should not abandon nor tweak this tradition merely due to changing circumstances." Baker began by saying: "Over the past year, we have consistently heard that journalism and media need government help. Both the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission have initiated proceedings to study the future of media and journalism. We expect the FCC to issue its report by year end. In response, a number of parties have issued a call to arms. They seek a quick fix, a shot to the arm—the sort of costly government-funded bail-out that characterizes much of our current political dialogue." She went on to make it clear, she doesn't agree with calls for "a quick fix." In fact, says Baker, "proponents of reform seek to protect journalism by undermining its core. Without true independence from government, the press could not serve its proud role as a check on governmental authority. Direct government funding of journalism would also erode the public’s attitude towards media, an attitude already characterized by more skepticism than trust. Only 20 percent of Americans believe that news organizations are independent of powerful interests, and 60 percent of Americans believe news organizations to be politically biased. Combining these metrics with government-sponsored journalism will clearly upset an already precarious relationship. Funding — no matter how well-insulated from editorial decisions — will only exacerbate concerns about a captured press."
* Pew Analysis: Radio's Slice Of 'Media Pie' Remains Stable. Bolton Research President Dr. Ted Bolton analyzes the results from the recent Pew Research Center For People & The Press media-usage study, on which we recently reported: "News consumption habits study shows radio news still declining as a primary news source." The study found that the Internet appears to be cutting time spent with traditional media. However, Bolton's analysis finds that although the largest losses in consumption of the "media pie" came from TV and newspapers, radio listening is down just two minutes per day since 1994. Radio's share of the "media pie" has gone from an average of 17 minutes per day in 1994 to 15 minutes per day in 2010. The first question asked, "Did you get a chance to watch/listen/read the TV/radio/newspaper news yesterday?" Some 58% said they watched TV news, down from 72% when the study was first conducted in 1994; 34% said radio news, down from 47%; and 31% said newspaper news, down from 49%. The second question was based on "Do you watch/listen/read the news regularly on ...?" and 72% said TV, down from 81%; 43% said radio, down from 52%; and 49% said newspapers, down from 72%. But the third question asked, "About how much time per day do you spend watching/listening/reading the news on ...?" Respondents said 32 minutes for TV, down from 38 in 1994; 15 minutes for radio, down from 17 minutes; and 10 minutes for newspapers, down from 19 minutes. Internet came in at 13 minutes, up from eight minutes in 2006; Internet was not measured in 1994. Bolton notes that third question shows that the largest losses in consumption of the "media pie" came from TV and newspapers, down six and nine minutes per day, respectively. But radio listening was down just two minutes per day in 16 years.
* Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition files a breach of contract suit against Alden Global Capital.
JS Acquisition is the LLC formed by Smulyan in his failed bid to take Emmis Communicatiions private. The breach of contract suit is filed in Marion County, IN, Superior Court. The five-page complaint alleges that Alden breached their agreement with JS and caused the company to spend time, money and effort with the expectation that Alden would fund the go-private deal. Alden in late August backed away from its agreement to finance a tender offer for Emmis common stock that was part of the original securities purchase agreement filed on the transaction back in May, and its withdrawal caused the deal to fall through last week. Emmis and JSA said at that time they would be looking at potential legal remedies. On May 24, 2010, Alden and JSA entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (SPA) as part of a going private transaction by which JS Acquisition would purchase all outstanding shares of Class A common stock of Emmis Communications. Alden agreed then to invest in JSA in order to finance the going private buyout. The suit alleges that between the date the parties executed the SPA and July 9, the class A common stock of other publicly traded radio broadcasting fell. The decline in the value of other radio companies, says JSA, "did not give Alden the right to escape its obligations to fund the going private transaction under the SPA." On or about August 20, 2010, the suit says, Alden informed JSA that it rejected the modifications of the Stock Purchase Agreement that reflected the new economic terms. On August 24, Randy Smith, the controlling principal of Alden, informed JSA that the precipitous drop in asset values in the radio industry made the going private transaction unattractive to Alden. Smulyan says, "We entered into an agreement with Alden, believing them to be fair and trustworthy individuals. What we experienced was far different. No one should suffer the same fate at Alden's hands."
The Emmis plan included both the tender offer and an offer to exchange preferred stock for new notes due in 2017, and on July 9 a group of preferred shareholders, seeking improved terms, signed a lockup agreement to vote against the note exchange. A shareholders' vote on the note exchange was delayed a number of times while Emmis and JSA negotiated with the lock-block, and in early August, says the court filing, the lockup group said it would drop its lockup agreement and vote for the exchange offer if the terms were changed, including increasing the amount of the notes to 77.5 percent of the face value of the preferred stock — up from 60 percent — and adjusting the interest rate. After that, JSA and Alden agreed that, if the lockup group accepted the new terms, JSA and Alden would go ahead with the go-private transaction under those new terms, which also included a $3.1 million increase in the discount on Alden's investment. The filing says Alden confirmed the new agreement on August 6 and again on August 7. The lockup group accepted the terms, but, the complaint says, Alden informed JSA that it rejected the modifications of the stock purchase agreement that reflected the new economic terms." JSA says Alden entered into the new agreement with JSA "with the expectation that JSA would rely upon Alden's promise to fulfill the new agreement," and that JSA incurred "significant fees and expenses by relying on Alden's promise." JSA claims in the lawsuit: "Alden breached its promise and justice and equity requires that Alden reimburse JSA for its above fees and other expenses." The complaint demands a trial by jury.
* CBS Radio Talk WTIC-AM, Hartford, hires former Connecticut Governor John Rowland to co-host a 3-6pm show. Joining Rowland as co-host will be Rev. Will Marotti, Senior Pastor at New Life Church in Meriden. The two have signed a one-year contract with the station. Their show – “Church & State” – replaces an afternoon news block on WTIC. The new talk program will focus on issues of government and spirituality. "We'll talk about issues of family and faith — certainly those are hot topics right now," says Marotti. Rowland was elected governor of Connecticut three times, the last in 2002. He resigned in 2004 and served 10 months in prison and four months of house arrest for corruption, arising from a scandal involving contractors doing business with the state who also were doing work on Rowland's home for no charge. He filled in on WTIC in July.
* Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says he's "very confident" that he will re-sign Howard Stern. Speaking at the Bank of America Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference in Newport Beach, CA, September 15, Karmazin expressed his optimism that Stern, whose current contract expires in December, will remain with the satcaster. "He's been a fabulous partner," Karmazin said of Stern. "He has enabled companies to make a lot of money." Karmazin wouldn't say what Stern might be asking for in a new contract, but he did say the shock jock is "compensated very fairly." Nevertheless, the Sirius XM CEO said if Stern were to leave, the company wouldn't experience a major drop in subscribers. "They may have come for Howard, they may love Howard, but they listen to other channels."
Karmazin also says, "I believe we have a deal with the NFL. Details are being worked out now." He added, “Our lawyers are working on it.”
* Former Radio and Records Publisher and President Erica Farber rejoins Arbitron's Board of Directors. Farber previously served as an Arbitron Director from March 2001 to July 2006. She's a member of the Nominating Committee and chaired the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. Farber voluntarily relinquished her seat on the Arbitron board in July 2006, when VNU, then owner of Nielsen Media Research, was in the process of acquiring Radio and Records. Farber is currently CEO of radio consulting and Internet service provider The Farber Connection, which she founded in 2010. At R&R she was COO from 1994-96, Publisher and CEO from 1996-2006, and Publisher/President from 2006-2009. Says Arbitron Board Chairman Philip Guarascio, "We are especially pleased that Erica has accepted our invitation to rejoin our Board. She is well respected within the radio and broadcasting industry and has first hand knowledge of the issues and challenges facing those businesses. Her background will provide us with a valuable perspective and will be especially useful in guiding Arbitron's development and growth."
* Triton Digital signs a sales and marketing deal for CellSpin's user-generated content platform for the social Web. CellSpin's new real-time "Social Media Hub" will be added to Triton's suite of social tools and services. The new hub unites all of a station's social-media touchpoints, like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, onto the station's own Website. "The ability we give our customers to embed a robust, seamless social-networking experience into their own websites, enabling them to make their website the center of their social graph — and successfully monetize their social network — is a capability that all media companies have been searching for," says CellSpin CEO Bobby Singh. "Radio stations have wanted an easy, intuitive way to both aggregate and disseminate their social media content, in real-time, to and from a station's website for the benefit of their fans and listeners. Our partnership with Triton Digital will give radio stations the ability to do all of this quickly and easily." Triton COO Mike Agovino adds, "Triton has committed substantial resources to bring social media to radio and radio to social media. Our partnership with CellSpin and their groundbreaking Social Media Hub is another important piece of the comprehensive social-media solution that Triton continues to develop for radio."
* The Senate confirms Dick Lobo as Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau. Lobo, who was nominated to the post by the Obama administration in February, is the former President of PBS affiliate WEDU-TV, Tampa, until he stepped down in May. The International Broadcasting Bureau oversees the Voice of America and and Radio Marti/TV Marti. Lobo previously oversaw the Office of Cuba Broadcasting during the Clinton administration.
* The inductees for the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall Of Fame Class of 2010 are announced. Among the honorees were WCCM-AM, Lawrence, host Bruce Arnold; WIZZ-AM, Greenfield, owner Phil "Phil D" Drumheller; former WRKO-AM, WXKS and WODS, Boston, host Dale Dorman; former WBZ-AM anchor Gary Lapierre; and WBUR, Boston, and NPR "Here And Now" host Robin Young.
* Total local advertising is expected to reach $133.3 billion in 2010, up 2.1% over 2009, according to BIA/Kelsey. Overall, local advertising is growing slightly faster in 2010 compared with earlier estimates. In a preview of its forthcoming mid-year update to the BIA/Kelsey Annual U.S. Local Media Forecast (2009-2014), the firm’s executives told attendees of its Directional Media Strategies 2010 (DMS ’10) conference in Dallas that local advertising will reach $133.3 billion by the end of 2010. This represents a 2.1 percent increase over 2009, compared with the firm’s original estimate of a 0.95 percent decline. Two media categories that have seen greater than expected growth in 2010 are television, up 13 percent over 2009, due to stronger political advertising, and online advertising, up 30.2 percent over 2009. “After the challenges of 2009, it is good to see a faster rebound in 2010,” said BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek. “Still, we don’t expect to see meaningful recovery until 2012.” In the later years of the forecast period (2011-2014), growth rates are expected to be slightly slower, with the 2014 total local advertising estimate close to what was originally forecast. BIA/Kelsey will provide the complete mid-year forecast update to clients of the company’s Continuous Advisory Services later this month. “The strength and popularity of certain media over the next five years in the local media marketplace will dramatically affect the distribution of advertising spending for many of the advertising categories,” says BIA/Kelsey CEO Tom Buono. “Players in the local market need to be aware of their media competition for each of these advertising categories.” [More from BIA/Kelsey »]
* Radio reaches more than 239 million Persons aged 12 and older over the course of a typical week, according to the RADAR 106 National Radio Listening Report, which releases Monday, September 20, 2010. The weekly audience of 239 million listeners to radio represents an increase of four million listeners versus the year ago RADAR 102 report of 235 million weekly listeners, says Arbitron in an advance preview. For the 7,200+ stations affiliated with the 53 specific networks reported in RADAR, the weekly audience is 220 million Persons aged 12 and older, up by nearly 6 million listeners from the 214 million listeners reported one year ago in RADAR 102. The Arbitron preview tells us: "Radio Retains Its Strength and Stability." Despite the adoption of MP3 players and the growth of mobile and Internet-only stations, (terrestrial) radio reaches 93 percent of Persons aged 12+ each week. Even 92 percent of teens aged 12-17, younger radio listeners who are most accustomed to using new technologies and forms of media, continue to tune in each week. Network radio reaches 88 percent of Adults aged 18-34, the prime media multi-taskers, up from 85 percent one year ago. The September 14 advance release on RADAR 106 also notes: "Radio Has Universal Appeal." Says Arbitron, "The diversity of formats in radio attracts advertiser-coveted demographics in both Black (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanic persons." More than 93 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons and 95 percent of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older, tune into radio over the course of a week. Radio reaches more than 94 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons and 96 percent of Hispanic persons aged 18-49 over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 90 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons, and 86 percent of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older. And we're told now that: "Radio Reaches the Educated and Affluent." Radio reaches 96 percent of college graduates aged 25-54. Ninety-six percent of adults aged 25-54 with a college degree and an annual income of $50,000 or more tune into radio over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 88 percent of college graduates aged 18-49 with a household income of $75,000 or more. All radio stations reach 96 percent of this demographic.
* Scarborough Research releases data from the first phase of its cell-phone-only (CPO) survey. The company began incorporating CPO data in its surveys in certain local markets in 2009. Data from that initial phase was issued in April 2010. CPO respondents are much younger than landline respondents, according to findings of the survey. Half of CPO respondents are between the ages of 18-34, more than three times the incidence of 18-34 year olds reached via landline. Also reported is that CPO respondents hail from a broader base of multicultural groups than landline respondents, with 20%-50% higher incidences of African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians among CPO respondents. "Our sizable investment in cell phone-only is just one example of Scarborough's ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and usability of our data," says Scarborough EVP Gregg Lindner. "CPO consumers are increasingly important to our media and agency clients. They rely on Scarborough to be innovative in our survey approach and appropriately capture the evolution of the American consumer." According to Scarborough Chief Statistical Officer Dan Mallett, "CPO respondents are a sizable and growing part of the U.S. population and tend to be disproportionately young and minority. Rigorous survey research must include CPO respondents to properly represent the U.S. and local market populations."
Scarborough employs an address-based sample frame to identify CPO populations. This CPO sample is combined with the company's landline telephone sample frame to collect data for its syndicated Top-Tier Local Market service.
* A new NAB-commissioned Harris Poll shows most U.S. cellphone users want local radio reception on the phones. The NAB says the survey results show consumers do want built-in radio receivers on their cellphones. According to the survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 76% of cellphone owners would consider paying a one-time fee of 30 cents to access local radio stations through a built-in radio chip. Local weather and music are the top reasons they would listen to their local stations on their mobile phones. A full 73% of cellphone owners say that having a radio built into their phone that was capable of providing local weather and emergency alerts in real-time would be either "very" or "somewhat" important. Although 66% of adults would use a built-in radio, adults in the 18-44 demo are even more likely to utilize that feature. That demo comes in at 77%. "Today's survey results demonstrate convincingly that there is significant demand for radio-capable cell phones in the United States," says NAB Executive VP of Communications Dennis Wharton. "Unfortunately, most U.S. mobile phone users have been denied over-the-air access to their favorite free and local stations. With much of the U.S. cellphone market built upon exclusive contracts between carriers and manufacturers, most consumers are left paying for fee-based data-intensive streaming apps with no free, broadcast alternative." Opining in a recent blog, Wharton suggested what might be motivating U.S. wireless carriers and device manufacturers to prevent consumer access to FM-enabled cell phones: "It could be a simple case of anti-competitive behavior," he wrote. "Every minute a cell phone user listens to free, local radio is one less minute spent using the wireless industry's fee-based applications. Moreover, since listening to local radio would require no network bandwidth, cell phone subscribers wouldn't be forced to pay the escalating rates associated with streaming data-rich, fee-based applications."
* Consumers don’t want a radio function on their mobile phone, argues CTIA – the Wireless Association. CTIA argues that the Harris Interactive poll is incorrect. CTIA VP Jot Carpenter says, “A chip mandate is the wrong answer. Government-dictated design would reduce innovation and limit consumer choice. In reality, FM capability is available today for consumers who want to access over-the-air radio on their mobile devices. Contrary to NAB's self-interested assertions, a majority of consumers do not want that capability, and the notion that they want to pay more for a functionality they do not want is ridiculous.” CTIA, along with other groups within the mobile devices tech industry have been actively opposing any government mandate for radio-capable devices, as have many service providers. The latter category is seen is preferring to charge consumers for extra bandwidth to listen to online streams of terrestrial stations rather than allowing consumers to directly access the radio signals over-the-air from their mobile phones and other wireless devices.
* Total advertising expenditures in the first six months of 2010 rose 5.7% from a year ago to over $63 billion. Ad spending finished the first half of the year at $63.57 billion, according to data released by Kantar Media. Ad spending during the second quarter of 2010 was up 5.4% compared to last year. “The rally in ad spending that has emerged from last year’s collapse continued at a steady pace through the second quarter, even as softening economic data on retail sales, spending and employment began to raise concerns about the outlook for consumer activity,” says Kantar Media SVP Research Jon Swallen. “Early figures from the third quarter indicate the advertising expansion is still maintaining its momentum and that is an encouraging sign for the industry.” Within the Radio sector, results were divergent. Spending in National Spot Radio increased 16.8% while Local Radio was up 4.2% as telecom and financial service marketers shifted budgets into these segments. Network Radio registered a small decline of -0.4%. All radio types saw growth rates ease slightly during the second quarter. Television media led the first half rebound. Spot TV expenditures jumped 25.1%, fueled by robust demand from auto and retail marketers and a cyclical upturn in political advertising. Spanish Language TV spending rose 14.6%, with gains driven by the World Cup event in June. Cable TV (+ 8.8%) and Network TV (+7.2%) benefitted from selling more ad time and increased spending across a broad range of retail and consumer package goods categories. Expenditures for the ten largest advertisers increased 11.5% to $8.35 billion in the first six months of 2010. Among the Top 100 advertisers, a diversified group representing nearly one-half of the measured ad economy, spending was up 9.7% to $29.32 billion. The long-tail of small advertisers – defined as those outside the Top 1000 and a segment which accounts for more than one-fifth of all ad expenditures – lagged behind with just a 1.4% gain in their aggregate media investments. The skewed distribution illustrates the dependency of the current advertising recovery on large advertisers, says Kantar Media.
* Pew Research: News consumption habits study shows radio news still declining as a primary news source.
The latest Pew Research Center for the People and the Press study of Americans' news consumption habits shows listening to radio news continuing its decline as a primary source of news. Roughly a third (34%) of the public say they went online for news yesterday – on par with radio, and slightly higher than daily newspapers. And when cellphones, email, social networks and podcasts are added in, 44% of Americans say they got news through one or more internet or mobile digital source yesterday. In 1991, 54% of Americans said they listened to radio news. That's down to 34% now. Of course, the online option didn't exist in 1991. Radio's decline mirrors that of newspapers, down from 56% to 31% from 1991 to 2010, while television saw its number down from 68% in 1991 to 58% today. The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press tells us, "There are many more ways to get the news these days, and as a consequence Americans are spending more time with the news than over much of the past decade. Digital platforms are playing a larger role in news consumption, and they seem to be more than making up for modest declines in the audience for traditional platforms. As a result, the average time Americans spend with the news on a given day is as high as it was in the mid-1990s, when audiences for traditional news sources were much larger." The good news for traditional media, including radio, is that instead of replacing traditional news platforms, Americans are increasingly integrating new technologies into their news consumption habits. More than a third (36%) of Americans say they got news from both digital and traditional sources yesterday, just shy of the number who relied solely on traditional sources (39%). Only 9% of Americans got news through the Internet and mobile technology without also using traditional sources. [More »]
* Apex Broadcasting flips Classic Hits 95.9 WIOP-FM Charleston, SC, to Country as "Kickin’ 95.9." The flip puts the station in direct competition with Citadel’s "96.9 The Wolf" WIWF and Clear Channel’s market leading 103.5 WEZL. The new station’s Website is online with a "Introducing the new..." splash screen, and a link to listen. The "Kickin’ 95.9" slogan is “Real Country Variety.”
* Syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner launches a new initiative to showcase online degree programs. The initiative starts with more than 25 such programs — those offered by some of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Tom Joyner Online Education, known as HBCUsOnline, will encourage students to apply to Hampton University, the 142-year-old university based in Hampton, VA, offering more than 22 online courses. The other participating HBCU at launch is Texas Southern University, whose president is Dr. John M. Rudley. It's an 85-year-old institution best known for its Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, its Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, which has produced 27% of all African-American pharmacists in the country. "Everyone knows I'm passionate about my HBCUs and I'm working hard to find ways for my beloved Black Colleges to survive well into – and beyond - the 21st Century," says Joyner. "HBCUsOnline is offering a convenient, easy–to-use way for students to complete their undergraduate degrees or better yet, get a graduate degree."
* Washington Redskins' running back Clinton Portis apologizes for DC radio commentary on NY Jets controversy. Portis, who recently signed to do commentary on CBS Radio "106.7 The Fan" WJFK-FM, Washington DC, issues an apology for comments about the Jets controversy regarding their behavior around a female reporter. Portis, talking about the alleged harassment of TV Azteca reporter Ines Sainz on Tuesday (Sept. 14), said: "You put a woman and you give her a choice of 53 athletes, somebody got to be appealing to her. You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's gonna want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages. And you're just sitting here, saying 'Oh, none of this is attractive to me.' I know you're doing a job, but at the same time, the same way I'm gonna cut my eye if I see somebody worth talking to, I'm sure they do the same thing." In his apology, Portis says, "I was wrong to make the comments I did, and I apologize. I respect the job that all reporters do. It is a tough job and we all have to work and act in a professional manner. I understand and support the team on these issues." A CBS Radio spokesperson says "Mr. Portis has apologized for his comments and we expect he will be back on the air next week."
* Entercom signs a new multiyear contract to extend its use of Arbitron's PPM and diary services. The new agreement with the ratings company is for all Entercom radio markets. "Arbitron looks forward to continuing our long and productive relationship with Entercom," says Arbitron EVP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Carol Hanley. "Arbitron is proud to provide the quality PPM and diary audience-measurement data that helps Entercom facilitate its buy-sell process across all of its radio markets and helps grow its business."
* Imaging music and jingles provider TM Studios, a division of Triton Radio Networks, launches TM Creative. The new division focuses on what the company calls "creative marketing solutions for advertisers growing their businesses through the use of electronic media, primarily radio." TM says: "By using audio branding/jingles, copywriting, spot production and other audio solutions, the new division will focus on assisting three primary user groups: radio sales and production teams looking to drive new business, advertising agencies in need of a creative partner and small and midsize businesses looking to grow." Greg Clancy and Greg Basden will head the TM Creative team, based in Dallas. Clancy rejoins TM Studios as Creative Director, bringing over 20 years of composing, producing and singing experience in the jingle industry. Basden will be the Sales Manager for TM Creative, following over a decade of local and national media sales. "The broadcast industry has turned to TM Studios for top-quality imaging and branding music for over 40 years," says TM Studios VP and General Manager Chris Long. "In the modern world of the ad-cluttered marketplace, we believe now is the time to bring that same branding expertise to those advertising in the industry we already serve."
* Dial Global promotes six programmers in preparation for a re-launch of "localized" formats. At the same time, nine full-timers and some part-timers are laid-off as Network Operations shift from Omaha to Denver. "Our goal is to redefine the role of network radio," says Dial Global President Kirk Stirland. The company, whose 24-hour formats are heard on nearly 2000 stations nationwide, announces the promotion of six Program Directors. All are currently employed by Dial Global and are taking on new responsibilities. EVP of Programming Beau Phillips explains, "We prefer to promote from within whenever possible. It shows our people that we’re committed to rewarding excellence, and these six programmers have really shined." Dial Global’s new programmers will oversee the company’s fastest-growing product line, DG Local. Says Stirland, "Our StorQ technology allows stations to sound local, while featuring our major market air talent. Announcing our new programming team is just the beginning." The new programmers include Rick Brady, John Fowlkes, Kristopher Jones, Cheri Marquart, Melody Morgan, and Shannon Stone. "Dial Global is planning full upgrades for these formats and will soon re-launch them with improved personalities, music systems, imaging and branding," said Phillips. "Our company remains committed to delivering a quality programming product. We’ve attracted an amazing line-up of air talent in the wake of consolidation. And having great personalities delivering local content gives stations a powerful advantage." Dial Global moving its network operations and some staffers from Omaha — where it acquired the Waitt Radio Networks two years ago — to Denver, is an operational move. Other jobs will relocate to facilities in Dallas and in Valencia, CA, all wrapping up in January.
* Bonneville's "710 ESPN" KIRO-AM, Seattle, names Brian Long as Program Director, effective October 4. Long currently hosts "In The Zone" at "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, where he's also Assistant PD. Before Long joined KSPN in July 2007, he oversaw programming, production and strategic planning for Morris Desert Media AM stations KNWZ, KNWQ, KNWT and KXPS, Palm Springs, CA. He has also worked at Talk KMBZ-AM and Talk KCMO-AM, Kansas City and Talk KGEO-AM, Bakersfield. Long fills the KIRO post left vacant by Owen Murphy's recent exit.
* Westwood One Network Radio Division EVP and COO Cathy Csukas exits. Her departure follows the recent exit of Network President Gary Schonfeld. She joined Westwood One as a part of Schonfeld's team. Prior to joining Westwood One in October 2008, Csukas worked for AdLarge Media, where she was a founding partner, as was Schonfeld. He's said he's returning to AdLarge following his exit from Westwood One. There's no word yet on whether Csukas also will.
* Format wheels spin almost as fast as slot machines in Nevada gambling Mecca, Reno. Lotus Broadcasting “Cub Country 94.5” KUUB, Reno, flips to Sports as “ESPN Radio 94.5“ with a simulcast on 1450 AM. “Cub Country" ended Country with Roy Rogers’ “Happy Trails to You.” But Country returns hours later as Wilks Broadcasting "Smooth Jazz 92.1" KJZS flips to "92.1 The Wolf." ESPN Radio vacated Lotus' 630 KPLY-AM to move to 1450 KHIT-AM and the 94.5 FM simulcast. But Sports Talk remains on KPLY which adds Fox Sports Radio. “ESPN Radio 94.5” will also air University of Nevada Sports and Oakland Raiders Football. Smooth Jazz is the only format lost in the market with the series of flips. "Smooth Jazz 92.1" VP and General Manager April Clark tells listeners, on the station's SmoothJazzReno.com Website: "On behalf of myself and all of the staff at Smooth Jazz 92.1, we would like to thank our very loyal fans for their support over the years. Effective today, we had to make a very difficult decision to change the Smooth Jazz format to New Country. We know it may be tough to understand and accept; however, we ask that you possibly tune to our sister station, KTHX. Though we don’t play Smooth Jazz, it is a unique and eclectic station that many generations have grown to enjoy. Again, our deepest appreciation for your support over the years."
* Broadcast Company of the Americas — also known as BCA Radio — names Larry Patrick CEO.
The Broadcast Company of the Americas is a San Diego-based broadcasting company. BCA Radio was founded in 2003 and operates: XEPRS AM 1090 ("XX Sports Radio," the San Diego Padres flagship station), XEPE AM 1700 ("San Diego 1700"), and XHPRS FM 105.7 ("The Walrus"). BCA Radio also operates, under LMAs, the three former Finest City Broadcasting radio stations: XHRM-FM (“Magic 92.5"), Rhythmic Oldies; XHTZ-FM (“Z-90"), Urban; and Rock XETRA-FM (“91X"). Patrick will be overseeing all six stations in the San Diego market. Patrick assumes his new duties as CEO effective immediately, replacing John Lynch, who exits. Patrick, a veteran broadcast manager and station owner, has operated over 100 radio and television stations in his career. He chairs the NAB’s Political Action Committee and is active on several industry Boards. BCA Radio tells us, "The management change will not have an immediate impact on any BCA Radio station operations, including formats, content or on-air personalities." Patrick has also served as President of Legend Communications, which owns 13 radio outlets in Missouri and Wyoming. He's a former SVP with the NAB and a past president of the Broadcast Education Association and the National Association of Media Brokers.
* MMTC takes control of two of seven stations donated by Clear Channel, in the Tampa and Augusta, GA, markets. The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) closes on its acquisition of Tampa's WLCC and Augusta's WNRR. In a news release, MMTC tells us: "The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) continues to celebrate the recent donations of radio stations by Clear Channel and LPTV stations by Trinity Broadcasting Network – a total of 159 stations. With these donations, the MMTC Ownership Diversity Initiative is helping to incubate new broadcast owners. And in this short period of time, the MMTc already has success stories to tell." MMTC President and Executive Director David Honig says, “We are having incredible success with our broadcast station donations, but it goes even further than that. Through the donations, we have the opportunity to mentor these new owners and continue to help them to lead the next generation of minorities and women in broadcasting.”
* The target date for the UK's digital radio switchover of 2015 is “far too early.” That's according to a report by Great Britain's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, compiled by the department’s influential Consumer Expert Group. The report questions the need for Britain’s popular FM analog radio signal to be switched off at all. It says that trying to find any benefit at all for consumers from digital radio switchover is “problematic,” adding that consumers risk being “bullied” into switching to digital by the radio industry. So far, British regulators have resisted considering a U.S.-like system that allows digital and analog signals to exist side-by-side.
* "Xtra SportsRadio 860" KTRB-AM, San Francisco, vows to stay on the air despite financial turmoil, receivership.
The Oakland A's 50,000-watt flagship radio station is suddenly in financial turmoil, but a team spokesman said it will not impact the game broadcasts or ancillary programming, at least for the rest of this season. KTRB, owned by Harry and Jim Pappas, went into receivership to Comerica Bank Friday (Sept. 10), and some personnel were subsequently terminated, including the station's program director. Syndicated talk-show host Michael Savage also was dropped. But, reports MercuryNews.com, as far as the A's are concerned, the only change is that postgame talk-show host Chris Townsend will be employed by the club instead of the station. "The bank will continue to run the station as is and is honoring the (team's) contract," says Ken Pries, A's VP of broadcasting and communications. "So as far as the A's are concerned, fans are not going to notice a difference." Rumors flew after the bank takeover, many of them unfounded, including one that the station might possibly go off the air at midnight Friday. "That's absolutely 100% incorrect," said Pries. "I know that unequivocally. I've been on the phone with the chief engineer who is still on staff. He assures the station will remain on the air." KTRB Sports Director Ken Dito, who was retained, says the station will maintain and hopefully improve its 24-hour sports programming format and still plans to broadcast A's and Stanford football games.
* An Atlanta morning show producer claims he pranked police and media with Koran-burning stunt. Cumulus "Rock 100.5" WNNX-FM, Atlanta, "Regular Guys" video producer, and show cast member, Sebastuan "Sebas" Daskawicz-Davis tells listeners he pranked the media assembled at the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL, over the weekend with a "fake threat" to burn a Koran. Previous reporting on the stunt suggested it was anything but a prank. But Sebas said this morning (Sept.13) that he was "trying to show how stupid the media is for falling for all this crap." Sebas showed up at the controversial church, whose pastor threatened to hold "Burn a Koran Day" on 9/11. Sebas claimed to be "Sebastian Bagby" – an engineer and former student ready to burn books at 6pm. The books in question, besides a Koran, included "Eat, Pray, Love" and a "Twilight" novel. Police immediately confiscated the lighter and Koran, but let Sebas keep the other books. On the Monday morning "Regular Guys" show, Sebas said he had no plans to actually burn anything, adding, "the idea of the cops surrounding a man with a book is absurd... the media's the dummy on this." He said that as he left Gainesville, a motorcycle officer tailed him and pulled him over for an alleged busted brake light, at which point "about a half dozen cop cars roll up and a K-9 unit showed up." The police allowed Sebas to leave town, since he had not broken any laws.
* Mancow bites into the Big Apple with a new weekend show on Citadel's Talk WABC-AM. "After 16 years as a joyful provocateur on the Chicago radio scene, shock-jock-turned-talk-show-host Mancow Muller is about to spread his special brand of magic over New York," writes Chicago Media Reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. WABC adds Muller for a Sunday evening show airing 6-9pm. He will also continue his syndicated weekday morning show for Talk Radio Network. “I really believe we’re standing at the most important time in American history,” Muller, 44, said to Feder in an interview Sunday. “To be doing talk radio in New York on WABC is the highlight of my radio career.” Mancow's hiring by WABC Program Director Laurie Cantillo follows an on-air audition at WABC one day last month. Cantillo was already familiar with Muller, after most recently working in Chicago as PD for Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s “Oprah & Friends” channel, which she helped launch with former Harpo Radio General Manager John Gehron in 2006. “I’ve had other opportunities in New York, but the difference with this one is Laurie Cantillo," says Muller. "The opportunity to work with her is the factor that excites me. She’s from that John Gehron school of radio, and she’s the most refreshing new leader in radio that I’ve experienced in a very long time. Nobody has taught her what we can’t do. She’s pretty incredible." Feder notes that there's "both irony and vindication in his hiring by WABC." The veteran Chicago media reporter points out that "owner Citadel Broadcasting also is the parent company of WLS-AM (890), the news/talk station that terminated him last February." Muller was terminated despite high ratings for the midday show he hosted with Pat Cassidy. "WLS bosses said they weren’t a 'good fit' for the station between the morning duo of Don Wade and Roma and the syndicated Rush Limbaugh," writes Feder.
* MannGroup Radio teams with Joel Salkowitz to distribute and consult the CHR-Dance "Pulse" format.
Salkowitz, a veteran programmer, originally created the format for "Pulse 87" in New York. He's continued it online and now takes it to other stations through his Sound Ideas Programming Consultants, with national radio syndicator MannGroup Radio enabling distribution. The first affiliate is Aurora Media's KVBE-FM, Las Vegas. "Joel Salkowitz and I have been friends for decades, and I consider him one of the true geniuses in radio," says MannGroup President Ed Mann. "His CHR-Dance format is perfect for stations looking to attract and keep passionate, active listeners and who want an expert behind the presentation, the music and rotations. MannGroup can offer Joel's services to local radio in a number of ways via Sound Ideas Programming and feel that under his guidance and expertise in this youthful skewing format, affiliates can grow demonstrably." Salkowitz adds, "The music that powers the CHR-Dance format is on the rise again. When executed properly, this is the format that has historically been able to beat some of the biggest mainstream CHRs in the country. Most recently, Pulse 87 attracted over 1 million listeners a week on a severely challenged signal and with absolutely no marketing. Music radio can still be a medium that inspires passion and loyalty among large audiences. This format is a fresh, exciting sound, and listeners respond when they are exposed to it."
* Jacobs Media and Arbitron will showcase their collaborative study "Goin' Mobile" at the 2010 Radio Show. A presentation on key findings from the study is set for September 30 at 9am, kicking off this year's Radio Show, jointly produced by RAB and NAB. "Everyone knows that mobile devices are a major game-changer for consumers, as well as for media companies," says Arbitron VP of Research Policy and Communications Dr. Ed Cohen. "They’re always 'on' - and people sleep with them and never leave home without them. We collaborated with Jacobs to better understand how the explosive growth of smartphones has impacted the social and business interactions of consumers." Earlier this year, Jacobs Media observed and videotaped the smartphone usage of 18 persons aged 18 to 49 in Clevelan, Los Angeles, Dallas and Baltimore, over a 24-hour period. The study’s video segments have elements of fun and surprise, while packing a great deal of information and thinking into a fast-paced, one-hour session. "We originally thought this study would be about the various functions and apps that people use on their smartphones," says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "That was before the first interview. What we learned is that smartphones have become more essential than any device people own. They are a lifeline and a conduit to business, personal relationships, currency, productivity, entertainment, and more. We will be showing the stories behind the data, and the results are fascinating." A video preview of "Goin' Mobile" is available at www.arbitron.com/goinmobile.
* SparkNetworks signs an agreement to exclusively distribute Westwood One’s programming in Canada. The agreement, effective October 1, encompasses all Westwood One products and services, including David Letterman’s Top 10, Jay Leno’s nightly monologues and Daily Dose with Dr. Oz. The announcement is made by SparkNetworks EVP Jean-Marie Heimrath, who says, "We are delighted to be working with Westwood One. Their confidence in our ability to lead their strategic interest in Canada is a significant endorsement of our capability to direct and lead the future course of their brands to radio, the Web, mobile and other emerging technologies." Westwood One VP of International Dennis Green tells us, "We've been watching SparkNetworks' aggressive growth since March. They've demonstrated an impressive ability to quickly build a substantial infrastructure focused on results. We are pleased to partner with a group that approaches their market with fresh ideas."
* Entravision names Adrien Seixas National Sales Manager for its Colorado markets. Adrien will lead the Entravision national sales teams in Denver, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. "We are thrilled to have Adrien join the Colorado sales team as she brings her vast expertise and proven track record to our stations," says VP and General Manager Mario Carrera. "Her strong background in sales in addition to her passion for Spanish-language media and culture makes her an invaluable leader of the team." Adrien has been with Entravision since 2005 and she previously served as National Sales Manager for the company's southern California cluster.
* Media Management Group promotes Creative Director Allison Hagen to VP of Creative & Editorial. MMG is a New York City-based personal management, sales, marketing and business development firm which reps major media personalities and companies. Hagen had served as Creative Director for over three years. "Aly's creativity and vision has enabled MMG to provide unique services to our clients," says MMG's Jeff Schwartz. "She has been an important part of our explosive growth over the past few years." MMG's current clients include "Doug Stephan's Good Day," "Peter Greenberg Worldwide," "The Money Pit" and "AARP Radio."
* Percy Sutton will be posthumously inducted into the BESLA Hall of Fame. The late broadcasting legend will be inducted at the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association's 30-year conference celebration next month. After serving as a civil-rights leader and attorney to Malcolm X in the 1960s, Sutton co-founded Inner City Broadcasting in 1971. Inner City then purchased WLIB-AM, New York, making it the first African-American-owned radio station in the Number One market. Sutton died age 89, this past December.
* Folger Media introduces "Popster FM" Contemporary Adult Hits format. Joel Folger and Jules Riley are the "popsters" behind the new format "shining a light on the hits of the '80s, '90s and Now in No Particular Order," says Folger Media. "Popster FM" plays a diverese style of music including Pop, Rock, Rhythmic and Alternative hits from the early 1980s through today. The first affiliate is former Classic Hits "Mojo 104" KMJO, Fargo – now "104.7 Popster FM," online at www.1047PopsterFM.com.
* Some of radio's top air talent will present this year's Radio Mercury Awards. Scheduled to present awards at the 2010 Radio Mercury Awards on September 27 are "92.3 Now FM" WXRK, New York, morning host Nick Cannon, syndicated Elvis Duran, "98.7 Kiss" WRKS-FM's Jacque Reid, WRXP's Matt Pinfield & Leslie Fram and WQHT's Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg and K-Foxx. "Personalities drive value for listeners and their stations. They are the connection for entertainment and information within the loyal listeners' community," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. "These awards showcase the power of great Radio creative and the power of radio's powerhouse talent and brands." This year's Radio Mercury Awards will kick off Advertising Week in New York City, with an event at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. Elvis Duran will serve as emcee. Finalists were announced September 9
* Leading broadcast executives will serve as presenters at the annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show. The award honors stations and on-air personalities for excellence in radio broadcasting. Held at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel, the event will take place Thursday evening, September 30, during the 2010 Radio Show. The Marconi Radio Award presenters include Trila Bumstead, CEO, New Northwest Broadcasters; Dan Mason, president and CEO, CBS Radio; Barry Mayo, president, Radio Division, Radio One; Mary Quass, president and CEO, NRG Media; Tom Schurr, executive vice president of operations, Clear Channel; Gordon Smith, president and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters; Peter H. Smyth, chairman and CEO, Greater Media; and Steve Wexler, executive vice president of television and radio operations, Journal Broadcast Group. The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show will be hosted by Texas radio personality Ron Chapman. The show will also feature a performance by Big Machine Records country music artist Jack Ingram. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Winners will be announced at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show.
* A new study by Bridge Ratings shows a 23% increase in Pure Play listening at the expense of over-air-radio. The study, supported by data from Internet radio measurement firm Ando Media, concludes that over the last six months consumer passion about Internet Pure Play radio has increased significantly while listenership to terrestrial radio Internet simulcasts has slipped. Between November 2009, and June 2010, Internet Radio as measured by Ando Media has increased its listenership (Average Active Sessions) by 23%, with all of that gain attributed to the gains of Pure Play Internet Radio. Says Bridge Ratings CEO Dave Van Dyke, "In November of 2009 terrestrial simulcast streams had a 65% share of all on-line listening as measured by Ando Media, Pure Plays possessed 35%. By June, 2010, Pure Plays had increased to 49% of the pie. What's happening? The Internet has accelerated the consumer's ability to make decisions on a variety of lifestyle issues." An overview detailing the change in audience momentum plus a look at why this is happening will be available tomorrow (Sept. 14).
* "NewsTalk AM 1590" WVNA-AM, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, returns at full power after two months of silence.
WVNA had been off the air due to a lease dispute with the owner of its tower site. WVNA was told by the landowner to vacate the property in a rent dispute, leaving the station to search for a new tower site. The station has now moved its tower and returned to the air, with all of its programming remaining in place.
* Arbitron EVP Cross-Platform Services Pierre Bouvard will exit at the end of the month after 23 years. In his current position, he is responsible for leveraging Arbitron's PPM technology, as well as third-party partnerships, to establish new audience measurement and analytics services for new customer segments. Prior to this, Bouvard served as EVP Sales; and as President, Portable People Meter and International; as well as VP and General Manager for Arbitron Radio. Bouvard began his career at Arbitron in various sales and management capacities in the company’s Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Dallas offices. He left Arbitron for a six-year period to serve as EVP of Coleman Research, one of the premiere strategic consulting firms for radio stations. Bouvard is coauthor of Radio Advertising’s Missing Ingredient: The Optimum Effective Scheduling System. Bouvard also created Arbitron’s series of media industry studies. In a memo announcing Bouvard's departure, Arbitron EVP U.S. Media Services and CFO Sean Creamer, in a memo to staff, says Bouvard intends to "continue his career in what he calls 'the business of building businesses.'" His replacement at Arbitron has not been named.
* American Public Media Group founder Bill Kling will step down as CEO in June 2011 after 45 years. Kling has been the only CEO since 1966 of American Public Media, the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. APMG is one of the largest producers of public radio programming, including "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Marketplace." Kling intends to develop fundraising initiatives outside of APMG to strengthen public media and demonstrate its ability to gather and distribute regional news. "Bill Kling is unique in terms of his ability to sustain an amazing level of energy, vision and creativity over a remarkable and storied career," says Randall Hogan, Board Chair of MPR and APMG, and CEO of Minnesota-based Pentair Inc. "Most CEOs count their years in office on the fingers of one hand. Bill has twice run out of fingers and toes to mark his years of service but is nowhere near out of ideas, commitment or passion. We're delighted that he intends to continue to lend himself to the cause of public media after APMG. The board, the staff, our members and millions of listeners around the world are grateful for his many contributions, including preparing the organization so well for this inevitable transition." The APMG Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct a search for the next CEO. Says Kling, "This wonderful company exists and has prospered — beyond what any of us imagined back in 1966 — because of a tremendously talented and innovative leadership team, a remarkable group of employees who feel a calling and a passion for what they do and because 161,000 generous supporters value this work. It is this collective belief in the importance of what we do that makes every day a pleasure, and it provides the energy that will lift the company to its next stages of growth and success. It's a privilege to be a part of this team. I look forward to welcoming my successor and — after the transition — to watching this group's achievements for years to come."
* Clear Channel launches CHR-Top40 "101.9 Radio Now" KWNW-FM, Memphis. The station will play a strong mix of today's hit music from artists like Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Train, Taio Cruz, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Usher, among others, with limited talk, targeting a young demographic. An early listen indicated it sounded like "a hybrid of Mainstream CHR and Adult Top 40, much like our own Total Popular Music format, but without the full Mass Appeal approach," says TPM's Mark Harris. "We have seen a general dissatisfaction with mainstream contemporary radio among young adults in Memphis," says Clear Channel SVP of Programming Jon Zellner. "We have built a radio station custom-designed to reach those music fans who have been settling. Radio Now focuses on today's music that's reacting and selling all over Memphis." The new station is online at RadioNowMemphis.com. "It's always exciting to launch a new radio station, but especially satisfying to bring on a format so fresh and new," says Clear Channel Memphis Market Manager Michael Oppenheimer. "Not to mention the use of new technology to reach young people such as Twitter, Facebook and our iHeartRadio app which brings Radio Now to listeners phones." The launch of "101.9 Radio Now" follows East Arkansas Broadcasters' move of CHR-Top40 KIYS, Jonesboro, AR, from 101.9 to 101.7.
* Radio and TV talker Glenn Beck, along with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appear in front of thousands of fans.
The Saturday night (Sept. 11) event in Anchorage was Palin’s first big speaking appearance in Alaska since she resigned after two and a half years as governor last summer. But Beck was clearly the star of the evening. The Anchorage Daily News reports Palin said in introducing Beck at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center that the conservative television and radio personality has inspired millions. “(To) know why we are an exceptional nation, know why we never have to apologize for being Americans,” Palin told the cheering crowd. At Saturday night’s show Palin and Beck mocked Internet speculation that they would be making an announcement about a 2012 presidential run together. "I'd like to announce that in 2012, we will both be ... voting," Beck said. Beck asked Palin if she was going to run. She didn’t answer, instead responding by asking him if he was going to run. Beck said that he was not. Palin said she’d make any announcement on a KWHL-FM, Anchorage, morning radio show. “If there is going to be some big national announcement I’m going to do it where it’s most worthy. I’m going to do something big, even bigger then Glenn Beck. It’s going to happen on the Bob and Mark show,” Palin said. "Alaska's Rock" KWHL tells us, "The Bob and Mark Morning Show has been broadcasting over the Alaska airwaves for over a decade." According to ADN, there were about 80 protestors gathered outside the Dena'ina Center as people waited in long lines to get into the event, after paying between $73.75 and $225 for each tickets. Beck has said he will donate his speaking fee. Palin reportedly wasn't paid for her appearance, according to Christopher Balfe, President of Beck's media company. The amount of the fee wasn't disclosed, and was to go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships and services to families of military members.
* Analysts say Emmis Communications' large debt load will continue to weigh on the still public company. Emmis Communications’ large amount of debt will continue to weigh on the company following CEO Jeff Smulyan’s failed attempt to take the company private, reports Indiana Business Journal. As reported here, company executives said Thursday morning that Smulyan had abandoned his efforts to strike a deal with a group of preferred shareholders that would be acceptable to his financial backer in the deal, New York-based Alden Global Capital. When Emmis announced in May the $90 million buyout bid by JS Acquisition LLC, a private company formed by Smulyan to complete the purchase, Alden was announced as his financial partner in the buyout. Then, a group of preferred shareholders blocked the deal, and Smulyan began negotiating to get them on board. August 30 Smulyan announced that Alden had backed out of an “agreement in principle” to sweeten the terms for the preferred shareholders."Now, Emmis, which has been awash in red ink, must contend with more than $340 million in debt. Including noncash charges, operating losses over the last two fiscal years totaled more than $500 million," writes IBJ. "On a positive note, only $4 million of the company's debt comes due within a year." Still, Emmis will need to renew its long-term debt, which could be risky in the current lending environment, says Winthrop Capital Management Group President Greg Hahn, an Indiana institutional investment adviser. “If the bank doesn’t want to renew this facility, that’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “But I think Smulyan’s a great operator, and he’s got a great team.” Emmis is still far from generating enough cash to pay off the debt. In its last quarterly filing in July, the company reported losing $3.9 million on $60.3 million in revenue, compared to a profit of $11.9 million in its first fiscal quarter last year. “At some point it needs to generate enough income to pay interest and to pay down that debt,” says Hahn. “But it’s not growing its capital base; it’s not throwing off a lot of cash.” The company’s current debt load is likely to keep Emmis from growing in the future, says Mark Foster, chief investment officer of Kirr Marbach & Co. in Columbus.
“They’ve got to sort of hunker down, generate cash and work down that debt as best they can,” he said. Meanwhile, Emmis’ stock price is taking a beating on the news that Smulyan dropped his bid to take Emmis private.
* Alden Global Capital disputes parts of news release from Emmis Communications, denies agreeing to changes. The Emmis news release put the blame for the failure of the go-private buyout mainly on Alden. The announced financial backer of JS Acquisition's effort says the terms were "not acceptable" and that it became "impossible to complete a deal on the terms originally agreed by the parties." Alden explains that new terms negotiated between JS Acquisition, the LLC formed by Emmis chief Jeff Smulyan to take the company private, and the "lock-block" group of Emmis' preferred shareholders, "would result in an amount of leverage on the company that would make the transactions unattractive to Alden, and Alden could not agree to such terms." That disputes the claim by JS Acquisition and Emmis that "Alden Global Capital was a willing and active participant in the negotiations and materially improved the terms of their proposed investment." An Emmis news release said that Emmis and Alden "agreed, subject to completion of definitive documentation, to terms that would allow a group of preferred shareholders that previously did not support the exchange offer and amendments to agree to support the transaction." In its statement, late Thursday (Sept. 10), Alden says it had concluded that "further discussions would not result in a transaction that would be agreeable to Alden." The self-defense statement by Alden Global Capital followed by hours news that Emmis' strongly suggested there may be a lawsuit against Alden, saying: "Emmis, JS Acquisition, and Jeff Smulyan will explore various legal remedies related to damages caused by Alden's actions. Meanwhile, in several interviews, Smulyan continues to insist that Alden did agree to revised terms with the hold-out preferred shareholders despite the financial company's subsequent refuting of that claim.
* Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan gives up his attempt to take Emmis Communications private. The company Thursday (Sept. 9) issued a statement saying the effort is over, and Emmis will remain a public company. The statement from Emmis and Smulyan's JS Acquisition blames Smulyan's financial backer, Alden Global Capital, for pulling out of the deal. There is also a strong suggestion that legal action might be taken against Alden. The statement reads: "Last month, Emmis Communications (Nasdaq: EMMS) and Alden Global Capital agreed, subject to completion of definitive documentation, to terms that would allow a group of preferred shareholders that previously did not support the exchange offer and amendments to agree to support the transaction. It should be noted that Alden Global Capital was a willing and active participant in the negotiations and materially improved the terms of their proposed investment. Shortly after negotiating terms with the preferred shareholders, and after working closely with Emmis for the last five months, Alden Global Capital informed interested parties that they did not want to provide financing for the transactions and would not support the re-negotiated terms with the group of preferred shareholders to which Alden had committed. Despite several weeks of continuing talks, Alden refuses to honor the commitment they made. All parties to the negotiation are stunned and saddened by Alden's decision to not honor the negotiated deal. Emmis, JS Acquisition, and Jeff Smulyan will explore various legal remedies related to damages caused by Alden's actions. Emmis will continue as a public company and appreciates the overwhelming support of its common shareholders during this lengthy process. Emmis has taken important actions this fiscal year to generate revenue and cash flow growth and looks forward to working closely with its shareholders and employees to increase the value of the company as the radio and city/regional magazine industries continue to see improved operating results." A copy of the full Emmis news release is available here. A copy of a separate news release from JS Acquisition is available here. Following word of the termination of the go-private buyout effort, Emmis COO Patrick Walsh told reporters, "We are just bitterly disappointed this one wasn't going to get to the finish line." He later added, in comments for the Indiana Business Journal, “We thought we had a deal, and it’s unfortunate that Alden backed away from the deal.” Emmis agreed in May to be acquired by JS Acquisition, a private company formed by Smulyan to complete the buyout. He announced August 30 that Alden had backed out of an “agreement in principle” to sweeten the terms for the preferred shareholders. The move rendered the entire deal “unlikely” to happen, according to a company news release at the time.
* Sixty radio commercials are named as finalists for the 2010 Radio Mercury Awards. The Radio Mercury Awards honor outstanding radio spots created by radio stations, agencies, production companies and students. Entries vying for the $100,000 prize were judged on their creativity, originality and effective communication of a brand's message. Seven of the finalists are in the Radio Station Produced category: CBS Radio's "Building 19 Subliminal" for Building 19; Clear Channel's "The Tune Up" for DP Motorworks; Clear Channel Creative Services Group's "Bear Skin Rug" for Myers Carpet and "Landscaper" for SD Storage; Entercom's "Pick Me" for Empire State Potato Growers Association; Townsquare Media's "Izzo's Burritos" for Izzo's Illegal Burritos; and Philadelphia "B101" WBEB's "Woodpecker" for Engagingcommercials.com. The 2010 finalists overall encompass a wide range of national and regional advertisers from the automotive, beer, entertainment, fast food, consumer packaged goods, telecommunications and retail categories. "I'm really encouraged by the list of finalists that have made it this far. This is a great example of the overall breadth and scope of the Radio advertising landscape," says Co-Chief Judge Mike Hughes, who also serves as President and Co-Chief Creative Officer of the Martin Agency. "We're continuing to see marketers leverage Radio in unique ways. This year's high caliber of brands speak to the medium's reach and flexibility," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. Winners will be announced on Monday, September 27 at the Annual Radio Mercury Awards at the NASDAQ MarketSite.
* Radio One will celebrate 30 years of service to the community with 30 days of giving back in October. Radio One, which claims to be the largest broadcasting company that primarily targets African-Americans, says: "All 1,300 employees, at all 52 radio stations, in all 16 markets will roll up their sleeves to give back to the local communities that have embraced them for the last three decades, as they 'Celebrate 30 Years with 30 Days of Giving'." Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes tells us, "Radio One has a rich history of community focus and involvement. During these tough economic times, things are extremely challenging for many, so we thought this would be a great way to show our gratitude and celebrate our long-standing relationship with our listeners and their communities. Radio One will continue to build on its legacy of being in the community, listening to the community and giving listeners a voice to let them know what's going on in their communities." The stations are compiling a broad range of events and activities that are reflective of the needs within their communities. Each market has been encouraged to develop a community calendar of charitable events, which will occur daily throughout the month of October. Each station is required to devote at least one activity to helping the homeless. Homelessness has been on the rise over the past decade and some estimate the population to be as many as 2.5 million. About 42% of the homeless population is African-American and nearly 40% of them are children under the age of 18. Other station initiatives will include activities, such as live broadcasts from local food banks, coat drives, health expos and charity walks, just to name a few. In addition to volunteering, each station will feature charitable organizations, on-air, to highlight their community involvement. [More »]
* Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster sues Sirius XM over phone calls, obtains a temporary restraining order. Koster obtained the restraining order against Sirius XM Radio for making solicitation calls to state residents who had previously placed their names on the state's no-call list. The Kirksville Daily Express reports that Koster filed a lawsuit against Sirius following a number of complaints. Koster’s lawsuit alleges violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act and the Telemarketing No-Call List Act. Koster said telephone solicitation calls were made to consumers soliciting satellite radio subscriptions. “When Missourians register with our No-Call list, they do so with the reasonable expectation that they will not receive these unsolicited, harassing calls,” said Koster. "No business, no matter the size or reach, is immune from Missouri’s law, and we will continue to go after those who violate it.” Sirius XM may still make calls to existing customers, unless a customer directs the satcaster not to call them. Koster also is seeking a civil penalty of $5,000 for each violation of Missouri law, costs of the investigation and prosecution, and all court costs.
* Westwood One realigns its management team, with Network Radio Division President Gary Schonfeld exiting. Schonfeld will return to his own AdLarge Media. Westwood One President Rod Sherwood takes oversight of the network division. Schonfeld has been with Westwood One since October 2008 and before that headed Jones MediaAmerica until Jones was acquired by Triton Media Group. Sherwood will oversee network radio, including operations and sales, and will be working closely with new company Chairman Mark Stone and Chairman Emeritus Norm Pattiz, who is now a consultant to Westwood One. "Gary has made substantial contributions to the growth of network radio since he joined Westwood One over two years ago," says Sherwood. "He led the development of new programming for the network and contributed to improvements in both affiliate and advertising sales. His experience in the radio industry helped network radio continue to hold its leadership position in the marketplace, and we thank him for all of his contributions." Says Schonfeld, "The time I spent at Westwood was a time of transformation for the network, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished. Now is the time for me to move on and continue to bring new opportunities to the network radio industry."
* WEUS-AM, Orlando, host George Crossley collapses at the station, and later dies at a local hospital. Crossley, 69, co-hosted "The People Power Revolution" from 6-8pm on WEUS. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Crossley was an evangelical Christian preacher in the 1970s, adding a radio and television ministry in the 1980s. But in the 1990s, he was convicted of trying to hire a hitman to kill the husband of his former lover. The murder was never carried out, but he spent 40 months in prison. During his incarceration he is said to have become a "changed man." He went on to become a leader of the ACLU's Central Florida chapter, but would eventually be ousted for overstepping his authority. "George was described on his show as an icon," says station owner Carl Como. "I only knew him for a short period of time, but I will remember him as long as I live as a man who loved what he was doing, helping others who were disadvantaged and would not stand down from a fight."
* Metromedia pioneer John Kluge dies at the age of 95. Kluge was an immigrant who went on to become a multi-billionaire and one of Forbes' richest people in America. In the 1950s, he became Chairman and the largest shareholder of local TV station group Metropolitan Broadcasting Corp. The group added radio, outdoor and other ventures to its portfolio and changed its name to Metromedia. The company went private in 1984 as part of a $1.1 billion leveraged buyout. The group was eventually liquidated with its TV stations sold to News Corp. for $2 billion, and its 11 radio stations selling for a total of $290 million. Forbes magazine estimated Kluge’s net worth to be $6.5 billion in March 2010.
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* Howard Stern – from Sirius XM to iPhone application? The NY Daily News' David Hinckley writes, "Treaties that end world wars are signed with less drama than Howard Stern creates around contract negotiations, but his warning that he may leave Sirius satellite and go independent could be more likely than some listeners would think." Noting that Stern's five-year deal with Sirius XM ends in December, Hinckley cites Stern's recent on-air comments that he is likely to leave the satcaster, and might start his own Internet podcast, available by subscription. "He could become an app," writes Hinckley. "With the new phone technology, it's ridiculously easy," says Kurt Hanson, editor of the Radio and Internet Newsletter (RAIN). "More and more people are doing it. If a Stern got into it, that would speed acceptance further." Could he make anything like what Sirius pays him? "The problem with 'monetizing' the Internet," says Talkers magazine editor Michael Harrison, "is that almost everything there is available somewhere else, free. Stern would be selling something not available anywhere else - himself." If Stern did three Internet shows a week, charged $5 a month (a bargain for fans) and got a million subscribers (a low estimate), he'd make $60 million a year.
* Howard Stern is not the only question mark in Sirius XM's future — there's also Opie and Anthony. Their contract with the satcaster expires before Stern's – October 1. And right now, it doesn't look like a new deal is likely. Their show's longtime Executive Producer Steve Carlesi just exited as his position was eliminated. Carlesi — known on-air as “Steve C” — writes on a Facebook posting: “The ride was a lot of fun for a lot of years. However, it’s time to get off the ride and move on to another.” Meanwhile, leaked word from inside the satcaster's hallowed halls has been that negotiations between Opie & Anthony and Sirius XM have not been going well. Now Opie tweets on Twitter "(speaking for me) I want to continue, their current offer is a joke and an insult, waiting to see if they wake up, if not I have plans."
* Fox Sports Radio rolls out its new Fall weekend programming lineup. The network adds Chicago Sports Talk veteran Mike North and Philadelphia Sports journalist and WIP-AM radio host Anthony Gargano. They are now part of the weekend lineup, as is longtime Cincinnati Sports Talk host Andy Furman. The new lineup features North from 6-9am, followed by Gargano along with NFL star and Fox Sports Radio vet Lincoln Kennedy from 9am-1pm. The new menu of weekend Sports Talk began September 11. Furman also teams up with Kennedy on Sunday from 4-7pm and North hosts an NFL wrap-up show, NFL Central, on Sundays from 7-10pm.
* SparkNet Communications and Dial Global launch a "Jack Custom" product platform for "Jack FM" stations.
The platform utilizes Dial Global's StorQ local delivery technology. StorQ provides the elements of localization and customization for each affiliate. "Jack Custom" allows stations to control content and features seamless programming continuity with imaging, advertising and localized music choices. Says SparkNet Co-President Garry Wall, "Jack Custom programming provides a great ratings and revenue solution for even the largest markets and as such represents a major innovation in network programming. After a year in development with our Dial Global partners, it is ready to perform." Dial Global President and CEO Kirk Stirland adds, "Our StorQ platform is really perfect for a format like Jack FM, providing clock and inventory flexibility, along with specific music mixes for competitive radio markets."
* Listener Driven Radio is growing, now up to over 200 social networks for its interactive programming platform.
LDR's system provides stations with direct online integration to Facebook, Twitter, Friendster and MySpace, notes
LDR President Daniel Anstandig. "LDR builds cume and tune-ins for radio stations using social media," says Anstandig. "We have seen that for every one listener who uses the Facebook feature on LDR, an average of four listeners come back to the station's website, confirming that LDR's social networking integration is a powerful cume builder for stations."
Another custom option is the Instant Alert system, allowing listeners who request songs to receive alerts when their favorite songs play on an LDR powered station. Alerts are delivered to listeners by e-mail, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Jabber and Google Talk. The Instant Alert feature is designed to build repeated tune-ins for radio stations, a feature that helps to build PPM numbers. Alerts offer unique sponsorship assets, leading to additional monetization opportunities available to all LDR affiliate stations. "LDR builds cume and tune-ins for radio stations using social media," says LDR President Daniel Anstandig.
* Crowd-sourcer Jelli makes radio more social, integrating Twitter as a feature on its Website. That allows users to share with their Twitter followers when their chosen song is played on the air. The tweets automatically include the name of the song, artist and the call letters of the station broadcasting it. "Crowd-sourced radio playlists are helping broadcasters connect and engage with the coveted young audience segment," says Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty. "Integrating Twitter with Jelli cranks up the engagement quotient and makes broadcast radio more immediate, more responsive and that much more social." Jelli recently initiated a similar integration with Facebook.
* The FTC is asking radio to air anti-underage-drinking PSAs. The Federal Trade Commission launches the 2010 edition of its "We Don't Serve Teens" consumer-education campaign, which warns of the hazards of underage drinking, and is encouraging radio stations to run the public service announcements. The PSAs are available for free at the DontServeTeens.gov Website. Both the PSAs and Website are part of an ongoing program that also includes adhesive signs and an article called "Middle School: It's Not Too Early to Talk to Kids About Underage Drinking." The FTC is asking the public to distribute all the materials as widely as possible. "The FTC believes that kids need to hear their parents' concerns about underage drinking," says FTC Consumer Protection Bureau Director David Vladeck. "Our message is, 'Talk to your kids about underage drinking. Sooner is better than later.'"
* Rumors are confirmed as Press Communications announces it will swap frequencies of two Monmouth-Ocean stations.
Country "Thunder 98.5" WKMK-FM and WBBO-FM will switch dial locations September 15. WKMK will become "Thunder 106" with a simulcast on 106.3 and 106.5, while WBBO moves to 98.5, and the brand "B98.5" is restored with a
CHR-Top40 format. Program Director Captain Jack says the move is to expand Thunder's audience with a signal into Middlesex, Lower Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn. The rumors gained credibility even before the official announcement with word that WHTG-WBBO PD and 11-year market veteran Matt Knight was out. Knight started as the Assistant PD, Music Director and night personality at the former "B98.5" WBBO-FM. He later moved to Alternative WHTG-FM as Programming Coordinator and afternoon host. A brief item earlier this week appeared in our "Ins and Outs of Radio" feature that said only: "Matt Knight exits CHR-Top40 'Hit 106' WHTG-FM and WBBO-FM, Monmouth-Ocean, as Program Director ."
* Pacifica Radio is talking with Al Jazeera to put the Persian Gulf-based news service on its five stations. If an agreement is reached, reports the Washington Post, Pacifica would become the biggest American broadcaster to air Al Jazeera, whose news reports have at times drawn criticism from Western governments, including the Bush administration during the early days of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Al Jazeera is perhaps best known for being the first network to broadcast video communiques from Osama bin Laden after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Pacifica's parent organization, the Pacifica Foundation in Berkeley, CA, has been negotiating with Doha-based Al Jazeera to carry the audio portion of its English-language TV channel. The Post cites "people familiar with the discussions" for that assertion. Closing a deal with Pacifica, which is known for its liberal-leaning programming, would be a boost for Al Jazeera. The network, owned by the emir of the Persian Gulf state of Qatar, has struggled to gain a foothold in the American market. After four years of operation, Al Jazeera English can be seen only in the Washington area and two other cities, Burlington, VT, and Toledo, OH. The negotiations, which have not been disclosed publicly, are already drawing criticism from within Pacifica. In an internal memo to the organization's national board, Steve Brown, a former member of the board overseeing Pacifica-owned WBAI-FM, New York, advised Pacifica to consider "the blowback" from associating itself with Al Jazeera. In addition to WBAI, Pacifica owns KPFK, Los Angeles; KPFT, Houston; WPFW, Washington; and KPFA, Berkley-San Francisco.
* Mary Lee Robinson is appointed Market Manager for Bustos/NAP Broadcast Holdings Salt Lake City. Robinson, a former Jacor and Clear Channel Director of Sales, is named to head the SLC stations — KDUT-FM, KTUB-AM, KBMG-FM, and KBTU-LP TV — by BMT President and CEO Jay Meyers, who is overseeing Bustos/NAP as CEO. "I had the honor of having Mary Lee work for me at Jacor and then Clear Channel, and to say that she is the very best is a huge understatement," says Meyers. "She is without a doubt the most respected broadcaster in Salt Lake City and is so strong that the fact she's going to have to hang out with me for a few days every six or eight weeks won't damage her reputation one bit – and that's saying something!" Robinson adds, "I'm simply thrilled to be back in radio, and the opportunity to come in and run this group of assets which serve the fastest growing population in Salt Lake City is truly exciting. One in every five consumers will be Hispanic in the next census and we're in a perfect position to serve them and deliver their spending power to our advertisers." The official appointment of Robinson as Market Manager for Bustos Salt Lake City removes the "Interim" tag from her title. She's been holding that designation since late May while winding down her role with Hula Girl ad agency where she's one of three founding partners. Robinson was a Sales Manager with CBS before relocating to Salt Lake City with Jacor in 1997.
* Veteran Urban radio programmer Barbara Prieto joins AccuRadio to program and market "AccuRadio R&B." That's the multichannel streamer's new selection of Urban and R&B music. Prieto joins AccuRadio.com with a background in major-market commercial radio programming, with experience that includes stints in the 80s and 90s at WGCI, Chicago as Music Director and Assistant Program Director and WKYS/Washington DC, as Assistant Program Director and later Program Director. "I am excited to bring my music and programming skills to Internet radio," says Prieto. "It's a great opportunity to break new music and give exposure to deserving talent. A music programmer needs to find the right product, win the listeners' respect, and keep them listening."
* NPR activates its $3 million local journalism Argo Network in collaboration with 12 NPR member stations. The launch of 12 topic-focused news sites marks the debut of NPR’s Project Argo Network – an online journalism venture created to produce in-depth, local coverage on subjects critical to communities and the nation. The Argo stations take advantage of common tools and platforms, rolled out in stages over the past six weeks. The sites are to be connected to each other through NPR’s Application Programming Interface (API), a technology that enables the integration, free-flow and sharing of content among the Argo stations and NPR. Content from the Argo sites will flow into the NPR.org API, which broadens the distribution of the content to more places and more people, including third party sites and NPR member stations sties, and NPR.org. Topics selected for in-depth reporting include global health, climate change, gentrification, public safety, education, politics, military, immigration and music. Each Argo station chose its topic based on what was most relevant to its local community and a match with the station’s strengths and aspirations.
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* Intune Media releases iPhone apps featuring "Twisted Tunes" song parodies and content from Bob Rivers. "The Bob Rivers Show" airs mornings on KZOK-FM, Seattle. Rivers is making his entire Twisted Tunes Library of over 500 songs available. The new apps feature streaming audio from the latest show, video highlights, audio podcasts and Rivers' Twitter feed, among others. The "Plus" version adds deeper access to clips from Bob's Garage recording studio sessions with classic rock bands, and a library of streaming video clips from Spike & the Impalers, the show's classic rock cover band. In addition to streaming Twisted Tunes Radio, the "plus" version also includes streaming Spike & the Impalers radio and Bob's Garage radio. Both stations are available exclusively on the app, and contain exclusive content from past and current shows.
* Tribune Company General Counsel Don Liebentritt is named the company’s Chief Restructuring Officer.
Liebentritt's deputy, David Eldersveld, is promoted to replace him as General Counsel. Tribune CEO Randy Michaels explains: “As we enter the next phase of our Chapter 11 process and begin working with the mediator assigned to oversee negotiations with our creditor constituencies, Don needs to devote all his attention and energy entirely to our restructuring efforts. He’s intimately familiar with the process and what needs to be done to achieve a restructuring plan that can win the votes of our creditors and be approved by the court.” Liebentritt served as Tribune’s General Counsel since 2008. Eldersveld was named Tribune’s SVP and Deputy General Counsel in 2008, three years after joining the company as Senior Counsel for Mergers and Acquisitions. He's also been serving as Corporate Secretary. “Dave has earned this promotion — he’s intelligent, articulate and effective, and has been a great second-in-command," says Michaels.
"As Tribune has moved through the Chapter 11 process, Dave has stepped up to provide great leadership in our legal department. His appointment will enable Don to stay focused on our restructuring.”
* Syndicated morning host Tom Joyner gets the nod from President Obama for an exclusive interview. The September 10 morning audio session, along with a transcript, will be available at BlackAmericaWeb.com immediately following the discussion. Joyner airs in over 100 markets and reaches an audience of more than 8 million. Since Obama has taken office, Joyner's show and Website have maintained coverage of every major issue facing the African American community and have followed the President's actions and statements in great detail.
* Police in Georgia make an arrest in the murder of WBOJ-FM Program Director and morning host Heath Jackson.
The 25-year-old Contemporary Christian "88.5 the Truth" WBOJ-FM, Columbus, GA, PD and wake-up personality was shot and killed Tuesday (Sept. 7) when he interrupted a robbery in his home. The Macon Ledger-Inquirer reports police have now made an arrest. Witnesses gave police a description of the killer, and early this morning officers raided the home of suspect Ricardo Strozier, Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said today (Sept. 8). There police found loot from what they believe to have been a string of burglaries in the area where Jackson was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon. Investigators now are trying to determine where the goods came from, Boren said. Columbus police have charged Strozier, 21, with murder in Jackson's shooting.
* All six Townsquare Media Flint, MI, stations were off the air for hours Wednesday due to a generator fire. The fire knocked out the generator, which the stations had been using after a tree knocked down power lines Tuesday evening during a wind storm. The stations — WCRL-FM, WCRZ-FM, WFNT- AM, WWBN-FM, WCLO-AM and WQUS-FM — were silent for about six hours. WCRZ morning personality Erin Bishop alerted cluster Chief Engineer Aaron McEachern that the generator had quit at around 4:30am Wednesday (Sept. 8). She then went outside and saw a fire at the side of the building. McEachern told the Flint Journal that the Burton Fire Department "did a good job of dousing the fire and keeping the equipment dry." The fire appears to have been caused by a gas leak in the back of the building, which could have been ignited by the generator, McEachern said. “It’s really hard to tell what caused it at this point,” he said. The stations got back on the air around 11:40 with a new generator, although the power lines had yet to be repaired. A video report on the fire may be vierwed here.
* Envision Radio Director of Marketing Matt Wardlaw is promoted to Director of Operations. In his new position, Wardlaw will work directly with VP of Programming Michael Lichtstein. He will help oversee day-to-day duties related to all existing Envision programming, producers and show hosts, while also helping to review and develop new programming. Wardlaw had been Marketing Director for the past four years. "Matt has been a terrific team player since he joined Envision in 2004. As Director of Marketing, Matt improved our communication efforts and implemented a structure that has kept pace with our tremendous growth," says Envision Radio COO Laura Orkin. "Matt will now take on the newly created position of Director of Operations in an effort to super-serve our affiliates and partners." Prior to becoming Director of Marketing, Wardlaw was the Southwest Affiliate Relations Manager at Envision for three years. He began his radio career at WMMS-FM in 1995, and he continues to co-host "The Inner Sanctum," heard locally in Cleveland on WKRK-FM.
* Todd Nixon will be the new Program Director and afternoon host at Clear Channel Country WCKT-FM, Fort Myers.
Nixon is currently PD at Country KRMD-FM, Shreveport, LA, where he will exit September 17 to join "Cat Country" WCKT. Nixon fills the gap created by Mark Wilson's departure last November. Nixon joined KRMD in March 2008, coming from WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL, where he was also Program Director. Says Nixon, "We had a great run at KRMD and I am super excited to take that next step in my career by growing with Clear Channel. I look forward to learning and innovating with VP/GM Sherri Griswold-Sanchez, Senior VP/Programming Rod Phillips and the staff at Clear Channel Fort Meyers. Living in a tropical paradise doesn't hurt either!" Griswold-Sanchez adds, "I am thrilled to bring in this energetic, powerful player to our Cat Country family. WCKT has been entertaining Southwest Florida listeners for many, many years, and while our history is strong, growth is essential. It's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to add to our staff a highly skilled professional with drive and momentum."
* Singer-songwriter Ruby Amanfu joins the Timeless Cool syndicated 24/7 format for middays. A member of singing duo Sam & Ruby, Amanfu will be on the air from 10am to 3pm, joining a lineup that also includes Bobby Caldwell, Steve March-Torme, and Janet Planet. Amanfu's solo single "Sugah" was a top five hit in the UK, and she was nominated for a Grammy for the song "Heart's My Home," performed by the Duhks.
* The U.S. ad market is on the road to recovery, according to a new study from SNL Kagan. The total market is projected to rebound 2.8% to $210.5 billion in 2010, following two consecutive years of declines. SNL Kagan forecasts the market will continue to grow, reaching $214.3 billion in 2011 and $275.8 billion by 2019. The study – "Advertising Forecasts: U.S. Market Trends & Data for All Major Media" – provides analysis of each media sector, including historical data and projections. SNL Kagan expects that the sectors with the strongest growth this year will be mobile, broadcast TV stations and Internet, while business publications and newspapers will show the largest declines. SNL Kagan indicates that it is unlikely old-media sectors will recover from the flight of ad dollars to new media. Daily newspapers have seen their revenues cut in half, dropping from $46.3 billion in 1999 to a forecasted $23.0 billion in 2011. Looking further ahead, losses are expected to level off, with projected revenues of $22.5 billion in 2019. Conversely, Internet advertising has grown from $4.7 billion in 1999 to an estimated $27.8 billion in 2011 and is expected to more than double by 2019, reaching $60.1 billion. SNL Kagan senior analyst Derek Baine notes, "New media, such as mobile and internet advertising, continue to boom, while old media, particularly print, is increasingly losing its relevance. Dollars are shifting into new platforms and those drawing the most eyeballs, such as cable TV."
* The MIW Radio Group announces second annual Trailblazer and Achievement in Programming Awards recipients.
The Mentoring & Inspiring Women In Radio (MIW) Group tells us that radio veteran and former RAB SVP of Training Lynn Anderson has been named the recipient of the 2010 Trailblazer Award. In addition, KMPS-FM/CBS Radio Seattle Program Director & Digital Web Manager Becky Brenner has been chosen to receive the Achievement in Programming Award. NAB Radio Board Chair, Beasley Broadcast Group EVP and CFO Caroline Beasley, who is also an MIW, will present both individuals with their awards on stage during the Radio Luncheon on Friday, October 1st at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC. MIW says the Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. The Achievement in Programming Award is designed to encourage the advancement of women in programming and to reward and recognize those who have achieved success in the field. “We had some amazing candidates who were recommended for both honors,” said Heidi Raphael, MIW Radio Group Spokesperson and Greater Media VP of Corporate Communication. “Lynn is a true trailblazer, having led by example throughout her entire career by educating many about the benefits of the radio industry, both in her role with the RAB and as a mentor with the MIW Radio Group.” Corinne Baldassano, SVP of Programming and Marketing at Take On the Day/The Dr. Laura Program says, “Becky’s exceptional track record, dedication and passion for the industry made her the perfect choice to receive the “Achievement in Programming” Award." Adds MIW Denise Oliver, President of Oliver Media, "We highly encourage other women to choose careers in programming and for companies to promote more women in this area of the radio industry,”
* Pollack Media Group Chairman and CEO Jeff Pollack named programming consultant for KKGO-FM, Los Angeles.
"Go Country 105" KKGO Director of Programming Tonya Campos, who remains in place, says understanding the particular nuances of programming a Country format is the key to success in large urban markets along the West Coast.
