Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Radio Goes into Emergency Mode in Oklahoma City.  The EF5 tornado that moved through the Oklahoma City area on Monday reportedly has taken up to 24 lives, including 9 children trapped in an elementary school in the suburb of Moore.  But officials are saying the death toll could have been worse had it not been for the local radio stations that went into action warning residents about the storm almost 30 minutes before the tornado touched down.  As the twister approached and cell service began to overload, local radio outlets remained on air.  Reports to RadioInfo indicate most stations went into wall-to-wall storm mode using either audio from a news/talk outlet or by using audio from a local TV station.  Radio’s role has just begun as many of those who are seeking information about emergency services will rely on radio.  Numerous broadcasting companies are already organizing relief efforts for those affected by the tornado.  As storms moved across the Plains states on Sunday, Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth was cited in an Associated Press story crediting local TV and radio stations’ wall-to-wall broadcasts covering the storms for keeping the death toll low.

Dave and Chuck the Freak Officially Named WRIF, Detroit AM Team.  It’s been rumored for a couple of weeks now but it became official yesterday that former alternative CIMX, Windsor morning show Dave and Chuck the Freak – along with Lisa Way – will take over the morning drive show on Greater Media’s rock WRIF, Detroit.  Dave Hunter and Chuck Urquhart hosted their successful morning show on “89X” for nearly a decade.  Greater Media says “The new show will continue to incorporate heavy listener interaction, both live on the air and through the use of social media.  In addition to having a large and loyal on-air listener base, the ‘Dave and Chuck the Freak Show’ is highly focused on the latest technology trends and consumer habits, which have translated into a strong interactive audience with more than 90,000 Facebook followers.”  Market manager Steve Chessare states, “WRIF has dominated morning radio in Detroit for 20 years.  Now, with the addition of the infamous and highly rated Dave and Chuck the Freak Show, ‘101 WRIF-FM’ is positioned to continue to dominate the Detroit morning airwaves for years to come.  We are thrilled to welcome them to the Greater Media family.”  In a statement, Dave Hunter says, “To say we’re excited to start our next adventure at the legendary WRIF is a massive understatement.  We look forward to reconnecting with our fans and having them be a part of the show every weekday morning.”

NAB Announces Ginny Morris to Receive National Radio Award.  The National Association of Broadcasters announces that Ginny Hubbard Morris, chair of Hubbard Radio LLC, will receive the National Radio Award during the Radio Show Luncheon on Friday, September 20 at 2013 Radio Show in Orlando.  NAB EVP of radio John David states, “Ginny Morris is highly regarded for her leadership and success.  It is a tremendous honor to recognize Ginny for her continuous dedication to radio and for her many accomplishments and contributions to the business.”  The NAB notes that Morris has more than 30 years of broadcast industry, business and general management experience.  As chair of Hubbard Radio LLC, Morris is responsible for managing the strategic direction for Hubbard’s 21 radio stations throughout Chicago, Washington D.C., Minneapolis/St. Paul, St. Louis and Cincinnati.  As part of the company’s growth strategy, in 2011, Morris led Hubbard’s acquisition of 17 radio stations from Bonneville International Corporation, strengthening Hubbard’s national reach and significantly expanding its industry footprint.  Morris originally joined her family’s broadcasting business in 1982 and worked her way to management positions before becoming president and general manager of KSTP-FM and KSTP-AM in 1995.

Syndicated Classic Rock Show “On Tap” Generously Sharing Ray Manzarek Interview Audio with Non-Affiliates.  The death of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek stands as a milestone in rock history and is a tremendously significant cultural loss and event within the world of the classic rock radio community.  KMG Networks head Gary Krantz tells RadioInfo that the national program “On Tap Hosted by Nick Carter,” syndicated by VH1 and his company, is making available a wide variety of Ray Mazarek interview audio from the VH1 archives at no cost to radio stations around the country looking to create their own tributes.  These files include Manzarek talking about a diversity of topics including music, staying youthful, music, working with Jim Morrison and even death.  Stations interested in downloading this material should contact Gary Krantz at gkrantz@krantzmediagroup.com.  RadioInfo resident radio historian and music editor Duane Doobie comments, “Thank you Gary Krantz, KMG and VH1.  You are doing a wonderful thing making this material available to stations.  Ray Manzarek was a very special rock star who was extremely popular with rock radio DJs back in the day – all the way to the present – because of the down-to-earth intelligence he brought to music radio interviews on a regular basis.  If you talk to anyone in this business who has their roots in album rock radio on-air jocking, they are likely to tell you about the great relationship they enjoyed just ‘knowing’ Ray Manzarek.  Man, are we going to miss that wonderful guy!”

