Eric Rhoads' Blog
Downed Fences Bring $3,500 Fine
The FCC has issued a $3,500 forfeiture order to KCMY-AM/Carson City, NV, after finding partly downed fences at the station's tower site.
Sony Nashville EVP Waugh To Retire
Sony Music Nashville EVP Butch Waugh will retire at the end of the year after nearly 40 years in the music business.
WGN Gets A Brick Through The Window
An apparently disturbed woman threw a brick through the street-level "showcase studio" window at Tribune's News/Talk WGN-AM/Chicago Friday while middayer John Williams was on the air. No one was hurt, and the woman was taken into custody by police.
RAB: Revenues Down 16% In Q3
The RAB reports a 16 percent year-over-year decline in radio revenues in the third quarter, to $4.2 billion. Local revenues were off 19 percent, to $2.8 billion, with national down 17 percent, to $639 million, while digital showed double-digit gains. RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley says the end of the quarter "showed promise of an upswing in advertising spend by marketers."
DiMA Chief Potter Resigns
Jonathan Potter has resigned as executive director of the Digital Media Association. DiMA's membership includes Apple, Microsoft, Pandora, Live365, and RealNetworks, and the trade group has been a key player in digital issues since it was founded by Potter in 1998.
SBS Gets An S&P Upgrade
S&P has changed its outlook on Spanish Broadcasting System to "positive" from "negative," citing improved cash flow. The ratings firm keeps its existing ratings on SBS.
Gonzales Heads Alpha Events & Sponsorship Sales
Candace Gonzales moves into a group role at Alpha Broadcasting, as events and sponsorship sales manager for the Portland group. She's been working as director of marketing and promotion for the cluster's KINK.
Emmis Making Moves In Austin
Starting Friday, Triple A KGSR/Austin will simulcast at 93.3 -- formerly Rhythmic KDHT and now stunting -- in preparation for a move. A new Regional Mexican format will ultimately launch at KGSR's current home at 107.1.
St. John Programs DG's Mainstream Country
John St. John is the new PD of Dial Global's Mainstream Country, the company's largest music format, with more than 230 affiliates.
Senate Commerce Committee Approves LPFM Bill
The Senate Commerce Committee has approved the Local Community Radio Act, which would direct the FCC to clear the way for more low-power FM stations.
AOL To Cut One In Three Jobs
AOL has told its employees that, as it restructures after the Time Warner spinoff, it will lay off one-third of its employees, or about 2,500 people.
MMTC Weighs In Against SSNs On New Form 323s
The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council is asking the FCC to reconsider requiring individuals who are filing the revised Form 323 to submit their Social Security numbers. The MMTC joins law firm Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth in citing privacy concerns.
NABEF Looking For Service To America Nominees
NABEF is calling for entries for the 2010 Celebration of Service to America Awards for community service by local broadcasters.
Arbitron, CBS Set Quarterly Dividends
Arbitron's board has approved a quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share, while the CBS Corp. board OKs a dividend of 5 cents a share.
FTC Names Journalism Panelists
The Federal Trade Commission has named some of the participants in its upcoming "From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?" workshop. Among the panelists will be News Corp. chief Rupert Murdoch and representatives from NPR and the Association of National Advertisers.
Study: Most Still Read Print News
Scarborough Research has found that 74 percent of adults still read print news every week. Scarborough SVP Gary Meo said "reports about the pending death of the newspaper industry are greatly exaggerated."
FCC Orders Oregon Station To Shut Down
The FCC has ordered Oldies KRAT-FM/Altamont, OR, off the air, saying it has had no license to operate since a license renewal application was dismissed back in 2007. In this strange case, the real owner of the station fraudulently filed for the license renewal under another person's name.
Mercedes, Rolls Expand Commitment To HD Radio
Rolls-Royce is making HD Radio standard across its 2010 models, and Mercedes-Benz has expanded the feature packages including factory-installed HD to more vehicles.
Law Firm Seeks Delay In Form 323 Filing
Communications law firm Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth has filed a motion for stay with the FCC, asking for a delay on the filing deadline for Form 323. The forms are due December 15, but Fletcher Heald wants to see that stayed because of concerns about the personal information filers will be required to reveal.
Minisini Named Marketron CEO
Steven Minisini is the new CEO of Marketron Broadcast Solutions, succeeding Pete D'Acosta, who remains in an advisory capacity. Marketron provides, sales, traffic, finance, and other products to broadcasters.
Murphy Upped To PD At 710 ESPN Seattle
Owen Murphy is promoted to PD at Bonneville's Sports KIRO-AM (710 ESPN Seattle), moving up from the APD slot he's held since January.