"I look forward to working with Jeff and his group," says Campos. "In these times, it is always a big plus to be able to work with those who are so knowledgeable about all the changes happening." Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters President Saul Levine tells us, "My association with Jeff goes back decades since his work with our radio projects in Honolulu. Jeff understands Country music and, just as importantly, its role in the unique L.A. market." Levine adds that he's retaining Pollack's services "to take Go Country 105 to the next level." Although Pollack is not known for his work with County radio, he has worked with CMT television.
* The FCC is offering a new set of developer tools to improve access to Commission data. Also, there's a new developer community based at www.fcc.gov/developer.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the "announcement marks a major step towards our goal of reimagining the dot gov experience to better serve the 21st-century citizen. These new online tools will empower innovators and developers across the country to leverage government data in ways never imagined, creating immense value for the American public. This is an important part of institutionalizing change in government." The tools include a number of APIs for use by developers. FCC Managing Director Steven VanRoekel explains: "These tools are designed to maximize the value of government data for citizen shareholders. Their release is part of a larger effort aimed at running a dot gov more like a dot com, with the same kind of agility, responsiveness, and innovation we expect from leading commercial Websites." The APIs include one that unlocks speed test statistics from the Consumer Broadband Speed Test, another that returns census data for any block in America, FCC Registration Number data for broadband providers, and a License View API that includes access to information like the number of licenses across different services, how many licenses different entities have, and how many licenses are up for renewal in the near future.
* Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz gets a $340,000 one-year deal as a consultant to Westwood One. Last week we reported that Pattiz retired from the Board, becoming Chairman Emeritus, and signing a new contract as a consultant to the company. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with new Chairman Mark Stone and the company’s senior management, it was reported last week. Now we find out how much Pattiz will receive under his one-year contract as a consultant from an SEC filing. Pattiz previously told us that relinquishing his "seat at the Board table" but continuing his association with the now Gores-goup controlled Westwood One allows him "to play an active role at the company I founded, working with people that I admire and respect, while continuing the other activities that are very important to me." Those other activities include serving as Chairman of the Departnent of Energy's Los Alamos and Laurence Livermore National Security Laboratories, and as a Regent of the University of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and received a "Giants of Broadcasting" Award, from the Library of American Broadcasting.
* Connoisseur Media names Randy Dunn General Manager of AC WMGA-FM and Rock WXBW-FM, Huntington, WV.
WMGA is best known as "Magic 97.9" and WXBW as "101.5 Bob FM." Dunn joins the company with over twelve years of radio sales and management experience. From 1998 to 2010 he was with Clear Channel's crosstown radio group, most recently as General Sales Manager. "We are excited to have Randy lead our team in Huntington. I am confident his broad experience will continue to benefit our clients, employees and the community," says Connoisseur Media COO David Bevins. "I'm very pleased to join such a dynamic company and quite frankly, I am stoked. I look forward to doing great things for Huntington and Tri-State listeners and advertisers," adds Dunn.
* Crista Broadcasting names Tim McCoy General Manager of "105.9 The River" KFMK-FM, Austin. The station is expected to relaunch KFMK and its Contemporary Christian format when Cristia closes on its deal to acquire the outlet from the Clear Channel's Aloha Station Trust, later this month. "KFMK is going to bring a unique sound and extensive community involvement to the people of this great city," says McCoy. "We're going to present a new Spirit to Austin." Most recently, McCoy served as VP and General Manager of crosstown Univision from 2003 to 2009. He's also handled management duties with the former Susquehanna Radio and the former Hispanic Broadcasting.
* Bill Gamble will consult Schurz Communications' South Bend WSBT Radio Group. That group includes WNSN, WSBT, WZOC, and WHFB-AM-FM. Gamble will act as the Operations Director of the South Bend stations. "I’m looking forward to working with Sally Brown, Vice President of Radio-Indiana, and her talented team," says Gamble. "The Schurz stations have been the market leaders for years and I hope to help continue that trend." Brown, meanwhile, says, "Bill and I have worked together before, so I know firsthand what a talented programmer he is. I’m thrilled to welcome him to Schurz Communications and WSBT." Gamble most recently served as Program Director for CBS Radio Chicago Country WUSN and AC WCFS and was recently named as a consultant for AccuRadio.com’s Country music channels.
* Former RAB EVP George Hyde joins media brokerage W.B. Grimes & Co. as a Senior Associate.
Hyde will handle radio mergers and acquisitions for the suburban Wahington DC-based firm. "I'm excited to have George come aboard as part of our expanding radio team," says Grimes & Co. President Larry Grimes. "His hands-on management experiences with Susquehanna, and his firsthand relationships with thousands of station owners and operators make him ideally qualified to help prospective sellers and buyers identify and seize the best opportunities for mergers and acquisitions." Hyde tells us, "I've always been enthusiastic about radio's reach and impact, and the ongoing potential for radio's growth. This will be a great opportunity to continue to work with group and station as they fine-tune their portfolios to take advantage of the next wave of growth opportunities."
* Alan Burns and Associates signs as a client of Krantz Media Group for new business development.
"Alan Burns and Associates have an incredible track record spanning three decades," says Krantz Media Group President and CEO Gary Krantz. "They have worked with some of the biggest call letters in the U.S radio business, as well as provided strategic guidance to media companies internationally. Their recent study 'Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media' has become a benchmark in the radio industry, and KMG is thrilled at the opportunity to grow in to the future with Alan and his team." Says Alan Burns, "We're excited to have Gary’s experience, contacts, and strategic skills helping us develop partnerships in the industry." Krantz is a veteran broadcast exec who has served in CEO and EVP posts at such companies as Westwood One, Clear Channel, and Air America Radio.
* AC “Star 107.3” KRSR, Corpus Christi, flips to “We Play Everything” Adult Variety Hits “107.3 Jake FM”. The flip comes after stunting with an all-Beatles format, following the August 30 demise of “Star 107.3” and "Today's Refreshing Light Rock" — leading to a September 3 launch of the new format. The www.star1073radio.com now displays a splash screen for "Jake" which also has its own url at 1073jakefm.com that is currently redirecting to the former “Star" address. The flip leaves rhythmic-leaning KKBA as the only AC station in Corpus Christi. There remains a question about 107.3's (new?) call letters. Some promotional material is claiming "Jake" Corpus Christi is now KJKE. However, as best as we can determine, those calls continue to belong to Country "93.3 Jake FM" in the Oklahoma City market (licensed to Newcastle-Oklahoma City, OK). That appears to be verified by the latest data available from the FCC's FM station database.
* Atlanta's Rhythmic "The Groove" gets a second frequency, replacing Classic Country "96.7 The Legend" WWLG.
Clear Channel begins simulcasting "105-7 The Groove" WWVA-FM on 96.7 to – what's described as – "fill a signal hole for 105.7 in their coverage." WWVA-FM is licensed to Canton, GA, located about 20 miles north of Atlanta, while WWLG-FM is licensed to Peachtree City located about 20 miles south of Atlanta. "The Groove" is seeking to add audience formerly attached to “95.5 The Beat” WBTS-FM, which has flipped to a simulcast of News-Talk WSB-AM. Meanwhile, SVP of Programming Clay Hunnicutt says "The Legend" will survive on "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM's HD2 multicast channel.
* LC Media’s "Q104.7" KQIE-FM, Redlands, CA, debuts with a Rhythmic CHR format. KQIE was originally licensed to Palm Springs, CA but became a move-in to the Riverside-San Bernadino market this past February. KQIE is a programming sister to Gold Coast Rhythmic "Q104.7" KCAQ-FM, Oxnard-Ventura. Gold Coast Director of Programming and Broadcast Operations and KCAQ Program Director Brian Davis is handling the programming of KQIE. LC Media is run by President and General Partner Roy Laughlin, a former Clear Channel Los Angeles and CBS Radio Los Angeles SVP and Market Manager. KQIE made its long awaited on-air debut over the Labor Day weekend.
* Rhythmic CHR "Hot 93.9" KIKI-FM, Honolulu, flips to Rhythmic Gen X, with Hawaiian influences, as "93.9 Jamz."
The Clear Channel station's new slogan is "Your Generation's Ol' Skool" with new call letters KHJZ-FM. Sister Talk KHBZ-AM will assume the heritage KIKI calls as KIKI-AM. The new format is launched under Program Director Ryan Sean. "We're excited to unveil a new era for 93.9 today," says Clear Channel Hawaii VP and General Manager Chuck Cotton. "Radio listeners in Hawaii now have a new choice on the airwaves, something unlike any other station they've heard in the market." Cotton adds that "Hot 93.9" will still be avalable on the station's HD2 multicast channel. Clear Channel Hawaii Director of Programming Jamie Hyatt says the new "93.9 Jamz" will "feature the old school music Generation X grew up with, and certainly not their mom's old school tunes."
* Classic Rock WOZZ, Green Bay, WI, flips to "93 Rock" WRQE, simulcasting on 93.5 and 93.1 FM. Midwest Communications' new "93 Rock" offers an updated version of Classic Rock with such artists as Metallica, Guns 'N' Roses, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Motley Crue and Nirvana among others. How do they describe the revamped format? "It. Just. Rocks!!!" and "a new way to rock" are just two slogans presented in promotional materials. "93 Rock" is online at www.93rockon.com. The flip followed five days of teasing on Facebook and YouTube, with increasing hints at what was coming. Midwest Communications also launches Green Bay's Classic Hits "The Drive" WYDR. "The Drive" tells listeners it provides "The Soundtrack of Our Lives," featuring Classic Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. "The Drive" is simulcast on 94.3 Fox Cities and 99.7 Green Bay. WYDR is online at www.wydrthedrive.com.
* The Truth is that Denver's conservative FM Talker "The Truth" KTNI, Strasburg, CO, is replaced by "Jammin' 101.5".
The Max Media station positions itself as "Denver's Old School" with core artists that include Janet Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. The station is launching with 5,000 songs in a row commercial-free. The Truth Website is gone, and the new site is up and streaming at www.jammin1015.com. Visitors to the new site are told: "The people's choice is back...and here to stay!! JAMMIN’ 101.5...DENVER'S OLD SCHOOL is playing all your favorite jamz from back in the day!" Join our E-Club "CLUB JAM" and receive VIP e-mails on the hottest concerts, on-air giveaways, jammin' events an more! SIGN UP NOW and you could be one of 10 "CLUB JAM" members to win $101.50!! We won't send you an e-mail everyday either, just the important stuff!!" KTNI had only been a Talker for about a year, having made the move from Alternative "Indie 101.5" in July 2009. Program Director Zac Davis is named Operations Manager for Max Media Denver, and Marketing Director Brian DeGrasse is promoted to Assistant PD and Music Director for "Jammin' 101.5" while retaining his marketing duties as well. DeGrasse will handle day-to-day duties for "Jammin'" and Alan Burns will consult. Says Davis, "I was a big fan of the station four years ago and I'm glad there is still such a passion for it here in Denver. I can't wait to build on an already loved brand. Everyone in our building from GM Jeff Norman to our Interns are really excited!" Adds DeGrasse, "We are excited to bring Jammin' back to the Denver audience! It's a radio hole in the market that had to be filled. After exploring numerous formats, we decided that this was the radio pocket that needed to be serviced. Big promotions are on the way, but still under wraps."
* ABC News President David Westin says he's leaving at the end of the year. Westin has led ABC News since 1997 and carried the news division into the digital era. "As rewarding as I’ve found my time here, there are some other things I want to do professionally — things that I cannot explore while fulfilling my responsibilities here," Westin, a lawyer, wrote in an email to staffers, with the subject line "Transition." He added, "I’m announcing my decision now so that I can pursue those possibilities, something I couldn’t do in fairness to all of you until I’d told you of my plans to step down. I have agreed to remain your leader through the end of the year." Westin engineered high-stakes anchor switches at all the TV network's signature news programs — "World News," "Good Morning America," "Nightline" and "This Week." Many of the changes made by Westin have also been in evidence on Citadel Media's ABC News Radio.
* A struggle for control of the Washington Times leads to problems for its syndicated TRN-partnered radio program.
The family struggle over control of the Washington Times led to the newspaper missing payments on its contract with Talk Radio Network for the production of the syndicated "America's Morning News." The family struggle is between Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his son Preston over a proposal under which the father would buy the paper back from the son for $1 plus assumption of $8-$10 million in debt. The TRN deal calls for the Washington Times to pay $100,000 per month for three years in exchange for a share of ad revenues from the radio show. The plug was pulled on payments after the paper reportedly "lost hundreds of thousands on the radio show" – and after Preston Moon, reportedly concerned about the paper's top three executives' ties to his father's Unification Church, fired them. The three are now aligned with his father in the takeover bid. TRN has taken control of "America's Morning News" and has moved from the newspaper to another studio in the Washington area. TRN says it remains firmly committed to the morning show and its future.
* Peconic Public Broadcasting gets another extension to raise funds needed to purchase WLIU, Long Island. Peconic, formed for the purpose, is attempting to purchase the noncommercial station from Long Island University, in an effort to save the station as a locally-programmed public radio station for the Hamptons area. Last week, the deadline was extended until Friday at 5pm, when Peconic didn't yet have the money needed in hand. Now the deadline is extended until September 28 after Peconic receives further donations, including $50,000 from the foundation of billionaire and liberal political backer George Soros. Peconic Public Broadcasting needs to come up with a total of $637,000 to close on the station. Meanwhile, there are now reports that Peconic has secured bank financing for the purchase of WLIU for any amount that it still comes up short after the latest fund raising activity.
* "Gerry House and the House Foundation" on Clear Channel Country WSIX, Nashville, will call it quits. The long-running morning show with House and co-host Mike Bohan will end December 15. as House decides to leave radio, he told listeners. He announced on the air that he's ending his nearly three-decade career in Country radio, most of that at WSIX. "After long, painful consideration, we are leaving the air. We're leaving radio." House says he wants to devote more time to other major projects he is involved in, especially writing. “I wanna sleep late, contemplate and feel great," House told his listeners. "I will miss everyone on and off the air, but it's time for me to do the other things I think about. The mostest fun ever is working with your friends. I also plan to travel and spend less time with my family.” Following House's announcement, Clear Channel Nashville Market Manager Tom English said: “Working with Gerry has been a highlight of my career. He and the rest of the House Foundation are absolutely the best and they have meant so much to our listeners, our station and our industry. Just saying Gerry House will be missed is the understatement of the decade, but I understand his desire to take time and enjoy the fruits of his success.” House will continue to work with WSIX as a writer and contributor. WSIX Program Director Keith Kaufman says, "A worldwide search is now underway. We will find Nashville’s next big thing. Anyone who can make me laugh within three minutes of turning on the radio every morning for the next 20 years can call my cell phone. If it'll take four minutes on some days, we'll take it.”
* Former Cumulus WVBO-FM, Oshkosh, WI, morning host Rich Allen is sentenced for a computer sex crime.
Allen — real name: Richard Kieffer — is sentenced to 10 years in prison, with eight years to be suspended on good behavior conditions. Authorities in Fairfax County, VA, arrested Kieffer, 54, on charges of proposed sex on a computer with a child under the age of 15 last May. Allen was also sentenced to five years probation after his release from prison, which will allow him to transfer to Wisconsin. He will also undergo a psychiatric evaluation and sex offender evaluation, as well as registering as a sex offender in Virginia.
* Howard Stern: I'm 'pretty sure' I'm not going to re-sign with Sirius XM – unless I decide that I will. Stern's latest update on the status of his contract with Sirius XM Radio — despite the "pretty sure" he will be leaving at the end of the year when his contract expires — leaves one still unsure what he will actually do. We hear that even Robin Quivers still can't say for sure what Howard will finally decide. That may depend on what the satcaster does to satisfy him with a final offer. Stern tells his listeners he'd be interested in staying and adding a third channel, possibly a music channel, to his present Howard 100 and 101, while doing 15 hours of his own show per week. He says, however, he's also considering streaming options, including a mobile app with subscriptions. Stern's five-year contract with the satcaster ends in December. He says he doesn't want another five-year deal, if he does re-sign — although he's "pretty sure" he won't re-sign, unless he decides to do so after all. Stern now wants a yearly contract, although Sirius XM Radio is seeking to sign him to another five-year deal. He said that he is considering five options, but one, to "get the f**k out of the business," is off the table and he will continue in radio, although he said it would take "almost a miracle" for Sirius XM to re-sign him. However, Stern apparently believes in "almost miracles" as he added that his "priority" is to remain with the satcaster. Still, he complained that the company has "forgotten about the past." Our TPMedia analysts, after pouring through the full audio, have determined that it is 100% definite that Howard will ultimately either sign a new deal with Sirius XM or leave the satcaster at the end of the year. Unless somehow he can come up with a totally different option that miraculously involves neither.
* Report: Sirius XM sets course with or without Howard Stern. "Shock jock Howard Stern brought more than just his oversized personality to satellite radio when he joined Sirius — he also carted along an estimated 1.2 million new subscribers," writes Reuters' Liana Baker. "Now, five years later, Stern's $500 million contract with Sirius XM Radio," she adds. "is nearly up, giving rise to concerns about how well the company would fare without one of its biggest stars." Baker, in an analysis, notes that the satcaster's stock is trading around $1 a share and is down 5% in the last month, underperforming the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index. "There's a negotiation going on and everyone's assuming the worst," says Maxim Group analyst John Tinker, who says uncertainty about Stern has weighed on Sirius XM's stock. Stern himself hasn't helped the situation with on-air comments that he's "pretty sure" — but not definite — that he will leave satellite radio at the end of the year. Other analysts point out that over a six-month stretch, the shares are up 11% and say worries are overblown that a boatload of Sirius XM's 19.6 million subscribers would be lost should Stern depart after his contract expires in December. With or without Stern, they say Sirius XM's concentration on car radios and partnerships with auto manufacturers will keep its subscriber base growing for years. Last quarter alone it added 583,000 subscribers. "The company's in a pretty good position and their operations would be fine and continue even if they lost subscribers because of Stern," says BGB Securities analyst Murray Arenson. Another analyst, James Goss from Barrington Research, says that the listeners who followed Stern to Sirius XM may not be ready to leave with him. "People who took the product then might have found other things they liked about satellite radio, and at this stage, they wouldn't necessarily leave," says Goss.
* Beasley Las Vegas: Justin Chase Operations Manager for FM stations, Sean Lynch joins as PD of KOAS and KVGS.
Programmer Carmy Ferreri exits immediately. The two new stations join Beasley's current FM group that includes Classic Hits KKLZ and Country KCYE. "Not only do we believe the management addition of these two stations creates an excellent opportunity for our company, importantly it also reflects our belief in the strength of this market and our long-term commitment to Las Vegas," says VP of Operations Brian Beasley. Chase will continue as PD for KKLZ and KCYE. Lynch, who will program KVGS and KOAS, was instrumental in the successful launch of KKLZ before leaving the company to consult various entertainment companies. Market Manager Tom Humm assumes additional management responsibilities adding the two new stations. "I have worked closely with both Justin and Sean for many years," says Humm. "They are incredibly talented, dedicated and driven to providing the best possible radio products for Las Vegas listeners and advertisers. All five stations remain committed to providing meaningful community service and compelling content to Las Vegas in the months and years ahead." As we reported earlier, George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closed on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM. GGB is separate from Beasley Broadcast Group, which George Beasley heads as Chairman and CEO. His GGB purchased the stations from Riviera Broadcast Group, and has aready been operating them under an LMA. Beasley Broadcast Group is providing management services for the stations under a contract with GGB Las Vegas, formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Said George Beasley, "This transaction allows Beasley Broadcast Group to leverage its existing Las Vegas operating and management capabilities to immediately generate new cash flow through a structure that requires no capital commitment. Beasley Broadcast owns Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM in Las Vegas.
* Alternative "DC101" WWDC-FM and "Jack FM" WQSR-FM, Washington, Program Director Dave Wellington exits.
Wellington says he has amicably decided to leave after two years with Clear Channel Washington-Baltimore.
Wellington added "Jack FM" PD duties last November. He was programming Alternative "Channel 104.3" WCHH, Baltimore until the the station switched to CHR-Top40 as "Z104.3." Wellington previously was as PD at CBS Radio Alternative WBCN, Boston for four years and Alternative KXTE, Las Vegas, for six years. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two years programming Jack FM and DC101. I'd like to thank Tom Schurr, Clay Hunicutt, Hartley Adkins and Thea Mitchem and Booger for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to steer two great properties," says Wellington. "Currently, I'm looking at all available programming and on-air opportunities, both within Clear Channel and at other broadcasting companies."
* Cumulus Media names Carey Edwards as Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Y102" WHHY-FM, Montgomery, AL.
Edwards will also host morning drive. He replaces Jeff Andrews, who accepts an opportunity to travel north to program Cumulus-owned "i106" in Nashville. "After a long series of positive conversations with SVP Jan Jeffries, I am energized with the concept of continuing the winning tradition at WHHY," says Edwards. "Much thanks to Market Manager Bill Jones and PD Jeff Andrews for getting me pumped up for this great gig! After hearing Jan's vision of my role with Y102 I knew that I wanted to be with Cumulus." Edwards formerly was afternoon co-host, Music Director and Assistant Program Director of Entercom's "Mix 94.7" Hot AC KAMX-FM, Austin. His resume aso includes stops as PD at KZPT-FM, Tucson; afternoons at KHPT-FM, Houston; and KZZP and KZON Phoenix.
* Citadel Country Program Director Dave Kelly adds KSCS-FM, Dallas, to WKDF-FM Nashville, WGKX-FM Memphis.
At KSCS-FM he replaces Chris Huff. He will continue as PD in both Nashville and Memphis, while working with Huff, who remains for a significant role with the station. Kelly joined Citadel as PD of WKDF in May 2001 and was promoted to Operations Manager in June 2002. Previously, he programmed Nashville's WSIX-FM from 1995-2000.
* A New Jersey personal injury law firm is looking for unhappy HD Radio consumers who've had problems. Law firm Keefe Bartels is asking car buyers who have experienced "problems" with their factory-installed HD Radio receivers to contact them. The personal injury firm has posted an "investigation" of HD Radio on its Website that appears to be setting up a possible class action lawsuit over alleged deficiencies of HD Radio. Keefe Bartels says there have been "numerous complaints about HD Radio from not only the radio industry but also consumers." Keefe Bartels appears to be targeting both HD Radio developer iBiquity and automakers that are factory installing HD Radio. The NJ law firm points to problems that have been widely reported, suggests deception by the use of "HD" which doesn't stand for High Definition, and suggests car buyers are being forced to pay for a technology they don't actually want or need that's pre-installed and for which they're charged in the total auto price.
* New York Radio Market Association (NYMRAD) is set to host "Rated R" during Advertising Week in New York. Sir Richard Branson is slated to keynote, Westwood One syndicated personality Dennis Miller is set to appear, and Hot 97's Angie Martinez will interview Mary J. Blige, September 28. This year's event is aimed to educate marketers about radio and show it's not a "dirty little word." Says NYMRAD Executive. Director Deborah Beagan, "The landscape continues to change. All media is fragmented today but radio remains highly effective, efficient and is also a tremendous collaboration with digital." NYMRAD Chair and Emmis New York Market Manager Alexandra Cameron tells us, "An integrated lifestyle program designed by a radio station or group with the brand objectives as guidance can turn a message into an experience and bring a brand to life both on and off air for the target consumer, on their terms, where they live. Radio today is far more sophisticated than given credit." More about the five-letter "Dirty Little Word" – including places where you "do it" – is available at www.DirtyLittleWord.com.
* WADV, the official Web-based radio station for Advertising Week in New York, returns for 2010. The annual Ad Week station, available online and via the iheartradio mobile app, will focus on all things advertising and will feature interviews with industry and marketing leaders interspersed with news reports on conference content. This year's revamped format features roving on-site reporters with coverage of headlining events and panels. Advertising Week 2010 begins September 22, running through October 4. Highlights can be heard on select Clear Channel Radio News-Talk stations and online at advertisingweek.com/wadv.php.
* Recording artist Kix Brooks will take his radio 'American Country Countdown' show on the road. Brooks, who just completed the final tour with longtime recording/performing partner Ronnie Dunn, will soon Kix off a new tour, broadcasting the "American Country Countdown" from different affiliates at least once a month throughout 2011. The show has about 350 affiliate stations. Also, Brooks is set to host the American Country Countdown Concert series, six live shows featuring new and established Country music acts. Shows are set for next year in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington DC. "Having Kix in our portfolio provides our network a true leadership position in Country syndication," says Citadel Media SVP of Programming and Distribution Carl Anderson. "His level of dedication to the show and our affiliates is unmatched and has taken ACC to new heights. Partnering with him to take the program on the road while also delivering a magnificent concert series for our listeners will drive 2011 success for our advertisers and our stations."
* Country WQYK-FM, Tampa, signs stand-up comedian Cledus T. Judd to a multi-year deal to co-host mornings. Judd joins morning host Dave McKay from 5-10am, beginning today (Sept. 3), returning to the 99.5 WQYK morning show after a two-year absence. He is best known for his Country music parody work, including "I Love NASCAR" - "I Love This Bar" and "Paycheck Woman." Most recently, Judd co-hosted "Nashville Star" and is a regular co-host for CMT's "Most Wanted Live."
* Dial Global signs with the American Forces Radio Network for a new "PowerTalk" format for AFRN. The new Talk menu will feature Dial Global talk personalities Neal Boortz, Ed Schultz, Bill Press, Thom Hartmann and Stephanie Miller. The launch of of the new format is expected in mid-late October. "PowerTalk will feature the very best of American talk talent," says Dial Global SVP of News and Talk Amy Bolton. "We're thrilled that Neal, Ed, Bill, Thom and Stephanie will entertain our service men and women overseas and serve as a shining example worldwide of how diverging views can co-exist in a democracy such as ours."
* Greater Media Philadelphia signs with Xfinity Studios for new marketing program with Sports Talk WPEN-AM-FM.
Greater Media Philadelphia signs a one year agreement with Xfinity Studios as the official broadcast studio sponsor of Sports Talk 97.5 FM and 950 WPEN-AM-FM. "The Fanatic Broadcasting Live," was officially launched Thursday (Sept. 2)) by afternoon host Mike Missanelli. As part of the marketing program, the GM stations are promoting "Xfinity Studios, only from Comcast." The naming rights will be in effect for a one year period. The deal includes a full studio naming rights program, including Interactive, streaming, on-air giveaways and listener sit-in program elements. In addition, the station will have an official "Xfinity" chair located in the studio, which professional players coaches, and other timely guests will be able to sign when they stop by the Fanatic. At the end of the one-year program, the station will auction off the chair and give 100% of the proceeds to charity. "Comcast was looking for an innovative communications technology platform to highlight the additional choice and control Xfinity delivers to consumers," says Greater Media Philadelphia Director of Sales Matt Cowper. "Partnering with Philly's First FM Sports Station, WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic, gives XFinity the opportunity to reach consumers in a new, unique, engaging and innovative way. The partnership highlights the benefits of both brands giving Philadelphia consumers a new choice for sports and entertainment."
* A former Kalispell Christian Radio Fellowship KALS-FM, Kalispell, MT, bookkeeper pleads guilty in plea deal. Jessica McGee, who was the bookkeeper for KALS-FM from 2004 to 2009, admitted in District Court that she embezzled up to $67,000 from the Christian station under a plea deal. She entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of theft, with prosecutors recommending a maximum 10-year sentence with all but 14 days suspended. Sentencing is scheduled for November 10. In a statement, Kalispell Christian Radio Fellowship VP Roger Lonnquist says that McGee stole from the company for years, seemingly without remorse. He reported the crimes to the Flathead County Sheriff's office in August 2009. He expressed forgiveness for McGee, "Jessie is a human being, loved by God, who could still have a future if she gets her act together." According to court documents, McGee used $50,813 from the company bank account to pay her car payments, satellite TV service, credit cards, insurance and other personal expenses. She also falsified books and balance sheets, and used company credit cards for $6,183 in personal expenditures.
* Citadel Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, promotes Assistant PD Tracy Slutzkin to Program Director. Slutzkin will continue working with Operations Manager Drew Hayes, who has been programming the station in addition to serving as OM, and also is dividing his time between WLS and WMAL-AM in Washington DC. Hayes tells us the promotion is a definite recognition of Slutzkin’s contributions to the station’s ratings success. Slutzkin previously served as producer for Don Wade & Roma morning show until joining WFLD-TV, Chicago, as an editor and producer. She returned to the WLS-AM in October 2006. Says WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky, "Tracy has been an absolutely essential contributor to the strategy that has lead to the extraordinary revitalization WLS has enjoyed since the beginning of this year. She provides a perspective and viewpoint which Drew and I consistently rely on for making critical decisions." He adds that the promotion is “a reflection of the trust, confidence and respect Drew and I have in this exceptional colleague.”
* Clear Channel promotes Joe Haze to Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego. Haze, who has been with the station for 13 years, takes over as PD from Jimmy Steele, who is now Operations Manager of the San Diego cluster. Haze has been Music Director and night host at "Channel 933" and is also an air talent at sister Hot AC "Star 94.1" KMYI-FM. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of our own 'Haze' to Program Director of Channel 933," says Steele. "His passion for the station, level of experience and knowledge of the San Diego market, along with the respect of his peers make him the right choice to lead our programming efforts and continue to grow the Channel 933 brand." Haze adds, "This promotion is truly a dream come true for me. I have so much respect for the staff of Channel 933 and I look forward to working with this talented team to take the station to the next level of success. I am grateful for the continued guidance and leadership of my mentor and Operations Manager, Jimmy Steele and for the confidence placed in me by our President and Market Manager, Debbie Wagner."
* Greater Media appoints Steve Kosbau as Market Manager of its Detroit radio group. That cluster includes Active Rock WRIF-FM, Classic Hits WCSX-FM, and AC WMGC-FM. Kosbau, who will begin in mid-September, was most recently President and General Manager of crosstown Adult Variety Hits WDRQ-FM and Hot AC WDVD-FM. Prior to that, he was Director of Operations at Citadel's WJZW-FM and WRQX-FM, Washington DC. "Steve is a man of great character and intellect, who will help us take Greater Media Detroit to the next level," says Greater Media Philadelphia VP and Regional Market Manager John Fullam. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Greater Media family." Kosbau adds, "Opportunities like this are rare. It's an honor to join such a fantastic company and these legendary radio stations." Kosbau succeeds John Gallagher, who left last month. Fullam has been overseeing the Detroit market in the interim.
* "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, Program Director Larry Gifford will exit September 13. Gifford is going into business for himself, consulting radio outlets, groups and individuals. Says Gifford, "There are many remarkable people at ESPN who I will miss working with on a daily basis, but the next phase of life for my family and me is calling and I feel now is the time to move on." Gifford's previous stops include Fox Sports Radio; WBNS-AM, Columbus; WWDB-AM, Philadelphia; and the ESPN Radio network. Gifford says he’s going to launch two new businesses. LarryGifford.com will be home base for his broadcast consulting “as a coach, strategist, writer, creative catalyst and consultant.” Gifford’s second business is a non-radio one, a partnership with his wife, the new Body of Light Healing Arts center.
* The St. Louis Cardinals are returning to CBS Radio's "NewsRadio 1120" KMOX-AM next season. The team will return to KMOX next season after five years at KTRS-AM. The Cardinals had previously aired on KMOX for 51 years. STLtoday.com reports the move to KTRS had been highly controversial, because tens of thousands of fans outside the reach of the team’s radio network had been shut out of free access to the broadcasts and some listeners in the St. Louis area still complained about having difficulty receiving the signal. "But the wide reach at night of KMOX’s signal will return the broadcast to those fans," writes Dan Caesaer. In deciding to go back to KMOX, says Caesar, the team is picking tradition over a strong bid from "101.1 ESPN" WXOS-FM, the newest Sports Talk station in the market. WXOS had made two proposals – one to simulcast the games with KTRS, the other to carry them by itself.
* CBS Radio flips Smooth Jazz WSJT, Tampa Bay, to Hot AC as "Play 98.7". The new "Play 98.7" – "Today's best hits, without the rap" – is programmed by clustermate Rhythmic CHR "Wild 94.1" WLLD Program Director Orlando Davis. An airstaff for "Play 98.7" will be announced soon. Core artists include Katy Perry, Train, John Mayer, and Maroon 5. The new station is online at www.play987.com. "Play 98.7 will connect a number of great artists to their local fans and diversify CBS Radio's offerings in Tampa," says CBS Radio Tampa SVP and Market Manager Don Howe. "The station will provide the Tampa Bay Area with a great radio experience along with an integrated and interactive platform for adult CHR music and its fans to be heard." “Play 98.7” is clear about whose listeners it's going after. The new Website has the audio of the new format's launch [here]: "According to our calculations, radio has failed you,” a female voice says. “Deleting of antiquated software to proceed: 100.7 delete, 93.3 delete.” Those are the frequencies of Clear Channel’s Hot AC “Mix 100.7” WMTX and CHR-Top40 "93-3 FLZ" WFLZ-FM. Meanwhile, WSJT's former Smooth Jazz programming will be made available on 98.7's HD2 and online at www.wsjt.com.
* Midwest Communications flips "Classic Rock 102.5," Duluth-Superior, MN, to CHR-Top40 as KDWZ-FM. "Today's Hit Music" is an adult-oriented Top 40 station with the new call letters. Core artists include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Daughtry, the Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and Nickelback. KDWZ will introduce a staff of new personalities in the coming weeks. The station most recently was "Classic Rock 102.5" KHQG, although it is better remembered as Rock KRBR, originally tagged "The Bear." Later, the call letters were changed to KHQC, branded as "102.5 The Hog." Now, the calls are changed to KDWZ with the launch of the new format. The market has been without a CHR-Top40 station for more than a dozen years. "People have been demanding a station that plays today's top artists and we're delivering!" says Operations Manager Mark Fleischer. A new Website is currently under contruction, currently displaying a splash screen, showing the station's new logo, that says: "KDWZ is Coming Soon!"
* George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closes on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM, Las Vegas.
GGB is separate from Beasley Broadcast Group, which George Beasley heads as Chairman and CEO. His GGB purchased the stations from Riviera Broadcast Group, and has aready been operating them under an LMA. Beasley Broadcast Group is providing management services for the stations under a contract with GGB.
KOAS-FM is a Rhythmic AC; KVGS-FM, Alternative Rock. GGB Las Vegas was formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Says George Beasley, "This transaction allows Beasley Broadcast Group to leverage its existing Las Vegas operating and management capabilities to immediately generate new cash flow through a structure that requires no capital commitment. Beasley Broadcast owns Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM in Las Vegas.
* ICBC Broadcast Holdings VP and General Manager Deon Levingston is appointed to the NAB Radio Board. The appointment of Levingston is made by Board Chair Caroline Beasley. Levingston will represent District 1 (New York and New Jersey) NAB radio members. Levingston oversees New York's WBLS-FM and WLIB-AM. Known as the flagship station for the nationally syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show," WBLS has been recognized for numerous awards, including the NAB Marconi Award for Urban Station of the Year in 2005 and 2008, and the 2008 Radio & Records' award for Urban AC Major Market (1-15) Station of the Year. Levingston's broadcasting career and education spans two decades. Prior to joining ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Levingston was market manager for Radio One's five Indianapolis stations. In 2008, Levingston graduated from the NAB Education Foundation's Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program, a curriculum that teaches senior level broadcast executives the fundamentals of purchasing, owning and successfully operating radio and television stations. Levingston is currently on the Arbitron Advisory Council and also serves on several boards and committees of area charities and non-profit organizations including Project Enterprise, United Negro College Fund, Harlem YMCA, NY Urban League, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the New York State Broadcasters.
* Peconic Public Broadcasting gets 72-hour extension to come up with $637,000 to purchase WLIU, Long Island. Peconic, formed for this purpose, is attempting to purchase the noncommercial station from Long Island University, in an effort to save the station. The deadline is extended until Friday at 5pm, when Peconic didn't yet have the money needed in hand. The East Hampton Press reports the extension was given after a last-minute appeal by U.S. Representative Tim Bishop. It came with less than an hour to go until the August 31 deadline. Peconic is attempting to raise the money to buy the station to keep it as a locally-programmed public radio station for the Hamptons area. Peconic Public Broadcasting previously received an extension of the original deadline for paying up from June 30.
* Media Monitors releases August political advertising totals for radio, broadcast TV and local cable outlets. Topping the list is political action committee "Bankrupting America." The PAC spent $669,203 on radio during the month, with ads focusing on government spending. The Meg Whitman for Governor campaign by the California Republican came in second in radio spending in the monitored markets, followed by the NAB's ads opposing a performance royalty for radio. Rick Scott's gubernatorial campaign in Florida was fourth; the American Petroleum Institute, fifth, with ads opposing new energy taxes; and the Jeff Greene for Governor campaign in Florida, sixth. Media Monitors says it will follow all of the major races for U.S. Senate and state governors, as well as political action committees and organizations buying political advertising.
* Consolidation, cuts, reorganization, and "massive innovation” come to Deseret Media Group in Salt Lake City. Utah's oldest daily newspaper, The Deseret News, is cutting 43% of its staff and consolidating operations with affiliated radio and television operations to emphasize online digital news delivery on Websites and mobile devices. The Deseret News is eliminating 85 newsroom positions, although some staffers will stay on for a transition period as the newspaper consolidates with KSL Radio and KSL-TV. All three are owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "We are in a period of massive innovation," says Deseret News CEO and President Clark Gilbert, a former Harvard Business School professor and student of "disruptive innovation," or transforming traditional business markets. "Audiences are migrating from traditional newspapers to digital news sources, which allows us to reach more audiences than ever before." He says the plan, now being implemented, "expands news coverage and analysis even in the face of the economic realities we face." Gilbert saiys the 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees laid off were from throughout the newsroom and were given severance packages, although he did not provide details. The Deseret News will move to the broadcast building about five blocks away, but the newspaper and KSL will keep separate Websites because they have "distinct voices and content strategies," says Gilbert. [More from KSL Newsradio »]
* The U.S. Bankruptcy Court appoints federal Judge Kevin Gross as a mediator for the Tribune Co. bankruptcy. "We're pleased that the court has appointed a mediator. This is a clear sign that reaching consensus is a valuable part of this process," says Tribune CEO Randy Michaels. "We welcome Judge Gross' participation in the process and we look forward to his wisdom and guidance as we move forward." Tribune Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey appointed his fellow federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware as a mediator to assist in Tribune Company’s negotiations with various creditors as the company’s Chapter 11 process drags on. Gross you might remember was the judge for the Regent Communications bankruptcy case. Also, Tribune’s Board of Directors has named a special committee to oversee the company’s Chapter 11 process. The committee is composed of four independent directors.
* Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz retires from the Board; Mark Stone is the new Chairman. Pattiz, who becomes Chairman Emeritus, signs a new contract as a consultant to the company. He's succeeded as Chairman by Gores Group Senior Managing Director Mark Stone. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with Stone and the company’s senior management. "As Chairman, my mandate is to drive customer-oriented initiatives that will further strengthen Westwood One’s leading market position," says Stone. "We are fortunate to have Norm’s continuing expertise as we build the company’s future." Pattiz tells us, "I’ve been sitting in the same seat for over 30 years, and will continue to do so as a consultant to the company. I am, however, relinquishing my seat at the Board table. This allows me to play an active role at the company I founded, working with people that I admire and respect, while continuing the other activities that are very important to me." Pattiz serves as Chairman of the Departnent of Energy's Los Alamos and Laurence Livermore National Security Laboratories, and as a Regent of the University of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and received a "Giants of Broadcasting" Award, from the Library of American Broadcasting. "Norm’s programming experience, extensive contacts, and customer focused insights are extremely valuable to the Company, and I look forward to continuing our partnership," says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. [More »]
* Lincoln Financial Media is acquiring Big League Broadcasting's Sports Talk "The Zone" in Atlanta. Big League leased Lincoln Financial Media's WQXI-AM frequency as "790 The Zone" in Atlanta. Terms are not disclosed. With the acquisition, senior management will remain in place while co-owned "Star 94" WSTR-FM VP and General Manager Rick Mack will be promoted to SVP and GM and oversee Lincoln Financial stations in Atlanta. Founded in 1997 by current Co-Presidents Andrew Saltzman and Stephen "Steak" Shapiro, "790 The Zone" has become one of the country's leading Sports Talk outlets. "The addition of '790 The Zone' strengthens our Atlanta operations, and Rick is the perfect person to lead this new unified effort for us," says Lincoln Financial Media President and CEO Don Benson. "We're big believers in sports radio, with the success of our other properties in Denver and Miami. The Zone's veteran management team and roster of talented employees will give us an even stronger presence in the format."
Saltzman will become VP/GM of WQXI-AM and report to Mack. Neal Maziar is named Station Manager, and morning personality Shapiro will also serve as Station Brand Manager.
* Tampa, FL, radio listeners lose the syndicated Dave Ramsey Show on "NewsTalk 820" WWBA-AM. On the same day that Smooth Jazz on WSJT-FM bit the dust, WWBA-AM said Ramsey's show was out. Vice President of Programming Allan Davis said it was time for the station to go in a different direction. He says the station ratings were not where they needed to be with Dave Ramsey in the 2-4pm time slot. Beginning Tuesday, "News Talk 820" began airing a full three hours of syndicated Michael Smerconish noon-3pm, and expanding Christopher Markwoski to start at 3pm, an hour earlier. The Dave Ramsey show had been on WWBA for the past three years.
* Private equity firm Alden Global Capital withdraws its backing of Jeff Smulyan's plan to take Emmis private. Emmis Communications, announcing Monday (Aug. 30) that the pending shareholder stock offers are being further extended until Thursday (Sept. 2, 2010), indicates it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with both Alden and the lock-block of preferred shareholders that have continued to delay the privatization buyout by Smulyan's JS Acquisition, the company formed by Smulyan for the transaction. Friday (Aug. 27), a shareholders' meeting on an exchange of preferred stock for new notes due 2017 was adjourned without a vote — the fifth time that's happened this month. The meeting is now rescheduled for Thursday, and the exchange offer and a tender offer of $2.40 per share for Emmis common stock have been extended to that date. However, in its news release, Emmis says that after an agreement in principle had been reached on revised terms among Emmis, Alden, Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan, JS Acquisition, and the preferred shareholders' group, Alden withdrew its support for the newly negotiated terms. "The offers are being further extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan are continuing their discussions in an effort to reach an agreement with Alden Global Capital ("Alden"), a private asset management company that had previously agreed to provide financing for the tender offer through an affiliate, and a group of holders of approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate who have previously indicated that they would vote against the matters to be voted on at the special meeting," reads the Monday Emmis news release. "During the past several weeks, Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan, Alden and the representatives of the group of holders of Preferred Stock negotiated and agreed in principle on revised economic terms for the contemplated transactions that each indicated it would support. Subsequently, Alden has informed Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan that it would no longer support the negotiated terms. Accordingly, although discussions are continuing, JS Acquisition believes it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with either Alden or the group of holders of Preferred Stock."
* Radio One again extends its exchange offer for Senior Subordinated Notes. Radio One has further extended the expiration time of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation, to September 15. As of the close of business August 30, approximately 91.8% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. At the previously scheduled expiration time, the conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer as set forth in the Company's Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement and Offering Memorandum, dated June 16 were not satisfied and, as a result, Radio One determined to further extend the exchange offer, according to the company.
* Steve Carver is named SVP and Market Manager of CBS Radio's seven-station Los Angeles cluster. Carver replaces Ed Krampf who exits to pursue other opportunities. "I'm pleased Steve is joining our Los Angeles cluster of stations," says CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason. "Those who have worked closely with Steve, myself included, boast about his exceptional leadership and depth of knowledge that only comes from years of experience overseeing radio and television stations, and a newspaper. Elevating Steve to this new role will make the most of his considerable talent." Most recently, Carver was Market Manager at CBS Radio's West Palm Beach. Before that, the same in Cleveland. Before joining CBS Radio in Cleveland, Carver spent 11 years with Tribune, including three years as Publisher, President and CEO of the Hartford Courant. Carver also worked as General Manager of WGN-AM, Chicago, 1998-2003. Exiting Krampf took over CBS Radio Los Angeles in March 2009, arriving from the same position at the company's Tampa cluster. Before joining CBS Radio, Krampf was Clear Channel Western Region SVP.
* Journal Broadcast Group names Dominic Fails as VP of Sales. Based in Milwaukee, the media sales veteran will oversee the sales strategy for local, national, digital and new media advertising at Journal's 33 radio and 13 television stations. Most recently Fails was VP of Sales at Telemundo's KTMD-TV, Houston. "Dominic is a proven leader who will work with our entire management team as we continue to provide multiple marketing solutions for our customers across the Journal Broadcast Group local markets," says Chairman and CEO Steven Smith. "We are pleased to accomplish our goal of securing a sales leader who will drive our revenue and business development strategy." Adds Fails, "I am pleased to join the Journal team and look forward to working with each of our markets to find ways to provide exceptional service to our customers and grow our market share."
* Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities are announced. The nominations listing was delivered to Country Radio Tuesday (Aug. 31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. The five final categories of nominees for the 44th Annual CMA Awards were announced this morning (Sept. 1) on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America." All of the nominees are now featured here on the CMA Awards Website. The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” Wednesday, November 10, and broadcast live by the ABC-TV from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year. The CMA Broadcast Awards finalists were revealed at a news conference where select CMA Awards finalists were also announced by Justin Moore and Chris Young.
* RadioTime acquires the TuneIn Internet Radio application for iPhone and iPod Touch. RadioTime also hires the app's developer, Ben Alexander to oversee the development of RadioTime's iPhone and future iPad apps. "I have realized the dream many independent apps developers share of having my app become a best-seller on iTunes, which is very difficult considering there are more than 225,000 apps and counting available for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch," says Alexander. "Partnering with RadioTime and being able to leverage its technology provided me with a significant advantage over the ever-growing number of Internet radio and streaming music apps, and I'm excited about the opportunity to join the company and work on bringing Internet radio to a wide variety of mobile, automotive and connected in-home media players, televisions and sound systems." RadioTime CEO Bill Moore adds, "An ever-growing number of our RadioTime.com users are now accessing Internet radio on their smart phones, using their headphones, connecting to a docking station and plugging into their car stereos," said "Adding the TUNEIN application to the line-up of our own and partners' mobile apps, along with the expertise Ben brings to our team, brings our customers and partners a significant competitive advantage."
* Roger Piper exits NextMedia Group as General Sales Manager of its suburban Chicago stations. Piper was promoted from Account Executive to GSM for Classic Hits "95.9 The River" WERV-FM, Aurora, in 2005, later adding GSM duties for Talk WJOL-AM, AC "Star 96.7" WSSR-FM and Classic Rock WRXQ-FM. Prior to NextMedia, Piper was VP and Station Manager of KOSP-FM, KKLH-FM and KOMG-FM, Springfield, MO.
* Entercom Indianapolis Director of Operations and Programming Scott Sands exits. Sands also programmed News-Talk WXNT-AM and Hot AC WZPL-FM. He was upped to Operations Director for Entercom's three-station Indianapolis group in September 2006. Sands joined WZPL in November 1999.
* Glenn Beck ignites new conservative Website TheBlaze.com on heels of 'Restoring Honor' rally in DC. Beck, a frequent critic of the mainstream news media, launches his own news site, The Blaze, featuring some of his favorite issues, such as faith, terrorism, the imam behind the planned Islamic community center in New York City and Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally at the Lincoln Memorial, according to The Washington Post. The site features a welcome message from Beck: "If you are like me, watching the news or reading the paper can be an exercise in exasperation. It's so hard to find a place that helps me make sense of the world I see. Too many important stories are overlooked. And too many times we see mainstream media outlets distorting facts to fit rigid agendas. Not that you've ever heard me complain about the media before. Okay, maybe once or twice. But there comes a time when you have to stop complaining and do something. And so we decided to hire some actual journalists to launch a new Website – The Blaze. And we moved fast. We built the team and the site in just two months." New York's Daily News reports that between his gig at Fox News, authoring best-selling books, and hosting a radio show and GlennBeck.com, Beck pulls in $35 million a year," citing Forbes, which puts him 43rd on its Celebrity 100 power ranking list. TheBlaze.com is edited by Scott Baker, who previously worked for conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart. Baker says that Beck will offer the staff a "continual flow of tips" on how to program the site,
* Former NC public official and radio station owner Kevin Geddings is exonerated, his fraud conviction vacated.
Geddings, the former North Carolina Lottery Commissioner and radio station owner, has been exonerated by the same judge who convicted him of fraud and imprisoned him over three years ago, reports the Charlotte Observer. Geddings was convicted in 2006 of fraud for not disclosing having been paid $250,000 by a lottery company in the years before his appointment as Insurance Commissioner, but the U.S. Supreme Court two months ago narrowed the interpretation of the fraud statute used to convict Geddings, thus making what he was accused of doing no longer criminally fraudulent. He was released less than a week later, and Judge James Dever has now ordered the conviction vacated and his $25,000 fine repaid. Geddings and his wife owned and sold two Charlotte area radio stations, and bought two others, Talk WAOC-AM and Sports WFOY-AM, St. Augustine in 2006. His wife, who served him with divorce papers while he was in prison, remains the licensee of those stations. Geddings acknowledges that he made mistakes. "I should have been more fulsome in the disclosures I made on that ethics form," he said, "but I never committed a felony."
* "106.7 The Fan" WJFK, Washington, host Mike Wise suspended by the Washington Post for his Twitter hoax. Wise tells his radio listeners that he's been suspended for one month by the Post for using his personal Twitter account to post that the NFL would suspend Ben Roethlisberger five games for his off-field behavior, and then telling his WJFK listeners that the post was phony and intended to prove that people will believe, and reporters will print, anything. The stunt drew considerable national attention, most negative, to Wise. He then apologized on his show, saying, "My bosses at the Post feel I need a month to think about the severity of my actions." He added, "I made a horrendous mistake."
* After reports he might be replaced, Tribune CEO Randy Michaels says: "We're making solid financial progress." "Despite the noise surrounding our Chapter 11 process and a tough economic environment, we have not only stabilized our business, but in 2010 we have grown operating cash flow — and we're really just getting started," says Michaels, one day after reports from Tribune Co. newspapers that creditors are courting Michael Eisner to replace Sam Zell as chairman and Jeff Shell to replace Michaels. Michaels says Tribune's consolidated operating cash flow was up 44% for January-July compared to the first seven months of 2009. That adds up to about an additional $100 million.
While Michaels was touting the improved finances, the company was telling the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware that it
had decided not to file a new reorganization plan Friday (Aug. 27), as previously scheduled. An email from Michaels to staff said that the company continues to negotiate with creditors but would not be amending its plan "at the present time."
Tribune's attorney had told Judge Kevin Carey last week that the company would file an amended plan August 27 after talks with senior lenders collapsed.
* Tens of thousands attend the "Restoring Honor" rally organized by Glenn Beck in Washington. The rally at the Lincoln Memorial drew between 87,000 and 200,000 — depending of which estimate you believe — although Beck claims it was between 200,000 and 500,000. They came to hear Beck, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Also, receiving an award for his charitable work, St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols. The Saturday (Aug. 28) rally was held 47 years to the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the same site. Also among the speakers was Dr. King's niece Dr. Alveda King, a political activist. Sunday, Beck said his rally drew "on the low end 300,000" attendees up to "as many as 650,000." Unofficial estimates of the crowd size have varied wildly. CBS estimated 87,000 attendees based on aerial photographs, while NBC quoted an anonymous park service official who said there were 300,000 in the audience. The Park Service did not release an official estimate. Beck said there is "not a chance" of a Beck-Palin GOP ticket in 2012. He said he has "zero desire" to run for president. "I don't think I would be electable," he said, appearing on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the event. Beck explained that the gathering was intended to reclaim the mantle of the civil rights movement from politics for "people of faith." Beck dismissed his critics who say that he has frequently engaged in racial politics by saying "race should not be in politics." Beck said he didn't agree with King's calls for economic justice. "The real agenda should be equal justice, an equal shot," said Beck. "The dream was to judge man by the content of his character, not the color of his skin. I don't know that we've done that." He added that the Justice Department is "certainly not doing that" in the case of the New Black Panther Party, referencing an alleged incident of voter intimidation on Election Day in 2008 — a controversy driven in no small part by Beck's radio and television shows that many on the left have cited as evidence of Beck's willingness to stoke racial fear among white people. Beck said "African Americans should be equally outraged" over the incident.
* Postponed again &ndash in 'Try #5' for the Emmis vote on Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's go-private buyout plan. A group of preferred shareholders Friday evening (Aug. 27) again refused to vote on an effort by Smulyan to take the company private, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal. It was the fifth such setback for Smulyan in four weeks since he began his privatization effort. Company officials said discussions continue with the group of eight shareholders, which holds 38% of Emmis preferred shares. Emmis officials said a date for a new shareholders meeting won’t be determined until Monday, The dissident group holds enough shares to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. Emmis shares closed at $2.02 Friday, down 7 cents from a week ago. The stock remained below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt that the company's founder can pull off his plan. Smulyan’s offer through his JS Acquisition and private equity firm Alden Global Capital values the company at about $90 million. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold Smulyan likely would be able to meet. Founded by Smulyan in 1981, Indianapolis-based Emmis owns 23 radio stations in the United States and publishes regional magazines in seven cities, including Indianapolis Monthly. It also operates radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Over the past four years, Emmis’ revenue has declined by 33%, to $243 million. Its continuing operations have wracked up losses of more than $430 million. That performance has caused Emmis’ share price to plunge since the last time Smulyan tried to take the company private in May 2006. At that time, Smulyan’s buyout group offered $15.25 per common share, but could not come to terms with the company’s Board of Directors.
* Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan takes time out from go-private effort for chips — FM radio chips in mobile devices.
Smulyan, still attempting to unlock a "lock-block" for his attempt to buyout Emmis, took time for an NBC News interview, presented as a point-counterpoint report with Rural Cellular Association CEO Steve Berry. Smulyan, on the battle between radio and wireless groups over mandating that FM chips be included in cellphones and other mobile devices, said in an on-camera interview: "It's a shame it's come to this. The marketplace has been blocked." He notes that that wireless companies would rather sell paid music services than add free FM. Berry says FM chips will add costs "for a functionality consumers may not ever actually use." Smulyan, however, says that in most of the worldwide cellphones already ship with the FM chip installed. He also maintains that in the event of an emergency, broadcasters who have backup generators are "really the only people who can inform the American public."
* Michael Baisden co-host George Willborn files $100 million racial discrimination suit over withdrawn real estate. A Bridgeport, IL, couple and their real estate agent were previously charged by HUD with housing discrimination after they refused to sell a $1.7 million home to Willborn. Now Willborn has filed a $100 million racial discrimination suit. According to the HUD complaint, on which we previously reported, the Willborns placed a bid on a five-bedroom home from Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, which was accepted for the price of $1.7 million. Later, when the Sabbias found out Willborn was an African American, they refused to complete the deal. After an interview with a HUD investigator, the agent for the property, Jeffrey Lowe of Lowe Group Chicago, said Daniel Sabbia told him he would rather not sell to an African American. "I think it's unfortunate, sad and disgusting. It jolts you to your core beliefs," says Willborn. "No one has the right to dictate the American dream." Willborn lawyer Charles Peckham adds, "If this can happen to the Willborns, a prominent couple with the means to buy a home in an exclusive neighborhood, it can happen to anyone." The Willborn offer was the highest that the Sabbias received in two years of listing the 8,000-square foot home for sale.
* Clear Channel is publicly distancing itself from a WHO-AM, Des Moines, host's on-air comments on homosexuality.
Clear Channel Radio WHO-AM morning host Jan Mickelson told listeners the idea that AIDS does not discriminate is a lie, provoking the ire of several groups. The Iowa Independent reports that Jan Mickelson criticized Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn for denouncing a GOP legislative candidate who posted anti-gay statements on his Facebook. Strawn said “HIV/AIDS does not discriminate,” a point that raised the ire of Mickelson, who, according to the Independent, has a history of anti-gay remarks. Mickelson said the disease discriminates against people who engage in “stupid behavior,” and since homosexuality is a “sexual disorder” that violates natural law, it “isn’t rocket science” to conclude AIDS discriminates against homosexuals. “Homosexuality is intrinsically promiscuous, because it violates the design of our bodies,” Mickelson said. “There is no safe way to do that.” In a statement read shortly before Mickelson’s program began Thursday morning (Aug. 26), Clear Channel said Mickelson’s statements “confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease. Mr. Mickelson’s comments do not reflect the opinions of Clear Channel, nor do they reflect the ongoing support Clear Channel provides to public service campaigns, such as Greater than AIDS, that works to convey the message that AIDS does not discriminate. We regret any confusion about HIV/AIDS that may have resulted from Mr. Mickelson’s remarks.” Since news first broke about Mickelson’s statements, One Iowa — the state’s largest LGBT-rights organization — worked with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), urging Clear Channel to correct the misinformation. Carolyn Jenison, executive director of One Iowa, praises Clear Channel’s statement.
* Listener Driven Radio adds four industry veterans to its engineering and support teams. LDR, which provides interactive programming tools for broadcasters, adds Brian Seeders, Blake Weber, Craig Bowman and Gale Parmelee. This announcement follows the appointment of Greg Hunt as VP of Affiliate Relations in July. Seeders joins the company as Chief Engineer and will oversee the continued development and growth of the LDR platform for radio stations. Seeders will also manage new feature development. Weber joins LDR as Support Engineer, and will focus on working with radio stations to easily and effectively utilize the LDR system. A veteran broadcast engineer, Bowman also joins the team as a Support Engineer. Bowman previously worked as a lead engineer for Scott Studios. Parmelee, a veteran radio programmer is promoted to VP of Programming Support working with LDR affiliate Program Directors. "This has been a year of tremendous growth for LDR," says LDR President Daniel Anstandig. "These additions bring a significant amount of talent to the team and further empower LDR clients to realize success in growing ratings and revenue from the platform. When new affiliates sign with us, they can be certain that they will receive world-class engineering and programming support from the LDR team."
* The Dickey family, best known for Cumulus radio, continues growing their magazine business. Dickey Publishing (DP), which is separate from Cumulus, strikes a deal to buy Modern Luxury Media. According to a news release, Dickey Publishing, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Modern Luxury Media, "the country's largest city magazine publisher." Modern Luxury publishes 26 titles in 12 major markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC and Miami. Dickey Publishing has commissioned Cumulus Media to operate Modern Luxury through Cumulus' Structured Management Services division. Dickey Publishing has retained Macquarie Capital as sole advisor to the transaction. Macquarie also will provide debt and equity funding for the transaction. Says Dickey Publishing President and Publisher Michael Dickey, "Modern Luxury has an excellent position in the most significant media markets in the U.S. We look forward to working with its talented team. We are also pleased to be partnering with Macquarie, who has significant experience in the media sector. Their advice and support in this transaction will be of significant benefit to the growth of the business." Says Modern Luxury CEO Bill Cobert, "There has been keen interest in Modern Luxury from several interested buyers. Dickey Publishing distinguished themselves in a number of respects, by placing the greatest value on Modern Luxury, our team, our brands, and each of our markets. We believe they will be a superb steward of the business going forward." Cumulus Media Chairman and CEO, Lew Dickey, adds, "Modern Luxury has a stable of venerable publishing brands in the nation's most desirable media markets. It will benefit greatly from Cumulus' technology platform, operating systems and local media sales experience. This is an excellent opportunity to gain significant scale in a business in which Dickey Publishing has been operating for over a decade." The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
* Cumulus Media's Lew and John Dickey are being honored with Urban Knight Awards by AURN. The American Urban Radio Networks award honors individuals in the radio business who effectively market to African-American consumers. Says AURN’s Jerry Lopes, “I've been in this business for four decades and for as long as I can remember the Dickey family has been committed to marketing the Black consumer marketplace. They've always had a significant number of Urban stations in their radio portfolio and those stations have stood the test of time effectively serving African Americans in small and medium sized markets throughout this country.” The awards will be given September 29 during the first evening of the NAB-RAB Radio Show 2010 in Washington DC.
* Among rumored candidates to run Google's new music service: Clear Channel's Evan Harrison. TPM Radio Web Watch reported Friday (Aug. 27) that Google is reportedly seeking an executive to lead its planned music service. Sources have told All Things Digital that Google has reached out to multiple digital media executives about a position heading up the reported Google Music, but hasn't hired anyone yet. All Things Digital also reports that its sources believe the mysterious Google Music could have its launch delayed from later this year to the first quarter of 2011. Harrison is said to be one of those under consideration, and he just announced he is leaving Clear Channel at the end of the year. That would tie in to a delay for the Google Music start-up to Q1 2011. Some think this may mean he's the leading candidate at Google, and may even already have a deal which would explain the timing of his announcement that he's giving up the job as Clear Channel EVP of Online Music and Radio.
* Radio Disney SVP and General Manager Michael Riley gets the picture, named new President of ABC Family TV.
Riley will oversee all original programming and acquisitions, as well as marketing, sales and operations. He succeeds Paul Lee, who was promoted to President of ABC Entertainment Group last month after six years at ABC Family.
In his Radio Disney role, Riley provided oversight of the strategic management of the Radio Disney network and its owned radio stations. He joined The Walt Disney Company in April 2008. Previously, Riley was SVP and General Manager, Turner Broadcasting System, Europe, Middle East and Africa. In this post, he was responsible for developing the CNN commercial strategy and the overall brand strategy for the entertainment channels Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TCM, TNT and Adult Swim in Germany, Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Other key responsibilities included the management of advertising sales, marketing and interactive commerce functions, as well as supporting the company's programming development and acquisition strategy.
* CBS Interactive names former PayPal VP of Finance and CFO Mary Hentges as its new CFO and EVP. Hentges replaces Zander Lurie as CFO of CBS Interactive, a position Lurie held until April when he shifted to his current role as SVP of Strategic Development for parent company CBS Corporation. Citing CBS' existing roster of online brands, Hentges said of the unit's prospects: "I'm confident we can grow." CBS Corporation EVP and CFO Joseph Ianniello says the appointment was not a decision made lightly. Now more than ever, says Ianniello, "Continued success at CBS Interactive is a key part of the company's future." At PayPal, Hentges led a team that oversaw accounting, billing, financial planning and analysis, strategy, enterprise risk management, tax, treasury and internal audits. Prior to PayPal, Hentges worked in a number of finance roles for Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard.
* Clear Channel discloses spending $1.37 Million for second quarter lobbying. According to a disclosure filing, the lobbying targets included various FCC proceedings, the Performance Rights Act, the Local Radio Freedom Act, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, and the DISCLOSE Act. Clear Channel also reports lobbying Congress on the journalist shield law, the Free Flow of Information Act.
* The 22-year-old son of "NewsRadio 1160" KSL-AM, Salt Lake City, UT, host Doug Wright is found dead in DC. Eric Wright had just started his internship in the office of Congressman Rob Bishop. Over the weekend, he was with several other Hinckley Institute interns on the landscaped roof of the Park Place apartment building in Washington DC. At some point, Wright fell seven stories to the alley below. Kirk Jowers, head of the Hinckley Institute, said he was alone when he fell, reports Utah' s KUTV 2. DC police are not talking about the case, but those close to the family are saying it is simply a tragic accident, and have been told by a detective that they don't suspect foul play. "We are distraught and heartbroken as we could possibly be," Doug Wright told KUTV 2.
* Total local advertising is expected to reach $133.3 billion in 2010, up 2.1% over 2009, according to BIA/Kelsey. Overall, local advertising is growing slightly faster in 2010 compared with earlier estimates. In a preview of its forthcoming mid-year update to the BIA/Kelsey Annual U.S. Local Media Forecast (2009-2014), the firm’s executives told attendees of its Directional Media Strategies 2010 (DMS ’10) conference in Dallas that local advertising will reach $133.3 billion by the end of 2010. This represents a 2.1 percent increase over 2009, compared with the firm’s original estimate of a 0.95 percent decline. Two media categories that have seen greater than expected growth in 2010 are television, up 13 percent over 2009, due to stronger political advertising, and online advertising, up 30.2 percent over 2009. “After the challenges of 2009, it is good to see a faster rebound in 2010,” said BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek. “Still, we don’t expect to see meaningful recovery until 2012.” In the later years of the forecast period (2011-2014), growth rates are expected to be slightly slower, with the 2014 total local advertising estimate close to what was originally forecast. BIA/Kelsey will provide the complete mid-year forecast update to clients of the company’s Continuous Advisory Services later this month. “The strength and popularity of certain media over the next five years in the local media marketplace will dramatically affect the distribution of advertising spending for many of the advertising categories,” says BIA/Kelsey CEO Tom Buono. “Players in the local market need to be aware of their media competition for each of these advertising categories.” [More from BIA/Kelsey »]
* Radio reaches more than 239 million Persons aged 12 and older over the course of a typical week, according to the RADAR 106 National Radio Listening Report, which releases Monday, September 20, 2010. The weekly audience of 239 million listeners to radio represents an increase of four million listeners versus the year ago RADAR 102 report of 235 million weekly listeners, says Arbitron in an advance preview. For the 7,200+ stations affiliated with the 53 specific networks reported in RADAR, the weekly audience is 220 million Persons aged 12 and older, up by nearly 6 million listeners from the 214 million listeners reported one year ago in RADAR 102. The Arbitron preview tells us: "Radio Retains Its Strength and Stability." Despite the adoption of MP3 players and the growth of mobile and Internet-only stations, (terrestrial) radio reaches 93 percent of Persons aged 12+ each week. Even 92 percent of teens aged 12-17, younger radio listeners who are most accustomed to using new technologies and forms of media, continue to tune in each week. Network radio reaches 88 percent of Adults aged 18-34, the prime media multi-taskers, up from 85 percent one year ago. The September 14 advance release on RADAR 106 also notes: "Radio Has Universal Appeal." Says Arbitron, "The diversity of formats in radio attracts advertiser-coveted demographics in both Black (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanic persons." More than 93 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons and 95 percent of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older, tune into radio over the course of a week. Radio reaches more than 94 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons and 96 percent of Hispanic persons aged 18-49 over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 90 percent of Black (Non-Hispanic) persons, and 86 percent of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older. And we're told now that: "Radio Reaches the Educated and Affluent." Radio reaches 96 percent of college graduates aged 25-54. Ninety-six percent of adults aged 25-54 with a college degree and an annual income of $50,000 or more tune into radio over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 88 percent of college graduates aged 18-49 with a household income of $75,000 or more. All radio stations reach 96 percent of this demographic.
* Scarborough Research releases data from the first phase of its cell-phone-only (CPO) survey. The company began incorporating CPO data in its surveys in certain local markets in 2009. Data from that initial phase was issued in April 2010. CPO respondents are much younger than landline respondents, according to findings of the survey. Half of CPO respondents are between the ages of 18-34, more than three times the incidence of 18-34 year olds reached via landline. Also reported is that CPO respondents hail from a broader base of multicultural groups than landline respondents, with 20%-50% higher incidences of African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians among CPO respondents. "Our sizable investment in cell phone-only is just one example of Scarborough's ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and usability of our data," says Scarborough EVP Gregg Lindner. "CPO consumers are increasingly important to our media and agency clients. They rely on Scarborough to be innovative in our survey approach and appropriately capture the evolution of the American consumer." According to Scarborough Chief Statistical Officer Dan Mallett, "CPO respondents are a sizable and growing part of the U.S. population and tend to be disproportionately young and minority. Rigorous survey research must include CPO respondents to properly represent the U.S. and local market populations."
Scarborough employs an address-based sample frame to identify CPO populations. This CPO sample is combined with the company's landline telephone sample frame to collect data for its syndicated Top-Tier Local Market service.
* A new NAB-commissioned Harris Poll shows most U.S. cellphone users want local radio reception on the phones. The NAB says the survey results show consumers do want built-in radio receivers on their cellphones. According to the survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 76% of cellphone owners would consider paying a one-time fee of 30 cents to access local radio stations through a built-in radio chip. Local weather and music are the top reasons they would listen to their local stations on their mobile phones. A full 73% of cellphone owners say that having a radio built into their phone that was capable of providing local weather and emergency alerts in real-time would be either "very" or "somewhat" important. Although 66% of adults would use a built-in radio, adults in the 18-44 demo are even more likely to utilize that feature. That demo comes in at 77%. "Today's survey results demonstrate convincingly that there is significant demand for radio-capable cell phones in the United States," says NAB Executive VP of Communications Dennis Wharton. "Unfortunately, most U.S. mobile phone users have been denied over-the-air access to their favorite free and local stations. With much of the U.S. cellphone market built upon exclusive contracts between carriers and manufacturers, most consumers are left paying for fee-based data-intensive streaming apps with no free, broadcast alternative." Opining in a recent blog, Wharton suggested what might be motivating U.S. wireless carriers and device manufacturers to prevent consumer access to FM-enabled cell phones: "It could be a simple case of anti-competitive behavior," he wrote. "Every minute a cell phone user listens to free, local radio is one less minute spent using the wireless industry's fee-based applications. Moreover, since listening to local radio would require no network bandwidth, cell phone subscribers wouldn't be forced to pay the escalating rates associated with streaming data-rich, fee-based applications."
* Consumers don’t want a radio function on their mobile phone, argues CTIA – the Wireless Association. CTIA argues that the Harris Interactive poll is incorrect. CTIA VP Jot Carpenter says, “A chip mandate is the wrong answer. Government-dictated design would reduce innovation and limit consumer choice. In reality, FM capability is available today for consumers who want to access over-the-air radio on their mobile devices. Contrary to NAB's self-interested assertions, a majority of consumers do not want that capability, and the notion that they want to pay more for a functionality they do not want is ridiculous.” CTIA, along with other groups within the mobile devices tech industry have been actively opposing any government mandate for radio-capable devices, as have many service providers. The latter category is seen is preferring to charge consumers for extra bandwidth to listen to online streams of terrestrial stations rather than allowing consumers to directly access the radio signals over-the-air from their mobile phones and other wireless devices.
* Total advertising expenditures in the first six months of 2010 rose 5.7% from a year ago to over $63 billion. Ad spending finished the first half of the year at $63.57 billion, according to data released by Kantar Media. Ad spending during the second quarter of 2010 was up 5.4% compared to last year. “The rally in ad spending that has emerged from last year’s collapse continued at a steady pace through the second quarter, even as softening economic data on retail sales, spending and employment began to raise concerns about the outlook for consumer activity,” says Kantar Media SVP Research Jon Swallen. “Early figures from the third quarter indicate the advertising expansion is still maintaining its momentum and that is an encouraging sign for the industry.” Within the Radio sector, results were divergent. Spending in National Spot Radio increased 16.8% while Local Radio was up 4.2% as telecom and financial service marketers shifted budgets into these segments. Network Radio registered a small decline of -0.4%. All radio types saw growth rates ease slightly during the second quarter. Television media led the first half rebound. Spot TV expenditures jumped 25.1%, fueled by robust demand from auto and retail marketers and a cyclical upturn in political advertising. Spanish Language TV spending rose 14.6%, with gains driven by the World Cup event in June. Cable TV (+ 8.8%) and Network TV (+7.2%) benefitted from selling more ad time and increased spending across a broad range of retail and consumer package goods categories. Expenditures for the ten largest advertisers increased 11.5% to $8.35 billion in the first six months of 2010. Among the Top 100 advertisers, a diversified group representing nearly one-half of the measured ad economy, spending was up 9.7% to $29.32 billion. The long-tail of small advertisers – defined as those outside the Top 1000 and a segment which accounts for more than one-fifth of all ad expenditures – lagged behind with just a 1.4% gain in their aggregate media investments. The skewed distribution illustrates the dependency of the current advertising recovery on large advertisers, says Kantar Media.
* Pew Research: News consumption habits study shows radio news still declining as a primary news source.
The latest Pew Research Center for the People and the Press study of Americans' news consumption habits shows listening to radio news continuing its decline as a primary source of news. Roughly a third (34%) of the public say they went online for news yesterday – on par with radio, and slightly higher than daily newspapers. And when cellphones, email, social networks and podcasts are added in, 44% of Americans say they got news through one or more internet or mobile digital source yesterday. In 1991, 54% of Americans said they listened to radio news. That's down to 34% now. Of course, the online option didn't exist in 1991. Radio's decline mirrors that of newspapers, down from 56% to 31% from 1991 to 2010, while television saw its number down from 68% in 1991 to 58% today. The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press tells us, "There are many more ways to get the news these days, and as a consequence Americans are spending more time with the news than over much of the past decade. Digital platforms are playing a larger role in news consumption, and they seem to be more than making up for modest declines in the audience for traditional platforms. As a result, the average time Americans spend with the news on a given day is as high as it was in the mid-1990s, when audiences for traditional news sources were much larger." The good news for traditional media, including radio, is that instead of replacing traditional news platforms, Americans are increasingly integrating new technologies into their news consumption habits. More than a third (36%) of Americans say they got news from both digital and traditional sources yesterday, just shy of the number who relied solely on traditional sources (39%). Only 9% of Americans got news through the Internet and mobile technology without also using traditional sources. [More »]
* Apex Broadcasting flips Classic Hits 95.9 WIOP-FM Charleston, SC, to Country as "Kickin’ 95.9." The flip puts the station in direct competition with Citadel’s "96.9 The Wolf" WIWF and Clear Channel’s market leading 103.5 WEZL. The new station’s Website is online with a "Introducing the new..." splash screen, and a link to listen. The "Kickin’ 95.9" slogan is “Real Country Variety.”
* Syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner launches a new initiative to showcase online degree programs. The initiative starts with more than 25 such programs — those offered by some of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Tom Joyner Online Education, known as HBCUsOnline, will encourage students to apply to Hampton University, the 142-year-old university based in Hampton, VA, offering more than 22 online courses. The other participating HBCU at launch is Texas Southern University, whose president is Dr. John M. Rudley. It's an 85-year-old institution best known for its Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, its Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, which has produced 27% of all African-American pharmacists in the country. "Everyone knows I'm passionate about my HBCUs and I'm working hard to find ways for my beloved Black Colleges to survive well into – and beyond - the 21st Century," says Joyner. "HBCUsOnline is offering a convenient, easy–to-use way for students to complete their undergraduate degrees or better yet, get a graduate degree."
* Washington Redskins' running back Clinton Portis apologizes for DC radio commentary on NY Jets controversy. Portis, who recently signed to do commentary on CBS Radio "106.7 The Fan" WJFK-FM, Washington DC, issues an apology for comments about the Jets controversy regarding their behavior around a female reporter. Portis, talking about the alleged harassment of TV Azteca reporter Ines Sainz on Tuesday (Sept. 14), said: "You put a woman and you give her a choice of 53 athletes, somebody got to be appealing to her. You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's gonna want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages. And you're just sitting here, saying 'Oh, none of this is attractive to me.' I know you're doing a job, but at the same time, the same way I'm gonna cut my eye if I see somebody worth talking to, I'm sure they do the same thing." In his apology, Portis says, "I was wrong to make the comments I did, and I apologize. I respect the job that all reporters do. It is a tough job and we all have to work and act in a professional manner. I understand and support the team on these issues." A CBS Radio spokesperson says "Mr. Portis has apologized for his comments and we expect he will be back on the air next week."
* Entercom signs a new multiyear contract to extend its use of Arbitron's PPM and diary services. The new agreement with the ratings company is for all Entercom radio markets. "Arbitron looks forward to continuing our long and productive relationship with Entercom," says Arbitron EVP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Carol Hanley. "Arbitron is proud to provide the quality PPM and diary audience-measurement data that helps Entercom facilitate its buy-sell process across all of its radio markets and helps grow its business."
* Imaging music and jingles provider TM Studios, a division of Triton Radio Networks, launches TM Creative. The new division focuses on what the company calls "creative marketing solutions for advertisers growing their businesses through the use of electronic media, primarily radio." TM says: "By using audio branding/jingles, copywriting, spot production and other audio solutions, the new division will focus on assisting three primary user groups: radio sales and production teams looking to drive new business, advertising agencies in need of a creative partner and small and midsize businesses looking to grow." Greg Clancy and Greg Basden will head the TM Creative team, based in Dallas. Clancy rejoins TM Studios as Creative Director, bringing over 20 years of composing, producing and singing experience in the jingle industry. Basden will be the Sales Manager for TM Creative, following over a decade of local and national media sales. "The broadcast industry has turned to TM Studios for top-quality imaging and branding music for over 40 years," says TM Studios VP and General Manager Chris Long. "In the modern world of the ad-cluttered marketplace, we believe now is the time to bring that same branding expertise to those advertising in the industry we already serve."
