Law Firm 'Investigates' HD Radio
New Jersey personal injury law firm Keefe Bartels says it is investigating HD Radio in cars "and whether consumers are being forced to purchase technology that does not work as claimed." Among the complaints the law firm cites: an "echo sound" when a station switches between HD and analog and "insufficient numbers of HD Radio stations."
NYMRAD Hosts 'Rated R' For Radio
New York Market Radio will host the "Rated R" event in Times Square on September 28, during Ad Week. The event will feature keynoter Sir Richard Branson and Westwood One personality Dennis Miller, and the aim is to educate advertisers and show them that radio is not a "dirty little word."
Mediator Appointed In Tribune Bankruptcy
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross has been appointed a mediator in the long-running Tribune Co. bankruptcy proceedings. Tribune CEO Randy Michaels said, "We welcome Judge Gross' participation in the process."
Peconic Public Broadcasting Gets Extension For WLIU Purchase
Peconic Public Broadcasting has been given a 72-hour extension to come up with the last payment for WLIU/Long Island. PPB, formed to buy the station and keep its format after Long Island University announced plans to sell, will be put back up for sale if the group can't raise the remaining $637,000, the East Hampton Press reports.
RadioTime Acquires TuneIn App
RadioTime has acquired the TuneIn Internet radio iPhone application -- which features the RadioTime directory -- and hired TuneIn's creator as a developer to oversee Phone and future iPad apps.
GGB Las Vegas Closes On Riviera Duo
George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closes on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS and KOAS/Las Vegas from Riviera Broadcast Group.
Political Gets Hot In August
A political action committee known as Bankrupting America was the leading political spender in August, Media Monitors reports, as the PAC spent $669,203 on radio to talk about government spending. In second place for the month was the Meg Whitman for Governor campaign in California, with the NAB's ad opposing a performance royalty for radio coming in third.
Apple Launches Social Music Service
A flurry of product announcements from Apple Wednesday included a new version of iTunes, complete with Ping, a new music-oriented social network that lets users post opinions, favorites, music they've downloaded, and even concert info. Apple also debuted a new version of the iPod nano (pictured), with FM radio on board, and revamped versions of the iPod touch and shuffle -- still with no radio.
FCC Wants Comments On Mobile Internet
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the agency is taking the next step in its plan to "preserve the freedom and openness of the Internet." To that end, the FCC is asking for public comment on how its open Internet rules should apply to mobile broadband and to managed or specialized online services.
CMA Broadcast Finalists Named
The Country Music Association names the final nominees for its broadcast awards, with Lon Helton, Lia Knight, and Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase among the finalists for National Broadcast Personality of the Year.
Kosbau Named MM For Greater Media/Detroit
Steve Kosbau is named market manager for Greater Media/Detroit, overseeing Active Rock WRIF-FM, Classic WCSX-FM, and AC WMGC-FM. He was most recently president/GM of Citadel's crosstown WDRQ and WDVD.
New 'Play' In Tampa Bay
CBS Radio flips Smooth Jazz WSJT/Tampa Bay to Hot AC as "Play 98.7," programmed by Rhythmic WLLD PD Orlando Davis and with an airstaff to be announced. The station is playing "today's best hits, without the rap," and core artists include Katy Perry, Train, John Mayer, and Maroon 5.
Former Station Owner Exonerated After Fraud Conviction
The conviction on fraud charges of former North Carolina Lottery Commissioner Kevin Geddings, who has owned stations in North Carolina and Florida, has been vacated, and the government ordered to repay his $25,000 fine. Geddings spent more than three years in prison.
Radio One Again Extends Exchange Offer
Radio One has further extended the expiration date of an offer announced earlier to exchange notes due in 2011 and 2013 for new debt. The company sent talks are continuing with a group of noteholders about amendments to the offer's terms.
Beck Launches The Blaze
On the heels of the high-profile "Restoring Honor" held over the weekend in DC, Premiere Radio Networks and Fox News personality Glenn Beck launches The Blaze, a news and opinion website. The site offers news, political blogs, video, and an e-mail newsletter.
Journal Broadcast Group Picks Fails For Sales
Dominic Fails is named VP of sales for Journal Broadcast Group, developing sales strategy for local, national, and digital for 33 radio and 13 TV stations.
Lincoln Financial Media Buys Big League Broadcasting
Lincoln Financial Media makes a deal to buy Big League Broadcasting, which has been leasing LFM's Sports WQXI-AM (790 the Zone)/Atlanta. LFM also has Top 40 WSTR in the market, and with WQXI rejoining the fold, Star 94 VP/GM Rick Mack moves up to market SVP/GM.
Clear Channel Spends $1.4M Lobbying In Q2
Clear Channel spent $1.37 million in the second quarter lobbying Congress on a variety of topics, including the Performance Rights Act and various regulatory issues, according to a federal disclosure filing.
Dickey Publishing To Buy Modern Luxury Media
The Dickey family expands its reach into publishing with an agreement to purchase Modern Luxury Media, a publisher of city magazines in markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Cumulus Media will operate Modern Luxury through its management services division.
Listener Driven Radio Makes Moves
Listener Driven Radio, headed by Daniel Anstandig, brings in Brian Seeders as chief engineer while Gale Parmelee moves up to VP of programming support. Blake Weber and Craig Bowman also join the LDR engineering team.
Carver Leads CBS Radio/Los Angeles
Steve Carver has been named SVP/Market Manager for CBS Radio's Los Angeles cluster, coming over from the same post in West Palm Beach. Carver is a broadcast vet who returned to CBS Radio earlier this year after serving as president and publisher of the Tribune-owned Hartford Courant. At CBS Radio/L.A., Carver succeeds Ed Krampf, who exits.
Alden Backs Away From Emmis Go-Private Plan
Private equity firm Alden Global Capital has said it will no longer support Emmis Communications Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's plan to take the company private, Emmis said in a release Monday. Emmis on Friday failed for the fifth time to get a group of preferred shareholders to vote on a plan to exchange their stock for new notes; another meeting is set for Thursday.
Pattiz Retires From WW1 Board, Stone Named Chair
Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz is retiring from the company's board as chairman emeritus and signs a consulting contract with the company. Gores Group Sr. Managing Director Mark Stone moves into the role of chairman. Pattiz said the change "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."
Beck 'Restoring Honor' Rally Big Draw In DC
A rally in the name of "Restoring Honor" was led Saturday by Fox News and Premiere Radio Networks personality Glenn Beck, drawing as many as half a million people to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Speakers included former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and political activist Dr. Alveda King.
Once Again, No Emmis Vote
Emmis has once again adjourned a meeting of preferred shareholders without a vote, the Indianapolis Business Journal reports, also reporting that talks continue with the group of dissident shareholders that's been holding up the deal. That makes the fifth time the vote on a key part of Emmis' plan to go private has been delayed. Another meeting date will reportedly be announced Monday.
Gamble To Consult AccuRadio's AccuCountry
Veteran programmer Bill Gamble signs on to consult AccuRadio's 18 streaming Country stations, collectively called AccuCountry. He'll oversee music, talent, and social media, and serve as liaison with Nashville. Gamble most recently programmed CBS Radio's Country WSUN and Hot AC WCFS in Chicago.
Microsoft Founder Files Patent Suits Against Apple, Google, More
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has filed suits against Apple, Google, Yahoo, and more, alleging infringement of patents that were developed at his own Silicon Valley company and that he owns. A rep for Allen told the Wall Street Journal, "We recognize that innovation has a value, and patents are the way to protect that."