TW Sets Date For AOL Spin
Time Warner has set a date for AOL to once again become an independent company: December 9. The spinoff comes nearly 10 years after the AOL-Time Warner merger.
NAB Talks Royalties In DC
NAB Joint Board Chair and Commonwealth Broadcasting President/CEO Steve Newberry and NAB Radio Board Chair/ICBC Broadcast Holdings President/COO Charles Warfield (pictured) represented the NAB at a meeting hosted Tuesday by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees to discuss the Performance Rights Act. NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said the executives "reiterated our strong concerns over the negative impact the bill would have on the ability of free and local radio stations to continue serving our listeners."
NPR Debuts 'YouTube Direct'
NPR has joined YouTube's "YouTube Direct" project that lets news organizations request, review, and rebroadcast video from the hugely popular video site. With the tool, users can upload video to YouTube directly through the NPR website.
Smith: 'There Is No More Money' For Royalties
Speaking Tuesday before the Media Institute in Washington, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith said about the labels' efforts to have performance royalties imposed on broadcasters, "These are mature industries, and there is no more money. How we divide up what exists of the money is really the issue, from the radio standpoint." He said that imposing royalties would "limit what the American people are able to enjoy and take for granted," and "turn more radio into talk radio -- all Rush, all the time."
Connoisseur Buys Three From Cherry Creek
Connoisseur Media and Cherry Creek Radio have signed a deal for Connoisseur to acquire Talk KLBG-AM, Classic Rock KRKX-FM, and Alternative KRZN-FM, all in Billings, MT. Connoisseur takes over programming for KRZN and KBLG at the end of this week, and for KRKX on December 1.
Cox/Atlanta's Cagle, Dixon Expand PD Duties
L. Cagle, PD of Cox Media Group's Top 40 WBTS/Atlanta, adds programming duties for AC clustermate WSB-FM. Urban AC WALR (Kiss 104.1) PD Jay Dixon also doubles up, adding duties at Classic Hits WSRV (97.1FM the River).
NAB Thanks LRFA Supporters
As talks on the Performance Rights Act were held in DC today, the NAB placed an ad in Roll Call and Congressional Quarterly thanking the 278 members of the House and Senate who have signed on to support the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution opposing performance royalties for broadcast radio.
Karmazin: 'No Chance' He'll Leave Sirius XM
With rumors that Mel Karmazin could be asked to run a merged Comcast-NBC, the Sirius XM CEO tells Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Network, "There is no chance that I will ever take another job outside of Sirius XM." Karmazin also predicted "quarter after quarter of growth" ahead for the satcaster.
Regent Names Hoffman Director/Interactive Sales
Regent Communications has named Ben Hoffman to the newly created post of director of interactive sales. He comes over from the DOS post at Clear Channel/Dayton.
LBI Media Radio Revenues Dip In Q3
LBI Media's radio revenues were down 3.9 percent in the third quarter, to $16.5 million, with net revenues for the company overall off by 9.7 percent.
Salem Announces Tender Offer, New Notes
Salem Communications announces a cash tender offer for senior subordinated notes due 2010, and said it intends to offer $300 million in senior secured notes due 2016.
Report: Will Dobbs Make Senate Bid?
With Lou Dobbs having left his CNN show, the New York Post is speculating that he might have a Senate bid in his sights. Political analysts say the USRN talk host could be a viable candidate in 2012.
CRB Overhauls Agenda For CRS-41
Country Radio Broadcasters gives more details on the redesigned agenda for Country Radio Seminar 41, set for February in Nashville. The revised schedule means no more than three panels will be held simultaneously, cutting down on conflicts.
Van Hook Rejoining Entercom As Director/Digital Ops
Amy Van Hook is coming back to Entercom as director of digital operations, leading the digital design and development team, effective next month. Van Hook held a similar job with the broadcaster until 2007, when she left to join Liquid Compass.
FCC Sets Aside $5k NAL For EAS Errors
Citing "unique circumstances," the FCC has set aside a $5,000 notice of apparent liability issued in September to Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa's KWVE/San Clemente, CA. KWVE mistakenly aired commercial programming and an advertisement with an EAS test message.
Sirius XM Back In Line With Nasdaq Rules
Sirius XM has received a letter from Nasdaq acknowledging that the satcaster is again in compliance with the exchange's independent director and audit-committee requirements.
Payton PD For Atlanta's Groove
Duncan Payton comes in as PD of new Clear Channel Rhythmic AC WWVA (The Groove at 105-7), reporting to Director of Operations Scott Lindy. Lindy is a veteran programmer who's worked in, among other markets, Las Vegas and San Diego.
ESPN Deportes Expands To Tampa, Orlando
ESPN Deportes is set to launch this week on ZGS Media's WAMA-AM/Tampa and Genesis Communications' WAMT/Orlando.