* Dial Global promotes six programmers in preparation for a re-launch of "localized" formats. At the same time, nine full-timers and some part-timers are laid-off as Network Operations shift from Omaha to Denver. "Our goal is to redefine the role of network radio," says Dial Global President Kirk Stirland. The company, whose 24-hour formats are heard on nearly 2000 stations nationwide, announces the promotion of six Program Directors. All are currently employed by Dial Global and are taking on new responsibilities. EVP of Programming Beau Phillips explains, "We prefer to promote from within whenever possible. It shows our people that we’re committed to rewarding excellence, and these six programmers have really shined." Dial Global’s new programmers will oversee the company’s fastest-growing product line, DG Local. Says Stirland, "Our StorQ technology allows stations to sound local, while featuring our major market air talent. Announcing our new programming team is just the beginning." The new programmers include Rick Brady, John Fowlkes, Kristopher Jones, Cheri Marquart, Melody Morgan, and Shannon Stone. "Dial Global is planning full upgrades for these formats and will soon re-launch them with improved personalities, music systems, imaging and branding," said Phillips. "Our company remains committed to delivering a quality programming product. We’ve attracted an amazing line-up of air talent in the wake of consolidation. And having great personalities delivering local content gives stations a powerful advantage." Dial Global moving its network operations and some staffers from Omaha — where it acquired the Waitt Radio Networks two years ago — to Denver, is an operational move. Other jobs will relocate to facilities in Dallas and in Valencia, CA, all wrapping up in January.
* Bonneville's "710 ESPN" KIRO-AM, Seattle, names Brian Long as Program Director, effective October 4. Long currently hosts "In The Zone" at "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, where he's also Assistant PD. Before Long joined KSPN in July 2007, he oversaw programming, production and strategic planning for Morris Desert Media AM stations KNWZ, KNWQ, KNWT and KXPS, Palm Springs, CA. He has also worked at Talk KMBZ-AM and Talk KCMO-AM, Kansas City and Talk KGEO-AM, Bakersfield. Long fills the KIRO post left vacant by Owen Murphy's recent exit.
* Westwood One Network Radio Division EVP and COO Cathy Csukas exits. Her departure follows the recent exit of Network President Gary Schonfeld. She joined Westwood One as a part of Schonfeld's team. Prior to joining Westwood One in October 2008, Csukas worked for AdLarge Media, where she was a founding partner, as was Schonfeld. He's said he's returning to AdLarge following his exit from Westwood One. There's no word yet on whether Csukas also will.
* Format wheels spin almost as fast as slot machines in Nevada gambling Mecca, Reno. Lotus Broadcasting “Cub Country 94.5” KUUB, Reno, flips to Sports as “ESPN Radio 94.5“ with a simulcast on 1450 AM. “Cub Country" ended Country with Roy Rogers’ “Happy Trails to You.” But Country returns hours later as Wilks Broadcasting "Smooth Jazz 92.1" KJZS flips to "92.1 The Wolf." ESPN Radio vacated Lotus' 630 KPLY-AM to move to 1450 KHIT-AM and the 94.5 FM simulcast. But Sports Talk remains on KPLY which adds Fox Sports Radio. “ESPN Radio 94.5” will also air University of Nevada Sports and Oakland Raiders Football. Smooth Jazz is the only format lost in the market with the series of flips. "Smooth Jazz 92.1" VP and General Manager April Clark tells listeners, on the station's SmoothJazzReno.com Website: "On behalf of myself and all of the staff at Smooth Jazz 92.1, we would like to thank our very loyal fans for their support over the years. Effective today, we had to make a very difficult decision to change the Smooth Jazz format to New Country. We know it may be tough to understand and accept; however, we ask that you possibly tune to our sister station, KTHX. Though we don’t play Smooth Jazz, it is a unique and eclectic station that many generations have grown to enjoy. Again, our deepest appreciation for your support over the years."
* Broadcast Company of the Americas — also known as BCA Radio — names Larry Patrick CEO.
The Broadcast Company of the Americas is a San Diego-based broadcasting company. BCA Radio was founded in 2003 and operates: XEPRS AM 1090 ("XX Sports Radio," the San Diego Padres flagship station), XEPE AM 1700 ("San Diego 1700"), and XHPRS FM 105.7 ("The Walrus"). BCA Radio also operates, under LMAs, the three former Finest City Broadcasting radio stations: XHRM-FM (“Magic 92.5"), Rhythmic Oldies; XHTZ-FM (“Z-90"), Urban; and Rock XETRA-FM (“91X"). Patrick will be overseeing all six stations in the San Diego market. Patrick assumes his new duties as CEO effective immediately, replacing John Lynch, who exits. Patrick, a veteran broadcast manager and station owner, has operated over 100 radio and television stations in his career. He chairs the NAB’s Political Action Committee and is active on several industry Boards. BCA Radio tells us, "The management change will not have an immediate impact on any BCA Radio station operations, including formats, content or on-air personalities." Patrick has also served as President of Legend Communications, which owns 13 radio outlets in Missouri and Wyoming. He's a former SVP with the NAB and a past president of the Broadcast Education Association and the National Association of Media Brokers.
* MMTC takes control of two of seven stations donated by Clear Channel, in the Tampa and Augusta, GA, markets. The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) closes on its acquisition of Tampa's WLCC and Augusta's WNRR. In a news release, MMTC tells us: "The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) continues to celebrate the recent donations of radio stations by Clear Channel and LPTV stations by Trinity Broadcasting Network – a total of 159 stations. With these donations, the MMTC Ownership Diversity Initiative is helping to incubate new broadcast owners. And in this short period of time, the MMTc already has success stories to tell." MMTC President and Executive Director David Honig says, “We are having incredible success with our broadcast station donations, but it goes even further than that. Through the donations, we have the opportunity to mentor these new owners and continue to help them to lead the next generation of minorities and women in broadcasting.”
* The target date for the UK's digital radio switchover of 2015 is “far too early.” That's according to a report by Great Britain's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, compiled by the department’s influential Consumer Expert Group. The report questions the need for Britain’s popular FM analog radio signal to be switched off at all. It says that trying to find any benefit at all for consumers from digital radio switchover is “problematic,” adding that consumers risk being “bullied” into switching to digital by the radio industry. So far, British regulators have resisted considering a U.S.-like system that allows digital and analog signals to exist side-by-side.
* "Xtra SportsRadio 860" KTRB-AM, San Francisco, vows to stay on the air despite financial turmoil, receivership.
The Oakland A's 50,000-watt flagship radio station is suddenly in financial turmoil, but a team spokesman said it will not impact the game broadcasts or ancillary programming, at least for the rest of this season. KTRB, owned by Harry and Jim Pappas, went into receivership to Comerica Bank Friday (Sept. 10), and some personnel were subsequently terminated, including the station's program director. Syndicated talk-show host Michael Savage also was dropped. But, reports MercuryNews.com, as far as the A's are concerned, the only change is that postgame talk-show host Chris Townsend will be employed by the club instead of the station. "The bank will continue to run the station as is and is honoring the (team's) contract," says Ken Pries, A's VP of broadcasting and communications. "So as far as the A's are concerned, fans are not going to notice a difference." Rumors flew after the bank takeover, many of them unfounded, including one that the station might possibly go off the air at midnight Friday. "That's absolutely 100% incorrect," said Pries. "I know that unequivocally. I've been on the phone with the chief engineer who is still on staff. He assures the station will remain on the air." KTRB Sports Director Ken Dito, who was retained, says the station will maintain and hopefully improve its 24-hour sports programming format and still plans to broadcast A's and Stanford football games.
* An Atlanta morning show producer claims he pranked police and media with Koran-burning stunt. Cumulus "Rock 100.5" WNNX-FM, Atlanta, "Regular Guys" video producer, and show cast member, Sebastuan "Sebas" Daskawicz-Davis tells listeners he pranked the media assembled at the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL, over the weekend with a "fake threat" to burn a Koran. Previous reporting on the stunt suggested it was anything but a prank. But Sebas said this morning (Sept.13) that he was "trying to show how stupid the media is for falling for all this crap." Sebas showed up at the controversial church, whose pastor threatened to hold "Burn a Koran Day" on 9/11. Sebas claimed to be "Sebastian Bagby" – an engineer and former student ready to burn books at 6pm. The books in question, besides a Koran, included "Eat, Pray, Love" and a "Twilight" novel. Police immediately confiscated the lighter and Koran, but let Sebas keep the other books. On the Monday morning "Regular Guys" show, Sebas said he had no plans to actually burn anything, adding, "the idea of the cops surrounding a man with a book is absurd... the media's the dummy on this." He said that as he left Gainesville, a motorcycle officer tailed him and pulled him over for an alleged busted brake light, at which point "about a half dozen cop cars roll up and a K-9 unit showed up." The police allowed Sebas to leave town, since he had not broken any laws.
* Mancow bites into the Big Apple with a new weekend show on Citadel's Talk WABC-AM. "After 16 years as a joyful provocateur on the Chicago radio scene, shock-jock-turned-talk-show-host Mancow Muller is about to spread his special brand of magic over New York," writes Chicago Media Reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. WABC adds Muller for a Sunday evening show airing 6-9pm. He will also continue his syndicated weekday morning show for Talk Radio Network. “I really believe we’re standing at the most important time in American history,” Muller, 44, said to Feder in an interview Sunday. “To be doing talk radio in New York on WABC is the highlight of my radio career.” Mancow's hiring by WABC Program Director Laurie Cantillo follows an on-air audition at WABC one day last month. Cantillo was already familiar with Muller, after most recently working in Chicago as PD for Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s “Oprah & Friends” channel, which she helped launch with former Harpo Radio General Manager John Gehron in 2006. “I’ve had other opportunities in New York, but the difference with this one is Laurie Cantillo," says Muller. "The opportunity to work with her is the factor that excites me. She’s from that John Gehron school of radio, and she’s the most refreshing new leader in radio that I’ve experienced in a very long time. Nobody has taught her what we can’t do. She’s pretty incredible." Feder notes that there's "both irony and vindication in his hiring by WABC." The veteran Chicago media reporter points out that "owner Citadel Broadcasting also is the parent company of WLS-AM (890), the news/talk station that terminated him last February." Muller was terminated despite high ratings for the midday show he hosted with Pat Cassidy. "WLS bosses said they weren’t a 'good fit' for the station between the morning duo of Don Wade and Roma and the syndicated Rush Limbaugh," writes Feder.
* MannGroup Radio teams with Joel Salkowitz to distribute and consult the CHR-Dance "Pulse" format.
Salkowitz, a veteran programmer, originally created the format for "Pulse 87" in New York. He's continued it online and now takes it to other stations through his Sound Ideas Programming Consultants, with national radio syndicator MannGroup Radio enabling distribution. The first affiliate is Aurora Media's KVBE-FM, Las Vegas. "Joel Salkowitz and I have been friends for decades, and I consider him one of the true geniuses in radio," says MannGroup President Ed Mann. "His CHR-Dance format is perfect for stations looking to attract and keep passionate, active listeners and who want an expert behind the presentation, the music and rotations. MannGroup can offer Joel's services to local radio in a number of ways via Sound Ideas Programming and feel that under his guidance and expertise in this youthful skewing format, affiliates can grow demonstrably." Salkowitz adds, "The music that powers the CHR-Dance format is on the rise again. When executed properly, this is the format that has historically been able to beat some of the biggest mainstream CHRs in the country. Most recently, Pulse 87 attracted over 1 million listeners a week on a severely challenged signal and with absolutely no marketing. Music radio can still be a medium that inspires passion and loyalty among large audiences. This format is a fresh, exciting sound, and listeners respond when they are exposed to it."
* Jacobs Media and Arbitron will showcase their collaborative study "Goin' Mobile" at the 2010 Radio Show. A presentation on key findings from the study is set for September 30 at 9am, kicking off this year's Radio Show, jointly produced by RAB and NAB. "Everyone knows that mobile devices are a major game-changer for consumers, as well as for media companies," says Arbitron VP of Research Policy and Communications Dr. Ed Cohen. "They’re always 'on' - and people sleep with them and never leave home without them. We collaborated with Jacobs to better understand how the explosive growth of smartphones has impacted the social and business interactions of consumers." Earlier this year, Jacobs Media observed and videotaped the smartphone usage of 18 persons aged 18 to 49 in Clevelan, Los Angeles, Dallas and Baltimore, over a 24-hour period. The study’s video segments have elements of fun and surprise, while packing a great deal of information and thinking into a fast-paced, one-hour session. "We originally thought this study would be about the various functions and apps that people use on their smartphones," says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "That was before the first interview. What we learned is that smartphones have become more essential than any device people own. They are a lifeline and a conduit to business, personal relationships, currency, productivity, entertainment, and more. We will be showing the stories behind the data, and the results are fascinating." A video preview of "Goin' Mobile" is available at www.arbitron.com/goinmobile.
* SparkNetworks signs an agreement to exclusively distribute Westwood One’s programming in Canada. The agreement, effective October 1, encompasses all Westwood One products and services, including David Letterman’s Top 10, Jay Leno’s nightly monologues and Daily Dose with Dr. Oz. The announcement is made by SparkNetworks EVP Jean-Marie Heimrath, who says, "We are delighted to be working with Westwood One. Their confidence in our ability to lead their strategic interest in Canada is a significant endorsement of our capability to direct and lead the future course of their brands to radio, the Web, mobile and other emerging technologies." Westwood One VP of International Dennis Green tells us, "We've been watching SparkNetworks' aggressive growth since March. They've demonstrated an impressive ability to quickly build a substantial infrastructure focused on results. We are pleased to partner with a group that approaches their market with fresh ideas."
* Entravision names Adrien Seixas National Sales Manager for its Colorado markets. Adrien will lead the Entravision national sales teams in Denver, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. "We are thrilled to have Adrien join the Colorado sales team as she brings her vast expertise and proven track record to our stations," says VP and General Manager Mario Carrera. "Her strong background in sales in addition to her passion for Spanish-language media and culture makes her an invaluable leader of the team." Adrien has been with Entravision since 2005 and she previously served as National Sales Manager for the company's southern California cluster.
* Media Management Group promotes Creative Director Allison Hagen to VP of Creative & Editorial. MMG is a New York City-based personal management, sales, marketing and business development firm which reps major media personalities and companies. Hagen had served as Creative Director for over three years. "Aly's creativity and vision has enabled MMG to provide unique services to our clients," says MMG's Jeff Schwartz. "She has been an important part of our explosive growth over the past few years." MMG's current clients include "Doug Stephan's Good Day," "Peter Greenberg Worldwide," "The Money Pit" and "AARP Radio."
* Percy Sutton will be posthumously inducted into the BESLA Hall of Fame. The late broadcasting legend will be inducted at the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association's 30-year conference celebration next month. After serving as a civil-rights leader and attorney to Malcolm X in the 1960s, Sutton co-founded Inner City Broadcasting in 1971. Inner City then purchased WLIB-AM, New York, making it the first African-American-owned radio station in the Number One market. Sutton died age 89, this past December.
* Folger Media introduces "Popster FM" Contemporary Adult Hits format. Joel Folger and Jules Riley are the "popsters" behind the new format "shining a light on the hits of the '80s, '90s and Now in No Particular Order," says Folger Media. "Popster FM" plays a diverese style of music including Pop, Rock, Rhythmic and Alternative hits from the early 1980s through today. The first affiliate is former Classic Hits "Mojo 104" KMJO, Fargo – now "104.7 Popster FM," online at www.1047PopsterFM.com.
* Some of radio's top air talent will present this year's Radio Mercury Awards. Scheduled to present awards at the 2010 Radio Mercury Awards on September 27 are "92.3 Now FM" WXRK, New York, morning host Nick Cannon, syndicated Elvis Duran, "98.7 Kiss" WRKS-FM's Jacque Reid, WRXP's Matt Pinfield & Leslie Fram and WQHT's Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg and K-Foxx. "Personalities drive value for listeners and their stations. They are the connection for entertainment and information within the loyal listeners' community," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. "These awards showcase the power of great Radio creative and the power of radio's powerhouse talent and brands." This year's Radio Mercury Awards will kick off Advertising Week in New York City, with an event at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. Elvis Duran will serve as emcee. Finalists were announced September 9
* Leading broadcast executives will serve as presenters at the annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show. The award honors stations and on-air personalities for excellence in radio broadcasting. Held at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel, the event will take place Thursday evening, September 30, during the 2010 Radio Show. The Marconi Radio Award presenters include Trila Bumstead, CEO, New Northwest Broadcasters; Dan Mason, president and CEO, CBS Radio; Barry Mayo, president, Radio Division, Radio One; Mary Quass, president and CEO, NRG Media; Tom Schurr, executive vice president of operations, Clear Channel; Gordon Smith, president and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters; Peter H. Smyth, chairman and CEO, Greater Media; and Steve Wexler, executive vice president of television and radio operations, Journal Broadcast Group. The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show will be hosted by Texas radio personality Ron Chapman. The show will also feature a performance by Big Machine Records country music artist Jack Ingram. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Winners will be announced at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show.
* A new study by Bridge Ratings shows a 23% increase in Pure Play listening at the expense of over-air-radio. The study, supported by data from Internet radio measurement firm Ando Media, concludes that over the last six months consumer passion about Internet Pure Play radio has increased significantly while listenership to terrestrial radio Internet simulcasts has slipped. Between November 2009, and June 2010, Internet Radio as measured by Ando Media has increased its listenership (Average Active Sessions) by 23%, with all of that gain attributed to the gains of Pure Play Internet Radio. Says Bridge Ratings CEO Dave Van Dyke, "In November of 2009 terrestrial simulcast streams had a 65% share of all on-line listening as measured by Ando Media, Pure Plays possessed 35%. By June, 2010, Pure Plays had increased to 49% of the pie. What's happening? The Internet has accelerated the consumer's ability to make decisions on a variety of lifestyle issues." An overview detailing the change in audience momentum plus a look at why this is happening will be available tomorrow (Sept. 14).
* "NewsTalk AM 1590" WVNA-AM, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, returns at full power after two months of silence.
WVNA had been off the air due to a lease dispute with the owner of its tower site. WVNA was told by the landowner to vacate the property in a rent dispute, leaving the station to search for a new tower site. The station has now moved its tower and returned to the air, with all of its programming remaining in place.
* Arbitron EVP Cross-Platform Services Pierre Bouvard will exit at the end of the month after 23 years. In his current position, he is responsible for leveraging Arbitron's PPM technology, as well as third-party partnerships, to establish new audience measurement and analytics services for new customer segments. Prior to this, Bouvard served as EVP Sales; and as President, Portable People Meter and International; as well as VP and General Manager for Arbitron Radio. Bouvard began his career at Arbitron in various sales and management capacities in the company’s Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Dallas offices. He left Arbitron for a six-year period to serve as EVP of Coleman Research, one of the premiere strategic consulting firms for radio stations. Bouvard is coauthor of Radio Advertising’s Missing Ingredient: The Optimum Effective Scheduling System. Bouvard also created Arbitron’s series of media industry studies. In a memo announcing Bouvard's departure, Arbitron EVP U.S. Media Services and CFO Sean Creamer, in a memo to staff, says Bouvard intends to "continue his career in what he calls 'the business of building businesses.'" His replacement at Arbitron has not been named.
* American Public Media Group founder Bill Kling will step down as CEO in June 2011 after 45 years. Kling has been the only CEO since 1966 of American Public Media, the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. APMG is one of the largest producers of public radio programming, including "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Marketplace." Kling intends to develop fundraising initiatives outside of APMG to strengthen public media and demonstrate its ability to gather and distribute regional news. "Bill Kling is unique in terms of his ability to sustain an amazing level of energy, vision and creativity over a remarkable and storied career," says Randall Hogan, Board Chair of MPR and APMG, and CEO of Minnesota-based Pentair Inc. "Most CEOs count their years in office on the fingers of one hand. Bill has twice run out of fingers and toes to mark his years of service but is nowhere near out of ideas, commitment or passion. We're delighted that he intends to continue to lend himself to the cause of public media after APMG. The board, the staff, our members and millions of listeners around the world are grateful for his many contributions, including preparing the organization so well for this inevitable transition." The APMG Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct a search for the next CEO. Says Kling, "This wonderful company exists and has prospered — beyond what any of us imagined back in 1966 — because of a tremendously talented and innovative leadership team, a remarkable group of employees who feel a calling and a passion for what they do and because 161,000 generous supporters value this work. It is this collective belief in the importance of what we do that makes every day a pleasure, and it provides the energy that will lift the company to its next stages of growth and success. It's a privilege to be a part of this team. I look forward to welcoming my successor and — after the transition — to watching this group's achievements for years to come."
* Clear Channel launches CHR-Top40 "101.9 Radio Now" KWNW-FM, Memphis. The station will play a strong mix of today's hit music from artists like Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Train, Taio Cruz, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Usher, among others, with limited talk, targeting a young demographic. An early listen indicated it sounded like "a hybrid of Mainstream CHR and Adult Top 40, much like our own Total Popular Music format, but without the full Mass Appeal approach," says TPM's Mark Harris. "We have seen a general dissatisfaction with mainstream contemporary radio among young adults in Memphis," says Clear Channel SVP of Programming Jon Zellner. "We have built a radio station custom-designed to reach those music fans who have been settling. Radio Now focuses on today's music that's reacting and selling all over Memphis." The new station is online at RadioNowMemphis.com. "It's always exciting to launch a new radio station, but especially satisfying to bring on a format so fresh and new," says Clear Channel Memphis Market Manager Michael Oppenheimer. "Not to mention the use of new technology to reach young people such as Twitter, Facebook and our iHeartRadio app which brings Radio Now to listeners phones." The launch of "101.9 Radio Now" follows East Arkansas Broadcasters' move of CHR-Top40 KIYS, Jonesboro, AR, from 101.9 to 101.7.
* Radio and TV talker Glenn Beck, along with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appear in front of thousands of fans.
The Saturday night (Sept. 11) event in Anchorage was Palin’s first big speaking appearance in Alaska since she resigned after two and a half years as governor last summer. But Beck was clearly the star of the evening. The Anchorage Daily News reports Palin said in introducing Beck at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center that the conservative television and radio personality has inspired millions. “(To) know why we are an exceptional nation, know why we never have to apologize for being Americans,” Palin told the cheering crowd. At Saturday night’s show Palin and Beck mocked Internet speculation that they would be making an announcement about a 2012 presidential run together. "I'd like to announce that in 2012, we will both be ... voting," Beck said. Beck asked Palin if she was going to run. She didn’t answer, instead responding by asking him if he was going to run. Beck said that he was not. Palin said she’d make any announcement on a KWHL-FM, Anchorage, morning radio show. “If there is going to be some big national announcement I’m going to do it where it’s most worthy. I’m going to do something big, even bigger then Glenn Beck. It’s going to happen on the Bob and Mark show,” Palin said. "Alaska's Rock" KWHL tells us, "The Bob and Mark Morning Show has been broadcasting over the Alaska airwaves for over a decade." According to ADN, there were about 80 protestors gathered outside the Dena'ina Center as people waited in long lines to get into the event, after paying between $73.75 and $225 for each tickets. Beck has said he will donate his speaking fee. Palin reportedly wasn't paid for her appearance, according to Christopher Balfe, President of Beck's media company. The amount of the fee wasn't disclosed, and was to go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships and services to families of military members.
* Analysts say Emmis Communications' large debt load will continue to weigh on the still public company. Emmis Communications’ large amount of debt will continue to weigh on the company following CEO Jeff Smulyan’s failed attempt to take the company private, reports Indiana Business Journal. As reported here, company executives said Thursday morning that Smulyan had abandoned his efforts to strike a deal with a group of preferred shareholders that would be acceptable to his financial backer in the deal, New York-based Alden Global Capital. When Emmis announced in May the $90 million buyout bid by JS Acquisition LLC, a private company formed by Smulyan to complete the purchase, Alden was announced as his financial partner in the buyout. Then, a group of preferred shareholders blocked the deal, and Smulyan began negotiating to get them on board. August 30 Smulyan announced that Alden had backed out of an “agreement in principle” to sweeten the terms for the preferred shareholders."Now, Emmis, which has been awash in red ink, must contend with more than $340 million in debt. Including noncash charges, operating losses over the last two fiscal years totaled more than $500 million," writes IBJ. "On a positive note, only $4 million of the company's debt comes due within a year." Still, Emmis will need to renew its long-term debt, which could be risky in the current lending environment, says Winthrop Capital Management Group President Greg Hahn, an Indiana institutional investment adviser. “If the bank doesn’t want to renew this facility, that’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “But I think Smulyan’s a great operator, and he’s got a great team.” Emmis is still far from generating enough cash to pay off the debt. In its last quarterly filing in July, the company reported losing $3.9 million on $60.3 million in revenue, compared to a profit of $11.9 million in its first fiscal quarter last year. “At some point it needs to generate enough income to pay interest and to pay down that debt,” says Hahn. “But it’s not growing its capital base; it’s not throwing off a lot of cash.” The company’s current debt load is likely to keep Emmis from growing in the future, says Mark Foster, chief investment officer of Kirr Marbach & Co. in Columbus.
“They’ve got to sort of hunker down, generate cash and work down that debt as best they can,” he said. Meanwhile, Emmis’ stock price is taking a beating on the news that Smulyan dropped his bid to take Emmis private.
* Alden Global Capital disputes parts of news release from Emmis Communications, denies agreeing to changes. The Emmis news release put the blame for the failure of the go-private buyout mainly on Alden. The announced financial backer of JS Acquisition's effort says the terms were "not acceptable" and that it became "impossible to complete a deal on the terms originally agreed by the parties." Alden explains that new terms negotiated between JS Acquisition, the LLC formed by Emmis chief Jeff Smulyan to take the company private, and the "lock-block" group of Emmis' preferred shareholders, "would result in an amount of leverage on the company that would make the transactions unattractive to Alden, and Alden could not agree to such terms." That disputes the claim by JS Acquisition and Emmis that "Alden Global Capital was a willing and active participant in the negotiations and materially improved the terms of their proposed investment." An Emmis news release said that Emmis and Alden "agreed, subject to completion of definitive documentation, to terms that would allow a group of preferred shareholders that previously did not support the exchange offer and amendments to agree to support the transaction." In its statement, late Thursday (Sept. 10), Alden says it had concluded that "further discussions would not result in a transaction that would be agreeable to Alden." The self-defense statement by Alden Global Capital followed by hours news that Emmis' strongly suggested there may be a lawsuit against Alden, saying: "Emmis, JS Acquisition, and Jeff Smulyan will explore various legal remedies related to damages caused by Alden's actions. Meanwhile, in several interviews, Smulyan continues to insist that Alden did agree to revised terms with the hold-out preferred shareholders despite the financial company's subsequent refuting of that claim.
* Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan gives up his attempt to take Emmis Communications private. The company Thursday (Sept. 9) issued a statement saying the effort is over, and Emmis will remain a public company. The statement from Emmis and Smulyan's JS Acquisition blames Smulyan's financial backer, Alden Global Capital, for pulling out of the deal. There is also a strong suggestion that legal action might be taken against Alden. The statement reads: "Last month, Emmis Communications (Nasdaq: EMMS) and Alden Global Capital agreed, subject to completion of definitive documentation, to terms that would allow a group of preferred shareholders that previously did not support the exchange offer and amendments to agree to support the transaction. It should be noted that Alden Global Capital was a willing and active participant in the negotiations and materially improved the terms of their proposed investment. Shortly after negotiating terms with the preferred shareholders, and after working closely with Emmis for the last five months, Alden Global Capital informed interested parties that they did not want to provide financing for the transactions and would not support the re-negotiated terms with the group of preferred shareholders to which Alden had committed. Despite several weeks of continuing talks, Alden refuses to honor the commitment they made. All parties to the negotiation are stunned and saddened by Alden's decision to not honor the negotiated deal. Emmis, JS Acquisition, and Jeff Smulyan will explore various legal remedies related to damages caused by Alden's actions. Emmis will continue as a public company and appreciates the overwhelming support of its common shareholders during this lengthy process. Emmis has taken important actions this fiscal year to generate revenue and cash flow growth and looks forward to working closely with its shareholders and employees to increase the value of the company as the radio and city/regional magazine industries continue to see improved operating results." A copy of the full Emmis news release is available here. A copy of a separate news release from JS Acquisition is available here. Following word of the termination of the go-private buyout effort, Emmis COO Patrick Walsh told reporters, "We are just bitterly disappointed this one wasn't going to get to the finish line." He later added, in comments for the Indiana Business Journal, “We thought we had a deal, and it’s unfortunate that Alden backed away from the deal.” Emmis agreed in May to be acquired by JS Acquisition, a private company formed by Smulyan to complete the buyout. He announced August 30 that Alden had backed out of an “agreement in principle” to sweeten the terms for the preferred shareholders. The move rendered the entire deal “unlikely” to happen, according to a company news release at the time.
* Sixty radio commercials are named as finalists for the 2010 Radio Mercury Awards. The Radio Mercury Awards honor outstanding radio spots created by radio stations, agencies, production companies and students. Entries vying for the $100,000 prize were judged on their creativity, originality and effective communication of a brand's message. Seven of the finalists are in the Radio Station Produced category: CBS Radio's "Building 19 Subliminal" for Building 19; Clear Channel's "The Tune Up" for DP Motorworks; Clear Channel Creative Services Group's "Bear Skin Rug" for Myers Carpet and "Landscaper" for SD Storage; Entercom's "Pick Me" for Empire State Potato Growers Association; Townsquare Media's "Izzo's Burritos" for Izzo's Illegal Burritos; and Philadelphia "B101" WBEB's "Woodpecker" for Engagingcommercials.com. The 2010 finalists overall encompass a wide range of national and regional advertisers from the automotive, beer, entertainment, fast food, consumer packaged goods, telecommunications and retail categories. "I'm really encouraged by the list of finalists that have made it this far. This is a great example of the overall breadth and scope of the Radio advertising landscape," says Co-Chief Judge Mike Hughes, who also serves as President and Co-Chief Creative Officer of the Martin Agency. "We're continuing to see marketers leverage Radio in unique ways. This year's high caliber of brands speak to the medium's reach and flexibility," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. Winners will be announced on Monday, September 27 at the Annual Radio Mercury Awards at the NASDAQ MarketSite.
* Radio One will celebrate 30 years of service to the community with 30 days of giving back in October. Radio One, which claims to be the largest broadcasting company that primarily targets African-Americans, says: "All 1,300 employees, at all 52 radio stations, in all 16 markets will roll up their sleeves to give back to the local communities that have embraced them for the last three decades, as they 'Celebrate 30 Years with 30 Days of Giving'." Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes tells us, "Radio One has a rich history of community focus and involvement. During these tough economic times, things are extremely challenging for many, so we thought this would be a great way to show our gratitude and celebrate our long-standing relationship with our listeners and their communities. Radio One will continue to build on its legacy of being in the community, listening to the community and giving listeners a voice to let them know what's going on in their communities." The stations are compiling a broad range of events and activities that are reflective of the needs within their communities. Each market has been encouraged to develop a community calendar of charitable events, which will occur daily throughout the month of October. Each station is required to devote at least one activity to helping the homeless. Homelessness has been on the rise over the past decade and some estimate the population to be as many as 2.5 million. About 42% of the homeless population is African-American and nearly 40% of them are children under the age of 18. Other station initiatives will include activities, such as live broadcasts from local food banks, coat drives, health expos and charity walks, just to name a few. In addition to volunteering, each station will feature charitable organizations, on-air, to highlight their community involvement. [More »]
* Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster sues Sirius XM over phone calls, obtains a temporary restraining order. Koster obtained the restraining order against Sirius XM Radio for making solicitation calls to state residents who had previously placed their names on the state's no-call list. The Kirksville Daily Express reports that Koster filed a lawsuit against Sirius following a number of complaints. Koster’s lawsuit alleges violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act and the Telemarketing No-Call List Act. Koster said telephone solicitation calls were made to consumers soliciting satellite radio subscriptions. “When Missourians register with our No-Call list, they do so with the reasonable expectation that they will not receive these unsolicited, harassing calls,” said Koster. "No business, no matter the size or reach, is immune from Missouri’s law, and we will continue to go after those who violate it.” Sirius XM may still make calls to existing customers, unless a customer directs the satcaster not to call them. Koster also is seeking a civil penalty of $5,000 for each violation of Missouri law, costs of the investigation and prosecution, and all court costs.
* Westwood One realigns its management team, with Network Radio Division President Gary Schonfeld exiting. Schonfeld will return to his own AdLarge Media. Westwood One President Rod Sherwood takes oversight of the network division. Schonfeld has been with Westwood One since October 2008 and before that headed Jones MediaAmerica until Jones was acquired by Triton Media Group. Sherwood will oversee network radio, including operations and sales, and will be working closely with new company Chairman Mark Stone and Chairman Emeritus Norm Pattiz, who is now a consultant to Westwood One. "Gary has made substantial contributions to the growth of network radio since he joined Westwood One over two years ago," says Sherwood. "He led the development of new programming for the network and contributed to improvements in both affiliate and advertising sales. His experience in the radio industry helped network radio continue to hold its leadership position in the marketplace, and we thank him for all of his contributions." Says Schonfeld, "The time I spent at Westwood was a time of transformation for the network, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished. Now is the time for me to move on and continue to bring new opportunities to the network radio industry."
* WEUS-AM, Orlando, host George Crossley collapses at the station, and later dies at a local hospital. Crossley, 69, co-hosted "The People Power Revolution" from 6-8pm on WEUS. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Crossley was an evangelical Christian preacher in the 1970s, adding a radio and television ministry in the 1980s. But in the 1990s, he was convicted of trying to hire a hitman to kill the husband of his former lover. The murder was never carried out, but he spent 40 months in prison. During his incarceration he is said to have become a "changed man." He went on to become a leader of the ACLU's Central Florida chapter, but would eventually be ousted for overstepping his authority. "George was described on his show as an icon," says station owner Carl Como. "I only knew him for a short period of time, but I will remember him as long as I live as a man who loved what he was doing, helping others who were disadvantaged and would not stand down from a fight."
* Metromedia pioneer John Kluge dies at the age of 95. Kluge was an immigrant who went on to become a multi-billionaire and one of Forbes' richest people in America. In the 1950s, he became Chairman and the largest shareholder of local TV station group Metropolitan Broadcasting Corp. The group added radio, outdoor and other ventures to its portfolio and changed its name to Metromedia. The company went private in 1984 as part of a $1.1 billion leveraged buyout. The group was eventually liquidated with its TV stations sold to News Corp. for $2 billion, and its 11 radio stations selling for a total of $290 million. Forbes magazine estimated Kluge’s net worth to be $6.5 billion in March 2010.
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* Howard Stern – from Sirius XM to iPhone application? The NY Daily News' David Hinckley writes, "Treaties that end world wars are signed with less drama than Howard Stern creates around contract negotiations, but his warning that he may leave Sirius satellite and go independent could be more likely than some listeners would think." Noting that Stern's five-year deal with Sirius XM ends in December, Hinckley cites Stern's recent on-air comments that he is likely to leave the satcaster, and might start his own Internet podcast, available by subscription. "He could become an app," writes Hinckley. "With the new phone technology, it's ridiculously easy," says Kurt Hanson, editor of the Radio and Internet Newsletter (RAIN). "More and more people are doing it. If a Stern got into it, that would speed acceptance further." Could he make anything like what Sirius pays him? "The problem with 'monetizing' the Internet," says Talkers magazine editor Michael Harrison, "is that almost everything there is available somewhere else, free. Stern would be selling something not available anywhere else - himself." If Stern did three Internet shows a week, charged $5 a month (a bargain for fans) and got a million subscribers (a low estimate), he'd make $60 million a year.
* Howard Stern is not the only question mark in Sirius XM's future — there's also Opie and Anthony. Their contract with the satcaster expires before Stern's – October 1. And right now, it doesn't look like a new deal is likely. Their show's longtime Executive Producer Steve Carlesi just exited as his position was eliminated. Carlesi — known on-air as “Steve C” — writes on a Facebook posting: “The ride was a lot of fun for a lot of years. However, it’s time to get off the ride and move on to another.” Meanwhile, leaked word from inside the satcaster's hallowed halls has been that negotiations between Opie & Anthony and Sirius XM have not been going well. Now Opie tweets on Twitter "(speaking for me) I want to continue, their current offer is a joke and an insult, waiting to see if they wake up, if not I have plans."
* Fox Sports Radio rolls out its new Fall weekend programming lineup. The network adds Chicago Sports Talk veteran Mike North and Philadelphia Sports journalist and WIP-AM radio host Anthony Gargano. They are now part of the weekend lineup, as is longtime Cincinnati Sports Talk host Andy Furman. The new lineup features North from 6-9am, followed by Gargano along with NFL star and Fox Sports Radio vet Lincoln Kennedy from 9am-1pm. The new menu of weekend Sports Talk began September 11. Furman also teams up with Kennedy on Sunday from 4-7pm and North hosts an NFL wrap-up show, NFL Central, on Sundays from 7-10pm.
* SparkNet Communications and Dial Global launch a "Jack Custom" product platform for "Jack FM" stations.
The platform utilizes Dial Global's StorQ local delivery technology. StorQ provides the elements of localization and customization for each affiliate. "Jack Custom" allows stations to control content and features seamless programming continuity with imaging, advertising and localized music choices. Says SparkNet Co-President Garry Wall, "Jack Custom programming provides a great ratings and revenue solution for even the largest markets and as such represents a major innovation in network programming. After a year in development with our Dial Global partners, it is ready to perform." Dial Global President and CEO Kirk Stirland adds, "Our StorQ platform is really perfect for a format like Jack FM, providing clock and inventory flexibility, along with specific music mixes for competitive radio markets."
* Listener Driven Radio is growing, now up to over 200 social networks for its interactive programming platform.
LDR's system provides stations with direct online integration to Facebook, Twitter, Friendster and MySpace, notes
LDR President Daniel Anstandig. "LDR builds cume and tune-ins for radio stations using social media," says Anstandig. "We have seen that for every one listener who uses the Facebook feature on LDR, an average of four listeners come back to the station's website, confirming that LDR's social networking integration is a powerful cume builder for stations."
Another custom option is the Instant Alert system, allowing listeners who request songs to receive alerts when their favorite songs play on an LDR powered station. Alerts are delivered to listeners by e-mail, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Jabber and Google Talk. The Instant Alert feature is designed to build repeated tune-ins for radio stations, a feature that helps to build PPM numbers. Alerts offer unique sponsorship assets, leading to additional monetization opportunities available to all LDR affiliate stations. "LDR builds cume and tune-ins for radio stations using social media," says LDR President Daniel Anstandig.
* Crowd-sourcer Jelli makes radio more social, integrating Twitter as a feature on its Website. That allows users to share with their Twitter followers when their chosen song is played on the air. The tweets automatically include the name of the song, artist and the call letters of the station broadcasting it. "Crowd-sourced radio playlists are helping broadcasters connect and engage with the coveted young audience segment," says Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty. "Integrating Twitter with Jelli cranks up the engagement quotient and makes broadcast radio more immediate, more responsive and that much more social." Jelli recently initiated a similar integration with Facebook.
* The FTC is asking radio to air anti-underage-drinking PSAs. The Federal Trade Commission launches the 2010 edition of its "We Don't Serve Teens" consumer-education campaign, which warns of the hazards of underage drinking, and is encouraging radio stations to run the public service announcements. The PSAs are available for free at the DontServeTeens.gov Website. Both the PSAs and Website are part of an ongoing program that also includes adhesive signs and an article called "Middle School: It's Not Too Early to Talk to Kids About Underage Drinking." The FTC is asking the public to distribute all the materials as widely as possible. "The FTC believes that kids need to hear their parents' concerns about underage drinking," says FTC Consumer Protection Bureau Director David Vladeck. "Our message is, 'Talk to your kids about underage drinking. Sooner is better than later.'"
* Rumors are confirmed as Press Communications announces it will swap frequencies of two Monmouth-Ocean stations.
Country "Thunder 98.5" WKMK-FM and WBBO-FM will switch dial locations September 15. WKMK will become "Thunder 106" with a simulcast on 106.3 and 106.5, while WBBO moves to 98.5, and the brand "B98.5" is restored with a
CHR-Top40 format. Program Director Captain Jack says the move is to expand Thunder's audience with a signal into Middlesex, Lower Manhattan, Staten Island and Brooklyn. The rumors gained credibility even before the official announcement with word that WHTG-WBBO PD and 11-year market veteran Matt Knight was out. Knight started as the Assistant PD, Music Director and night personality at the former "B98.5" WBBO-FM. He later moved to Alternative WHTG-FM as Programming Coordinator and afternoon host. A brief item earlier this week appeared in our "Ins and Outs of Radio" feature that said only: "Matt Knight exits CHR-Top40 'Hit 106' WHTG-FM and WBBO-FM, Monmouth-Ocean, as Program Director ."
* Pacifica Radio is talking with Al Jazeera to put the Persian Gulf-based news service on its five stations. If an agreement is reached, reports the Washington Post, Pacifica would become the biggest American broadcaster to air Al Jazeera, whose news reports have at times drawn criticism from Western governments, including the Bush administration during the early days of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Al Jazeera is perhaps best known for being the first network to broadcast video communiques from Osama bin Laden after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Pacifica's parent organization, the Pacifica Foundation in Berkeley, CA, has been negotiating with Doha-based Al Jazeera to carry the audio portion of its English-language TV channel. The Post cites "people familiar with the discussions" for that assertion. Closing a deal with Pacifica, which is known for its liberal-leaning programming, would be a boost for Al Jazeera. The network, owned by the emir of the Persian Gulf state of Qatar, has struggled to gain a foothold in the American market. After four years of operation, Al Jazeera English can be seen only in the Washington area and two other cities, Burlington, VT, and Toledo, OH. The negotiations, which have not been disclosed publicly, are already drawing criticism from within Pacifica. In an internal memo to the organization's national board, Steve Brown, a former member of the board overseeing Pacifica-owned WBAI-FM, New York, advised Pacifica to consider "the blowback" from associating itself with Al Jazeera. In addition to WBAI, Pacifica owns KPFK, Los Angeles; KPFT, Houston; WPFW, Washington; and KPFA, Berkley-San Francisco.
* Mary Lee Robinson is appointed Market Manager for Bustos/NAP Broadcast Holdings Salt Lake City. Robinson, a former Jacor and Clear Channel Director of Sales, is named to head the SLC stations — KDUT-FM, KTUB-AM, KBMG-FM, and KBTU-LP TV — by BMT President and CEO Jay Meyers, who is overseeing Bustos/NAP as CEO. "I had the honor of having Mary Lee work for me at Jacor and then Clear Channel, and to say that she is the very best is a huge understatement," says Meyers. "She is without a doubt the most respected broadcaster in Salt Lake City and is so strong that the fact she's going to have to hang out with me for a few days every six or eight weeks won't damage her reputation one bit – and that's saying something!" Robinson adds, "I'm simply thrilled to be back in radio, and the opportunity to come in and run this group of assets which serve the fastest growing population in Salt Lake City is truly exciting. One in every five consumers will be Hispanic in the next census and we're in a perfect position to serve them and deliver their spending power to our advertisers." The official appointment of Robinson as Market Manager for Bustos Salt Lake City removes the "Interim" tag from her title. She's been holding that designation since late May while winding down her role with Hula Girl ad agency where she's one of three founding partners. Robinson was a Sales Manager with CBS before relocating to Salt Lake City with Jacor in 1997.
* Veteran Urban radio programmer Barbara Prieto joins AccuRadio to program and market "AccuRadio R&B." That's the multichannel streamer's new selection of Urban and R&B music. Prieto joins AccuRadio.com with a background in major-market commercial radio programming, with experience that includes stints in the 80s and 90s at WGCI, Chicago as Music Director and Assistant Program Director and WKYS/Washington DC, as Assistant Program Director and later Program Director. "I am excited to bring my music and programming skills to Internet radio," says Prieto. "It's a great opportunity to break new music and give exposure to deserving talent. A music programmer needs to find the right product, win the listeners' respect, and keep them listening."
* NPR activates its $3 million local journalism Argo Network in collaboration with 12 NPR member stations. The launch of 12 topic-focused news sites marks the debut of NPR’s Project Argo Network – an online journalism venture created to produce in-depth, local coverage on subjects critical to communities and the nation. The Argo stations take advantage of common tools and platforms, rolled out in stages over the past six weeks. The sites are to be connected to each other through NPR’s Application Programming Interface (API), a technology that enables the integration, free-flow and sharing of content among the Argo stations and NPR. Content from the Argo sites will flow into the NPR.org API, which broadens the distribution of the content to more places and more people, including third party sites and NPR member stations sties, and NPR.org. Topics selected for in-depth reporting include global health, climate change, gentrification, public safety, education, politics, military, immigration and music. Each Argo station chose its topic based on what was most relevant to its local community and a match with the station’s strengths and aspirations.
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* Intune Media releases iPhone apps featuring "Twisted Tunes" song parodies and content from Bob Rivers. "The Bob Rivers Show" airs mornings on KZOK-FM, Seattle. Rivers is making his entire Twisted Tunes Library of over 500 songs available. The new apps feature streaming audio from the latest show, video highlights, audio podcasts and Rivers' Twitter feed, among others. The "Plus" version adds deeper access to clips from Bob's Garage recording studio sessions with classic rock bands, and a library of streaming video clips from Spike & the Impalers, the show's classic rock cover band. In addition to streaming Twisted Tunes Radio, the "plus" version also includes streaming Spike & the Impalers radio and Bob's Garage radio. Both stations are available exclusively on the app, and contain exclusive content from past and current shows.
* Tribune Company General Counsel Don Liebentritt is named the company’s Chief Restructuring Officer.
Liebentritt's deputy, David Eldersveld, is promoted to replace him as General Counsel. Tribune CEO Randy Michaels explains: “As we enter the next phase of our Chapter 11 process and begin working with the mediator assigned to oversee negotiations with our creditor constituencies, Don needs to devote all his attention and energy entirely to our restructuring efforts. He’s intimately familiar with the process and what needs to be done to achieve a restructuring plan that can win the votes of our creditors and be approved by the court.” Liebentritt served as Tribune’s General Counsel since 2008. Eldersveld was named Tribune’s SVP and Deputy General Counsel in 2008, three years after joining the company as Senior Counsel for Mergers and Acquisitions. He's also been serving as Corporate Secretary. “Dave has earned this promotion — he’s intelligent, articulate and effective, and has been a great second-in-command," says Michaels.
"As Tribune has moved through the Chapter 11 process, Dave has stepped up to provide great leadership in our legal department. His appointment will enable Don to stay focused on our restructuring.”
* Syndicated morning host Tom Joyner gets the nod from President Obama for an exclusive interview. The September 10 morning audio session, along with a transcript, will be available at BlackAmericaWeb.com immediately following the discussion. Joyner airs in over 100 markets and reaches an audience of more than 8 million. Since Obama has taken office, Joyner's show and Website have maintained coverage of every major issue facing the African American community and have followed the President's actions and statements in great detail.
* Police in Georgia make an arrest in the murder of WBOJ-FM Program Director and morning host Heath Jackson.
The 25-year-old Contemporary Christian "88.5 the Truth" WBOJ-FM, Columbus, GA, PD and wake-up personality was shot and killed Tuesday (Sept. 7) when he interrupted a robbery in his home. The Macon Ledger-Inquirer reports police have now made an arrest. Witnesses gave police a description of the killer, and early this morning officers raided the home of suspect Ricardo Strozier, Columbus Police Chief Ricky Boren said today (Sept. 8). There police found loot from what they believe to have been a string of burglaries in the area where Jackson was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon. Investigators now are trying to determine where the goods came from, Boren said. Columbus police have charged Strozier, 21, with murder in Jackson's shooting.
* All six Townsquare Media Flint, MI, stations were off the air for hours Wednesday due to a generator fire. The fire knocked out the generator, which the stations had been using after a tree knocked down power lines Tuesday evening during a wind storm. The stations — WCRL-FM, WCRZ-FM, WFNT- AM, WWBN-FM, WCLO-AM and WQUS-FM — were silent for about six hours. WCRZ morning personality Erin Bishop alerted cluster Chief Engineer Aaron McEachern that the generator had quit at around 4:30am Wednesday (Sept. 8). She then went outside and saw a fire at the side of the building. McEachern told the Flint Journal that the Burton Fire Department "did a good job of dousing the fire and keeping the equipment dry." The fire appears to have been caused by a gas leak in the back of the building, which could have been ignited by the generator, McEachern said. “It’s really hard to tell what caused it at this point,” he said. The stations got back on the air around 11:40 with a new generator, although the power lines had yet to be repaired. A video report on the fire may be vierwed here.
* Envision Radio Director of Marketing Matt Wardlaw is promoted to Director of Operations. In his new position, Wardlaw will work directly with VP of Programming Michael Lichtstein. He will help oversee day-to-day duties related to all existing Envision programming, producers and show hosts, while also helping to review and develop new programming. Wardlaw had been Marketing Director for the past four years. "Matt has been a terrific team player since he joined Envision in 2004. As Director of Marketing, Matt improved our communication efforts and implemented a structure that has kept pace with our tremendous growth," says Envision Radio COO Laura Orkin. "Matt will now take on the newly created position of Director of Operations in an effort to super-serve our affiliates and partners." Prior to becoming Director of Marketing, Wardlaw was the Southwest Affiliate Relations Manager at Envision for three years. He began his radio career at WMMS-FM in 1995, and he continues to co-host "The Inner Sanctum," heard locally in Cleveland on WKRK-FM.
* Todd Nixon will be the new Program Director and afternoon host at Clear Channel Country WCKT-FM, Fort Myers.
Nixon is currently PD at Country KRMD-FM, Shreveport, LA, where he will exit September 17 to join "Cat Country" WCKT. Nixon fills the gap created by Mark Wilson's departure last November. Nixon joined KRMD in March 2008, coming from WYCT-FM, Pensacola, FL, where he was also Program Director. Says Nixon, "We had a great run at KRMD and I am super excited to take that next step in my career by growing with Clear Channel. I look forward to learning and innovating with VP/GM Sherri Griswold-Sanchez, Senior VP/Programming Rod Phillips and the staff at Clear Channel Fort Meyers. Living in a tropical paradise doesn't hurt either!" Griswold-Sanchez adds, "I am thrilled to bring in this energetic, powerful player to our Cat Country family. WCKT has been entertaining Southwest Florida listeners for many, many years, and while our history is strong, growth is essential. It's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to add to our staff a highly skilled professional with drive and momentum."
* Singer-songwriter Ruby Amanfu joins the Timeless Cool syndicated 24/7 format for middays. A member of singing duo Sam & Ruby, Amanfu will be on the air from 10am to 3pm, joining a lineup that also includes Bobby Caldwell, Steve March-Torme, and Janet Planet. Amanfu's solo single "Sugah" was a top five hit in the UK, and she was nominated for a Grammy for the song "Heart's My Home," performed by the Duhks.
* The U.S. ad market is on the road to recovery, according to a new study from SNL Kagan. The total market is projected to rebound 2.8% to $210.5 billion in 2010, following two consecutive years of declines. SNL Kagan forecasts the market will continue to grow, reaching $214.3 billion in 2011 and $275.8 billion by 2019. The study – "Advertising Forecasts: U.S. Market Trends & Data for All Major Media" – provides analysis of each media sector, including historical data and projections. SNL Kagan expects that the sectors with the strongest growth this year will be mobile, broadcast TV stations and Internet, while business publications and newspapers will show the largest declines. SNL Kagan indicates that it is unlikely old-media sectors will recover from the flight of ad dollars to new media. Daily newspapers have seen their revenues cut in half, dropping from $46.3 billion in 1999 to a forecasted $23.0 billion in 2011. Looking further ahead, losses are expected to level off, with projected revenues of $22.5 billion in 2019. Conversely, Internet advertising has grown from $4.7 billion in 1999 to an estimated $27.8 billion in 2011 and is expected to more than double by 2019, reaching $60.1 billion. SNL Kagan senior analyst Derek Baine notes, "New media, such as mobile and internet advertising, continue to boom, while old media, particularly print, is increasingly losing its relevance. Dollars are shifting into new platforms and those drawing the most eyeballs, such as cable TV."
* The MIW Radio Group announces second annual Trailblazer and Achievement in Programming Awards recipients.
The Mentoring & Inspiring Women In Radio (MIW) Group tells us that radio veteran and former RAB SVP of Training Lynn Anderson has been named the recipient of the 2010 Trailblazer Award. In addition, KMPS-FM/CBS Radio Seattle Program Director & Digital Web Manager Becky Brenner has been chosen to receive the Achievement in Programming Award. NAB Radio Board Chair, Beasley Broadcast Group EVP and CFO Caroline Beasley, who is also an MIW, will present both individuals with their awards on stage during the Radio Luncheon on Friday, October 1st at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC. MIW says the Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. The Achievement in Programming Award is designed to encourage the advancement of women in programming and to reward and recognize those who have achieved success in the field. “We had some amazing candidates who were recommended for both honors,” said Heidi Raphael, MIW Radio Group Spokesperson and Greater Media VP of Corporate Communication. “Lynn is a true trailblazer, having led by example throughout her entire career by educating many about the benefits of the radio industry, both in her role with the RAB and as a mentor with the MIW Radio Group.” Corinne Baldassano, SVP of Programming and Marketing at Take On the Day/The Dr. Laura Program says, “Becky’s exceptional track record, dedication and passion for the industry made her the perfect choice to receive the “Achievement in Programming” Award." Adds MIW Denise Oliver, President of Oliver Media, "We highly encourage other women to choose careers in programming and for companies to promote more women in this area of the radio industry,”
* Pollack Media Group Chairman and CEO Jeff Pollack named programming consultant for KKGO-FM, Los Angeles.
"Go Country 105" KKGO Director of Programming Tonya Campos, who remains in place, says understanding the particular nuances of programming a Country format is the key to success in large urban markets along the West Coast.
"I look forward to working with Jeff and his group," says Campos. "In these times, it is always a big plus to be able to work with those who are so knowledgeable about all the changes happening." Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters President Saul Levine tells us, "My association with Jeff goes back decades since his work with our radio projects in Honolulu. Jeff understands Country music and, just as importantly, its role in the unique L.A. market." Levine adds that he's retaining Pollack's services "to take Go Country 105 to the next level." Although Pollack is not known for his work with County radio, he has worked with CMT television.
* The FCC is offering a new set of developer tools to improve access to Commission data. Also, there's a new developer community based at www.fcc.gov/developer.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the "announcement marks a major step towards our goal of reimagining the dot gov experience to better serve the 21st-century citizen. These new online tools will empower innovators and developers across the country to leverage government data in ways never imagined, creating immense value for the American public. This is an important part of institutionalizing change in government." The tools include a number of APIs for use by developers. FCC Managing Director Steven VanRoekel explains: "These tools are designed to maximize the value of government data for citizen shareholders. Their release is part of a larger effort aimed at running a dot gov more like a dot com, with the same kind of agility, responsiveness, and innovation we expect from leading commercial Websites." The APIs include one that unlocks speed test statistics from the Consumer Broadband Speed Test, another that returns census data for any block in America, FCC Registration Number data for broadband providers, and a License View API that includes access to information like the number of licenses across different services, how many licenses different entities have, and how many licenses are up for renewal in the near future.
* Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz gets a $340,000 one-year deal as a consultant to Westwood One. Last week we reported that Pattiz retired from the Board, becoming Chairman Emeritus, and signing a new contract as a consultant to the company. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with new Chairman Mark Stone and the company’s senior management, it was reported last week. Now we find out how much Pattiz will receive under his one-year contract as a consultant from an SEC filing. Pattiz previously told us that relinquishing his "seat at the Board table" but continuing his association with the now Gores-goup controlled Westwood One allows him "to play an active role at the company I founded, working with people that I admire and respect, while continuing the other activities that are very important to me." Those other activities include serving as Chairman of the Departnent of Energy's Los Alamos and Laurence Livermore National Security Laboratories, and as a Regent of the University of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and received a "Giants of Broadcasting" Award, from the Library of American Broadcasting.
* Connoisseur Media names Randy Dunn General Manager of AC WMGA-FM and Rock WXBW-FM, Huntington, WV.
WMGA is best known as "Magic 97.9" and WXBW as "101.5 Bob FM." Dunn joins the company with over twelve years of radio sales and management experience. From 1998 to 2010 he was with Clear Channel's crosstown radio group, most recently as General Sales Manager. "We are excited to have Randy lead our team in Huntington. I am confident his broad experience will continue to benefit our clients, employees and the community," says Connoisseur Media COO David Bevins. "I'm very pleased to join such a dynamic company and quite frankly, I am stoked. I look forward to doing great things for Huntington and Tri-State listeners and advertisers," adds Dunn.
* Crista Broadcasting names Tim McCoy General Manager of "105.9 The River" KFMK-FM, Austin. The station is expected to relaunch KFMK and its Contemporary Christian format when Cristia closes on its deal to acquire the outlet from the Clear Channel's Aloha Station Trust, later this month. "KFMK is going to bring a unique sound and extensive community involvement to the people of this great city," says McCoy. "We're going to present a new Spirit to Austin." Most recently, McCoy served as VP and General Manager of crosstown Univision from 2003 to 2009. He's also handled management duties with the former Susquehanna Radio and the former Hispanic Broadcasting.
* Bill Gamble will consult Schurz Communications' South Bend WSBT Radio Group. That group includes WNSN, WSBT, WZOC, and WHFB-AM-FM. Gamble will act as the Operations Director of the South Bend stations. "I’m looking forward to working with Sally Brown, Vice President of Radio-Indiana, and her talented team," says Gamble. "The Schurz stations have been the market leaders for years and I hope to help continue that trend." Brown, meanwhile, says, "Bill and I have worked together before, so I know firsthand what a talented programmer he is. I’m thrilled to welcome him to Schurz Communications and WSBT." Gamble most recently served as Program Director for CBS Radio Chicago Country WUSN and AC WCFS and was recently named as a consultant for AccuRadio.com’s Country music channels.
* Former RAB EVP George Hyde joins media brokerage W.B. Grimes & Co. as a Senior Associate.
Hyde will handle radio mergers and acquisitions for the suburban Wahington DC-based firm. "I'm excited to have George come aboard as part of our expanding radio team," says Grimes & Co. President Larry Grimes. "His hands-on management experiences with Susquehanna, and his firsthand relationships with thousands of station owners and operators make him ideally qualified to help prospective sellers and buyers identify and seize the best opportunities for mergers and acquisitions." Hyde tells us, "I've always been enthusiastic about radio's reach and impact, and the ongoing potential for radio's growth. This will be a great opportunity to continue to work with group and station as they fine-tune their portfolios to take advantage of the next wave of growth opportunities."
* Alan Burns and Associates signs as a client of Krantz Media Group for new business development.
"Alan Burns and Associates have an incredible track record spanning three decades," says Krantz Media Group President and CEO Gary Krantz. "They have worked with some of the biggest call letters in the U.S radio business, as well as provided strategic guidance to media companies internationally. Their recent study 'Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media' has become a benchmark in the radio industry, and KMG is thrilled at the opportunity to grow in to the future with Alan and his team." Says Alan Burns, "We're excited to have Gary’s experience, contacts, and strategic skills helping us develop partnerships in the industry." Krantz is a veteran broadcast exec who has served in CEO and EVP posts at such companies as Westwood One, Clear Channel, and Air America Radio.
* AC “Star 107.3” KRSR, Corpus Christi, flips to “We Play Everything” Adult Variety Hits “107.3 Jake FM”. The flip comes after stunting with an all-Beatles format, following the August 30 demise of “Star 107.3” and "Today's Refreshing Light Rock" — leading to a September 3 launch of the new format. The www.star1073radio.com now displays a splash screen for "Jake" which also has its own url at 1073jakefm.com that is currently redirecting to the former “Star" address. The flip leaves rhythmic-leaning KKBA as the only AC station in Corpus Christi. There remains a question about 107.3's (new?) call letters. Some promotional material is claiming "Jake" Corpus Christi is now KJKE. However, as best as we can determine, those calls continue to belong to Country "93.3 Jake FM" in the Oklahoma City market (licensed to Newcastle-Oklahoma City, OK). That appears to be verified by the latest data available from the FCC's FM station database.
* Atlanta's Rhythmic "The Groove" gets a second frequency, replacing Classic Country "96.7 The Legend" WWLG.
Clear Channel begins simulcasting "105-7 The Groove" WWVA-FM on 96.7 to – what's described as – "fill a signal hole for 105.7 in their coverage." WWVA-FM is licensed to Canton, GA, located about 20 miles north of Atlanta, while WWLG-FM is licensed to Peachtree City located about 20 miles south of Atlanta. "The Groove" is seeking to add audience formerly attached to “95.5 The Beat” WBTS-FM, which has flipped to a simulcast of News-Talk WSB-AM. Meanwhile, SVP of Programming Clay Hunnicutt says "The Legend" will survive on "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM's HD2 multicast channel.
* LC Media’s "Q104.7" KQIE-FM, Redlands, CA, debuts with a Rhythmic CHR format. KQIE was originally licensed to Palm Springs, CA but became a move-in to the Riverside-San Bernadino market this past February. KQIE is a programming sister to Gold Coast Rhythmic "Q104.7" KCAQ-FM, Oxnard-Ventura. Gold Coast Director of Programming and Broadcast Operations and KCAQ Program Director Brian Davis is handling the programming of KQIE. LC Media is run by President and General Partner Roy Laughlin, a former Clear Channel Los Angeles and CBS Radio Los Angeles SVP and Market Manager. KQIE made its long awaited on-air debut over the Labor Day weekend.
* Rhythmic CHR "Hot 93.9" KIKI-FM, Honolulu, flips to Rhythmic Gen X, with Hawaiian influences, as "93.9 Jamz."
The Clear Channel station's new slogan is "Your Generation's Ol' Skool" with new call letters KHJZ-FM. Sister Talk KHBZ-AM will assume the heritage KIKI calls as KIKI-AM. The new format is launched under Program Director Ryan Sean. "We're excited to unveil a new era for 93.9 today," says Clear Channel Hawaii VP and General Manager Chuck Cotton. "Radio listeners in Hawaii now have a new choice on the airwaves, something unlike any other station they've heard in the market." Cotton adds that "Hot 93.9" will still be avalable on the station's HD2 multicast channel. Clear Channel Hawaii Director of Programming Jamie Hyatt says the new "93.9 Jamz" will "feature the old school music Generation X grew up with, and certainly not their mom's old school tunes."
* Classic Rock WOZZ, Green Bay, WI, flips to "93 Rock" WRQE, simulcasting on 93.5 and 93.1 FM. Midwest Communications' new "93 Rock" offers an updated version of Classic Rock with such artists as Metallica, Guns 'N' Roses, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Motley Crue and Nirvana among others. How do they describe the revamped format? "It. Just. Rocks!!!" and "a new way to rock" are just two slogans presented in promotional materials. "93 Rock" is online at www.93rockon.com. The flip followed five days of teasing on Facebook and YouTube, with increasing hints at what was coming. Midwest Communications also launches Green Bay's Classic Hits "The Drive" WYDR. "The Drive" tells listeners it provides "The Soundtrack of Our Lives," featuring Classic Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. "The Drive" is simulcast on 94.3 Fox Cities and 99.7 Green Bay. WYDR is online at www.wydrthedrive.com.
* The Truth is that Denver's conservative FM Talker "The Truth" KTNI, Strasburg, CO, is replaced by "Jammin' 101.5".
The Max Media station positions itself as "Denver's Old School" with core artists that include Janet Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. The station is launching with 5,000 songs in a row commercial-free. The Truth Website is gone, and the new site is up and streaming at www.jammin1015.com. Visitors to the new site are told: "The people's choice is back...and here to stay!! JAMMIN’ 101.5...DENVER'S OLD SCHOOL is playing all your favorite jamz from back in the day!" Join our E-Club "CLUB JAM" and receive VIP e-mails on the hottest concerts, on-air giveaways, jammin' events an more! SIGN UP NOW and you could be one of 10 "CLUB JAM" members to win $101.50!! We won't send you an e-mail everyday either, just the important stuff!!" KTNI had only been a Talker for about a year, having made the move from Alternative "Indie 101.5" in July 2009. Program Director Zac Davis is named Operations Manager for Max Media Denver, and Marketing Director Brian DeGrasse is promoted to Assistant PD and Music Director for "Jammin' 101.5" while retaining his marketing duties as well. DeGrasse will handle day-to-day duties for "Jammin'" and Alan Burns will consult. Says Davis, "I was a big fan of the station four years ago and I'm glad there is still such a passion for it here in Denver. I can't wait to build on an already loved brand. Everyone in our building from GM Jeff Norman to our Interns are really excited!" Adds DeGrasse, "We are excited to bring Jammin' back to the Denver audience! It's a radio hole in the market that had to be filled. After exploring numerous formats, we decided that this was the radio pocket that needed to be serviced. Big promotions are on the way, but still under wraps."
* ABC News President David Westin says he's leaving at the end of the year. Westin has led ABC News since 1997 and carried the news division into the digital era. "As rewarding as I’ve found my time here, there are some other things I want to do professionally — things that I cannot explore while fulfilling my responsibilities here," Westin, a lawyer, wrote in an email to staffers, with the subject line "Transition." He added, "I’m announcing my decision now so that I can pursue those possibilities, something I couldn’t do in fairness to all of you until I’d told you of my plans to step down. I have agreed to remain your leader through the end of the year." Westin engineered high-stakes anchor switches at all the TV network's signature news programs — "World News," "Good Morning America," "Nightline" and "This Week." Many of the changes made by Westin have also been in evidence on Citadel Media's ABC News Radio.
* A struggle for control of the Washington Times leads to problems for its syndicated TRN-partnered radio program.
The family struggle over control of the Washington Times led to the newspaper missing payments on its contract with Talk Radio Network for the production of the syndicated "America's Morning News." The family struggle is between Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his son Preston over a proposal under which the father would buy the paper back from the son for $1 plus assumption of $8-$10 million in debt. The TRN deal calls for the Washington Times to pay $100,000 per month for three years in exchange for a share of ad revenues from the radio show. The plug was pulled on payments after the paper reportedly "lost hundreds of thousands on the radio show" – and after Preston Moon, reportedly concerned about the paper's top three executives' ties to his father's Unification Church, fired them. The three are now aligned with his father in the takeover bid. TRN has taken control of "America's Morning News" and has moved from the newspaper to another studio in the Washington area. TRN says it remains firmly committed to the morning show and its future.
* Peconic Public Broadcasting gets another extension to raise funds needed to purchase WLIU, Long Island. Peconic, formed for the purpose, is attempting to purchase the noncommercial station from Long Island University, in an effort to save the station as a locally-programmed public radio station for the Hamptons area. Last week, the deadline was extended until Friday at 5pm, when Peconic didn't yet have the money needed in hand. Now the deadline is extended until September 28 after Peconic receives further donations, including $50,000 from the foundation of billionaire and liberal political backer George Soros. Peconic Public Broadcasting needs to come up with a total of $637,000 to close on the station. Meanwhile, there are now reports that Peconic has secured bank financing for the purchase of WLIU for any amount that it still comes up short after the latest fund raising activity.
* "Gerry House and the House Foundation" on Clear Channel Country WSIX, Nashville, will call it quits. The long-running morning show with House and co-host Mike Bohan will end December 15. as House decides to leave radio, he told listeners. He announced on the air that he's ending his nearly three-decade career in Country radio, most of that at WSIX. "After long, painful consideration, we are leaving the air. We're leaving radio." House says he wants to devote more time to other major projects he is involved in, especially writing. “I wanna sleep late, contemplate and feel great," House told his listeners. "I will miss everyone on and off the air, but it's time for me to do the other things I think about. The mostest fun ever is working with your friends. I also plan to travel and spend less time with my family.” Following House's announcement, Clear Channel Nashville Market Manager Tom English said: “Working with Gerry has been a highlight of my career. He and the rest of the House Foundation are absolutely the best and they have meant so much to our listeners, our station and our industry. Just saying Gerry House will be missed is the understatement of the decade, but I understand his desire to take time and enjoy the fruits of his success.” House will continue to work with WSIX as a writer and contributor. WSIX Program Director Keith Kaufman says, "A worldwide search is now underway. We will find Nashville’s next big thing. Anyone who can make me laugh within three minutes of turning on the radio every morning for the next 20 years can call my cell phone. If it'll take four minutes on some days, we'll take it.”
* Former Cumulus WVBO-FM, Oshkosh, WI, morning host Rich Allen is sentenced for a computer sex crime.
Allen — real name: Richard Kieffer — is sentenced to 10 years in prison, with eight years to be suspended on good behavior conditions. Authorities in Fairfax County, VA, arrested Kieffer, 54, on charges of proposed sex on a computer with a child under the age of 15 last May. Allen was also sentenced to five years probation after his release from prison, which will allow him to transfer to Wisconsin. He will also undergo a psychiatric evaluation and sex offender evaluation, as well as registering as a sex offender in Virginia.
* Howard Stern: I'm 'pretty sure' I'm not going to re-sign with Sirius XM – unless I decide that I will. Stern's latest update on the status of his contract with Sirius XM Radio — despite the "pretty sure" he will be leaving at the end of the year when his contract expires — leaves one still unsure what he will actually do. We hear that even Robin Quivers still can't say for sure what Howard will finally decide. That may depend on what the satcaster does to satisfy him with a final offer. Stern tells his listeners he'd be interested in staying and adding a third channel, possibly a music channel, to his present Howard 100 and 101, while doing 15 hours of his own show per week. He says, however, he's also considering streaming options, including a mobile app with subscriptions. Stern's five-year contract with the satcaster ends in December. He says he doesn't want another five-year deal, if he does re-sign — although he's "pretty sure" he won't re-sign, unless he decides to do so after all. Stern now wants a yearly contract, although Sirius XM Radio is seeking to sign him to another five-year deal. He said that he is considering five options, but one, to "get the f**k out of the business," is off the table and he will continue in radio, although he said it would take "almost a miracle" for Sirius XM to re-sign him. However, Stern apparently believes in "almost miracles" as he added that his "priority" is to remain with the satcaster. Still, he complained that the company has "forgotten about the past." Our TPMedia analysts, after pouring through the full audio, have determined that it is 100% definite that Howard will ultimately either sign a new deal with Sirius XM or leave the satcaster at the end of the year. Unless somehow he can come up with a totally different option that miraculously involves neither.
* Report: Sirius XM sets course with or without Howard Stern. "Shock jock Howard Stern brought more than just his oversized personality to satellite radio when he joined Sirius — he also carted along an estimated 1.2 million new subscribers," writes Reuters' Liana Baker. "Now, five years later, Stern's $500 million contract with Sirius XM Radio," she adds. "is nearly up, giving rise to concerns about how well the company would fare without one of its biggest stars." Baker, in an analysis, notes that the satcaster's stock is trading around $1 a share and is down 5% in the last month, underperforming the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index. "There's a negotiation going on and everyone's assuming the worst," says Maxim Group analyst John Tinker, who says uncertainty about Stern has weighed on Sirius XM's stock. Stern himself hasn't helped the situation with on-air comments that he's "pretty sure" — but not definite — that he will leave satellite radio at the end of the year. Other analysts point out that over a six-month stretch, the shares are up 11% and say worries are overblown that a boatload of Sirius XM's 19.6 million subscribers would be lost should Stern depart after his contract expires in December. With or without Stern, they say Sirius XM's concentration on car radios and partnerships with auto manufacturers will keep its subscriber base growing for years. Last quarter alone it added 583,000 subscribers. "The company's in a pretty good position and their operations would be fine and continue even if they lost subscribers because of Stern," says BGB Securities analyst Murray Arenson. Another analyst, James Goss from Barrington Research, says that the listeners who followed Stern to Sirius XM may not be ready to leave with him. "People who took the product then might have found other things they liked about satellite radio, and at this stage, they wouldn't necessarily leave," says Goss.
* Beasley Las Vegas: Justin Chase Operations Manager for FM stations, Sean Lynch joins as PD of KOAS and KVGS.
Programmer Carmy Ferreri exits immediately. The two new stations join Beasley's current FM group that includes Classic Hits KKLZ and Country KCYE. "Not only do we believe the management addition of these two stations creates an excellent opportunity for our company, importantly it also reflects our belief in the strength of this market and our long-term commitment to Las Vegas," says VP of Operations Brian Beasley. Chase will continue as PD for KKLZ and KCYE. Lynch, who will program KVGS and KOAS, was instrumental in the successful launch of KKLZ before leaving the company to consult various entertainment companies. Market Manager Tom Humm assumes additional management responsibilities adding the two new stations. "I have worked closely with both Justin and Sean for many years," says Humm. "They are incredibly talented, dedicated and driven to providing the best possible radio products for Las Vegas listeners and advertisers. All five stations remain committed to providing meaningful community service and compelling content to Las Vegas in the months and years ahead." As we reported earlier, George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closed on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM. GGB is separate from Beasley Broadcast Group, which George Beasley heads as Chairman and CEO. His GGB purchased the stations from Riviera Broadcast Group, and has aready been operating them under an LMA. Beasley Broadcast Group is providing management services for the stations under a contract with GGB Las Vegas, formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Said George Beasley, "This transaction allows Beasley Broadcast Group to leverage its existing Las Vegas operating and management capabilities to immediately generate new cash flow through a structure that requires no capital commitment. Beasley Broadcast owns Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM in Las Vegas.
* Alternative "DC101" WWDC-FM and "Jack FM" WQSR-FM, Washington, Program Director Dave Wellington exits.
Wellington says he has amicably decided to leave after two years with Clear Channel Washington-Baltimore.
Wellington added "Jack FM" PD duties last November. He was programming Alternative "Channel 104.3" WCHH, Baltimore until the the station switched to CHR-Top40 as "Z104.3." Wellington previously was as PD at CBS Radio Alternative WBCN, Boston for four years and Alternative KXTE, Las Vegas, for six years. "I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two years programming Jack FM and DC101. I'd like to thank Tom Schurr, Clay Hunicutt, Hartley Adkins and Thea Mitchem and Booger for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to steer two great properties," says Wellington. "Currently, I'm looking at all available programming and on-air opportunities, both within Clear Channel and at other broadcasting companies."
* Cumulus Media names Carey Edwards as Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Y102" WHHY-FM, Montgomery, AL.
Edwards will also host morning drive. He replaces Jeff Andrews, who accepts an opportunity to travel north to program Cumulus-owned "i106" in Nashville. "After a long series of positive conversations with SVP Jan Jeffries, I am energized with the concept of continuing the winning tradition at WHHY," says Edwards. "Much thanks to Market Manager Bill Jones and PD Jeff Andrews for getting me pumped up for this great gig! After hearing Jan's vision of my role with Y102 I knew that I wanted to be with Cumulus." Edwards formerly was afternoon co-host, Music Director and Assistant Program Director of Entercom's "Mix 94.7" Hot AC KAMX-FM, Austin. His resume aso includes stops as PD at KZPT-FM, Tucson; afternoons at KHPT-FM, Houston; and KZZP and KZON Phoenix.
* Citadel Country Program Director Dave Kelly adds KSCS-FM, Dallas, to WKDF-FM Nashville, WGKX-FM Memphis.
At KSCS-FM he replaces Chris Huff. He will continue as PD in both Nashville and Memphis, while working with Huff, who remains for a significant role with the station. Kelly joined Citadel as PD of WKDF in May 2001 and was promoted to Operations Manager in June 2002. Previously, he programmed Nashville's WSIX-FM from 1995-2000.
* A New Jersey personal injury law firm is looking for unhappy HD Radio consumers who've had problems. Law firm Keefe Bartels is asking car buyers who have experienced "problems" with their factory-installed HD Radio receivers to contact them. The personal injury firm has posted an "investigation" of HD Radio on its Website that appears to be setting up a possible class action lawsuit over alleged deficiencies of HD Radio. Keefe Bartels says there have been "numerous complaints about HD Radio from not only the radio industry but also consumers." Keefe Bartels appears to be targeting both HD Radio developer iBiquity and automakers that are factory installing HD Radio. The NJ law firm points to problems that have been widely reported, suggests deception by the use of "HD" which doesn't stand for High Definition, and suggests car buyers are being forced to pay for a technology they don't actually want or need that's pre-installed and for which they're charged in the total auto price.