Survey: Loyalty Seekers Spend Most On Social Media
A joint survey by the Direct Marketing Association and Colloquy found that companies that use social media to deepen customer loyalty spend almost twice as much on it as companies whose interest is in building brand awareness, getting new customers, and other "core marketing purposes." But the survey also found that many companies don't know what percentage of the marketing budget is going to social media, or the most effective way to measure results.
Smulyan On FM Chips: 'The Marketplace Has Been Blocked'
A story made available to NBC affiliates offers a point-counterpoint with Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan and Rural Cellular Association President/CEO Steve Berry over a government requirement to include FM chips in cellphones. Wireless and consumer electronics industry groups are fiercely opposed to the idea, and Smulyan says of the controversy, "It's a shame it's come to this, but the marketplace has been blocked."
Radio Could Be Part Of Egg Image Rehab
The American Egg Board is ramping up its advertising following a half-billion-egg recall over contamination concerns, and radio could become part of the plan, Ad Age reports.
Randy Michaels: 'Solid Progress' At Tribune
Tribune Co. releases some financial highlights for January through July, and CEO Randy Michaels says, "We are making solid financial progress." Tribune reports that it generated approximately $100 million more in consolidated cash flow in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2009. The company is involved in long-running Chapter 11 proceedings, with reports now circulating that Michaels and Chairman Sam Zell may be replaced when the reorganization is finally complete.
Spragins Leads Fisher Interactive Network
Fisher Communications brings in Matt Spragin as VP/GM of digital division Fisher Interactive Network. He comes over from RealNetworks, where he was senior director of product management.
Report: Eisner To Chair Tribune?
Tribune's creditors are discussing a "scenario" under which former Disney CEO Michael Eisner would become chairman, displacing Sam Zell, and Jeff Shell would take over from Randy Michaels as CEO, the Chicago Tribune reports, citing unnamed sources.
Coleman Re-Releases PPM Study
Coleman Insights has re-released the 2008 "Real PPM Panelists Tell All" study presentation, offering a multimedia presentation on the company website. Coleman President/COO Warren Kurtzman said, "We thought it was really important to ensure that he study's insights were as accessible as possible now that Arbitron is using PPM in nearly 50 markets."
FCC Appeals Court Ruling On Fleeting Indecency
As expected, the FCC has appealed the decision of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to throw out the agency's policy on fleeting indecency. FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick said the court's decision "threatens to have a wide-ranging adverse impact" on the FCC's ability to restrict indecent programming.
Media Monitors Again Gets MRC's OK
Media Monitors' Radio Spot Service has been granted continued accreditation by the Media Rating Council. The service was first accredited in 2008.
RTDNA: Radio Journalism Salaries Hold Steady
The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University salary survey finds that, in 2009, radio new salaries were unchanged. That's an improvement from a 1.8 percent drop the year before.
May Picked As VP/Programming For Sixx Shows
Bill May joins Premiere Radio Networks as VP of programming for Sixx Sense With Nikki Sixx and The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx. May segues to Premiere from the post of OM for Clear Channel/Albuquerque.
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Bono-Backed Firm To Invest In Pandora?
Sources say investment firm Elevation Partners is acquiring shares in a "leading online music company," leading TechCrunch to believe that company is Pandora.
Arbitron Authorizes Quarterly Dividend
Arbitron's board has voted to pay a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per common share on Oct. 1 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 15.
NAB Slams Critics Of Radio-Capable Cell Phones
In a new blog post, the NAB's Dennis Wharton calls the response to the group's support of FM radio receivers in mobile phones "predictable" and "long on exaggeration, rhetoric and factual inaccuracies," saying critics might be motivated by "anti-competitive behavior."
Atlanta To Get ESPN Deportes Radio
Beasley's WWWE/Atlanta will adopt Spanish-language sports radio network ESPN Deportes Radio on August 30, flipping from "Radio Fiesta Mexicana."
Entravision Honored By monitorLATINO
Entravision's KLYY (José 97.5 FM)/Los Angeles and La Tricolor network, along with their PDs, were honored last week with Excellence in Radio awards from Spanish-language radio monitoring company monitorLATINO.
BIA/Kelsey: Radio Revs To Rise 4.4% This Year
BIA/Kelsey predicts radio's 2010 broadcast revenues will climb 4.4% from 2009, to $13.93 billion, with an additional $459.3 million come from digital and online sources.
Evan Harrison Leaving Clear Channel Radio
Clear Channel Radio EVP and President/Online Music & Radio Evan Harrison will exit at the end of the year, Radio Ink has learned. Harrison has been with Clear Channel since 2004 and led the launch of the successful iheartradio platform. CCR President/CEO John Hogan said 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."
Borrell: Online Will Outpace Total Ad Spending In '11
Borrell Associates is projecting an increase of less than 5 percent in overall ad spending next year, but predicts that online ad spending will rise nearly 14 percent, to $51.9 billion, next year. Within that, local online spending is expected to rise almost 18 percent, to $16.1 billion.
Alpha/Portland Opens Bing Lounge
Alpha Broadcasting, partnering with Bing, and opens a new live performance lounge at the Pac West Center, now called the Bing Lounge. The debut week's musical lineup includes Five For Fighting and Melissa Etheridge.
Westwood One Names Football Announcers For 2010-11
Westwood One names its broadcaster lineup for the 2010-2011 NFL season, with Kevin Harlan joining Boomer Esiason for Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XLIV. Randy Cross provides analysis for some Monday night games and the playoffs.
Border Media Gives KSAH-AM An FM Simulcast
Border Media expands the reach of Norteno KSAH-AM/San Antonio, flipping Regional Mexican KRIO-FM to a simulcast of "Norteno 720" at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.
Nassau Station Gets NAL For Contest Violations
The FCC has hit Nassau's Classic Hits WWEG/Myersville, MD, with a $4,000 notice of apparent liability, saying a Father's Day contest wasn't conducted in line with the announced terms.
Pandora Adds Genre Streams
Pandora adds genre stations to its offerings, offering both radio-style formats and "micro-genre" streams. The stations can be personalized like other Pandora channels.
Gargano Joins Fox Sports Radio
Philadelphia sportswriter and talk host Anthony Gargano joins the national lineup at Fox Sports Radio. He'll keep his daily show on WIP/Philadelphia.
Journal Hires Financial Advisers For Stations
Journal Broadcast Group brings in three financial analysts to work with its station clusters on profit planning, forecasting, and driving earnings.
NYT: Radio Is A Tech Survivor
In an article noting that "evolution -- not extinction -- has always been the primary rule of media ecology," the New York Times' Steve Lohr writes, "Radio is a classic evolutionary survivor."
Rossinsky Joins Media Management Group
Jacqui Rossinsky arrives at Media Management Group as senior VP of advertising sales. She is a former EVP/network operations for Interep and president/COO of D&R Radio.
Harvey's Hoodies Webcast Live
The annual Ford Hoodie Awards, founded and hosted by Premiere Radio Networks personality Steve Harvey, will be webcast live on Saturday, August 28, from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The Hoodies honor businesses and organizations for their contributions to their communities.
Gunman Takes Over Lobby At Canada's CBC Radio
A gunman surrendered to police after taking over the lobby of the CBS Radio building in Calgary, AB, in Canada. The standoff, in which no one was hurt, continued for several hours.
NAB 'Town Hall' Details Royalties Talks
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith (pictured), Joint Board Chair Steve Newberry, and Radio Board Chair Caroline Beasley were among those participating in an online "town hall" Monday designed to give radio more information on the ongoing discussions with label representatives on a proposed performance royalties agreement. Emphasizing that no deal has yet been signed, Newberry said of the proposal, "We don't pretend to say that it's perfect, we don't pretend to say it's a panacea or that there are not pros and cons." But, he said, "We do think it warrants a discussion."