Bloomquist Launches Talk Frontier
Veteran Talk programmer Randall Bloomquist launches Talk Frontier Media, a strategy, talent management, and content development company.
Richard Joins Entercom As VP/Digital Sales
Lance Richard, a former DOS for Emmis/Chicago who was most recently with Monster.com, has joined Entercom as VP of digital sales.
Report: Nielsen To Sell Billboard, Hollywood Reporter
Entertainment news site The Wrap reports that Nielsen Business Media is set to sell Billboard, Backstage, Adweek, and other publications to News Communications Inc.
Radio Execs Meet With FCC On Radio For Cellphones
The CEOs of Cumulus, Emmis, Entercom, Clear Channel Radio, Citadel, Greater Media, Bonneville International, and Commonwealth Broadcasting met Tuesday with FCC commissioners and officials to discuss the public safety benefits of including FM receivers in cellphones.
USRN Signs Distribution & Sales Deal With BA
United Stations Radio Networks signs a new partnership deal with Broadcast Architecture. USRN will take on affiliate relations and ad sales for the soon-to-be-independent BA.
Radio Pioneer Tom Merriman Dies
Tom Merriman, the founder of TM Studios and a pioneer in radio spots and jingles, has died at age 85.
Kepler To Buy Out CC's Share Of Broadcast Architecture
Clear Channel has agreed to sell its interest in research and consulting firm Broadcast Architecture to company President Allen Kepler.
Entercom Judgment Covered By Insurance
Entercom reports in an filing with the SEC that the claims against it over a 2007 KDND/Sacramento contest were "fully covered by our insurance policies." A jury last month awarded nearly $17 million to the family of a woman who died following the contest.
Davenport Named VP/GSM For CBS Interactive Music Group
Julie Davenport heads to New York as VP/GSM for CBS Interactive Music Group, reporting to CBS Radio President/Sales Michael Weiss. She's been working with CBS Interactive in San Francisco.
PRSS Completes Testing Of NPR Backup Facility
The Public Radio Satellite System has completed testing of its Backup Network Operations Center and says the facility, in St. Paul, MN, is ready for service. The BuNOC, in the works since 2004, is designed to get NPR back on the air if its main facility in Washington, DC, is unable to operate.
XM SkyDock Earns CEA Award
The XM SkyDock, a satellite receiver that can be controlled by an iPhone or iPod Touch, has received an Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Award from the Consumer Electronics Association.
Texas Pirate Draws $10k Fine
The FCC has issued a $10,000 forfeiture order to Raymond Frank for running a pirate station at 90.1 FM in Austin. Frank argued that the FCC had no jurisdiction over his station because his broadcasts aired only in the "Republic of Texas."
KDAY/L.A. Resets Management
Magic Broadcasting's Rhythmic AC KDAY/Los Angeles has completed its new management team, with Zeke Chaidez as GM, Brian Bridgman in the OM slot, and Derek Beesemyer as GSM. Jason Wagers comes in as marketing director.
CBS Reworks Local Broadcasting Ops, Mason Re-Ups
CBS Corp. is restructuring its local broadcast operations with a new management team that includes Anton Guitano, who moves over from CBS Radio CFO to COO for the new CBS Local Media. Dan Mason remain in place as CBS Radio President/CEO, with a new contract extension.
Citadel Media En Espanol, Terra Partner For Online Branding
Citadel Media en Espanol is teaming with online content company Terra to manage online branding for the network's shows. The first project is a new website for Citadel Media en Espanol personality Maria Marin.
Okesson Takes VP/GM Post For Cox Radio/Stamford
Kristin Okesson is the newly named VP/GM for Cox Radio/Stamford-Norwalk, overseeing the four-station cluster.
CCTTN Launches Mexico City Service
Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network announces that the first RDS-TMC navigational service is live in Mexico City. CCTTN developed the service with broadcaster Grupo Acir.
Google Buys AdMob For $750 Million
Google has made a deal to buy mobile ad provider AdMob for $750 million in stock. The company said the deal will "enhance Google' existing expertise and technology in mobile advertising."
MBC Gets $6 Million In State Funding
The Museum of Broadcast Communications, based in Chicago, will receive a $6 million grant from the state of Illinois that should help complete the museum's long-delayed construction.
Westwood One Reports Q3 Results
Westwood One's revenues for the third quarter were $78.5 million, down 18.5 percent from $96.3 million in Q3 2008, with most of that attributable to declining radio ad revenues. Network radio was down 16 percent, the company said, with Metro Traffic down 21 percent.