* New York Radio Market Association (NYMRAD) is set to host "Rated R" during Advertising Week in New York. Sir Richard Branson is slated to keynote, Westwood One syndicated personality Dennis Miller is set to appear, and Hot 97's Angie Martinez will interview Mary J. Blige, September 28. This year's event is aimed to educate marketers about radio and show it's not a "dirty little word." Says NYMRAD Executive. Director Deborah Beagan, "The landscape continues to change. All media is fragmented today but radio remains highly effective, efficient and is also a tremendous collaboration with digital." NYMRAD Chair and Emmis New York Market Manager Alexandra Cameron tells us, "An integrated lifestyle program designed by a radio station or group with the brand objectives as guidance can turn a message into an experience and bring a brand to life both on and off air for the target consumer, on their terms, where they live. Radio today is far more sophisticated than given credit." More about the five-letter "Dirty Little Word" – including places where you "do it" – is available at www.DirtyLittleWord.com.
* WADV, the official Web-based radio station for Advertising Week in New York, returns for 2010. The annual Ad Week station, available online and via the iheartradio mobile app, will focus on all things advertising and will feature interviews with industry and marketing leaders interspersed with news reports on conference content. This year's revamped format features roving on-site reporters with coverage of headlining events and panels. Advertising Week 2010 begins September 22, running through October 4. Highlights can be heard on select Clear Channel Radio News-Talk stations and online at advertisingweek.com/wadv.php.
* Recording artist Kix Brooks will take his radio 'American Country Countdown' show on the road. Brooks, who just completed the final tour with longtime recording/performing partner Ronnie Dunn, will soon Kix off a new tour, broadcasting the "American Country Countdown" from different affiliates at least once a month throughout 2011. The show has about 350 affiliate stations. Also, Brooks is set to host the American Country Countdown Concert series, six live shows featuring new and established Country music acts. Shows are set for next year in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington DC. "Having Kix in our portfolio provides our network a true leadership position in Country syndication," says Citadel Media SVP of Programming and Distribution Carl Anderson. "His level of dedication to the show and our affiliates is unmatched and has taken ACC to new heights. Partnering with him to take the program on the road while also delivering a magnificent concert series for our listeners will drive 2011 success for our advertisers and our stations."
* Country WQYK-FM, Tampa, signs stand-up comedian Cledus T. Judd to a multi-year deal to co-host mornings. Judd joins morning host Dave McKay from 5-10am, beginning today (Sept. 3), returning to the 99.5 WQYK morning show after a two-year absence. He is best known for his Country music parody work, including "I Love NASCAR" - "I Love This Bar" and "Paycheck Woman." Most recently, Judd co-hosted "Nashville Star" and is a regular co-host for CMT's "Most Wanted Live."
* Dial Global signs with the American Forces Radio Network for a new "PowerTalk" format for AFRN. The new Talk menu will feature Dial Global talk personalities Neal Boortz, Ed Schultz, Bill Press, Thom Hartmann and Stephanie Miller. The launch of of the new format is expected in mid-late October. "PowerTalk will feature the very best of American talk talent," says Dial Global SVP of News and Talk Amy Bolton. "We're thrilled that Neal, Ed, Bill, Thom and Stephanie will entertain our service men and women overseas and serve as a shining example worldwide of how diverging views can co-exist in a democracy such as ours."
* Greater Media Philadelphia signs with Xfinity Studios for new marketing program with Sports Talk WPEN-AM-FM.
Greater Media Philadelphia signs a one year agreement with Xfinity Studios as the official broadcast studio sponsor of Sports Talk 97.5 FM and 950 WPEN-AM-FM. "The Fanatic Broadcasting Live," was officially launched Thursday (Sept. 2)) by afternoon host Mike Missanelli. As part of the marketing program, the GM stations are promoting "Xfinity Studios, only from Comcast." The naming rights will be in effect for a one year period. The deal includes a full studio naming rights program, including Interactive, streaming, on-air giveaways and listener sit-in program elements. In addition, the station will have an official "Xfinity" chair located in the studio, which professional players coaches, and other timely guests will be able to sign when they stop by the Fanatic. At the end of the one-year program, the station will auction off the chair and give 100% of the proceeds to charity. "Comcast was looking for an innovative communications technology platform to highlight the additional choice and control Xfinity delivers to consumers," says Greater Media Philadelphia Director of Sales Matt Cowper. "Partnering with Philly's First FM Sports Station, WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic, gives XFinity the opportunity to reach consumers in a new, unique, engaging and innovative way. The partnership highlights the benefits of both brands giving Philadelphia consumers a new choice for sports and entertainment."
* A former Kalispell Christian Radio Fellowship KALS-FM, Kalispell, MT, bookkeeper pleads guilty in plea deal. Jessica McGee, who was the bookkeeper for KALS-FM from 2004 to 2009, admitted in District Court that she embezzled up to $67,000 from the Christian station under a plea deal. She entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of theft, with prosecutors recommending a maximum 10-year sentence with all but 14 days suspended. Sentencing is scheduled for November 10. In a statement, Kalispell Christian Radio Fellowship VP Roger Lonnquist says that McGee stole from the company for years, seemingly without remorse. He reported the crimes to the Flathead County Sheriff's office in August 2009. He expressed forgiveness for McGee, "Jessie is a human being, loved by God, who could still have a future if she gets her act together." According to court documents, McGee used $50,813 from the company bank account to pay her car payments, satellite TV service, credit cards, insurance and other personal expenses. She also falsified books and balance sheets, and used company credit cards for $6,183 in personal expenditures.
* Citadel Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, promotes Assistant PD Tracy Slutzkin to Program Director. Slutzkin will continue working with Operations Manager Drew Hayes, who has been programming the station in addition to serving as OM, and also is dividing his time between WLS and WMAL-AM in Washington DC. Hayes tells us the promotion is a definite recognition of Slutzkin’s contributions to the station’s ratings success. Slutzkin previously served as producer for Don Wade & Roma morning show until joining WFLD-TV, Chicago, as an editor and producer. She returned to the WLS-AM in October 2006. Says WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky, "Tracy has been an absolutely essential contributor to the strategy that has lead to the extraordinary revitalization WLS has enjoyed since the beginning of this year. She provides a perspective and viewpoint which Drew and I consistently rely on for making critical decisions." He adds that the promotion is “a reflection of the trust, confidence and respect Drew and I have in this exceptional colleague.”
* Clear Channel promotes Joe Haze to Program Director of CHR-Top40 "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego. Haze, who has been with the station for 13 years, takes over as PD from Jimmy Steele, who is now Operations Manager of the San Diego cluster. Haze has been Music Director and night host at "Channel 933" and is also an air talent at sister Hot AC "Star 94.1" KMYI-FM. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of our own 'Haze' to Program Director of Channel 933," says Steele. "His passion for the station, level of experience and knowledge of the San Diego market, along with the respect of his peers make him the right choice to lead our programming efforts and continue to grow the Channel 933 brand." Haze adds, "This promotion is truly a dream come true for me. I have so much respect for the staff of Channel 933 and I look forward to working with this talented team to take the station to the next level of success. I am grateful for the continued guidance and leadership of my mentor and Operations Manager, Jimmy Steele and for the confidence placed in me by our President and Market Manager, Debbie Wagner."
* Greater Media appoints Steve Kosbau as Market Manager of its Detroit radio group. That cluster includes Active Rock WRIF-FM, Classic Hits WCSX-FM, and AC WMGC-FM. Kosbau, who will begin in mid-September, was most recently President and General Manager of crosstown Adult Variety Hits WDRQ-FM and Hot AC WDVD-FM. Prior to that, he was Director of Operations at Citadel's WJZW-FM and WRQX-FM, Washington DC. "Steve is a man of great character and intellect, who will help us take Greater Media Detroit to the next level," says Greater Media Philadelphia VP and Regional Market Manager John Fullam. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Greater Media family." Kosbau adds, "Opportunities like this are rare. It's an honor to join such a fantastic company and these legendary radio stations." Kosbau succeeds John Gallagher, who left last month. Fullam has been overseeing the Detroit market in the interim.
* "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, Program Director Larry Gifford will exit September 13. Gifford is going into business for himself, consulting radio outlets, groups and individuals. Says Gifford, "There are many remarkable people at ESPN who I will miss working with on a daily basis, but the next phase of life for my family and me is calling and I feel now is the time to move on." Gifford's previous stops include Fox Sports Radio; WBNS-AM, Columbus; WWDB-AM, Philadelphia; and the ESPN Radio network. Gifford says he’s going to launch two new businesses. LarryGifford.com will be home base for his broadcast consulting “as a coach, strategist, writer, creative catalyst and consultant.” Gifford’s second business is a non-radio one, a partnership with his wife, the new Body of Light Healing Arts center.
* The St. Louis Cardinals are returning to CBS Radio's "NewsRadio 1120" KMOX-AM next season. The team will return to KMOX next season after five years at KTRS-AM. The Cardinals had previously aired on KMOX for 51 years. STLtoday.com reports the move to KTRS had been highly controversial, because tens of thousands of fans outside the reach of the team’s radio network had been shut out of free access to the broadcasts and some listeners in the St. Louis area still complained about having difficulty receiving the signal. "But the wide reach at night of KMOX’s signal will return the broadcast to those fans," writes Dan Caesaer. In deciding to go back to KMOX, says Caesar, the team is picking tradition over a strong bid from "101.1 ESPN" WXOS-FM, the newest Sports Talk station in the market. WXOS had made two proposals – one to simulcast the games with KTRS, the other to carry them by itself.
* CBS Radio flips Smooth Jazz WSJT, Tampa Bay, to Hot AC as "Play 98.7". The new "Play 98.7" – "Today's best hits, without the rap" – is programmed by clustermate Rhythmic CHR "Wild 94.1" WLLD Program Director Orlando Davis. An airstaff for "Play 98.7" will be announced soon. Core artists include Katy Perry, Train, John Mayer, and Maroon 5. The new station is online at www.play987.com. "Play 98.7 will connect a number of great artists to their local fans and diversify CBS Radio's offerings in Tampa," says CBS Radio Tampa SVP and Market Manager Don Howe. "The station will provide the Tampa Bay Area with a great radio experience along with an integrated and interactive platform for adult CHR music and its fans to be heard." “Play 98.7” is clear about whose listeners it's going after. The new Website has the audio of the new format's launch [here]: "According to our calculations, radio has failed you,” a female voice says. “Deleting of antiquated software to proceed: 100.7 delete, 93.3 delete.” Those are the frequencies of Clear Channel’s Hot AC “Mix 100.7” WMTX and CHR-Top40 "93-3 FLZ" WFLZ-FM. Meanwhile, WSJT's former Smooth Jazz programming will be made available on 98.7's HD2 and online at www.wsjt.com.
* Midwest Communications flips "Classic Rock 102.5," Duluth-Superior, MN, to CHR-Top40 as KDWZ-FM. "Today's Hit Music" is an adult-oriented Top 40 station with the new call letters. Core artists include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Daughtry, the Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and Nickelback. KDWZ will introduce a staff of new personalities in the coming weeks. The station most recently was "Classic Rock 102.5" KHQG, although it is better remembered as Rock KRBR, originally tagged "The Bear." Later, the call letters were changed to KHQC, branded as "102.5 The Hog." Now, the calls are changed to KDWZ with the launch of the new format. The market has been without a CHR-Top40 station for more than a dozen years. "People have been demanding a station that plays today's top artists and we're delivering!" says Operations Manager Mark Fleischer. A new Website is currently under contruction, currently displaying a splash screen, showing the station's new logo, that says: "KDWZ is Coming Soon!"
* George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closes on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM, Las Vegas.
GGB is separate from Beasley Broadcast Group, which George Beasley heads as Chairman and CEO. His GGB purchased the stations from Riviera Broadcast Group, and has aready been operating them under an LMA. Beasley Broadcast Group is providing management services for the stations under a contract with GGB.
KOAS-FM is a Rhythmic AC; KVGS-FM, Alternative Rock. GGB Las Vegas was formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Says George Beasley, "This transaction allows Beasley Broadcast Group to leverage its existing Las Vegas operating and management capabilities to immediately generate new cash flow through a structure that requires no capital commitment. Beasley Broadcast owns Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM in Las Vegas.
* ICBC Broadcast Holdings VP and General Manager Deon Levingston is appointed to the NAB Radio Board. The appointment of Levingston is made by Board Chair Caroline Beasley. Levingston will represent District 1 (New York and New Jersey) NAB radio members. Levingston oversees New York's WBLS-FM and WLIB-AM. Known as the flagship station for the nationally syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show," WBLS has been recognized for numerous awards, including the NAB Marconi Award for Urban Station of the Year in 2005 and 2008, and the 2008 Radio & Records' award for Urban AC Major Market (1-15) Station of the Year. Levingston's broadcasting career and education spans two decades. Prior to joining ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Levingston was market manager for Radio One's five Indianapolis stations. In 2008, Levingston graduated from the NAB Education Foundation's Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program, a curriculum that teaches senior level broadcast executives the fundamentals of purchasing, owning and successfully operating radio and television stations. Levingston is currently on the Arbitron Advisory Council and also serves on several boards and committees of area charities and non-profit organizations including Project Enterprise, United Negro College Fund, Harlem YMCA, NY Urban League, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the New York State Broadcasters.
* Peconic Public Broadcasting gets 72-hour extension to come up with $637,000 to purchase WLIU, Long Island. Peconic, formed for this purpose, is attempting to purchase the noncommercial station from Long Island University, in an effort to save the station. The deadline is extended until Friday at 5pm, when Peconic didn't yet have the money needed in hand. The East Hampton Press reports the extension was given after a last-minute appeal by U.S. Representative Tim Bishop. It came with less than an hour to go until the August 31 deadline. Peconic is attempting to raise the money to buy the station to keep it as a locally-programmed public radio station for the Hamptons area. Peconic Public Broadcasting previously received an extension of the original deadline for paying up from June 30.
* Media Monitors releases August political advertising totals for radio, broadcast TV and local cable outlets. Topping the list is political action committee "Bankrupting America." The PAC spent $669,203 on radio during the month, with ads focusing on government spending. The Meg Whitman for Governor campaign by the California Republican came in second in radio spending in the monitored markets, followed by the NAB's ads opposing a performance royalty for radio. Rick Scott's gubernatorial campaign in Florida was fourth; the American Petroleum Institute, fifth, with ads opposing new energy taxes; and the Jeff Greene for Governor campaign in Florida, sixth. Media Monitors says it will follow all of the major races for U.S. Senate and state governors, as well as political action committees and organizations buying political advertising.
* Consolidation, cuts, reorganization, and "massive innovation” come to Deseret Media Group in Salt Lake City. Utah's oldest daily newspaper, The Deseret News, is cutting 43% of its staff and consolidating operations with affiliated radio and television operations to emphasize online digital news delivery on Websites and mobile devices. The Deseret News is eliminating 85 newsroom positions, although some staffers will stay on for a transition period as the newspaper consolidates with KSL Radio and KSL-TV. All three are owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "We are in a period of massive innovation," says Deseret News CEO and President Clark Gilbert, a former Harvard Business School professor and student of "disruptive innovation," or transforming traditional business markets. "Audiences are migrating from traditional newspapers to digital news sources, which allows us to reach more audiences than ever before." He says the plan, now being implemented, "expands news coverage and analysis even in the face of the economic realities we face." Gilbert saiys the 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees laid off were from throughout the newsroom and were given severance packages, although he did not provide details. The Deseret News will move to the broadcast building about five blocks away, but the newspaper and KSL will keep separate Websites because they have "distinct voices and content strategies," says Gilbert. [More from KSL Newsradio »]
* The U.S. Bankruptcy Court appoints federal Judge Kevin Gross as a mediator for the Tribune Co. bankruptcy. "We're pleased that the court has appointed a mediator. This is a clear sign that reaching consensus is a valuable part of this process," says Tribune CEO Randy Michaels. "We welcome Judge Gross' participation in the process and we look forward to his wisdom and guidance as we move forward." Tribune Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey appointed his fellow federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware as a mediator to assist in Tribune Company’s negotiations with various creditors as the company’s Chapter 11 process drags on. Gross you might remember was the judge for the Regent Communications bankruptcy case. Also, Tribune’s Board of Directors has named a special committee to oversee the company’s Chapter 11 process. The committee is composed of four independent directors.
* Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz retires from the Board; Mark Stone is the new Chairman. Pattiz, who becomes Chairman Emeritus, signs a new contract as a consultant to the company. He's succeeded as Chairman by Gores Group Senior Managing Director Mark Stone. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with Stone and the company’s senior management. "As Chairman, my mandate is to drive customer-oriented initiatives that will further strengthen Westwood One’s leading market position," says Stone. "We are fortunate to have Norm’s continuing expertise as we build the company’s future." Pattiz tells us, "I’ve been sitting in the same seat for over 30 years, and will continue to do so as a consultant to the company. I am, however, relinquishing my seat at the Board table. This allows me to play an active role at the company I founded, working with people that I admire and respect, while continuing the other activities that are very important to me." Pattiz serves as Chairman of the Departnent of Energy's Los Alamos and Laurence Livermore National Security Laboratories, and as a Regent of the University of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and received a "Giants of Broadcasting" Award, from the Library of American Broadcasting. "Norm’s programming experience, extensive contacts, and customer focused insights are extremely valuable to the Company, and I look forward to continuing our partnership," says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. [More »]
* Lincoln Financial Media is acquiring Big League Broadcasting's Sports Talk "The Zone" in Atlanta. Big League leased Lincoln Financial Media's WQXI-AM frequency as "790 The Zone" in Atlanta. Terms are not disclosed. With the acquisition, senior management will remain in place while co-owned "Star 94" WSTR-FM VP and General Manager Rick Mack will be promoted to SVP and GM and oversee Lincoln Financial stations in Atlanta. Founded in 1997 by current Co-Presidents Andrew Saltzman and Stephen "Steak" Shapiro, "790 The Zone" has become one of the country's leading Sports Talk outlets. "The addition of '790 The Zone' strengthens our Atlanta operations, and Rick is the perfect person to lead this new unified effort for us," says Lincoln Financial Media President and CEO Don Benson. "We're big believers in sports radio, with the success of our other properties in Denver and Miami. The Zone's veteran management team and roster of talented employees will give us an even stronger presence in the format."
Saltzman will become VP/GM of WQXI-AM and report to Mack. Neal Maziar is named Station Manager, and morning personality Shapiro will also serve as Station Brand Manager.
* Tampa, FL, radio listeners lose the syndicated Dave Ramsey Show on "NewsTalk 820" WWBA-AM. On the same day that Smooth Jazz on WSJT-FM bit the dust, WWBA-AM said Ramsey's show was out. Vice President of Programming Allan Davis said it was time for the station to go in a different direction. He says the station ratings were not where they needed to be with Dave Ramsey in the 2-4pm time slot. Beginning Tuesday, "News Talk 820" began airing a full three hours of syndicated Michael Smerconish noon-3pm, and expanding Christopher Markwoski to start at 3pm, an hour earlier. The Dave Ramsey show had been on WWBA for the past three years.
* Private equity firm Alden Global Capital withdraws its backing of Jeff Smulyan's plan to take Emmis private. Emmis Communications, announcing Monday (Aug. 30) that the pending shareholder stock offers are being further extended until Thursday (Sept. 2, 2010), indicates it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with both Alden and the lock-block of preferred shareholders that have continued to delay the privatization buyout by Smulyan's JS Acquisition, the company formed by Smulyan for the transaction. Friday (Aug. 27), a shareholders' meeting on an exchange of preferred stock for new notes due 2017 was adjourned without a vote — the fifth time that's happened this month. The meeting is now rescheduled for Thursday, and the exchange offer and a tender offer of $2.40 per share for Emmis common stock have been extended to that date. However, in its news release, Emmis says that after an agreement in principle had been reached on revised terms among Emmis, Alden, Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan, JS Acquisition, and the preferred shareholders' group, Alden withdrew its support for the newly negotiated terms. "The offers are being further extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan are continuing their discussions in an effort to reach an agreement with Alden Global Capital ("Alden"), a private asset management company that had previously agreed to provide financing for the tender offer through an affiliate, and a group of holders of approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate who have previously indicated that they would vote against the matters to be voted on at the special meeting," reads the Monday Emmis news release. "During the past several weeks, Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan, Alden and the representatives of the group of holders of Preferred Stock negotiated and agreed in principle on revised economic terms for the contemplated transactions that each indicated it would support. Subsequently, Alden has informed Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan that it would no longer support the negotiated terms. Accordingly, although discussions are continuing, JS Acquisition believes it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with either Alden or the group of holders of Preferred Stock."
* Radio One again extends its exchange offer for Senior Subordinated Notes. Radio One has further extended the expiration time of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation, to September 15. As of the close of business August 30, approximately 91.8% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. At the previously scheduled expiration time, the conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer as set forth in the Company's Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement and Offering Memorandum, dated June 16 were not satisfied and, as a result, Radio One determined to further extend the exchange offer, according to the company.
* Steve Carver is named SVP and Market Manager of CBS Radio's seven-station Los Angeles cluster. Carver replaces Ed Krampf who exits to pursue other opportunities. "I'm pleased Steve is joining our Los Angeles cluster of stations," says CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason. "Those who have worked closely with Steve, myself included, boast about his exceptional leadership and depth of knowledge that only comes from years of experience overseeing radio and television stations, and a newspaper. Elevating Steve to this new role will make the most of his considerable talent." Most recently, Carver was Market Manager at CBS Radio's West Palm Beach. Before that, the same in Cleveland. Before joining CBS Radio in Cleveland, Carver spent 11 years with Tribune, including three years as Publisher, President and CEO of the Hartford Courant. Carver also worked as General Manager of WGN-AM, Chicago, 1998-2003. Exiting Krampf took over CBS Radio Los Angeles in March 2009, arriving from the same position at the company's Tampa cluster. Before joining CBS Radio, Krampf was Clear Channel Western Region SVP.
* Journal Broadcast Group names Dominic Fails as VP of Sales. Based in Milwaukee, the media sales veteran will oversee the sales strategy for local, national, digital and new media advertising at Journal's 33 radio and 13 television stations. Most recently Fails was VP of Sales at Telemundo's KTMD-TV, Houston. "Dominic is a proven leader who will work with our entire management team as we continue to provide multiple marketing solutions for our customers across the Journal Broadcast Group local markets," says Chairman and CEO Steven Smith. "We are pleased to accomplish our goal of securing a sales leader who will drive our revenue and business development strategy." Adds Fails, "I am pleased to join the Journal team and look forward to working with each of our markets to find ways to provide exceptional service to our customers and grow our market share."
* Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities are announced. The nominations listing was delivered to Country Radio Tuesday (Aug. 31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. The five final categories of nominees for the 44th Annual CMA Awards were announced this morning (Sept. 1) on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America." All of the nominees are now featured here on the CMA Awards Website. The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” Wednesday, November 10, and broadcast live by the ABC-TV from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year. The CMA Broadcast Awards finalists were revealed at a news conference where select CMA Awards finalists were also announced by Justin Moore and Chris Young.
* RadioTime acquires the TuneIn Internet Radio application for iPhone and iPod Touch. RadioTime also hires the app's developer, Ben Alexander to oversee the development of RadioTime's iPhone and future iPad apps. "I have realized the dream many independent apps developers share of having my app become a best-seller on iTunes, which is very difficult considering there are more than 225,000 apps and counting available for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch," says Alexander. "Partnering with RadioTime and being able to leverage its technology provided me with a significant advantage over the ever-growing number of Internet radio and streaming music apps, and I'm excited about the opportunity to join the company and work on bringing Internet radio to a wide variety of mobile, automotive and connected in-home media players, televisions and sound systems." RadioTime CEO Bill Moore adds, "An ever-growing number of our RadioTime.com users are now accessing Internet radio on their smart phones, using their headphones, connecting to a docking station and plugging into their car stereos," said "Adding the TUNEIN application to the line-up of our own and partners' mobile apps, along with the expertise Ben brings to our team, brings our customers and partners a significant competitive advantage."
* Roger Piper exits NextMedia Group as General Sales Manager of its suburban Chicago stations. Piper was promoted from Account Executive to GSM for Classic Hits "95.9 The River" WERV-FM, Aurora, in 2005, later adding GSM duties for Talk WJOL-AM, AC "Star 96.7" WSSR-FM and Classic Rock WRXQ-FM. Prior to NextMedia, Piper was VP and Station Manager of KOSP-FM, KKLH-FM and KOMG-FM, Springfield, MO.
* Entercom Indianapolis Director of Operations and Programming Scott Sands exits. Sands also programmed News-Talk WXNT-AM and Hot AC WZPL-FM. He was upped to Operations Director for Entercom's three-station Indianapolis group in September 2006. Sands joined WZPL in November 1999.
* Glenn Beck ignites new conservative Website TheBlaze.com on heels of 'Restoring Honor' rally in DC. Beck, a frequent critic of the mainstream news media, launches his own news site, The Blaze, featuring some of his favorite issues, such as faith, terrorism, the imam behind the planned Islamic community center in New York City and Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally at the Lincoln Memorial, according to The Washington Post. The site features a welcome message from Beck: "If you are like me, watching the news or reading the paper can be an exercise in exasperation. It's so hard to find a place that helps me make sense of the world I see. Too many important stories are overlooked. And too many times we see mainstream media outlets distorting facts to fit rigid agendas. Not that you've ever heard me complain about the media before. Okay, maybe once or twice. But there comes a time when you have to stop complaining and do something. And so we decided to hire some actual journalists to launch a new Website – The Blaze. And we moved fast. We built the team and the site in just two months." New York's Daily News reports that between his gig at Fox News, authoring best-selling books, and hosting a radio show and GlennBeck.com, Beck pulls in $35 million a year," citing Forbes, which puts him 43rd on its Celebrity 100 power ranking list. TheBlaze.com is edited by Scott Baker, who previously worked for conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart. Baker says that Beck will offer the staff a "continual flow of tips" on how to program the site,
* Former NC public official and radio station owner Kevin Geddings is exonerated, his fraud conviction vacated.
Geddings, the former North Carolina Lottery Commissioner and radio station owner, has been exonerated by the same judge who convicted him of fraud and imprisoned him over three years ago, reports the Charlotte Observer. Geddings was convicted in 2006 of fraud for not disclosing having been paid $250,000 by a lottery company in the years before his appointment as Insurance Commissioner, but the U.S. Supreme Court two months ago narrowed the interpretation of the fraud statute used to convict Geddings, thus making what he was accused of doing no longer criminally fraudulent. He was released less than a week later, and Judge James Dever has now ordered the conviction vacated and his $25,000 fine repaid. Geddings and his wife owned and sold two Charlotte area radio stations, and bought two others, Talk WAOC-AM and Sports WFOY-AM, St. Augustine in 2006. His wife, who served him with divorce papers while he was in prison, remains the licensee of those stations. Geddings acknowledges that he made mistakes. "I should have been more fulsome in the disclosures I made on that ethics form," he said, "but I never committed a felony."
* "106.7 The Fan" WJFK, Washington, host Mike Wise suspended by the Washington Post for his Twitter hoax. Wise tells his radio listeners that he's been suspended for one month by the Post for using his personal Twitter account to post that the NFL would suspend Ben Roethlisberger five games for his off-field behavior, and then telling his WJFK listeners that the post was phony and intended to prove that people will believe, and reporters will print, anything. The stunt drew considerable national attention, most negative, to Wise. He then apologized on his show, saying, "My bosses at the Post feel I need a month to think about the severity of my actions." He added, "I made a horrendous mistake."
* After reports he might be replaced, Tribune CEO Randy Michaels says: "We're making solid financial progress." "Despite the noise surrounding our Chapter 11 process and a tough economic environment, we have not only stabilized our business, but in 2010 we have grown operating cash flow — and we're really just getting started," says Michaels, one day after reports from Tribune Co. newspapers that creditors are courting Michael Eisner to replace Sam Zell as chairman and Jeff Shell to replace Michaels. Michaels says Tribune's consolidated operating cash flow was up 44% for January-July compared to the first seven months of 2009. That adds up to about an additional $100 million.
While Michaels was touting the improved finances, the company was telling the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware that it
had decided not to file a new reorganization plan Friday (Aug. 27), as previously scheduled. An email from Michaels to staff said that the company continues to negotiate with creditors but would not be amending its plan "at the present time."
Tribune's attorney had told Judge Kevin Carey last week that the company would file an amended plan August 27 after talks with senior lenders collapsed.
* Tens of thousands attend the "Restoring Honor" rally organized by Glenn Beck in Washington. The rally at the Lincoln Memorial drew between 87,000 and 200,000 — depending of which estimate you believe — although Beck claims it was between 200,000 and 500,000. They came to hear Beck, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Also, receiving an award for his charitable work, St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols. The Saturday (Aug. 28) rally was held 47 years to the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the same site. Also among the speakers was Dr. King's niece Dr. Alveda King, a political activist. Sunday, Beck said his rally drew "on the low end 300,000" attendees up to "as many as 650,000." Unofficial estimates of the crowd size have varied wildly. CBS estimated 87,000 attendees based on aerial photographs, while NBC quoted an anonymous park service official who said there were 300,000 in the audience. The Park Service did not release an official estimate. Beck said there is "not a chance" of a Beck-Palin GOP ticket in 2012. He said he has "zero desire" to run for president. "I don't think I would be electable," he said, appearing on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the event. Beck explained that the gathering was intended to reclaim the mantle of the civil rights movement from politics for "people of faith." Beck dismissed his critics who say that he has frequently engaged in racial politics by saying "race should not be in politics." Beck said he didn't agree with King's calls for economic justice. "The real agenda should be equal justice, an equal shot," said Beck. "The dream was to judge man by the content of his character, not the color of his skin. I don't know that we've done that." He added that the Justice Department is "certainly not doing that" in the case of the New Black Panther Party, referencing an alleged incident of voter intimidation on Election Day in 2008 — a controversy driven in no small part by Beck's radio and television shows that many on the left have cited as evidence of Beck's willingness to stoke racial fear among white people. Beck said "African Americans should be equally outraged" over the incident.
* Postponed again &ndash in 'Try #5' for the Emmis vote on Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's go-private buyout plan. A group of preferred shareholders Friday evening (Aug. 27) again refused to vote on an effort by Smulyan to take the company private, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal. It was the fifth such setback for Smulyan in four weeks since he began his privatization effort. Company officials said discussions continue with the group of eight shareholders, which holds 38% of Emmis preferred shares. Emmis officials said a date for a new shareholders meeting won’t be determined until Monday, The dissident group holds enough shares to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. Emmis shares closed at $2.02 Friday, down 7 cents from a week ago. The stock remained below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt that the company's founder can pull off his plan. Smulyan’s offer through his JS Acquisition and private equity firm Alden Global Capital values the company at about $90 million. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold Smulyan likely would be able to meet. Founded by Smulyan in 1981, Indianapolis-based Emmis owns 23 radio stations in the United States and publishes regional magazines in seven cities, including Indianapolis Monthly. It also operates radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Over the past four years, Emmis’ revenue has declined by 33%, to $243 million. Its continuing operations have wracked up losses of more than $430 million. That performance has caused Emmis’ share price to plunge since the last time Smulyan tried to take the company private in May 2006. At that time, Smulyan’s buyout group offered $15.25 per common share, but could not come to terms with the company’s Board of Directors.
* Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan takes time out from go-private effort for chips — FM radio chips in mobile devices.
Smulyan, still attempting to unlock a "lock-block" for his attempt to buyout Emmis, took time for an NBC News interview, presented as a point-counterpoint report with Rural Cellular Association CEO Steve Berry. Smulyan, on the battle between radio and wireless groups over mandating that FM chips be included in cellphones and other mobile devices, said in an on-camera interview: "It's a shame it's come to this. The marketplace has been blocked." He notes that that wireless companies would rather sell paid music services than add free FM. Berry says FM chips will add costs "for a functionality consumers may not ever actually use." Smulyan, however, says that in most of the worldwide cellphones already ship with the FM chip installed. He also maintains that in the event of an emergency, broadcasters who have backup generators are "really the only people who can inform the American public."
* Michael Baisden co-host George Willborn files $100 million racial discrimination suit over withdrawn real estate. A Bridgeport, IL, couple and their real estate agent were previously charged by HUD with housing discrimination after they refused to sell a $1.7 million home to Willborn. Now Willborn has filed a $100 million racial discrimination suit. According to the HUD complaint, on which we previously reported, the Willborns placed a bid on a five-bedroom home from Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, which was accepted for the price of $1.7 million. Later, when the Sabbias found out Willborn was an African American, they refused to complete the deal. After an interview with a HUD investigator, the agent for the property, Jeffrey Lowe of Lowe Group Chicago, said Daniel Sabbia told him he would rather not sell to an African American. "I think it's unfortunate, sad and disgusting. It jolts you to your core beliefs," says Willborn. "No one has the right to dictate the American dream." Willborn lawyer Charles Peckham adds, "If this can happen to the Willborns, a prominent couple with the means to buy a home in an exclusive neighborhood, it can happen to anyone." The Willborn offer was the highest that the Sabbias received in two years of listing the 8,000-square foot home for sale.
* Clear Channel is publicly distancing itself from a WHO-AM, Des Moines, host's on-air comments on homosexuality.
Clear Channel Radio WHO-AM morning host Jan Mickelson told listeners the idea that AIDS does not discriminate is a lie, provoking the ire of several groups. The Iowa Independent reports that Jan Mickelson criticized Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn for denouncing a GOP legislative candidate who posted anti-gay statements on his Facebook. Strawn said “HIV/AIDS does not discriminate,” a point that raised the ire of Mickelson, who, according to the Independent, has a history of anti-gay remarks. Mickelson said the disease discriminates against people who engage in “stupid behavior,” and since homosexuality is a “sexual disorder” that violates natural law, it “isn’t rocket science” to conclude AIDS discriminates against homosexuals. “Homosexuality is intrinsically promiscuous, because it violates the design of our bodies,” Mickelson said. “There is no safe way to do that.” In a statement read shortly before Mickelson’s program began Thursday morning (Aug. 26), Clear Channel said Mickelson’s statements “confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease. Mr. Mickelson’s comments do not reflect the opinions of Clear Channel, nor do they reflect the ongoing support Clear Channel provides to public service campaigns, such as Greater than AIDS, that works to convey the message that AIDS does not discriminate. We regret any confusion about HIV/AIDS that may have resulted from Mr. Mickelson’s remarks.” Since news first broke about Mickelson’s statements, One Iowa — the state’s largest LGBT-rights organization — worked with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), urging Clear Channel to correct the misinformation. Carolyn Jenison, executive director of One Iowa, praises Clear Channel’s statement.
* Listener Driven Radio adds four industry veterans to its engineering and support teams. LDR, which provides interactive programming tools for broadcasters, adds Brian Seeders, Blake Weber, Craig Bowman and Gale Parmelee. This announcement follows the appointment of Greg Hunt as VP of Affiliate Relations in July. Seeders joins the company as Chief Engineer and will oversee the continued development and growth of the LDR platform for radio stations. Seeders will also manage new feature development. Weber joins LDR as Support Engineer, and will focus on working with radio stations to easily and effectively utilize the LDR system. A veteran broadcast engineer, Bowman also joins the team as a Support Engineer. Bowman previously worked as a lead engineer for Scott Studios. Parmelee, a veteran radio programmer is promoted to VP of Programming Support working with LDR affiliate Program Directors. "This has been a year of tremendous growth for LDR," says LDR President Daniel Anstandig. "These additions bring a significant amount of talent to the team and further empower LDR clients to realize success in growing ratings and revenue from the platform. When new affiliates sign with us, they can be certain that they will receive world-class engineering and programming support from the LDR team."
* The Dickey family, best known for Cumulus radio, continues growing their magazine business. Dickey Publishing (DP), which is separate from Cumulus, strikes a deal to buy Modern Luxury Media. According to a news release, Dickey Publishing, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Modern Luxury Media, "the country's largest city magazine publisher." Modern Luxury publishes 26 titles in 12 major markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC and Miami. Dickey Publishing has commissioned Cumulus Media to operate Modern Luxury through Cumulus' Structured Management Services division. Dickey Publishing has retained Macquarie Capital as sole advisor to the transaction. Macquarie also will provide debt and equity funding for the transaction. Says Dickey Publishing President and Publisher Michael Dickey, "Modern Luxury has an excellent position in the most significant media markets in the U.S. We look forward to working with its talented team. We are also pleased to be partnering with Macquarie, who has significant experience in the media sector. Their advice and support in this transaction will be of significant benefit to the growth of the business." Says Modern Luxury CEO Bill Cobert, "There has been keen interest in Modern Luxury from several interested buyers. Dickey Publishing distinguished themselves in a number of respects, by placing the greatest value on Modern Luxury, our team, our brands, and each of our markets. We believe they will be a superb steward of the business going forward." Cumulus Media Chairman and CEO, Lew Dickey, adds, "Modern Luxury has a stable of venerable publishing brands in the nation's most desirable media markets. It will benefit greatly from Cumulus' technology platform, operating systems and local media sales experience. This is an excellent opportunity to gain significant scale in a business in which Dickey Publishing has been operating for over a decade." The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
* Cumulus Media's Lew and John Dickey are being honored with Urban Knight Awards by AURN. The American Urban Radio Networks award honors individuals in the radio business who effectively market to African-American consumers. Says AURN’s Jerry Lopes, “I've been in this business for four decades and for as long as I can remember the Dickey family has been committed to marketing the Black consumer marketplace. They've always had a significant number of Urban stations in their radio portfolio and those stations have stood the test of time effectively serving African Americans in small and medium sized markets throughout this country.” The awards will be given September 29 during the first evening of the NAB-RAB Radio Show 2010 in Washington DC.
* Among rumored candidates to run Google's new music service: Clear Channel's Evan Harrison. TPM Radio Web Watch reported Friday (Aug. 27) that Google is reportedly seeking an executive to lead its planned music service. Sources have told All Things Digital that Google has reached out to multiple digital media executives about a position heading up the reported Google Music, but hasn't hired anyone yet. All Things Digital also reports that its sources believe the mysterious Google Music could have its launch delayed from later this year to the first quarter of 2011. Harrison is said to be one of those under consideration, and he just announced he is leaving Clear Channel at the end of the year. That would tie in to a delay for the Google Music start-up to Q1 2011. Some think this may mean he's the leading candidate at Google, and may even already have a deal which would explain the timing of his announcement that he's giving up the job as Clear Channel EVP of Online Music and Radio.
* Radio Disney SVP and General Manager Michael Riley gets the picture, named new President of ABC Family TV.
Riley will oversee all original programming and acquisitions, as well as marketing, sales and operations. He succeeds Paul Lee, who was promoted to President of ABC Entertainment Group last month after six years at ABC Family.
In his Radio Disney role, Riley provided oversight of the strategic management of the Radio Disney network and its owned radio stations. He joined The Walt Disney Company in April 2008. Previously, Riley was SVP and General Manager, Turner Broadcasting System, Europe, Middle East and Africa. In this post, he was responsible for developing the CNN commercial strategy and the overall brand strategy for the entertainment channels Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TCM, TNT and Adult Swim in Germany, Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Other key responsibilities included the management of advertising sales, marketing and interactive commerce functions, as well as supporting the company's programming development and acquisition strategy.
* CBS Interactive names former PayPal VP of Finance and CFO Mary Hentges as its new CFO and EVP. Hentges replaces Zander Lurie as CFO of CBS Interactive, a position Lurie held until April when he shifted to his current role as SVP of Strategic Development for parent company CBS Corporation. Citing CBS' existing roster of online brands, Hentges said of the unit's prospects: "I'm confident we can grow." CBS Corporation EVP and CFO Joseph Ianniello says the appointment was not a decision made lightly. Now more than ever, says Ianniello, "Continued success at CBS Interactive is a key part of the company's future." At PayPal, Hentges led a team that oversaw accounting, billing, financial planning and analysis, strategy, enterprise risk management, tax, treasury and internal audits. Prior to PayPal, Hentges worked in a number of finance roles for Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard.
* Clear Channel discloses spending $1.37 Million for second quarter lobbying. According to a disclosure filing, the lobbying targets included various FCC proceedings, the Performance Rights Act, the Local Radio Freedom Act, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, and the DISCLOSE Act. Clear Channel also reports lobbying Congress on the journalist shield law, the Free Flow of Information Act.
* The 22-year-old son of "NewsRadio 1160" KSL-AM, Salt Lake City, UT, host Doug Wright is found dead in DC. Eric Wright had just started his internship in the office of Congressman Rob Bishop. Over the weekend, he was with several other Hinckley Institute interns on the landscaped roof of the Park Place apartment building in Washington DC. At some point, Wright fell seven stories to the alley below. Kirk Jowers, head of the Hinckley Institute, said he was alone when he fell, reports Utah' s KUTV 2. DC police are not talking about the case, but those close to the family are saying it is simply a tragic accident, and have been told by a detective that they don't suspect foul play. "We are distraught and heartbroken as we could possibly be," Doug Wright told KUTV 2.
* The FCC appeals the Second Circuit Court of Appeals indecency ruling. The FCC — with the backing of the Justice Department — Thursday (Aug.26) appealed the decision of a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to the full court. That ruling said the Commission's indecency enforcement policy is unconstitutionally vague. The FCC, in its appeal, says the ruling was unnecessarily broad. The Commission also says the ruling makes establishing a new indecency enforcement policy a "seeming impossibility." The FCC is asking the full Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the July ruling. FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick says the decision “raised serious concerns” about the Commission’s ability to protect children from indecent programming. Broadcast attorneys believe the case ultimately will go to the U.S. Supreme Court. The FCC says that the court had "all but ignored" the specific facts of the case to focus on other decisions that the court "believed rendered the Commission's underlying context-based framework unconstitutionally vague." The case before the court dealt specifically with fleeting profanities in Billboard awards show broadcasts on Fox television. The FCC signaled the likelihood of today's appeal earlier in the week when in a filing to the same court, it asked for a delay on another indecency case involving bare buttocks because an appeal of the previous ruling was likely. Says Schlick: "The FCC and the Justice Department are today asking the federal court of appeals in New York to reconsider its decision in Fox v. FCC. The three-judge panel's decision in July raised serious concerns about the Commission's ability to protect children and families from indecent broadcast programming. " Schlick added: "The Commission remains committed to empowering parents and protecting children, and looks forward to the court of appeals' further consideration of our arguments."
* Arbitron re-issues the Spring 2010 Report for Nashville minus four tainted diaries. Arbitron had said problems with four diaries returned from a household that had contact with two Cromwell stations was the reason for recalling the Nashville Spring ratings report earlier in the week. In a letter sent to Nashville subscribers, Arbitron said: "Audience estimates for Cromwell Active Rock WBUZ-FM and Top 40 WPRT-FM may be substantially affected in particular demos and dayparts." With the re-issue WBUZ-FM drops from a 5.3 to a 4.6 share, age 12+ total week. WPRT-FM dropped from a 2.0 to a 1.3. Arbitron also said in the letter, "Estimates for other stations may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample." Three stations — AC WJXA, Urban WUBT and CHR-Top40 WRVW — each gain one-tenth of a point in the revised Spring 2010 Report for Nashville.
* RTDNA/Hofstra Survey: 'Radio and TV News Salaries Stabilize in 2009.' The good news in broadcast news salaries in 2009 is that there isn't bad news, according to RTDNA. The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey reports local radio news salaries were unchanged while local television news salaries rose a modest 2.5% last year. That compares with drops for both local radio (1.8%) and local TV (4.4%) the year before. “With negative inflation in 2009, even flat salaries mean no loss in buying power,” says Bob Papper, professor of journalism at Hofstra University and the survey director. Overall, radio news salaries showed little change in 2009. News directors, reporters, producers and sports reporters’ salaries rose slightly. This is offset by the slight decline in news and sports anchors’ salaries. There’s a mixed picture in TV salaries. Eleven positions saw increased salaries from last year, four dropped and three stayed the same. But no salary for any position changed much, which is probably the more important point. Overall, TV salaries rose by 2.5%. Reporters, managing editors and art directors saw the biggest salary increases. All rose by about 10%. The biggest drop was seen in sport reporting, which showed a 10% salary drop.
* Coleman Insights re-releases its 2008 "Real PPM Panelists Tell All" study. The Coleman study "provided radio professionals with never-before-seen insights into the perceptions and behavior of Arbitron Portable People Meter panelists." Visitors to the Coleman Website at www.ColemanInsights.com/ppm can now access a self-guided, multimedia presentation of the study’s findings, as well as other studies the company has released under its "Mapping the DNA of PPM" series. "When we initially released the study, the day-to-day reality of managing and programming stations under PPM measurement was something only a handful of radio executives were dealing with," says Coleman Insights President and COO Warren Kurtzman. "We thought it was really important to ensure that the study’s insights were as accessible as possible now that Arbitron is using PPM in nearly 50 markets." The re-release of the online presentation follows a recent increase in attention to the experiences of Arbitron PPM panelists, fueled by an August 8, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle article by Ben Fong-Torres based on an interview with a participant in the San Francisco PPM panel. "What struck us about the Ben Fong-Torres article was how that one panelist’s experience paralleled what we saw in our 2008 research," adds Kurtzman. "This made us realize that it would be a good idea to get this important study in front of the radio industry once again. Furthermore, the re-release of the online presentation provides another opportunity for radio managers to acquaint themselves with the three levels of Cume listening—intentional, incidental and invisible—we isolated in the research."
* Chicago-based AccuRadio hires Bill Gamble to consult and program its 18 online country-music channels. Those channels are known collectively as AccuCountry. They include customizable channels organized by decade as well as “New Country Hits,” “Country Love Songs,” “Women of Country,” “Married, But Not to Each Other” (songs about cheating) and “Country Heritage,” among others. In addition to overseeing AccuCountry’s music, talent and social networking, Gamble will serve as the company’s liaison with the music industry in Nashville. “As we continue to grow AccuRadio, look for us to continue to partner with the industry’s top programmers,” says AccuRadio’s John Gehron. “Bill’s experience and expertise will help us make the AccuCountry channels a primary choice for country music fans.”
Gamble, a veteran radio programmer and consultant, has programmed six Chicago radio stations, most recently as Program Director of CBS Radio Country WUSN-FM and AC WCFS-FM. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org has some interesting personal observations about Gamble that go beyond his resume.
* KAKS-FM, Huntsville, AR, hires former Razorbacks running back Michael Smith to replace Renee Gork. She's the reporter who was fired from the Northwest Arkansas radio station – which bills itself as "Hog Sports Radio" – after she wore a Florida Gators hat to a Razorbacks' football news conference. KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs confirms that he hired Smith, who rushed for 2,018 yards for Arkansas between 2006-09. Storrs says Smith did some work for the station at the Razorbacks' spring game this year, and would now be reporting from practice. Gork was fired amid a brouhaha that began when she wore a Florida hat to an August 14 news conference with Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino. Storrs now maintains the hat was not the main reason for her dismissal, although in initial comments to the media when the story first went national he seemed to indicate it was.
* Matt Spragins joins Fisher Interactive as VP and General Manager. Spragins has been RealNetworks Senior Director of Product Management. Fisher Interactive is the digital division of Fisher Communications. SVP of Business Development Randa Minkarah says, "As an experienced product management executive, Matt is the ideal candidate to lead the Fisher Interactive team." Adds Spragins, "I look forward to leading the innovative Fisher Interactive team and building upon their current success. Fisher has fantastic assets that are aligned with the growth trends in online and mobile local media. I' m excited to leverage these assets into a growth strategy that allows Fisher to further develop competitive strengths."
* Media Monitors' Radio Spot Service again receives Media Rating Council accreditation. The Radio Spot Service reports radio advertising occurrences. Media Monitors was the first radio monitoring service to be audited and accredited by the MRC in 2008. "We continue to pledge to the industry the highest-quality data with unmatched speed," says Media Monitors President and CEO Philippe Generali. "And once again, the MRC confirms that our hard work and accuracy has remained consistent."
* Takeover speculation sends Lincoln National shares soaring. Speculation about a possible takeover of Lincoln National Corp., parent company of Lincoln Financial Media, sent its share price jumping 10.3% Friday (Aug. 27). A rumor hit Wall Street saying that Canadian insurance company Manulife Financial Corp. had offered $32 per share for LNC, fueling a rise in LNC stock that resulted in the stock closing at $22.73.
The purchase of LNC by a Canadian company, such as Manulife, would have implications for the radio properties owned by Lincoln, because of FCC restrictions on foreign ownership.
* Philadelphia-based radio talker Michael Smerconish again is promoting a 9/11 tribute pin. This is the second year in a row that Smerconish, a talk host at "The Big Talker" WPHT-AM, Philadelphia, and nationally via Dial Global, is partnering with Philadelphia's Steven Singer jeweler, to create a 9/11 tribute pin for the benefit of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. For a $10 donation, listeners receive the 9/11 Never Forget Pin and one hundred percent of the money will be donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund. . Steven Singer is contributing the shipping costs. In 2009, over $30,000 was raised for the fund. Smerconish and team are hoping to better that this year. Smerconish says almost $20,000 has been raised already in the past week.
* “Mad as Hell in America with Adam Klugman” is set to launch on KPOJ-AM, Portland OR in September. Clear Channel "AM 620, Portland's Progressive Talk Station" KPOJ is a former Air America affiliate. The new show will allow mad citizens of any political leaning to have 60 seconds to tell why they are “Mad as Hell." Says Klugman, “Most people are afraid of their anger because they think it's going to make them like the small minority of belligerent Americans who scream and throw tantrums to get what they want. But that's not anger. It's childish rage and it has been getting its way in this country for far too long.” But, in contrast, says Klugman "legitimate, human anger isn't destructive at all. In fact, it's inherently creative because it's prodding us for a response. There's nothing wrong with you if you feel mad as hell about America's torture policy. You should be mad as hell… But what if, instead of throwing that feeling away because it isn't popular at cocktail parties, I paid attention to it? What if I really listened to it? Well, in that case I just might have to change the world.” The show will initially air 3-6pm (PT) on two Saturdays – September 18 and 25. Klugman is associated with Portland advertising firm Progressive Media Agency, specializing in promoting progressive causes and candidates.
* "Studio 1430" KEZW-AM, Denver, launches online sale of 8GB iPod Nano pre-loaded with live big band recordings.
"Sing and Swing Volume 1" is a collection of 100 songs taken from various Armed Forces radio programs and V-Discs that aired exclusively for the troops overseas during WWII — that were never sold in stores or played on American radio. "As America's #1 big band station, we feel strongly about introducing new generations to the great songs of the era. We are so proud to be sponsors of this very special IPod collection," says KEZW Program Director Rick Crandall. The compilation was produced by the Glenn Miller Archive at the University of Colorado, and includes artists such as Miller, Sinatra, Dorsey, Goodman and others from that era. Says Dennis Spragg, producer of the collection, "The Glenn Miller Archive and I are very pleased to join with Entercom Denver in presenting this special collection. Not only does it benefit the American Music Research Center at the University of Colorado, but also fans of big band music who have never heard these songs,"
* Ohio's Hamilton school district agrees to sell WHSS-FM for $156,000 to Sacred Heart Radio. Sacred Heart currently operates WNOP-AM in the Cincinnati area. The 190w outlet reaches Cincinnati at the edge of its coverage. The agreement was reached earlier this week (Aug. 25), following a two-hour public auction. The auction process was required by Ohio state law regarding the sale of publicly owned assets. Broadcast Management and Technology President and CEO Jay Meyers was retained by the school district to manage the sale process and personally conducted the auction. The parties expect to file at the FCC in the next two weeks for transfer of the license and Sacred Heart Radio will begin operating WHSS under an LMA following FCC approval.
* Clear Channel Radio EVP Online Music and Radio Evan Harrison will exit at the end of this year. Harrison has played a pivotal role in building Clear Channel Radio’s digital platform. Now, six years after joining the company from AOL, Harrison has decided to pursue new challenges and will leave the company at the end of the year. A search for a new head of the company’s digital business is underway. Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan says in a memo to employees, "As each of you knows, the media landscape has changed fundamentally, and I’ve appreciated Evan's contributions in building our digital platform for nearly six years. Our digital team has made significant inroads in successfully building out the digital capabilities of our local brands with the positive consumer acceptance of iheartradio.com reaching 10 MM unique-person downloads this year. Additionally, each month 25-30MM highly engaged individuals visit our digital properties, where we offer advertisers truly integrated campaigns that include on-air, online, mobile, and talent endorsements. To that end, digital continues to be an essential part of our growth strategy. It is important that we continue our charge to make sure that our content, delivery modalities, technology innovations, and the monetization of digital continue to move forward as a critical priority." Harrison and Hogan announced his plans to exit during a call Wednesday (Aug. 25).
* "103.3 ESPN" KESN-FM, Dallas, signs Cowboys legend Drew Pearson for the 2010 football season. Pearson will co-host KESN's Cowboys post-game show with RJ Choppy and former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, and will be a weekly guest on the "Ben and Skin Show" and "Galloway and Company." Says KESN General Manager Pete Dits, "We are thrilled to add the 'Original 88' to our football coverage. Drew is now a seasoned media veteran who will provide a wealth of NFL knowledge and candid opinion on what happened on the field." During Pearson's ten-year career with the NFL Cowboys (1973-1983) NFL the team had three Super Bowl appearances, including one victory in 1978, three All-Pro nominations (1974, 1976, 1977), two All-NFC nomination (1975, 1978), three Pro Bowl appearances (1974, 1976, 1977), and a 1980 NFL Man of the Year nomination.
* "Party FM" WPTY, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), makes a million dollar offer to Lindsay Lohan. The JVC Broadcasting station says in a news release, it's offered Lohan and her mother $1 million to host the "Party 101.5/105.3" morning show, which would be nationally syndicated. The station, located on Long Island near the Lohans' hometown, wants Lindsay and mother Dina to host the popular Dance Top 40 station’s morning show. The news release states that they would cover a range of topics from trendy fashion tips to entertainment news. There would also be an advice hotline for fans to call in with questions. The station says in a statement, “ We think that hosting a morning program would be the perfect gig for Lohan. Besides her experience in film, TV and music, she has appeared on radio programs in the past on Radio Disney and other stations. If Lohan wants to take some time off from Hollywood and spend some much-needed R&R with her family but still needs to atone for her reported $600,000 in credit card debt, hosting Party 105’s morning show would be an ideal way for the starlet to reconnect with her fans – starting with those closest to her hometown who have followed her career from the beginning.”
* Is Larry King returning to his radio roots when he leaves his CNN show? "Larry King and Ryan Seacrest have been secretly plotting to relaunch Larry's radio career," writes TMZ.com. Sources tell TMZ, "Ryan is talking to Larry about producing/distributing a new Larry King syndicated radio show, as part of a mega-media deal Seacrest is creating." King was a radio fixture for years before becoming a TV interviewer. Seacrest, whose radio deal with Clear Channel ends in November, has, according to TMZ, "been around town talking to big wigs about creating a multi-media empire, including TV and the Internet."
* J.D. Hayworth back to radio after losing Arizona GOP primary challenge to Senator John McCain? Clear Channel "Newstalk 550" KFYI, Phoenix may soon have Hayworth back on the air. Hayworth, a former congressman, left his popular afternoon show on KFYI to challenge McCain in Arizona’s Republican primary. McCain fought off the challenge in his bid for a fifth term after spending some $20 million and adopting a hard line on his signature issue of immigration. Hayworth has not yet said he will return to the conservative talker, nor has KFYI indicated it will bring him back to the air, but when Hayworth stepped aside in January because of the political campaign, it was strongly suggested that his on-air absence would be temporary pending the outcome of the primary campaign. In a January 22 "goodbye" post on the station's Website, which remains archived here, Hayworth wrote: “It has been a joy to spend weekday afternoons on KFYI. Now, another chapter begins. The call to public service remains, and again it may very well lead to pursuit of public office.” Now that "pursuit" has ended, and it appears likely he will be interested in returning to radio to keep his voice and views before the public, although that may wait until after the November elections. Hayworth had promised he would support the winner of the primary contest which he lost Tuesday (Aug. 24).
* Former FEMA Director Michael Brown takes his "850 News Radio" KOA-AM, Denver, radio show to New Orleans. Brown quit FEMA following widespread criticism of the government response to Hurricane Katrina. Wednesday (Aug. 25) and Thursday he's broadcasting from the city hardest hit by Katrina. Brown's talk show airs 9pm-midnight (ET). He headed FEMA under the Bush administration and became the target of critics who claimed the administration bungled its initial response. He resigned in September 2005, two weeks after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. His resignation came 10 days after President Bush told him, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job." He later accused then-Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and others of dragging their feet and ignoring his warnings about massive flooding. Hurricane Katrina's fifth anniversary is Sunday (Aug. 29).
* The NAB lashes back at criticism of mandating cellphones with FM radio capability. The NAB offers 'A fact-based response to the critics of radio-capable cell phones.' "The response from critics to NAB’s support for the inclusion of radio receivers on mobile phone devices sold in the U.S has been predictable and follows a customary Washington tactic," writes NAB EVP of Communications David Wharton. "Arguments against this pro-consumer feature have been long on exaggeration, rhetoric and factual inaccuracies." The NAB responds to recent opposition to its plan to include FM radio receivers on mobile devices. That, of course, is one key to a possible compromise on performance rights between the NAB and the musicFIRST Coalition. In a new NAB blog positing, Wharton says, "It’s time to set the record straight." Refuting tech industry claims by the wireless and consumer electronics industries that NAB and the recording industry are attempting to prop up "a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options," Wharton points out that consumers aren't abandoning radio, citing the most recent Arbitron report that shows that radio listening grew by 7 million 12+ listeners in the last year and that, when given the choice, consumers like radio-capable cell phones.
Wharton also makes the points, again refuting the tech trade industry, that "Radio serves as an information lifeline during times of crisis" and "Cellphone subscribers deserve access to radio’s free service." He offers the NAB's position of support, citing on-the-record background, on each of the points he makes, including: "There is Congressional support for radio-capable cellphones," noting that: "The WARN Act, signed into law nearly four years ago, established a process by which cellphone providers volunteered to devise a system for reaching their subscribers during times of emergency. The cell phone industry’s answer to date has been a text-based system limited to 90 characters, which has still not yet been deployed. And while the mobile phone industry has continued to delay the launch of their text-based emergency alert system, citizens across the country have weathered numerous natural and terrorist-related disasters including the Virginia Tech shooting, the California wildfires, the devastating floods in Iowa and Tennessee, Snowmaggeddon 2010, and the Time Square bomb threat." The bottom line, says the NAB spokesman is: "Americans deserve a better choice than what is being offered by the gatekeeper critics. Sound public policy and public safety considerations warrant free and local radio-enabled cell phones." The full posting is available here.
* BIA/Kelsey sees slight increase in radio revenues for 2010, some markets exceeding 7% growth. The radio industry will see its over-the-air revenues in 2010 climb 4.4% over last year to $13.93 billion. Another $459.3 million in revenues comes from digital and online sources, according to a revised forecast issued today (Aug. 25) from BIA/Kelsey. This uptick, reported in the third edition of BIA/Kelsey’s quarterly "Investing In Radio Market Report,” comes from collective increases across the country in the various radio markets. Stations in top 10 market cities will average a 6.26% increase from 2009, while, notably, San Francisco and Philadelphia can expect overall revenue growth of 8% due primarily to an increase in spending by national advertisers. Scattered cities in a number of markets will hit 7.5% or greater growth this year, including Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, Florida (7.5%); Denver, Colorado (8.5%); Syracuse, New York, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Springfield, Massachusetts (8%); and New Haven, Connecticut (7.7%). Markets 11 to 25 will raise an average of 4.05%, while others will see average revenue increases of between 2.73% and 3.66%. “We’re glad to see positive growth in most U.S. radio markets but still feel there remains enough uncertainty in the country’s overall economic performance to tread carefully stepping into the second half of the year. Bear in mind, too, that the third and fourth quarters of 2009 were better than the first half of that year, so we do not expect the change to be that large by the end of this year,” says BIA/Kelsey VP Mark Fratrik. “Radio’s performance this year will largely be driven by the success of the top markets; however, its impact will resonate to smaller ones.” BIA/Kelsey also notes that the small volume of radio station transactions this year have been a function of the revenue and profit decline experienced in recent years and a lack of bank financing. As of July there were only $168 million in transactions compared with $207 million in 2009. “Station owners are hesitant to sell at today’s lower multiples, while potential buyers’ view the growth potential conservatively in light of the economic uncertainty. Additionally, the inability to get sufficient debt financing to lower the cost of capital leaves the transaction marketplace stuck in neutral,” says Fratrik.
* Report: Tribune Co. creditors court Michael Eisner and Jeff Shell for top jobs. Tribune Co.'s largest creditors are in preliminary talks with former Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner, who is being considered to replace Chicago real estate magnate Sam Zell as chairman, say several people with knowledge of the situation. That's according to the Los Angeles Times, telling us Eisner would be joined by Jeff Shell, a former News Corp. executive who is in top management at Comcast Corp. Discussions about new management at Tribune are still exploratory, people close to one of the creditors cautioned. Senior creditors can't make changes until a plan is in place allowing the company to emerge from its nearly two-year legal morass. Tribune owns the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, 23 TV stations, six newspapers and WGN Radio, Chicago. Under one scenario being discussed by the senior creditors, Eisner, who is 68, would be joined by Jeff Shell, a former News Corp. cable executive who is now in top management at Comcast Corp., according to four people with knowledge of the talks. Shell would become chief executive of Tribune, replacing Randy Michaels. Eisner was unavailable for comment, according to his spokeswoman. But he told Variety in a wide-ranging interview that he has been accumulating Tribune debt. “You are talking to somebody who is buying debt in the Tribune Co. The salvation of the newspaper is some kind of pay arrangement [online], which will evolve into something significant,” Eisner said in the interview. Shell, 44, a Los Angeles native who runs Comcast’s cable channels group from the company’s headquarters in Philadelphia, declined to comment. Earlier in his career, Shell worked for Disney on the strategic planning staff when Eisner ran the company. Tribune and its creditors are still struggling to negotiate a settlement around charges that Zell’s 2007 leveraged buyout was a case of "fraudulent conveyance," meaning the transaction rendered the company insolvent from Day One. That settlement would serve as the basis for a plan of reorganization, but depending on how negotiations go, it could be months in coming or the case could easily devolve into litigation.
* "Radio Fiesta Mexicana" WWWE-AM, Atlanta, will flip to Spanish Sports ESPN Deportes Radio Monday (Aug. 30).
The Beasley station's flip will mark a return of ESPN Deportes to the market. Says Beasley Atlanta VP and Market Manager Chris Edmonds, "In response to their feverish passion for sports, we aim to engage local Atlanta Hispanic sports enthusiasts by airing community sports shows in addition to the tremendous variety of national and international sports offered through ESPN Deportes." Network General Manager Oscar Ramos says, "This is yet another step forward in our effort to make ESPN Deportes Radio available in the top U.S. Hispanic markets. We are very excited to offer our top-tier sports programming mix to the emerging Hispanic community in Atlanta, as well as new opportunities for advertisers and marketers to reach the local sports fans." Beasley EVP of Operations Brian Beasley tells us, "Atlanta represents the second major market in which Beasley Broadcast has committed to Hispanic programming in the last thirty days. We strive to bring all of our listeners relevant and entertaining programming in each market in which Beasley operates radio stations. Recognizing that the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing segment of the United States' population, we believe that it is important to address their specific listening preferences and are pleased to be associated with ESPN Deportes in the Atlanta market." Network Executive Director of Affiliate Sales Jim Roberts adds, "ESPN Deportes Radio is happy to re-enter the Atlanta market," "We are equally thrilled to once again enter into partnership with Beasley Broadcast, who in addition to Atlanta launched ESPN Deportes Radio earlier this month in Philadelphia."
* Former WBUL-FM, Lexington, KY, personality Roy "Dusty Dan" Baldridge gets probation, but with stringent strings attached. Baldridge was previously sentenced to five years each for two counts of possession of child pornography in April. Now, as part of a probation deal, he has agreed to complete a Lexington Sex Addicts program, attend a recovery group at a church, attend an Alcoholics Anonymous program and avoid computer access. As part of the probation, Baldridge must also "be productive for 40 hours a week, possibly attending school or working." Baldridge was fired by "98.1 The Bull" WBUL when he was arrested in October 2009. He was first charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a defaced firearm after two men allegedly broke into his house and took a firearm that turned out to have been previously stolen. The burglary investigation lead police to discover Baldridge's child pornography possession. A grand jury ultimately dismissed the firearms and stolen property charges.
* Mid-West Family Broadcasting Springfield, IL, makes changes, names Susan Groves Operations Manager. Mid-West Family promotes Groves to OM of its four-station Springfield cluster — Triple-A "Alice@97.7" WLCE-FM, "The Rock Station" WQLZ-FM, "Lite Rock 98.7" WNNS-FM, and News-Talk "970 AM" WMAY-AM. Groves will also continue as remain as PD of WQLZ and an air personality at WLCE. WMAY News Director, Program Director and morning host Jim Leach is upped to News Director of the entire group, as well as continuing with WMAY-specific duties. WLCE Assistant PD and morning host Josie O'Donnell is promoted to Program Director. Chris Murphy joins Mid-West Family as Assistant Operations Manager of all four stations, PD of WNNS, Assistant PD of WMAY and afternoon host on WNNS. Previously, Murphy worked for Mid-West from 1995 until 2006.
* BIA/Kelsey says radio is in the advertising mix for higher-spending small and medium businesses. Higher-spending small and medium business advertisers use 6.5 different media on average in promotional mixes. That includes 16.1% of their total budget on broadcast media. The 6.5 different media for higher-spending small and medium businesses compares with 3.1 different media used by the broader small and medium business (SMB) advertiser population, according to findings from the first wave of BIA/Kelsey’s "LCM: SMB Plus Spenders" study. This survey is an extension of BIA/Kelsey’s ongoing Local Commerce Monitor study conducted annually with research partner ConStat. The survey addresses a higher spending bracket of SMBs — those spending at least $25,000 annually on media advertising and promotion. This is a considerably higher spending level than the core LCM population, which spends on average $2,000 to $3,000 annually on advertising. “We launched this survey in response to the numerous inquiries from key players in the local, social and geo media space, who are seeking to better understand the behaviors and needs of higher-spending SMBs,” says BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek. Among findings from the "LCM: SMB Plus Spenders" survey, one of special interest to radio is that SMB Plus Spenders spend an appreciable amount of their total budget on broadcast media — 16.1% of their budget is allocated to broadcast media compared with 1.3% for all SMBs. The higher-spending SMBs, among other findings, mostly all have Websites. A full 90% of SMB Plus Spenders have a Website, versus 62% of core Local Commerce Monitor SMBs. The higher-spending SMBs use more types of online media, and spend more for online advertising. In the past 12 months, Plus Spenders spent 26% of their total ad budget on online media, versus 21.8% for core LCM SMBs, a difference of 4.2 points. Also, they focus on media performance in making media buying decisions: 40% rated “demonstration of ROI” as the first or second most important service that a vendor of online advertising can provide. “SMB Plus Spenders are more performance-oriented in making their media purchase decisions and do a considerable amount of lead tracking,” says BIA/Kelsey Research Director Steve Marshall. “This group of SMBs, with its digital media savvy and use of more media categories, represents the sweet spot for many companies developing and delivering local advertising solutions.” [More »]
* Borrell Associates says online advertising will outpace total ad spending in 2011. According to Borrell's latest Ad Forecast, a moderate increase of less than 5% is expected in overall ad spending next year — to $238.6 billion. Online spending, however, is forecast to show a 14% increase to $51.9 billion next year, up from $45.6 billion this year. Borrell Associates says the fastest-growing segments will be the local sector and targeted display ads. The local sector is predicted to rise about 18% to $16.1 billion. Targeted display ads will be up almost 60% to $10.9 billion for national and local combined. Says Borrell, "While national advertisers will increase their use of targeted display by nearly 50%, local advertisers will outperform even that. Use of targeted display by advertisers local to the markets where their ads run will more than double, reaching more than $2.3 billion next year." So-called run-of-site display — ads that may appear on any page of a targeted site — continues to become less desired, and is expected to fall 14% next year, to $8.2 billion. Newer ad formats continue to displace the older approach. Most of that decrease is expected to be among national advertisers. Additionally, Paid search is also expected to decline 11.3% in 2011, due in part to lower pricing and churn and partly offset by an expected increase in search spending by local advertisers of more than 10%. Email marketing, however, should show "moderately strong growth" next year, up 9%, to $16 billion. Growth in email ads is almost all from national advertisers, says Borrell, with only 3% coming from local. The forecast also expects streaming video advertising to move up more than 60%, to $5.6 billion, in 2011. This as less expensive production enables video to move within the budgets of smaller advertisers; Borrell expects about 40% of streaming-video spending next year to come from local advertisers. Alhough streaming audio ads are also expected to reach double-digit spending next year, Borrell points out that it hasn't yet reached $1 billion in annual spending. Online promotions are expected rise 10% to $24 billion in 2011, with much of that driven by online coupons.
* Although the NAB continues to say, "no deal has been made," the New York Times sees things differently on PRA. The Times reports: "For more than 70 years, over-the-air radio stations have played music without paying the performers who recorded the songs. That could be changing. This month, the National Association of Broadcasters released what it described as a framework of a deal in which stations would pay a total of about $100 million a year in performance fees." The article quotes David Kaut, a regulatory analyst for the research firm Stifel Nicolaus, as saying: “It’s a crack in the dam.” Reading the Times article, it sounds like it's virtually a done deal. “I think some people inside the industry think we should fight and fight and fight,” says Peter Smyth, an NAB Radio Board member and CEO of Greater Media, which owns 23 stations. “But at the end of the day, we have to make good deals that help us move forward.” Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the RIAA, a trade group that represents record labels, says that the plan released by the broadcasters “signals a new day where two very significant sectors that should be partners ride off together in a productive way.” Last year, after the both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees approved bills that would require performance fees for broadcast radio, lawmakers asked the two sides to work out a deal themselves. The groups have regularly discussed the issue since February. “It took me a really long time to come to the conclusion that I would pay performance royalties,” says Smyth. “Eight months ago, I’d say it’s nuts.” Smyth says his feelings changed when he realized the risk involved in trying to oppose the bill. Stations fear that Congress could eventually require higher fees than they are proposing. Marty Machowsky, a spokesman for the musicFIRST Coalition, which represents labels and musicians, said that the outline distributed by the NAB was an important development. “There’s really a sense,” he says, “that this has the potential to be a significant breakthrough.”
* Six tech trade groups jointly urge Congress to resist proposed mandated FM chips in mobile devices. The six technology industry groups send a letter Monday (Aug. 23), on CTIA stationery, to the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairs urging them to resist efforts by the NAB and RIAA/musicFIRST for mandatory FM chips in mobile devices in a possible compromise agreement for a performance royalty deal. The technology groups signing the letter are the Consumer Electronics Association, the CTIA, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Rural Cellular Association, and the Telecommunications Industry Association. They all tell Congress that the PRA deal on the table that would make the FM chips legislatively mandated would be "costly, ill-considered, and unnecessary." The letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) — along with ranking members Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) — says: "It is simply wrong for two entrenched industries to resolve their differences by agreeing to burden a third industry — which has no relationship to or other interest in the performance royalty dispute — with a costly, ill-considered, and unnecessary new mandate. The proposed imposition of an FM chip mandate is not necessary for resolution of the dispute between performance artists and broadcasters and, if adopted, it would be bad policy for several reasons." The tech groups say those reasons include the cost of adding FM chips, "with the likely outcome being that consumers would pay more for functionality they may not desire or ever use." The letter also says existing FM-capable devices "do not appear to be favored by consumers," and, if they were, "manufacturers and wireless carriers alike would rush to respond to that demand." The letter also says the parties to the performance rights discussion "lack any expertise in the development of wireless devices and are in no position to dictate what type of functionality is included in a wireless device. As devices continue to evolve, chip and antenna space is at a premium," and that an FM chip may crowd out "other functionality that may be more highly valued by consumers and harm competition among device makers by limiting opportunities for differentiation." The groups also dispute the assertion that FM chips would enhance public safety, citing the WARN Act, under which the wireless industry is working with the FCC and FEMA to develop a mobile broadcast emergency alert system. The letter claims, "Changing direction now and adopting an FM chip focused solution, which was considered and rejected during implementation of the WARN Act, will put this multi-year collaboration and investment at risk and delay the widespread availability of alerting capability. In addition, an FM chip would provide a materially inferior means of providing real-time alerts to mobile consumers."
Commenting on the letter, NAB EVP of Communications Dennis Wharton says in a statement: "Countries around the globe have added radio-enabled cellphones that are increasingly popular with consumers. The reality is that 239 million Americans tune in to free and local radio every week, and seven million new radio listeners were added just last year. Day in and day out, local radio stations serve as a reliable lifeline in times of crisis and weather emergencies. In an increasingly mobile society, it would be unfortunate if telco gatekeepers blocked access to public safety information offered by free and local radio."
* Fox Sports Radio names "SportsRadio 610" WIP-AM, Philadelphia, host Anthony Gargano to FSR's national lineup.
Gargano, also a sports writer, currently hosts middays on WIP. He joined the SportsTalk station in January 2000. He also hosts pre-game and post-game shows for the Philadelphia Eagles, co-hosts the Charlie Manuel Show on WIP, and is a sports anchor and correspondent at "Fox 29" TV in Philadelphia. "I'm ecstatic to join Fox Sports Radio's all-star team," says Gargano. "I feel honored to be heard in over 300 markets and on XM Satellite Radio while continuing to host my daily show on 610-WIP in Philadelphia. It's a wonderful privilege to wake up every day and talk about the games we love." FSR VP General Manager Don Martin adds, "Anthony Gargano has been a fixture in the Philadelphia sports world for many years and we look forward to introducing him to our national audience. Anthony is a media machine and we are excited to have him join our Fox Sports Radio family."
* Border Media flips Regional Mexican KRIO-FM, San Antonio, to a 100% simulcast of "Norteno 720" KSAH-AM. "In the world of communications with multiple delivery platforms such as Internet, iPods, and so on, our listeners have told us that they would like to see Norteno's programming moving from exclusively AM to include options on the FM dial," says Operations Manager for Border Media's Spanish stations and Program Director Alfonso Flores. "As a program director, this offers an exciting opportunity to take the listener's passion for the Norteno music to a better-quality sound on an FM signal. This move will enable Border Media to continually superserve San Antonio's local interest in the best radio with the wonderful features of the show and the kinds of personalities that San Antonians have loved for many years." The simulcast brings "Norteno 720" shows — including "The Jobs Hour" - "The Flea Market on the Air" and "Vicente Fernandez 12 in a Row" — to FM in the San Antonio market.
* The FCC fines Nassau Broadcasting's Classic Hits WWEG-FM, Hagerstown, MD, $4000 for a contest violation. The FCC received a complaint on June 16, 2008, claiming WWEG failed to conduct a Father's Day contest in accordance with its advertised terms and the Commission's rules. The complainant claimed that promotions broadcast by WWEG stated that the contest was open "through June 13, 2008." When the complainant attempted to enter the contest on June 13, 2008, she was informed by station staff that the contest winner had been picked on June 12 and already announced on June 13. Nassau asserted that the contest promotions "indicate clearly that the contest winners would be announced at 7:20am" and that the "winner [of the grand prize] would be selected on June 13." While acknowledging in its responses that the winner was selected the evening of June 12, 2008, Nassau claimed that she could no longer enter the contest when she arrived at the station after 8:30am on June 13 because the contest had ended at 7:20am that morning. Nassau maintains the "contest's material terms were fully and accurately disclosed." The FCC disagreed and issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $4000. The station has 10 days to reply or pay the fine.
* Alpha Broadcasting Portland, OR, signs with Bing for the new Live Performance Lounge. The partnership was announced at the grand opening of the new Live Performance Lounge at the Pac West Center, now officially called "The Bing Lounge." At a news conference from The Bing Lounge, Alpha Broadcasting President and COO Bob Proffitt unveiled the new venue and line-up of artists. "KINK-FM has been on the forefront of the Live Performance Lounge for the last 15 years and has solidified a reputation for getting everyone from the most established artists to those bands just emerging on the scene. The bar has been set high and when we saw the opportunity to build a state-of-the-art performance lounge in the Pac West Center, we jumped at the chance," says Proffitt. In conjunction with the Alpha Broadcasting Portland radio stations, the Bing Lounge will host a variety of musical performances, medical and business speaker series as well as visiting dignitaries, athletes, celebrities, cultural icons and more. In addition, Bing will have online exclusive rights to the performance and event video content, all of which will be available on Bing Video. Musical performances and event segments will also air on the Alpha radio stations.