Cumulus Names Bill Pugh OM for KFOG and KSAN, San Francisco.  Cumulus Media announces Bill Pugh is the new operations manager for its two rock outlets in San Francisco – triple A KFOG and classic rock KSAN “The Bone.”  Also, effective immediately, Pugh will serve as program director for KFOG.  The veteran programmer was most recently operations manager for Clear Channel’s San Diego cluster.  On his new gig, Pugh states, “I am very excited to join the Cumulus team and looking forward to all the opportunities to expand the brand in San Francisco.”

More RadioInfo Career Moves.  LDR names Tracy Gilliam of TopLine Matters Inc. director of sales where she’ll oversee affiliate sales and station sales support.  LDR also announces the addition of Todd Frost, Steve DiMatteo, Sarah Davis and Mark Ediss to the company’s staff…..Stephens Media Group brings former Cox Media Tulsa local sales manager Rick Collier aboard to serve as national sales manager.  Stephens operates Christian contemporary KXOJ and sports talk KYAL “The Sports Animal.”…..Jon Smith is the new midday personality on Simmons Media’s alternative KXRK, Salt Lake City “X96,” replacing Marci Wiser…..Alex Cadelago is named vice president and director of sales for CBS Radio’s Houston cluster that includes country KILT-FM, sports KILT-AM, sports KIKK, CHR KKHH “Hot 95.7,” hot AC KHMX and Spanish KLOL…..Gina Lee Fuentez joins Univision’s CHR KKRG, Albuquerque “La Kalle” for mornings…..Katelyn Maida is upped from her weekend on-air post for Cox Media Houston to producer/social media for country KKBQ, classic country KTHT and classic hits simulcast KGLK and KHPT…..Recent Emerson College grad Kendall Stewart joins Northeast Broadcasting’s triple A WXRV, Boston “The River” as programming assistant.

Five Secrets to Hiring Excellent Digital Sellers.  “Made you look!” teases Sabo Media chairman and RadioInfo magazine columnist Walter Sabo.  The truth is that finding effective digital media sellers is exceedingly difficult and anyone who’s tried to hire digital sales pros knows this.  Walter Sabo writes that the reason is digital buyers don’t know how to buy digital advertising.  Who’s fault is that?  According to Sabo, the rules for return on investment for a digital ad do not exist – or at least there’s no industry-wide agreement on how to measure ROI.  Read more about this vexing problem that is hampering the sale of digital ads here.

One Lucky WAAF, Boston Listener.  The only way to get tickets to the WAAF-hosted acoustic performance by Chris Cornell and Ben Shepherd of Soundgarden at a secret location was to win your way in as an AAF Army member (WAAF Loyalty Club).  Littleton, Massachusetts resident Annie Durkin was that lucky AAF Army member.  She’s pictured here with Cornell (l) and Shepherd (r) at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts at the May 15^th performance.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Mike & Tanya Joins Nikki for ‘Morning Mess’ at KBFF, Portland.  Alpha Broadcasting’s hot AC KBFF, Portland “Live 95.5” brings Mike Edwards and Tanya Brown aboard from Cumulus Media’s WSSX, Charleston, South Carolina to join current AM drive host Nikki West for its new “Morning Mess with Tanya, Nikki and Mike” show.  Brown and Edwards had hosted the “Two Girls and a Guy” morning show on WSSX and KBFF program director Louie Diaz says he’s had his eye on them.  “I’ve been listening to Mike & Tanya for a while.  They are now ready for PPM major league mornings.  This is just another example of Alpha’s commitment to live and local radio.  ‘The Morning Mess’ will be delivering unique and compelling audio to help Portland start the day off right.”

Jessica Chandler and Ryan Walker Are New Girl and Guy at ‘95SX’ in Charleston.  With the departure of Mike Edwards and Tanya Brown for Alpha Broadcasting’s “Live 95.5” in Portland, Cumulus Media’s CHR WSSX, Charleston, South Carolina “95SX” brings Jessica Chandler and Ryan Walker in to partner with Kelly G for the new “Two Girls and a Guy” morning show.  Chandler and Walker move over from the company’s country WIWF “96.9 The Wolf.”  Chandler tells the Charleston City Paper, “When Tanya and Mike left, they asked me and Ryan to come over from their sister station and join the show.  We’re excited for the opportunity and to switch from country to pop.  We’re all around the same age, and it’ll be a younger and fresher take on the show.  ‘Two Girls and a Guy’ is always evolving, and it keeps getting better.”