Geico Tops National Advertisers
Geico sits in its customary spot atop the Media Monitors "Spot Ten" report on national advertising, airing 53,588 spots the week of August 16-22. Home Depot came in second for the week, with 35,660 ads.
Hundreds Gather To Protest KTRU Sale
Rice University has agreed to sell student-run KTRU/Houston to the University of Houston, and some Rice students and alumni aren't happy about it: About 200 people turned up at a Sunday protest against the plan, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Scully Will Call Games For Dodgers In 2011
Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will return in 2011 for another year as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Dodgers. Scully began calling games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950 and came with the team to Los Angeles in 1958.
Updated: Tech Groups Urge Lawmakers To Resist FM Mandate
The chief executives of six technology industry trade groups, including the Consumer Electronics Association and the CTIA, have written to the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairs urging them to resist a proposed requirement to have FM chips included in mobile devices. The idea is on the table as part of the negotiations over performance royalties between the NAB and label representatives, but the tech groups say any such mandate would be "costly, ill-considered, and unnecessary." NAB EVP/Communications Dennis Wharton commented on the letter, "In an increasingly mobile society, it would be unfortunate if telco gatekeepers blocked access to public safety information offered by free and local radio."
MMTC Receives Major Donation
The Minority Media & Telecommunications Council has received a remarkable donation: 155 low-power TV stations, given by Trinity Broadcasting Network. MMTC President/Exec. Director David Honig called the gift "astonishing."
Senator Threatens To Sue Stations For Airing Opponent's Ads
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) has lawyers threatening to sue radio stations if they continue to air an attack ad from opposing candidate Chet Traylor, Baton Rouge's Advocate reports.
Entravision To Appear At Denver Auto Dealer Summit
Entravision Communications/Denver will be represented by Internet Sales Manager Jeremy Dannebohm at the upcoming "Innovative Dealer Summit" being held by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association next month. Dannebohm is set to talk about "Reaching Spanish Speakers Using New Media."
Tribune Reorg Plan Falls Through
Major lenders have withdrawn their support of Tribune Co.'s reorganization plan in light of an examiner's report that talks in its 2007 leveraged buyout "bordered on fraud," AP reports. Tribune will file revised plans next week, and a hearing will be held September 15.
Copps Urges Broadband Regulation To Preserve Openness
FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said at a hearing on the "Future of the Internet" in Minneapolis Thursday that a "compliant FCC" was wrong to define broadband as an information service and free it from regulations that apply to telecommunications providers. He said, "Our job now is to correct course by reclassifying broadband as the telecommunications service that it is ... and then craft rules and procedures that will protect consumers against discrimination, protect against a privatized Internet, and protect against the cannibalization, cable-ization and further consolidation of broadband technology."
Bayliss Foundation Restructures
The John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation will be transferring the administration of its long-running scholarship program to a third-party provider until industry conditions allow it to once again operate independently. Bayliss Board Chairman Gary Fries said, "Through these challenging times for our industry, preserving the funding for our mission is our most important goal." Foundation Exec. Director Kit Hunter Franke, who has overseen the scholarship and intern programs for 25 years, will assist with the transition and then depart to pursue other opportunities.
RAB: Radio Up 6 Percent In Second Quarter
Radio revenues were up 6 percent in the second quarter of the year, the RAB reports, to to $4.5 billion, with national spot up 16 percent, to $702 million, and local rising 3 percent, to $3 billion. Digital surged 25 percent in the quarter, to $157 million. For the first half, revenues overall were also up 6 percent, to $8.2 billion. RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley said, "The momentum we've built through the first half bodes well for radio compared to other traditional media going forward."
Gores Puts $20 Million More Into Westwood One
The Gores Group is providing additional capital of up to $20 million for Westwood One, comprising $15 million in equity and $5 million in a guarantee on a credit facility. The first $10 million will be provided by September 7.
CTIA Opposes FM Chip Requirement
Mobile carrier trade group the CTIA is vowing to battle any plan to require FM chips in mobile devices, reports PC World. FM in mobile phones and other devices is among the proposals in a performance royalties agreement now under discussion by the NAB and label representatives. The Consumer Electronics Association has also come out strongly against the idea.
McGavren Guild Gets Good Karma
McGavren Guild Media makes a deal to represent Good Karma Broadcasting's Sports WEFL-AM/West Palm Beach.
Babin To VP/Sales For Cox Radio/Atlanta
Rob Babin takes duties as VP of sales for Cox Media Group's Atlanta radio operations. He keeps GSM duties for News/Talk WSB-AM and adds the same duties at simulcast WSB-FM (which until earlier this week was Rhythmic WBTS).
Burger King Drops Minority-Focused Agencies
Burger King is ending its relationships with LatinWorks, which handled Hispanic marketing, and UniWorld, which created some of the fast food chain's campaigns for Urban radio. A Burger King spokesman told the New York Times that the change is "based on where our consumer is."
Flat Q2 For Westwood One
Westwood One's revenue was down slightly in the second quarter, to $83.4 million from $83.7 million in the same period a year ago. Network radio moved down 0.3 percent, to $40 million from $40.2 million, with Metro Traffic down 0.2 percent, to $43.4 million from $43.5 million. The company reports a net loss for the quarter of $5.4 million (26 cents per diluted share) compared to a loss of $10 million ($29.48) in Q2 2009; the number reflect a reverse stock split last August.
Douglass Joins Bustos As Dir./Engineering, IT
Kevin Douglass joins Bustos Media as director of engineering and IT. Douglass is an industry vet who's served as regional engineering director for Jacor and Clear Channel and most recently as director of engineering for H. Hawaii Media.
Moore Picked As CMA CEO
Steve Moore is the new CEO of the Country Music Association, making official the interim post he's held since January. Moore will step down as the group's chairman and will be succeeded by CMA President Steve Buchanan.
Journal Extends Credit Facility
Journal Communications has amended its revolving credit facility, extending the maturity date through 2013. Journal Chairman/CEO Steven Smith said the new terms provide the broadcast and newspaper company with "sufficient financial flexibility to operate our business, pay down debt, and opportunistically grow our company."
NABJ: Dr. Laura Did 'Not Have The Right To Use Racial Slurs'
National Association of Black Journalists President Kathy Times says in a statement today that Dr. Laura Schlessinger "did not have the right to use racial slurs on the public airwaves." The NABJ is calling for a forum to address "talk show hate" and invites Schlessinger to "join us in a conversation leading to change in the public discourse.
Lex & Terry Ally With USRN
United Stations Radio Networks takes over marketing of The Lex & Terry Morning Show to affiliates and national advertisers, effective immediately. The Dallas-based, Rock-targeted program has been syndicated since 1997 and before the move was with Envision. USRN President/COO Jim Higgins said Lex & Terry is "the kind of talent and daypart programming that we want to showcase in every possible way."
Dr. Laura: No Second Thoughts
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who announced earlier this week that she's leaving radio after the "n-word" controversy that made national news, tells the Los Angeles Times, "I had not one second of a second thought" about her decision.
BP Bumps Up Advertising
Media Monitors reports that BP upped its radio advertising significantly last week, airing 10,684 spots compared to 2,063 the week before. Five of the top 25 markets where the ads were heard were in Florida.