* Bill May joins Premiere Radio Networks as VP of Programming for Nikki Sixx's two programs. Based in Los Angeles, May will oversee all programming, operations, and production for "Sixx Sense With Nikki Sixx" and "The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx." May will report to Premiere Radio Networks SVP of Programming Jennifer Leimgruber. "We're excited to welcome a rock radio veteran like Bill to the Premiere team," says Leimgruber. "His expertise in programming and operations will enhance the incredible success we are experiencing with Nikki's radio programs and help us take them to the next level." May adds, "I couldn't be happier to join an industry leader like Premiere. I've always been a fan of Nikki Sixx, so I'm looking forward to working with him on a daily basis. We share a passion for both radio and the rock format." May, a 25-year industry vet, was most recently Operations Manager for Clear Channel Albuquerque.
* Marketing vet Susan Bacich is appointed VP of Marketing for "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" starting September 7.
In the new position, Bacich will be responsible for all national marketing, advertising and public relations for the radio program, as well as its video Webcast, KiddTV, that airs daily on Ustream. She will be based in Dallas and will work with Kraddick and Yea! Network Operations VP Rob Chickering. Bacich most recently was Director of Marketing for Clear Channel New York. In this role, she was instrumental in creating customized promotions for key clients. She was also responsible for creative direction, analysis and execution of the marketing for WKTU-FM, WAXQ-FM and WLTW-FM.
Says Kraddick, "Susan personifies the modern day radio marketing director. She has the knowledge and experience to market and promote not only our syndicated product but also the multitude of new media offerings we've been able to develop." Bacich adds, "I'm thrilled to be working with Kidd and look forward to working with the team at Yea! Network to help continue their collective momentum as one of the most exciting programs in the country."
* Lou Dobbs and USRN select talk radio vet Chad Wilkinson as Executive Producer for the "Lou Dobbs Show." Most recently, Wilkinson, a 15-year veteran of talk radio, was a producer and writer for Westwood One's "The Lars Larson Show," "The Dennis Miller Show" and "The Ron Insana Show." In his new role, which is effective immediately, Wilkinson will oversee Dobbs' editorial and production staff. Wilkinson began his broadcasting career in his hometown of Philadelphia with stints at the former Talk WWDB-FM and WPHT-AM. He also produced two Philly market morning shows while employed at Greater Media Philadelphia.
* Radio Disney promotes Matthew Friscia to Station Manager of its WRDZ-AM, Chicago, and WKSH-AM, Milwaukee.
Both are Radio Disney O&O Childrens format stations. Friscia has been an account executive for WRDZ. He replaces Dave Pawelek, who exited earlier this year for the position Director of Sales for the Disney Vacation Club. Prior to joining Radio Disney, Friscia has been an owner at Fire-tone Records, an AE at CLTV and an AE at Tribune Company
* Pandora says it now makes it "easier than ever to start listening to personalized radio with micro-genre stations." Until now, stations on Pandora were created when listeners entered the name of a favorite artist, song, or composer. "These carefully curated genre stations give listeners a new and easy path into the world of personalized radio, where simple 'thumbs-up' and 'thumbs-down' actions let people shape the stations to their individual tastes," says Pandora. Senior Music Curator Michael Zapruder tells us, "Our listeners have been telling us for a while that they'd like an easy way to start a station from popular genres with the option to personalize the station from there. We wanted to find a uniquely Pandora way to address this consumer need so we created a number of genre stations that are carefully seeded with relevant songs and constantly refreshed with new releases." A number of these new genre stations – specifically "Today's Hits," "Today's Country," and "Today's Hip Hop and Pop Hits" – are already among the top 100 most frequently listened to stations on Pandora. More than 100 other micro-genre stations have also been created for listeners who are looking for a different type of station creation option.
* Arbitron recalls the Spring 2010 Report for Nashville over tainted diaries. Arbitron says problems with four diaries returned from a household that had contact with two Cromwell stations is the reason for recalling the Nashville Spring ratings report. Arbitron promises a revised report later this week. Word of the problems and what the ratings company is doing about the situation comes in a letter sent this morning (Aug. 23) to Nashville subscribers.
The letter reads:
To: Subscribers to the Spring 2010 Nashville Radio Market Report
Arbitron has learned that four Spring 2010 Nashville Metro diaries were returned from a household whose participation in the survey was disclosed to persons in the media. These diaries, which were In-Tab for Nashville 2010, should not be included in the In-Tab sample.
A revised Nashville 2010 Nashville Radio Market Report, scheduled for release on Thursday, August 26, will be based on an In-Tab sample that excludes these diaries.
Revised Nashville 2010 Maximi$er, Media Professional, Tapscan, and quarterly Arbitrends estimates will be released on August 26th. A revised Spring 2010 Summary Data Set will also be released to all original recipients on AUGUST 26th.
Audience estimates for Cromwell Active Rock WBUZ-FM and Top 40 WPRT-FM may be substantially affected in particular demos and dayparts. Estimates for other stations may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample.
Questions may be directed to your Arbitron representative.
Meanwhile, Radio-Info.com is reporting that Nashville's Cromwell Group President Bud Walters says a former salesperson for his group, who exited four years ago, “informed someone in the media that he ‘knew someone who had a diary.’ In fact, the household had four diaries, and we believe the household makeup did not match what Arbitron had been told.” In other words, says Radio-Info, "the person contacted by Arbitron may have misstated the number and the ages of people living there." TPMedia is awaiting a response from Arbitron to our email inquiry on this situation.
* Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell joins the syndicated Timeless Cool network to host mornings. Well known for “What You Won’t Do For Love,” Caldwell’s music has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. Says Caldwell, “I am excited to become part of the Timeless Cool family. Not only is this new format fantastic, but working with the staff and personnel has been a true pleasure. I’m looking forward to participating and assisting in bringing Timeless Cool to the forefront of radio.” Timeless Cool blends classic and contemporary artists and songs to produce a unique blend.
* It pays well to be the CEO of a broadcast company recently out of Chapter 11 – just ask Farid Suleman. After exiting Chapter 11 reorganization in June, Citadel Broadcasting now has filed its registration with the SEC for 10 million shares of new class A stock, and registered its 2010 Equity Incentive Plan to reward top company managers. Senior executives are receiving the restricted shares in the company. CEO Farid Suleman gets the biggest stock grant. According to an SEC filing, Suleman will receive 1.9 million restricted shares. Half of them will vest on June 3, 2011; the other half, June 3, 2012. Based on the $22.875 per share price cited by the company when the stock grant plan was filed with the SEC, Suleman’s shares are worth in excess of $43 million. COO Judy Ellis is getting 100,000 shares, worth $2.29 million. CFO Randy Taylor and VP/General Counsel Jacquelyn Orr each receive 80,000 shares and SVP of Finance Patricia Stratford gets 56,250 shares. All of the awarded shares vest on the same schedule as Suleman's. Citadel also filed smaller restricted stock grants for the company’s new directors. All of Citadel’s top managers received new contracts when the company emerged from Chapter 11.
* Charlotte gets another Sports Talk station, as Classic Hits "Z730" WZGV-AM shelves oldies to tackle sports. Station Manager Lanny Ford tells The Charlotte Observer's Mark Washburn it was difficult to attract advertisers to the station with a music-based format featuring hits from the '60s, '70s and early '80s on the AM band. "We had a good listener base. It was hard to sell music on the AM band. There was a little too much competition with music on the FM, even though we played stuff others didn't." The station, based in Lincolnton, NC, switched to carrying Fox Sports Radio, with hosts such as Dan Patrick, plus Premiere's Jim Rome. This puts WZGV in competition with CBS Radio's "The Fan 610 AM" WFNZ-AM, which carries some ESPN Radio shows but mostly has local hosts. "Charlotte has only one other sports station, so we felt like there was a fit there," says Ford. Former Panthers announcer Bill Rosinski has joined WZGV as Sports Director, although he will continue to do college football for ESPN Radio. Rosinski says he's been interested in getting back into local sports radio, but his network schedule keeps him traveling each weekend.
* Vin Scully will return for a 62nd season of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball in 2011. The 82-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster has called Dodgers games on radio and TV since 1950 in Brooklyn, and has been working on one-year contracts since 2009. Scully in recent years has worked most Dodgers home games and road games west of, and including, Colorado. “I’m just honored and humbled to continue my association with the Dodgers, which has been a major part of my life,” says Scully. “I’m as thrilled as our fans that Vin will be returning,” says Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. “He is not only the greatest broadcaster of all time, but also a wonderful friend.” Scully tells reporters he made his decision after clearing an important hurdle. He won the blessing of his wife to remain in the broadcast booth another year. In 1955 he became the youngest person to ever call a World Series game when the Dodgers made it to Major League Baseball’s finale. Scully already holds the record for the longest tenure of any sportscaster in history. During his career Scully’s called three perfect games, 19 no-hitters, 25 World Series and 12 All-Star Games.
* Westwood One announces its lineup of radio broadcasters for the 2010-2011 NFL season. Veteran NFL broadcaster Kevin Harlan will join Boomer Esiason as the lead play-by-play voice for Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XLIV. In addition, Randy Cross will also provide analysis for select Monday night games and the playoffs. Dave Sims returns as play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night games and will be joined by NFL Hall of Famer James Lofton. Ian Eagle and Trent Green will team up for Westwood One's Thursday Night broadcasts. "Three nights a week and twice on Sunday afternoon, football fans nationwide get their NFL from Westwood One. They deserve the best and that's exactly what we are giving them this fall," says Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld. "The best match-ups, the most expansive schedule of games and the engaging voices that immerse fans in all the excitement unfolding on the fields of America's most popular sport. It's time to get back to football."
* Journal Broadcast Group hires three financial analysts – Scot Stokes, Stacy Schmidt and Guillermo Greig.
The three will be responsible for leading profit planning, forecasting and providing financial support to their assigned markets to drive operating earnings in their respective operational markets. Stokes has several years of managerial finance experience, most recently as manager finance plan and analysis for PlayLV Gaming Operations LLC, a hotel casino management company. He will be located in Las Vegas, and will be responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Las Vegas and Palm Springs, CA. Schmidt joins the company from the aftermarket airline division of Spirit Aerosystems. She will be responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Wichita, Springfield, MO and Tulsa and will be based in the company's Wichita offices. Greig has 14 years of managerial finance experience, most recently with Johnson Controls as a senior financial analyst. Prior to that he spent 12 years with Time Warner Cable as finance supervisor. Greig will be located in Fort Myers, FL, responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Fort Myers and Knoxville, TN.
* Jacqui Rossinsky joins Media Management Group as SVP of Advertising Sales. Previously, she was EVP of Network Operations for Interep NetSolutions, the network sales division of the now-defunct company. Initially, she managed Interep's re-direct initiative beginning in 2007. Before joining Interep, Rossinsky worked in local sales for CBS Radio's WEEI-FM. Boston, and as a media buyer for Airtime in New York. She's also served as President and CEO at Interep's D&R Radio from 1991-2001.
* Talk "The Patriot" KMPH-AM, Modesto, will go silent August 31. Pappas Radio of Modesto VP and General Manager Jim Pappas says in an open letter to listeners: "Due to the ongoing national, state and local economic downturn, combined with the insufficient growth in revenue at KMPH-AM 840, our company is no longer willing to fund the continued growth and development of this radio station and its present rate of operating loss.... as with any private business, we must generate enough revenue to pay for this service. With this in mind, taking our radio station off the air is a decision we were compelled to make only after investigating every possible alternative until, in the face of difficult economic circumstances, no other decision was possible... When future circumstances permit, KMPH-AM will return to the airwaves." KMPH signed on with Adult Standards in July 2006 after the move of sister KTRB-AM from Modesto into the San Franciscomarket. KMPH flipped to Talk in March 2008.
* Some 200 KTRU, Houston, loyal listeners protest Rice University's decision to sell the noncommercial FM station. Rice has agreed to sell the station — which offers a mix of music, along with broadcasts of some Rice athletics — to the University Of Houston for $9.5 million. "In front of a statue of the university's founder William Marsh Rice, protesters placed a yellow KTRU sticker strategically across its mouth, and under the sun's blazing heat, the crowd cheered and spoke about the importance of maintaining the station," reports The Houston Chronicle.
"KTRU is an important local, regional and national resource for independent media,“ said Matthew Wettergreen, a graduate alumni who currently teaches at the university. "It's been a platform for musical and cultural education for the last 40 years." The station offers a mix of music, along with broadcasts of some Rice athletics. On its website, the station is described as "a free-form, eclectic radio station that thinks it's a bad thing to play the same song twice in a span of an hour." When Rice alumna Rachel Orosco — a former KTRU station manager — heard about her college's plan to sell its student-run radio station to the University of Houston she became so distraught that she jumped on a flight to Houston to protest. "I felt pretty debilitated and helpless being so far away,“ said Orosco, 22, who moved to Berkeley, CA, after graduating last spring. "I wanted to make sure I was apart of the voice that helped fight for KTRU." Rice officials said they plan to use the proceeds from the sale to improve campus life, including helping offset the cost of a new food service facility. Said current Station Manager Kelsey Yule, "KTRU is unique to the university and reaches to people outside the hedges of the campus. The experiences students have at KTRU and other student organizations is more attractive to prospective students than a new facility."
* Boston's WGBH Educational Foundation is asking some unionized employees to accept cuts. According to The Boston Globe, the owner of noncommercial Talk WGBH-FM, Classical WCRB-FM, and two PBS-affiliated TV stations is asking some of its unionized employees to accept cuts in retirement plan matching funds, redefined job descriptions, and a merit system for pay raises. Officials at WGBH say they have begun negotiations with the public broadcaster’s largest union. WGBH has been in talks with the Association of Employees of the Educational Foundation, Local 1300 of the Communications Workers of America, a 300-member union of writers, editors, production workers, and marketing employees, to reach a new three-year agreement on the current contract that ends October 31. The changes WGBH is seeking include redefining job descriptions to allow employees to work across media platforms more easily — for instance, editing for radio, TV and the Web. The station also wants the union to agree to the same 4% retirement match that employees in the station’s four other unions have, instead of the current 8%. Additionally, officials want to base raises on an employee’s performance instead of automatic yearly raises.
Station officials say the moves are aimed at reducing costs and operating more efficiently in an environment where multimedia is becoming more prevalent in day-to-day operations. “The way the media is changing around us, people are able to do production in a kind of new way that is in some ways, streamlined or simpler,’’ says WGBH VP of Communication and Government Relations Jeanne Hopkin. “Given the way we are set up, we can’t work in those same ways.’’
* Joel Burke resigns as Program Director of Lincoln Financial Media's KYGO-FM, Denver, after more than 10 years.
Lincoln Financial Media Denver SVP and General Manager Bob Call says, "Joel stepped down. It was his decision completely. While it seems sudden, he and I had been talking for a while. He has some exciting things he wants to accomplish and feels this is the right time to get started. Joel was one of only four PD's in KYGO's 30 year history. He is a great guy. I will miss working with him." Burke is going to Texas to launch Wooden Media Services, with a Website due up next week at www.woodenmediaservices.com. During Burke's time programming KYGO, the heritage Country station has often been a market leader, was named CMA Station of the Year and won four Marconi Awards. It was also honored more than once as R&R's Country Station of the Year.
Call says KYGO is now seeking Burke's replacement. KYGO's Music Director Garret Doll will handle day to day programming chores in the interim.
* Imperial Valley’s KROP-AM, Brawley, CA, will return to the air next month with a Talk format. "When KROP went off the air in April after 64 years, it seemed questionable that the radio station would ever come back," reports the Imperial Valley Press. "That is expected to change Sept. 6 when KROP 1300 AM hits the airwaves, not as the country music station it once was but as the Imperial Valley’s first station to offer listeners an all-talk format." Teresa Goodspeed, a former loan officer who will own and operate the new station, said she is hopeful Imperial Valley residents will welcome the new format. Lardog Productions LLC is paying $250,000 to Cherry Creek Radio for the station, which was left behind and went silent when Cherry Creek moved its sister CHR-Top40 "Q96" KSIQ into the San Diego market earlier this year. Some of the syndicated talkers slated for KROP include Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin. Goodspeed's partner Larry Allen, the former owner of a now-closed Chevrolet dealership, says they also wanted Rush Limbaugh for the new format, but he was too expensive for their start-up budget.
* CHR-Top40 "101.7 The Beach" WBEA-FM, Long Island, PD John Govia adds programming for WPIA-FM, Peoria, IL.
Govia will split his time between both stations. He previously served as PD for CHR-Top40 "98.5 Kiss FM" WPIA, as well as Peoria crosstown Rhythmic CHR "Power 92" WZPW-FM. Govia's afternoon show "Govia Radio" will air on both stations. Says Govia, "I'd like to thank Amp Media for giving me the opportunity to take on the challenge of making 98.5 Kiss FM the great radio station I know it's capable of being. I'm happy to be back in Peoria with my friends and family, and I get to keep my place in the Hamptons too."
* Kevin Manno is leaving Emmis "Q101" WKQX-FM, Chicago for a live New York-based MTV show. Manno's new TV show is set to debut next month, according to the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal. "Sad to leave this city, but so pumped!" Manno said on Twitter. His last day at "Q101" is scheduled for Wednesday (Aug. 25), with the MTV program is slated to begin September 20. "We are truly thrilled that Kevin has been chosen by MTV to host the new 'Live at 5' and we wish him nothing but the best," says Emmis Chicago Market Manager Marv Nyren. "It's a testament to his talent and hard work that he was selected, and we are talking to Kevin about the possibility of continuing his relationship with Q101 out of our New York stations." Manno began at WKQX as an intern about eight years ago. Let go last summer, the station brought him back before the year was out.
* The FCC Media Bureau grants another extension to Sirius XM Radio for the leasing of 4% of its audio channels. Under terms of the approval for the merger of Sirius and XM, the merged satcaster is to "voluntarily" lease the channels to "qualified entities." Implementation of that provision has been pushed back mulitple times, mainly because procedural guidelines had not been developed by the FCC. Now the deadline is extended again –until November 21. The Media Bureau anticipates Commission action on the implementation guidelines in the near future, and the FCC ruled that the brief additional extension is appropriate.
* For a fourth time, Emmis Communications again delays the vote on the go-private buyout plan. The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that a group of preferred shareholders Friday evening (Aug. 20) refused to vote on an effort by Emmis Chairman Jeff Smulyan to take the company private. It was the fourth such setback for Smulyan in three weeks. Despite the latest non-vote, Emmis officials said they are encouraged by ongoing discussions with the group of shareholders holding out for a better offer. A fifth attempt is set for next Friday (Aug. 27) as Smulyan continues to negotiate with eight stockholders that banded together to prevent the sale. Collectively, the "lock-block" group holds 38% of Emmis preferred shares, making a necessary two-thirds favorable vote impossible.
Emmis shares closed at $2.09 Friday, up four cents from a week ago. The stock remained below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt that Emmis’ founder can pull off his plan. Smulyan’s offer through his JS Acquisition and the New York private equity firm Alden Global Capital values the company at about $90 million. Smulyan said after the first shareholders meeting held to vote on the matter August 3 that he is considering an “alternative structure” for his bid to take the company private. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis common shares, a threshold Smulyan likely can meet.
Emmis says in a statement issued over the weekend: “Emmis has been informed that JS Acquisition, Inc., an Indiana corporation ("JS Acquisition") whose equity securities are owned entirely by Mr. Jeffrey H. Smulyan, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Emmis, and JS Acquisition, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company ("JS Parent") that is wholly owned by Mr. Smulyan, is further extending its tender offer to purchase all of Emmis' outstanding shares of Class A common stock for $2.40 per share in cash until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, August 27, 2010. The tender offer, as previously extended, was originally scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, August 20, 2010.” JS Acquisition adds, “The offers are being further extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan and certain other interested parties are continuing to negotiate in an effort to reach an agreement with a group of holders of Preferred Stock that owns approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate, and who have previously advised Emmis and Mr. Smulyan that they would vote against the amendments to the terms of the Preferred Stock to be voted on at the special meeting. There can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached with the group of holders of Preferred Stock, in which case alternative structures will be explored.”
* The RAB says radio recovery is outpacing other traditional media, reports radio industry revenue was up 6% in Q2. RAB says national revenues soared 16% during the second quarter, helping to push the industry up 6% for the quarter compared to 2009. Local advertising recovered also, though not as much, up 3% during the quarter. Overall the industry finished the first half year up 6% over a year ago, according to the RAB. This represents the best revenue growth since the third quarter in 2000, when it was up 8%. More than half of radio’s top 16 categories showed increased spending in the first half, collectively spending $500 million more than a year ago. The fast-growing categories were automotive (+28%), financial services (+24%) and grocery (+23%). "Our growth in this recovery is showing signs that Radio's momentum is outpacing that of other traditional media," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. "This gain underscores Radio's inherent strength with advertisers demonstrating renewed enthusiasm for spending in our medium. Spending levels in important Radio categories such as Automotive, Communications, TV/Cable, Financial Services, Grocery, and Retail are all up significantly from what we saw a year ago. First quarter's results prove that advertisers have found and, in many instances, rediscovered Radio. With ever-expanding Digital and Off-Air vehicles adding to Radio's appeal to advertisers and marketers, this growth trend will continue to gain momentum." Network revenue was flat in second quarter, but is up 2% for the first six months. The RAB reports digital revenue was up 25% in the second quarter to $157 million – and $280 million in the first half of the year. While growing rapidly, digital remains radio’s smallest source of revenue. The data is based on a pool of more than 100 markets as reported by the accounting firm of Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. and extrapolated to the entire country. Digital revenue is comprised from activity generated by Websites, Internet/Web streaming and HD Radio including HD2 and HD3 stations.
* Tribune Co.'s plan to end its 20-month bankruptcy now appears to have unravelled. Tribune, Friday (Aug. 20), told a Delaware bankruptcy court that talks about how to repay creditors, which continued past the hearing's scheduled start, had failed. As a result, the company will file a new plan without input from creditors on August 27. The contentiousness centered on threats that the parties must accept a new plan or face legal fights, while creditors warned they might try to seize control of the reorganization, reports Reuters. "We have tried mightily to bring the parties together. That has not happened," said Tribune's attorney, James Conlan of Sidley Austin. “This process is moving more slowly and has become noisier than we had hoped,” said Tribune CEO Randy Michaels and COO Gerald Spector in a Friday email to employees to reassure them of the company’s stability. “Next week, we’ll file our monthly operating report for July and once again, our financial results will be strong. All of our media businesses are profitable, and our creditors recognize how well we are performing.” The owner of newspapers, television stations and WGN-AM, Chicago, filed for bankruptcy in December 2008, less than a year after real estate developer Sam Zell led a leveraged buyout of the media company. Bondholders have claimed the buyout amounted to a "fraudulent transfer" that piled the company with unsustainable new debt and potentially wiped out their investment. They have threatened a legal fight to remove the buyout lenders, including JPMorgan Chase & Co, from the front of the line for repayment. Tribune had a plan earlier this year to settle those legal issues, but that was undone by an examiner's report last month which emboldened bondholders, who are near the back of the line for a payout.
* John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation is transferring administration of its scholarship program to third-party provider.
Bayliss Foundation is working to "ensure the perpetuation of its educational mission to support students beginning a career in radio" with the just-announced restructuring. Executive Director Kit Hunter Franke, who has overseen the foundation's scholarship and intern programs for 25 years, will assist with the transition and then depart to pursue other opportunities. The Bayliss board will appoint a committee to work with the outside organization. That organization is not yet identified, but Bayliss says it will be a group specializing in educational scholarships. The foundation will operate under the new structure until industry conditions allow it to return to being an independent, self-governing entity. "Through these challenging times for our industry, preserving the funding for our mission is our most important goal," says Bayliss Board Chairman Gary Fries. "We believe these forward-looking actions will allow us to continue our important work of encouraging and supporting young people interested in radio. I thank the board of directors for their time and dedication, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of awarding scholarships to bright young students." The John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation was created in 1985 and since has distributed more than $1.2 million in scholarships to 345 students selected on the basis of academic achievement and radio-related extracurricular activities, as well as a passion for radio.
* Attorneys for Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), are threatening to sue radio stations if they continue airing a political ad. The 60-second political spot, being run by a primary opponent, is critical of the senator’s past conduct with women. The Vitter attorneys claim in a letter to the radio stations that the ad is “false, misleading and defamatory.” The spot talks about Vitter’s alleged battery of a woman and of the arrest of the senator’s former aide, Brent Furer, on charges stemming from an incident involving the aide’s girlfriend. The ad, paid for by Senate candidate and former Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor, is being run on radio stations throughout Louisiana, reports Baton Rouge's WBRZ-TV 2theAdvocate. Traylor campaign strategist Roy Fletcher said the claims made in the commercial are true and Vitter just doesn’t like its content. “To me he’s trying to suppress free speech,” says Fletcher, who developed the ad. The state is conducting early voting for the August 28 U.S. Senate Republican Party primary. Vitter is seeking election to a second six-year term. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster says this is not the first time the tactic has been used in a campaign when ads being aired aren’t to a candidate’s liking. “If the senator has an issue with the content, he needs to go to court rather than pressure our (radio station) affiliates,” says Engster.
* The Gores Group is infusing additional capital of up to $20 Million into Westwood One. Westwood One, now owned by the private-equity firm The Gores Group, tells us: "In response to current conditions, on August 17, Westwood One renegotiated its capital structure and modified its debt leverage covenants with its lenders to provide the company with additional liquidity, and increased operating and financial flexibility. The Gores Group is infusing additional capital of up to $20 million in the form of $15 million of equity and $5 million by guaranteeing an increased revolver. $10 million of this capital will be provided by September 7. The remainder will be provided by Gores no later than February 28, 2011 unless the company receives net cash proceeds of at least $10 million from the issuance and sale of company equity from any other party. As part of the amendments, the quarterly debt leverage covenants were eased for the remainder of the term, beginning with September 30, 2010. These new covenant levels will provide the company with a significant increase in operational and financial flexibility, reduce financial risk, and allow the company to manage its business strategically, including considering investments and other opportunities for growth."
* Westwood One reports second quarter revenue of $83.4 million compared to $83.7 million in Q2 2009. Revenue for the first six months of the year increased 4.0% to $176.3 million compared to $169.5 million in 2009. “As many radio companies have reported, advertising spending during the recovery from the 2009 recession slowed down in the second quarter of 2010. While this affected our second quarter revenue trajectory, revenue increased for the first six months of the year, driven by a strong first quarter,” says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. Network Radio revenue was flat for the second quarter of 2010, and was up 4.7% for the first six months of the year. Revenue for the total Metro Traffic business was flat in the second quarter (as gains in Metro Traffic radio were offset by decreases in Metro Television revenue) and was up 3.2% for the first six months of the year. Metro Traffic radio revenue was up 3.0% in the second quarter, and up 3.2% for the first six months of the year, reflecting slow but steady growth in local radio advertising. Metro Television revenue declined by 10.2% in the second quarter, but showed gains of 3.1% for the first six months of the year. "Westwood One is showing increased bookings in both Metro Traffic and Network Radio in the third and fourth quarters, as advertising spending regains momentum," says a news release. "Bookings are positive especially for traffic advertising and for sports programming, which gets underway with the kick-off of the NFL season in September. In addition, there are positive indications in the current TV upfront on a revenue basis."
Westwood One’s operating loss in the second quarter was $3.0 million, which represents a $5.3 million improvement over the second quarter of 2009. This improvement was due to lower restructuring and special charges, depreciation expenses and corporate expense. Free cash flow in the second quarter was $6.0 million, representing an improvement of $25.0 million, as compared to a free cash flow usage of $19.0 million in 2009. This was due to a favorable change in working capital, a federal tax refund, and a lower net loss, partially offset by changes in deferred taxes and higher capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $4.6 million from $9.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. The primary EBITDA decrease was in the Metro Traffic business, where earnings were up slightly for Metro Traffic radio, but were offset by significant decreases for Metro Television. Earnings for Network Radio declined due to increased expenses for programming and production, and investments in the salesforce for Network Radio. "The Company’s strategy for the second half of 2010," says the company, "remains focused on meeting the needs of affiliate and advertising customers by creating customized solutions through high quality programming and utilizing all of Westwood One’s assets to attract the targeted audiences they seek."
* The NABJ calls for the n-word to join the list of seven dirty words you can't say on radio. National Association of Black Journalists President Kathy Times, in a statement attacking Dr. Laura Schlessinger, says: "Is it time for the n-word and other racial epithets to be added to the list of seven dirty words?" Times believes the only way for it to no longer be used by radio personalities is if the FCC fines stations for saying the word. And Times calls for a "movement to address 'talk show hate'." She invites Schlessinger to to join NABJ "in a conversation leading to change in the public discourse, which both embraces their right to free speech and our desire to end the use of racial slurs and epithets on the public's airwaves." Times, notes one veteran broadcaster, fails to address the very point made by Dr. Laura that set off the national brouhaha that served as a catalyst for her announcement she's quitting terrestrial radio. "Times suggests fines for white broadcasters who use the n-word — a word that I can't actually say because I'm white — but she fails to suggest that Black rappers and comedians who use it constantly in public performances should also receive legal sanctions."
* Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she was already considering leaving radio before the furor over racially charged remarks. Schlessinger says the controversy resulting from the racial comments she made on-air was merely the tap on the shoulder she needed to leave. She tells the Los Angeles Times that although she announced her plan to quit "The Dr. Laura Program" at the end of the year on Larry King's CNN show Tuesday night (Aug. 17), she said she made the decision last Friday — three days after uttering the n-word and other statements about race on her show, and two days after apologizing for the same. "I was just sitting here, looking over the ocean," Schlessinger said in an interview Wednesday (Aug. 18) from her Santa Barbara home. "It was sort of a peaceful wave of awareness — an inner voice just said, 'We're done with this.' The second it came over me, I felt very energized." Schlessinger, 63, said she's not retiring but, instead, will focus on her books, TV appearances, blog and YouTube channel. "There are so many ways to talk with the people who appreciate my help," she said. "I'll have the freedom to speak my mind." The catalyst for her career change came during her Aug. 10 program, when a caller, who identified herself as a black woman named Jade, sought advice about racist comments she heard from her white husband's friends and relatives, including their use of the n-word. Schlessinger cited the use of the same word by black comedians and others and suggested that the caller, and others who level charges of racism, are hypersensitive.
Schlessinger, who has a doctorate in physiology, a branch of biology, and is a licensed marriage, family and child counselor, has drawn fire in the past for her blunt comments and frank assessments of her callers' dilemmas or the issues of the day. [More »]
* Jets' legend Joe Namath will make regular live guest appearances on "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York. Namath is becoming a regular on the station's Michael Kay Show Thursday afternoons throughout the NFL sea0son. Namath's weekly feature will debut August 26 on WEPN, the official flagship radio outlet of Jets football. It will also be streamed at ESPNNewYork.com. "Joe Namath is truly the ultimate New York Jets legend, and his knowledge of the game is far wider than people realize," says VP and General Manager Dave Roberts. "We expect his weekly segment designed to preview Sunday's Jets' game, to be appointment listening for all New York football fans."
* WFOX-FM, Atlanta, General Sales Manager Rob Babin is upped to VP of Sales for Cox Media Atlanta. Babin joined the group in January 2006, as GSM of Classic Hits "97.1 The River" WFOX, from Cox Media's "K92" WWKA-FM, Orlando, where he served in similar duties from 2002-06. Before joining Cox Radio in 2001, Babin worked as GSM at WSJZ-FM and WYLA-FM, New Orleans.
* Millennium Radio New Jersey introduces a new interactive music and advertising platform. The platform was developed by Seattle-based Quu (pronounced "Q"), with plans to go live Labor Day weekend on ten of the company's Garden State stations. Millennium is the second radio group in the country to roll out the new service, followig the lead of Sandusky Seattle Radio Group. Quu enables listeners to connect to their favorite radio station in new ways by reacting to a song, an announcer's commentary or an ad. They have the choice between visiting the station's Website for an interactive playlist or sending a text message from their mobile phone to the station. Quu then provides listeners with song and artist details, the chance to interact directly with the station's on-air talent, receive event alerts and more. "Millennium's radio ads become more interesting, enriched and meaningful with the addition of coupons, still images and videos as well as a direct link to advertisers for more information," says a news release. "We're confident that our listeners will love the Quu enhancements since they will be able to interact with our announcers and advertisers real-time," says Millennium Radio Group President and CEO Bill Saurer. "Quu further enhances Millennium's ability to reach consumers on a one-to-one basis, in addition to our unprecedented ability to reach them on a broad scale."
* CTIA joins CEA in opposing an FM chip requirement in mobile devices as part of a radio compromise on the PRA.
CTIA, The Wireless Association, VP for Government Affairs Jot Carpenter says, "We're going to fight every step of the way." Carpenter tells PC World, "If consumers were clamoring for an FM chip, I can assure that our manufacturers and other carriers would find a way to provide that." Legislating FM receivers in mobile devices is one of the proposals being discussed by the NAB and label representatives as they negotiate a settlement on performance royalties. As previously reported here, Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro has voiced opposition to the proposal. Says Carpenter, "We don't want to be in this fight, but if you're going to put us in it, we're going to fight every step of the way. We're going to make this utterly painful until you say, 'OK, this is a bad idea.'" The RIAA, the musicFIRST Coalition, and the NAB all believe the compromise currently under discussion is a win for consumers. musicFIRST spokes Marty Machowsky says FM radio on cell phones "would give consumers more ways to listen to and enjoy music." NAB EVP Dennis Wharton adds, "Such a requirement would provide a valuable public service – particularly in emergencies, when consumers often tune into local stations seeking critical public safety information." Meanwhile, ars technica says: "Cellphone makers could cave on FM radios if the price is right" — suggesting electronics manufacturers will actually cut a deal on including a mandatory FM tuner in every device they produce "if the price is right (and legislation looks inevitable)."
* Kevin Douglass will take over Engineering and IT for Bustos Media, October 1. A former Jacor and Clear Channel Regional Engineering Director, Douglass spent the last three years as Director of Engineering for H. Hawaii Media. He also serves as General Manager of the company's properties in Kauai. Bustos interim CEO Jay Meyers says, "Kevin is a brilliant engineer who is the perfect guy for our needs. People notice that he rolls up his sleeves and jumps right into every problem and gets things fixed. That's a slightly incorrect observation as the truth is he's a big guy and no one wants to tell him he's buying his shirts with the wrong sleeve length." Meyers adds, "I wasn't sure we could afford a guy like Kevin but when I told him I'd buy him all the pocket protectors he needed and he would no longer have to buy them out of the trunk of a beat up old Chevy from the pocket protector dealer on a street corner in the seedy area of town, he was in."
* Engineer working at WDMS-FM, Greenville, MS, is believed electrocuted while repairing the station's transmitter. The contract engineer Jerold Campbell, 73, died while working on the transmitter, and while the cause of death is not yet confirmed, it's believed he was electrocuted. WDMS General Manager Steve Shelton says Campbell, a subcontractor, was called to make repairs when the transmitter failed Thursday morning (Aug. 19). The engineer was pronounced dead about 12:25pm after being taken to Delta Regional Medical Center. Details of the accident are not clear, but the apparent fatal accident is under investigation. Campbell's body was sent to Jackson for an autopsy.
* United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) announces a deal to market "The Lex & Terry Morning Show." USRN takes over marketing of the show to affiliates and national advertisers, effective immediately. Lex and Terry have been a morning duo since 1992, and have been nationally syndicated since 1997. Says USRN President and CEO Jim Higgins, "Lex & Terry have a morning show that’s legendary in status. Their content is unique and creative, and their audience is incredibly loyal. It’s the kind of talent and daypart programming that we want to showcase in every possible way." Lex & Terry add, "This is a great day and a proud day for the L&T Radio Network. United Stations is the kind of first-class partner that can help us hit our next set of goals. We’re really psyched." The Lex & Terry show currently airs 6-11am (ET), with "Best Of" segments offered for weekend programming. We knew an announcement was coming from comments published here yesterday, as we reported that longtime Lex & Terry Director of Syndication Peter Welpton is leaving at the end of the month. In a notification to affiliates, Welpton said, "Just so there is no confusion, my departure is purely coincidental timing with the announcement of a new syndicator." Welpton said he'd been "considering a departure from radio for some time." Welpton helped launch the duo – Lex Staley and Terry Jaymes – into national syndication 13 years ago. USRN takes over from Envision in syndicating the show, which is mainly aimed at a Rock radio audience.
* It's now official: D.L. Hughley's morning show is out at Emmis Urban AC "98.7 Kiss FM" WRKS, New York. We first reported August 10 that Hughley was done at WRKS. He had told listeners the previous day that it was his last show, but the station refused to confirm Hughley's permanent exit saying he was away to do a new movie. Now, WRKS General Manager Alex Cameron confirms Hughley's show has officially ended, and a new local morning show is set to launch in the next few weeks. "Despite our best intentions, belief in their talent and even close friendships that have developed within our building, outside factors beyond our control have necessitated that we conclude The D.L. Hughley Morning Show on Kiss FM," says Cameron. He gives no hint of what the replacement might be, but speculation continues to center on a new Big Apple outlet for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show. However, WRKS Program Director Jill Strada seems to shoot that speculation down, saying: "Mornings will remain local on Kiss FM with some familiar voices and a heavy dose of the music we're known for." Last week we reported that Radio Syndication Talk, which was first to report Hughley's exit from WRKS, wrote: "The D.L. Hughley radio experiment at Emmis Communications’ WRKS New York seems to be over. Caught in the middle of one of the most complicated and contentious public disputes in broadcast history (Hughley vs URBan Broadcasting vs Emmis) WRKS is left wondering what’s next for it’s morning slot. Could a New York return to the KISS-FM airwaves for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show be in the works?" Joyner’s syndicated morning show last appeared on the station in 2001-03 and, said Radio Syndication Talk, "looks like the favorite to take on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Inner City WBLS." Hughley's representatives had previously threatened to pull the comedian off the air in a pay dispute, saying Hughley is owed about $359,000 for his morning show. The legal wrangling among WRKS, Hughley and syndicator URBan Radio has been put on hold until October in the hopes an agreement can be reached without a judge’s intervention.
* "Hog Sports Radio" KAKS-FM, Springdale, AK, now says Renee Gork wasn't fired for wearing Florida Gators cap. In an apparent reversal of an earlier statement, KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs now says, "In no way, shape, or form was Renee fired for wearing a Florida Gator hat. That is not the case there are several incidents that lead to the decision that was made." Previously, Storrs was clear that loyalty to the home state was important, explaining Gork's firing. "This radio station is Hog Sports Radio," he said. "We are very biased. We support the Razorbacks 100%." Now, after the story gains national attention in general media as well as those reporting news of radio, Storrs amends his explanation.
Gork was fired after University of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino scoffed at her for wearing a Florida Gators hat. The incident happened during a weekend news conference following a scrimmage, August 14. Gork, asked Petrino a question. Petrino answered the question, and then said, "That will be the last question I answer with that hat on."
Gork was fired by "Hog Sports Radio" Monday (August 16). She had been working there for about a month. says Storrs.
He acknowledges that the other incidents now cited also involved the Florida Gators. "There was some things she made public via tweeting and Facebook that went against some of the things that she had to do with this radio station," says Storrs. He also says Gork was a great reporter and her firing had nothing to do with her job performance, according to
a report from Florida's Sun Sentinel. "She's phenomenal she really is, I hired her because of her resume she is very good at her job unfortunately she couldn't continue to do her job here," says Storrs, who adds that in no way did anyone outside the radio station influence his decision. "In no way shape or form did Bobby Petrino, Kevin Trainer or anybody over at the University of Arkansas have anything to do with this decision that was made, and that's been played up in the national news quite a bit and that's just false, 100% false," says Storrs. In a news release the university said they asked Gork not to attend Monday's practice but they never told the radio station to fire her.
* Pacfica noncomm KPFT, Houston, offers HD2 airtime to soon to be displaced Rice University KTRU personalities.
Rice University is selling noncommercial Alternative KTRU to the University Of Houston, which plans to flip it to Classical as KUHC. In an open letter from General Manager Duane Bradley and Program Director Ernesto Aguilar, KPFT tells the KTRU staff: "KPFT is preparing to relaunch its HD2 alternate channel broadcast, probably in late September. More accessible than Web radio, HD Radio is an open frontier in which KPFT is charting a new course. You would have full autonomy to program, and you wouldn't have the fund drive pressures your KPFT counterparts do on FM and HD1. We would like you to be part of this relaunch. KPFT's staff recognize you have unique talents and we genuinely want you to be part of Houston's first and, possibly, last community radio outlet. Houston's music and cultural scenes need you." As we previously reported, University Of Houston is buying Rice University's noncommercial KTRU, Houston, for $9.5 million.
Also previously reported here, KTRU Program Director Joey Yang said, "We are totally opposed to the sale. This is our radio station, and we'd like to keep it."
* Syndicated talk host Robert "Rob" Redding Jr. is expanding his weekend show to weekdays. Beginning August 30, his radio show, "Redding News Review," will be air 4-7pm weekdays. The program gives independent analysis of national and world news from ReddingNewsReview.com. "The network has been asking me for almost three years to start a weekday show and all the pieces appear to have fallen together," says Redding, who last did weekdays locally more than seven years ago in Atlanta on WAOK. Redding's Sunday show will still be heard live from 7-10pm. Both shows are syndicated by The Genesis Communications Network.
* Classic Hits "Kool 98.3" WTKU-FM, Atlantic City, NJ, morning hosts David Allen Pratt and Jerry Beebe are out. Several published reports say that's the case, quoting an email from the duo. However, it appears that no one has yet told WTKU that they've axed Beebe and Pratt. Or maybe they just haven't told their Webmaster. The station's Website not only still lists the morning duo, but prominently promotes them on the "Welcome" page in the top banner and in no less than four other locations on that page. We again verified that as of Aug. 20, that still had not changed — three days after they were given the pink slip... uh, pink email. Maybe they also fired their Webmaster? Reportedly, Pratt and Beebe received notification via email after their Tuesday (Aug. 17) show that it had been their final one. The duo said they were ousted last March over budget issues, but afterwards agreed to remain as "sub-contractors" making $7,500 per year. They recently told management that was no longer acceptable. "They kept telling us to be patient," said Beebe, "and they would eventually work things out. But they never did." [Editor's Note: As of Saturday, Aug. 21, Dave & Jerry were removed from the WTKU Website.]
* Clear Channel Radio Atlanta Director of Operations Scott Lindy exits. Lindy also was Program Director of Country "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM. VP of Country Programming Clay Hunnicutt and Assistant PD Lance Houston will handle WUBL programming for now. Lindy was named PD of "The Bull" in January 2009. Before joining the Clear Channel Atlanta cluster, Lindy was Senior Director of Country Programming for Sirius Satellite Radio.
* RAB and NAB announce that Andrew Ross Sorkin will provide opening remarks at a 2010 Radio Show financial session. Sorkin, financial columnist for The New York Times, author of "Too Big To Fail," and anchor of United Stations' "The Business Brief with Andrew Ross Sorkin," will deliver opening remarks for the panel session, September 29, the first day of this year's Radio Show, in Washington DC. The session, sponsored by Dickstein Shapiro, will feature Lew Dickey, CEO of Cumulus Media; David Field, CEO of Entercom Communications; Mary Quass, CEO of NRG Media; and Joe Schwartz, CEO of Cherry Creek Radio. The panel session, titled "Prospects and Strategies for Growth: A Dickstein Shapiro Discussion," is scheduled at 4:15pm, and will follow an earlier session at 1pm sponsored by Dickstein Shapiro, "Financial Options and Strategies: A Dickstein Shapiro Discussion," which will feature opening remarks from Wachovia/Wells Fargo financial analyst Marci Ryvicker, and a panel discussion. More information is available at www.RadioShowWeb.com. The 2010 Radio Show is being produced by the RAB and the NAB, and is scheduled for September 29-October 1 in Washington DC.
* Paperwork is now at the FCC for EMF's $5.75 million purchase of KKAT-FM, Orem-Salt Lake City. The deal also includes KKAT's booster in Bountiful, UT. Educational Media Foundation, which has already been airing its K-Love Contemporary Christian programming on the station under an LMA, is buying it from Wasatch Radio, LLC. That's the licensee for Citadel's spinoffs trust. The price tag on the deal is $5.75 million. According to the FCC filing, EMF is to pay $2 million in cash, the remainder in a promissory note. If EMF pays the entire amount in cash, it gets a $250,000 discount. Citadel ended up with the station after former owner 3 Point Media defaulted on a $26 million loan from Wachovia Bank. EMF's K-Love format has been airing on the station since March.
* Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she's going to quit over-the-air radio at the end of 2010. Following a week of controversy over her use of the n-word, Schlessinger says she will end her decades-long radio career when her contract expires at the end of this year. Dr. Laura announced her plans to quit radio in an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live Tuesday night (Aug. 17), telling King she wants to "regain my First Amendment rights." Video of Schlessinger with King as she made her announcement is available here from CNN. Schlessinger, 63, has been under fire for using the n-word repeatedly during an on-air conversation with a caller last week. In announcing her decision "not to do radio anymore" after being in the business for more than 30 years, Schlessinger said, "I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry or some special-interest group deciding this is a time to silence a voice of dissent." National furor erupted when Schlessinger used the n-word 11 times in five minutes during a call August 10 with an African-American caller who was seeking advice on how to deal with racist comments from her white husband's friends and relatives. The conversation evolved into a discussion on whether it's appropriate to ever use the word, with Schlessinger arguing it's used on HBO and by black comedians. Schlessinger apologized the following day, saying "I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the n-word all the way out — more than one time. And that was wrong. I'll say it again — that was wrong." While Schlessinger told King that she was still "regretful" over the incident, she said she feels her freedom of speech rights "have been usurped by angry, hateful groups who don't want to debate — they want to eliminate." She added, "I decided it was time to move on to other venues where I could say my peace and not have to live in fear anymore." Schlessinger plans to expand her Internet presence with her Website. "I'm not retiring. I'm not quitting," she said. "I feel energized actually, stronger and freer to say the things that I believe need to be said for people in this country." Schlessinger's radio show has been syndicated for the last year in a joint venture between Talk Radio Network Ventures and Take On The Day, and is heard on more than 200 stations worldwide.
* Journal Communications amends its revolving credit facility, extends its maturity date. The amendment provides for a revolving facility with commitments of $299 million, $74 million of which matures on June 2, 2011 and $225 million of which matures on December 2, 2013. Says Journal Chairman and CEO Steven Smith, "We are pleased to have completed this amendment, which has enabled us to extend the maturity of our credit facility by an additional 2 1/2 years, while providing us with sufficient financial flexibility to operate our business, pay down debt and opportunistically grow our company. We appreciate the bank group's continued support."
* Radio One brings in a restructuring adviser as the company attempts to deal with credit default issues. According to an SEC filing, Radio One says it has amended and extended a forbearance agreement with creditors until it works out its default on some terms with those creditors. Under the amended agreement, Radio One brings in a restructuring adviser who will, with Radio One managers and a financial adviser, meet with lender representatives by August 27. Additionally, says the filing, an agent for the lenders has delivered a payment blockage notice that stopped an August 15 payment of interest on notes due 2013. There's a 30-day grace period before nonpayment constitutes a default. Radio One's lenders, led by Wells Fargo, "have not accelerated the indebtedness" under the company's senior credit facility, says the company in the SEC filing. Radio One adds that it "continues to actively pursue various financing alternatives" with the lenders, and with holders of its 2011 and 2013 notes. Radio One already again extended its previously announced exchange offer for senior notes, saying it was only about 90% completed. Radio One has given more time for the exchange of its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation with an extension to 5pm (ET) August 30. As of the end of the day Friday (Aug. 13), about 90% of the outstanding notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. The company said it was negotiating with representatives of the ad hoc group of holders of a significant portion of its notes and with its lenders trying to agree on amendments to allow the deal to go through.
* Radio One reports a 7.6% second quarter revenue increase over Q2 2009 – to $75.2 million. Station operating income was about $28.4 million, a decrease of 5.0% from the same period in 2009. Radio One reports operating income of $13.8 million compared to operating income of approximately $18.8 million for the same period in 2009. Net income was approximately $2.0 million ($0.04 per share), compared to net income of approximately $7.2 million ($0.12 per share) in the year-ago period. Says Radio One President and CEO Alfred Liggins, "The recovery in radio revenues continued in the second quarter, led by national business, which was up 17.5%. Our overall radio revenue growth of 8.4% was in line with expectations; however as I previously indicated we had upward pressure on the cost base, driven by a combination of contractual increases, such as in PPM fees, severance costs and non-cash compensation expenses. Reach Media made excellent progress with its in-house sales effort during the second quarter, although revenues and EBITDA were both adversely impacted by the lack of guaranteed revenues. Our internet business is growing strongly, with revenues up 48% from the second quarter of 2009, and we continue to believe that our on-line platform will be a major source of revenue and EBITDA growth for the future."
* BP focuses radio advertising in Florida, according to Media Monitors report for August 10-16. Following the announcement by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, that his state needs to spend $35 million on an emergency advertising blitz to calm tourists, it appears BP took notice as it shells out more money into media there. Overall, radio ads increased from 2,063 to 10,684 last week. In the top 25 markets where BP ran radio spots, the first thee are in Florida; four of the first five are in that state. Half of the first decade are Florida markets. The five markets in that state showing in the first ten are, in relative order: Tampa-St. Petersburg (449); Ft. Myers-Naples (322); Orlando (316); Miami (257); and, West Palm Beach (243).
* NPR will welcome three 2010-2011 Joan B. Kroc Fellows — journalism scholars from three schools —
this fall. The three are from Mills College, Hamline University and Swarthmore College. Now in its sixth year, the Kroc Fellowship identifies and trains the next generation of public radio journalists, selecting three to participate in an intensive, year-long program at NPR and Member stations. This year’s Fellows were chosen from more than 250 applicants, coming from 150 colleges and universities in seven countries, 39 states and the District of Columbia. They are: Sarah Gonzalez of San Diego, CA – a graduate of Mills College in Oakland, and currently produces Morning Edition on KPBS in San Diego; Serri Graslie of Rapid City, SD – a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul, where she studied anthropology and was editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper; and, Hansi Wang of Glen Mills, PA – who as a student at Swarthmore College, developed, reported and produced War News Radio, an entirely student-run program covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Kroc Fellowship is made possible through a 2003 bequest from Joan B. Kroc, the philanthropist and widow of McDonald’s Corporation founder Ray A. Kroc. Each Kroc Fellow works alongside NPR News reporters, producers and editors to gain experience reporting, producing and editing, as well as digital news and multimedia production. The Fellows also spend time at NPR Member stations to explore journalism at the local level.
* Chicago Sports Talk personality Mike North joins Fox Sports Radio to host his own show to be announced. North will remain in Chicago, even though the network doesn’t have an outlet there. "I've always wanted to broadcast on a national network, so this is a dream come true," says North. "To be heard in over 300 markets, as well as on XM Satellite Radio, is huge. Dan Patrick and JT 'The Brick' are friends of mine, so it's exciting to join them on Fox Sports Radio." Details on North’s new role with the radio network are expected to be made public within two or three weeks. Fox Sports Radio VP and General Manager Don Martin, for now, says only, "We couldn't be happier to have Mike join the Fox Sports Radio family. His credentials in sports talk radio speak for themselves." Chicago Sun-Times Media & Marketing Columnist Lewis Lazare writes, "News of North’s new gig comes just days after WBBM-Channel 2 announced it’s dropping his 'Monsters & Money In the Morning,' the unconventional early-morning show that’s scheduled to end on Aug. 27. 'Monsters' lasted just seven months. North and co-host Dan Jiggetts both left the show last week to take two weeks of vacation time. Two other co-hosts — Chicago Sun-Times financial columnist Terry Savage and Mike Hegedus — are expected to stay with 'Monsters' until it ends." North got his big break in Chicago broadcasting when he and Dan Jiggetts hosted a show on Sports Talk "670 The Score" WSCR-AM. North has won two Chicago Emmy Awards. He was the first radio broadcaster to ever be inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
* Jeff Andrews joins Cumulus CHR-Top40 "i106" WNFN, Nashville as Program Director and afternoon drive host. He transfers from co-owned "Y102" WHHY, Montgomery, AL, to replace PD Tommy Bodean, who exits to pursue other programming opportunities. Cumulus SVP of Programming Jan Jefferies says, "We thank Tommy for his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors." Jeffries adds, "Jeff is one of Cumulus' key programmers that has successfully programmed four Cumulus Top 40s including the initial launch of i94, Indianapolis."
* "US 106" WUSH-FM, Norfolk, Music Director and afternoon host Brandon O'Brien is upped to Program Director. He will also continue as Music Director and afternoon host for the Country station. O'Brien takes over programming of "US 106" from Operations Manager Jay Michaels. Prior to joining WUSH, O'Brien was an air personality with "96-9 Kat Country" WKKT-FM, Charlotte.
* United Stations Radio Networks adds radio veteran Tom Sleeker as Affiliate Relations Manager. Sleeker's focus will be the expansion of Broadcast Architecture's Smooth AC Networks. He's previously programmed stations in Little Rock, Richmond, Minneapolis, and WVMV-FM, Detroit, where he's been for the last 14 years. USRN VP of Affiliate Relations, Dan Brassem says, "Tom is not only completely knowledgeable about the formats on which he'll be working, but he's one of the really good guys in radio, and that's a great combination for someone representing the programming to fellow PD's." Last November, USRN signed with Broadcast Architecture to handle the domestic affiliate relations and advertising sales for BA's programming, including their 24/7 formats. The Smooth AC concept was first introduced by Broadcast Architecture a few years ago and was quickly adopted by several radio stations, then offering the Smooth Jazz format. Sleeker will also oversee the marketing efforts for BA's Smooth Jazz Network, with programs heard in over 30 markets.
* The possible PRA deal calling for Congress to legislate FM radio in cellphones draws fire from the CEA. The Consumer Electronics Association says "no way." But, as one radio group CEO said, "Too bad. We don't want a Performance Rights Act either." The CEA, whose members build the devices that would be affected by such a directive, is incandescent with rage, reports ars technica. "The backroom scheme of the [National Association of Broadcasters] and RIAA to have Congress mandate broadcast radios in portable devices, including mobile phones, is the height of absurdity," says CEA President Gary Shapiro. Such a move is "not in our national interest." Previously, wireless service providers have voiced their opposition. The NAB and the recording industry have reportedly agreed to include a mandate in a possible PRA compromise that Congress should mandate that FM radio receivers be built into cellphones, PDAs, and other portable electronics, according to a fact sheet from the NAB issued August 6 on talks between the NAB Radio Board and the RIAA-backed musicFIRST Coalition. "Rather than adapt to the digital marketplace, NAB and RIAA act like buggy-whip industries that refuse to innovate and seek to impose penalties on those that do," says Shapiro. Meanwhile, in response to the CEA President, NAB stresses to us that no deal has been finalized. "However, if there is a decision made by the Board of Directors to go forward and seek legislation, including radio-enabled chips in mobile devices in possible legislation seems to us to be a reasonable idea," says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. As for the CEA criticism, "It's no surprise that CEA opposes this, since trade associations generally always oppose new rules. CEA also opposed DTV tuners in digital television sets; the FCC decided that having DTV tuners in TV sets was a good thing, and passed a rule that gave consumers access to local TV stations on DTV sets. We would argue that having radio capability on cellphones and other mobile devices would be a great thing, particularly from a public safety perspective. There are few if any technologies that match the reliability of broadcast radio in terms of getting lifeline information to the masses."
* Wearing a Florida hat to a news conference gets Arkansas radio host Renee Gork fired from KAKS, Springdale.
Wearing the wrong hat can cost you your job in Northwest Arkansas. Gork found that out Monday (Aug. 16). Gork, a Florida graduate, wore a hat of her alma mater to a news conference by Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino on Saturday. USA Today reports that Petrino commented on Gork's choice of headwear after answering a question she asked. "And that will be the last question I answer with that hat on," Petrino said. Gork, an on-air personality for Springdale radio station KAKS, which calls itself Hog Sports Radio, said she was fired Monday by the station. "Was hoping to publicly apologize to coach Petrino and UA fans on the show today ... but I won't get that chance," Gork wrote on the KAKS Twitter account. "I've been fired." KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs was clear that loyalty to the home state was important. "This radio station is Hog Sports Radio," he said. "We are very biased. We support the Razorbacks 100%."
* Bruce Pierce, convicted in the 1984 murder of Denver radio talk host Alan Berg dies in federal prison. Pierce, a white supremacist convicted of civil rights violations in the 1984 machine-gun slaying of Berg, died of natural causes Monday (Aug. 16) at the Allenwood Federal Correction Complex near Allenwood, PA, says prison spokesman Mike Castagnola. Pierce, 56, was serving a 252-year sentence for a series of robberies and the death of Berg. Authorities accused Pierce of being the triggerman, but he and alleged getaway driver David Lane were convicted of violating Berg's civil rights. Lane died in prison in 2007. Pierce was a member of The Order, a white supremacy group. Prosecutors said the group targeted Berg, who was Jewish, because of his on-air comments about white supremacists.
* Debut Broadcasting plans to purchase more radio stations in three separate markets. Debut's latest latest SEC quarterly filing includes this information: "During the second quarter of 2010, we signed letters of intent to purchase additional radio stations in three separate markets in the Southeast United States, Eastern United States, and Midwest. We anticipate signing LMA agreements to begin operating these stations in the third and fourth quarters of 2010, and will sign asset purchase agreements, and filing for FCC license transfers within two years for the additional stations." The filing offers no specifics on which markets and stations are involved. Debut Broadcasting currently owns and operates seven radio stations in Mississippi, and produces and distributes syndicated radio programs to radio stations across the United States and Canada.
* The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council is critical of the FCC's data collection performance. The MMTC files comments in the FCC's review of data collection procedures claiming the goals enunciated by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at the MMTC's Access to Capital and Telecommunications Policy Conference of fostering equal opportunity "cannot be achieved if the Commission fails to act and instead maintains its record of poor data collection in the areas of equal employment opportunity, media, telecom and broadband ownership, broadband deployment and broadband adoption." Writes MMTC Executive Director David Honig, "The Commission’s civil rights and social justice initiatives, many of which have been pending for years, cannot move forward unless the agency changes course. The agency needs reliable, transparent data that Commission staff, other government agencies, researchers, and advocates alike can use to shape policy to ensure greater opportunity for all." Among the deficiencies cited by the MMTC are the Commission's "refusal" to collect broadcast employment data for 10 years, flaws in ownership data collection, and other problems.
* Media brokerage firm Media Venture Partners appoints Paul Stapleton as Managing Director. Stapleton, says MVP, has an established foundation in investment banking and has led more than 100 transactions. Most recently, he spent four years as Managing Director of DH Capital. Before that, he was a consultant and owner of Niwot Capital. "We are fortunate to bring Paul, with his deep industry knowledge and extensive investment banking background, to Media Venture Partners," says MVP Managing Director Brian Pryor. "MVP's strength is our industry focus, and Paul's exceptional knowledge of the space and his wide web of connections will help us deliver even more value to our clients." Stapleton's career also includes more than six years at Rampart Associates where he served as a partner and provided investment banking services primarily to Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
* Citadel Media Affiliate Relations rep Tamara Karcev exits August 19. Karcev joined Citadel Media in late 2007 as Director of Affiliate Relations for the "Imus in the Morning" show, before working with the networks' Curtis Sliwa and Joe Scarborough and most recently, I-Man syndication. Previously, she has held affiliate relations duties with Air America Radio and with syndicated Dr. Laura and her Take On The Day company.
* McGavren Guild Media signs Good Karma Broadcasting to represent "ESPN760" WEFL-AM, West Palm Beach.
National Sales Manager Tim Colligan says the broadcaster "is very excited" to be teaming up with McGavren Guild Media in on a national basis. Independent rep firm McGavren Guild Media President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar adds, "The entire ownership and management team at Good Karma Broadcasting are exceptional professionals and innovators. All of us at McGavren Guild Media are proud to be hitting the streets for WEFL-AM ESPN760." Craig Karmazin, the son of Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin, and Colligan are co-owners of Good Karma Broadcasting.
McGavren Guild Media also signs rep deals with Broadcast Partners and Pittman Broadcasting in Lafayette, LA.
"We are very excited to have two such excellent, independent broadcast groups choose McGavren Guild Media to represent their radio stations nationally," says McGavren Guild President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar. "Both Broadcast Partners and Pittman Broadcasting are true independent groups that share so many of the same values and passion as we do for our industry. This will be an incredible relationship in Lafayette." McGavren Guild represents more than 530 stations in 160+ markets.
* Cox News-Talk WSB-AM, Atlanta, adds an FM simulcast, taking over 95.5 FM from Hip Hop “The Beat” WBTS. As we reported two weeks ago, WSB had been "expected to add an FM simulcast in the market in an attempt to bolster its ratings, especially with younger demographics." Speculation centered on 95.5 FM, although at the time it was not suggested as the only possibility. Meanwhile, Cox preserves “The Beat” with unhosted music-only on the HD2 multicast channel of "97.1 The River" WSRV, as well as online at 955TheBeat.com. "WSB 750 AM has one of the strongest signals in the country powering its award-winning news, weather, traffic, and talk format," says Cox Media Group Atlanta Vice President of Radio Operations Dan Kearney. "We are anticipating significant ratings growth by simulcasting WSB on FM. Previous simulcasts of this nature across the country have lead to 15-200% increases. The decision to simulcast our 24-hour news-talk format on FM will offer unique radio content to a wider listening audience. Nearly half of Atlanta's radio audience has never visited the AM dial. The simulcast of WSB on FM allows us to penetrate twice the previously available listening audience for our advertisers."
* WELE-AM, Ormond Beach, FL, won't go silent, although talk host Big John has yet to acquire the station's license. "We have entered into a business agreement with Wings Communication," says John. Wings is Doug Wilhite's company and current licensee of WELE. "Wings remains responsible for policies. I am responsible for programming and covering costs." The LMA, says John, is "a short, interim step," that will bridge the gap until his pending application for the license review is completed by the FCC. "The FCC is considering objections filed by Black Crow Broadcasting, owner of a number of stations in the Southeast, including WNDB-AM in Daytona Beach," John said. Black Crow owner Mike Lynn did not respond to requests for comment by the Daytona Beach News Journal. John purchased the existing broadcast equipment from the bankrupt company and said he intends to keep the radio station operating under Goliath Radio LLC, named for his dog, a great Pyrenees. Three paid employees have been retained, and John is "working out individual agreements" with nearly a dozen local broadcasters to continue existing shows.
* Classic Rock "95.1 The Fox" WFXF-FM, Rochester, NY, morning personality Brother Wease is hospitalized. His wife, Doreen, told a Rochester newspaper, "He's in intensive care, laying there with a tube in his chest." He is being treated for fluid around his heart and his doctors expect him to recover. Brother Wease (Alan Levin) is 63. He had radiation therapy five years ago for a tumor in his sinus cavity. He spent some 20 years at crosstown Classic Rock rival WCMF, before joining WFXF after sitting out a non-compete in November 2008.
* The University Of Houston will buy Rice University's noncommercial KTRU, Houston, for $9.5 million. The plan is now approved by Houston University's board of directors, following a Tuesday (Aug. 17) vote. The purchase will give University Of Houston a companion frequency for its noncommercial Classical-News-Talk KUHF, allowing the school to move all Classical programming to KTRU, with new calls KUHC, and convert KUHF to all News-Talk. Rice already had board permission for its end of the transaction. The $9.5 million deal has been negotiated and is now a go with the Houston University approval. However, not everyone agrees with the sale of KTRU. The deal is encountering some student resistance at Rice, where KTRU Program Director Joey Yang says, "We are totally opposed to the sale. This is our radio station, and we'd like to keep it." The station has called upon students to protest the deal with University Of Houston.
* Bustos Media closes on the sale of former Smooth Jazz "K-High 101.9" KKHI-FM, Denver to Christian WAY-FM. The deal, worth $2.3 million, was filed at the FCC in May and WAY-FM has been operating the station under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA) since then. Under the TBA, the station simulcast WAY-FM's Contemporary Christian KXWA-FM, Loveland, CO. Now, WAY-FM owns the station outright. Bustos Media is being merged into NAP Broadcast Holdings, representing its major lenders. Bustos founder Amador Bustos is gone. Jay Meyers of Broadcast Management and Technology is the interim CEO of Bustos Media. Meyers announces the closing at KKHI.
* Jim Frevola returns to Lincoln Financial Media's "790 The Ticket" WAXY-AM, Miami, as Local Sales Manager. Frevola most recently was VP of Integrated Sales and Marketing for the Cleveland Browns. Previously, Frevola was Director of the Miami Dolphins Radio Network at WAXY from 2005-06. He's also worked in a marketing position with the Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. "We're very excited about adding Jim Frevola to our management team," says Station Manager Howard Davis. "He brings a tremendous record of success and professionalism to our sales organization. Jim has succeeded everywhere he has been and we are thrilled to have him back on our team." Frevola adds, "I am ecstatic over this opportunity with Lincoln Financial Media and the chance to rejoin 790 The Ticket," "790 is the best sports talk station not only in south Florida, but among the top in the nation as well."
* Pandora ups Director of Business Development Ian Geller to VP of Business Fevelopment. Geller will manage the Webcaster's relationships with mobile operators, OEMs, major consumer electronics makers, operators, and chipset manufacturers. Geller has been with Pandora since 2006 and before that was Director of Product management for Virgin Mobile USA. "Over the past four years, Ian has been integral to our growth by solidifying strategic partnerships that have expanded our presence in mobile and CE devices — more than 100 of which now have Pandora as a feature," says Pandora SVP of Business Development Jessica Steel. "We're confident that in his new role as vice president, Ian will be an outstanding advocate for our business partners, helping them fulfill consumer demand to have Pandora present in all of their connected devices."
* Alternative "X107.5 KXTE-FM, Las Vegas, PD and midday host Chris Ripley will become PD of two Reno stations.
Ripley resigns at CBS Radio's KXTE to return to Wilks Broadcasting's Alternative KRZQ-FM and Classic Rock KURK-FM, Reno, beginning in September, taking over from Melanie Flores. She will remain with KRZQ but relinquishes her PD duties.
Ripley's last day in Vegas is August 27. Before Ripley was named KXTE Program Director in 2004, he was the station's Assistant PD and Music Director, and afternoon host. Ripley started at KRZQ in 1992 and joined KXTE in 1996.
* ESPN launches local-based apps for fans in Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The free apps are available in the App Store, offering local breaking news, team info, local writers, and a custom local SportsCenter. Also featured are top local and national news, weather updates, blog posts and tweets from contributors, an interactive scoreboard, and more. Audio and direct text links for ESPN Radio stations are offered as well. ESPN also launches an ESPN Passport app, where users can create a "digital sports scrapbook" of their own game experiences.
ESPN says the launch of the apps comes on the heels of ESPN Local's best month ever online. Collectively, the sites reached 5.7 million unique visitors and generated 45 million total minutes.
* Citadel Broadcasting reports second quarter net revenue was up 3.3 % to $194.4 million from $188.1 million. Most of the year-to-year increase came from a 5.3% increase for the radio markets segment to $164.5 million from $156.2 million in Q2 2009. Network revenue was down about 5.4% to $31.2 million from $33 million. For Citadel overall, second quarter revenue increased 3.3% to $194.4 million from $188.1 million. Citadel says that in the radio markets segment gains were seen in both local and national advertising, with larger markets generally outpacing smaller and midsized markets. Los Angeles, Detroit, Little Rock, and Birmingham showed "significant revenue growth." Dallas, New York, Salt Lake City, and Knoxville were down year-to-year. Citadel's second quarter operating income was $56 million. That compares to an operating loss of $944.1 million in the year-ago period. The Q2 2010 operating income includes asset impairment charges of $985.7 million. Without the impairment charges, operating income was up 34.6%. EBITDA was up 24.1% to $72.5 million from $58.4 million. "The company's continued focus on profitable programming and the improvement in the overall economic environment in the radio industry has resulted in increases to revenues in the first half of the year," says Citadel CEO Farid Suleman. "The higher revenues were primarily driven by an improvement of approximately 5.4% at our radio markets segment. In addition, the company has been able to simultaneously reduce operating expenses, resulting in an EBITDA growth of over 24% for the first half of 2010."
* LBI Media reports second quarter revenues were up 9.4% to $30.7 million from $28.1 million in Q2 2009. Most of that was the result of a 25.7% increase in the Estrella TV segment, to $14.3 million from $11.4 million. Radio was down 1.7%, to $16.4 million from $16.7 million in the year-ago period. Says LBI President and CEO Lenard Liberman, "Our second quarter results represent our second consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth, which was driven by improvement in our TV segment and by the performance of EstrellaTV, our national television network." LBI's adjusted EBITDA was down 20.1% to $9.8 million from $12.2 million, primarily due to increased program and technical costs and partly offset by added advertising revenue for the TV segment. LBI reports a net loss of $1.3 million for the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $500,000 in the same period in 2009.
* Katz Media Group CEO Stu Olds: National Spot Radio pacing is looking good for the rest of the year. In his latest market update memo today (Aug. 16), Olds says that — building on strong momentum from Q3 National Spot Radio pacing numbers that are up 15% — early pacings for the fourth quarter are showing growth of 50% over last year. Through July, National Spot Radio is up more than 16% compared to the same period last year. Based on the pacing of business on the books as of today (Aug. 16), the third quarter is pacing up 15% and September is up 22%. While these pacing numbers only reflect business on the books as of today, they show strong momentum for the fourth quarter, which is pacing at more than 50% growth compared to last year’s period. Olds writes, "These numbers represent a very solid first seven months of growth and are an indicator of the momentum carrying through the remainder of 2010. Our core business is driving these results, but we’re also benefiting from an active political season." National Spot Radio’s top seven categories (excluding political) are all pacing up in the third and fourth quarters. With the exception of finance in the third quarter, all are up double-digits in the third and fourth quarters vs. 2009 actual revenue. Olds adds, "National Spot’s broad-based recovery is reflected across all market groupings. Both the third- and fourth-quarter pacings for tracked market segments are up double digits. In the third quarter, 55 of the top 100 markets gained more than 10%, and in the fourth quarter current pacing indicates 94 of top 100 markets are up double-digits." He also points to the revenue boost most of radio is expecting from this year's political spots. "The political season is heating up, as the August through Eelction Day period for political/issue expenditures accounts for almost 75% of total year political/issue spending. The strength of additional political pressure on inventory will continue to push the pacing trends," writes Olds.
* Saga Communications CEO Ed Christian isn't buying into a proposed PRA deal with the recording industry. “I understand completely what a small group on the NAB Executive Committee did." says Christian. "I don’t understand quite why it was done in a vacuum and I don’t understand why the urgency." The Saga chief, who has been on record already as opposing any deal that would force radio to pay royalties for the over-the-air airing of recorded music, says "what is troubling him" — especially considering his "years working on the Radio Music License Committee with ASCAP and BMI and the songwriters" — is this that a few Members of Congress right now – the NAB has actually sanctioned, or about to embrace a few Members of Congress to go forward and create a monopoly with which our industry will have to deal." In Christian's opinion, not only is it bad for radio, but also for performers. "Songwriters do have a choice, as I said, between ASCAP and BMI, and even if you’ve got to with SESAC. Under the legislation that’s being discussed, there can be no competition. No direct licensing by performers. So if a performer wanted to come to us and – if Don Henley from The Eagles came to us and said, look, I’ll license your station to perform my work – he can’t do that under this legislation. Nobody’s really talking about that. Nobody can start up a competitor under the way the legislation is – nobody can go in and say, I’ll tell you what, my performers’ royalty company is only going to pay 20% to the record labels, rather than 50%, and we’re going to pay 80% to the performers, so come and be with me." Christian outlined his position
during his Saga second quarter financial results conference call.
Christian is also not enthusiastic about the proposal for FM radio in cellphones, as part of the NAB PRA plan. "Frankly, that’s too bad for AM stations, who work hard in the vineyards, labor there to provide news, weather and traffic information and emergency information. And they won’t be included." The Saga CEO also questions whether the people doing the negotiating for radio really understand the technology. "I don’t think any NAB board member has seen this technology in action. If the chips are already in phones, which a number of manufacturers have them, but they just haven’t been activated here. If the chips are in the phones, why doesn’t somebody activate one and show us exactly what it would be like? And the question I also have is will [SVP of Science and Technology] Lynn Claudy, who is really good at NAB technology, will he help design minimum standards for this if it goes forward? Or will we be cursed with cell phones that work as well as hotel room AM radios?" Christian also expresses frustration with his assertion "Nobody is answering these questions." He adds, "As long as we’re including technology in this, what is the technology? What does it do? What does it sound like?"
* Emmis Communications adjourns its third special shareholders meeting without a go-private plan vote. The Friday evening (Aug. 13) meeting for a vote on a plan to exchange preferred stock for new notes due in 2017 resulted in yet another postponement, this time until August 20. The exchange and a tender offer of $2.40 per share for common stock have also been extended another week. The two stock offers are key to a plan to take Emmis private through Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition funded by Alden Global Capital. JS Acquisition was formed for the purpose of taking Emmis private. The total go-private transaction is worth approximately $90 million, the estimated value of Emmis Communications. Talks are continuing with a group of preferred shareholders who oppose the current proposal. They collectively own 38.3% of the preferred stock, and have signed a lock-up agreement to vote against the proposal as it stands. That's enough stock to block that part of the plan. Emmis says that Emmis, JS Acquisition, Smulyan, and "other interested parties" are continuing to negotiate with the lockup group. The company says that if no agreement is reached with the group, "alternative structures" for a go-private transaction will be explored. In the tender offer for common stock, about 20.8 million shares had been entered and not withdrawn by Friday afternoon. That's enough to satisfy the minimum tender condition. The tender offer is still subject to a vote by holders of Emmis common stock, a vote which is considered, at this point, merely a formality. Emmis' "EMMS" stock closed Friday at $2.06 per share, substantially below the $2.40 per share being offered.
* Townsquare Media completes its acquisition of GAP Broadcasting. This comes only days after the FCC approved the transfer of GAP and GAP West station licenses to Townsquare Media, the company that emerged after the former Regent Communications came out of a Chapter 11 reorganization. Townsquare now adds 111 stations and associated digital assets in 23 markets. Townsquare becomes the fourth-largest U.S. radio group owner in terms of station count, with 171 stations in 36 markets. GAP President George Laughlin and GAP West President Erik Hellum join Townsquare as SVPs over the two Townsquare divisions from their former companies. Both will report to Chairman and CEO Steven Price. "The acquisition of GAP represents another step in the process of transforming Townsquare Media into the local media business of the future," says Price. "With this transaction, the company greatly expands its audience and advertiser reach. New opportunities to capitalize on our scale are abundant. George and Erik bring a wealth of experience, talent, and energy and we are excited to welcome them to the team. They will be an integral part of transforming our company into a new type of local media business." Oaktree Capital Management last month revealed it was seeking to combine Townsquare and GAP, both of which it now controlled. When news of the pending merging of the companies first leaked out last month, it was said that "discussions are ongoing and no final documentation has been signed to merge the former Regent and GAP." However, it was said that an official announcement was likely to be forthcoming. Much of what was then ongoing came from leaks from employees who were advised in an email, with the FCC filing adding an air of confirmation.
* Spanish Broadcasting System reports second quarter consolidated net revenue declined 3% from Q2 2009. Revenue of $35.8 million is down from $37.1 million, with the drop said to be due to a 4% decline in the radio segment, to $31.8 million from $33.2 million. On the TV side, revenue was up 4% to $4 million from $3.9 million in the year-ago period.
The decline in radio is blamed on slow national sales, according to SBS, which reports lower national sales in all of its markets, with the exception of San Francisco and Puerto Rico. The company's operating income for the second quarter was $11.3 million. That's up 20% from $9.4 million, with most of that resulting from lower station operating expenses. Net income was $9.4 million (10 cents per basic and diluted share), compared to $459,000 (net loss of 3 cents per share) in last year's second quarter. Says SBS Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon Jr., "During the second quarter, we continued to focus on aggressively managing our costs given the improving, but volatile advertising environment. The double-digit increase in our operating cash flow reflects our ongoing efforts to drive further efficiencies across our operations, while continuing to prudently invest in our content and sales resources. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building our brands, increasing our audience reach across our radio, television and online properties, and maximizing our share of advertising revenues in each of our markets."