New Morning Show at ‘98.7 The Bull’ in Portland.  At Alpha Broadcasting’s country KUPL, Portland “98.7 The Bull,” current morning host Jake Byron is partnered with Howie Drummond – most recently with Entercom’s hot AC KALC, Denver “Alice 105.9” – and Monica Lunsford – formerly of Cumulus Media’s WRWM, Indianapolis “i94” – to former the “Morning Bull Ride with Howie, Monica and Jake.”  The program premiered this morning and director of programming Scott Mahalick states, “We are proud to have such world-class talent on the team!”

More RadioInfo Career Moves.  At Main Line Broadcasting’s CHR WDJX, Louisville, midday personality Sarah Jordan adds assistant music director to her responsibilities…..Gundy begins hosting the night show at Bahakel Communications’ alternative KRXP, Colorado Springs tonight (5/20).  He’ll also host the “Colorado Native” program that showcases local bands.  Gundy comes to KRXP from his operations manager post at Appaloosa Broadcasting in Cheyenne.

Time to Clean Up Digital Space for Summer.  With Memorial Day weekend about to roll around, digital radio consultant and RadioInfo columnist Chris Miller suggests this is a good time to start making big moves in small chunks and get your website and social media initiatives up to speed with a little upgrading.  In a new column posted today (5/20) Miller offers a punch list of items you can work on each week between now and Labor Day to get your website and social media fixed up, and ready to totally support your on-air product this fall!  They include writing down your goals, taking something OFF your website, picking fonts and colors, freshening your Facebook page cover photo, checking your tabs for relevance, cutting back on posts by setting and raising your standards, focusing Twitter on something specific, and properly prioritizing Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest by de-emphasizing them as social sites and using them more for storage and as content channels.  To read Chris Miller’s entire article, click here.

CBS Radio’s KROQ, Los Angeles Hosts Surprise Stone Temple Pilots Appearance at ‘Weenie Roast.’  CBS Radio scores two exclusive appearances by the Stone Temple Pilots – first at KROQ, Los Angeles’ “Weenie Roast” concert at the Verizon Amphitheater on Saturday followed by KITS, San Francisco’s “BFD 2013” concert at the Shoreline Amphitheater on Sunday evening.  In Los Angeles, STP performed a surprise set of its classic songs plus the new single, “Out of Time.”  The band performed with Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington filling the slot of recently dismissed singer Scott Weiland.  The band spoke with KROQ morning team Kevin & Bean after its performance and the entire conversation is being aired on the duo’s program today.  Also, CBS Radio states that in an exclusive to its Radio.com, “Out of Time,” is available for free download and on-demand listening via CBS Radio’s online and mobile destination for the best in music, sports, talk and news programming.  As a part of CBS Radio’s ‘Amplify’ initiative, audio clips of the song will also be heard on air on CBS Radio’s rock and adult hit music stations, and in a unique opportunity for sports fans, “Out of Time” will be highlighted across the company’s local sports stations and CBS Sports Radio programming, for a combined reach of nearly 300 stations nationwide.

Worlds Collide on Opie & Anthony’s SiriusXM Show.  SiriusXM’s Opie & Anthony are known for broadcasting the unusual but this collage of guests from disparate worlds really takes the cake.  Picture here are (from l-r) comic Colin Quinn, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, SiriusXM host Anthony Cumia, country music superstar Trace Adkins, SiriusXM host Opie Hughes, and comic Tom Papa.  The collision happened on the O&A show last week as the four guests all happened to be scheduled for the same day and appeared on the program at the same time.

Radio Advertising Bureau Unveils New ‘State-of-the-Art’ Website.  The RAB proudly announces the debut of the new www.RAB.com .  Calling it an “updated, fresh design,” the RAB says the new site was created “with today’s mobile salesperson in mind.”  The site uses a responsive design that automatically reacts to a visitor’s screen size, so RAB members can search for vital sales intelligence, consumer insights and sales material support no matter if they’re on their desktop, in the office, or using any mobile device including tablets and smart phones.  The section for radio managers, account executives and associate members is navigated through the 7 Steps to Selling Success, a set of principles reinforced through RAB Professional Development training and certification courses.  It features sections devoted to prospecting, appointments, research, creative, and proposals and presentations.  Managers will also find their own dedicated section with important links to RAB Professional Development, management articles, and sales tips.  Radio account executives will find a number of new and exciting features including “Trending Now on RAB.com.”  Based on real-time traffic across the new RAB.com, account executives will see what topics, articles, reports, etc. are growing in popularity.  Favorite RAB services such as Articles on Demand, Instant Backgrounds, prospecting reports, consumer profiles, commercial scripts, mp3 commercial audio and RAB’s co-op library are all available on the site with easy-to-find functionality.  RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “The RAB prides itself on delivering the most current products, information and resources to our members.  Redesigning this site with total mobile capabilities was a ‘must have.’  In order to remain competitive, our members need to access current services and data while on the go.”