Sleeker Arrives At USRN
United Stations Radio Networks brings in Tom Sleeker as affiliate relations manager. Sleeker is a programming vet who spent 13 years at WVMV/Detroit.
AARP Radio Signs With Media Management Group
Media Management Group signs up AARP Radio, providing distribution and sales for AARP's long- and short-form programming.
Stapleton Joins Media Venture Partners
Paul Stapleton is named managing director at media-focused investment bank Media Venture Partners. He was most recently in the same post at DH Capital.
University Board Votes To Buy KTRU
Rice University's student-run KTRU/Houston is on the way to a new owner, as the University of Houston's board has voted to go ahead with a deal to purchase the station, the Houston Chronicle reports. KTRU has launched an on-air campaign to protest the sale.
Debut Looking To Grow
Debut Broadcasting reports in its latest quarterly filing with the SEC that it has signed letters of intent to buy radio stations in three different markets, and expects to sign LMAs to operate the stations in Q3 and Q4.
PwC Reports On Big Tech Deals
Google's $750 million acquisition of AdMob was one of the most significant transactions to close in the second quarter, says PricewaterhouseCoopers in its latest report on tech-industry mergers and acquisitions. PwC reports that the quarter saw "a steady stream of deal announcements," but adds, "for the most part, transformational deals remained on the sidelines."
Berg Shooter Dies In Prison
Brian Pierce, the neo-Nazi who shot and killed Denver talk host Alan Berg in 1984, has died in prison at age 56. The Denver Post reports that Pierce died of natural causes.
Hughley, WRKS Call It Quits
The D.L. Hughley Morning Show is no longer on Emmis' Urban AC WRKS (Kiss FM)/New York; the final show aired August 9. SVP/Market Manager Alex Cameron cited "outside factors beyond our control." Emmis and URBan Radio have been in a contractual dispute over the show since a few months after it went on the air.
ESPN Debuts Local iPhone Apps
ESPN launches new locally focused apps for the iPhones and iPod touch, dedicated to sports in Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. There's also a Passport app where users can build a "digital sports scrapbook."
Arbitron Sponsors ANA Multicultural Awards
Arbitron will be sponsoring the Association of National Advertisers' 10th annual Multicultural Excellence Awards, recognizing the best work in reaching multicultural consumers through radio.
McGavren Guild Signs Two
McGavren Guild Media signs representation deals with Broadcast Partners and Pittman Broadcasting in Lafayette, LA.
North Joins Fox Sports Radio
Longtime Chicago sports radio personality Mike North, currently a sports columnist with the Chicago Sun-Times, joins the lineup at Fox Sports Radio.
Nielsen Looks For $2 Billion In IPO
Nielsen Co. now says it plans to raise $2.01 billion in an initial public offering, up from $1.75 billion. Nielsen has been a private company since 2006.
MMTC Wants Changes In FCC Data Collection
The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council files comments with the FCC saying the agency has a "poor record of data collection" in a number of areas and urging a number of changes to data gathering.
Radio One To Hire Restructuring Adviser
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Radio One says it has amended an earlier forbearance agreement with creditors, and under the new agreement will retain a restructuring adviser and will deliver 13-week cash flow projections.
CEA Opposes Required FM Chip
FM receivers in mobile phones and other devices is one of the key items in the negotiations between the NAB and label representatives over performance royalties, but the head of the Consumer Electronics Association -- whose membership would be directly affected by any such requirement -- doesn't care for the idea at all, Ars Technica reports. In fact, CEA President Gary Shapiro calls the idea "the height of absurdity."
National Drives Radio One's Q2
A 17.5 percent increase in national business helped Radio One's revenue move up 7.6 percent in the second quarter, to $75.2 million, with net income of $2 million (4 cents per share). At the same time, Radio One President/CEO Alfred Liggins acknowledged that the company has triggered defaults under its credit facility but said, "We are confident that we will be able to solve both for the defaults under the credit facility and for our upcoming debt maturities in a manner that permits the company to maintain both strategic optionality and operational flexibility."
Station Revenue Up At Citadel
Citadel Broadcasting reports that revenue in its radio markets (stations) segment moved up 5.3 percent in the second quarter, to $164.5 million from $156.2 million, with gains in both national and local advertising. Network revenue was down about 5.4 percent in the quarter, while for Citadel overall, revenue rose 3.3 percent, to $194.4 million.
WSJ: 'Bumpy Start' For Apple's iAds
The iAds mobile platform launched in June, but Apple's "tight control over the creative process" is slowing progress, says the Wall Street Journal.
Geico Leads National Radio Advertisers
Perennial leader Geico takes the top slot in Media Monitors' list of top national advertisers for the week of August 9-15, with 49,988 spots on the air. Home Depot is number two, with 29,725.
Geller Moves Up At Pandora
Pandora ups Ian Geller to VP of business development, managing relationships with mobile operators, OEMs, and consumer electronics makers. Geller rises from director of business development.
Westwood One, NBC Re-Up
Westwood One will continue to distribute "NBC News Radio" and Meet the Press under a new multi-year agreement. New NBC News products for radio are also planned.
KGOL/Houston Moves To ESPN Deportes
KGOL/Houston flips to Spanish-language Sports as an affiliate of ESPN Deportes Radio. The Entravision station is operated under an LMA by Texas Radio Holdings.
Report: KRKO Towers Going Back Up
S-R Broadcasting's KRKO-AM/Everett, WA, is rebuilding its towers, the Snohomish News reports. Two of the station's four towers were pulled down by vandals nearly a year ago.
Suit Alleges Tracking Cookies Broke The Law
A lawsuit has been filed alleging that Disney websites and other popular sites violated California law by using Flash cookies that tracked users' Web habit long after the user left the sites, CNET reports.
Radio One Again Extends Exchange Offer
Radio One has once again extended its previously announced note exchange offer, this time to August 30, while it negotiates with a group of note holders on the exchange's terms.
LBI Media Radio Revs Dip In Q2
LBI Media reports that net revenues were up 9.4 percent in the second quarter, to $30.7 million, driven largely by gains in the Estrella TV segment. Radio was down 1.7 percent, to $16.4 million, in the quarter.
WSB/Atlanta Adds FM Simulcast
Cox Radio adds a 24-hour FM simulcast for News/Talk WSB-AM/Atlanta, flipping Rhythmic WBTS at noon Monday. Cox/Atlanta VP of Radio Ops Dan Kearney said "significant ratings growth" is expected with the change. The former 95-5 the Beat goes music-only, online and as the HD2 channel for Classic Hits WSRV.
Katz: National Spot Up 16% Through July
National spot radio spending rose more than 16 percent through July compared to the same period last year, says the latest update from Katz Media Group. Katz also sees the third quarter is pacing up 15 percent and "strong momentum" for Q4 -- which is pacing at more than 50 percent growth over 2009.
WW1's Deneroff On Board For Flight Attendant Meltdown
Westwood One Sports Exec. Producer Howard Deneroff had the dubious pleasure of being on board Jet Blue Flight 1502 Monday night -- when a flight attendant quit his job in a way that made international news.
LimeWire Wants A Jury Trial
Peer-to-peer LimeWire is requesting a jury trial in a copyright-infringement lawsuit filed by major music publishers, BusinessWeek reports. LimeWire has already been ruled liable for inducing infringement of 30 recordings in another suit filed by record labels.
Most Americans Don't Think Broadband Should Be Gov't Priority
Fifty-three percent of Americans say they don't believe the spread of affordable broadband should be "a major government priority," says new research from Pew's Internet & American Life Project. Twenty-six percent said the government shouldn't be working on expanding broadband at all.