* Saga Communications reports second quarter net income was $3.7 million, up from $2.7 million for Q2 2009. Net operating revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 increased 4.0% to $32.9 million with operating income of $7.8 million compared to $6.2 million for the second quarter of last year. Free cash flow was $5.7 million for the quarter. Station operating expense decreased 0.6% compared to the year-ago period to $23.2 million. Saga says, "Operating expenses for the quarter were impacted by increased advertising and promotions expenditures as well as increased sales costs relative to the company’s reported revenue growth." For the six month period ended June 30, 2010, free cash flow increased 15.7% to $8.0 million. Net operating revenue increased 5.4% from the comparable period in 2009 to $60.9 million with operating income of $11.4 million compared to $6.3 million for the same period last year. Net income was $7.0 million ($1.66 per fully diluted share) compared to $2.3 million ($.55 per fully diluted share) for the same period in 2009. Station operating expense decreased 3.2% year-to-year to $45.7 million. Saga tells us, "The company continues to maintain a solid balance sheet with $18.1 million in cash and certificate of deposit balances as of June 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the company’s outstanding bank debt was $113.6 million. The trailing 12 month leverage ratio calculated as a multiple of EBITDA was 3.5 times. Netting cash and certificate of deposits against outstanding debt, the ratio would be 2.9 times. Subsequent to the end of the quarter the Company paid down debt by an additional $4 million. The Company intends to continue to use excess cash to pay down debt."
* Westwood One signs a new multi-year agreement with NBC News for distribution of NBC News Radio. The new deal also continues the radio syndication of "Meet the Press." The two companies also agreed to work together to launch new NBC News products for radio. Currently NBC News Radio features one-minute, hourly reports from 6am-10pm weekdays anchored by NBC-TV correspondents Andrea Mitchell, Jim Miklaszewski, Pete Williams, and others. "The relationship NBC News has with Westwood One is one that we value greatly," says NBC News President Steve Capus. "We have enormous respect for radio as a medium and the ability to reach Westwood One's tremendous network and audience is extremely beneficial to this news division. It's a relationship that has a lot of history, and exciting potential for the future." Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld adds, "We are thrilled to extend our 20 plus year relationship with NBC News. As we move in to the mid-term election season, our audience will continue to enjoy exclusive radio news coverage from the worldwide resources of NBC News and MSNBC, while our advertisers continue to reap the benefits of aligning with the powerful NBC News brand."
* ESPN Deportes Radio launches on Texas Radio Holdings' KGOL-AM, Houston. The network currently reaches 50% of the Hispanic population in the U.S. With the network's expansion into Houston, ESPN Deportes Radio now reaches nine of the top 15 Hispanic markets with a variety of Spanish Sports Talk programming and events. "The new KGOL AM 1180 in Houston is a great achievement for our ESPN Deportes Radio platform," says ESPN Radio Affiliate Sales Executive Director Jim Roberts. "Houston is one of our top markets, where Hispanics comprise more than 32% of the city's population. We are thrilled to become their destination for the best world class play by play content and the latest sports news & information in Spanish-language." Texas Radio Holdings operates KGOL under an LMA with Entravision Communications.
* TRN syndicated talker Dr. Laura Schlessinger apologizes for using the “n-word” during an on-air conversation. Dr. Laura was talking with an African-American woman who was wondering why her white male husband said nothing when others directed racially insensitive remarks toward her. Schlessinger noted how many African-American comedians and others in the black community use the “n-word” regularly — often even as a term of endearment — which tends to make others feel that it’s OK to use it, too. To demonstrate, Dr. Laura then let the controversial word fly, although it was clearly not directed at the caller. Commenting about the incident on her blog Dr. Laura writes, “I always tell my listeners when they mess up, they need to follow the four R’s: take responsibility, have true remorse, try to repair it, and don’t repeat it. Yesterday, I messed up. I used the 'n' word on-air, and I regretted it as soon as the call was over. While it was in the context of making a point about the unfortunate use of that term by others who deem it acceptable or funny, it is a word that is hateful, hurtful and I should not have used it even to prove a point. After the call, I was terribly upset about it and pulled myself off the air for the rest of the show.” Wednesday (Aug. 11), at the top of her Talk Radio Network national program, Schlessinger reiterated her apology saying in part, “I talk everyday about doing the right thing, and yesterday I did the wrong thing. I am very sorry, and it won’t happen again.”
* Internet radio Host Hal Turner is convicted of threatening to murder three Chicago judges last summer. Turner, the ultra-right-wing shock jock who spied on white supremacists for the FBI, was found guilty Friday (Aug. 13) by a federal jury in Brooklyn, on the government’s third try. The jurors took less than two hours to find Turner, 48, of North Bergen, guilty of using his blog to terrorize the judges for upholding handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park, IL, reports the Bergen Record. U.S. District Judge Donald Walter ordered Turner locked up as a danger to the community pending sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. No date was set for sentencing. The swift verdict, on the fourth day of trial, stood in stark contrast to the government’s previous efforts, which ended with deadlocked juries in December and March. A majority of those jurors reportedly had voted to acquit him. Turner took a deep breath, sat down and cocked his chin at the jurors as the judge polled each of the eight women and four men on the panel. Turner was found guilty of a single count of threatening to assault and murder the chief judge and two other judges of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by writing in a June 2009 blog post that they “deserve to be killed” for a ruling that Turner feared would open the door for local gun bans across the country. His publishing of their photos and courthouse addresses, along with a map, the following day was further evidence of his intent to intimidate and impede the judges in the performance of their duties, prosecutors said.
* The FCC releases first quarter inquiries and complaints – a day after releasing Q4 2009 stats. For the first quarter this year, the total number of inquiries for all four reported categories increased more than 7%, from 24,496 in 2009's fourth quarter to 26,240. The number of radio and television broadcasting inquiries fell nearly 6% from 5,449 in Q4 to 5,135 in the first quarter this year. The bulk of the radio and television broadcasting inquiries, 52%, pertained to broadcast programming issues. First quarter complaints increased more than 230%, from 53,661 to 177,589. With that, there was a notable increase in the radio and television broadcasting category, where complaints increased 1259% from 9,740 in Q4 2009 to 132,416 in the first quarter 2010. Complaints rose 2,305 overall to 177,589, driven by that massive increase in radio and television complaints, to 132,416. The majority of complaints involved broadcast indecency.
A day earlier, the FCC reported that radio and TV complaints were up, while overall complaints were down in the fourth quarter of 2009. The statistics for fourth quarter 2009 informal consumer inquiries and complaints showed inquiries down 7% from third quarter to 24,496. Radio and TV inquiries declined 14% to 5,449. Most of those involved programming issues. Complaints fell 14% overall from the third quarter to 53,661; however, complaints on radio and TV issues jumped over 45% to 9,740. Indecency and obscenity complaints made up 6,475 of the total, with 5,215 in November.
* "Z100" WHTZ, New York late night host Trey Morgan is set for his philanthropic creation "30 Deeds, 30 Days." Morgan will commit his time to 30 different charitable organizations, one for each day of September. At the special site, www.30deeds30days.com, he explains it all: "Hi, I'm Trey. On September 1st, I will attempt what some might find impossible. I will be giving my time to 30 different charitable organizations over the course of the 30 days in September all while trying to keep my life as normal as possible. I'll still keep my 'day job' as a radio personality in New York City and across the country. I've been asked how I came up with this idea and simply put, I have always wanted to volunteer but never found the time or was too overwhelmed by the endless number of organizations. The time is now. I’m calling this adventure '30 Deeds, 30 Days' and I hope you join me in this journey." The Clear Channel CHR-Top40 personality also tells visitors to the site to keep checking back for updates.
* The 2010 Radio Show will feature a performance by country music artist and songwriter Jack Ingram. The performance will take place during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show, hosted by radio legend and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee Ron Chapman. The performance will take place September 30 at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel. "We are delighted to present a performer at the forefront of country music," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. "With Ron Chapman as the show host and Jack Ingram as the featured entertainment, this year's NAB Marconi Radio Awards Show promises to be highly entertaining." This year's Radio Show is produced by RAB and NAB.
* KRKO-AM, Everett-Snohomish, WA, replaces two towers toppled in an apparent act of ecoterrorism. The towers at the station’s transmitter site were brought down last September. Their replacements were scheduled for installation Monday (Aug. 16), allowing KRKO to restore the station to full power. The 349-foot and 199-foot towers were to be lifted by crane at the station's site. KRKO General Manager Andy Skotdal said that even though it took longer that he expected, he was proud that the station never stopped broadcasting: "We had the ability to transmit in multiple ways, from that and other sites." When the towers were toppled by heavy equipment, a cloth banner was hung on a fence nearby with a message reputedly signed by "ELF" – ecoterrorism group Earth Liberation Front.
* Liberal radio talk host Stephanie Miller comes out as gay on her nationally syndicated show. Miller, 48, made the revelation of her Friday (Aug. 13) show. The Advocate's Trudy Ring wrties that Miller, who had sometimes joked about having crushes on men, such as fellow liberal commentator Keith Olbermann, led up to her announcement by tweeting, “Mama’s got something to tell you.” After making her statement, she received numerous supportive comments from listeners, in both phone calls and online posts. One of her guests on Friday’s show was country singer Chely Wright, who also recently came out. Miller, 48, is a former stand-up comic and for a time had a television show on MSNBC. She grew up in a conservative Republican family. Her late father, attorney and congressman William Miller, was Barry Goldwater’s running mate in the 1964 presidential election. Goldwater, who has a gay grandson, voiced gay-supportive positions late in his life.
* A digital radio boom is expected by 2015, says a new forecast from ABI Research. After a gradual start, HD digital radio is poised for rapid growth over the next few years, according to the new forecast from ABI. As of 2010, U.S. consumers have purchased four million HD radio receivers, while European consumers have purchased about 13.5 million. ABI expects the global "installed base" of HD radio receivers to jump to 200 million by 2015, a more than tenfold increase in just five years. ABI notes that many manufacturers are going to begin including HD digital radio receivers in smartphones in response to growing concern about the large amount of mobile bandwidth currently used by smartphone owners accessing Internet audio sites like Pandora. Carriers are expected to begin promoting digital radio as a way for smartphone owners to get premium audio content without taxing data delivery. ABI Research Senior Analyst Sam Rosen cites "AT&T's decision to stop offering unlimited data plans, due largely to high data usage in New York and San Francisco." That usage is largely generated by Internet music sites. MediaPost says, "The forecast of big growth in HD digital radio is good news for traditional (terrestrial) radio broadcasters. They have rolled out HD channels in most large- and mid-sized media markets in the face of increasing competition from new digital audio options, including satellite radio and pure-play Internet radio."
* Harker Research says new media is not cutting into radio time. Harker Research says it is the first analysis to integrate Arbitron and Nielsen information "into a single picture of U.S. radio listening." The result show the number of Americans who listen to broadcast radio rose 1.6% from Spring 2009 to Spring 2010, increasing to 93% of the population. TSL declined, but by only 11 minutes, to 17.4 hours per week. Harker notes that the growth in listening is in spite of more and more competition from new media. Says Harker Research Managing Partner Glenda Shrader-Bos, "Many media experts expected broadcast radio listening to be negatively impacted by the growing number of alternatives, but this analysis of the latest estimates shows that as options increase, consumers spend more time with the many audio alternatives rather than replacing their broadcast radio listening with newer alternatives."
* A new survey shows strength for Spanish-language radio, even among many who mostly speak English. The poll, conducted for Univision and co-sponsored by Nielsen and Stamford University, finds many listeners "turn frequently" to Spanish-language radio and TV, "drawn by a cultural connection and some concerns that English-language media portray them negatively." About 40% of Hispanics who speak mostly English spend "several hours" each day checking out Spanish-language media, according to the survey. Predominantly English-language speakers tend to use English-language media for major breaking news and information on purchases. Among the poll's insights is that 35% feel English-language media "portray Hispanics mostly in a negative way." That's nearly three times the percentage who say the portrayals are mostly positive. However, the survey also finds that 50% say English-language media is neutral.
* WSTW-FM, Wilmington, DE, will receive the fourth annual NAB HD Radio Multicast Award. WSTW will receive the award for their eclectic side-channel, 93.7-2 Graffiti Radio. The award will be presented during the Radio Luncheon, sponsored by Katz Media Group, on Friday, October 1 during the 2010 Radio Show produced by NAB and RAB in Washington DC. "NAB is proud to honor WSTW-FM with the HD Radio Multicast Award," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. "Their multicast station provides exceptional programming with innovative musical entertainment, representing the essence of HD Radio." With a format featuring a wide variety of styles, including indie rock, funk, synth pop and hip-hop, WSTW-FM's Graffiti Radio provides a unique listening experience for audiences in the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas. The station also connects to tech-savy listeners via an interactive website with message board and DJ blogs, as well as daily updates on Facebook and Twitter. Graffiti Radio is available on 93.7 HD-2 and at GraffitiRadio.com. Winners of the NAB HD Radio Multicast Award are recognized for their ability to create innovative or groundbreaking programming on their multicast channel.
* Nostalgia "The Greatest Music of All Time" WHAT-AM, Philadelphia, revamps its weekday line-up. Program Director Jim Clark is taking over the 6-9am shift, moving morning duo Elaine Soncini and Mike Bowe to afternoon drive. Bowe and Soncini will now host 2-5pm, with Bowe going solo 5-6om for the "WHAT Happy Hour."
Clark has been hosting noon-5pm.
* Former Senator Larry Craig fills in for Nate Shelman on Citadel "NewsTalk 670" KBOI-AM, Boise, ID. Shelman said he didn't expect Craig to take phone calls Monday (Aug. 16) about his 2007 conviction for disorderly conduct in connection with a sex sting in a men's restroom at the Minneapolis airport. Instead, the former Senator would focus on politcs, elections and the economy. Craig has called into Shelman's show since retirement in 2009, but this was to be his first extended hosting session. Shelman's show airs from 4-7pm on KBOI.
* Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth: "A Royal(ty) Opportunity?" Smyth, in his latest "Corner Office" column, makes it clear he's still no fan of royalties — "the idea of taxes, royalties, fees or whatever you want to call new payments that might go to record labels and artists" — but he still urges radio to seriously consider the proposals provided by the NAB as under discussion by the Radio Board. "But when you move beyond the rhetoric and look closely at the proposed terms that are under discussion, it seems clear: The conceptual framework provided by NAB’s leadership team is something that the leaders and owners in this great business should seriously consider," writes Smyth. "And I for one think it would be a huge miscalculation if we do not at least continue a dialogue that might provide the regulatory certainty needed to re-open access to capital and provide long-term opportunities for growth." The Greater Media CEO says he believes "the biggest 'get' from any resolution of a performance tax settlement would be the removal of the onerous and unpredictable Copyright Royalty Board decisions that threaten radio’s profitability." Smyth writes: "If you’ve followed our business at all, you know that the CRB has been downright hostile to the interests of free and local radio. Under a settlement, radio would no longer be subjected to the arbitrary rate-setting process of this unelected three-person tribunal. Instead, our rates – on both the streaming side and the terrestrial side – would be permanently set by statute. News/talk and sports stations would be exempt from the 1% fee. And under potential terms negotiated by the NAB team, streaming rates would decrease by about 10%." He adds that the outline provided August 6 by the NAB "includes plenty of other potential benefits for radio. Any agreement would be conditioned on settlement of AFTRA issues that have prevented many stations from streaming commercials, and prevented Arbitron from including our streaming audiences in the ratings. Moreover, radio’s reach could be expanded through the incorporation of radio receivers in mobile phones under terms that are being discussed." Read Smyth's full column here.
* PPM secrets are exposed from the "Diary of a 'Portable People Meter' Person." Arbitron carefully protects many details of how PPM participants are chosen, and how they are compensated, but the San Francisco Chronicle's Ben Fong-Torres found one. "Angella Sprauve," as she's asked to be identified to protect her privacy, is a product development manager in the cosmetics industry in San Francisco. She was between jobs a year ago when she was approached by Arbitron. "I don't know how they found me," she said, "but they called and asked some general questions: age, ethnic background, income. They said they'd had difficulty finding people in this area in my age range." Sprauve is 32. She reveals the compensation is a base of $45 a month, and bonuses, like $100 twice a year. And you're entered in contests for gift cards from Amazon or Visa. "I was a good panelist," she said. "I wore the meter all the time and followed the instructions. I didn't find it that intrusive. But I wouldn't take it to some occasions, like out to dinner, and they want you to wear it all day, from the time you wake up until you go to bed, and to wear it on your person. You can't just leave it in your purse. And they pick up on it. They'll call you the next day or night and say, 'Hey, you weren't wearing it for 15 minutes yesterday.' " And if a panelist wasn't home one night? That's what the portable recharger is for. Out-of-town trips required a heads-up to Arbitron headquarters. "They are very thorough," said Sprauve. The company, she said, didn't address the issue of accuracy, of panelists picking up signals of stations they had not chosen to hear. "When I was out - at a mall or the eye doctor or wherever - I was conscious that it was picking up other stations," said Sprauve. "The only time it picked up what I'd chosen was at home or in the car."
* Clear Channel "Hot107.9" WWHT, Syracuse, adds syndicated Elvis Duran, sets off rumors of staff shake-up. CHR-Top40 WWHT adds nationally syndicated Elvis Duran for 5-10am. WWHT's former morning co-hosts Marty and Shannon are still part of the station’s weekday lineup, but in new separate shifts. Marty moves to afternoon drive, while Shannon takes over middays. There had been rumors circulating in the market that both were out in "an air talent shakeup" until Marty posted: "Thank you very much for all the e-mails and phone calls. First I just want to say that Shannon and I are both thankful for the supposrt of all our Hot 1079 listeners. We also would like to welcome The Elvis Duran Hot Morning Show to Hot 1079 from 5AM to 10AM. Both Shannon and I will still be on the air at Hot 1079. Shannon will be on from 10AM to 2PM and I will be on for your ride home 2PM to 7PM." So far, no official comment from Operations Manager Rich Lauber other than a generic announcement of the addition of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."
* Smooth Jazz "Smooth 103.1" WLOQ, Orlando, names Ken Jones as Operations Manager. Jones was named Program Director about two months ago, and will continue that role along with OM duties. Previously, he did Online Marketing and Affiliate Relations for Art Good's Jazztrax and consulting WLOQ. Says Jones, "WLOQ is a unique opportunity. I am excited about pivoting off the long history of the station in Orlando and charting a successful course for WLOQ in the PPM era. There is a terrific staff here and they are all keyed on the future and continued evolution of the station." Co-owner John Gross tells us, "Ken is an outstanding addition to the team and culture of WLOQ. We have been fans of Ken's work over many years and we are excited to have his leadership on our team. WLOQ has a 33-year history of local, independent ownership that is rare in the current group ownership world of radio. It's because of his passion, leadership and commitment to doing great radio that we welcome Ken to our team."
* Ryan McCredden is named Program Director of News-Talk "104.1 The Truth" KQTH, Tucson, effective August 30.
McCredden joins the Journal Broadcast Group station from KRLD-AM, Dallas, where he served as Assistant PD since 2006. "We are thrilled that Ryan has decided to join our programming team," says Operations Manager Darla Thomas.
"Listeners have found their voice and made 'The Truth' the best place for talk in Tucson and we're excited to have Ryan work with our leading morning host Jon Justice to develop that station/listener relationship even further." McCredden adds, "I'm looking forward to further developing 'The Truth' as a prime player in the Tucson talk market. By bringing listeners compelling content on-air and on-line, along with great events in the community. I'm excited for the future of KQTH."
* Media Monitors: Music stations move stopset placement for PPM. A majority of music stations in PPM markets have moved their stopsets to :15 and :45 after the hour, according to a new study by Media Monitors, based on data from this July and the same month last year. The study shows a migration of starting times of many surveyed stations. Non-PPM stations still focus their commercial breaks at :20 and :50, where PPM stations have made the move to clustering their spots around the quarter-hour marks. But says Media Monitors President and CEO Phillipe Generali, "The first quarter hour however remains a traditional 'sacred cow' where hardly any music station wants to be caught in a commercial break."
* The "Live! With Regis and Kelly Women of Radio Co-Host for a Day Search" winners are announced. Each of the four will guest co-host one day next week with Regis while Kelly is on vacation. "Channel 955" WKQI, Detroit, "Mojo In The Morning" co-host Shannon Murphy will be seen live coast-to-coast when she fills in for Kelly Ripa on "Live!" Tuesday (Aug. 17). Murphy received the most votes among ten finalists in the contest. Voting ended Wednesday night. Murphy received the news live on the air this morning when Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa announced the news on their show. The other three co-hosts are CHR-Top40 "Q100" WWWQ, Atlanta, host Jenn Hobby; AC KOST, Los Angeles, talent Kristin Cruz; and CHR-Top40 WXXL, Orlando, personality Jayde.
* Clear Channel Radio announces the four winners of its "Get Discovered" contest. The contest is part of a three-month national campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The contest gave independent and unsigned music artists an opportunity to submit their music for a chance to perform live at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, September 5-6. The four winners — whose original performances were considered "standouts" in the "Get Discovered" contes t— are Rock/Alternative: "Charles" by Last Perfect Thing (Asbury Park, NJ); Hit: "Circles" by Hollywood Burnout (Des Moines); Country: "She Makes Me" by Billy Dawson (Nashville); and, At Large: "Our Days In The Sun" by Billy Dawson (Nashville). Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan says,
"The 'Get Discovered' contest helped raise visibility for the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and generated interest from close to 1000 musicians who submitted their songs via their favorite local Clear Channel outlets, and through its iheartradio.com music platform."
* Spanish CHR "Mega 95.5" WNUA-FM, Chicago, Program Director and afternoon personality Omar Romero exits.
Romero leaves the Clear Channel station after a little more than a year in the position. For now morning host Gonzo adds acting PD duties. Previously, Romero was PD and afternoon host of co-owned KLOL-FM, Houston, and KEGL-FM, Dallas, and KABQ-FM, Albuquerque. Romero has also worked as a Format Director of Clear Channel's HD Regional Mexican format channel. He's also held various programming and on-air positions at Spanish Broadcasting Systems' KZAB-FM and KLAX-FM in Los Angeles.
* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Hot107.9" WWHT, Syracuse, adds nationally syndicated Elvis Duran for 5-10am.
WWHT's former morning co-hosts Marty and Shannon are still part of the station’s weekday lineup, but in new separate shifts. Marty moves to afternoon drive, while Shannon takes over middays. There had been rumors circulating in the market that both were out in "an air talent shakeup" until Marty posted: "Thank you very much for all the e-mails and phone calls. First I just want to say that Shannon and I are both thankful for the supposrt of all our Hot 1079 listeners. We also would like to welcome The Elvis Duran Hot Morning Show to Hot 1079 from 5AM to 10AM. Both Shannon and I will still be on the air at Hot 1079. Shannon will be on from 10AM to 2PM and I will be on for your ride home 2PM to 7PM." So far, no official comment from Operations Manager Rich Lauber other than a generic announcement of the addition of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."
* VSS: Total Communications Industry spending is on pace to increase 3.5% in 2010. Veronis Suhler Stevenson releases its VSS Communications Industry Forecast 2004-2014 providing a five-year historical record and a five-year forecast of spending for four Revenue Streams – and now also an additional analysis of the six major Industry Sectors – including 20 segments and more than 100 sub-segments of the U.S. Communications Industry. VSS predicts total Communications Industry spending is on pace to increase 3.5% in 2010 and post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% in the 2009-2014 period to $1.4 trillion, driven by a gradual economic recovery, advances in digital technology, and secular trends impacting the entire industry landscape. The shift of spending and consumption is reflected by growth not only in key industry sectors such as Business & Professional Information & Services, Targeted Media. and Entertainment & Leisure Media, which are poised to register CAGRs of 8.2%, 7.3% and 6.3%, respectively, during the 2009-2014 period, but "also remarkable growth in the Pure-Play Consumer Internet & Mobile Services segment, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2009 to 2014." VSS predicts that Communications Industry spending will exceed nominal gross domestic product (GDP) CAGR growth of 5.8%, and retain its position as the fourth-largest industry in 2014, although slipping to ninth place in terms of growth during the forecast period due to continued weakness in traditional advertising and marketing services. “There will be a longer and slower economic recovery during the expansion period covered by the forecast compared with previous expansions because of the breadth and depth of the recession,” says John Suhler, Co-Founder, President and General Partner of VSS. “We expect the Communications Industry will only slightly outperform nominal GDP over the next five years. Advertising and marketing investments, historically the drivers of Communications growth during recoveries, are expected to be more muted due to the shift away from traditional media outlets to more targeted media.”
Radio, which suffered a tough year in 2009, is forecast to rise 3.3% in 2010 to $17.68 billion. That includes total spending on broadcast and satellite radio. VSS calculates that total spending on radio – including broadcast, satellite, online, and mobile advertising and content – dropped 16.2% to $17.12 billion, “as the protracted economic recession affected key advertising categories, including automotive, retail and financial.” Advertising expenditures on broadcast radio plummeted 19.4% in 2009 to $14.25 billion. Although that's now looking up, radio growth will trail nominal GDP growth over the five-year period through 2014. “Broadcast and satellite radio will rise at a 5.0% CAGR from 2009 to 2014, reaching $21.85 billion, which will still be less than 2007 levels, as consumers begin listening to radio via new digital formats, satellite radio subscription prices rise, and online and mobile platforms post double-digit gains," according to the VSS report.
[More from VSS »]
* Brokered-time radio host faces fraud charges over debt-clearing promises after police in Colorado raid his offices. Dave Burke — the man behind "Get Real With Dave" and The Real Talk Network — is charged with fraud, following the raid of his corporate offices in Westminster, a suburb of Denver. Burke paid for airtime on radio stations across the country and was hosting 27 shows per week. During those shows, Burke made claims to listeners, including: "All of your debt is going to disappear, even if you don't have any money." Those shows lured people into seminars Burke hosted, during which he is accused of exaggerating his credentials. "I was considered one of the top financial experts in the world," he told one audience. He told another group, "I was asked to do the state of the economy for our nation's leaders and top economists and we all got together and did that." Regarding bankruptcy, Burke strongly declared, "Bankruptcy is not an option." But the fraud complaint against him points out he filed for bankruptcy twice in the past 13 years. The complaint details that Burke told potential clients that he came out of 10 years of retirement to "help save American families in this time of crisis." Instead, the complaint says, he only added to the pain of those already suffering through the current recession.
* Westwood One Sports Executive Producer Howard Deneroff was on Jet Blue flight that made headlines. Deneroff was on the Jet Blue flight on which flight attendant Steve Slater made his now-infamous expletive-laden address to the passengers and exit down the emergency chute. Says Deneroff, "I couldn't see what was going on all that well, but because of my work I am very attuned to voices. Sometimes the audio is all you need. I heard the flight attendant telling a passenger to sit down several times while we were on the runway, that their luggage wouldn't fit in the overhead compartment, and certainly heard his colorful language on the intercom before his departure."
* Group radio owner, Cincinnati entrepreneur, civic leader Ross Love is dead at the age of 64 after a brief illness. Love founded Blue Chip Broadcasting in 1995 after rising to prominence as a VP at Procter & Gamble. Blue Chip went on to own 19 stations and become one of the country's largest African-American-owned broadcasting companies before the stable of stations was sold. In 2001, Love founded venture capital company Blue Chip Enterprises, which helps African-American entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Blue Chip Broadcasting began when Love bought WIZF-FM. He then built the Blue Chip Broadcasting group, one of the nation’s largest Urban radio groups. He sold the 15-station group to Radio One for $190 million in 2001. Love sunsequently bought an AM in Cincinnati and built it up with a black-oriented News-Talk format as “The Buzz.” He sold that station, WDBZ, to Radio One in 2007 for $2.65 million.
* Access.1 Communications says its Chairman and CEO Sydney Small died while cycling. We previously reported that Small died unexpectedly at 72, Sunday (Aug. 8). At the time specifics were lacking. Now, Access.1 issues a full obituary on the company's founder, in response to numerous media requests. The company says Small "died unexpectedly while cycling in Manhattan." TPMedia has made available the full obituary provided by Access.1 at this url.
* Dan Zampillo exits as Assistant Program Director at Tribune News-Talk WGN-AM, Chicago. Zampillo is joining Sirius XM Satellite Radio in New York as Executive Producer of Sports Programming. The Chicago area native and University of Illinois graduate spent much of his career in sports radio, including a stint at CBS Radio Sports Talk WSCR-AM, Chicago. WGN Program Director Kevin Metheny has not yet announced Zampillo’s replacement as APD.
* Citadel Rock "98.1 The Max" WXMX-FM, Memphis, Program Director Bobby "Slam" Duncan exits. He leaves for personal reasons not disclosed. Prior to WXMX, he was PD for Alternative WGRD-FM, Grand Rapids, and Classic Rock KKRW-FM, Houston. Previously, Duncan was Assistant PD and Music Director for KCJZ-FM, San Antonio.
* Federated Media chooses Eastlan Ratings to measure audience in its three largest markets. Federated Media COO Tony Richards, in making the announcement, cites "cost effective results" for signing with Eastlan Ratings to measure its stations Fort Wayne, South Bend and Elkhart, IN, beginning with Fall 2010. "If you continue to collect data the same way for over 42 years and rely on the United States Postal Service as your primary delivery system, you get what you get," says Richards. "We're going in a different direction as I suppose most radio stations are in this day and age." Eastlan President and CEO Mike Gould says, "This is another bellwether moment for our company. Federated is widely regarded as one of the best locally-owned, medium-market broadcasters in our industry. Needless to say we are very, very proud to be associated with them."
* Noncommercial public radio KABF, Little Rock, AK, is being audited by CPB's Office of the Inspector General. The Arkansas Times reports the station's relationship with controversial organization ACORN is under scrutiny as accounting irregularities are being investigated. "An email from KABF board member Jay Jansen to station volunteers pretty much sums it up," writes the Times. "As some of you know, KABF is being audited, funding is on hold, and the station may be broke in a matter of weeks. KABF could cease to exist as we know it." Jansen says, "What started the audit was a complaint by someone having to do with the management of the station's Website and that just snowballed. It was a simple little complaint and then it just caught on fire. The people that were doing the accounting for the station were affiliated with ACORN. It's been a challenge to get answers about accounting and records and so forth because all that stuff was down in New Orleans and that stuff just disappeared." KABF's payroll was handled by Citizens Consulting Inc., a now-defunct non-profit based in New Orleans. A former national ACORN board member from Georgia once described CCI's relationship to ACORN this way: "To understand what is happening to ACORN today, try to imagine what it would be like if Tony Soprano took over Catholic Charities. All of the money that goes into ACORN goes into CCI first and there is no way to know how much is squandered or misappropriated." KABF Board President Lucho Reyes says, "The money was mismanaged and misused in New Orleans. We didn't know anything about it until the audit came about."
Jansen believes the CPB audit should be completed soon, but Reyes says it could be January or February before KABF has a clear picture of what was going on. The details at this point are sketchy but Jansen says it "goes pretty deep."
* Bonneville "101 ESPN" WXOS-FM, St. Louis, enters a partnership with St. Louis television station KMOV-TV. The new arrangement starts August 30 with the debut of a new "News 4" KMOV feature on the WXOS afternoon drive show "The Fast Lane." News 4 Sports Director Steve Savard will provide daily updates at 5:45pm via the "News 4 Sports Live from the 101 ESPN Studios." Bonneville St. Louis Radio Group VP and Market Manager John Kijowski tells us, "Bonneville St. Louis is thrilled to announce this unique partnership with KMOV. These two dynamic sports departments have teamed up to bring St. Louis sports fans the most extensive sports broadcasts and coverage available electronically.
You can get the scores anywhere. But with the 101 ESPN and KMOV partnership, the full staff of sports experts on both stations can break it down for listeners and fans, providing in-depth insights and analysis like never before."
Also under the new partnership, "101 ESPN" hosts, reporters and analysts will be featured on KMOV News 4 for added insight and opinion on the day's top stories, and particularly during the TV station's weekend and specialty sports programming. The first project the media team will tackle is the St. Louis Rams pre-season special that is scheduled to air September 8. In order to provide KMOV News 4 complete access to the 101 ESPN sports team, Bonneville St. Louis is establishing a special KMOV video studio on-site at WXOS.
* Sportscaster and entertainment host Pat O'Brien joins Fox Sports Radio's "Loose Cannons" program. O'Brien joins Steve Hartman and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs beginning Monday (Aug. 16), according to Fox Sports Radio. The show, which was previously known as Hartman & Friends, airs weekdays from 3-7pm (ET) and features news and information along with analysis and interviews from the world of sports. "Pat's experience in both sports and entertainment, as well as his industry connections and passion for radio, makes him a perfect fit for the Loose Cannons," says Fox Sports Radio VP and General Manager Don Martin. "We couldn't be happier to welcome him to the Fox Sports Radio family as we continue providing the best destination for sports entertainment audio content." O'Brien previously anchored TV's "Access Hollywood" and "The Insider," in addition to doing live coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, World Series and the NBA Finals for CBS Sports.
* There's speculation that the exit of D.L. Hughley at Emmis WRKS, New York, opens the door for Tom Joyner. The speculation comes from Radio Syndication Talk, which writes "The D.L. Hughley radio experiment at Emmis Communications’ WRKS New York seems to be over. Caught in the middle of one of the most complicated and contentious public disputes in broadcast history (Hughley vs URBan Broadcasting vs Emmis) WRKS is left wondering what’s next for it’s morning slot." That's followed by the speculative question: "Could a New York return to the KISS-FM airwaves for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show be in the works?" Joyner’s syndicated morning show last appeared on the station in 2001-03 and, says Radio Syndication Talk, "looks like the favorite to take on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Inner City WBLS." Meanwhile, other reports say that Emmis claims he's away on a film project, but that Hughley said Monday (Aug. 9) was his last day. Hughley's representatives had threatened to pull the comedian off the air in a pay dispute. Hughley's lawyers claim Hughley is owed about $359,000 for his morning show.
* Rapper Nelly joins Urban/Hip Hop "Hot 104.1" WHHL-FM, St. Louis, as (temporary) afternoon drive host. Starting Wednesday (Aug. 11), the rapper will fill in on the weekday 3-7pm slot for Staci Static, who is on maternity leave. Station execs say they expect Nelly's on-air run to last for about a month. "It made perfect sense for the hometown boy to do it for the short term," says WHHL's Program Director Mickey Johnson. "I was looking for someone local and someone who had that star power. Someone not to replace Staci but (someone) who could continue to drive the ratings and make it interesting." The arrangement had been in the works for about three weeks, Johnson said, adding that Static was included in the decision. "With Nelly being so plugged in to the industry – with the multiple Grammys and being a co-owner of the Bobcats – I knew it was easy for him to line up interviews," says Johnson. Station personality Janee' will produce Nelly's show.
* Syndicated radio personality Delilah chooses Belleville, IL, to "Paint the Town." Belleville's chosen from 100 cities by Delilah Rene, and The Home Depot giving local volunteers the supplies needed to give old buildings, mostly in the downtown area, facelifts. Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert says the recipients will mostly be businesses because the focus will be on the business district, but residences and nonprofits in the area also may get some of the attention. The Belleville News-Democrat reports local leaders soon will start talking with building owners in the target area to find out whether they'd be willing to participate, but painting won't take place until October. Kraig Kitchin, co-president of Delilah's company, Big Shoes Productions, said the radio host and Home Depot plan to donate at least 14,000 gallons of paint, with colors chosen by the building owners from a palate of 10 or 12 choices, plus the supplies needed to complete the work. Delilah's syndicated show, broadcast in 209 U.S. cities, airs 7pm-midnight on "Soft Rock 102.5" KEZK, St. Louis, which is heard in Belleville.
* Mapleton Triple-A KPIG-AM will exit its 1510 AM signal heard in San Francisco Monday (Aug. 16). The station leaves the on-air signal after three and half years of broadcasts. Bay area listeners will still be able to listen to the programming at kpig.com. Pacific Media International has entered into an LMA to air Chinese-language programming on 1510 AM. Mapleton President and CEO Adam Nathanson says it was a business decision as the San Francisco operations were not profitable for an AM signal. Mapleton remains open to return KPIG programming to San Francisco on an FM signal. The station remains on the air in Freedom, CA, serving the Monterey-Salinas area on KPYG-FM, San Luis Obispo, CA. Pacific Media International is headed by President John Douglas. Larry Patrick of Patrick Communications did the deal for the LMA.
* Access.1 Communications President and CEO Sydney Small unexpectedly dies at 72. Small reportedly passed away Sunday (Aug. 8), although specifics are still lacking. Access.1 confirms his death, but was unable to provide further details. Access.1 Communications is a New York City-based company which owns radio broadcast stations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Louisiana. Access.1 also owns SuperRadio, a general market syndication company which distributes 40 radio programs through over 1400 affiliate agreements with more than 725 radio stations. Access.1 also has a stake in American Urban Radio Networks.
* Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings reports second quarter revenues of $1.49 billion, a 4% increase. That's up from $1.44 billion in Q2 2009. Operating expenses are down 2%. The company posts a consolidated net loss of $77.2 million as compared with a loss of $3.68 billion in the year-ago period. Included in the results are impairment charges of $4.04 billion and gains of $440.3 million associated with debt repurchases. Says President and CEO Mark Mays: "Our second quarter results reflect the positive impact of the global advertising market recovery combined with the ongoing execution of our strategic plan to maximize our performance and improve profitability across our operations. During the quarter, we saw improvement in both revenue and profit margins across our radio and outdoor platforms. The fundamentals of our business are clearly improving, as we return to revenue growth and attain the benefits of our cost reduction efforts. Our assets represent an exceptional platform for reaching and influencing millions of consumers across the globe. As a result of our restructuring efforts, including the successful divestiture of non-strategic assets during the past year, we are now a more efficient and focused company, positioned to drive returns for our shareholders. Given the ongoing momentum we are seeing across our business, we remain optimistic regarding our growth prospects for the full year."
Clear Channel Radio saw a 4% increase from the year ago period to $748.7 million from $717.6 million. Most of that comes from $24.2 million in additional national advertising. Radio operating expenses were down for the second quarter, to $435.9 million from $457.7 million, including $800,000 in expenses from the company's restructuring program compared to $33.9 million in restructuring costs in last year's second quarter. Programming expenses were down $11 million, primarily due to cost savings from the restructuring, Also, CCR didn't renew some sports contracts. The lesser expenses were partly offset by some accounting adjustments and $6.6 million in increased commissions and bonuses related to the higher revenue. Radio OIBDAN was up 20% to $312.9 million from $259.9 million.
* Salem Communications reports a second quarter revenue increase of 5.2% to $53.1 million from $50.5 million.
Operating income increased to $10.1 million from a loss of $6.5 million. Salem reports earnings of $700,000 (3 cents per share) as compared to a loss of $5 million (21 cents) in the same period last year. Looking ahead to the third quarter, Salem is projecting total revenue to increase 1-3% over Q3 2009 total revenue of $49.2 million. Salem Communications CEO Ed Atsinger says "I guess the biggest highlight was the fact that for the first time in three years, our total revenue and EBITDA were up." Atsinger expects a strong third quarter as well, and adds that Salem is looking for political revenues to provide a significant boost to the fourth quarter. "We expect that the fourth quarter will also show a significant increase in political advertising over last year."
* Fisher Communications reports radio revenue increased 8% for the second quarter, overall revenue up 28%. Fisher says second quarter total revenue increased to $40.8 million, boosted by a 37% increase in television revenue. Radio revenue increased to $6.4 million, but radio broadcast cash flow fell $312,000 to $1.1 million due to higher sales commissions, advertising and programming costs. Overall net income rose from a loss of $2.1 million (including $1.2 million of pre-tax gain on extinguishment of debt) to a gain of $328,000, including an $842,000 pre-tax gain on a Sprint Nextel asset exchange and a $309,000 pre-tax gain on insurance reimbursements related to the fire at Fisher Plaza in Seattle in July 2009. President and CEO Colleen Brown says, "Fisher benefited from the strong revenue growth in the television advertising market, the sustained recovery in local advertising and our ability to capture a larger share of the markets we serve. Our second quarter results demonstrate the power of our brands and the popularity of our news and entertainment programming. In particular, we are pleased with the operational performance of our television stations, which included the top rated stations in the Seattle (ABC affiliate KOMO-TV) and Portland (ABC affiliate KATU-TV) markets. As we look ahead to the remainder of 2010, we are optimistic that the increased advertising spending will continue to drive growth opportunities for local broadcasters. Over the past several years, we have strategically positioned Fisher to benefit from this recovery by improving our broadcast operations and developing a robust digital platform that enables us to meet the growing demand for local online and mobile content. We believe this diversified approach will allow us to create long-term value for our viewers, shareholders and business partners."
* Greater Media gives WMGK, Philadelphia, Program Director Charley Lake additional duties as PD for sister WBEN.
Lake will now oversee programming for both Adult Variety Hits "BEN-FM" and Classic Rock WMGK. He's been serving as the interim WBEN PD since June, when John Cook exited. Says Greater Media Philadelphia VP and Market Manager John Fullam, "We feel extremely fortunate to have one of the best programmers in the business in Charley Lake. It is a truly a privilege to have him lead the WMGK and now BEN-FM teams into the future." Lake tells us, "As if coming to work every day at WMGK isn't enough fun, I now get to work with yet another great team at BEN. I'm grateful to John Fullam and my family at Greater Media for this fantastic opportunity." Lake's resume says that prior to joining Greater Media in January 2007, he was a Program Director for CBS Radio in Chicago, Phoenix and Columbus, starting in 1998. Before that he spent two years with Heritage Media as morning personality at KCFX, Kansas City, and PD at WRNO, New Orleans.
* Former Fox Sports Radio morning host Steve Czaban returns to a network morning show for Sporting News Radio.
Czaban will begin his new 6-9am (ET) weekday show for Mission Media's Sporting News Radio later this month. He will be joined by co-host Scott Linn, Producer Steve Solomon, and update anchor Al Galdi on the new show. It will originate from Washington DC, where Czaban will continue to host his afternoon "The Sports Reporters" show with Andy Pollin on Red Zebra Broadcasting Sports "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM. Czaban will also continue and his daily sports segment on Saga's Rock WHQG, Milwaukee, "Bob and Brian" show. "Czabe is one of the great talents in radio and his arrival is a reflection of Mission Media's commitment to seek out unique and differentiated content for our affiliate partners. His combination of intelligence, character, and a wicked curiosity is unlike anything currently available in syndication," says Mission Media CEO Clancy Woods. "I appreciate the platform that SNR has given me to continue the show as it was always intended. Wide open, fun, ruthless, in-depth in content, superficial in manners," says Czaban. "We are the show that takes sports seriously, not ourselves. The show for big boys is back!"
* Veteran talk host Bruce Jacobs joins Mission Media's Sporting News Radio Network. Jacobs spent the last nine years at Clear Channel and Premiere in a variety of local and network positions. Most recently he was a host for Fox Sports Radio. "Few performers combine sports knowledge, humor and passion like Bruce Jacobs," says Mission Media CEO Clancy Woods. "He is a wonderful advocate for the fan, and after a tour of duty covering the political scene, we are thrilled to welcome him back to the world of sports." Jacobs adds, "I am thrilled to be joining a new, exciting, and vibrant company with so many high-quality broadcasters."
* The Baltimore Ravens invade Washington DC, signing with News WTOP-FM and Federal News Radio WFED-AM. The two DC stations will air the NFL teams games in the nation's capital. Talk WNAV-AM, Annapolis, and Sports "1290 The Ticket" WWTX-AM, Wilmington, DE, will also air the Ravens network, based out of Talk WBAL-AM, Baltimore.
* American Federation of Government Employees plans to spend about $200,000 to air a radio spot in 30 markets. The nation's largest federal workers union is taking to the radio airwaves to defend rank and file federal workers against growing anti-government sentiments with a 60-second radio commercial to air in about 30 markets, including Washington. The spot features AFGE President John Gage and workers from the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration, telling listeners to "trust me" as they carry out their work. "Some polls say Americans don't trust government, but listen to our members, the real people who work hard for you everyday," Gage says at the start. The 60-second spots will air mostly on Talk, Country, and Sports stations.
* NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith remembers Senator Ted Stevens, who died Tuesday in a plane crash. Smith served with Stevens during his tenure as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Sen. Stevens from 2005-2007. Prior to representing Alaskans in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Stevens was a young lawyer in Anchorage, served as an attorney for the Alaska Broadcasters Association, and drafted the ABA's Articles of Incorporation in 1964. "Senator Stevens was a towering figure in the U.S. Senate and shepherded some of the most important communications legislation through Congress during his tenure on the Senate Commerce Committee," says Smith. "Broadcasters have lost a friend, but America has lost a war hero and a legislative giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fellow Alaskans."
* Emmis to try again Friday (Aug. 13) for a favorable shareholder vote on CEO Jeff Smulyan's go-private buyout bid.
After delaying the vote from August 3 to 6, it's now delayed until this Friday – Friday the 13th. Will that be a lucky or unlucky date for Smulyan, who did not attend the most recent Friday meeting, so that a quorum could not be obtained, and the delay was required. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Emmis Communications officials said they are encouraged by negotiations with a group of preferred shareholders, but were forced to again delay a vote on taking the company private. After the August 3 meeting, company officials said Smulyan was continuing to negotiate with preferred shareholders but also was considering other avenues to complete his purchase of the company, including one that would not require their consent. “We continue to engage in discussions with preferred shareholders,” says Emmis General Counsel Scott Enright. “The tenor of those talks has been encouraging, but we can’t make any assurances at this time.” Emmis shares closed at $2.07 on Friday, wrapping up a roller coaster week in which the shares began trading at $1.95 on Monday morning, fell to $1.60 on Tuesday, then soared as high as $2.10 on Wednesday. The stock remained well below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt the Emmis founder can pull off his plan. Last month, eight firms that hold Emmis preferred stock banded together to prevent the sale. Collectively they hold 38% of Emmis preferred shares. That’s enough to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold Smulyan likely would be able to meet. Smulyan, through his JS Acquisition and New York private equity firm Alden Global Capital, submitted his offer in April. The bid values the company at about $90 million. Alden already is a major shareholder, and Emmis executives who plan to roll over their stakes also would be expected to vote yes. With the shareholder meeting to vote on the offers adjourned until Friday, Emmis has extended the both stock exchange offers – preferred and common stock – through Friday at 5pm.
* The NAB releases proposed terms of a possible music performance royalties agreement. That proposed agreement is now under discussion by the NAB Radio Board and representatives of the musicFIRST Coalition. The NAB says no actual agreement has yet been reached, but there are proposals on the table worth considering. Among those proposals is a tiered rate of 1% or less of net revenue, which cannot be changed except by mutual agreement or a change in the law. A companion proposal is an end to Copyright Royalty Board jurisdiction over terrestrial and streaming rates. "The NAB Radio Board had a full and productive exchange of ideas today [Aug. 6] on the status of discussions with musicFIRST representatives," says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. "The talks are part of an ongoing dialogue with the board and NAB membership on possible alternatives to pending legislation that would be devastating to the future of free and local radio. No votes were taken at today's board meeting. The board reiterated its strong opposition to the pending bill in Congress, while agreeing that it is appropriate for NAB representatives to continue discussions with musicFIRST. Interested parties will be updated quickly if and when new developments emerge." The NAB says that to ensure accuracy in reports of the ongoing discussions, it has published a one-page fact sheet: "At the direction of House and Senate leaders in late 2009, NAB met with musicFIRST, which represents artists, labels and unions. To date discussions have yielded the following potential terms. The terms have not been agreed to, but are under discussion by the industry." The fact sheet says the proposed terms include:
• Tiered rate of 1% or less for all net revenue (roughly $100 million for the industry) which is permanent and can not be adjusted without changing statute or by mutual agreement
• Permanent removal of CRB jurisdiction for terrestrial and streaming
• Streaming rate reduction from current rates
• Inclusion of radio chips on all mobile phones
• AFTRA issues resolved (agency commercial replacement on Webcasts)
The tiered rate of 1% or less for all net revenue would be as follows:
• Commercial and non-profit stations with revenue less than $50,000 annually would pay the lesser of $100 or 1% of revenue annually
• Commercial and non-profit stations with revenue between $50,000 to $100,000 annually would pay $500 annually
• Non-profit stations with revenue more than $100,000 annually would pay $1,000 annually
• Commercial stations with revenue between $100,000 to $500,000 annually would pay the lesser of $2,500 or 1% of revenue annually
• Commercial stations with revenue between $500,000 to $1,250,000 annually would pay $5,000 annually
• Commercial stations with revenue more than $1,250,000 annually would pay 1% of revenue annually
The fact sheet adds: "It is important to note that stations with incidental music use — news, talk and sports radio — would not pay for music. Additionally, religious services — not religious music — would be exempt from music fees.The above referenced rates would be permanently fixed by statute and can only be changed by act of Congress or joint agreement between both parties."
EDITOR'S NOTE: This report predates the Friday Aug. 6, 2010 announcement by the NAB, when rumors were being wildly published by reputable Radio & Media News Websites, and includes reaction based on those early reports. Nevertheless, even after the Aug. 6 "fact sheet" from the NAB, many broadcasters are already indicating they remain opposed to any music performance royalties. And some say they resent the NAB even suggesting they consider a voluntary deal.
* Could there be mass defections from the NAB if the organization tries to force radio to accept a deal on the PRA?
TPMedia has heard from several broadcasters in "major organizations" who say "no way" to rumors that a potential deal is on the table, and will be presented to a special meeting of the NAB Radio Board in Washington Friday (Aug. 6). Although several published reports suggest the hastily called session will focus on a "deal" with the musicFIRST Coalition, and possibly some key lawmakers, for a compromise on the Performance Rights Act, all that is confirmed by TPMedia is that a special Radio Board meeting is set. However, those telling us they will quit the broadcasters association if NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith — as one email writer tells us — "tries to ram something down our throats." All of those who have thus far responded to our inquiries have done so with a promise of anonymity if they would give us their honest, uncensored responses. Some "uncensored" versions can't be printed here. There is, however, among with responses we've received a majority agreement that they will not consider okaying a compromise. Two responses say they will only consider a deal if there is agreement from lawmakers to allow an "offset" for legalized "payola" for songs aired to promote new songs, for which they would have to pay the record companies and artists. For the record, we are told by one broadcast exec that after reading reports Wednesday, he contacted a source inside the NAB who told him that there's no plan to force radio to accept any deal. At this time, the only intentions are to "discuss"
the possibility, and to see if there is any point where something could be agreed upon.
* The Minnesota Twins sign a two-year contract extension with Hubbard's "1500 ESPN" KSTP-AM, Minneapolis. "The Pohlad family and Minnesota Twins organization are proud of the partnership established four years ago with locally-owned Hubbard Broadcasting," says Twins President Dave St. Peter. "Over the years, the Hubbard family has demonstrated great vision, passion and commitment for our community. As a true hometown sports talk station, 1500 ESPN remains uniquely positioned to provide the Twin Cities best coverage of Twins Baseball." KSTP VP and Operations Manager Dan Seeman adds, "With the introduction of the new 1500 ESPN last April, we think our partnership with the Minnesota Twins has never been stronger. We are excited to extend the partnership two more seasons. It just makes sense that two great local owners like the Hubbards and Pohlads work together."
* Charleston, WV, radio talker Michael John Agnello is in trouble again, arrested for speeding without a license. Agnello, who was a host on News-Talk "58Live" WCHS-AM, pleaded guilty in October 2009 to aggravated DUI following a July arrest for drunk driving. His license was revoked in September. In June of this year, Agnello was charged with domestic battery after allegedly throwing his girlfriend to the floor during an argument. Now, reports The Charleston Gazette, a Nitro Police Department officer saw Agnello, 58, speeding in a white Jeep Cherokee early Monday morning. According to a criminal complaint on file in Kanawha County Magistrate Court, the officer pulled Agnello over a short time later. A search of computer records showed that Agnello's license had been revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol. West Virginia Radio Corporation General Manager Michael Buxser says Agnello has not been employed by the company since July. Agnello was charged Monday (Aug. 9) with driving while his license was revoked for DUI. He was in the South Central Regional Jail in lieu of a $10,000 cash only bond.
* News-Talk WHAS-AM, Louisville, 9am-noon host Mandy Connell apologizes for "half-breed" comments about President Obama. Connell apologized for calling President Barack Obama a "half-breed" on the air. She issued the on-air apology one day after making the comment, saying "I was embarrassed for myself." WKYT-TV reports that the group "The Fairness Campaign" complained about the remark, and "84 WHAS" Operations Director Kelly Carls says the station had received some calls about it. "Mandy made a mistake and admits it," says Carls. "When a person is on the air 15 hours a week, sometimes they say things in a way that they don't mean. They need to admit it, and she did." The context of the remark came during a discussion about opportunities available in the United States. She said at the time she didn't mean the phrase to be taken "in a derogatory way."
* WFLZ-FM, Tampa, "MJ Morning Show" hosts escape criminal charges for their turkey-frying-gone-amiss stunt. The stunt resulted in a fire, and the fire marshal recommended criminal felony charges be filed against hosts Todd "MJ" Schnitt, Dominic "Fester" Siciliano and Thomas Charles Ray. However, they will not be charged over the stunt that resulted in an out of control fire and injured a firefighter. Instead, they will have to complete 10 community service hours and donate $15,000 to fire and burn victim charities. Schnitt, Siciliano and Ray will also have to lead a four-week public service campaign for a program for children who have been seriously burned, reports the St. Petersburg Times. Tampa firefighters rushed to the station on Decemver 18, when an on-air and live Webcast stunt turned into an all out fire. A turkey filled with ice water was dropped through the roof of a van and into an already flaming deep fryer to illustrate the dangers of that cooking method, according to a report released by the state attorney's office Friday (Aug. 6). A firefighter hurt his back while pulling out a hose to extinguish the flames. State fire marshal's investigators said the stunt by Schnitt, Siciliano and Ray was irresponsible, but it wasn't arson. "While it is clear that the participants acted willfully, it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they acted unlawfully as required by the arson statute and defined by legal precedent," Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober wrote. Before the stunt, the group made sure there was plywood under the donated van, which had no gas tank. Investigators noted there were at least six fire extinguisher present and it was done in a cleared-out section of the Clear Channel station's parking lot that was away from trees and structures. Ober conceded the men did violate a Hillsborough County ordinance against open burning, which is a second-degree misdemeanor, but concluded the diversionary deal is the best course.
* "Q103" KNUQ-FM, Maui, PD Shaggy Jenkins upped to Director of Program Operations for KAOI Radio Group.
In addition to programming Hawaiian "Q103," he will continue as an air talent on co-owned AC KAOI-FM and Talk KOAI-AM, Maui, and will work with the individual station Program Directors at Hawaiian KHEI and and Country KDLX.
Says KAOI Radio Group VP Jim McKeon, "I'm pleased to make this appointment, effective immediately. Shaggy's additional role is to supervise operational aspects of the KAOI stations, especially the AV Network, Music Master and AudioVault. Shaggy is a dedicated, knowledgeable resource for KAOI and his past, present and future efforts and accomplishments are greatly appreciated."
* California Christian talk broadcaster Rich Buhler is released from a hospital and is resting at home says his family.
Buhler, 64, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but a treatment plan was delayed due to serious kidney problems. "His kidneys and liver are back to baseline and he is out of the hospital. Meeting with oncologist is pending. Give praise and keep praying," was the message posted on a Facebook page. Buhler is the longtime Christian broadcaster who hosts "Talk from the Heart" on "740 am KBRiTe" KBRT-AM, Costa Mesa.
* Brokered Korean-language WPBC-AM, Atlanta, will flip to syndicated Talk as "1310 The King" on August 30. The new lineup will feature Bill Press. 6-9am; Stephanie Miller, 9am-noon; Ed Schultz, noon-3pm; Thom Hartmann, 3-6pm; and Leslie Marshall, evenings. Additional program will air from Dial Global and Superadio. WPBC's former Korean programming moves to WPBS-AM, Conyers, GA, which with 50kw provides a signal into Atlanta. WPBC is licensed to Decatur, GA.
* Bible Broadcasting Network is purchasing the assets of "Christian Radio 98.7" WDYN-FM (89.7), Chattanooga, TN.
Bible Broadcasting is paying Tennessee Temple University $2.5 million for the station. The sale must still be approved by the FCC. WDYN's 100kw also covers Athens, Cleveland and Dalton in Tennessee. Eddie Esserman of Media Services Group's St. Simons office represented TTU in the transaction.
* Norfolk Admirals minor league hockey is moving to Sports "The Game" WXTG-AM-FM, Norfolk. The Red Zebra Broadcasting stations will air all regular season and playoff games as well as the weekly Admirals Hour show. "We are thrilled to begin a relationship with 'The Game' 102.1 and 1490 AM," says Admirals VP Joe Gregory. "In addition to a strong signal, our fans will also enjoy increased daily coverage of the Admirals on our new radio home. Red Zebra Broadcasting is doing an outstanding job of establishing 'The Game as a premiere sports talk radio station in Hampton Roads. We are happy to be joining their family." Says WXTG General Manager Buck Allbritton, "We are excited to have the Norfolk Admirals team with The Game 102.1 FM and 1490 AM. Coverage of the Admirals is a tremendous addition to our on-going commitment to local sports."
* Internet network Live365 launches new LiveSafe switching for its personal and professional broadcasters. LiveSafe allows broadcasters to toggle seamlessly between live and basic broadcast modes, while retaining listeners on their station. LiveSafe a;sp delivers failover security, which include industry vets who have been broadcasting for 10 years or more. LiveSafe was deployed in multiple stages throughout the month of July and is now available for all broadcasters. The full network roll-out of LiveSafe switching follows an all-new Live365 Website at live365.com. "As a company that pioneered Internet broadcasting, we constantly monitor industry developments as well as feedback from our broadcasters, so that we can help to evolve the state of the art," says Director of Broadcasting Sales Jason Stoddard. "Our proven technology and infrastructure — not to mention our longevity and dependability — help to make us the platform of choice for top-tier clients such as Radio Disney, Johnny Cash, and Pat Metheny."
* CBS Radio's "Fresh 105.9" WCFS-FM, Chicago, names Scotty Smith its new 3-8pm host, effective August 16. With his arrival, current 3-8pm host Jen Toohey moves to 8pm-midnight which is presently unhosted. Smith previously was known as Scotty Wylde, on "106.9 K-Hits" KHTT-FM, in Tulsa, OK. WCFS says Smith is his actual name. The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal tells his readers: "One may want to listen very carefully to Smith in that he is described as having 'defined our vision for Fresh' by Jim Ryan, CBS Radio's VP of Adult Contemporary Programming and WCFS-FM Program Director. Ryan, in the announcement of Smith's hire, said 'he’s young, energetic and has great interactive skills with his audience.'" Before his nearly three-year run in Tulsa, Smith did double duty from 2005-2007 as morning-drive host at WNDV-FM, South Bend, IN, and as a weekend fill-in on Chicago's WTMX-FM. He also was heard briefly on WMYX-FM in Milwaukee, WZPL-FM in Indianapolis and WXXB-FM in Lafayette, IN, having begun his career with six years at Rockford's WXRX-FM, 1998-2004. Rosenthal also notes that Smith's resume includes work with KOKI-TV, the Fox affiliate in Tulsa, which may become more important as CBS moves to increase synergies between its TV and radio units.
* Alternative "99X Now At 97.9 FM" WWWQ-HD2, Atlanta, brings back Axel Lowe as Program Director and morning host.
Lowe takes over from B.J. Kinard as PD, following Kinard's move to Myrtle Beach, SC. Lowe will host a music-intensive morning show on 99X, starting next week (Aug. 16). He previously spent 15 years at "99X" before moving to afternoons on sister "Rock 100.5" WNNX. "We’re so happy to announce the return of Axel to the 99X airwaves," says General Manager Gary Lewis. "His passion for the format and rapport with the listeners will click immediately." Meanwhile, at "Rock 100.5"
Matt Jones, who has been heard on overnights, takes over Lowe's afternoon air shift.
* Veteran market personality Kain Cameron is the new 9am-2pm host at Classic Hits WIOP-FM, Charleston, SC. She also rejoins her former Oldies WXLY on-air partner Bill Shannon for 7-9am. Shannon, who is also WIOP's Program Director, says, ""We're pleased and delighted that Kain has returned to the airwaves as part of WIOP. She'd been doing fill-ins for the station and Charleston made it overwhelmingly clear that she had been sorely missed on the air and that she should be a permanent part of the station. The people have spoken and we couldn't agree more. I am genuinely excited to have her on the team." Cameron adds, "Not only am I glad to be back on the air, but to be on WIOP is just absolutely perfect. I love the music, it's my favorite format, and I love the listeners. It feels like a homecoming."
* Matthew Kiger is named Digital Director for WABC-AM and WPLJ-FM, New York. Kiger will be responsible for everything digital for the Citadel Broadcasting stations — from an overall digital sales strategy to content to technical to sales. Kiger's previously was at CBS Radio New York as Digital Media Specialist for six radio station Websites and their digital partners.
* Ando Media releases its monthly Internet audio Top 20 Ranker for June, Pandora is up again. The Ranker is a listing of the top-performing Internet audio stations and networks measured by the Webcast Metrics audience measurement platform. Pandora is again number one, this time with 418,933 active sessions. CBS Radio comes in second (162,771), followed by Clear Channel (117,877). Rounding out the top five are Citadel (39,710) and ESPN Radio (24,576). The June Ranker finds five pureplays in the Domestic Top Twenty. Also, The World Cup gave ESPN Radio a major boost. Ando says it shows a sharp growth in Session Starts.
* In Los Angeles, layoffs of four staffers are reported at Citadel Talk KABC-AM and Classic Rock KLOS-FM. Among those receiving pink slips were newsman Michael Linder and Programming Assistant Lindsay Mendoza. Two sales assistants are also reported to have been trimmed from the Los Angeles Citadel staffing. There are currently conflicting reports about the status of two other employees.
* The ten finalists in the "Live! With Regis and Kelly Women of Radio Co-Host for a Day Search" are announced. Viewers will decide which four will join Regis Philbin as guest co-hosts next week. The search was open to female radio broadcasters with regularly scheduled shows of any kind, including music, sports, news, plus traffic reporters and weathercasters. After receiving tens of thousands of nominations, Live!'s producers narrowed the field to the Top 100, and now have announced the ten finalists: Andrea Hiland, "Country 108" KMLE, Phoenix; Anji Corley, WPGC-FM, Washington DC; Ashley Greco, "Z103.5" CIDC-FM, Toronto; Carolina Bermudez, nationally syndicated "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show"; Jayde Donovan, "XL 106.7," WXXL-FM, Orlando, FL; Jenn Hobby, "Q100" WWWQ-FM, Atlanta; Kim Iverson, nationally syndicated "Your Time with Kim Iverson"; Kristen Cruz, KOST-FM, Los Angeles; Malikha Mallette, “Power105.1" WWPR, New York. In June, Philbin and Ripa asked home viewers for their help in finding guest co-hosts to join Philbin August 17-20, when Ripa will be on vacation, inviting the audience to nominate their favorite local female radio broadcasters to join Philbin as a guest co-host for a day.
* A WMPR, Jackson, MS, personality is recovering from multiple gunshots after being shot at the station. Authorities say it was a robbery outside the public radio station. Three men approached Clifford "DJ Psycho" Smikel as he was exiting his car in the back parking lot of WMPR, about to start his 2-5am rap and blues show, according to Station Manager Wanda Evers. The suspects shot the radio host eight or nine times, though he managed to take cover behind a company van. After the men fled, Smikel was able to drive about a mile away, where police were called, according to the Jackson Police Department. "We don't know if he was trying to go home or to the hospital," Evers tells the Jackson Clarion Ledger. Smikel is reported in good condition, according to station officials. "Most of the shots passed through him," Evers said. "God was on his side." While the station has experienced some car break-ins over the last year, no recent accounts of violent crime have been reported, said Evers. WMPR says it will continue to air DJ Psycho's program, but the station's program director will fill in until Smikel has fully recovered.
* An NPR intern is in stable condition after being stabbed on her way to work in DC in an apparent random assault. Police have charged Melodie Brevard, 24, with assault with intent to kill in what they believe was the random stabbing of the NPR intern on her way to work Wednesday (Aug. 4). NPR declined to identify the intern, but Washington's WUSA-TV reports that she is 20-year-old Annie Ropeik. The apparently unprovoked attack came about two blocks from NPR headquarters. The intern was stabbed in the neck. Brevard, 24, was arrested shortly after the attack on the 20-year-old intern. A DC police spokesman, said three people restrained Brevard after the incident and waited for officers to arrive. The officers responded quickly, he said, because they had been investigating a suspicious package nearby. Police say they "can't discern any reason" for the attack. "We don't know what precipitated that in the mind of the suspect." The spokesman said that investigators recovered a knife and that they had been able to talk to the victim, whose injuries he described as serious. She was stabbed multiple times. NPR spokeswoman Anna Christopher confirms that the unnamed victim was a summer intern on her way to work. A brief statement issued by NPR says: "An NPR intern was attacked this morning at 7th and ‘I’ street on the way to work. The intern was aided by people on the scene, and is reported to be in stable condition at an area hospital. The entire staff is shocked and deeply concerned, and we are maintaining close contact with the family."
* A Minnesota woman is accused of bilking $2 million from two commonly-owned Minnesota broadcasting companies.
She worked for the radio companies as an office manager and comptroller – the person who paid bills for the firms. But Terry Schultz-Schech allegedly slipped herself up to $2 million that she used to pay unauthorized personal expenses, according to criminal charges filed Thursday (Aug. 5). She's now charged with eight counts of theft by swindle. Schultz-Schech is accused of taking at least $290,317 from Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting and Iowa City Broadcasting over the past seven years, according to the complaint filled in Hennepin County District Court. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that last summer the broadcasting companies discovered that Schultz-Schech was using a company American Express card and company checks to pay her personal expenses and her credit card bills, according to the criminal complaint. That complaint outlines 55 transactions in amounts ranging from $1,200 to $20,000 in which the company says Schultz-Schech "made the actual payment to herself or other unknown, not authorized entities." Tom Ingstad, CEO of both Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting and Iowa City Broadcasting, owns 18 radio stations across Minnesota.
* University of Georgia Report: The tight journalism job market is taking its toll on recent college graduates.
According to a new report released by the University of Georgia, the more than 2,700 journalism and mass communication students who graduated in 2009 found the lowest level of full-time employment in the 24-year history of the study. The results, included in the University of Georgia's "Annual Survey of Journalism and Mass Communication Graduates" reveal that just 55.5% of 2009 journalism and communication graduates with a bachelor degree were able to find full-time work within a year of leaving school. That is down 4.9 percentage points from the year before and stands in stark contrast with the 70.2% of graduates who found work as recently as 2007. The most recent masters degree recipients fared little better, with their employment rate dropping to 61.9% from 65.4% in 2008. Although 2008 was a difficult year for new graduates seeking employment, the 2009 jobs picture was markedly grimmer. "While 2008 was bad, last year was even worse," says Lee Becker, the report's co-author and the director of the Cox Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research at the University of Georgia. Becker did offer one silver lining, noting that students found it easier to get jobs in the period from November 2009 through the spring of 2010 than they did in the first few months after graduation. "In 2009, there was a clear growth line after October 31, which didn't happen the year before," said Becker. [More »]
* Alan Burns and Associates: Study Identifies Radio's 'Most Valuable Listeners'. Research results released Thursday (Aug. 5) by Alan Burns and Associates identifies four groups of consumers that CEO Alan Burns calls "MVLs" or most-valuable listeners. The study of over 2000 women ages 15 to 54 found radio's MVLs are both heavier listeners and more loyal to their P1 station. The four groups are: (1) At-work listeners, who are 50% more likely than others to be radio's heaviest users; (2) "Social Media Highly Actives," 78% of whom listen to three hours or more radio daily; (3) Listeners who visit station web sites or join listener or rewards clubs; and, (4) Listeners who join station Facebook pages are 71% more likely to be heavy radio users. "There is some overlap among those groups" noted Burns, "but if you take care of all four, you will do extremely well." Other findings show that at-work radio listeners tend to be more personality-friendly and are more likely to value entertaining morning shows and to enjoy air personalities in general. As a source of music in the workplace, radio now competes with iPods, non-radio music streams, satellite radio, and other music systems. At-work music listeners say their usual sources of music at work now are radio (54%), iPods (23%), non-radio music streams (15%) and satellite radio (7%). Some 24% of at-work radio listeners now say they listen to local radio via online streaming. Women who listen to non-radio sources at work tend to be "avoiders" who turn away from too many/too annoying commercials, too much talk, or other known tune-outs. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study — "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media." Burns and Associates released the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars.
* Arbitron says insurance covers much of its legal expenses for PPM suits and other actions over the past two years. In an SEC filing, Arbitron reports spending $9.1 million in two securities suits in 2008, and various "interactions" with state and federal governments over the commercialization of PPM. Arbitron says that over half of the costs were covered by insurance. At the end of June, the ratings company received $5.6 million in insurance reimbursements. During 2009 and 2008, Arbitron also incurred $2.7 million in business interruption losses and damages over the effects of Hurricane Ike which totaled $1.6 million. That was also paid by insurance, according to the 10-Q filing.
* Local Focus Radio signs a rep deal with Oakridge FM for its new version of WNOX-FM, Knoxville. Says General Manager Ed Brantley, of his decision to sign with Local Focus Radio, “We chose Local Focus Radio to represent WNOX News Talk 100.3 in Knoxville because of their strong network of reps around the country and the reputation of Kay Olin, who is the best at the National Rep business.” Oakridge recently launched its own FM talker on the station after Citadel ended its LMA and moved its Talk format to its own 98.7 frequency WOKI. There's still a battle for the heritage WNOX call letters underway, but for now the FCC has them assigned to the Oakridge frequency.
* Clear Channel “NewsRadio 1170” WWVA, Wheeling, WV, is back on the air with temporary towers. WWVA lost all three of its towers during violent storms, as high winds literally knocked them down. Now, the station's Website announces WWVA is back on the air: "Wednesday, August 4th, around 4pm all 3 of WWVA-AM's broadcast towers were knocked down due to severe storms and winds in excess of 70 mph. Weather experts say wind speeds at the top of the 400 foot towers could have been in excess of 100 mph at the time of the incident. Our engineering crews worked all day and into the evening Thursday, and from around 10:30pm until a little after 1am Friday morning, we were back on the air at reduced power and using temporary equipment. At approximately 1am there were some 'technical difficulties' that knocked us off the air again. We're happy to let you know that the problems we encountered overnight have been fixed, and as of around 10:45am this morning (8/6), we are back on the air...still at reduced power and using temporary equipment....but on the air, with a signal that covers the listening area extremely well.
Crews continue to work on restoring that station back to full power. There is currently no timeline set for when that will happen, but it will."
* Phoenix radio vet “Big Shoe" Stu Evans returns to the station that made him famous: “Country 108” KMLE. CBS Radio’s KMLE, Phoenix, says Evans returns as afternoon. drive host today (Aug. 6). Evans was at KMLE for 19-years, beginning in 1989. In a year of budget cutting and mass firings, Stu found himself off of KMLE in late 2008. He now replaces Jeffrey T. Mason, who had been doing double duty handling afternoons at KMLE and middays at oldies sister KOOL-FM, where he is also Assistant PD. Mason will now be able to focus all his efforts on KOOL. “Big Shoe" also does stand-up comedy, and is known to bring his off-radio humor to his on-air hosting.
* $12 millon is the price for a Los Angeles AM station: KXMX-AM being purchased by Korean Gospel Broadcasting Network. Salem Communications' New Inspiration Broadcasting Co. is selling the station — currently operating as "Multi-Cultural Radio" — to Korean Gospel Broadcasting Network, which has been brokering 5am to 6pm since the beginning of the year. Now, Korean Gospel is buying the station outright. KXMX, licensed to Anaheim, boasts on its Website: "The most powerful Multi-cultural Radio Station in the United States, serving the continuing evolution of communication needs to the 'English as a second language' population of Southern California. KXMX transmits its signal at 20,000 watts - which is powerful enough to cover the Los Angeles Metro area. French, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Gaelic, and English are some of the languages spoken on KXMX 1190AM."
* Clear Channel flips Alternative "Planet Radio" WPLA-FM, Jacksonville, FL, to Classic Hits as "Magic 107.3." The switch happened with little advance notice at around 10pm Wednesday night (Aug. 4). The Planet Radio Website has been deactivated, as have all the station's social networking outlets.The domain name Magic1073Jacksonville.com has been registered, but as of early this morning (Aug. 5) was not yet active. Clear Channel says the unique-to-the-market format has been very successful in other markets appealing to families. "We are pleased to be able to bring the popular 'Greatest Hits' format to one of Florida's largest cities – it's a fun, constantly upbeat sound that keeps listeners in the 'groove' with their favorite music all day and night," says Jacksonville Market Manager Barbara Latham. "The Jacksonville market has a diverse mix of station formats but is lacking a quality format that speaks to music fans of all ages. We're bringing Magic to the market to fill that void and give listeners the music they've always loved." According to a news release, core artists include the Beach Boys, KC and the Sunshine Band, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, and Elton John – as well as Motown favorites. Clear Channel says the unique-to-the-market format has been very successful in other markets appealing to families. Also, we're told, "Syndicated Planet Radio personalities, including "Lex & Terry," will continue to be heard at iheartradio.com, as well as on the iheartradio mobile application." That would include there are no plans to continue airing the format on an HD multicast channel in the Jacksonville market.
* The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council is pushing for multilingual EAS notifications. The MMTC met with the leadership of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Wednesday (Aug. 4) to lobby for multilingual EAS, telling why it should be required in languages other than English. In an ex parte meeting letter, MMTC President and Executive Director David Honig writes that he met with bureau Chief Adm. Jamie Barrett, Deputy Chief Lisa Fowlkes, and Chief of the Policy Division Thomas Beers, telling them about the MMTC's Petition for Extraordinary Relief on Multilingual EAS and asserting that "efforts in 2007 to resolve the issue collaboratively had failed and, as a practical matter, cannot succeed. The Commission will need to exercise leadership because this kind of public safety issue cannot be resolved by "self-regulation." Honig says cellphones, adopted quickly by the minority population, largely solve the issue of notice of an emergency. But "the problem today is receiving information in-language during and after an emergency. Only terrestrial radio has the capability to provide that service, owing to radio's ubiquity, transportability, and independence from the electric grid." Saying that broadcasters should offer multilingual EAS if "a broadcast license means anything at all," Honig contends, "This is not expensive. There is no rational reason not to require each market's broadcasters to come up with a multilingual EAS plan." He adds that "this is a moral question requiring leadership such as that exercised by President Johnson in 1965 when he sought passage of the Voting Rights Act by declaring on national television 'We Shall Overcome.'"
* Talk Radio Network's "The Phil Hendrie Show" debuts the show's official podcast on iTunes. The full three-hour syndicated show is available daily with new podcasts on iTunes to subscribers of Hendrie's "Backstage Pass." Says TRN-FM's President of Programming Phil Boyce, "Phil Hendrie is one of the most gifted and entertaining radio talk show hosts on the air and online. TRN-FM's affiliates have noticed and have commented to us on how much they love this new character driven show, which is both unique and imaginative." Full details are available on Hendrie's revamped web site at philhendrieshow.com.
* Entravision reports revenues were up 10% in the second quarter to $54.3 million from $48.7 million in Q2 2009. Most of the revenue growth was from Entravision's television segment, which saw revenue grow 10% in the second quarter. The Spanish-language broadcaster's radio segment was also up 10% to $18.6 million from $16.9 million in the year ago period. That was mostly a result of World Cup-related advertising, as was also the case for television. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA grew 16% to $18.9 million from $16.3 million. Entravision posted net earnings of $6.9 million (8 cents per share) as compared to a loss of $1.8 million (2 cents) in the second quarter of 2009. Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa says, "During the second quarter, we generated solid revenue growth, primarily driven by World Cup advertising and retransmission consent revenue. Our audience shares remain strong in the nation's most densely populated Hispanic markets, and we believe that our U.S. Hispanic audience will continue to grow."