Saga Revenues Drop In Q3
Saga Communications' net operating revenues were $31.2 million in the third quarter, down 13.7 percent from $36.2 million in the same period a year ago. Net income came in at $2.5 million (58 cents per share), compared to $3.1 million (65 cents) in Q3 2008.
Clear Channel Radio Revenues Fall In Q3
Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings reports its Q3 results, with radio revenues at $702.2 million, down 17 percent from $843.9 million in the same period a year ago. For the company overall, revenues were $1.4 billion, down 17 percent from $1.7 billion in Q3 2008.
Arbitron Talks PPM On Monthly Call
As eight new PPM markets are rolling out, Arbitron's regular monthly conference call to discuss the PPM ratings covered the commitment to increased benchmarks and more cellphone-only sampling. Arbitron also reiterated that it is committed to gaining MRC accreditation in all PPM markets.
Lawmakers Urge FCC, DHS To Explore FM In Mobile Phones
Sixty members of the House have signed a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urging them to "explore the potential benefits for the American public of including FM tuners in mobile telephone handsets." They say making radio EAS info available on phones would benefit the public as well as the mobile and broadcast industries.
HD Radio Comes To The iPhone
An inline accessory called the Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver, combined with a free app, now lets HD Radio broadcasts be heard on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch for the first time. The Gigaware device is available now from RadioShack.
Bill White Tapped As Greater Media/Charlotte OM
Bill White has been promoted to OM of Greater Media/Charlotte, overseeing Talkers WBT-AM & FM and AC WLNK-FM. Additionally, Carl East becomes PD of WBT-AM & FM.
Fisher Communications Sees Sharp Radio Decline
Now that it no longer airs the Seattle Mariners, Fisher Communications saw radio revenues decline 49 percent in the third quarter, to $6 million from $11.7 million. Excluding the Mariners contract, Fisher's radio revenues were down 21 percent year-over-year.
BMW Cuts Price For Sirius Package
BMW has lowered the price of the Sirius factory option by more than 40 percent, to $350 from $595. A one-year subscription to the "Sirius Everything" package is still included.
Soechtig To Create Sales Operations Center For CCR
Chris Soechtig is named SVP of sales operations for Clear Channel Radio, responsible for creating a new "Sales Operations Center" that will focus on all facets of sales for Clear Channel sales teams. Soechtig moves up from director of sales for the CCR/Tampa cluster.
Dial Global Adds 'Baka Boyz All Star Hit Mix'
Dial Global launches a new three-hour weekend show for Top 40 radio, Baka Boyz All Star Hit Mix, with KKHH/Houston already on board.
CBS Radio Revenues Fall In Q3
CBS Radio's revenues were down 19 percent in the third quarter, to $318.9 million from $392.5 million a year ago. TV revenues were up 9 percent, to $2.27 billion from $2.08 billion.
Wilberding Named VP/Western Region Sales For Premiere
Jason Wilberding has joined Premiere Radio Networks as VP of Western region sales, based in Los Angeles. Wilberding was most recently national advertising director/GM for BrandX, part of the Los Angeles Times Media Group.
Smith Requests Waiver For Royalties Meet
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith has written to House and Senate Judiciary Committee members to ask for an ethics waiver that will allow him to appear at a November 17 discussion on performance royalties. Smith was in the U.S. Senate until 2008, and is barred from lobbying Congress until he's been out of office for two years.
Salem Revenues Fall 10% In Q3
Salem Communications' total revenue fell 10.2 percent in the third quarter, to $48.9 million from $54.4 million. The company brought operating expenses down 20.8 percent, to $54.4 million from $68.7 million.
NPR, iBiquity Reach A Deal On HD Power Boost
NPR and iBiquity Digital have reached an agreement on managing a power upgrade for HD Radio that recommends a fourfold power increase. NPR and iBiquity plan to jointly present their recommendations to the FCC, and the NAB is applauding the deal.
Regent Broadcast Revenues Dip In Q3
Regent Communications' broadcast revenues were off 13.9 percent in the third quarter, to $21.8 million from $25.3 million, the company reported Thursday. Regent saw a net loss of $442,000 (1 cent per share) in Q3.
Beck Off The Air With Appendicitis
Premiere Radio Networks' Glenn Beck has had surgery to remove his appendix after becoming ill on the air during Wednesday's show. He's expected to be off the air for at least the rest of this week.
Sirius XM Revenues Up In Q3
Sirius XM Radio's pro forma revenues in the third quarter came in at 630 million million, up 3 percent from $613 million in Q3 2008. Pro forma subscription revenues were also up 3 percent, to $587 million from $572 million.
Mago Part Of FCC Policy Workshop
NAB EVP/General Counsel Jane Mago was among the panelists at an FCC policy workshop held today on media ownership -- one of a series kicking off the 2010 quadrennial ownership review. Mago said that the FCC should keep in mind that the public interest "is best served by permitting broadcasters to compete effectively in the digital multichannel marketplace."