Harker: New Media Not Cutting Into Radio Time
Harker Research has looked at Nielsen and Arbitron info and reports that "Consumers are choosing to continue using local broadcast radio alongside new media." Despite competition from iPods, satellite radio, and other devices, Harker says the number of Americans who listen to broadcast radio increased to 93 percent of the population in the last year.
Radio, TV Complaints Rise In Q4
The FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau reports that complaints about radio and TV broadcasting were up 14 percent in the fourth quarter of last year compared to Q3. Of 9,740 complaints, 6,475 involved alleged indecency or obscenity.
Study: PPM Affecting Stopset Timing
Stopsets are moving in response to the PPM, reports Media Monitors, with spots migrating to the 15-minute mark. But there's still a spot-free "sacred cow."
Federated Signs With Eastlan
Eastlan Ratings signs up Federated Media and will begin provide ratings for the broadcaster's Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Elkhart, IN, stations this fall.
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Smyth: Take Royalties Proposal Seriously
Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth says in his latest "Corner Office" column that radio should seriously consider the proposed terms of a royalties agreement with the labels, released by the NAB last week. While Smyth says, "I hate the idea of taxes, royalties, fees, or whatever you want to call new payments that might go to record labels and artists," he also believes the proposal will be better for radio than anything legislators or the Copyright Royalty Board are likely to come up with.
Spanish-Language Media Has Powerful Reach
A survey by Univision and Associated Press found that 97 percent of Spanish-dominant Hispanics use Spanish-language TV or radio every day, and 40 percent of English-dominant Hispanics use Spanish-language media. Univision Communications EVP/Audience Measurement Innovation & Analytics Ceril Shagrin said the findings "reaffirm that Spanish-language media reaches 80 percent of all Hispanics in the U.S."
Is Amazon Developing A Music Gadget?
Sources tell the New York Times that Amazon's Lab 126, responsible for the Kindle e-reader, has been exploring the development of other consumer gadgets, with the purpose of driving consumers to purchase such Amazon content as music and movies.
O'Brien Now A Fox Sports Radio 'Loose Cannon'
Veteran sportscaster and entertainment-news anchor Pat O'Brien will join Steve Hartman and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs on Fox Sports Radio's "Loose Cannons," starting August 16.
Sporting News Radio Welcomes Czaban, Jacobs
Mission Media's Sporting News Radio taps Steve Czaban for mornings. It also adds Bruce Jacobs to its network lineup.
Blue Chip Founder Love Dies At 64
Blue Chip Broadcasting founder Ross Love died on Tuesday at age 64.
Indie Label Wants Royalty Opt-Out
Independent label Savannah Music Group doesn't like the idea of performance royalties -- or at least not as described in the proposal released by the NAB last week. SMG CEO CEO Jeff Cohen called the proposal a "disaster," and the group is asking for an opt-out provision for artists and labels that don't want to participate.
VSS Predicts Gains In Communications Spending
Veronis Suhler Stevenson's latest forecast projects that spending in a broad range of communications categories will be up a combined 3.5 percent in 2010 and will see a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 percent through 2014, to $1.4 trillion. For the category of traditional consumer advertising media, which includes both broadcast and satellite radio, VSS predicts a CAGR of 2.2 percent from 2010-2014.
Federal Workers' Union To Spend $200k On 'Trust' Radio Ads
The nation's largest federal workers' union is reportedly spending about $200,000 on a 60-second radio ad with a "trust us" theme that will air in about 30 markets, mostly on country, news/talk and sports stations.
Fiscal Q3 Disney Media Networks Revenue Up 19%
Disney's Media Networks division, which includes ESPN Radio and Radio Disney, saw revenue jump to $4.7 billion in fiscal Q3 as overall company net income rose to $1.3 billion.
Macy's, Juicy Juice Sponsorships Drive Radio Disney's 'Total Access'
Radio Disney's multiplatform program "Total Access" will be sponsored by Macy's and Nestle Juicy Juice Sparkling Fruit Beverage when "Jonas Brothers Live In Concert" begins airing August 13.
LatinWorks Wins Chevy Hispanic Account
General Motors picks LatinWorks to take over Hispanic marketing for Chevrolet, Ad Age reports. The account -- worth about $80 million last year -- has been handled by Accentmarketing since 1997.
More Talk Coming To Atlanta
WPBC/Atlanta, owned by Hanmi Broadcasting, is set to flip to Talk on August 30 as "AM 1310 the King." The planned lineup includes Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, and Bill Press.
Access.1 Founder Sydney Small Dies At 72
Pioneering broadcasters Sydney Small, founder and CEO of Access.1 Communications, has died at age 72. Access.1 owns Talk WWRL/New York and stations in Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and has significant stakes in American Urban Radio Networks and SuperRadio.
Former Senator Stevens Dies In Plane Crash
Former Sen. Ted Stevens, 86, who oversaw the FCC as a member and chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, has died in a plane crash in Alaska. Stevens represented Alaska in the Senate from 1968-2008. NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith said, "Broadcasters have lost a friend."
Lake Adds PD Duties At WBEN/Philly
Charley Lake, PD of Greater Media Classic Rocker WMGK/Philadelphia, adds the same duties at Adult Hits clustermate WBEN-FM. He's been serving as interim PD since June.
Google-Verizon Internet Proposals Draw Fire
Google and Verizon have been working together on a seven-part legislative framework to address 'Net neutrality and FCC jurisdiction over the Internet, and their ideas are drawing criticism from many sides, including those who believe that exempting wireless from network openness regulations will cause problems in the future.
Apple Exec Out After Antenna Flap
Apple SVP for iPhone engineering Mark Papermaster has exited after the iPhone 4's wraparound antenna brought widespread reports of reception problems and dropped calls.
Geico Leads Weekly 'Spot Ten'
Geico takes its customary spot on top of Media Monitors' "Spot Ten" report for the week of August 2-8. The insurance behemoth is followed by Verizon and Home Depot.
Pandora Tops Ando Ranker For June
Pandora leads the Ando Media webcast ranker for June, with 418,933 average active sessions, well ahead of second-place CBS Radio among domestic streams. Clear Channel Radio came in third, followed by Citadel's streams, and ESPN Radio Corporate.
Salem Looks For Political Revs In Q4
Salem Communications saw about $650,000 in political revenue in the second quarter, compared to about $100,000 in the same period in 2009, and CEO Ed Atsinger said on the company's Q2 earnings call, "We expect that the fourth quarter will also show a significant increase in political advertising over last year."
Salem Moves To Profit In Q2
Salem Communications' revenues were up about 5 percent in the second quarter, to $53.1 million from $43.1 million in the same period a year ago, and the company saw net income of $700,000, compared to a net loss of $5 million in Q2 2009.
National Leads As Clear Channel Radio Revs Rise
Clear Channel Radio saw its revenues move up 4 percent in the second quarter, to $748.7 million from $717.6 million in the same period a year ago, with most of the gain due to $24.2 million in added national advertising. For parent CC Media Holdings overall, revenues were up 4 percent, to $1.49 billion from $1.44 billion.
Emmis Extends Note Exchange Offer
With its shareholder meeting to vote on the offers adjourned until Friday, Emmis has extended the preferred stock exchange offer that is a key part of its plan to go private through Friday at 5 p.m. Talks continue with the group of preferred shareholders who have vowed to vote against the plan. Additionally, a tender offer by Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition to purchase Emmis common stock at $2.40 per share has also been extended.