* Sirius XM Radio ends Q2 2010 with a record 19.5 million subscribers, up more than a million from a year earlier. Net subscriber additions of 583,249 in the quarter improved significantly from a net loss of 185,999 subscribers in Q2 2009. That showed as the satcaster reports record adjusted revenues of $705.6 million, up 16% from $607.8 million for the second quarter of 2009. EBITDA was up 17% to $154.3 million from $132.2 million. Sirius XM reports net income for the second quarter at $15.3 million, compared to a net loss of $159.6 million a year ago. Free cash flow was up to $108.3 million from $12.7 million. The improved subscriber numbers resulted largely from improving auto sales, the company says, along with an 8% decline in deactivations. Subscriber churn edged down to 1.8% from 2%. The conversion rate for trial subscriptions was at 46.7% percent for the quarter, compared to 44.3% for Q2 2009. Subscriber acquisition cost went up to $59 from $57 per gross subscriber addition, while average revenue per subscriber is at $11.81, up from $10.66 in the year ago period. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says, "We are very pleased with our financial performance, which is a continuation of the momentum of the past few quarters." He adds, "We are taking full advantage of the marginally improving economy and current growth being experienced by the auto sector.”
* Rasmussen Reports Survey: A majority of Americans favor broadcast content regulation by the FCC. Most Americans remain concerned about inappropriate content on television and radio and support continued regulation of the airwaves by the FCC. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Adults believe the FCC should be allowed to regulate objectionable content on television and radio. That, however, is down eight points from June 2007. Some 34% disagree and feel the agency should not have the authority to regulate these mediums.
According to Rasmussen Reports, "Majority support for FCC regulation is perhaps not surprising, given that 57% of American adults think there is too much inappropriate content on television and radio." The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted July 27-28, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.
* Milwaukee radio legend Jonathan Green will retire from "Newsradio 620" WTMJ-AM at the end of 2010. Green says he will end a 41-year run at the end of 2010, and he chose to make the decision public before his show started its final run at the Wisconsin State Fair (August 5-15). Green is the host of "The Green House" weekdays 3-6pm on WTMJ. "The fair appearance is always a special way for me and for WTMJ Radio to personally connect with our listeners, and it'd be special if people stopped by to wave goodbye to me during our State Fair shows this year," said Green. "Next year at the fair, I will be one of the goofs looking in instead of the goof looking out!" Green started at WTMJ on June 1, 1969. With the exception of a two-year period in the 1980s, he and "The Green House" have been fixtures in Milwaukee radio and familiar companions for hundreds of thousands of listeners over the years. "We are so very grateful to Jonathan for his service to our listeners, our advertisers and our community. His ability to connect with listeners is unmatched, and he has been an important part of both WTMJ's heritage and our continued success," says Journal Broadcast EVP Steve Wexler. "Jon allowed me, as a young Shorewood High School student intern back in 1976, to learn first-hand the power and responsibility of broadcasting. I'm especially grateful and proud of our long history together."
* Report: Life has come full circle for veteran California broadcaster Bill Martinez. We previously reported on the serious health problems of California Christian radio talk host Rich Buhler — acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. We also reported that Bill Martinez was filling in for Buhler. The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan spots a story within the story. He writes: "Life has come full circle for Bill Martinez. In 1970, he was a hit DJ on Orange County's KWIZ/1480 AM – the station once known for its slogan 'Top Banana – Best of the Bunch.' His career took him to KDAY and Wolfman Jack, KIIS (he was hired by Charlie Tuna), KRLA and Art Laboe, KIK-FM and Art Astor. Along the way, in about 1985, he met Rich Buhler and changed the direction of his life. "I thought maybe God wanted me to do something different, I went back to Biola College and got my degree in theology," he said. Fast forward to 2010 and Martinez is at Costa Mesa-based Christian talk station KBRT as a consultant and host of his own 11am-noon Saturday program on 740 AM. And now he's been called on to fill in often for Rich Buhler on the latter's 'Talk from the Heart' weekday 3-5pm program. Buhler entered an area hospital July 28 and is being treated for serious kidney problems and pancreatic cancer." Our radio vets here at TPMedia found Lycan's full article an interesting read; and Lycan is one of our favorite newspaper radio reporters anyway. Read the full story on Martinez at www.OCRegister.com.
* Goom Radio appoints broadcaster Jeff Zuchowski as VP of Programming. Zuchowski will lead the programming, marketing and branding initiatives of Goom Radio in the U.S. Previously, he handled artist management and event production at AMPM Entertainment, preceded by stints as Program Director of KZZO-FM, Sacramento, and WKTU-FM, New York. Says Zuchowski, "Goom is a unique experience. I am excited about the upcoming partnerships that are about to happen, and really feel that Goom is on the ground floor and ready to run. With a philosophy of finding the music and just playing it, Goom will become the place for bands to come and be discovered,"
* The NAB Radio Board is to meet in Washington Friday (Aug. 6) – for a Performance Rights Act discussion? That a special Radio Board meeting is set is all that is confirmed, but a number of published reports are suggesting something "dramatic" is in the works — and that it involves the PRA. One report says, "The radio industry’s war to defeat a proposed performance royalty may be poised to take a dramatic turn. According to multiple sources, over the past several weeks the groundwork has been laid for a potential deal." Another more credible report comes from Radio Info's Tom Taylor, who writes: "The NAB summoned the members of the Radio Board to a hastily-called in-person meeting on Friday morning, in Washington, DC. Last Friday it convened a super-secret conference call of the 50 state association executives. Nobody’s talking, but it’s reasonable to assume that this is all about the performance royalty – specifically, the predicament that former NAB Radio Board Chair Bruce Reese talked about at last month’s Conclave session. Reese said radio is being squeezed by Congress to produce a compromise." Meanwhile, RBR.com is reporting only that "The Performance Rights Act has sparked debate on Capitol Hill, and powerful legislators have moved the bill out of committee in both the House and the Senate. There it has stalled, but its continued dormant existence has also sparked a debate within the broadcasting community on what to do about it. NAB has arranged a face-to-face get-together in Washington Friday to carry the discussion further." If, indeed, a possible compromise deal is in the works, it will be a hard sell for the NAB to get many broadcasters on board. And, even as the reports, and more ensuing rumors (which we aren't publishing) swirl, the NAB itself continues to promote on its Website: "Don't let Congress transfer billions to foreign record companies. STOP THE RADIO TAX."
* Clear Channel Miami adds three veteran programmers – Joe Bonadonna, Ray Hernandez and Adam Kirschner.
Bonadonna will be the new Program Director of Classic Rock "Big 105.9" WBGG-FM, as of August 23. He most recently was Senior PD, Classic Rock for Sirius XM. Prior to that, Bonadonna was Program Director for KDKB-FM, KSLX-FM and KAZG-AM, Phoenix. He may be best known for his 22 years at WMMR-FM, Philadelphia. Hernandez, a South Florida veteran, will program Rhythmic AC ("Move to the Music") WMIA-FM. He is transferring from programming duties at similarly-formatted WRLX-FM, West Palm Beach. He starts August 3 at WMIA. Kirschner becomes Miami's Digital PD overseeing all of Clear Channel Miami's digital platforms for WHYI-FM, WBGG-FM, WMIA-FM, WMGE-FM, WMIB-FM, WIOD-AM and WINZ-AM. Over the past three years Kirschner served as the Marketing and Promotions Project Manager for Fort Lauderdale's Sun Sentinel. He returns to Clear Channel where he previously held Executive Producer duties for WIOD-AM and WINZ-AM for eight years. Says Director of Programming Operations Alex Tear, "It's a great time for Clear Channel Miami with these three additions! Joe's product knowledge along with his winning track record and deep passion for Classic Rock make him the ultimate choice to Program Big 105.9; Ray's market, music, system knowledge and drive will take 93.9 MIA to new levels and Adam's creative instincts along with a full understanding of everything digital will give our audience's the innovation and content they deserve."
* CBS Radio Houston names Mark Adams VP of Programming for their four FM stations in the market. The stations include CHR-Top40 KKHH, Hot AC KHMX, Country KILT and Spanish Contemporary KLOL. Adams will also serve as Program Director for KKHH, KHMX and KILT. Says Market Manager Brian Purdy, "Mark has done a terrific job leading his Hot 95-7 and Mix 96-5 teams to performance highs. We’re excited to see and hear his stamp on our heritage Country leader KILT." Since 2008, Adams has been Program Director of KKHH. He added Hot AC KHMX programming reigns in 2009. Prior to CBS Radio, he was working in Portland as the Program Director for KXJM. He has also held programming positions in San Francisco, Mlwaukee, Fresno and San Diego, and has programmed mainstream CHR-Top40, Rhythmic CHR and Hot AC radio formats. Says Adams, "With Hot 95-7, 100.3 KILT, Mix 96-5, Mega 101, and SportsRadio 610, we already have some of the best stations and most well known brands in HOUSTON. I’m excited to work with our music stations to help take them even further. We already have a great team here and I’m confident we’re only going to get better."
* CBS Radio VP of Country Stations Jeff Garrison is named Operations Manager for the three CBS Phoenix stations.
The stations include Country KMLE, Classic Hits KOOL and Rhythmic CHR KZON. Garrison will also program KMLE and KOOL. He returns to the market following a stint as Program Director at Country KILT, Houston. GARRISON previously served as Program Director for KMLE from 1996-2002. "I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to have Jeff back in Phoenix," says SVP and Market Manager Tim Pohlman. "His leadership, prior success and positive attitude will add so much to an already great team." In a related announcement, Rick Gillette is named Program Director for Rhythmic CHR KZON. Gillette’s radio career spans more than 25 years. Most recently, he was Program Director for Clear Channel's "103.5 Kiss FM" WKSC, Chicago. Garrison, in his first announcement as OM, tells us: "Rick was the perfect choice to lead our programming efforts at 101.5. He is one of the most creative programmers in the business and his track record in the Top 40/CHR arena speaks for itself. We look forward to having him on our team."
* Arbitron releases its first mid-season report of radio audience listening for pro baseball. The Mid-Season 2010 Arbitron Sports Report covers in game, play-by-play estimates for the first half of the 2010 professional baseball season (April 4-June 23) and includes 28 teams in 25 markets where PPM service has been commercialized. "As advertisers look to capitalize on this year's pennant race, professional baseball on the radio delivers large numbers of listeners for every game," says Arbitron Sports Manager Chris Meinhardt. "Arbitron's Mid-Season PPM Radio Listening for Pro Baseball reports the average game audience for each team." The top 15 teams individually average over 176,100 listeners per game in their home market. WCBS-AM's coverage of the New York Yankees drew the biggest cume at 441,000. WLW-AM, Cincinnati, coverage of the Reds drew the largest game share of 25.
* University of South Florida is acquiring Christian WSMR-FM, Sarasota, FL, for $1.2 million. University of South Florida, headed by Dr. Judy Genshaft, is acquiring WSMR from Northwestern College Radio Network, headed by Dr. Alan Cureton. The station transmits with 50,000 watts. The University currently operates non-commercial Classical-Jazz-News WUSF-FM, Tampa. The reported plan is to air a full-time Classical format on WSMR, with WUSF concentrating on news and information. WUSF Public Media General Manager JoAnne Urofsky says the purchase of WSMR “will allow us to significantly increase public media services for the people of West Central Florida.” Northwestern College Radio Network says that support for its Christian WSMR-FM has dried up, forcing the sale of the station. WSMR Station Manager Douglas Poll explained the motivation for the sale to the station's audience, “Despite a great deal of support from listeners like you and our best efforts to contain costs, LIFE 89.1 has never been able to be fully self-supported in this market. Year after year we have relied upon the help of other Northwestern stations to cover our deficits. Due to the economic crunch we have lost many major donors and business sponsors. Even those giving lesser amounts are not able to give at this time due to unemployment and/or relocation. We will keep you posted as to our last day on the air.”
* Cathy Hughes, Ralph Emery, and Carl Kasell are among those selected for the National Radio Hall of Fame. The NRHOF announces the results of its national online balloting process for induction into "America's only National Radio Hall of Fame" — The Class of 2010 — telling us who the public selected. Also selected are Terri Hemmert and the Spoken Word featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In addition to the public voted inductees, the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee selected one posthumous inductee and one off air executive for their major contributions to the radio industry — the late Sam Phillips and Hughes. The full listing, with more about each, is available from www.RadioHoF.org. The NRHOF tells us, "Votenet Solutions, a respected online vote tabulation firm, supervised and tabulated the 2010 National Radio Hall of Fame ballots." Westwood One Radio Networks will produce and distribute a live two hour induction broadcast on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 10pm (ET) from The Mayne Stage in Chicago.
* The Broadcasters Foundation of America welcomes three new Vice Presidents. Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray, RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley, and Television Bureau of Advertising President Steve Lanzano have been elected to the new positions intended to extend the Foundation's reach and influence within the broadcasting industry. "We are pleased to add these three distinguished individuals to our efforts at the Broadcasters Foundation of America," says BFA President Jim Thompson. "Mark, Jeff and Steve all have tremendous experience in the world of broadcasting and will be able to provide our board with valuable insight to help further our purpose of helping broadcasters in need." BFA Chairman Phil Lombardo adds, "Even though our mission remains unchanged, we are constantly seeking new ways to advance it. We believe these new officers will help us continue our work to engage new members, find new revenue sources and, most importantly, remain committed to our colleagues who have fallen on hard times."
* AirKast and Triton Digital Media complete agreements with Bonneville, NRG Media and Hall Communications. Mobile digital content provider AirKast will deliver TuneKast mobile applications for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms that integrate with Triton Digital's streaming, measurement, and ad injection services from its Ando Media Group division. "We're very pleased that these broadcasters have chosen to use our joint solution," says Triton EVP Dominick Milano. "For radio stations, we're providing best in class solutions for mobile platforms, ad insertion and measurement and streaming. The adoption we've seen in the past 12 months has been remarkable." AirKast President/COO Simon Moy tells us, "AirKast is pleased to partner with Triton in providing solutions to our mutual clients. We believe it offers stations tremendous value and opportunity to use their own unique brand and digital content in order to reach new and existing listeners." Bonneville, NRG Media and Hall Communications join the list of broadcasters that have signed with AirKast including Salem, Radio One, Alpha Broadcasting, Max Media, NextMedia, Citadel, Results Radio, Aritaur Communications and Greater Media.
* The official verdict on Howard Stern re-signing with Sirius XM will be announced... Prior to November? That's when the Sirius XM Radio third quarter earnings call will occur, and when CEO Mel Karmazin is hoping to have an announcement about Howard Stern's contract, reports Orbitcast. During the second quarter earnings call, Wednesday (Aug. 4), Karmazin waited until the end of the earnings call to mention Stern. "That's key," writes Orbitcast. "They were likely hoping that his contract negotiations would come up during the Q&A session, but it didn't - and so they offered the information themselves." Said Karmazin, "There is one more question from inside the room. Scott Greenstein asked what about Howard Stern, so I thought I would take the opportunity to answer that one. We hope that prior to the third quarter earnings call, we will be able to have an announcement as to what is going on with Howard." Its said that offering up the information in itself is significant, because it means that Sirius XM's contract talks with Howard Stern have advanced to the point that Mel Karmazin is willing to put a timeline on it. If he wasn't confident about that timeline, they would never have brought it up. "Timing is also key," according to the published report. "Howard Stern re-signing within Sirius XM will be top of mind for every investor during the Q3 earnings call, and they know that. So Sirius XM and Howard Stern are likely already well into the conversation and will have settled on the contract negotiations with more than enough time to prepare for a positive announcement by that call." The conclusion from Orbitcast — which follows "All things Satellite Radio" — is that there's no way that Howard Stern will not renew his contract with Sirius XM.
* The judge in Tribune's Chapter 11 reorganization hearings releases the independent examiner's report. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Carey previously delayed the start of hearings on Tribune's Co.'s reorganization plan from August 30 to October 4, as we reported here last week. At that time we cited excerpts from the examiner's report that accused Tribune executives of "intentional fraud." However, specific names were not released. Now, with the release of the full text of that report, names are made available. The report, released in full Tuesday (Aug. 3), was put together by examiner Kenneth Klee. It alleges that then-Treasurer, later CFO, Chandler Bigelow and former SVP of Finance Donald Grenesko gave false assurances to the backers of the 2007 leveraged buyout that Morgan Stanley had issued an opinion that the company would be able to refinance its debt in 2014. Klee said that the executives were entitled to $400,000 bonuses each if the deal closed, and Grenesko was able to sell his shares for $4.47 million. The examiner's report also faults Valuation Research Corp., hired to evaluate the company's solvency, as failing to question a Tribune financial projection, resulting in "highly suspect" work, and the Tribune board, which he said did not sufficiently evaluate the information from management and Valuation Research Corp. In addition to delaying the reorganization hearings, Carey put off creditor voting on the proposed Tribune reorganization plan until August 20, after the full text of the examiner's report was released.
* Emmis Communications tells us why a decision on the bid to take the company private is postponed. According to a news release from Emmis, "The offers are being extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan and certain other interested parties have been unable to date to reach an agreement in negotiations with a group of holders of Preferred Stock that owns approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate, and who have previously advised Emmis and Mr. Smulyan that they would vote against the amendments to the terms of the Preferred Stock at the special meeting. JS Acquisition has informed Emmis that during the extension, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan are continuing to negotiate with that group and are also considering other options, including an alternative structure that would still allow a tender offer for the Class A Common Stock to proceed without any changes to the terms of the Preferred Stock and without an offer by Emmis to exchange the New Notes for the Preferred Stock. There can be no assurance that either an agreement will be reached with the group of holders of Preferred Stock or that an alternative structure can be implemented." Earlier we reported that Emmis postponed a decision on CEO Jeff Smulyan's bid to take the company private, and extended the buyout stock offers for both common stock and preferred stock until Friday (Aug. 6). Emmis said it did not receive enough votes from shareholders—either in person or by proxy—to reach a quorum. Emmis will convene another shareholders' meeting at 6:30pm Friday (Aug. 6). SEC rules prohibit executives from saying how many more votes are needed, but only five shareholders were present at the meeting Tuesday evening at Emmis' Monument Circle headquarters. Smulyan did not attend the meeting. Emmis executives declined to say why he was not present but said a forthcoming news release would explain his absence. That's the news release cited above.
Smulyan’s buyout bid has been threatened by shareholder lawsuits since just days after he announced his plans in April. But the biggest cloud came last month when eight firms that hold Emmis’ preferred stock banded together to block the deal. Collectively they hold 34% of Emmis’ preferred shares. That’s enough to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. That conversion, in addition to approval by a majority of Emmis' common shareholders, is necessary to allow the buyout to go through. Founded by Smulyan in 1981, Emmis owns 23 radio stations in the United States and publishes regional magazines in seven cities, including Indianapolis Monthly. It also operates radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The company’s audience base has been trimmed by competition from satellite radio and iPods at the same time advertisers have funneled more dollars to the increasing number of websites and cable television channels. Over the past four years, Emmis’ revenue has swooned by 33% to $243 million. Its continuing operations have wracked up losses of more than $430 million. That performance has caused Emmis’ share price to plunge since the last time Smulyan tried to take the company private in May 2006. At that time, Smulyan’s buyout group offered $15.25 per common share, but could not come to terms with the company’s board of directors.
* CBS begins launching "CBS local" Websites for radio and TV outlets in local markets. Following the launch of Radio.com for its music stations and music properties, CBS begins the long-rumored combined sites for news, sports and talk radio stations, along with television outlets. The prototype site, in Beta, is now online at NewYork.CBSlocal.com, although it is being promoted as "CBSNewYork.com" (which redirects to the actual url). CBS CEO Leslie Moonves says the new New York site is just the first of many to come. “We’re confident we have a terrific formula” which will be expanded to other markets, says Moonves. TPMedia was recently told by an insider that just such a site is currently being prepared in Philadelphia where radio and TV voices and faces are regulary cross-featured between CBS3 KYW-TV and radio stations including News KYW-AM, Sports WIP-AM and Talk WPHT-AM. There are also regular traffic and weather reports from KYW-TV airing on other CBS Radio stations in Philadelphia. The new New York Website – CBS New York – ties together "CBS2" WCBS-TV, News "1010 WINS," News WCBS-AM, and Sports WFAN.
* Clear Channel names Derek Madden as Program Director of Alternative "Channel 92.3" KSJO-FM, San Jose. He takes over from Michael Solari, who remains as Promotions Director. Madden previously spent seven years on-air at CBS Radio's Alternative "Live 105" KITS-FM, San Francisco. "We were looking for someone with distinct qualities suited to fit the needs of Channel 92.3 and Madden fit the bill," says Clear Channel San Jose Station Manager Justin Wittmayer. "He is passionate about radio and Alternative music, is familiar with the bay area landscape, and has a clear vision for Channel 92.3."
* CBS Corp. reports better than expected second quarter results with earnings nearly tripling from Q2 2009. This year's second quarter was helped by double-digit revenue growth and continued expense controls, according to results announced today (Aug. 3). CBS Radio revenues, included in the company's local broadcasting division, were up 6% to $340.9 million, from $322 million in the year ago period. Radio revenues were helped by the improved ad market. Revenues from CBS Radio's 10 largest radio markets rose by 10%, and a 17% increase in local broadcasting revenue drove the top-line growth for the division overall. As good as the radio revenues were, they were dwarfed by the dramatic growth at the CBS Television stations unit: up 31% to nearly $338 million. CBS Corp. reported overall revenues of $3.33 billion, up 11% from last year's $3.01 billion. Adjusted for one-time items, the company's profit climbed to $175.2 million. That's up 180% from last year's $62.6 million. The bottom line also was above what Wall Street analysts had expected.
"CBS turned in terrific results in the second quarter of 2010," says CBS Corp. Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone.
"With top-line gains in all of our businesses, and a continued vigilance on cost containment, revenues are translating more efficiently into profits," adds CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves. "Our large-market presence and dramatically improved cost structure make CBS a leading beneficiary of the rebounding local advertising marketplace." Moonves says that all signs point to ongoing growth and profitability in the second half of this year. "The very healthy ad sales pacing we're seeing today indicates that the recovery is continuing, and we expect a significant lift in political advertising around the November elections," says Moonves.
* CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth names Red Zebra CEO Bruce Gilbert as VP of News, Talk and Sports Programming. Gilbert will have oversight of Sports "105.3 The Fan" KRLD-FM and News-Talk KRLD-AM, effective August 16. He succeeds Tom Bigby, who returns to his role as VP of Strategic Programming for CBS Radio. Gilbert joins the company from Red Zebra Broadcasting, based in Washington DC, where he was the CEO since 2007. Gilbert announced his resignation at Red Zebra today (August 2). "We're extremely delighted that Bruce is returning to the Metroplex to be part of the CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth team," says Market Manager Brian Purdy. "His reputation and experience are exceptional and will have an immediate impact on our stations' presentation." In 2003, Gilbert was named GM of the ESPN Radio Network where he oversaw all programming, affiliation, and sales for the network, as well as worked directly with ESPN's owned and operated stations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Pittsburgh. Additionally, he has led the programming, marketing and production staffs at WTAE and WVTY, Pittsburgh, and KPLX, KDBN, KTCK and KLIF in Dallas. "I am genuinely excited to join Brian and the entire CBS Radio Dallas team," says Gilbert. "My wife and I are thrilled to be returning to Texas and I am inspired and challenged by the professional opportunity to work with the many talented individuals responsible for the terrific news, talk and sports content CBS Radio produces each day." Also, Kurt Johnson will focus on CBS Radio's Dallas-Fort Worth music-formatted stations as VP of Programming.
* CBS Radio News-Talk KXNT-AM, Las Vegas will get an FM simulcast on 100.5 FM, starting August 16. Adult Variety Hits "100.5 Jack FM" KKJJ will give way to the simulcast, with an expected change of call letters to KXNT-FM. The AM-FM combo will be billed as "100.5 FM & 840 AM NewsRadio KXNT." The lineup includes the live and local Morning News, hosted by Joe Gillespie with news anchor Corey Olson, news editor Kristen Flowers, and reporter Robert Rytina, as well as Premiere's Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, local afternoon personality Alan Stock, Citadel Media's Mark Levin, and the local "Las Vegas Tonight." CBS Radio Las Vegas SVP and Market Manager Dave McDonald says, "We are looking forward to serving Las Vegas and Southern Nevada with reliable local news, traffic, weather, sports, and talk entertainment like never before. KXNT is proud to continue bringing Las Vegas the most acclaimed and listened-to news and local programming in the region through the precise reception available on FM radio." KXNT is programmed by Bob Agnew. He tells us, "KXNT is making history as it becomes the first News-Talk radio station in Las Vegas to offer its programming on both the AM and FM dials. Listeners searching for clarity on the issues have long relied on KXNT 840 AM. Now, always clear and reliable reception will be found on KXNT 100.5 FM for the most live and local news and talk programming in Southern Nevada."
* "SportsRadio 66AM" WFAN, New York, morning hosts Boomer & Carton to add TV simulcast on MSG Network. The morning show, featuring Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton, will begin its cable/satellite TV simulcast September 14. The show will originate from a new, Allstate-sponsored studio, weekdays 6-10am. "Boomer and Craig have quickly become an integral part of the sports media landscape in New York," says MSG Networks EVP and General Manager Dan Ronayne. "They're opinionated, intelligent and passionate about New York sports, and we’re excited to bring WFAN’s ‘Boomer & Carton’ show to our viewers." Esiason tells us, "Over the years, I've enjoyed working for WFAN and MSG – two sports giants in the industry. There couldn’t be a better fit due to the long-standing history both entities have had with New York sports." Adds Carton, "As a kid growing up in New Rochelle there was nothing more amazing than going to Knicks games at Madison Square Garden. Having the opportunity to partner with MSG now as an adult is just as amazing. Boomer and I look forward to bringing our radio show to MSG Network and allowing all of our listeners to watch what we do while they continue to listen to us on The Fan."
* Orlando radio personality Shannon Burke's wife files for divorce – again. One year after she publicly professed her commitment and love to her husband, who fired a bullet that grazed her head, Burke's wife files for divorce for a second time. Catherine Burke filed her case against the WEUS-AM 810 talk show host in Seminole County, FL, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Reached by telephone, she declined to comment. Shannon Burke also declined to discuss the filing. The divorce filing isn't the first for the Burkes, who married in St. Petersburg in July 2008. Catherine Burke filed for divorce in May 2009, one month after the shooting incident, in which Shannon Burke also shot his wife's dog in their Seminole County home. Burke was jailed, charged, fired from "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS-FM where he was a fixture, and thrown out of his house. He told a 911 operator the shooting was an accident. Catherine Burke initially said Shannon Burke was angry that night, said he was going to shoot her dog and make her watch, and then he did. But in July 2009, Catherine Burke made a drastic turnaround, saying she thought her husband shot her by accident. "I love Shannon Burke, always have, always will," Burke told the Orlando Sentinel at that time. "I am committed to being his wife." The same month, Catherine Burke filed paperwork dropping her divorce suit. Shannon Burke served about four months in the Seminole County Jail after he pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and opening fire in a building. Then in January, a judge ordered Burke to serve 60 days in Orange County on a probation-violation charge related to a 2007 reckless driving incident. When Burke walked out of the Orange County Jail in May, Catherine Burke was by his side. In her recent filing, Burke states she is in need of financial support from her husband, but it does not specify an amount. The filing also asks the court to equally distribute the marital assets and debt.
* A pancreatic cancer diagnosis is confirmed for California Christian radio talk host Rich Buhler. Buhler has pancreatic cancer, his wife Dianne confirmed in a message handed to Bill Martinez Tuesday (Aug. 3) while he was on the air filling in for Buhler on his Costa Mesa-based KBRT-AM "Talk from the Heart" radio program. "We regret to report that a diagnosis has been confirmed of pancreatic cancer. Rich is still in the hospital recovering from a kidney crisis from a few days ago. The kidneys are improving, but we appreciate your continued prayers. After the kidney issue is resolved, the oncologists (will) determine if the tumor is operable and to develop a course of treatment. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support," the message said. Buhler, an ordained minister with a 40-years-plus career in broadcasting, is acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. Previously, we reported that Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries, said in a news release that Buhler "was admitted to a local hospital ... after suffering from severe stomach pains. After a biopsy, it was revealed that he had a 'mass on his pancreas.'" Buhler is quoted by Wooding as saying, "I arrived here not realizing that when I would wake up the next day, I would become a cancer patient. The unofficial report that has been given to me... says that it looks (like) it is malignant and also inoperable. Yesterday, they put a stent in my pancreas, and the doctors have referred me to an oncologist who will possibly treat the 'mass' with radiation." The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan has more on the new information.
* Alan Burns and Associates: 'Radio Still Dominates At-Work Listening.' Despite competition from digital media, radio still dominates as the primary source of at-work music listening according to the latest release of data from an extensive study of female radio listeners — "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media." Of all women employed full-time who listen to music at work, 54% listen to their music on radio. "Almost a quarter of those women (24%) do their at-work radio listening online," explains CEO Burns. "And that number is growing rapidly." The most-often-used sources of music at work for women were radio on-air/online (54%), iPods or music systems (23%), non-radio music streams (15%) and satellite radio (7%). More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars, with previews in advance of each week's sessions.
* Salem Communications closes on its purchase of WWRC-AM, Washington DC, from Red Zebra Broadcasting. Salem is paying Red Zebra $3.1 million for the 5,000 watt station that currently broadcasts a Business Talk format. Salem has already said it has other plans for WWRC at 1260 AM. Red Zebra acquired the station in 2008 from Clear Channel as part of a multi-station deal which included Sports WTEM-AM.
* After nearly two years as Program Director at CHR-Top40 "Star 94" WSTR, Atlanta, J.R. Ammons exits. Ammons is seeking a new programming opportunity while WSTR is seeking a new PD. For now, Lincoln Financial VP of
Programming John Dimick will handle programming for "Star 94."
* Clear Channel names Jimmy Steele as Operations Manager of its seven-station San Diego cluster. Steele will also handle the day-to-day programming of Hot AC "Star 94.1" KMYI-FM. He replaces former OM Bill Pugh. Steele joined Clear Channel as Program Director of "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego, in 2005. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of our own Jimmy Steele to OM for the Clear Channel San Diego cluster," says President and Market Manager Debbie Wagner. "Jimmy is a strong, strategic and creative leader with a proven track record of building and managing successful stations, formats and on-air teams as a PD, Top 40 Brand Manager and Regional VP of Programming." Adds Steele, "I'm honored to have been entrusted with this position and excited about working with President and Market Manager Debbie Wagner, EVP of Operations Susan Karis and EVP of Programming Gene Romano in providing leadership to the very talented and passionate team we have here in San Diego." Previously, Steele served as PD of "Kiss 98.5" WKSE-FM, Buffalo; WNCI-FM, Columbus; and WRVW-FM, Nashville. He's also been CHR Format Brand Manager for Clear Channel.
* Kris Abrams exits Classic Hits KOOL-FM, Phoenix, after more than three years as Program Director.
Abrams had been with CBS Radio Phoenix since March of 2007 as PD and Operations Manager of KOOL. For a time he also took on additional duties for "Country 108" KMLE. Recently back to duties at only KOOL, he leaves behind a station transformed from True Oldies to Classic Hits. Before KOOL, Abrams spent six years as Operations Director with Citadel's Albuquerque group. Previously, Abrams programmed WRIT-FM and WLTQ-FM, Milwaukee. KOOL has not yet named a replacement for Abrams, who is now seeking a new opportunity.
* Former "99X" Atlanta, Program Director B.J. Kinard Joins NextMedia's Alternative WKZQ-FM, Myrtle Beach, SC. Kinard joins NextMedia's WKZQ-FM as Program Director and midday host, taking over programming from Mark McKinney, who continues as cluster Operations Manager. Most recently, he was PD and midday host for Alternative WWWQ-HD2, Atlanta, the new home of "99X" which is also on a translator at 97.9 (W250BC FM). He relocated to Myrtle Beach with his wife in June. Kinard joined "99X" in February 2008 as Brand Manager and Program Director. Prior to that, he was PD and afternoon host at WFXH-FM, Savannah, GA, and PD and afternoons at WXZZ-FM, Lexington, KY. Kinard has also previously handled promotions duties at Atlanta's WBZY-FM, when it was "105.3 The Buzz."
* Ed Brantley and the new WNOX, Knoxville, begin broadcasting on 100.3 FM, after Citadel moves to 98.7 FM. This week marks a new beginning for some of the most familiar names in East Tennessee radio, reports Knoxville's WBIR-TV. Monday morning (Aug. 2) the new WNOX 100.3 FM fired up its local weekday shows for the first time with the programs hosted by a couple of long-time radio personalities. "WNOX is the oldest radio station in Tennessee, we have all new equipment and all new studios," says Brantley, co-host of the station's new morning show and the station's general manager. "This is an unbelievable day for us. It's like having a new baby except it's a brand new radio station." Brantley, whose career in radio spans more than 40 years with the last decade devoted to sales and management, tells WBIR-TV, "Things have changed a lot with computers since the last time I was on the air. We're doing the whole Facebook and Twitter thing with about five computer screens in here. Working in a studio used to be a lot more manual work with record players and such." Monday Brantley returned to the airwaves with Bob Thomas for the new "Ed and Bob Morning Show." It is Brantley's first on-air gig since 1998. The new station was made possible because of bankruptcy by Brantley's previous employer, Citadel Broadcasting. Citadel released Brantley earlier this year. It then stopped leasing the 100.3 FM signal from Oak Ridge FM. Citadel moved its News-Talk programs to a frequency the company already owned, 98.7 FM. That opened the door for Oak Ridge FM to start its own News-Talk station along with the WNOX call letters. "There's a real heritage to the name WNOX. We did not need the name but we are certainly glad to have it. We also have some advantages in terms of the ability to broadcast at 100,000 watts and have one of the strongest signals around," says John Pirkle, president of WNOX-FM. "We feel excitement, but there's still a lot of work to be done."
* Radio One again extends its pending stock exchange offer, this time until August 13. Radio One further extends the expiration time of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation. As of July 31, about 90% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. At the previously scheduled expiration time, the conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer as set forth in the "Company's Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement and Offering Memorandum," dated June 16, were not satisfied. As a result, Radio One has determined to further extend the exchange offer.
* Cumulus Media takes its two Louisville, KY, stations silent, ceases operations in the market. “Classic Hits 93.9” WLCL, Sellersburg, IN, and Sports “1450 The Ticket” WQKC, Jeffersonville, IN, both went silent Monday (Aug. 2). Cumulus co-COO John Dickey says the two stations were "part of the Susquehanna portfolio, and they were not core stations for us." Dickey tells us they "facilitated an upgrade of one of our Indianapolis FMs." He adds, "As a byproduct we're going to be selling them to a non-commercial shortly and they will bring them back out in a different direction." That comment would seem to lend credibility to a popular rumor that Christian K-Love parent Educational Media Foundation, a non-comm, is planning to purchase at least one of the stations. Reportedly, both now-silent stations experienced "signal deficiencies" making them non-competitive as commercial stations.
* The operations of Valley Radio and its KBYR-AM, Anchorage, AK, have been taken over by a creditor. Spirit of Alaska Broadcasting, which also owns KMBQ-FM and has a construction permit for KMBQ-AM, Wasilla, AK, is in receivership by Gladstone Capital Corp., a Virginia company that took over the company's Wells Fargo loans of $2.1 million in 2005 and of $200,000 in 2006, according to documents filed in federal court in Anchorage. John Klapperich, who owns Spirit of Alaska with his wife, Joan, calls the development "an unbelievable situation," reports the Anchorage Daily News. "The truth is, my wife cleaned the potties on Sundays and we did everything we could for the station and the community," says Klapperich. "I thought the storm was behind me because we were finally showing a $10,000 profit in June and with all the political advertising coming in with the upcoming elections, I thought we'd be OK." Court documents also reveal that the Klapperichs fell behind on paying their payroll taxes. Matt Claman, Gladstone's lawyer in Anchorage, explained Monday (Aug. 2) that the receiver, Bob Woodward of Virginia, has a history of radio management. The court, he says, gave him permission to take control of the company to make it solvent enough to be able to pay off as much of its debt as possible within the next two years.
* Report: The Cumulus Media Dickey family is near a deal to acquire magazine publisher Modern Luxury Media. "The magazine chain, which sold for $243 million only three years ago, is expected to fetch just north of $20 million in the current fire sale," sources tell the New York Post. The Dickey family is expected to do the deal through Dickey Publishing, which owns Jezebel Magazine and Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine. Lew Dickey Jr. is the CEO of both Cumulus Media and Dickey Publishing. The Dickeys declined to comment, but sources say the family has emerged as the front-runner in the past few weeks.
* Radio ministry Focus on the Family has laid off 110 workers, including 15 managers, reducing its staff to 750. Focus on the Family has cut its workforce by nearly half since 2002, when the ministry was still headed by James Dobson, who departed earlier this year and is now hosting another radio program. Over the past two years, Focus has let go 385 employees. Eight years ago it had 1,400 on the payroll. “The economy continues to be in recession,” says Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger, explaining the latest cuts. “And people who have given in the past are having financial difficulties of their own.” The ministry’s fiscal 2010-11 budget was slashed to $105 million, a $27 million reduction from last year’s fiscal budget. Focus’ budget for fiscal 2008-09 was $160 million. Most workers affected by the latest layoffs will be on the payroll until August 20. Severance packages will be given, and counselling and job placement will be offered.
* Longtime Regent Grand Rapids General Manager Phil Catlett exits Regent successor Townsquare Media. Catlett's cluster included Spanish Variety WNWZ-AM, AC WLHT-FM, Alternative WGRD-FM, Classic Hits WFGR-FM and Soft AC WTRV-FM. Mark Thomas, formerly a Regent Regional VP, most recently with Townsquare's Evansville, IN, cluster, assumes interim GM duties in Grand Rapids.
* Michael Buffer to XHNZ-FM, Juarez (El Paso): 'The rumble's over – get ready to pay me $175,000.'
A U.S. District Court judge in El Paso awards famed ring announcer Michael Buffer $175,000, after a border radio station fails to respond to a lawsuit charging copyright and trademark infringement, reports El Paso Inc. In November, the announcer, known for his tux and trademark phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble,” filed a lawsuit against XHNZ. According to court documents, the station used the phrase without permission. El Paso lawyer Mark Walker took up Buffer’s cause in Texas, working with the announcer’s legal team in Los Angeles.
* Conservative Vermont show "True North Radio" hosts sue a Utah-based Website alleging trademark infringement. The Website uses the name "True North News," which the Vermont hosts say is "confusingly similar." The owners of True North Radio, which airs from WDEV, Waterbury, VT, say in their lawsuit: "True North owns common law trademark rights in its mark, 'True North Radio,'" which began in 2002, covering "current events with an eye toward traditional values." The radio show is seeking an order to stop the Website from using the name, along with financial reimbursement and a jury trial on the suit. "True North News and Commentary is part of the 'new media' wave," says the Website. "We hope to become an independent Internet news and commentary mini-channel," adds operator Lowell Brown, who is a partner with Washington DC firm Arent Fox.
* Saga Communications flips two Columbus, OH, stations to "Rewind 103.5 & 104.3" - "Columbus Greatest Hits."
"Smooth Jazz 103.5" WJZA and "Big Hits B104.3" WODB give way to the 80's-based "Rewind" late Friday afternoon (July 30). The flips followed a brief collage of "goodbye" songs on both stations, as we first reported here early Saturday morning (July 31). The new station(s) is online with a splash screen and a click-to-listen at RewindColumbus.com. Listeners are also being asked to submit their feedback on the new format. The "small print" at the bottom of the splash screen tells Smooth Jazz fans: "If you’re looking for Smooth Jazz you can listen here," which takes them to www.SmoothJazzNetwork.com. Web addresses for both of the former formats — www.ColumbusJazz.com and www.B1079.com — redirect to the new RewindColumbus.com url. While both stations serve the Columbus market, WJZA is licensed to Pickerington, OH; WODB, to Richwood, OH. Before the new splash screen took over the WJZA url, "A Letter from WJZA's Columbusjazz.com as of July 30, 2010," appeared, reading: "One thing we can count on in life is change. It’s in that spirit that we tell you that the programming on 103.5 is changing. Playing smooth jazz music is one side of who we are. It’s the side you hear. The other side of who we are is the reality that operating a commercial radio station is a business. That is the side that we see. In the last few years the business side of Smooth Jazz 103.5 has become increasingly difficult. There are many reasons for this, but the unfortunate fact is that the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station. In that way we are no different than a retail business that doesn’t have enough customers to keep the doors open. You do have an option for listening. You can still listen to the same Smooth Jazz Network on-line from their web site. We've considered it an honor and pleasure to have entertained you over the past few years. Thank you for listening. Sincerely, The Staff & Management of Smooth Jazz WJZA."
* KSME-FM, Fort Collins, Operations Manager/Program Director Chris Kelly adds programming for sister KXBG-FM.
In addition to his duties as Clear Channel Fort Collins, CO, Ops Mgr, Kelly has been directly programming CHR-Top40 "96.1 Kiss FM" KSME. He adds programming for clustermate "Big Country 97.9" KXBG-FM. As OM he oversees News KCOL-AM and Oldies KIIX-AM in addition to their two FM sisters. Kelly names Big Rob as Assistant PD. Ryan Kramer assumes Music Director duties for KXBG, while continuing as MD at KSME. Kelly says he needs to meet some of the Country record people, as he adds his new role. By the way, if it doesn't sound as though Kelly is busy enough, he also hosts weekdays 4-7pm and Sunday 10am-2pm on "96.1 Kiss FM."
* Clear Channel Chicago ups AE Adam Kurtz to Local Sales Manager for AC WLIT and CHR-Top40 WKSC-FM. "Adam has come up through the ranks at Clear Channel starting 10 years ago as an Account Executive for WLIT," says Director of Sales Matt Scarano. "Through the years, Adam has progressed into not only one of the top AEs at Clear Channel but one of the top AEs in the entire Chicago market. We are lucky to have Adam's talents working for us in sales and will be equally lucky to have him leading our sales staff on KISS and WLIT." Kurtz adds, "I am excited to help lead such a strong sales staff. It is an absolute honor considering I was first hired right here at WLIT almost 10 years ago."
* "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" is out at Urban “Hot 103 Jamz” KPRS, Kansas City. Operations Manager Andre Carson says the station terminated its agreement with the syndicated Harvey show effective immediately. According to Carson, station management has no definite future plans for replacing Harvey. For now, KPRS is going music-intensive in morning drive with “a PPM-friendly, more music approach.”
* Bridge Ratings: Traditional radio remains the most-widely preferred medium, over new media sources. In a new ratings analysis, released August 2 — "Lifestyle Affinities" — Bridge Ratings tells us, "This study underscores the importance of lifestyle cluster analysis." Key Findings: traditional radio is the most-widely preferred medium; traditional radio is the most compatible with social networking; and, MP3 players are the most incompatible with traditional radio. "It is a wide-held belief that people living in the same neighborhoods tend to have similar lifestyles, proving the old adage that 'birds of a feather flock together' still holds true. To a large extent, you are where you live!" says the report. "Nielsen's lifestyle segmentation systems define every neighborhood in the U.S. in terms of 67 distinct lifestyle types using ground-breaking segmentation techniques." Bridge Ratings recently completed a national year-long, 7000 person study analyzing these lifestyle clusters for media proclivity or the predisposition or natural inclination for preference these media options: Traditional radio; Internet radio; MP3 Players; Satellite Radio; Podcasting; Smartphones; and, Social Networks. "Lifestyle cluster analysis confirms that of all media alternatives today traditional radio is the most-widely preferred medium," says the study report. "Why is this analysis so important? The better media companies understand the relationship between lifestyle and media consumption, the more efficient and effective will be their marketing efforts and the more profound their ability to compete in a world where media consumers are in constant motion," says Bridge Ratings President and CEO Dave Van Dyke.
The data collected in this study, conducted over a period of a year with 7000 persons ages 15 and older, sheds important luminance to just how important those alternative media are, says the report's conclusion. The study highlights include four determinations. Lifestyle often determines key consumer pockets for media affinity. Lifestyle clusters are excellent indicators of where early-adopters live. Knowing this coupled with previous cluster analysis can help traditional radio determine which new media are most compatible with its heaviest users. Lifestyle clusters highlight variations in media use and ease the confusion associated with marketing to these consumers. Previous assumptions about media compatibility are often shattered by better understanding proclivity for potential media partnerships. "As current media alternatives continue to attract usage among consumers of traditional radio, learning to leverage the appropriate media distribution will be key to maintaining radio's mass usage," says the Bridge Ratings analysis report. "Rather than thinking of these alternatives as competitors, it is important to view them as valuable tools that will enable traditional radio operators to reach today's migratory media consumer." [More »]
* Beasley Broadcast Group reports second quarter net revenue was up 5.6% to $24.9 million from $23.6 million. Beasley says the $1.3 million increase in net revenue during the second quarter compared with the same period in 2009, primarily reflects higher net revenue at the company’s Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Ft. Myers-Naples market clusters. Beyond those clusters, total net revenue from the company’s other eight market clusters in the second quarter of 2010 was comparable to the year ago period as the company generated net revenue increases from three market clusters which
more than offset revenue declines at the company’s remaining five market clusters. On a same station basis consolidated net revenue rose 6.6% in the 2010 second quarter to $24.9 million from $23.4 million in the second quarter of 2009.
Station operating income rose 26.5% from $6.7 million to $8.5 million year-to-year. That improvement, says BBG, reflects the increased net revenue as well as benefits of the company’s cost containment measures which collectively resulted in a 2.6% reduction in total operating expenses including a 7.7% reduction in costs of services and flat corporate general and administrative expenses which more than offset a 2.1% rise in selling, general and administrative expenses which were primarily related to the higher revenue levels. Second quarter station operating income rose $1.8 million, or 26.5% to $8.5 million compared with the 2009 second quarter, reflecting both the higher net revenue in the period as well as a 2.7% decline in station operating expenses. On a same-station basis second quarter SOI rose 21.2% to $8.5 million, from $7.0 million in the same period of 2009.
Chairman and CEO George Beasley tells us, “The radio industry and Beasley Broadcast Group are continuing to see a rebound in advertising spending and the 6.6% rise in second quarter same-station net revenue was the company’s best comparison since late 2007. The significant growth in second quarter SOI, operating income and net income again highlights the value of the company’s streamlined cost structure and the significant operating leverage in our model." Beasley adds, “We intend to remain vigilant with our expense management programs and to further reduce borrowings under our credit facility as well as our leverage ratio. In this regard, we ended the 2010 second quarter with approximately $147.8 million of borrowings under our credit facility, down from $151.8 million at the end of 2009 and a marked reduction from $174.5 million at December 31, 2008, and we accomplished this despite the enormous challenges presented during this period by the economic recession." [More »]
* Cumulus Media reports second quarter broadcast revenue up 5.8%, net revenues increase 5.7%. Says Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey, "This was another quarter of solid performance for both Cumulus Media, Inc. and Cumulus Media Partners, LLC. As we continue to aggressively innovate the radio business through our proprietary technology platform and operating systems, these businesses are running with increased efficiency across all functional areas resulting in strong operating leverage and healthy free cash flow growth. As a result, we continue to make good progress as we work to de-leverage the balance sheets of both of these entities." According to a news release, with all the numbers included, "Net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased $3.7 million, or 5.7%, to $69.7 million compared to $66.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in revenue from national accounts, political revenue generated by mid-term congressional elections, and increases in internet related revenues. We believe that incremental growth in advertising revenue for the second half of the year will be driven primarily by cyclical political spending." Station operating expenses for the second quarter increased $1.2 million, or 3.0%, to $40.4 million from $39.2 million in 2009 primarily due to normalized employee costs following a prior period company wide one week furlough as well as an increase in trade expenses. The report, which provides data both for the second quarter and the first half of the year, says: "Net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $4.8 million, or 3.9%, to $126.1 million compared to $121.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in revenue from national accounts, political revenue generated by mid-term congressional elections, and increases in internet related revenues. We believe that incremental growth in advertising revenue for the second half of the year will be driven primarily by cyclical political spending."
* Univision Communications revenues were up 23.2% in the second quarter, but radio revenue was down 5.5%. For the second quarter overall, Univision increased to $639.8 million from $519.5 million in the year-ago period, but the radio segment declined to $89.9 million from $95.1 million. Univision says, however, that its stations in Austin and New York outpaced the Q2 growth of all the other radio stations in the market, according to Miller Kaplan. "We achieved strong results in the second quarter 2010, building on our very solid foundation of performance in the first quarter of the year," says Univision President and CEO Joe Uva. "Our very solid foundation of performance in the first quarter of the year. We have made significant strides both compared to last year and the previous quarter, growing second quarter 2010 revenues 23% year-over-year and 41% as compared to the first quarter of 2010. In the second quarter, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was without a doubt a tremendous highlight for us and was our most successful World Cup to date." The World Cup was a significant contributor to the TV revenues, bringing in about $73.6 million in the second quarter. Net profit was at $35.3 million versus a $27.7 million loss in the second-quarter 2009 in the overall Univision results.
* Entercom reports second quarter net revenues were up 4% to $105.8 million from $101.3 million for Q2 2009. Station expenses increased 2% to $68.1 million, while operating income swung from a loss off $43.6 million to a gain of $23.8 million. EBITDA rose to $33.4 million. Entercom posted net earnings of $14.2 million (40 cents per share), compared to a loss of $41.9 million ($1.19) in Q2 2009. Says Entercom President and CEO David Field, "Entercom posted strong operating results in the second quarter as solid revenue growth and margin expansion drove double-digit increases in EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. Looking ahead, we are highly enthusiastic about our future prospects based upon the likelihood of continued economic recovery and the ad market rebound." Also during the second quarter, Entercom reduced its outstanding net senior debt by $16.8 million. As of June 30, Entercom had $4.4 million in cash and $701.2 million of senior debt. Field says national sales led the way in the company's improved revenue. May was the quarter's strongest month, with April the slowest, while June, he said, "fizzled a bit" after starting strong. During the second-quarter earnings conference call, Field said that, as the overall rate of economic expansion slowed, "We did experience a modest slackening of demand that took a bit of steam out of June and July." But, he said, there are encouraging signs for the rest of Q3 and the rest of the year. "August looks solid, September looks great, and although it is very early, fourth quarter looks terrific."
* Grupo Radio Centro's net income was 3.1 million Pesos, compared to a Q2 2009 net loss of 28.3 million Pesos.
That second quarter 3.1 million Pesos converts to about $245,000. The turnaround is credited, at least in part, to 17% higher broadcasting revenues. The Mexico City-based company's broadcasting income jumped from 26.8 million Pesos to 41.3 million Pesos, or $3.3 million. Grupo Radio Centro — which operates Emmis-owned KXOS, Los Angeles, under an LMA – says the station saw a decrease in its operating loss from the year-earlier quarter and that its expenses were down almost 16% due to legal expenses incurred during Q2 2009 in connection with the agreements related to the station.
* Citadel takes WMGL-FM, Ravenel-Charleston, SC, back from its spinoff trust. Urban AC "Magic 107.3" WMGL is coming out of The Last Bastion Station Trust. Citadel says the relocation of Sports "107.5 The Game" WNKT, Charleston to the Columbia, SC, market now allows Citadel to retain WMGL. The trust was formed as part of the company's just-completed Chapter 11 reorganization. Because of that reorganization, Citadel lost a grandfathered exemption on the number of stations it could have in the Charleston market, with current rules now applied.
* A former promotions employee of KVI-AM, Seattle, ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution for rigging call-in contest. Ryan Elizabeth Keeley, 27, was accused by the King County Prosecutor's Office of helping friends and associates of the friends to each win $1,000 by picking their names in a contest called the "Secret Listener Salute" in early 2007.
Contestants were supposed to be selected randomly from one of two databases containing the names of potential listeners, reports The Seattle Times. Listeners were to call the station within 30 minutes when they heard their names called on air to collect the $1,000 prize. The Times' Jennifer Sullivan writes, "Keeley, through various means, arranged for the other defendants to sign up for the contest and be selected, then call to collect their prizes, according to charging papers. In return, Keeley received some of the proceeds, including as much as half from some of the defendants, the charging papers say." Keeley left the station in July 2007. She was charged earlier this year with first-degree theft and later pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a felony. As part of her plea agreement, Keeley will not serve any time behind bars, but will pay restitution and agreed not to contact KVI radio or its parent, Fisher Communications. In court Friday (July 30), Keely apologized. She has since moved to Arizona, where she is working at a coffee shop and seeking drug treatment. A presentencing report filed by the defense says that Keeley is addicted to OxyContin. "I'm very sorry for what I did," Keeley said in court. "Had drugs not been involved, I would have not made a decision like that." The 14 people who Seattle police say helped Keeley with the scheme were charged initially with second-degree theft, but their cases were later dismissed. The dismissal was announced after prosecutors found that the defendants should have been charged with a misdemeanor, but because the crime was nearly three years old the statute of limitations had expired for a misdemeanor charge to be filed, said King County Deputy Prosecutor Angela Kaake. Representatives for Fisher Communications did not speak during the sentencing hearing. In a letter addressed to the court, James Clayton, vice president and general manager, wrote that Keeley's actions have "damaged our reputation and credibility with the FCC, listeners and advertisers and within the community at large."
* A former employee of KMMS-FM, Bozeman, MT, is in jail for stealing broadcast equipment from the station. Travis Patrick Malone, 35, is in the county jail on $10,000 bond after admitting to stealing thousands of dollars worth of broadcast equipment from GapWest Broadcasting Triple-A "The Moose 95.1 FM" KMMS-FM. Malone was terminated by GapWest on June 21, according to court records. On July 28, a radio station employee told police he saw Malone walking along Mendenhall Street carrying a directional antenna and some cable typically used for commercial radio broadcasting. When the program manager went into the KMMS studio that afternoon, he noticed the burglar alarm was not set and that several items were missing including a console worth $12,000, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Station employees then went to the man's apartment, where they saw items that appeared to belong to the radio station, according to court documents. Malone denied taking the antenna but returned a set of Fender speaker stands and some cable he said he "he took as a joke." During a search of the man's residence later, police found an FM transmitter, FM exciter, electronic voice microphone, mixing board, other audio production equipment and clothes that matched those the program manager saw Malone wearing when he was walking along Mendenhall, according to the documents. Waiving his right not to incriminate himself, Malone told police that he went into the building "after seeing the door unlocked and the alarm not activated." He also admitted that he took the items from the engineer's office, making two separate trips to his home. Police said Malone "admitted what he did was wrong and that it was a mistake."
* Chicago officials are not amused by a radio stunt involving "Jack FM 104.3" WJMK and a roadside message board. The Chicago Sun-Times writes: "Lake Shore Drive motorists have grown accustomed to seeing electronic signs that alert them to traffic delays, lane closings and assorted emergencies. What they're not used to seeing is flashing signs with wisecrack slogans that have nothing to do with traffic." Somebody hired a contractor to install an electronic message board promoting a Bon Jovi concert and "Jack FM" – which plays anything they want to. But apparently they thought they could also do anything they want to. The sign was attached to a trailer and positioned between the northbound lanes beneath a permanent electronic sign attached to an overpass. It flashed messages that included, "Jack needs girls" and "104.3 FM needs beer." After complaints were called in, city crews were dispatched to the scene. They turned the sign to face away from traffic and notified the private contractor who owns the sign to remove it. The sign — without city permits that would never have been granted anyway — was gone by early afternoon. "Whenever there's a big event along the lakefront, the city deploys variable message signs to give people traffic information and directions. In this case, it appears this radio station just hired a company to put out a sign without informing the city or obtaining the proper permit," said Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele. "We would never issue a permit for this type of sign on the public way. Electronic signs are for traffic messages only. They are not intended for advertising, extraneous or out-of-the-ordinary messages. Those have the potential to be hazardous to motorists traveling 40 mph on a busy roadway."
* California Christian radio talker Rich Buhler is diagnosed with an inoperable "mass on his pancreas." Buhler, an ordained minister with a 40-years-plus career in broadcasting, is acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. He hosts "Talk From the Heart" on Costa Mesa-based KBRT-AM. Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries, says in a news release, Buhler "was admitted to a local hospital ... after suffering from severe stomach pains. After a biopsy, it was revealed that he had a 'mass on his pancreas.'" Buhler is quoted by Wooding as saying, "I arrived here not realizing that when I would wake up the next day, I would become a cancer patient. The unofficial report that has been given to me... says that it looks (like) it is malignant and also inoperable. Yesterday, they put a stent in my pancreas, and the doctors have referred me to an oncologist who will possibly treat the 'mass' with radiation."
* University of Evansville sports voice Brandon Gaudin gets play-by-play for Butler University basketball. Gaudin is returning to his alma mater as the Butler basketball voice on Emmis Sports "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM, Indianapolis. Gaudin, a 2006 Butler graduate, takes over from Joe Gentry, who will continue to oversee radio and television operations as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the school. Nick Gardner returns as color analyst for his fifth season in 2010-11. Gaudin has been handling basketball, soccer, and baseball for the University of Evansville. "With the growth we've seen over the last four years we are excited about this strategic move," says Butler Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Mike Freeman. "Joe has done an outstanding job tripling our corporate partnership program, calling the action as our play-by-play voice and developing our media partnerships with 1070 The Fan and WISH/WNDY-TV. We feel Brandon can step in and do an outstanding job as our play-by-play voice on 11070 The Fan, which will allow Joe to continue building on the success we've already seen with corporate partners, television and radio." Gaudin tells us, "I'm very excited and appreciative for this opportunity to return to my alma mater. It's a unique chance to marry my passion for broadcasting with my affinity of Butler basketball and Butler University. I am anxious to arrive in Indianapolis and begin preparing for the upcoming season." Gentry, meanwhile, adds: "It has been a great privilege for me to be the radio 'Voice of the Bulldogs' the past four seasons. I've really enjoyed traveling with the team and working with Nick. I'm excited about Brandon coming back to Butler to take over and I look forward to working with him and Nick. I also look forward to being able to devote more time to our Butler Athletics corporate partners."
* Triton Digital Media partners with Slacker Radio to represent Slacker inventory to digital and traditional agencies. Triton Digital will also measure Slacker's audience for both desktop and mobile listening, and handle ad insertion, under the new strategic partnership. "We are focused on accelerating the growth and adoption of digital audio by creating dynamic opportunities for both traditional and new media clients. With an in-stream and mobile platform of more than 15 million registered users, Slacker further increases our digital sales footprint and brings highly compelling interactive opportunities to our advertiser and agency clients alike," says Triton EVP Bill Freund. Also, Slacker is partnering with Triton’s Ando Media Group for audience measurement through its Webcast Metrics platform as well as targeted ad insertion. "Slacker is one of the very best examples of taking a technology-forward approach to the streaming marketplace. Now that they’re on Webcast Metrics, agencies can benchmark their audience against the rest of the industry. We believe the results will garner considerable attention," says Ando VP of Sales Mark Rosenthal. "And with their ability to deliver tightly targeted campaigns through our technology, they pick up the wherewithal to capitalize on that interest in a very efficient manner. We’re thrilled." Slacker SVP of Marketing Jonathan Sasse adds, "Triton's breadth and depth in the radio advertising industry is well known," said "Our relationship with Triton will allow their clients to tap into the burgeoning personal internet radio market to reach millions of Slacker listeners on the web and on the go with leading mobile devices or even in the home."
* Peter de Graaff joins Cox Media Group Country WNGC-FM, Athens, GA, as Program Director. He arrives from WEAT-FM, West Palm Beach, where he was an on-air host. de Graaff's previously was at WXKS-FM, Boston and WXXL-FM/Orlando. He began his career in radio at WYNY-FM, New York, in 1984. "We are excited to have Pete on board. His multi-faceted experience in a variety of radio markets and dedication to his craft will make him an asset to Cox Media," says VP and General Manager Scott Smith. "There is a certain consistency and flow when listening to the Cox Radio stations, or when looking back at music monitors and seeing commercial breaks hit defined times... those are things I love to see and admire as a programmer," adds de Graaff.
* Christian radio talk host Janet Mefferd returns to Salem's WYLL-AM, Chicago, where she began her radio career. WYLL-AM becomes the 100th affiliate of “The Janet Mefferd Show,” airing from 3-5 pm weekdays, starting today (Aug. 2).
Mefferd, now a Dallas-based syndicated talker, started at WYLL-AM, 20 years ago. Her show replaces local host Sandy Rios, who left WYLL Friday (July 30). Starting August 30, the third hour of Mefferd’s show will air on tape-delay 6-7pm on the Chicago station. Her show, says Salem, takes “a Christ-centered look at the news and events of the day both in the church and in the world.” It's been nationally syndicated since February when it replaced Salem Radio Network’s Janet Parshall, who’s now heard on Chicago-based Moody Radio. Says SRN VP of News and Talk Programming Tom Tradup, “Janet Mefferd has hit the reset button on nationally syndicated Christian talk shows since her premiere in February, and we are thrilled she now adds her native Chicago to the cities enjoying her compelling, cutting-edge programming. Janet’s fresh, upbeat approach to everything from theology to politics to pop culture — drawing on her experiences as a broadcaster, journalist, and mother of four — is tailor-made for Chicago’s afternoon audience.” WYLL General Manager
Jeff Reisman adds, “I am thrilled to welcome Janet Mefferd back to Chicago and AM 1160. Janet has worked in Christian radio for more than 20 years; she has a strong command of the issues and will offer unique compelling content every day. Janet is plugged into the pulse of Christian talk and is an ideal addition to the station’s afternoon lineup.”
* AC "Lite 98.7" WLZW-FM, Utica, NY, raises more than $25,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. The Townsquare Media station held its 10th annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, Thursday and Friday (July 29-30). Proceeds will benefit children’s services at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. According to Program Director Eric Meier, the official grand total was $25,775, better than $1,000 over last year’s total. Meier and Lite 98.7 personalities Mark Richards and Trudy hosted the entire two-day radiothon live from the hospital. Part-timer Dave Wheeler also participated as a co-host for several hours of the radiothon.
* More John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation scholarships are awarded to college students seeking careers in radio. The foundation awards $25,000 in scholarships to five students. The latest "Bayliss Broadcasters" and their schools are: Jessica Brandt, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY; Caitlin Duffy, Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ; Thurmon Henry, Five Towns College, Dix Hills, NY; Dallas Osborn, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA; and, Marina Zarya, Syracuse University; Syracuse, NY. Since 1985, the Bayliss Foundation Board of Directors has selected over 345 exceptional students as Bayliss Broadcasters. “These ambitious young people were selected to receive the Bayliss Radio Scholarship because of their academic achievement and extracurricular radio activities, their passion for radio and their desire to contribute to the overall advancement of the radio industry,” says Board Chairman Gary Fries in announcing the scholarship winners. He also reminds broadcasters, “Your tax-deductible gift is a genuine investment in the future of radio.”
* Radio traffic service Skywatch Traffic files suit against Cumulus Media in Tennessee for breach of contract. The lawsuit, filed in Davidson County Circuit Court, claims Cumulus left Skywatch high and dry when it changed the format of 106.7 WNFN, Nashville, at the end of July 2009, reports the Nashville Post. WNFN had been a Sports Talk station known as "The Fan," but it switched to a CHR-Top40 format as "i106." Skywatch had sold advertising to run during its traffic segments in the morning and evening, but it says the station's management dropped its reports when the format change happened — and then went with a competitor, Westwood One Metro Traffic, as soon as the Skywatch contract had run its course. Skywatch says Cumulus has violated the terms of the contract between the two, not least because it was not supposed to work with competing traffic services during the term of the deal and yet had a "business relationship" with Westwood One during the term of the relationship. The company seeks unspecified damages. Nashville attorney Anthony Burns represents Skywatch. The Post says efforts to reach Atlanta-based representatives of Cumulus were unsuccesful.
* Spanish-language Sports Talk comes to Philadelphia on Beasley's WWDB-AM, beginning August 2. Beasley announces that ESPN Deportes Radio, America's only 24/7 national Spanish-language sports radio network, will launch on 860 AM, now airing "Money Talk" programming. “We are thrilled to offer ESPN Deportes Radio to Philadelphia’s large Hispanic sports audience,” says Jim Roberts, Executive Director, ESPN Radio Affiliate Sales. “This affiliate agreement with Beasley exemplifies the growth of our ESPN Deportes Radio platform on the east coast and we are delighted to be working with Beasley, a leader in the Philadelphia market.” Beasley Market Manager Natalie Conner tells us, “The Hispanic community accounts for about 12% of Philadelphia’s population and the addition of ESPN Deportes Radio at WWDB reflects our commitment to bringing listeners in the market the most relevant and entertaining programming. It is imperative for radio broadcasters to offer listeners formats that cater to their interests and the needs of the local community. By doing so, we build successful radio stations and great advertising platforms for sponsors.”
* Former NPR host Madeleine Brand will host her own daily local talk show on KPCC-FM, Los Angeles. A Los Angeles native, the journalist has been on "Morning Edition," "All Things Considered," and gained notice as co-host of the canceled NPR show "Day to Day," writes the Orange County Register's Gary Lycan. "Now she's back as the host of her own daily local magazine-style talk show," to debut at 9am weekdays "in late August or early September on KPCC/89.3 FM." "The Madeleine Brand Show" has a staff of four and a one-year commitment, says Brand, who notes it's not a call-in show. "We don't have NPR or the budget, but we want it to have the spirit of 'Day to Day.' It will be a relaxed way of delivering content to make it more accessible to people. Our staffers will go out and report something, come back, share what they learn, and we will have a conversation on the air about it." KPCC Program Director Craig Curtis says, "The show will use all the radio and online tools we have at hand. We're excited we can build a show that highlights our strong and growing local radio and online talent."
* Clear Channel News-Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati names Scott Sloan as the new permanent 9am-noon host. Sloan, who hosted nights for 10 years, has been filling in on the late morning shift since Mike McConnell exited, bound for WGN-AM, Chicago. “As of this morning it's official. I’m the new 9am-noon guy,” Sloan tweeted to his Twitter followers before going on the air Friday morning (July 30). In addition to signing Sloan, WLW extended the contract of morning show host Jim Scott. McConnell's new four-hour show on WGN Radio debuts August 9 at 8:30am.
* Report: Univision Radio confirms talks to subscribe to Arbitron’s PPM. Univision’s refusal to subscribe to PPM ratings data, except in Houston, has been holding down revenues for Arbitron, as noted in the ratings company’s quarterly conference call. RBR.com reports: "In his own call with Wall Street analysts, Univision CEO Joe Uva confirmed that his company is talking with Arbitron, but he’s in no hurry to actually use the PPM data until changes being implemented bring it up to Univision’s standards."
Uva says of the deal Arbitron reached in April with the PPM Coalition, of which Univision Radio is a member, “We’re pleased that the coalition of minority broadcasters reached an agreement with Arbitron regarding of improved sampling of Hispanics and African Americans. We look forward to concluding a new agreement between Univision and Arbitron so that we may begin obtaining PPM data to monitor Arbitron’s progress in delivering reliable ratings, which are so vitally important to stakeholders in the radio marketplace.” According to RBR, in the Q&A section of the call, Uva told an analyst that the methodology improvements that Arbitron has committed to will be implemented over a one and a half to two year period “to get all of those markets corrected.” [More »]
* The IRS demands $45 million from Red McCombs for unpaid 2002/2003 taxes from his sale of Clear Channel stock.
The Clear Channel co-founder — San Antonio billionaire Billy Joe “Red” McCombs — used a tax strategy similar to one a judge disallowed last week for billionaire Philip Anschutz, reports Forbes. In a previously unreported lawsuit filed in May in U.S. Tax Court, the 82- year-old McCombs is contesting the IRS' assertion that he should have reported $213.4 million in long-term capital gains in 2002 from the sale of 11.3 million shares of Clear Channel Communications, the company he co-founded in 1972. He's also disputing an additional $3.3 million in 2003 capital gains in connection with the same purported sale. In all, the IRS asserts, McCombs had $245 million in taxable income for 2002 and 2003, rather than the $18 million he reported and owed $53 million in income tax, not the $8 million he paid.
* Syndicated "Good Day" host Doug Stephan says using a "stolen" caller excerpt was an honest mistake. As we previously reported, Clear Channel talkers Armstrong and Getty catch another talk show stealing taped calls from their show. The KSTE-AM, Sacramento, and KNEW-AM, San Francisco, talk duo told listeners that "alert listener David" caught Doug Stephan's syndicated "Good Day" show using calls from their show. A&G later got Stephan on the show, who opened with "I got my hands up, I'm under arrest, you got me." Stephan said that "exactly what you said happened was what happened," explaining that the calls were taken inadvertently from clips taken from his "Talk Radio Countdown" show. Now Stephan issues a statement expanding on that explanation: "My company produces several radio programs, including Good Day and the Talk Radio Count Down," says Stephan. "The Count Down program, which is billed as being a review of what happened on the air during the past week in talk radio across the country, uses clips from shows around the country to highlight the top stories in talk radio and has served to promote my fellow hosts and our format for more than ten years. It is our policy on Count Down to give credit to the programs from which we choose those highlights, and we've done a pretty good job on that front. On occasion when there is crossover on a story between Count Down and my Good Day show, we have used some of those same clips on Good Day to reinforce a conversation. Again, it is our practice to give credit for those clips, but on rare occasions that practice has not been followed and some clips have been run without attribution or with the wrong attribution. Obviously there are flaws in our system, and the wrong clip can wind up in the wrong place, as evidenced by what has happened here. This is unacceptable. I take full responsibility and have told my staff in no uncertain terms that it will not happen again. I called Armstrong and Getty to apologize and assure them that I have dealt with this problem. I have been in this business for 44 years and great respect for our profession and my peers."
* Univision Radio will pay $1 million for payola — in settlements with the FCC and the DOJ. The consent decree with the FCC resolves allegations that Univision stations or employees secretly accepted payment from a record label in return for more frequent airplay, without informing listeners as the law requires, according to
a news release from the FCC. In a criminal action based on the same information, a federal district court has accepted the plea of Univision Services Inc. The FCC and the Department of Justice coordinated their investigations and enforcement actions in the case against Univision. Says FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, "Payola — the idea of pay-for-play — misleads the listening public. This agreement with Univision underscores the FCC's focus on consumer protection and our commitment to ensuring that broadcasters play it straight with the public." Under the settlement with the FCC and the DOJ, Univision will pay $1 million to the U.S. Treasury. The FCC consent decree also requires business reforms and compliance measures, including a general ban on Univision stations and employees exchanging airplay for cash or other items of value, except under specified conditions and if they meet sponsorship identification requirements; limits on the size of gifts, tickets, and other items Univision stations and employees can accept from labels; and, the appointment of a compliance officer and regional compliance contacts who will monitor and report on Univision's performance under the settlement. Univision will also have to regularly train personnel on payola restrictions. "Broadcasters play a critical role in educating and entertaining the public and along with that special role comes some fundamental obligations," says FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Michele Ellison. "We will continue to work with other government agencies, including criminal law enforcement authorities where appropriate, leveraging all the tools at our disposal to protect consumers and prevent them from being misled."
The Department of Justice, in a separate news release says "Univision Services Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Univision Communications Inc., pleaded guilty today [July 26] to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain increased radio broadcast time, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California." According to court documents, Univision Communications formerly owned Univision Music Group, a collection of entities that produced recordings and published music for the Latin music market. Univision Services admitted that executives, employees and agents of Univision Music Group conspired to commit and did commit mail fraud from approximately 2002 to September 2006. According to court documents, the mail fraud was related to a nationwide scheme in which Univision Music Group executives, employees and agents made illegal cash payments to radio station programmers and managers in exchange for increased radio broadcast time for Univision Music Group recordings. The cash payments were made without on-air acknowledgments or payment of broadcast fees to the radio stations, as required by law. According to court documents, executives, music promoters and agents of Univision Music Group used fraudulent contract invoices and payments to obtain and conceal the nature of the cash that funded the scheme. "Illegal cash payments never make for a good business model. Listeners have a right to know if someone has paid for increased air time or promotions," says Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "The Department of Justice will continue to work cooperatively with our partners at the FCC to ensure businesses operate within established laws and regulations." Under its plea agreement, Univision Communications, which is no longer involved in the Latin music recording and publishing business, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, to pay a fine of $500,000 and to cooperate fully with the department and other law enforcement agencies in related matters. In a related administrative proceeding, Univision Radio Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of Univision Communications, has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $500,000 and implement a compliance plan to end a parallel investigation by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau.
* Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) tells FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to "abandon" his broadband plan. Dingell tells Genachowski his effort to reclassify broadband under Title II regulations should be scrapped, and that the FCC Chairman should instead wait for Congress to deal with the issue. Dingell says Genachowski's defense of his plan is insufficient. Dingell made his "suggestions" in a Wednesday (July 28) letter to Genachowski in response to the FCC Chairman's letter Monday. That was a response to Dingell's letter last week saying he had gotten no response to a letter he had sent two months ago. The key to the chain of correspondence: Dingell said Genachowski's response, or more acurately what he called the "paucity of responses" in Genachowski's letter Monday, lacked sufficient detail and confirmed Dingell's "fear" that the Chairman's so-called "third way" proposal was "bad policy" that would lead to "protracted litigation." He said of Genachowski's defense of his plan that it was based on "unsound reasoning and an incomplete record." Dingell has previously made clear that he has major problems with Genachowski's proposal.
* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski names Zac Katz as a legal adviser, with responsibility for Internet and wireline. "I am delighted that Zac will be joining my staff," says Genachowski. "His legal and policymaking experience will make him an invaluable member of my team as we move forward on critical wireline and broadband issues, including reforming the Universal Service program." Katz has been serving as Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis for the past year. He joined the FCC from the White House Counsel's Office and before that practiced law at Munger, Tolles & Olson in Los Angeles. Katz succeeds Priya Aiyar, who's been appointed deputy chief counsel for the national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Oil Drilling. Genachowski says of Aiyar, "She will be missed, but I wish her much continued success in her new position with the Oil Spill Commission. They will benefit greatly from her legal brilliance and keen judgment."
* Plaintiffs winning a defamation lawsuit end up with Montana AM station – KGEZ-AM, Kalispell. A bankruptcy court proceeding results in the successful suit initiators — Todd and Davar Gardner, who are in the recreational vehicle business — acquiring the station. KGEZ-AM had been owned by John Patrick Stokes. He was found guilty of using the station to defame the Gardners, who won a judgement of $3.8 million, which forced a bankruptcy filing. The station reportedly has been silent since September 2009. The seller, under approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana, was Trustee Richard Samson. The Gardners are buying the station under the name Flathead Broadcasting LLC. They will pay $875K for the station and associated real estate, $787,500 of which will go to Stokes creditors under an umbrella group called Boone Karlberg Profit Sharing Trust. The rest will go to cover court costs. The Gardners, whose claim against Stokes had surpassed $4M with accrued interest, agreed to waive all interest and accept a reduction to $1.5M. According to Northwest Montana's Daily Inter Lake News, they feel they are overpaying for the station, but at the same time feel they are under the gun to get it back on the air before it hits 12 months of silence and has its license deleted. They are reportedly looking at options for running it, once it is back on air. According to the newspaoer, they are open to proposals to either purchase or LMA the station.
* MMTC renews its call for relaxed foreign broadcast investment rules, saying restrictions hurt minority broadcasters.
The Minority and Media Telecommunications Council renews its call for rules allowing "socially disadvantaged businesses"
(SDBs) access to foreign investors. MMTC, in a filing with the FCC, says that not having that access to such capital remains one of the biggest stumbling blocks keeping SDBs out of broadcast ownership. MMTC notes that Azteca International Corporation had argued for a 51% foreign investment cap with accompanying conditions, including one requiring that a foreign-backed station would have to program to an underserved audience. While expressing general agreement with Azteca’s comments, MMTC notes it sought only a 49% cap, and thought that a programming clause was unnecessary since most SDBs would be broadcasting just such programming without one, and that it would be difficult to define the type of programming. MMTC expresses disappointment that the FCC previously rejected a proposal to an increase with no specific explanation.