Simmons Sells WFFX-AM/St. Louis
Entertainment Media Trust has agreed to buy Simmons Media's Sports WFFX-AM/St. Louis for $450,000.
Journal Broadcast Group CFO Kurtis To Retire
Journal Broadcast Group SVP/CFO Ron Kurtis has announced plans to retire in December. Journal Broadcast Group CEO Doug Kiel earlier said he'll retire at the end of the year.
Jacobs Media, Salkowitz Working On Jelli
Jacobs Media and consultant Joel Salkowitz will be working with Triton Media on the new, nationally syndicated Jelli radio program. Jelli uses a web-based game to let listeners control what's heard on the air.
Tribune Ends Employee Stock Plan
As its Chapter 11 proceedings roll on, Tribune Co. has told employees it's ending the employee stock option plan formed as part of the company's 2007 leveraged buyout, the Los Angeles Times reports.
WCHH/Baltimore Goes Top 40 As 'Z104'
Clear Channel's WCHH/Baltimore has made the move to Top 40 as "Z104.3." The former Alternative "Channel 104.3" is running 10,000 songs in a row commercial-free.
McMurray Tapped As CC/Sacramento FM OM
Jeff McMurray has joined Clear Channel/Sacramento as FM operations manager, overseeing Oldies KHYL, Hot AC KGBY, Classic Hits KHLX, and Adult Hits KQJK. McMurray has spent most of his long career in the Sacramento market.
Local Radio Freedom Act Backers Ask To Join Royalties Discussion
Reps. Gene Green and Mike Conaway (pictured), who introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, which opposes performance royalties for radio, have written to House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers asking to be included in the upcoming discussion on the Performance Rights Act. Conyers and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy last month invited the NAB and MusicFirst to participate in the discussion, set for November 17.
Entravision Revenues Dip In Q3
Entravision Communications' revenues fell by 17 percent in the third quarter, to $50.8 million from $61 million. Net income was $673,000 (1 cent per share), compared to a net loss of $354.5 million ($3.98) in Q3 2008.
Parker Named OM For CC/San Francisco
Don Parker is joining Clear Channel/San Francisco as OM of the seven-station cluster, effective November 16. He's a former VP/Programming for NextMedia who's also worked in L.A., Phoenix, and Houston.
Cumulus Revenues Fall In Q3
Cumulus Media brought in $65.1 million in revenues in the third quarter, down 18.5 percent from $80 million in the same period last year. Cumulus brought its station operating expenses down by 21 percent in the quarter, to $40.2 million from $50.8 million, through staff cuts and other measures.
Forester Sets Up Shop In L.A.
Amir Forester, former SVP of public relations for Premiere Radio Networks, opens Los Angeles-based Forester Public Relations, with Phil Hendrie and Gabe Hobbs Media among her clients.
USRN Adds 'Roe Report'
United Stations Radio Networks adds "The Roe Report," a news and commentary feature with WLS/Chicago afternoon talker Roe Conn.
Fohr Invests In Eastlan
FMR Associates owner and President Bruce Fohr has become a partner in Eastlan Ratings with an investment in the Sammamish, WA-based ratings firm.
Time Profiles Larry Wilson
In a story headed "Rescuing Radio," Time magazine looks at the return of Citadel founder Larry Wilson to radio, characterizing his approach as taking radio "back to its local roots while at the same time keeping his company private and well capitalized." Wilson tells the magazine, "When you cut the costs out of this business, you cut the product. Then you don't have anything to distinguish you from iPods or anything."
Dickey Sets Positive Tone
Cumulus Media Chairman/CEO Lew Dickey said the company's Q3 results were a bit better than the pacing data provided in Q2, and he believes the industry "is going to come out of this cycle and continue to grow" -- though it will be a long while before radio is back to the all-time-high levels of 2006. He also noted that Cumulus is hiring, and will have 100 more sellers in place by the end of the year.
CCR's Total Traffic Network Signs Deals With Mazda, Aston Martin
Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network announces some new deals: OEM agreements with automakers Mazda and Aston Martin, and a deal to provide updates for a new HD Radio-based device from Korean software manufacturer Cydle.
SNL Kagan Projects Online Revenue Growth
In updated projections, SNL Kagan sees radio's online revenue rising 12 percent in 2009, to $441 million, up from $394 million in 2008. The company is forecasting online revenue growth of 20 percent in 2010.