TV Drives Strong Revenue Gain At Fisher
Fisher Communications reports that its revenues moved up 28 percent in the second quarter, to $40.8 million, with most of that due to a 37 percent surge in the TV division. Radio revenue, meanwhile, moved up a respectable 8 percent, to $6.4 million.
Updated: Emmis Again Delays Shareholder Vote
Emmis released a brief statement Saturday morning saying that there was no quorum at the shareholders' meeting held Friday evening and that the meeting has been adjourned until August 13, when the company will again attempt a vote on its plan to go private. Emmis confirmed that negotiations are continuing with a group of preferred shareholders that have agreed to vote against the plan, "in an effort to gain their support for the proposed transactions." The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that a meeting of the Emmis board is also set for August 13 to discuss the matter.
HP Loses CEO As Zeen Buzz Begins
As rumors fly about the specs of its upcoming eStation Zeen tablet, Hewlett Packard has something bigger to deal with: CEO Mark Hurd has resigned following an investigation of sexual harassment claims, with the investigators finding Hurd violated the company's standards of business conduct. CFO Cathie Lesjak takes the interim CEO post.
Study Looks At 'Most Valuable Listeners'
The latest round of results from Alan Burns and Associates' study of female radio listeners shows that at-work listeners are 50 percent more likely than others to be among radio's heaviest users. Women who visit stations' Facebook pages are 71 percent more likely to be heavy radio users.
Ex-Radio Employee Accused Of Embezzling Millions
A Minnesota woman who served as office manager for Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting and Iowa City Broadcasting is accused of embezzling as much as $2 million from the companies, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
WWVA/Wheeling Back On The Air
Clear Channel's News/Talk WWVA/Wheeling, WV, got back on the air Friday morning after taking devastating damage to its towers in a storm earlier this week. The station is using temporary equipment and is operating at reduced power.
Broadcasters Foundation Elects Three VPs
The Broadcasters Foundation elects three new VPs: RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley, Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray, and Television Bureau of Advertising President Steve Lanzano. The newly created VP slots are intended to extend the foundation's reach within the broadcast industry.
Ulloa: 'Very Solid' Second Quarter For Entravision
On Thursday's second-quarter earnings conference call, Entravision Communications Chairman/CEO Walter Ulloa said the results were "very solid," and driven by broad-based improvement in its business. Entravision's revenue rose 10 percent in the quarter, to $53.4 million.
Broadcasters Foundation Elects Three VPs
The Broadcasters Foundation elects three new VPs: RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley, Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray, and Television Bureau of Advertising President Steve Lanzano. The newly created VP slots are intended to extend the foundation's reach within the broadcast industry.
FCC Ends Internet Stakeholder Meetings
FCC Chief of Staff Eddie Lazarus has been running closed-door meetings on 'Net neutrality with key Internet stakeholders including Google and Verizon, but Thursday Lazarus said the latest round of meetings has been called off. Lazarus said the latest round has been productive, but "has not generated a robust framework to preserve the openness and freedom of the Internet."
Entravision Has A Profitable Q2
Entravision Communications reports a second-quarter profit of $6.96 million (8 cents per share), compared to a $1.83 million (2 cents) loss in the same period last year. World Cup advertising helped move revenues up 10 percent year-over-year, to $53.4 million, for the Spanish-language broadcaster, with radio revenues also up 10 percent.
MMTC Again Urges Multilingual EAS
MMTC President/Exec. Director David Honig met with FCC representatives Wednesday to again urge the commission to require broadcasters to put together multilingual EAS plans. In an ex parte filing on the meeting, Honig said "there is no rational reason" not to have such a requirement.
Terms Of Royalties Proposal Announced
No votes have been taken and no agreement has been reached, but the NAB has gone public with the proposed terms that could be part of a performance royalties agreement now under discussion by the NAB Radio Board and representatives of MusicFirst. Among the items on the table: A tiered rate of 1 percent or less of net revenue, which cannot be changed except by mutual agreement or a change in the law, and the permanent end to Copyright Royalty Board jurisdiction over terrestrial and streaming rates. Talks will continue.
Menendez Reports On Corporate Diversity
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has released a new "Corporate Diversity Report" with the results of a survey of Fortune 500 corporations that asked about diversity on company boards and executive teams. In the five companies in the media/entertainment/marketing category that responded, women hold 13 out of 59 board seats and minorities hold 11.
Storm Takes Out WWVA/Wheeling Towers
Clear Channel's News/Talk WWVA/Wheeling, WV is off the air after all three of its towers came down in high winds during a storm Wednesday afternoon. Crews are working on getting temporary towers in place.
WPLA/Jacksonville Flips To 'Magic'
Clear Channel Alternative WPLA/Jacksonville flipped Wednesday night to an AC format as "Magic 107.3," playing the "Greatest Hits of All Time." Core artists include the Beach Boys, Elton John, and Billy Joel.
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CBS Combines NY Websites
CBS has rolled the broadcast websites for its New York AMs and WCBS-TV into a new combined site, CBSNewYork.com. The WINS, WFAN, and WCBS-AM's URLs are redirecting to the aggregated site.
CBS Radio/Houston Names Adams VP/Programming
CBS Radio ups mark Adams to VP of programming for the cluster's music stations: Top 40 KKHH, Hot AC KHMX, Country KILT, and Spanish Contemporary KLOL. He keeps duties as KKHH and KHMX PD and adds programming responsibilities for KILT.
Arbitron Looks At Midseason Baseball
Arbitron's PPM sports report for pro baseball found that the top 15 teams average more than 176,100 listeners in their home markets. The New York Yankees, on flagship WCBS-AM, top the list with an average game cume of 441,000 6+ listeners.
Garrison Picked As CBS Radio/Phoenix OM
Jeff Garrison segues to the OM post for CBS Radio/Phoenix -- KMLE-FM, KOOK-FM, and KZON-FM -- and he'll take on PD duties for KMLE and KOOL. Garrison is also VP/programming for CBS Radio's Country stations and comes back to Phoenix after a stint programming CBS Radio's KILT/Houston.
Judge Orders Release Of Tribune Examiner's Report
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey has ordered the release of the full report from bankruptcy examiner Kevin Klee on Tribune Co.'s Chapter 11, and delayed a creditor vote on Tribune's reorganization plan until October to give creditors time to review the 670-page document. The report alleges that Tribune executives falsely reassured creditors that Morgan Stanley agreed with a solvency opinion from another researcher.
Karmazin: Q2 Numbers A Sign Of Things To Come
Sirius XM Radio CEO Mel Karmazin said on the company's second-quarter earnings call Wednesday morning that the company has been through a lot in the two years since the Sirius-XM merger was completed, citing refinancing, the economic downturn, and the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies. Karmazin said, "We began to show what we can do in the second half of 2009. So 2010 will be our first full year where investors will get a real indication of how good our business can be. We offer up our second-quarter performance as a preview of that."
Sirius XM Revenues Zoom Double Digits
Sirius XM brought in a record-high $705.6 million in adjusted revenue in the second quarter of 2009, up 16 percent from $607.8 million in Q2 2009, with adjusted EBITDA up 17 percent, to $154.3 million. The satcaster turned a profit of $15.3 million (nil per share), compared to a net loss of $159.6 million (4 cents) a year ago.
Rumble Costs El Paso Station $175k
GRM Communication is on the hook for $175,000 in retroactive licenseing fees after a judge ruled that its XHNZ, serving the El Paso market, infringed on the trademark of ring announcer Michael Buffer by using the words "Let's get ready to rumble."