* Triton Digital ramps up social media presence as it partners with Janrain for its Engage service. Triton Digital will integrate Janrain’s Engage service into their technology platform. Triton Digital will also become an authorized reseller of Engage. Triton Digital says that as social media is becoming increasingly important to the radio sector, it plans to integrate Janrain Engage’s authentication and social publishing capabilities into the Loyalty Program of its technology platform that also includes a CMS, ad serving, and e-commerce components. "Our ability to quickly authenticate users and allow them to share activities and content from a client website back to their social graph has made Janrain Engage a natural fit for all types of media companies," said Janrain CEO Brian Kissel. "Radio stations are no exception. People want to be able to share comments or events from a station’s Website with their friends and our partnership with Triton Digital means we’re now enabling that for millions of listeners nationwide."
* Crystal Cardenas is named Director of Marketing and Promotion for CBS Radio Phoenix, as of August 9. Cardenas arrives from franchising company Kahala, where she was most recently Director of Marketing. "The radio industry is an exciting change of pace for me," saya Cardenas, who reports to CBS Phoenix SVP and Market Manager Tim Pohlman. "I'm looking forward to joining forces with the rest of the team in such a highly innovative and collaborative environment." The three CBS Radio Phoenix stations are Country KMLE, Classic Hits KOOL and Rhythmic KZON.
* Julie Anderson is promoted to SVP Content and Integration at Tribune Interactive. Anderson will oversee both the representation team, which provides strategic assistance to the company's business units as they formulate their digital growth plans and implement new products in their markets, and the market services group, which provides training and support for Tribune Interactive's platforms and products. Anderson will also assist in the continued development of the company's newsrooms. She was most recently VP of Content & Integration. "Expanding Julie's role was a result of her continued success in building more intriguing content for the company's interactive sites and increasing our audience," says Tribune Interactive president Marc Chase. Anderson has also served at Tribune as VP of New Markets and Director of Local Market Operations. She began with Tribune at the Orlando Sentinel, serving as VP and Director of Marketing and Interactive, and VP and Director of Multimedia. "I have had many leadership roles at Tribune, and none more interesting and challenging than the job that lies ahead — deepening the relationships we have with our digital consumers," says Anderson. "We have huge opportunities right now, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."
* Keith Dakin joins Cox Media Group Stamford-Norwalk, CT, as Operations Manager. Dakin will be OM for WSTC-AM, WNLK-AM, "95.9 The Fox" WFOX-FM and "96.7 The Coast" WCTZ-FM. "Keith is a strategic thinker that brings high energy and a genuine interest in sales and marketing to the position," says Market Manager Robin Faller. "We're excited to welcome him to the Cox Media Group Connecticut Family." Dakin spent the last seven years at WFNX-FM, Boston, as Program Director. Before that he worked for Cox Media Group's Alternative WDYL-FM, Richmond, VA, as Music Director.
* Michael Solari segues from Program Director to Promotion Director at KSJO-FM, and sister KFOX-FM, San Jose. Solari had been PD of Alternative "Channel 92.3" KSJO. Previously, Solari spent five years handing promotion at crosstown Classic Rock "107.7 The Bone" KSAN-FM, where he also served as PD. Clear Channel San Jose Station Manager Justin Wittmayer is overseeing KSJO's programming while the search is on for a new on-air/PD combo.
* Alan Burns and Associates: AC music preferences break at age 40. Burns releases more data from the study "Here She Comes: Insights Into Women, Radio, and New Media." This week, the spotlight shifts to a "Deep Dive into AC." Burns suggests that AC listeners under and over 40 years of age have significantly different music preferences. "The over/under line in AC is now Age 40. That's the dividing line between listeners who prefer heritage AC artists and those who are into the newer artists. For AC women, the top artist with 30-39-year-olds is Pink; with 40-49s it's the Eagles. Lady Gaga makes the top five list for Hot AC fans, but with Mainstream P1s the most contemporary artist in the top five is Carrie Underwood." Earlier Burns told us that female AC listeners are more bonded to radio, and less impacted by new media. "AC listeners have a harder time imagining life without radio than do women 15-54 in general," says Burns. "AC’s audience contains fewer early adopters, thus the format has so far been less impacted by iPods, streaming music, and song downloading. Only one in every six AC fans has ever downloaded an app to her cell phone. This means AC has been a little more insulated from new media’s effects. Not immune, but less sensitive, so there’s been less loss to digital media to date. Nonetheless, two-thirds of AC women are likely to be using Internet-only music streams within next year or two."
Burns notes that even within AC, there are large technological differences between the youngest and oldest listeners.
Alan Burns and Associates interviewed over 2,000 female listeners to Top 40 and AC, and is releasing the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars presented by DMR.
* Arbitron will reissue the Fall 2009 Watertown, NY, metro diary ratings, discarding two diaries. The ratings company explains the diaries “were returned from a household whose participation in the survey was disclosed to a media-affiliated individual.” The diaries, which were in-tab for Fall 2009, will not be included in the in-tab sample scheduled for release on August 4, when Arbitron's Radio Report is re-issued. Also, a revised Spring 2009 report will be issued excluding the diaries. Arbitron says that following the re-release, numbers for CHR-Top40 "The Border 106.7" WBDR-FM could be "substantially affected in some demographics and dayparts." Estimates for stations that received limited amounts of listening in the diaries may also be affected, while estimates for stations that were not recorded in the deleted diaries may be slightly affected.
* Radio One says it has concluded it's necessary to restate the company's financial statements. In an SEC filing, Radio One says the company's management and Board of Directors Audit Committee determined that it needs to restate the company's consolidated financial statements for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for each quarterly financial reporting period from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. The restatements will not affect previously reported net income or earnings per share. "The restatement is solely the result of an error of measurement and classification of a noncontrolling interest in Reach Media, as presented on the consolidated balance sheet and on the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity," says the company in an SEC Form 8-K. "The effects of this error overstated consolidated stockholders' equity and understated mezzanine equity at the end of each reporting period by equal amounts. The adjustment will not affect any previously reported financial results in the consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows for the company, and, hence, will not affect previously reported net income or earnings per share." As part of Radio One's acquisition of a controlling 51% ownership interest in Reach Media in 2005, the non-controlling shareholders of Reach Media were granted the right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares. In its previously filed consolidated financial statements, the company classified the non-controlling interests as a component of permanent equity. Because the non-controlling interests in Reach Media will become redeemable on February 28, 2012, the company must elect to subsequently measure the non-controlling interest to its expected redemption value.
* Clear Channel talkers Armstrong and Getty catch another talk show stealing taped calls from their show. The KSTE-AM, Sacramento, and KNEW-AM, San Francisco, talk duo told listeners Wednesday (July 28) that "alert listener David" caught Doug Stephan's syndicated "Good Day" show using calls about the salary controversy in Bell, CA, that sounded suspiciously like calls to Armstrong and Getty's show. A&G say that Stephan's show was "using clips of our own and passing them off as their own." They also said that the segments appeared to have been trimmed from the show's podcast version, but they had obtained an unedited version. They played the clips late in the show's 6am hour, comparing the calls to calls aired on their show the previous Friday and finding them identical. "It's a 'Good Day' for plagiarism," joked Getty. Later in the show, A&G got Stephan on the show, who opened with "I got my hands up, I'm under arrest, you got me." Stephan said that "exactly what you said happened was what happened," explaining that the calls were taken inadvertently from clips taken from his "Talk Radio Countdown" show. Armstrong and Getty say that's not an acceptable explanation. "Don't BS a BSer," Getty told Stephan, who then apologized. The hosts accepted the apology, but later said on-air "that was not an apology" and it did not explain why the calls were not only "borrowed" but the names of the callers were deliberately changed.
* Frost and Sullivan: Internet – with online radio – will be in five million cars in North America by 2015.
According to analysts Frost and Sullivan, “Brought-in apps such as Internet radio are the latest developments in the automotive apps and services market. There is a gradual shift in the United States and Europe from embedded telematics to hybrid connected telematics in terms of allowing features to run from a smartphone inside the car. Within this hybrid connected space, vehicle manufacturers have enough traction to allow Internet radio apps to run inside the car from the smartphone and control it using vehicle Human Machine Interface (HMI).” Says Frost & Sullivan’s Global Program Manager Praveen Chandrasekar, "Gen-Y’ers and technology usage trends in the United States and Europe are driving the use of mobile Internet on new generation smartphones and downloading apps from sites like Apple is becoming increasingly popular. By using safe HMI to allow smartphones to be accessed inside the cabin, vehicle manufacturers are creating a superior brand image since consumers can continue to savour their digital experience inside the car.” In the United States and Europe, Gen Y will continue to account for at least a quarter of the total population until 2030, but in South Asia, Gen Y will likely represent over 40% of the population by 2030, reports Sirius Buzz. "This market is not without its challenges though, with connectivity and driver distraction being the main problems. On the one hand, vehicle manufacturers are looking to offer connectivity and services using consumers’ voice and data connection. On the other hand, telecom operators are objecting to this model and want vehicle manufacturers to put an additional security identity module (SIM) card with a dedicated voice and data plan to power services inside the car.”
* A judge rules against disgruntled Emmis shareholders who sought to put the brakes on the Emmis go-private plan. One week to the day after this case was heard in court, Marion County Indiana Superior Court Judge Robyn Moberly denied a preliminary injunction sought by the Emmis shareholders, July 27. They had sought a temporary restraining order to block the buyout, as we reported last week. The group wants the August 3 deadline for shareholders to accept a buyout offer delayed. That has now been denied. Of course this is only one of a number of legal challenges to the buyout plan put forth by Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition. The judge in this challenge found the plaintiffs "failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of any of the claims." He said that in order to succeed on a motion for Preliminary Injunction, the plaintiff(s) must show a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits. They didn't. He also ruled that the plaintiffs' alleged disclosure deficiencies — information that shareholders would need to properly evaluate the transaction — "are, based upon the evidence before the court for the preliminary injunction hearing, either not accurate, were disclosed, or is not information that a reasonable investor would consider in deciding how to vote."
Last week, Carl Stein, a lawyer at New York-based Wolf Popper LLP said, "We're not arguing the price. What we're saying is that people should have the right to make a fully informed decision on whether they like the price." Stein claimed Emmis board members breached their fiduciary responsibility by not revealing key details to shareholders, such as company debt covenants due in August 2011 which are unlikely to be satisfied by a sale. Citing testimony from board members, Stein argued that the sale of the company is the only option to avoid bankruptcy since it is more than $340 million in debt. In his July 27 ruling, the judge said that there is no probative evidence that insolvency or bankruptcy was likely unless the proposed transaction is consummated, or otherwise. Plus, ruled Moberly, there's no evidence that Emmis faces an imminent threat of bankruptcy whether or not the proposed transaction is completed. Smulyan's JS Acquisition, with backing from Alden Global Capital, is paying $2.40 for each share, or a 12% premium over the closing price of $2.14 on May 26. The Emmis Board of Directors unanimously approved the go-private buyout plan.
* WLW-AM, Cincinnati, afternoon talk host Bill Cunningham gets his TV show with Tribune Broadcasting. "The Bill Cunningham Show" is officially announced by Tribune, to air for an hour daily on Tribune’s TV stations – including those in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia – beginning September 2011. It will originate in Chicago. Tribune says it also negotiating for other affiliates in markets where it does not have television stations. Cunningham will continue his radio shows, for WLW and Premiere Radio Networks, while hosting the new TV show, and may at times originate his radio show from Chicago. "I am proud to be an integral part of Tribune's new original daytime programming initiative," says Cunningham. "Chicago soon will be vacant of all existing daytime talk. I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of the great broadcasters that filled the hallways and studios at WGN-TV's Bradley Place in Chicago, once home to 'The Phil Donahue Show." Tribune Broadcasting Programming President Sean Compton tells us, "Bill's show represents a great opportunity for Tribune to get back into original programming production. After a successful test launch we felt The Bill Cunningham Show was a strong complement to the existing programs on our television stations."
* Curtis Media Group names Alex McTighe as Group National Sales Manager, effective August 9. In his new role, McTighe will be responsible for the company's national billing in both the Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro-Winston Salem markets. He joins Curtis Media from McGavren Guild Media where he was an account executive in the firm's Los Angeles and New York offices. "I am very excited to begin the next chapter in my radio career with Curtis Media, a true leader in the radio industry," says McTighe. "Curtis Media's commitment to a local product in this age of consolidation was instrumental in my decision to join the company." Group SVP and Director of Sales Adam Maisano adds, "We've worked closely with Alex on a number of key accounts over his six years with McGavren Guild. It was important to me that we find someone who was exceptionally creative, could function at our rapid pace and wasn't intimidated by the high bar of performance in our national sales area. Alex fits that bill perfectly." McTighe replaces Cameron Poston, who after five years was recruited to join NBC Television Sales in New York. Prior to joining McGavren Guild, McTighe was a local sales rep for Spanish Broadcasting System's WPAT-FM, New York, and a business development sales associate at Clear Channel Radio Sales.
* Darby Cooperman joins McGavren Guild Media as an account executive in the company's Los Angeles office. Cooperman's previous stints include both national and local radio sales in Los Angeles and Dallas, as well as success in print, digital, mobile and out-of-home. Says Los Angeles Director of Sales Michael Projansky, "We are thrilled to add Darby to our team in LA. We have had an eye on her for some time, as we feel she is one of the best reps in our city. Feedback from her clients and customers is that she is top-notch and we know she will be a major contributor to our team immediately." President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar adds, "Darby is a great hire for McGavren Guild in L.A. She has a great reputation and excellent relationships, plus a nicely varied background. We're confident that she will step right in and help elevate our team to higher levels. We know that our clients will be impressed as Darby starts to handle their business."
* American Urban Radio Networks adds "The Doug Banks Show" to its program lineup. The program, featuring Doug Banks, DeDe McGuire and comedian Rudy Rush, is one of the longest running Urban syndicated program, airing afternoons from 3-7pm. AURN will now distribute, sell and market Banks' show after more than twelve years with ABC Radio, now Citadel Media. "We are thrilled to be working with Doug Banks and to be able to offer stations across the country this music driven afternoon drive show that showcases the wonderfully talented Banks and his team" says President of Program Operations and Affiliations Jerry Lopes. "It's great, entertaining radio and they're not afraid to tackle the issues of the day through their popular Adult Conversation segment. Doug, DeDe and Rudy offer the perfect mix to conversations ranging from romance to finance." Banks adds, "We're delighted to now be part of the AURN family and look forward to growing our listener base. One thing I can promise, no one will work any harder than DeDe, Rudy and I in bringing more fun and excitement to afternoons in urban adult radio. Along the way we hope to educate our listeners by shining a spotlight on the critical issues impacting the African American community."
* Cumulus adds an FM Translator in the Kansas City Market in a deal with Calvary Chapel of Kansas City. Horizon Christian Fellowship of San Diego agrees to sell an FM construction permit along with two translators to Calvary Chapel of Kansas City for a reported $150,000. Following the closing of that deal comes a sale of one of the translators — 102.5 in Bonner Springs, KS — to Cumulus Media Partners. Cumulus plans to rebroadcast the soon-to-launch HD2 format of KCMO-FM on the translator. The deal also calls for Calvary's religious programming to air on the HD3 multicast channel of Classic Rock "101.1 The Fox" KCFX-FM. Calvary is also buying a translator in Lees Summit, KS. The construction permit is for KYLF-FM, Freeman, MO.
* KXBT-FM, Austin Program Director Jeff Wolf is upped to Operations Manager for Border Media Partners Austin. Wolf, the PD of "98.9 The Big Talker" KXBT-FM, adds oversight of Sports "104.9 The Horn" KTXX-FM, True Oldies KXXS-FM, "1530 ESPN" KZNX-AM, and Spanish Sports "1260 ESPN Deportes" KWNX-AM. Previously, Wolf was PD of Talk WINK-AM, Fort Myers. He began his radio career at WINK News Radio as a weekend board op in late 2003 while still in high school. In 2005 he became a full time enployee, producing the morning show. In October 2008 he was promoted to Program Director.
* Sammy Simpson exits as Director of Integrated Marketing for CBS Radio in New York. Simpson joined the group in 2009 after five years with Bonneville's Triple-A "100.3 The Sound" KSWD-FM, Los Angeles, as Director of Marketing. Simpson also served as Bonneville's National Director of Promotions.
* Denver’s new Sports Talk station – the market's fourth – debuts as "87.7 The Ticket." It had been thought "The Ticket" would be on Front Range Sports' new acquisition KCUV-FM at 102.3. A couple of weeks ago, Front Range began an LMA with Syncom Media Group to program the audio signal of KXDP-LP, analog TV Channel 6 (87.7 Mhz). Front Range launched a Spanish-language station on 87.7 featuring ESPN Deportes. Now, that signal moves to 102.3, and the new "Ticket" launches on 87.7 under Program Director Tim Spence. "The Ticket" features local TV sportscaster Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller in mornings. The lineup: Tony D (5-7am), Vic and Gary Show (7-9am), Chad and PW (9am-noon), CJ and Joel (12-3pm) Les, JoJo and Gman (3-7pm) and Nate Kreckman (7-10pm). "We're excited to be Denver's Sports Station," says General Manager Tom Manoogian. "With four pro teams and four division one universities, Denver deserves a live and local sports station and we are here to provide it." Spence adds, "87.7 The Ticket is 'Denver guys...talking Denver sports... to Denver Sports fans' in the best sports city in America."
* "Sports Radio 1260 AM" WNDE, Indianapolis, adds "The Zakk and Jack Show" for mornings with national syndication.
Operations Manager Buzz Casey says "The Zakk and Jack Morning Show" kicked off Monday morning (July 26). Dominic Zaccagnini (aka “Zakk Tyler”) had been a drive time radio personality in Chicago and Atlanta as well as an NFL game day host for the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons. Zakk was the co-creator and managing editor for WXIN-TV "Fox 59" News IndySportsNation.com before joining WNDE. Jack Trudeau was the Quarterback for the University of Illinois where he led the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl in 1984, then was drafted in the 2nd Round by the Indianapolis Colts in 1986. Jack played eight years with the Colts before finishing his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers. "The Zakk and Jack Show" is being produced in Indianapolis and syndicated nationally by the Fox Sports Radio Network.
* The independent examiner finds evidence of "dishonesty" in the deal that took Tribune Co. private in 2007. The court-ordered examination report of the leveraged buyout that put Sam Zell in control of Tribune Co. says that the examiner found evidence of "dishonesty and lack of candor" in the 2007 deal, and that the buyout "rendered insolvent and without adequate capital" the media giant. Examiner Kenneth Klee says Tribune was not forthright in getting an opinion about the company's solvency, and that management "did not adequately discharge their duties" in preparing financial projections, but mentioned no names. Klee was asked to look into whether Zell's $8.2 billion takeover of Tribune left the company so loaded with debt that it was insolvent. This report could cause problems for Tribune's Chapter 11 proceedings, which date back to a December 2008 filing. According to Reuters, Klee said he had found evidence indicating that Tribune's senior financial management did not apprise the company's board and special committee of relevant information underlying their October 2007 projections upon which independent financial advisory firm Valuation Research Corp relied in giving a solvency opinion. Klee did not find credible evidence against large stockholders, the lead banks, financial advisers, or the Zell Group. Regarding the $3.6 billion in debt Tribune took on as part of the buyout, Klee wrote, "It is somewhat likely that a court would conclude that the Step Two Transactions constituted intentional fraudulent transfers and fraudulently incurred obligation." He also said, however, that other aspects of the projections don't support a conclusion that Tribune senior management acted in bad faith. Tribune, headed by CEO Randy Michaels, owns WGN-AM, Chicago, television stations, and newspapers.
* Entravision Communications closes on its previously announced $400 million offering. That's $400 million in 8.75% senior secured first lien notes due 2017, sold to investors at 98.7% of par. Entravision also announces it has entered into the previously announced new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million. Proceeds from the note offering will be used for, among other things, repaying Entravision's syndicated bank credit facility in full, and for general corporate purposes. The new facility will fund working capital for the company.
* The controversial campaign finance DISCLOSE Act falls short in the Senate, fails to get votes to avoid a filibuster. The DISCLOSE Act failed to get past its first step in the Senate Tuesday (Juy 27), with insufficient votes for cloture to prevent a Republican filibuster. The bill, a response to the Citizens United case ruling that invalidated restrictions on corporate and union campaign expenditures, would impose strict disclosure rules on corporations and some interest groups, but exempted many unions and special interest groups. It also added a provision requiring businesses and groups to state their geographic locations in political ads, but exempted shorter radio ads from the requirement after an amendment was added. The House earlier passed its own version of the bill.
* Harker Research: "Did Radio Leave $7 Billion on the Table?" If you accept the conclusions of Harker Research, the answer is "yes." In a report at their Radio InSights, Harker writes: "Seven Billion more dollars.That’s what we estimate radio stations in the top 50 markets could add to their billing if radio used Nielsen numbers rather than Arbitron PPM numbers. We came up with the estimate after Nielsen released a summary of listening in the 51 markets they survey." The report agrees that "PPM cume estimates are minimally higher than in either Arbitron’s or Nielsen’s diary," but, it adds, "considerably lower in more important measures." An example cited: "PPM estimates that TSL in PPM markets is a little under 12 hours. In markets still measured by diary, TSL is about seventeen and a half hours, almost 50% higher. Nielsen using their own sticker diary estimates TSL at nearly 23 hours a week, nearly twice Arbitron’s PPM TSL." As most broadcasters are well aware, "The most important measure from a sales standpoint is AQH [average quarter hour] rating, and here Arbitron’s PPM estimate is nearly 30% lower than its own diary estimates, and 45% lower than Nielsen’s." The report tells us: "Arbitron admits that PPM estimates are lower, which is why it created the misguided 70 is the new 100 sales campaign aimed at media buyers. Their goal was to convince media buyers that they could buy only 70 rating points in a PPM market with the confidence that they were really getting 100 rating points." Harker Research however calls it "Arbitron’s Fuzzy Math" saying that was previously noted "back in September when we first wrote about it." The current report adds, "Asking media buyers to pay more for less struck us as a little optimistic and maybe even naive." And says Harker, "No official word from Arbitron on how the campaign is going, but word from our clients in PPM markets is that media buyers don’t buy it. Lower PPM ratings means media buyers demand lower rates."
"It stands to reason. Media buyers are not going to pay more for less. In a soft economy, most media buyers are going to try to pay less for more.A radio station switching from diary ratings to PPM who walks in with an AQH rating 30% lower than before is going to get beat up," says Harker Research. "Either the buyer will pay less for the same number of points, or get 30% more spots than she got before. In either case, PPM has cost the station, either in cash or units." Returning to the comparison of Nielsen diary estimates versus Arbitron PPM, the InSight asks: "What would happen if it turned out that Arbitron’s PPM estimates were wrong? What if radio was actually a 16.5 AQH rating medium that Nielsen says it is rather than the 9.1 AQH rating medium that Arbitron says it is? Media buyers would have to pay higher rates, or get fewer spots. In either case, radio wins. Radio wins financially, but equally importantly, it wins psychologically. Lower PPM numbers portray a medium in trouble. The uninformed and those who have a financial interest in perpetuating the myth that radio is in decline can point to Arbitron’s lower PPM estimates and use them to beat radio up." [More »]
* AFTRA is urging support for Michigan legislation that would ban non-compete clauses in broadcasters' contracts. Two bills introduced in the Michigan legislature would prohibit the non-compete clauses, and AFTRA's Detroit chapter is urging its members to call their representatives to support the efforts. A bill sponsored by State Representative Fred Miller and co-sponsored by 20 other legislators is making its way through the House. The bill, HB 5750, has been referred to the state House Judiciary Committee, chaired by one of the bill's co-sponsors, Rep. Mark Meadows. Another bill, SB 1068, sponsored by state Senator Raymond Basham, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism.
Michigan is one of the states in which non-compete clauses are currently enforceable.
* Memphis authorities charge a sales rep for noncommercial Jazz “U92” WUMR with defrauding the station owner and underwriters. Richard Wrighten, 51, is charged with theft of property and services for defrauding a potential underwriter and the station of money and products worth $1,174. "The Jazz Lover" is the noncommercial station of the University of Memphis. Wrighten allegedly approached the CEO of Omololu International, a company that makes shea butter and soap products, about purchasing underwriting airtime on two occasions in May. According to the Memphis Police Department affidavit, Wrighten sold $350 of underwriter announcements to the company in May, asking the CEO to write the check directly to him. Two days later, Wrighten returned and offered $800 of announcements for $800 worth of Omololu products. Wrighten cashed the $350 check, the CEO told police, and took the products, but the company did not receive its underwriting spots. The station's manager told police that he had granted Omololu $1,200 of airtime because it had paid Wrighten for the services. The case, initially handled by university police, was linked to Memphis Police work when the university detective discovered Wrighten was a suspect in three fraud cases being investigated by Memphis PD. Police said Wrighten had previously used multiple social security numbers and dates of birth. Wrighten is in jail on $30,000 bond pending trial this week.
* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 “Hot 99.5” WIHT-FM, Washington DC: Just bleep the bleepin' promo! “Hot 99.5” got some people hot using the Gulf Coast oil spill to promote a summer contest — win an "amazing five-night cruise to Bermuda" where "the only oil you'll have to worry about is the tanning kind." The heat got hotter when Fox News decided the contest was news. Then several online publications reported on Fox News reports, making things even hotter for "Hot 99.5." Now, "Hot" cools it — and bleeps it. It's now a "Bleep-Free Cruise" that can be won by a lucky listener. Earlier WIHT Promotions Director Kim Sauer told Fox News in an email, "[It] is being taken by our listeners in the spirit in which it was intended – as a joke and nothing more." But Florida Governor Charlie Gris called the promotional spot "unfortunate," saying it spreads "misinformation" and "reinforces the widely believed idea that oil is everywhere." Imagined reax from a certain "Hot" on-air talent: "This whole thing got really bleeped-up."
* CBS Radio's "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM, Detroit, extends broadcast agreements with the Tigers and Red Wings. A news release announces the extensions but terms and length of the agreements were not announced – only that both deals are "multi-year" extensions. "97.1 The Ticket" is simulcast on WXYT-AM 1270. WXYT has been the flagship for the Red Wings since the 2000-01 season and for the Tigers since 2001. Under the new agreement, WXYT-AM-FM will continue to broadcast pre-season, regular-season and post-season games. "Tigers baseball on the radio has long been a tradition for generations of families and a fabric of our community, and we're pleased to continue the tradition with 97.1 The Ticket," says Tigers SVP of Business Operations Duane McLean. Wings SVP of Business Affairs Steve Violette tells us, "Red Wings fans have anxiously followed their team on radio since Foster Hewitt's first national broadcast in 1933. We're proud to celebrate our first 10 years of partnership with 97.1 The Ticket by extending their term as the radio flagship of the Detroit Red Wings."
* Citadel Hot AC "Mix 92.3" WDVW-FM, New Orleans, flips to "Rock 92.3" with new calls WRKN-FM. The entire "Mix" air staff is out with the change. Early first listeners describe the new "Rock 92.3" as "walking the line between Alternative and Active Rock." The station, with a new splash page, is online at the former format's url, www.mix923neworleans.com. Citadel apparently considers the new "Rock 92.3" to be a gap-filler in the market after Clear Channel’s recent flip of “Rock of New Orleans” KYRK, into a “next-generation" Classic Rock station. The now former "Mix" station previously was Rhythmic AC "Diva 92.3" WDVW-FM from 2004-2008 when it flipped from WCKW. In 2008, the station switched to the Hot AC "Mix" format which featured Ryan Seacrest's syndicated show in afternoons.
* Ethan Weiss is the new Director of Affiliate Relations for Envision Radio Networks. Weiss will oversee the company's sales division along with handlling affiliate relations management. He spent the last 13 years working at Dun & Bradstreet. Previously, he was Music Librarian and Assistant Producer at MJI Broadcasting, morning show producer at WCOL-FM, Columbus, and afternoon producer at WTVN-AM, Columbus. "We are thrilled to welcome Ethan Weiss to our team as Envision's Director of Affiliate Relations," says Envision Radio COO Laura Orkin. "Ethan's background in sales management as well as radio experience is a perfect match for our growing company. His enthusiasm and work ethic has set a new standard for our sales culture." Weiss tells us that Envision President and CEO Danno Wolkoff "has been a mentor to me since I started at MJI in 1992. From the day I started working outside of radio I aspired to get the experience I would need to come back. To be able to not only come back to radio but be able to land with Danno, Laura, and the entire Envision Radio Networks team to lead Affiliate Relations is a definite privilege and the completion of a long-time goal."
* Mediabase promotes Nancy Deitemeyer to EVP Operations and Alissa Pollack to EVP Integrated Music Marketing.
Deitemeyer, one of the founding partners, has lead Mediabase operations for 25 years and oversees the inner workings of the monitoring service. Pollack has more than 14 years of service with Mediabase, working for the sales team.
Says President and CEO Philippe Generali, "We have worked with both Nancy and Alissa for a couple of years now and I am quite impressed by their day-to-day focus on details. Alissa Pollack knows more people in the record business than anyone. And without Nancy at the helm of our ship, we would certainly not be able to deliver the amazing services to our clients and friends. Our hats are off for both of our new EVPs here at Mediabase."
* NextMedia names Patrick Pendergast as General Manager of its Joliet and Aurora, IL, clusters. "After a long search, Patrick was the best candidate. He is a perfect fit for our Joliet-Aurora operation," says Chicago Regional VP Floyd Evans. Pendergast adds, "I'm flattered and honored to join a great organization and looking forward to the opportunities ahead." Most recently, Pendergast was Market Manager for Midwest Communications, Sheboygan, MI. The NextMedia Joliet-Aurora stations include Hot AC WSSR-FM, Classic Hits WERV-FM, Country WCCQ-FM, Classic Rock WRXQ-FM and News-Talk WJOL-AM.
* Jack Johnson joins the National Focus division of Focus 360 as Midwest Regional Manager. Johnson will be based in Detroit and will also oversee Chicago and the state of Ohio. Johnson previously was a Senior Account Execitove at Citadel Media Detroit and a Senior Marketing Manager for Westwood One. He's also served as Director of Group Sales for Greater Media Detroit. "Jack Johnson has had a long and tremendously successful and varied career in radio," says Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown. "He is a great addition to our team and is the ideal person to provide exemplary client service and lead business growth in the Midwest.
* Citadel Media signs with mSnap to provide mobile marketing capabilities to stations on a barter basis. The Denver-based mSnap already provides a text messaging service to Citadel Broadcasting stations and will now offer the same services to other stations under the new marketing and sales deal with Citadel Media. "The barter program presents stations the opportunity to use mSnap's industry-leading technology to boost ratings and increase connectivity with listeners," says Citadel Media President John Rosso. "Additionally, station sales departments will be able to utilize these capabilities to create a source of new revenue." mSnap also includes among its clients Clear Channel, CBS, Entercom, Cumulus, Saga, and Beasley. "Our goal has always been to make our mobile solutions available to all local media companies," says mSnap President Martin Kristiseter. "We currently work with more than 750 broadcasters, and we've worked very hard to help grow their brands, audiences, and revenues. We're proud of the progress we've made so far and believe our relationship with Citadel Media will greatly expand our radio footprint."
* Program Director and morning host Bill Gardner exits trimulcaster "Jill 92.7" KJLL/KHJL/KAJL, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Gardner leaves the Amaturo Group trimulcaster after only four months. Gardner says he will be returning to his home in Las Vegas. Owner and President Joe Amaturo says, "Bill Gardner is a real gentleman, and the consummate pro. He and I have done many projects together, and hopefully we still have one or two more to go." The three "Jill FM" stations all are on 92.7 from Fountain Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Adelanto. The station airs a gold-based Hot AC format voice-tracked by a Canadian actress as "Jill." Previously, Gardner was an on-air host at Classic Rock KMZQ-AM, Las Vegas. Before that, Gardner spent nine years in mornings at Oldies/Classic Hits KOOL-FM, Phoenix.
* Michael Castello is named VP and General Manager of Principle Broadcasting Network's WLIE-AM, Long Island. Most recently, Castello was VP of Syndication Advertising Sales for American Latino Syndication-LATV Networks. Prior to that, he was VP of Hispanic Radio for MediaAmerica En Espanol. He's also served as Director of Affiliate Relations, and then Managing Director of Talk for United Stations Radio Network. WLIE, licensed to Islip, airs brokered ethnic programs.
* Former Nielsen BDSradio General Manager Catriona Mcginn joins Media Monitors as Sales Executive. At Media Monitors, Mcginn will oversee new business development and opportunities across advertising mediums. At Nielsen BDSradio she oversaw product development, marketing and national ad sales. "I'm very excited to be joining the Media Monitors team in this newly created position," says McGinn. "The sheer volume, accuracy and timeliness of our advertising intelligence is invaluable to any company. I look forward to exposing new industries to the power of Media Monitors." Media Monitors President and CEO Philippe Generali tells us, "Catriona's sales and market development experience, impressive track record and enthusiasm will serve her well at Media Monitors."
* Envision Radio begins Virtual Weather Reports, a new remote weather service for radio with local forecasts. The service features forecasts by meteorologist and 30-year radio vet "Big" John Wetherbee, and includes 24/7 forecasts and severe weather coverage provided on a barter basis. "Virtual Weather Reports is customized and formatted for each radio station," says Envision Radio President and CEO Danno Wolkoff. "Big John delivers weather reports that your listeners want on a daily basis with the entire nuance and references that affiliate's need to be local. Radio stations will reduce their costs with VWR while increasing advertising and sponsorship sales for each weather report."
Adds Wetherbee, "There is a clear need to localize radio platforms with updated weather information. Danno and Envision Radio Networks see that need and the immediate monetary opportunity for radio. Plus, with Envision's super-structure already in place with such an incredible team, my Virtual Weather Reports can do even more."
* Clear Channel "Hallelujah 1600" KATZ-AM, St. Louis, adds programming to reach a younger audience. Gospel music will remain the central programming, but with the addition of two new hosts — Dwight Stone in afternoons and CoCo Brother Live in evenings. Both will also have special weekend shows. "We took a long look at the ways that we could provide a better experience for our listeners," says Program Director Darrel Eason. "This new on-air line-up featuring Dwight Stone and CoCo Brother Live are exciting additions to Yolanda Adams in the morning, Donnie McClurkin, Al MacDonald, The Freeman Bosley Jr. Show and numerous local church programs that we offer."
* The lawsuit pitting Houston-based rapper Trae Tha Truth against Radio One's "97.9 The Box" is dropped. Fox 26 Houston reports the rapper dropped the lawsuit, filed in May, that claimed Radio One prevented him from making a living with an alleged ban on the rapper and his music. Trae has previously claimed the ban began at "97.9 The Box" KBXX, Houston, and then was spread by Radio One company-wide. Trae — real name Frazier Thompson — claimed he was banned after a morning show member alleged he'd caused violence at a public festival he'd sponsored. Thompson then released a mixtape that included a "humorous" reference to the female morning show member's weight.
When Trae filed his suit, the legal team for Radio One filed a countersuit to even the legal battle. Both sides have now "simply agreed to drop their lawsuits" without explanation. Warren Fitzgerald, attorney for Trae tha Truth, confirms to Fox 26 News that "both sides agreed to walk away from the legal battle, but there was no settlement of record." Fitzgerald says there are a lot of positive things that Trae tha Truth can do and that he and the rapper will refocus their efforts. He did not say specifically why both sides decided to walk away from the fight.
* Proposed political ad disclosures for federal candidates could see some relief for radio spots. The new disclosures are so lengthy, they'd make shorter radio spots impossible — with the disclosure eating up half of a 30-second commercial for a candidate for federal office. Now Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has introduced a revised bill that would exempt any shorter-length radio spot. TV ads would still be required to include the information on screen, but because of the time needed to voice the long disclaimers, radio would be exempted. The changes were made in hopes of attracting some Republican support for the bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act.
Meanwhile, the ACLU is urging the Senate to vote down the DISCLOSE Act in its entirety. "The ACLU supports the disclosure of large contributions to candidates as long as it does not have a chilling effect on political participation, but the DISCLOSE Act would inflict unnecessary damage to free speech rights and does not include the proper safeguards to protect Americans' privacy," says ACLU Chief Legislative and Policy Counsel Michael Macleod-Ball. "The bill would severely impact donor anonymity, especially those donors who give to smaller and more controversial organizations."
* There's another lawsuit over Jeff Smulyan's plan to take Emmis Communications private. New York securities law firm Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP says it has begun a class action suit in a New York federal court on behalf of Emmis shareholders against Emmis and certain of its officers and directors. The firm says the proposed merger is "the product of an unfair sales process" that would buy the stock at "an unfair price." CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquistion has proposed to pay $2.40 per share for common stock. The suit also claims the plan as announced would deprive holders of Emmis preferred stock of their right to elect two directors. The securities law firm also contends that Emmis filed a "materially false and misleading" preliminary proxy statement in May, and in June filed a Schedule 14D-9 with "several material misrepresentations and omissions," then attempted to "remedy the misleading nature" of the filings with two more preliminary filings that also, the law firm says, omit or misrepresent information necessary for Emmis shareholders to make an informed decision.
* Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays to employees: "We’re Hot!" Mays says of the company's sales teams, "They're hot, just like our media, and they're getting hotter." In an email — titled "We’re Hot!" — to Clear Channel employees, Mays writes: “That may be an understatement given the blistering weather searing the country this past week. But it is the best way to describe the mind sets of our sales teams as they focus on the important work of growing market share in our divisions and across our platforms. They’re hot – just like our media – and they’re getting hotter. Whether you look at radio or outdoor, we know that consumers spend a higher portion of their time engaged with our platforms than the share of budgets that advertisers traditionally invest in our inventory. Television for years has grabbed way more than its share (about half of all ad dollars each week go to network, cable, and local TV), while consumers spend just over one third of their time watching the tube. At Clear Channel, we’re in the trenches working on changing that equation and grabbing a higher percentage of the advertising pie." Mays also writes that "CCR is using innovative content and platforms to deepen and make more visible the engagement radio creates with listeners." And he tells Clear Channel employees: "Our selling fire has been on prominent display in New York these past two weeks, as John Partilla and our Global Media Sales team has partnered with sales and marketing execs across CCR and CCO to take our messages to the heart of the advertising universe, presenting to top agencies and making the case for our platforms."
"CCR is using innovative content and platforms to deepen and make more visible the engagement radio creates with listeners. Like the exciting content we create at our P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York, and the Artist Personal Experience (A.P.E.) stations on iheartradio that pull listeners into closer relationships with their favorite performers. And investing in research to demonstrate that our 850+ stations connect with 62 million daily listeners, and that our 90 nationally-syndicated personalities are heard by 190 million a week. We can even show that iPod and satellite radio users listen to more broadcast radio than non-users. CCO is in the market building on the out-of-home industry’s new research methodology, Eyes On, that for the first time hands media planners a tool to integrate outdoor advertising into the buying programs they use to dole out dollars across media. It gives us a seat at the main table as ad budgets are carved up and gives us the information we need to rebalance calculations that put only 5% of all ad dollars into outdoor – even though the average consumer spends 25% of their time exposed to outdoor advertising. Combining research with the creative flexibility and immediacy of digital display enables CCO to sell more effectively against rival media.
"Our selling fire has been on prominent display in New York these past two weeks, as John Partilla and our Global Media Sales team has partnered with sales and marketing execs across CCR and CCO to take our messages to the heart of the advertising universe, presenting to top agencies and making the case for our platforms. We’ve invaded the Upfront Selling Season with a first-ever Upfront roadshow, telling Clear Channel’s story directly to the people who control ad spending.
That sets the stage for a further sales push when the advertising world gathers in New York for Advertising Week in September, and we’ll have more in the pipeline in October, when Clear Channel is a leading sponsor of the biggest annual event for Chief Marketing Officers, the ANA Masters of Marketing Conference in Orlando. Summer Doldrums? Not at Clear Channel. Thanks for all you do to help fan the flames of our continued success.”
* Canada's Corus Entertainment makes changes to its radio, television and corporate management teams. The reorganization is intended to streamline decision-making and clarify roles and mandates, according to the company. Under the leadership of EVP and interim President of Radio Hal Blackadar, the Radio division is adopting a new organizational structure that includes: Cheryl Bechtel, VP and Controller with a mandate that includes responsibility for oversight of finances, reporting, budgeting and maintaining internal controls for Corus Radio. Dave Farough, VP Brands and Programming with overall responsibility for programming, brand and format decisions including setting standards for programming excellence, and oversight of the on-air talent pool in Ontario and Western Canada. Jack Hoeppner, National Director of Engineering with oversight of all radio engineering matters and radio frequency optimization. David Huszar, VP and General Manager, Interactive and Emerging Platforms with responsibility for interactive content at Corus Radio and delivery of content on emerging platforms.
For Corus' Western Radio properties, Garth Buchko is named General Manager, Corus Radio Winnipeg; Neil Cunningham is Director of Sales, Corus Radio, Western Canada; Garry McKenzie is General Manager, Corus Radio Vancouver; and Doug Rutherford is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio Alberta. In Ontario, Suzanne Carpenter is named VP and General Manager, Corus Radio, Eastern Ontario as well as VP and General Manager, CHEX-TV and CKWS-TV. Victor Giacomelli is Director of Sales, Corus Radio, Ontario; JJ Johnston is General Manager, Corus Radio Cornwall, Kingston and Peterborough; Chris Pandoff is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio Toronto and Hamilton; Chris Sisam is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio, South Western Ontario; and Lars Wunsche is General Sales Manager, Corus Radio Toronto. In Quebec, Mario Cecchini is Regional VP, Corus Quebec. "With these strong leadership teams in place, coupled with our new, state-of-the art technological infrastructure in Toronto, we are well positioned to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace," stated Corus President and CEO John Cassaday. "By streamlining the decision making in our Television, Radio and Corporate divisions and implementing better work flows, we will be able to compete more efficiently and service our customers and our audiences more effectively."
* The FCC is defending its right to change ownership rules in the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Commission's General Counsel files a brief with the court which FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says defends "the Commission's authority to make the changes to our media ownership rules that the Commission adopted in 2008." The 2008 FCC rules change partially loosened the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban. That revision allowed combinations in the largest markets, and established a process for waiver requests in smaller markets. The revision, however, has been on hold during court challenges. The FCC late last year asked the court to keep the stay in place saying the FCC's makeup has changed, and because the 2010 ownership review was set to begin. Genachowski says in his statement on the new court filing: "While the rules being challenged were adopted before I became Chairman, I support our General Counsel in arguing that the order was within the discretion of the Commission and the brief’s general defense of the Commission's authority to make decisions based on the information before it at the time." He also notes that the FCC is now in the midst of the 2010 ownership review which "requires us to look at any changed facts in the marketplace based on a record which the Commission is now assembling, while ensuring that our rules promote the lasting public interest goals of competition, localism, and diversity. Our 2010 quadrennial review will focus on these values, in the interest of an informed citizenry and vibrant media marketplace."
* Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell says the Commission's "fleeting expletives" policy was a mistake. In an Opinion page article for The New York Times, Powell writes: "When Bono used profane language on television, my staff ruled that it was not indecent, and a political firestorm ensued. The Federal Communications Commission reversed the decision and crafted a new policy that fleeting expletives could be indecent. I joined that decision with reservations; worried the commission might become the arbiter of every bawdy word, unrestrained by context or other guiding principle. After leaving the FCC, the commission issued an indecency order that revealed the unguided and subjective nature of its policy and the resulting chill on speech. The fleeting expletive policy was a mistake." Powell adds, "Light years ago, the Supreme Court held broadcast content could be more aggressively regulated because it was a scarce resource that held a 'uniquely pervasive presence in the lives of all Americans.' Broadcasting then was a scarce medium without rival — a time before UHF, cable, satellite, or the Internet. If the case for lesser speech protection for broadcasting was ever sound, that case is eviscerated today by the sheer abundance and accessibility of other media sources, which enjoy full constitutional protection. We cannot have one First Amendment for broadcasting and another one for every other medium. This vestige of a bygone era provides fertile ground for mischief — culture wars, political agenda and moral mandates. It’s high time for the high court to bring our laws into the 21st century."
* Congressman wants an answer from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on broadband "third way." Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, wants an answer from Genachowski by the close of business Monday (July 26) to Dingell's May 27 letter seeking more information on Genachowski's so-called "third way" approach to clarifying the FCC's regulatory authority over Internet access service. That involves applying some Title II common carrier regulations. Dingell, the former chairman of the House committee, says in a recent
follow-up letter to Genachowski that he wanted to express his "great frustration" that the chairman hadn't responded and was "apparently unwilling to respond" to that letter. Dingell said answers to the questions posed in his initial letter would be "invaluable in informing the debate." He also reminded Genachowski that Congress is the FCC's boss — the House and Senate "are the sole progenitors of the Commission's authorities."
* More from Alan Burns and Associates: CHR-Top40 listeners want to know "what music's popular." The latest release of data from Alan Burns and Associates study of female radio listeners shows "knowing what music's popular" and entertaining personalities have overtaken "finding my favorite song" as the key attributes of CHR-Top40 Radio. The results also show that respondents distinguish between "entertaining talk" and "useless deejay chatter," and that distinction drives much of the behavior that is observed in PPM ratings. "CHR listeners can and do easily find their favorite song immediately on their iPod or other digital device, but CHR’s unique advantage is providing fun and helping listeners plug into shared experiences and tastes," says CEO Alan Burns. "And a station that does those things better than others, wins. Make no mistake – playing the top songs is as important as ever for CHR, but doing that alone is not going to be enough to succeed in the new world." Other findings from the CHR presentation "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media" include: CHR’s five most-liked artists are, in order: Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Rihanna and Usher; Ke$ha is CHR’s hottest new artist, almost reaching the top tier of most-liked artists this early in her career; Hip Hop has slid to 4th in popularity for CHR listeners but it still drives Rhythmic CHR listening; CHR P1s say they are more likely to tune out “a song I don’t like” (71%) than “a song I’m tired of” (48%); Top needs in a morning show for CHR listeners are “play a lot of music” (66%) and “make me laugh” (58%). The difference between “entertaining talk” and “useless talk” is key for holding listeners’ interest and getting repeat listening, says the study. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Webinars. Next week's Webinar will focus on AC.
* Former WPOS-FM, Toledo, General Manager Richard Waldron is sentenced to four years of community control (probation). WPOS is a Christian station operated by nonprofit organization Maumee Valley Broadcasting Association. Waldron, 63, pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated theft for stealing $24,000 from the Christian station. He had been charged with grand theft, forgery, tampering with records and tampering with evidence. Waldron was convicted of using company checks and a credit card for personal use as well as writing checks to himself and paying himself more for health insurance than he was entitled. As part of his community control, Waldron was ordered to serve 90 days in work release, perform 200 hours of community service, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. He was alsko ordered to pay $17,645 in restitution to WPOS.
* The WQED Multimedia Pittsburgh Board of Directors names Deborah Acklin as its first female President. She will oversee two radio stations, three TV channels, digital outlets, and other initiatives. She's been serving as EVP and COO. Acklin, who assumes her new duties September 23, succeeds George Miles Jr, who served for 16 years. "Deborah Acklin has served WQED with loyalty, dignity, passion and dedication since she first came here in 1996," says Richard Stover, Chair of the WQED Board of Directors. "We are firmly committed to continued strong leadership and sustainability, and there is no one more qualified to assume this role at WQED than Deborah Acklin." The board was unanimous in its support of Acklin, he said. "I'm very humbled by this," says Acklin, a Pittsburgh native whose career in television includes producing coverage of the first Pittsburgh Marathon in 1985 for KDKA-TV. She also was instrumental in creating and launching the National Geographic cable channel. Acklin began an internship at KDKA-TV in 1996 while a student at Duquesne University. Acklin joined WQED as an executive producer and later became SVP Production and Technology. WQED operates Classical radio stations WQED, Pittsburgh, and WQEJ, Johnstown.
* Tennessee Association of Broadcasters CEO Whit Adamson praises radio's response during the severe flooding.
Adamson says his members are “proud” of the job they did earlier this year during Tennessee flooding. He told a Senate hearing Thursday (July 23) that broadcasters are “proven, reliable tools” during a disaster. He also lobbied to have FM receivers mandated for inclusion in cellphones. Adamson spoke at a hearing held by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. "Broadcasters are proven, reliable tools in the face of disaster," Adamson said. He noted broadcasters' participation in the voluntary EAS system and the AMBER Alert program. "Participation in the EAS is technically voluntary, yet virtually all radio and television stations participate, and do so proudly." Regarding broadcasters' response to the floods earlier this year, Adamson said, "We are proud of the actions of our broadcasters before and after the flooding in Tennessee." Whitman also directed attention to a TAB project with the Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean's office to improve local EAS implementation, saying: "The ongoing reliability and success of the EAS network depends on several important developments. First, funding would help support expanded training of local public safety officials in how to use EAS." Adamson said local authorities' expertise in EAS is at an "unacceptable level," and said FEMA could both distribute funding and design a training and education program. Adamson also said that FM receivers in cellphones would "give consumers important, mobile access to radio services, including EAS messages." He added, "Broadcasters are grateful for the encouragement we have received from Congress in favor of expanding mobile access to radio service."
* Terry Sisisky, 58, the longtime radio voice of the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams, dies of cancer. Affectionately known to fans as the "T-Man," Sisisky died Thursday night (July 22), reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Sisisky had been diagnosed with cancer in April, shortly after doing television broadcasts of the Virginia High School League state championship basketball games. "He was just a great person, a hard-working individual," said Robert Fish, a friend of Sisisky's and a longtime Richmond area broadcaster. "You always knew what you were going to get from Terry: the best. It's a sad day for Richmond broadcasting that we lost a guy like Terry." His wife, Sandy, said a funeral service will be held Sunday in Richmond. "He loved doing sports," she said. "That was his favorite thing to do. He loved high school just as much as college." Sisisky broadcast youth-league games, high school games, college games and professional games in the area. He called his first VCU game Nov. 28, 1980. His tenure with the Rams spanned six coaches, eight NCAA tournament berths and four NIT appearances. "Terry was an institution at VCU for three decades," says VCU Athletic Director Norwood Teague. "Nobody worked harder for this university than he did. He will be sorely missed. We send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family." Sisisky retired from VCU in 2008 after 840 basketball games and 28 years. He missed only three Rams games. He became almost legendary for a streak during which he called 567 consecutive games. Sisisky finally missed his first game to attend a nephew's bar mitzvah in 1999. "He was pretty proud of that," Fish said. "All you've got to do is walk in that press room [at the Siegel Center, which is named for Sisisky], and see that picture and article [about the streak]. He was high-fiving fans like he was Cal Ripken."
* Christian AC "88.3 The Wind" KWND-FM, Springfield, MO, Station Manager Ben Birdsong collapses and dies. A well known voice to Christian radio listeners in the Ozarks is silent, following the sudden and unexpected death of Birdsong, who was also heard on-air at the not-for-profit Radio Training Network station. He came to Springfield in the mid 1990s to get the station back on the air, and for a time he was the morning show host. A former coworker says Birdsong was playing tennis when he collapsed and died. Funeral arrangements are pending. KWND has posted an "In memory..." announcement on its Website that reads, "Our 88.3 The Wind family mourns the loss of station manager, Ben Birdsong. Well-wishes and updates are on these Facebook pages here and here.
By family request, donations can be made to 88.3 The Wind or Hope Community Church Missions."
* Noncommercial Pacifica Foundation Variety KPFK, Los Angeles considers revamping its programming. The station "is taking a hard look at afternoon, evening and weekend programming," according to the Orange County Register, citing "an internal memo targeting shows that are 'under-performing'" in afternoons, evening and weekends. The Register says the memo is from interim Program Director Alan Minsky. It tells programmers they need to look for ways to increase audience size and raise money in fund drives. No shows are named, but programs possibly in jeopardy, says the Register, may include "The Car Show," "Folk Scene," "Uncle Ruthie," and "The Music Never Stops."
* Christiane Amanpour will conduct a newsmaker interview during the Radio Luncheon at the 2010 Radio Show. This year's Radio Show is being jointly produced by the RAB and NAB. Amanpour is the incoming anchor of ABC News' "This Week with Christiane Amanpour." She will conduct the newsmaker interview in an intimate Q&A session set for Friday, October 1. "This Week with Christiane Amanpour" premieres on Sunday August, 1, when it will also begin broadcasting on ABC News Radio. Amanpour previously was CNN's Chief International Correspondent.
* Daniel Tisch's TowerView increases its stake in Saga Communications stock from 13.86% to 18.5%. That's according to an SEC filing. TowerView now owns 676,400 shares of Saga stock. TowerView also holds stock in Fisher Communications, Emmis, Cox, and other broadcast entities. Daniel Tisch is the son of former CBS CEO Lawrence Tisch.
* Entravision Communications prices its previously announced note offering.
Entravision prices its previously announced offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior secured first lien notes due 2017 at 98.722% of par. The offering is expected to be completed on or about July 27. Entravision will use the proceeds of the note offering for, among other things, paying off outstanding debt under its existing syndicated bank credit facility. Entravision also plans to enter into a new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million.
* Alternative WEQX-FM, Albany, NY, promotes Amber Miller to Program Director, effective immediately. Miller replaces Willobee who exited in March. Miller has been Music Director and midday host since May 2007, joining from "G105" WDCG-FM, Raleigh. Previously, Miller was a producer and on-air contributor for "The Rocky Allen Show" at WDVD-FM, Detroit. "Amber's dedication, hard work and leadership qualities are greatly appreciated by the owners and staff of WEQX," says WEQX VP and GM Mimi Brown. Miller adds, "I'm beyond thrilled to officially step into the position after three-plus years with this rare and beautiful oasis of a radio station."
* Debut Broadcasting reports record second quarter revenues of $1.36 million, up 29% from Q2 2009. Debut Broadcasting, a station owner and content syndicator, reports operating income of $145,758, compared to an operating loss of $53,727 in the same period a year earlier. Second quarter net income was $85,043, compared to a net loss of $127,827 a year earlier. "Our restructuring efforts implemented in February of this year are beginning to show positive results," says Debut Chairman and CEO Ronald Heineman. "Our record second-quarter revenue along with continued rigor on cost management resulted in much improved results." Heineman adds that advertisers are returning to radio ad spending. "While we remain cautious with the overall business climate, customers have begun revisiting their advertising budgets resulting in some increases in the syndicated advertising sales division. Now that our restructuring plan has been implemented, we are strategically evaluating opportunities to grow top line revenue. Our dedicated team of associates are very experienced and are key to establishing the platform for future growth. We look forward to reporting future progress."
* Tribune Interactive promotes Jeff Kapugi to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Kapugi, who joined Tribune Interactive in 2008, most recently served as SVP of Representation. In his new role as COO, he will be responsible for all aspects of the operations of the company’s publishing, broadcasting and interactive Websites. "Jeff is an important player on our leadership team and an essential part of our future," says Tribune Interactive President Marc Chase. "He’s been driving change efforts for the last two years, churning the pot and keeping us focused on operating effectively and efficiently." Says Kapugi, "We have an incredible opportunity to take the media industry to the next level and I’m excited to help make it happen. My focus will be on implementing innovative efficiencies while maintaining a strong sense of organization." Kapugi replaces Nick Cory, who Chase says is being freed for other responsibilities. "Over "the last six months, Nick has been serving double-duty for the company, leading operations for Tribune Interactive and devoting additional time to the reorganization of certain back-office functions for the company. Now he can devote all of his energy to that project."
* Jeffrey Thacker is promoted to the newly created position Digital Director for Emmis New York. He will oversee digital for the Websites of Rhythmic WQHT (www.hot97.com), Urban WRKS (www.997kissfm.com), and Rock WRXP (www.1019rxp.com); and will work on design, metrics, and content for all three Emmis New York stations .
Thacker joined Emmis in 2005 as Interactive Brand Manager for the former Smooth Jazz "CD 101.9." He oversaw the building of WRXP's online brand when the station flipped in 2008. In an email to the staff, Emmis New York Senior Director of Promotions and Digital Media Donyshia Benjamin says, "The last six months have been a journey for the digital department. Emmis New York went from three, two, then one Webmaster (with a strong part-time team) and during the digital restructuring Jeff rose to the occasion and embraced the design and content duties of all three Emmis New York Web brands." Thacker is now given the title that matches the duties he's assumed.
* Listener Driven Radio appoints Gregory Hunt as VP of Affiliate Relations. Listener Driven Radio provides interactive programming tools for broadcasters. Hunt formerly was a digital solutions specialist with Triton Digital Media. He has also held various roles in programming and promotions at Clear Channel Radio in Rochester, NY, and Dalton Media in Charlotte. Says Hunt, "Listener Driven Radio has tremendous momentum, and their commitment for a superior product is clear. I am enthusiastic about joining LDR. It's a company with visionary leaders in Daniel Anstandig, Mike McVay, Lee Zapis, and an unparalleled R & D team. They understand radio, and they get how technology can make it even better." LDR President Daniel Anstandig adds, "Greg has a history of success and creativity in working with broadcasters to reach new accomplishments in the interactive space. We are excited about the experience and energy he brings and are honored to have him join the LDR team." Hunt replaces Lee Cornell who was recently appointed Group Program Director of Canada's Toronto-based Evanov Radio Group.
* "New York Football Live" returns for the 2010 season on "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM. New York, July 26. The series will air weeknights 7-9pm, hosted by Bonnie Bernstein and Greg Buttle. The program is a New York centered look at the NFL season, featuring in-depth coverage of the Jets and Giants, as well as daily recaps from around the NFL. The program will also feature ESPN network and local talent. Reporter Larry Hardesty and ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini will report live from Jets training camp in Cortland, New York, and cover Gang Green throughout the season. ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk will report in the same capacity for the Giants, beginning with live coverage from training camp in Albany. A weekend edition of the program will air Sundays 12-2pm with Buttle and Don La Greca.
* Arbitron reports second quarter revenue of $88.3 million, up 1.8% from $86.8 million for Q2 2009. EBITDA was up 6.4% to $12.9 million from $12.2 million in the year ago period. Arbitron's costs and expenses increased 2.1% in the second quarter to $87.7 million from $85.9 million, mostly due to the ongoing PPM rollout, and the company saw a onetime expense of about $1.5 million in the quarter due to the previously reported realignment of the executive staff. Net income for the second quarter was $3.8 million (14 cents per diluted share), compared to $3.5 million (13 cents) a year earlier. "In the second quarter, the radio advertising marketplace continued to improve," says Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr. "As the ad economy brightens, we continue to work with customers to help the radio industry take better advantage of the rebound in advertising dollars. Our efforts in the second quarter also yielded significant progress towards our near-term and longer-term goals." Kerr says of Arbitron's priorities for the rest of the year: "We will work toward the completion of the commercialization of the PPM ratings service. We will continue our programs that are designed to improve key sample quality metrics for our PPM and diary services and further develop our cross-platform measurement capabilities."
* Arbitron's resolution of the dispute with the PPM Coalition was the major achievement of 2010's second quarter. During the Wednesday (July 21) second-quarter conference call, Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr said that resolving the long-running dispute with the PPM Coalition over PPM's potential effects on minority radio was "an important achievement for us." He said the agreement helps the ratings company "to refocus resources from across the company on matters of importance to our core customers." That includes sample quality enhancements, service improvements, and new cross-platform services that will "help fuel our long-term growth." Kerr said he and CFO Sean Creamer have been actively engaged with Arbitron's customer base. "One important desire we are hearing about consistently is the need to work directly with them to promote the radio industry. So beyond enhancing the Arbitron services that radio stations rely on to grow sales and build audiences, we are looking to become an advocate for radio and to increase the medium's profile in the advertising buy-and-sell process. Our goal is to help our core customers prosper, and, as a result, we hope, so will Arbitron."
* Journal Communications' radio revenue was up 3.5% in the second quarter – to $17.7 million from $17.1 million. TV revenue increased 7.5% to $47 million. Journal's publishing segment was down 4.1% to $47.4 million, mainly due to lower advertising revenue. Journal Communications overall reports revenue from continuing operations up slightly at 0.1%, to $104.4 million, year-over-year. Journal reports operating earnings of $14.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $9.5 million for last year's second quarter. The Q2 2009 figure included a $19 million impairment charge for Journal's broadcast licenses. Net earnings are reported at $8.1 million (14 cents per basic and diluted share), compared to last year's net loss of $4.8 million (11 cents). "Improving revenue trends combined with permanent cost-reduction initiatives taken over the last year led to another quarter during which we increased our operating earnings and our operating margin from the prior year," says Journal Chairman and CEO Steve Smith. "We also reduced our debt during the quarter by another $16.9 million. While the economic recovery seems to be somewhat uneven across the country, we were encouraged by the operating results for the quarter at most of our local markets, including Sun Belt markets like Nevada and Florida."
* Disgruntled Emmis shareholders go to court in effort to put the brakes on the go-private plan of CEO Jeff Smulyan. The Emmis shareholders went to court seeking a temporary restraining order to block the buyout, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal. The group wants the August 3 deadline for shareholders to accept a buyout offer delayed. A ruling from the court is expected soon. "We're not arguing the price," says Carl Stein, a lawyer at New York-based Wolf Popper LLP. "What we're saying is that people should have the right to make a fully informed decision on whether they like the price." Stein claims Emmis board members breached their fiduciary responsibility by not revealing key details to shareholders, such as company debt covenants due in August 2011 which are unlikely to be satisfied by a sale. Citing testimony from board members, Stein argued that the sale of the company is the only option to avoid bankruptcy since it is more than $340 million in debt. Smulyan's JS Acquisition is paying $2.40 for each share, or a 12% premium over the closing price of $2.14 on May 26. The Emmis Board of Directors unanimously approved the go-private buyout plan.
* Clear Channel Radio is donating two more stations to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. The two additional stations, with four previously announced, bring to six the stations Clear Channel is donating to the MMTC. The newly announced stations are Sports KFXN-AM, Minneapolis, and Oldies WTOC-AM, Newton, NJ. Clear Channel is donating the stations through the MMTC-Clear Channel Ownership Diversity Initiative, a program to provide new ownership and training opportunities to women, minorities, and other underserved groups.
Also announced today (July 20), two of the stations donated earlier have been awarded to new minority operators. WNYF-AM, North Augusta, SC, is awarded to Shannon Renee deMedicis of Medici Media; WHJA-AM, Laurel, MS, goes to Jeffrey Hedgemon of Full Spectrum Broadcasting. "Shannon and Jeffrey have demonstrated exceptional work and decades of experience in media and broadcasting," says MMTC Executive Director David Honig. "We're confident that, with the resources provided by Clear Channel Radio and MMTC's cooperation with the NAB Education Foundation, we can further support Shannon and Jeffrey so that they can provide a meaningful resource for news and entertainment to their communities. We're excited to continue our work with Clear Channel to progress diversity in broadcasting." Renee deMedicis is a 25-year industry veteran who's worked in radio sales for Billboard and for several local stations in Georgia, and operated WNRR-AM, Augusta, under an LMA. Hedgemon has 40 years in broadcasting and has worked on-air and in programming, production, sales, and management. The MMTC is working with Renee deMedicis and Hedgemon, who will operate the stations under LMAs pending financing and final diligence.
* Radio shows year-to-year stability, according to analysis of key listening metrics in Nielsen's Spring 2010 ratings.
The analysis was based on the ratings which measured radio listening in March and April among 115,672 consumers representing a population of 14 million in 51 U.S. markets. Nielsen say it is the most inclusive sample available to date of its radio measurement marketplace. Data for the reach, ratings, and time spent listening (TSL) in Nielsen's latest survey are consistent with the findings from just one year ago. Listeners ages 25 to 54 continue to thrive as the "sweet spot" for radio, while consumers in cellphone only households continue to listen at a higher rate than the 12+ population. Listening by persons age 18 to 34 also remains consistent in the comparison. "The remarkable consistency of Nielsen's spring 2010 surveys indicates that there's no bounce from last year's results," says Nielsen Director of Global Radio Measurement Lorraine Hadfield. "Nielsen's address-based sampling method — which captures all listeners regardless of whether they have a landline phone, cellphone only, or no phone at all — ensures that our ratings are based on the most reliable representation of the population in the 51 local radio metros."
* Arbitron begins its promised in-person recruitment for PPM. During Arbitron’s monthly conference call for PPM clients, company officials said that Arbitron this month began in-person recruitment. The move was agreed to as part of its settlement of issues with the PPM Coalition and approved by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY). Arbitron Director of PPM Research Beth Webb says the program has started in Dade County and Miami, Dallas, and the Bronx and Brooklyn. Black and Hispanic sections of the three markets are the focus of the current in-person recruitment. Arbitron will study how the in-person recruitment works there before expanding the program to broader areas of those markets and then into other markets. The plan is to implement in-person recruiting in all PPM markets next year. Webb says Arbitron will be "tweaking the process" and assessing the results of the first three months and then, pending the results of the assessment, will roll out the in-person and address-based recruiting to the high-density Black and Hispanic areas in the top 25 markets over the rest of the year. In 2011, the new approach is set to begin in all PPM markets, and ultimately "all of PPM will have some component of in-person recruitment," says Webb.
* CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth cluster SVP and General Manager David Henry exits to join Splash Media. He joins the Internet marketing and video production company as Partner and President. "I am very grateful for my 18 years with CBS Radio in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex," says Henry. "It is been a challenging and highly rewarding experience and one that I will certainly cherish. Splash Media L.P. presents such a unique opportunity to participate in and provide direct leadership to a company that is extremely prepared and well positioned to provide technology solutions and related services to the world of Internet Sales and Marketing." Says Splash Media Co-Founder and Principal Chris Kraft, "We are extremely excited and optimistic about David joining the Splash Media family as our new President dedicated to the vision of becoming the preeminent full service social media and internet marketing firm in the U.S. David's hiring will certainly expedite our progress toward this goal. His experience at CBS Radio properties, specifically over the past five years to Internet Radio and related digital asset management, is very valuable. We also look forward to extending and expanding our direct relationship with CBS Radio through David and his network of highly talented CBS staff and former colleagues."
* An agreement is reached on severance owed former KSFO-AM, San Francisco, morning host Lee Rodgers. Citadel's San Francisco Radio Assets LLC and AFTRA agree on a "Stipulation and Order Agreement," under which Rodgers receives almost $238,000 for damages arising from his termination and failure of KSFO to abide by the terms of his 2007 contract. The stipulation is that Rodgers (Darrell Hicks) "shall have an allowed general unsecured claim in the amount of $237,932.69 for damages arising from rejection of the (Personal Services Agreement)" and is "free to seek and accept employment." The stipulation will be heard by Judge Burton Lifland in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on August 2.
* Bob Uecker returns to the broadcast booth July 23 during the Milwaukee Brewers' home series. Uecker took a leave of absence at the end of April for heart surgery. The Hall of Fame broadcaster will be back on the air on WTMJ-AM Milwaukee, for the home series against the Nationals, according to the Brewers. The legendary baseball announcer and sportscaster underwent surgery at Froedtert and The Medical College of Wisconsin. Uecker's surgery went smoothly, according to Dr. Alfred Nicolosi who performed the operation. Uecker's return will be within the projected 10-12 week recovery timeframe, says MLB.com. Also Friday, Uecker will hold a news conference at Miller Park to further discuss the details of his return to the booth. The Brewers host Washington Friday night.
* SNL Kagan forecasts overall digital radio advertising revenues will double by 2015.
That includes Internet, mobile and interactive. According to SNL Kagan, overall digital ad revenues, while growing quickly, are still a small percentage of total radio revenues. Streaming and mobile applications, however, are considered essential for radio broadcasters future growth. SNL Kagan hosted a Webinar Thursday (July 21) to discuss "The Future of Online Radio Revenue." The panel included SNL Kagan Senior Analyst Justin Nelson, moderator; SNL Kagan Associate Director Robin Flynn, co-moderator; CBS Radio National Digital Sales VP Adam Goldman; Pandora Director of Audio Sales Les Hollander; and Katz 360 Sales VP and Manager Tom Perry. SNL Kagan also says Pandora and other Internet radio providers are breaking new ground, offering profitability without a heavy capital structure model, despite streaming music fees. Terrestrial radio operators are still trying to get streaming mobile technology business models off the ground. But they need to note that iPods and smart phones with unlimited music choices threaten the traditional radio listener base. Mobile, though. is seen as one of radio’s greatest digital opportunities for generating non-traditional revenue.
* Alan Burns and Associates: Top 40 Radio needs to expose more new music. The latest release of data from Alan Burns and Associates study of female radio listeners shows that radio needs to look for more ways to satisfy Top 40 listeners’ demand for more new music. "Fifty-nine percent of the CHR cume says new music is very important to them, and radio is still their number one avenue for discovery of new music and new artists," says CEO Alan Burns. "The format needs to find ways to satisfy that appetite without becoming unfamiliar. And 15-24s are reporting a lot of music fatigue." The study also shows that the most-liked artist currently in Top 40 is Lady Gaga. "She's the #1 artist with all women right now," says Burns. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Webinars.
* Oaktree Capital Management seeks to combine GAP Broadcasting with the new Townsquare Media. TPMedia has now confirmed much of what has been reported elsewhere. However, reports that Townsquare Media — formed from Regent Communications when Regent emerged from Chapter 11 — was seeking a merger with GAP Broadcasting and GAP West may have misled some. Oaktree Capital, which controls both Townsquare and GAP, is attempting to create one new broadcasting company that would own 170 stations in 36 markets. Although the deal is not yet finalized, paperwork has been filed with the FCC to transfer GAP Broadcasting and GAP West stations to Townsquare, under the leadership of CEO Steven Price. Despite the FCC filing, discussions are ongoing and no final documentation has been signed to merge the former Regent and GAP. GAP President George Laughlin and GAP West President Erik Hellum will "have senior roles with the company going forward," says Price. If specifics on what is ongoing were slow in being published, we have confirmed that none had been intended to be published at this time. However, word leaked out, and various reports began emerging — several of them adding new details sequentially. Townsquare employees were told about the possible merger in an email, but were told not to answer inquiries. The media covering media were supposed to await an official announcement once something was finalized, which has yet to happen. However, we are told by a highly reliable source that a news release could be forthcoming "within two weeks."
* Emmis wins appeals court ruling on the loss of its Hungarian Slager Radio license, but still doesn't get it back. A Hungarian appeals court in Budapest upholds a lower court ruling in favor of Emmis Communications that Hungarian radio regulator ORTT, which gave Emmis' license to another operator did so without due cause in a move that was politically connected to the ruling party. The appeals court also agreed the frequency should be given back to the former licensee. However, enforcement of the Hungarian court rulings is not assured. FM1 took over Slager Radio's frequency for its Neo FM. Emmis has indicated it intends to continue the fight to get the license back and return Slager to the air in Hungary.
* Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters owner Saul Levine tells the FCC to just say no to Clear Channel expansion plan. Levine files a comment with the Commission, and tells them: “Mere words alone cannot describe the disaster that will destroy what is left of the Broadcast Industry if Clear Channel is given the opportunity to carry out what it seeks from the FCC. America will not be the same and it will not be a better place.” As previously reported, Clear Channel proposed that a single owner be allowed to hold up to a dozen licenses in a single large market. "The terrestrial radio broadcast industry is in dire need of an economic jumpstart," wrote Clear Channel, in comments filed with the FCC's ownership proceedings. "Easing the local radio ownership limits, at least in the largest markets, will recapture investors’ interest in radio broadcast companies. It will also stimulate the long-dormant market for radio station transactions."
* Saga Communications CEO Ed Christian is at odds with Bruce Reese on his "Let's make a deal for PRA" position.
"I do believe that Bruce Reese speaks for Bonneville and not necessarily for the radio industry," says Christian in a memo currently being circulated. As we previously reported, Reese, Bonneville's CEO said, "the odds are stacked against us" on the Performance Rights Act, at the Conclave Learning Conference in Minneapolis, last week. Reese warned that Congress really wants "to do something for the artists." Reese added: "I would love to cut a deal" that would trade a royalty for certainty in the amount to be paid. Said Reese, "I can't tell you how badly the odds are stacked against us." Christian, who also chairs the Radio Music License Committee — currently locked in litigation with ASCAP and BMI over their music licensing fee schedules for radio stations — says he disagrees with Reese. "'Congress really wants to do something for artists' is indeed puzzling," says Christian in his memo. "If that were the case why are roughly half of the proposed monies being directed to the music companies? If there is such an overwhelming concern for the artists..... If Congress cares so much...do it right and send them 100%." Christian, thoroughly refuting the position espoused by Reese, concludes: "Where is the line in the sand? Next, will we have royalties for the club DJ's who say 'I should be compensated because of my skills and abilities to mix and blend music'." The full memo is available here from TPMedia.
* The NAB announces the finalists for the 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The awards honor radio stations and on-air personalities for excellence in broadcasting. The winners will be announced on September 30 at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held during the 2010 Radio Show at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC. The finalists in 21 categories are led by those for "Legendary Station" — KBCO-FM, Denver; KSHE-FM, St. Louis; KSL-AM, Salt Lake City; WBZ-AM, Boston; and, WTOP-FM, Washington DC. The full listing of all finalists in all categories is available here from the NAB Website.
* MIW says the nomination process is open for their second annual Achievement in Programming Award. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group explains the award is designed to encourage the advancement of women in radio programming and to reward and recognize those who have achieved success in the field. The winner will be recognized at the 2010 Fall Radio Show in Washington DC. To enter, women must be at the Program Director level or higher (for example, Regional Program Director, Vice President of Programming) to be considered. Candidates must be currently active in the field, and primarily responsible for programming a radio station, group, or individual or group of programs. Candidates should also have at least five years' experience in programming. Candidates or those nominating candidates for the award must complete and submit the entry form at www.radiomiw.com. Anyone who would like to submit a recommendation of a potential candidate is encouraged to do so by August 6.
* Cumulus "Talk Radio 570" KLIF-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth, names Paul Duckworth as Program Director. The veteran News-Talk programmer fills the position left vacant by the death of Steve Nicholl in May. Previously, Duckworth programmed Citadel's News-Talk WMAL-AM, Washington DC, from late 2005 until May 2010. Prior to that, his programming resume includes stops at KPAM-AM, Portland, and KVI-AM and KOMO-AM, Seattle.
* Timeless Cool expands it's affiliate efforts with the appointment of three new regional directors. Joining Timeless Cool are Bill Kreutz, Dennis Soapes and Rob Magaziner working under Manager of Affiliate Operations Scott Gilreath. Kreutz, whp most recently served as Senior Affiliate Sales Manager for Dial-Global's 24-7 Digital Formats, will oversee the Midwest region, which is the same region he worked for three years for Unistar/Westwood One before being appointed VP Affiliate Sales. Soapes brings over 20 years of format syndication experience with both Broadcast Programming and Jones Radio Networks to his Western region. Magaziner, who spent over 20 years in Affiliate and Business Operations management at Westwood One, Unistar, United Stations and Dow Jones, will work the Eastern region. Gilreath tells us, "The new team brings extensive format syndication experience and credibility to our efforts, as well as a familiarity and history with their regions. With our focus on providing affiliates with a quality product designed to grow both ratings and revenue and provide the best customer service and support in programming syndication."
* Glenn Beck says he's been diagnosed with macular distrophy, a disease that could cost him his vision. The syndicated talk show host, in telling fans of his diagnosis, turned his situation into an opportunity to criticize President Obama’s health care reform plan. He told the 6,000 people in the audience, “I went to the best doctor I could find, while I could still go to the best doctor I can find.” Beck says he went to the doctor a few weeks ago, after losing the ability to focus his eyes. He told fans the doctor was unable to give Beck a firm prognosis as to exactly how much worse his vision will become, or when.
* Former syndicated "Follow the Money" host Pat Kiley files a lawsuit against two Minneapolis newspapers. Kiley, who was targeted by the SEC after promoting investment opportunities that turned out to be fraudulent, has
filed suit against the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press, and his former co-host Bob Chapman, in Minneapolis' U.S. District Court. In his suit, according to the Business Journal, Kiley says he was unaware that former money manager Trevor Cook's currency trading scheme was a fraud while promoting it on his show. Cook admitted running a $190 million Ponzi scheme in April and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Kiley, who was not been indicted, said he, like his listeners, was conned by Cook. Kiley is accusing the media of defaming him after the SEC named him as a Cook co-defendant in a civil action. In its complaint, the SEC said Cook and Kiley sold the unregistered investments through shell companies. Kiley is asking for the Star Tribune to pay damages of $6 million, the Pioneer Press $3 million and his former co-host $10 million. The suit also names several specific reporters for the two newspapers and Cook associates. Altogether, Kiley is seeking $42 million.