Study: Broadcast Radio Leads Among Audio Entertainment
A Nielsen-funded study by the Center for Research Excellence found that 90 percent of the adults observed were exposed to some form of audio media daily (excluding TV audio). Radio, said the study, "dominates all other forms" of audio media, reaching more than 77 percent of adults every day, with 109 minutes of daily listening -- and 79.2 percent of 18-34s, listening 104 minutes a day.
XM SkyDock Goes On Sale
Sirius XM's XM SkyDock, an in-car satellite radio that can be controlled by an iPhone or iPod touch, is now in stores.
Westwood One Ups Two To VP
Westwood One has promoted Mitch Glider to VP of engineering and Jeremy Schumacher to VP of broadcast information technology.
Form 323 Filing Deadline Set
The new Form 323 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget, and the filing deadline has been set: December 15, with information current as of November 1. The FCC has revised Form 323 to ask for more detailed ownership information, and is launching a website to help answer broadcasters' questions.
FCC Sinks Pirate Cat Radio
The FCC recently sent long-running San Francisco pirate broadcaster Pirate Cat Radio a notice of apparent liability for $10,000, and the station has now gone off the air, though it is still operating as an Internet outlet.
Westwood One Adds Peter Greenberg Worldwide
Westwood One has added the weekly travel show Peter Greenberg Worldwide to its programming lineup.
CRB Names 2010 Country Hall Of Fame Inductees
Country Radio Broadcasters announces that Bill Bailey, Laurie DeYoung, and Rudy Fernandez will be the 2010 inductees into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame. Joining the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame will be Cy Blumenthal, Dan Halyburton, and Michael Hammond.
Huckabee Reaches 450 Affiliates
Citadel Media's "Huckabee Report," hosted by the former Arkansas Governor, has grown to 450 affiliates. The thrice-daily reports on the news and issues of the day are heard on News/Talk stations nationwide.
Entercom Reports Q3 Results
Entercom Communications net revenues in the third quarter came in at $99.8 million, down 14 percent from $115.6 a year ago. President/CEO David Field said that, in Q3, "business conditions stabilized and the company's cost-cutting measures continued to drive expenses lower."
Lawmakers Ask NAB, MusicFirst To Talk Royalties
Sen. Patrick Leahy and Rep. John Conyers have written to NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith and Joint Board Chair Steve Newberry and to MusicFirst Coalition representatives asking that they meet to negotiate an agreement on performance royalties for radio. NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said in a statement, "NAB is of course willing to talk with members of Congress on this issue and any issue that could negatively impact the ability of free and local hometown radio stations to serve our listeners."
Citadel Media Partners With Listener Driven Radio
Citadel Media has signed a deal to offer Listener Driven Radio, a "crowdcasting" platform developed by McVay Media's Mike McVay and Daniel Anstandig and Zapis Capital's Lee Zapis. LDR lets stations offer listeners variable levels of control over programming, and works with Facebook, MySpace, and 80 other social networks.
Richmond Radio Icon Harvey Hudson Dies At 88
Harvey Hudson, heard on Richmond, VA, radio for nearly 70 years, died Sunday at age 88. Hudson began his career in 1940 at age 18 and most recently hosted a Saturday show on Davidson Media's WLEE.
Study: Minority Ownership Stays Flat
A study by Catherine Sandoval of Santa Clara University's School of Law with the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council found that 7.24 percent of commercial radio stations are minority-owned, nearly flat with 7.78 percent in 2007. The study found that, as of the middle of this year, 324 minority owners control 815 full-power commercial stations.
Antenna Violations Draw $11,000 Fine
The FCC has issued an $11,000 forfeiture to Ely Radio for lighting and other violations related to the antenna for Oldies KWNA-AM/Winnemucca, NV.
Emmis Hits A Snag In Hungary
Emmis said in a filing with the SEC that the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board has awarded the national radio license held by Emmis' majority-owned subsidiary Slager Radio to another bidder. Emmis says it believes the award is illegal and will fight it in court if necessary.
Four CBS Stations Expand Via HD
CBS Radio is taking Sports WFAN-AM/New York, Alternative KROQ/Los Angeles, Sports WBZ-FM/Boston, and Hot AC KCSF/San Diego into new markets, in the form of HD Radio subchannels.
Dobson Leaving Radio Show, FOTF
Dr. James Dobson will be leaving the long-running Focus on the Family radio show at the end of February, and ending his affiliation with the organization. FOTF said Dobson's departure is the last step in a process that began in 2003.
KATZ-FM/St. Louis Is Stunting
Clear Channel's KATZ-FM, formerly Urban Beat 100.3 began stunting Friday as "Halloween 100.3," playing "Scary music for St. Louis," as the station website reported that the Beat format had moved to HD and online. KATZ has now rolled over to "Christmas 100.3" and will stay in holiday mode until a final format is announced.