Friday, May 17, 2013

RAB: Radio Flat at $3.5 Billion in Q1.  The Radio Advertising Bureau releases data indicating that the first quarter of 2013 remained flat “aided by an uptick in Spot in March after a sluggish start to the year.  Both Digital and Off-Air performed well throughout the quarter and were up 9% and 5% respectively.”  The report breaks out data on advertising categories.  A synopsis shows “spot spending by communication/cellular advertisers soared by over 1/3 (36%) for this quarter, propelling the category to #1 for the period.  Also up – in rank order based on spending – were financial services (+13%), department/discount stores & shopping centers (+58%), and home furnishings/floor coverings (+6%).  While dollar volume was virtually flat for television/networks/cable providers (-3%) and restaurants (-2%), these were solid contributors to radio’s bottom line in the #2 and #4 spots; automotive declined 20% and slipped to the #3 rank.”  RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “Major increases in radio advertising by communications/cellular and financial services went a long way to offset a drop in automotive spending.  Additionally, spending is up in the department/discount stores category – reflecting increased confidence among retailers who have experienced radio’s ability to drive traffic and sales.  Radio’s digital sector revenue continues to grow as radio stations invest in and promote their digital offerings to listeners, driving increased attention by the ad buying community.”  The report features data from Miller Kaplan Arase LLP and the Q1 revenue figure does not include network radio data.  Read the entire report here.

Top 40 Programming Legend Paul Drew Passes at 78.  The radio industry is mourning legendary Top 40 radio programmer Paul Drew who died on May 16 of natural causes at his residence at Victor Royale Assisted Living in Glendale, California.  Drew was a Detroit native who began his professional radio career in Atlanta working first for WAKE, then moving to WGST and WQXI.  He would work at CKLW, Windsor/Detroit; WIBG, Philadelphia; and KFRC, San Francisco before joining Los Angeles’ legendary KHJ.  He joined the corporate ranks with RKO General as vice president of programming for the company that owned KHJ and KRTH in Los Angeles as well as WOR and WXLO in New York City.  Later, he was a partner in the Drew-Atkinson Associates radio consulting firm and was named by President Ronald Reagan as the first director of the USIA’s Radio Marti Project.  Commenting on the passing of Drew, RadioInfo publisher Michael Harrison recalls, “I’ll never forget watching Paul Drew in action and the impact he had on the industry back in the seventies, not to mention his distinct image as a somewhat scary, almost military ‘general’ kind of figure out of a movie.  Whereas most programming types in those days wore t-shirts and jeans, he was always in a dark suit.  I was in Los Angeles serving as managing editor of R&R at the same time he operated out of top 40 KHJ so I got a bird’s eye view of him from an industrial perspective.  He was not only regarded as the most ‘powerful’ man in radio — but in the record business as well and was a key figure in the symbiotic relationship that existed between the two industries at that time.   Whenever you saw him around town (the industry was a real community in that time and place) – at a party, or out at a business lunch or dinner at a popular watering hole – he usually was wearing a little earphone, the 1975 version of the ear bud – connected to a transistor radio in his suit pocket reportedly always tuned to top 40 giant KHJ.  It was weird seeing this short, intense grown man in a suit in those days always wearing an ear plug.  Made him seem… kind of bionic.  He was thus ‘always’ tuned into KHJ ‘patrolling’ the station to make sure the jocks never strayed from his seemingly sacred formatics.  And when they occasionally did, he immediately called them on the phone – lights would start flashing in the studio – and they would receive a sound scolding.  The RKO General chain of top 40 stations in those days was considered the absolute most important block of stations in controlling the fate of singles and Drew was the supreme commander of what records the chain would add or drop from its playlist.  Remember, these were the golden days of music sales and music biz glitz in Hollywood.  The record industry treated Drew like he was the Pope.  Tuesday nights were music nights when we tallied up the playlist changes and the record guys would wait with baited breath for whatever pronouncements controlling their fate that week came from Paul Drew over at RKO headquarters at KHJ.  He was an unforgettable figure at an amazingly colorful time in this business.”

Detroit Bids Adieu to Drew & Mike on WRIF.  Longtime morning drive duo Drew Lane and Mike Clark said good-bye to fans during an emotional final program on Greater Media’s rock WRIF, Detroit.  The station is replacing the tenured morning team with a yet-to-be-announced morning show.  The consistent rumor being heard in the Motor City is that former alternative CIMX, Windsor morning team Dave and Chuck the Freak will soon be announced as replacements.  Meanwhile, Meltdown is hosting AM drive.  Drew and Mike, along with longtime news person Trudi Daniels, took calls from listeners and past on-air contributors from 6:00 am through 11:30 am during their final show on the radio station.  Greater Media market manager Steve Chessare says, “They have been a big part of WRIF-FM’s legendary history in the Motor City.  They are true professionals and a class act.  We wish them the very best.”