LimeWire Remains Unfrozen
A judge has rejected the RIAA's request that the assets of old-guard peer-to-peer LimeWire be frozen. LimeWire is still facing a permanent injunction and damages for copyright infringement.
CBS Q2 'Outstanding In Every Single Unit'
Top executives at CBS Corp. said Tuesday that the firm's better-than-expected quarterly results were driven by an improving economy and by its ability to leverage unique content. While he didn't directly discuss the firm's radio business on the conference call, CEO Leslie Moonves touted the firm's growth as "outstanding in every single business unit."
Report: Dickey Family Seeks To Buy Magazine Publisher
The New York Post reports that the Dickey family, who control Cumulus Media, are near a deal to buy magazine publisher Modern Luxury Media, which has city magazines in 13 markets.
Local Drives CBS Broadcast Results
CBS Corp. announced its second quarter earnings Tuesday, with CBS Radio moving up 6 percent, to $340.9 million. A 17 percent gain in local revenue drove the gain for the local broadcast division, which includes CBS Radio. CBS Corp., meanwhile, reported revenues of $3.33 billion, up 11 percent from Q2 2009.
Layoffs At Focus On The Family
Focus on the Family has laid off 110 workers, bringing its staff down to 750, citing the recessions and lower donations at the ministry that's home to the long-running Focus on the Family radio show.
Update: Emmis Adjourns Shareholder Meeting, Extends Stock Offers
Emmis adjourned a special shareholders meetings held Tuesday to vote on key parts of plan to take the company private with no decision made, and will reconvene Friday evening. Emmis is extending through Friday both its tender offer for common stock and the offer to exchange preferred stock for debt, both of which were set to expire Tuesday, while negotiations continue with a group of preferred shareholders that have committed to vote against the exchange.
Mefferd Show Hits 100
Salem Radio Network's Janet Mefferd Show, which launched in February, gets its 100th affiliate, as it debuts on WYLL/Chicago.
TrafficLand Goes Live In Miami
Traffic-video aggregator TrafficLand launches its service in Miami, integrating 108 cameras operated by the Florida Department of Transportation into its national network.
Elliott Klein Dies At 61
Klein Broadcast Engineering owner and Locally Owned Radio Managing Partner Elliott Klein died Sunday at age 61.
Gilbert Joins CBS Radio/Dallas
Bruce Gilbert heads to Dallas as VP of News, Talk and Sports programming for CBS Radio, overseeing Sports KRLD-FM (105.3 the Fan) and News KRLD-AM. Gilbert has been CEO of Red Zebra Broadcasting since 2007.
KXNT-AM/Vegas To Get FM Simulcast
CBS Radio is set to flip Adult Hits KKJJ (100.5 Jack FM) in Las Vegas to a simulcast of clustermate KXNT-AM on August 16. The New/Talker's lineup includes the live and local Morning News as well as Premiere's Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
Boomer & Carlton Add Cable Simulcast
WFAN/New York's Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton will get a cable simulcast in New York on the MSG Network, beginning September 14.
Radio One Again Extends Exchange Offer
Radio One has once again extended the expiration date for its previously announced note exchange offer, this time to August 13.
Triton Hooks Up With Slacker
Triton Digital Media and Slacker Radio joins in a strategic partnership under which Triton will represent Slacker inventory, measure the Internet radio outlet's audience, and handle ad insertion.
Bridge Looks At Media Preference By Lifestyle
A new study from Bridge Ratings looks at various Nielsen-defined "lifestyle clusters," including "Movers & Shakers" and "Young Digerati," and those groups' "predisposition or natural inclination for preference" among various media options. Traditional radio, Bridge found, indexes highest among the "Blue Blood Estates" group, "Movers & Shakers," and the "Upward Bound."
Contest-Rigging Ex-KVI Employee Will Pay Restitution
Ryan Elizabeth Keeley was been ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution for rigging a "Secret Listener Salute" contest on KVI/Seattle in 2007. Keeley arranged for friends and associates to call in and win $1,000 each.
Politician's Radio Interview Interrupted By Police
Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) was pulled over for speeding while on the air with KBFK/Sacramento's morning news and had to end the call while he talked with Virginia police. The politician was reportedly let off with a warning.
Genachowski Picks Legal Adviser
Zak Katz is FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's newest legal adviser, particularly responsible for Internet, international, and wireline communications issues. He'll succeed Priya Aiyar, who has moved to a post at the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling Rig.
Citadel Takes SC Station Back From Trust
Citadel's application to take back WMGL/Charleston, SC (licensed to Ravenel) from the Last Bastion Station Trust is in to the FCC. Citadel says it has relocated WNKT so it's no longer a Charleston station, so it's free to reacquire WMGL.
Report: Traffic Provider Sues Cumulus Media
Skywatch Traffic is suing Cumulus Media, claiming breach of contract, the Nashville Post reports. Skywatch says Cumulus dropped its reports, and the associated ads, when WNFN/Nashville flipped from Sports to Top 40 last year.
Cooperman Joins McGavren Guild
Darby Cooperman arrives at McGavren Guild Media as an AE in the rep firm's Los Angeles office.
Nielsen Revenues Rise In Q2
The Nielsen Co. brought in $1.3 billion in revenue in the second quarter of the year, up 7 percent from the same period in 2009. Operating income for the ratings giant was also up, to $182 million from $172 million, despite $19 million in restructuring costs.
Bayliss Awards Radio Scholarships
The Bayliss Foundation has awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships to five college and university students. Since 1984, the foundation has chosen nearly 350 students to receive the Bayliss Radio Scholarship.
Three Big Markets Drive Beasley Q2
Beasley Broadcast Group saw its net revenue move up 5.6 percent in the second quarter, to $24.9 million, driven primarily by gains in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Ft. Myers. Chairman/CEO George Beasley said the company's 6.6 percent same-station revenue gain is "the best comparison since late 2007."
Genachowski Picks Legal Adviser
Zak Katz is FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's newest legal adviser, particularly responsible for Internet, international, and wireline communications issues. He'll succeed Priya Aiyar, who has moved to a post at the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling Rig.
Citadel Takes SC Station Back From Trust
Citadel's application to take back WMGL/Charleston, SC (licensed to Ravenel) from the Last Bastion Station Trust is in to the FCC. Citadel says it has relocated WNKT so it's no longer a Charleston station, so it's free to reacquire WMGL.
Report: Traffic Provider Sues Cumulus Media
Skywatch Traffic is suing Cumulus Media, claiming breach of contract, the Nashville Post reports. Skywatch says Cumulus dropped its reports, and the associated ads, when WNFN/Nashville flipped from Sports to Top 40 last year.
Cooperman Joins McGavren Guild
Darby Cooperman arrives at McGavren Guild Media as an AE in the rep firm's Los Angeles office.
Nielsen Revenues Rise In Q2
The Nielsen Co. brought in $1.3 billion in revenue in the second quarter of the year, up 7 percent from the same period in 2009. Operating income for the ratings giant was also up, to $182 million from $172 million, despite $19 million in restructuring costs.
Bayliss Awards Radio Scholarships
The Bayliss Foundation has awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships to five college and university students. Since 1984, the foundation has chosen nearly 350 students to receive the Bayliss Radio Scholarship.
Univision Revs Zoom, But Radio Dips
Univision Communications' revenue zoomed by 23.2 percent, to $639.8 million from $519.5 million, in the second quarter, but radio revenue was down about 5.5 percent, to $89.9 million from $95.1 million. But Univision points out that its stations in Austin and New York outpaced all other stations in their market.