Pulse Out, Party In New York
Mega Media's Dance-formated Pulse 87.7/New York went off the air Friday and JVC Media is moving in, bringing the Rhythmic programming from WPTY in Long Island to the city as Party 87.7.
Beasley Revenues Fall In Q3
Beasley Broadcast Group reports net revenues of $24.4 million in the third quarter, down 20.1 percent from Q3 2008. Station operating income was $6.9 million, down 24.1 percent from $9 million.
Chase Named PD At KKLZ/Vegas
Justin Chase, PD of Beasley's Country KYCE/Las Vegas, adds the same duties at Classic Hits clustermate KKLZ.
Talk Show Boot Camp Award Named For Ashwood
Talentmasters is dedicating its first Talk Show Boot Camp, set for next month in Atlanta, to late Fox Sports Radio head of programming Andrew Ashwood. The Ashwood Award for discovering and mentoring talent has been established.
HD Alliance Sets Holiday Campaign
The HD Radio Alliance is set to launch a new holiday campaign, telling radio listeners, "If you're not giving an HD Radio receiver, they're not hearing HD Radio broadcasts."
Premiere To Launch Two Shows With Nikki Sixx
Premiere Radio Networks is set to launch two Rock/Alternative-oriented shows in January: Sixx Sense With Nikki Sixx and The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx, with the ex-Motley Crue bassist.
Jury Awards $16.6 Million In 'Wii' Contest Lawsuit
A Sacramento jury has awarded the family of Jennifer Strange $16.6 million, the Sacramento Bee reports. Strange's family sued Entercom and Entercom/Sacramento after she died of water intoxication a few hours after participating in a contest at Entercom's KDND/Sacramento.
New NAB Chief Smith Meets With Genachowski
NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith just started work, but he's already met with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to discuss broadcast ownership and diversity. The NAB said in an ex parte filing that Smith said ownership rules allow "reasonable combinations of media properties" so they can "continue to provide programming to meet the needs of the communities they serve." He also expressed support for tax incentives to encourage minority ownership.
Salamon Exits CRB
Ed Salamon has exited as executive director of Country Radio Broadcasters, a post he's held since 2002. Salamon is a radio vet who co-founded United Stations Radio Networks and served as president of programming at Westwood One.
CBS Interactive Chief Smith To Exit
CBS Interactive CEO Quincy Smith, who put together deals to buy CNET and Last.fm, among others, is leaving the company in January, but he'll continue his relationship with CBS through a new consultancy. Neil Ashe stays in place as CBS Interactive's president.
Analyst: More Cost-Cutting Ahead
Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker is predicting more cost-cutting across broadcast media as revenue declines continue in Q3.
Radio One Revenues Down In Q3
Radio One reports that its revenues fell 12 percent in the third quarter, to $75.5 million from $86.2 million in Q3 2008. Net income was $14.2 million (25 cents per share), compared to a net loss of $266.1 million ($2.28) a year ago.
Report: Good Days Ahead For Internet Radio?
The "Internet Radio Makes Waves" report from eMarketer says "terrestrial radio is in trouble," but sees a bright future for Internet radio, calling it "one of the fastest-growing online media categories."
Arbitron To Measure Akoo
Arbitron has signed a deal to provide audience estimates for out-of-home TV network Akoo, whose programming can be seen in malls and universities.
Genachowski Names Waldman Adviser For New Media Initiative
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has named Steven Waldman (pictured) to lead an agencywide initiative to assess the state of media in challenging economic times and help ensure a "vibrant media landscape." Waldman founded the successful Beliefnet, now owned by News Corp., and is a columnist for the Wall Street Journal.
Patrick Buys KSEV/Houston
Texas State Senator and talk host Dan Patrick is buying Liberman's KSEV/Houston, a station he's been LMA'ing for several years.
Judge: No Class Action Suit Over Concert Flooding
An Ionia County, MI, judge won't grant class action status to a suit against Clear Channel over flooding that damaged vehicles at a WBCT/Grand Rapids event, a local TV station reports.
KUFO 'Refuels,' Sets New Lineup
Alpha Broadcasting's Active Rock KUFO/Portland, OR, has completed its countdown and set its new lineup, led by Kidd Chris in mornings. KUFO has spent the last few days stunting on the air and online while the "mothership refueled."
New Radio Ink Podcast: Jeff Haley
RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley made news when he sent a survey to broadcasters, seeking information on RDS and urging greater adoption so radio can take advantage of opportunities to sell music from programming. In the latest Radio Ink podcast, Haley talks with Radio Ink Publisher Eric Rhoads about RDS, the PPM, the economy and advertisers, digital radio, and much more. Click the headline to listen.