Steve Sinicropi Jumps to Entercom Greenville.  After years with Cox Media Group’s Greenville, South Carolina cluster and exiting just after the cluster was taken over by new owner SummitMedia, radio exec Steve Sinicropi moves across town to the Entercom Greenville operations where he’ll serve as vice president and market manager for the cluster that includes: CHR WFBC “B93.7,’ news/talk WORD-AM/FM, classic rock WROQ, rock WTPT “New Rock 93.3 The Planet,” and AC WSPA “Magic 98.9.”  Sinicropi states, “I am thrilled to join the Entercom team.  This is an incredible opportunity to join one of the largest and most respected broadcasters in the country.  Entercom Greenville has five powerful brands and great digital assets along with the largest audience in the Greenville/Spartanburg market.  I’m looking forward to working with the Entercom team to serve our listeners through great programing, provide unparalleled service to the community, and help our advertisers create and execute the best marketing and advertising solutions in the Upstate of South Carolina.”

Clear Channel Reaches Revenue Sharing Agreement with Zojak World Wide.  Jamaican music distributor Zojak World Wide and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment enter into an agreement that allows Zojak’s artists to receive revenue from the latter’s broadcast and digital music streams.  In a press release, it’s noted that after only five years in business, Zojak is credited with bringing the digital revolution to the Jamaican music industry.  The company distributes and promotes the music of more than 750 reggae labels and their artists, and maintains the largest digital distribution catalog of Jamaican music in the world.  In March 2013, Zojak made history when dancehall star David “Mavado” Brooks became the first Caribbean artist to receive an exclusive video premiere on Billboard with his new single “Take It,” featuring Karian Sang.  Founded in Chicago in 2007, Zojak now has operations in Kingston, Jamaica and Miami, Florida.  Clear Channel chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Zojak has built an impressive music catalog in a short time by collaborating with artists, producers and record labels, to focus on distributing its clients’ music digitally.  We are very excited to partner with a company that shares our goal of creating a sustainable business model for the future of the digital radio industry.”

Steve Borneman Exits Clear Channel New York.  Steve Borneman’s tenure with Clear Channel New York ends after six months.  The executive came aboard CC in New York shortly after the company’s acquisition of news/talk WOR from Buckley Broadcasting.  Previously he had been the vice president and general manager at Cumulus Media’s crosstown cluster that includes news/talk WABC and hot AC WPLJ.

More RadioInfo Career Moves.  YMF Media’s hip hop WBLS, New York welcomes rap legend Doug E. Fresh to the air staff with a weekend program dubbed, “The Show” that airs on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am…..DJ Ekin is officially named evening jock at Cox Media Group’s CHR WPOI, Tampa “Hot101.5” where he’s been working on an interim basis.…..Beasley Broadcasting’s sports talk WQAM, Miami announces David Wolfman is the new local sales manager at the station.  Wolfman reports to director of sales Keriann Worley.  He comes to Beasley from his most recent position as general sales manager for Clear Channel Miami…..Clear Channel names Adam Schraf the new program director at CHR WVRT, Williamsport, Pennsylvania “V97.”  He moves to that post from his previous position as a traffic reporter with Total Traffic Network.

Clear Channel Adds New Rock Outlet to Fort Collins Market.  The new triple A station – “Radio 94.9 Colorado’s Finest Rock” – airs on the HD-2 channel of KPAW as well as on translator K235BT at 94.9 FM.  Market manager Stu Haskell says in a statement, “‘Radio 94.9’ will be a perfect fit for the Fort Collins local music scene and lifestyle.  We’re especially excited to spotlight local artists as part of our regular programming and offer the local community a unique radio station that has been missing from this area for a long time.”

Final Round of April PPM Data Released.  The last batch of April 2013 PPM data from Arbitron for the 12 markets including Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford and those complete charts are available here.  The following is RadioInfo managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian’s “Ten Takeaways” from these markets:

• Austin — Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9″ more than doubles its six-tenths February-March gain with a whopping +1.4. In addition to climbing from #15 in March to #11, “Spirit 105.9″ is back to the 4.2 (6+) it had in the “Holiday” report.

• Milwaukee — After taking a nine-tenths February-March slide, heritage Journal Broadcast Group talk outlet WTMJ posts a stunning +1.6 to 7.1 (6+) and the Brewers’ flagship advances from #5 to #4.