Radio One To Restate Recent Financials
Radio One says in a recent SEC filing that the company must restate its recent consolidated financial statements but that the restatements will not affect previously reported net income or earnings per share.
Cumulus Revenues Up In Q2
Cumulus Media saw its revenue rise 5.7 percent in the second quarter, to $69.7 million from $66 million in the same period in 2009. Adjusted EBITDA was up 6.1 percent, to $24.8 million from $23.4 million.
Triton Digital Allies With Janrain
Triton Digital Media will be adding Janrain's Engage user management system for social media into its technology platform, and becomes an authorized reseller of Engage.
NPR Labs Offers Video Of Captioned Radio
NPR Labs has video with an overview of its initiative to produce captioned radio. Reps from NPR Labs have been presenting captioned radio and other technology in DC as part of the celebration of 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Survey: Women Want Music In Morning Drive
The "AC Deep Dive" portion of Alan Burns and Associates' study of women's radio listening found that "a lot of music" is what women most want in morning drive.
Stephan: Using Local Caller Was A Mistake
After a listener to KNEW/San Francisco and KSTE/Sacramento personalities Armstrong and Getty said he'd heard a call from their show turn up on Doug Stephan's Good Day, Stephan apologized, saying the clip was meant for Talk Radio Count Down and that the mistake was "unacceptable."
iPhone Could Be Part Of Multimedia Measurement Study
The Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement , which includes CBS, NBC, and News Corp. among its members, is in talks to begin a study that would offer participants an iPhone in return for reporting their media use via a special app.
Cars Could Connect To Web Via Smartphone By 2015
Five years from now, Frost & Sullivan expects an addressable market size of more than 5 million cars in North America that will use smartphones to connect to the Internet.
WWDB/Philly Readies Spanish Sports Flip
Beasley Business Talk WWDB/Philadelphia will flip to 24-hour Spanish-language sports radio network ESPN Deportes Radio on Aug. 2.
Tribune Interactive Ups Anderson To SVP/Content & Integration
Julie Anderson rises from VP to Sr. VP/Content & Integration at Tribune Interactive, overseeing both the representation team and the market services group.
FCC Consumer Help Center Bows Online
The FCC has launched a new online Consumer Help Center where users can find information, file complaints and comment on rulemakings, among other functions.
Report: McCombs Owes IRS $45 Million
The IRS is suing Clear Channel co-founder Billy Joe "Red" McCombs for $45 million in back taxes, saying he did not report long-term capital gains in 2002 and 2003 from the sale of 11.3 million Clear Channel shares.
Survey: Most Smartphone Users Want Wi-Fi
A new survey of smartphone users, conducted by MarketTools Zoomerang and sponsored by Kineto Wireless, found that 78% of respondents would be interested in using a Wi-Fi application to improve their cell-phone coverage.
McTighe Joins Curtis As Group NSM
Curtis Media Group in North Carolina names Alex McTighe Group NSM, effective Aug. 9. McTighe was most recently an AE for McGavren Guild Media.
Survey: Women Get Attached To AC
Alan Burns & Associates continues to release data from its big survey of female radio listeners, and has found that female AC radio listeners are more attached to radio than other women. Burns & Associates CEO Alan Burns says, "AC listeners have a harder time imagining life without radio than do women 15-54 in general."
Cardenas New CBS/Phoenix Dir./Mktg. & Promo
Crystal Cardenas will soon be the new Director/Marketing & Promotion for CBS Radio/Phoenix, comprising Country KMLE, Classic Hits KOOL and Rhythmic KZON.
Grupo Radio Centro Q2 Back In Black
Mexico City-based Grupo Radio Centro's Q2 net income was 3.1 million Pesos, or $245,000, compared to a Q2 2009 net loss 28.3 million Pesos, thanks in part to 17% higher broadcasting revenue.
Field: Radio Growth Will Pick Up
On the company's second-quarter earnings call Tuesday, Entercom President/CEO David Field noted that radio is "now two quarters into a solid recovery" in ad spending. And, although things slowed somewhat in June, he said there are "compelling reasons to believe that the growth rate will reaccelerate."
Entravision Note Offering Closes
Entravision Communications has closed its previously announced offering of $400 million in senior secured notes due 2017. The company also announced that it has entered into a new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million.
Entercom Revenues Rise In Q2
Entercom Communications reports that its revenue rose 4 percent in the second quarter, to $105.8 million from $101.3 million in the same period a year ago, with EBITDA up 11 percent, to $33.4 million from $30.1 million. Entercom's adjusted net income in Q2 was $13.4 million (35 cents per share).
Emmis Picks Up A Win In Indiana Court
An Indiana Superior Court judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would have blocked the buyout of Emmis Communications by Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisitions. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood that they'd prevail on the merits of their claims.
Agenda Set For Power Of Urban Radio
Sherman Kizart's Kizart Media Partners sets the agenda and keynotes for the annual Power of Urban Radio Forum, set for September 16 in Washington, DC, in conjunction with NABOB's Fall Management Conference. PURF is set to feature leading agency and advertiser executives from, among others, Uniworld Group, Burrell Communications Group, Hewlett Packard, and Home Depot.
Report: Examiner Finds Problems In Tribune Deal
An examiner appointed by the bankruptcy court says he's found evidence of "dishonesty" in the buyout that took Tribune private in 2007, Reuters reports. Tribune filed for Chapter 11 in December 2008 after the deal left it billions of dollars in debt.
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CRB Taking Noms For DJ & Radio Hall Of Fame
Country Radio Broadcasters is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame.
Ingraham Book Tops Best-Seller List
Laura Ingraham's The Obama Diaries has reached number one on the New York Times best-seller list in the political and government category. The book was released July 13.
Radio One, Rapper Drop Lawsuits
Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth has dropped his lawsuit against Radio One in which he alleged that KBXX had banned his music, and the company has in turn dropped its countersuit, Fox 26 in Houston reports.
Johnson Joins Focus 360
Jack Johnson arrives at Focus 360's National Focus division, taking the post of Midwest regional manager, based in Detroit and also overseeing Chicago and Ohio state.
Home Depot Takes The Lead In National Ads
Home Depot pulls ahead of Geico among national radio advertisers for the week of July 19-25, Media Monitors reports, but the insurance giant came in second, followed by Safelite AutoGlass.
Univision Pays $1 Million To Resolve Pay-For-Play
Univision has entered into a consent decree with the FCC under which it will pay $1 million to resolve allegations that Univision Radio or its employees accepted payment from a record label in return for airplay. The FCC coordinated its investigation with the Department of Justice, and a federal court has accepted the plea of Univision in a criminal action based on the same facts.
Feds: It's OK To Jailbreak Your iPhone
Over the objections of Apple, the U.S. Copyright Office has added a new exemption to laws against circumventing digital rights management, so owners of iPhones and other devices may now legally "jailbreak" their devices for the purpose of running apps.
Michaels: 'Intelligently Consolidating' To Grow Business
The Wall Street Journal talks with Tribune CEO Randy Michaels about the plans for the multimedia company. Michaels says, "I believe my experience in helping people look rationally at opportunities to grow their business by intelligently consolidating regionally will be very helpful."
Castello Named WLIE-AM VP/GM
Michael Castello takes the VP/GM post at Principle Broadcasting's brokered Ethnic-formatted WLIE-AM/Nassau-Suffolk.
Citadel Media Partners With mSpan For Mobile Marketing
Citadel Media is teaming with mSnap, which will be offering mobile marketing and sales to stations on a barter basis. Additionally, mSnap will continue to offer text messaging to Citadel Broadcasting stations, in exchange for inventory instead of cash.