Pre-Orders Taken For Book Honoring Severino
Pre-orders are being accepted now for Tom's Tricks, chronicling the famous pranks and practical jokes of late Emmis/Indianapolis VP/GM Tom Severino. Net proceeds from the book, written by Jon Quick, will go to the Riley Children's Foundation/Cancer Unit.
WIP, WFAN Team For Series Simulcast
CBS Radio's Sports WIP/Philadelphia and WFAN/New York are teaming up for World Series coverage, getting local fans pumped with a live simulcast on Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Moss Named National Public Media President/CEO
Stephen Moss has been named president and CEO of National Public Media, which handles corporate sponsorships for public radio and television.
Some Head To Athens For Canceled NAB Europe Event
The NAB announced the cancellation of the NAB European Radio Conference back in September, but Radio Ink hears that the word didn't get out to all the participants, and some went to Athens for the canceled show.
Radio One Sets Shareholders' Meeting
Radio One has scheduled its 2009 shareholders' meeting for December 16 at the Greenbelt Marriott in Greenbelt, MD. The meeting was delayed while Radio One dealt with SEC questions on some filings for 2008.
FlyCast Debuts ADdapt Platform
FlyCast has launched the Application Development and Deployment Platform, designed to let websites that focus on streaming audio or video be migrated to mobile apps that can be distributed in the Apple App Store and other smartphone stores.
MMTC Again Urges Rules Changes
The MMTC has submitted comments to the FCC in its earlier petition for rulemaking on what it calls "certain outdated and ineffective rules." The group says "archaic" engineering rules are barriers to entry, "effectively stifling diversity and impeding competition." The NAB is supporting some of the MMTC's proposals, and NPR has also weighed in.
KUFO Goes Into Stunt Mode
Alpha Broadcasting's KUFO/Portland, OR, went into stunt mode over the weekend, after dropping Rick Emerson in mornings and Cort & Fatboy in afternoons. Whether the Active Rock station is heading for a flip or is just reimaging isn't yet clear.
Radio Vet Rushton Takes Dolphins Job
Jim Rushton has joined the Miami Dolphins organization as SVP/corporate partnerships and integrated media. He's arriving after 16 years with Entercom, where he was most recently VP of sports sales and marketing.
Premiere Realigns RADAR Networks
Premiere Radio Networks is reconfiguring some of its RADAR networks, with the "Gem" networks going away in favor of new alignments including the tightly targeted Money & Smarts, Super Moms, and Top Market. Most of the new networks will also have companion networks that offer only 15-second spots.
Nokia Sues Apple, Saying iPhones Infringe Patents
Finnish cellphone giant Nokia has sued Apple, alleging that the hugely popular iPhone infringes on 10 Nokia patents related to wireless networks. Nokia has licensed the technologies to about 40 other handset makers but has been unable to reach a deal with Apple.
Baker Names Legal Advisers
FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker has named Brad Gillen, Charles Mathias, and Christi Shewman to posts as her legal advisers.
Jackson Joins LFM/San Diego
Rick Jackson heads cross-country, joining Lincoln Financial Media/San Diego as SVP/GM. Jackson's been serving in the same post for Greater Media in Charlotte.
Pence Speaks Up For Talk Hosts
House Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence says it is "hogwash" to suggest that GOP leadership is worried about the effect of radio talkers like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck on the party's image, Politico reports. Pence was responding to an earlier Politico story suggesting that Republicans are "growing worried" by "conservative activists and media personalities."
Univision Radio Manager Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement
Anselmo "Sam" Potter, former business manager for Univision Radio Florida, has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than half a million dollars. Potter stole the money over more than four years, forging checks and falsifying bank statements, the Miami Herald reports.
Haley Urges RDS
RAB President/CEO Jeff Haley tells broadcasters in an e-mail that the next opportunity for radio to "drive greater listener satisfaction" is through direct purchase of songs from programming. To that end, he writes, "It is imperative for our industry to more broadly adopt RDS RT + radio text functionality."
Invitation To Obama: Host Any SRN Show
In response to President Obama's comparison of Fox News to talk radio, Salem Radio Network has offered the president an opportunity to guest host any of its national shows. VP/News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup says the president "may not fully grasp the compelling nature of talk radio."
Corus Profits Rise In Q4
Canada's Corus Entertainment sees revenues move up 5 percent in its fiscal Q4, to $195.2 million CDN from $185.8 million, with net income rising to $18.7 million (23 cents per share) from $17.4 million. In radio, revenues fell by percent in the quarter, to $59.9 million from $68.5 million.
Fredberg Joins CBS In International Post
Luke Fredberg has joined CBS Corp. in the newly created post of director of international corporate communications, based in London. He'll develop strategies for all of CBS' international ventures, including Last.fm.