• Indianapolis — This marks the fourth consecutive month that the market’s top two stations (6+) are country-formatted rivals. The twist this time though is that, with a powerful +1.3 (March-April) to 8.6, WLHK (Emmis’ “Hank”) is first and Cumulus Media’s WFMS (7.8 – 7.2) slips to second. WFMS had beaten “Hank” in every report since last May (2012), when the two country outlets shared #1 honors by tying each other at 8.1. Also of significance, Hank’s 8.6 represents its most potent 6+ stat in Indianapolis’ PPM history of 37 monthlies.

• Raleigh — Continues to be on a roll, WRDU (formerly WRVA) posts its fourth successive up trend. Since the “Holiday” report, the Clear Channel classic rocker has advanced 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.1 and now ranks #7, compared to #12 in the “Holiday” survey period.

• Nashville — It is a strong month for country in “Music City USA,” as all three major FM country signals notch March-April progression and rank in the top 10. WKDF (Cumulus’ “Today’s Country”) gains back exactly the eight-tenths it lost February-March (6.2, #5); WSIX-FM (Clear Channel’s “The Big 98″) is up one-half share (5.2, #8); and WSM-FM (Cumulus’ “95.5 FM”) regains its three-tenths February-March erosion (4.8, #10). Meanwhile, after consecutive months at 2.1 (February and March), Salem contemporary Christian WFFH “The Fish” enjoys a +1.3 to 3.4 and advances from #16 to #13.

• Greensboro — Make it five straight positive trends for WJMH “102 Jamz,” with the latest being a +.7 – which elevates the Entercom rhythmic CHR to #2. Going back to December, WJMH’s (6+) trend reads: 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.3 – 8.4 – 9.1. In addition, the country battle tightens with Entercom’s WPAW “The Wolf” up two-tenths (8.6, #3) and Clear Channel’s WTQR “New Country – Q104.1″ gaining six-tenths (8.3, #4)

• West Palm Beach — Following an impressive +1.3 to 9.4 (February-March, 6+), hot AC WRMF adds another 1.6 shares. Not only is 97.9 FM WRMF #1 for the 13th successive report, its lead over runner-ups WLDI (flat) and WOLL (+.5) is an even five shares.

• Providence — Although Entercom-owned sports outlet WVEI-FM remains at #8, the Boston Red Sox radio network affiliate registers a potent +1.5 to 4.9, its best 6+ share since January 2012′s 6.2. Its Boston sibling, WEEI-FM, is the AL East team’s flagship.

• Memphis — After a nine-tenths February-March dip to 4.5 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Today’s Best Country – Kix 106″ more than bounces back with a +1.5 and inches up from #7 to #5.

• Hartford — Accustomed to racking up double-digits (6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WRCH “Lite” is in single-digits for the fourth successive month. In addition to being down seven-tenths to 8.9, “Lite” is caught at #1 by Buckley Broadcasting’s classic hits-oldies WDRC-FM “The Big D.” WRCH had been in sole possession of first place for the past 20 monthlies.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Clear Channel Strikes Deal with The CW to Televise iHeartRadio Events.  The youth-skewing TV network The CW aired programming from two iHeartRadio events during the 2012-13 TV season – concert footage from the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and the recent Justin Timberlake album release party.  Now, Clear Channel and The CW announce they’ve agreed to more joint ventures.  The three-year deal includes The CW serving as the broadcast home of the iHeartRadio Music Festival (in Las Vegas this September 20-21), highlights from the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party (in Miami on June 28-29) on July 15, plus the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball and future album release parties such as the Justin Timberlake event.  Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises president John Sykes states, “This is an ideal opportunity to take the original content that we create at Clear Channel to new platforms and audiences.  We chose The CW as our partner because we share the same powerful connection to a highly influential young demographic.”

Christina Albee Named Chief Marketing Officer at Dial Global.  Dial Global brings Christina Albee to the company from Condé Nast where she was most recently managing The Studio at Condé Nast, a division producing a wide range of digital campaigns.  She also supervised event marketing, strategic alliances, and operations at the Condé Nast Media Group.  In Albee’s new role as chief marketing officer at Dial Global, she’ll be responsible for the company’s positioning and branding.  On her new position, Albee states, “I am thrilled to assume the chief marketing officer role at Dial Global.  I look forward to working closely with Paul Caine to innovate and advance our marketing initiatives surrounding Dial Global’s premium programming and unique assets.  There’s an incredible amount of opportunity to redefine the category and I’m happy to be a part of Dial Global’s extremely smart team at the forefront of this industry.”  Prior to Albee’s work with Condé Nast, she held associate publisher positions at Style.com, and Time Inc.’s In Style Weddings and TEEN PEOPLE.  She was also part of multiple successful brand launches, including PEOPLE en Español, In Style, TEEN PEOPLE and All You.

KSBJ, Houston Announces Ty McFarland Joins as Program Director.  KSBJ Educational Foundation’s Christian contemporary KSBJ, Houston brings 17-year industry pro Ty McFarland aboard to program the station.  McFarland comes to Houston from his most recent position as senior program director at Columbia Union College-owned WGTS, Washington, DC.  Prior to that he developed and managed programming for the K-LOVE network as program director.  KSBJ president and general manager Tim McDermott states, “We are excited to have Ty join our team at KSBJ.  Many of us have known Ty for a long time and know of his creativity, his passion of people and his passion for God.  I know he will be a great addition to our team and that he will take our programming to even greater levels of ministry and impact in our city.”

JVC Media to Buy Asterisk Communications’ Florida Stations.  Long Island-based JVC Media announces it has entered into an agreement to purchase five Florida FM stations from Asterisk Communications.  The stations include: country WTRS, Dunnellon (Gainesville/Ocala market); hot AC WMFQ, Ocala “Q92”; smooth jazz WXJZ, Gainesville; news/talk WBXY, Gainesville; and sports talk WYGC, High Springs (Gainesville market) “104.9 The Game.”  JVC Media CEO John Caracciolo says, “We are honored and privileged to welcome these top-performing radio stations into the JVC family.  The prior owner of these stations was committed to community service, high-quality broadcasting and creating an excellent work environment for its staff, and we are proud to be able to continue the tradition that Asterisk started in this great market.”  JVC chief operating officer Victor Canales adds, “We love this radio market, and we are excited to continue the trend of fun, local radio in North Central Florida.  We plan on adding staff in Florida and New York and to make a big splash with marketing and programming when we begin operating the stations.”  JVC Media owns four FM radio stations on Long Island, dance music WPTY, Spanish WBON, country WJVC, and rock WRCN and operates Long Island Events, which manages the 7,000 seat outdoor entertainment venue known as the Pennysaver Amphitheater.  JVC was formed by broadcasting veterans John Caracciolo and Victor Canales and is backed by Northwood Ventures.

Google Announces ‘Play Music All Access’ Streaming Service.  As predicted, Google announced the debut of its Google Play Music All Access music streaming service at its Google I/O conference in San Francisco on Wednesday.  The service costs $9.99 per month – which sets it apart from Pandora and puts it more in line with Spotify – and gives Google a music service presence in the mobile market since the Google Play Music app comes loaded on Android OS smart phones.  Music stored in a user’s Google Music Locker is available in the Play Music All Access app and makes all the other music available from an artist already in the user’s locker available via stream.  Google is touting the service and its app as taking the hassle out of managing playlists and organizing the user’s music.  Some initial reviews are calling the app “intuitive” and easy to use with cool features such as the ability to share a YouTube video with someone at the tap of the screen.

‘Full Metal Jackie’ to Air on KRAB, Bakersfield.  Clear Channel’s KRAB, Bakersfield adds the “Full Metal Jackie” show to its program schedule, clearing it Friday nights at 10:00.  Program director Danny Spanks states, “We are very excited to have such a great show to offer to all the hard rock fans in Bakersfield!  I know from first-hand experience what a metal-head Jackie is.  She’s an expert in the field and the perfect person to host a show like this.  Thrilled to have her on board!”

Three Old Movies for New Radio Managers.  Noted radio consultant (and RadioInfo columnist) Holland Cooke says, “Forget those boring management training videos!” and recommends three old flix to today’s upcoming crop of radio managers for a valuable bit of advice and inspiration.  He suggests viewing “Disclosure” for input of sexual harassment, “Bridge on the River Kwai” for leadership training, and “Glengarry Glen Ross” for sales do’s and don’ts.  To read more, click here.

Round Three of Arbitron’s April PPM Data Released.  The third round of PPM data for the April 2013 survey has been released by Arbitron for markets including Portland; Charlotte; Pittsburgh; Sacramento; San Antonio; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Kansas City; Orlando; and Columbus.  You can find the ratings charts for those markets here.  Meanwhile, RadioInfo managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian provides his “Ten Takeaways” from the April PPMs.

• Portland — For the second consecutive month, country KWJJ (Entercom’s “The Wolf”) notches a three-tenths improvement (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5) and retains its #5 ranking (6+).  Meanwhile, cross-town format foe KUPL (Alpha Broadcasting-owned “The Bull”) adds four-tenths and is right behind, at #6, with a 5.2.

• Charlotte — Country is the focal point format here as well, with WKKT (Clear Channel’s “Kat Country”) recording a six-tenths gain to 7.1 (6+) and advancing from #4 to a first-place tie. In the process, it displaces CBS Radio rival WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which falls from first to third (7.2 – 6.7). Kat Country’s 7.1 is its best since November’s 7.4.

• Pittsburgh — The last time the Pirates had a winning season was 1992 – Barry Bonds’ last year with the Steel City team – when they won 96 games and finished first.  Posting the market’s best (6+) March-April gain (+.6) is Pirates flagship KDKA-FM (CBS Radio’s “The Fan”), which has its strongest showing (4.2) since last September (5.3). Even so, “The Fan” remains at #10.

• Sacramento — After a slight February-March advance (2.7 – 2.8), Clear Channel’s KSTE adds eight-tenths to 3.6. Not only does “Talk 650″ progress from #15 to #12, it enjoys its highest 6+-stat since PPM has been ratings currency in Sacramento (47 reports).

• Cincinnati — Multi-decade Reds flagship WLW reclaims the top spot in dramatic fashion by putting up a powerful 13.1 (6+).  Its +3.7 represents the largest magnitude of a March-April increase for any station in the 36 PPM markets Arbitron has released thus far; the 13.1 matches what the heritage Clear Channel talk facility notched this past October.

• Cleveland — Following a massive -2.1 (February-March), Clear Channel country WGAR rebounds with a +1.4, as “99.5″ segues from #4 to #2.  Other notable market gains are Clear Channel talk WTAM’s +.9 (4.5 – 5.4, #7), and CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK’s +.8 (5.9 – 6.7, #5).

• Salt Lake City — The third successive positive trend for KRSP “The Arrow” is an impressive +1.1 to 5.6 (6+), which takes the Bonneville classic hits outlet from #10 in March to #5.

• Kansas City — On the strength of a +1.1, Carter Broadcasting Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” advances from runner-up to #1. Registering a similar +1.1, and zooming from #17 to #13, is Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports.”

• Orlando — Cox-owned WWKA “K92-3″ makes a stunning 1.8-share March-April improvement (5.0 – 6.8) and propels from eighth to third. Moreover, 6.8 is the country outlet’s best 6+ stat in Orlando’s 37 PPM-report history.

• Columbus — This is the first of the 36 markets thus far to have three stations making March-April jumps in excess of a full share. Clear Channel CHR WNCI is +1.1 (9.0 – 10.1, steady at #2); classic hits-oldies sibling WODC adds one full share (6.2 – 7.2, remaining at #3); and contemporary Christian WCVO is +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, #5 to #4).

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Radio, Media Stocks Share in Record-High Dow.  Tuesday’s Dow close at a record high 15,215 was shared by several radio stocks that also reached highs not seen in years.  Shares of CBS closed above $50 for the first time since it was spun off from Viacom in 2006, its shares doubling in price from October, 2011.  Entercom Communications also closed at a 52-week high of $9.35.  On October 27, 2008, you could have bought shares of Entercom for just 56 cents.  Shares of Pandora not only closed above its original IPO price of $16 to $16.75, but has more than doubled in price since December, this despite the news that internet giant Google will be getting into the streaming music business.  Fisher Communications closed at a high not seen since November, 2007.  In March, 2009 you could have fetched shares of Salem Communications for just 35 cents.  Salem closed yesterday at $7.49.  You could have bought shares of Radio One in December for just 74 cents.  Yesterday, it closed at a yearly high of $2.19.  Other shares reaching 52-week highs on Tuesday include Beasley Broadcast Group, Cumulus Media, Disney, Entravision, Journal Communications and Sirius XM.

Doug Banks and American Urban Radio Networks Renew Distribution Deal.  The nationally syndicated urban afternoon “Doug Banks Radio Show” will continue to be distributed by American Urban Radio Networks as the two partners agree to an extension.  Under the terms of the deal between AURN and Doug Banks Media, AURN will distribute, market and sell the show, one of the longest-running urban programs, through 2015.  AURN has distributed the Banks’ radio show since July, 2010.  It currently airs on nearly 30 stations, including Clear Channel-owned flagship WVAZ, Chicago “V103.”  AURN president of program operations and affiliations Jerry Lopes says, “The ‘Doug Banks Radio Show’ has been entertaining urban adult audiences for a long time and with his extraordinarily talented sidekick DeDe McGuire and newly added comedian George Willborn, we expect he’ll be entertaining audiences for many years to come.  Given the most recent landscape changes, we expect more and more stations to turn to the PPM tried and tested Doug Banks Radio Show.”  Banks himself says, “I’m excited to have AURN as our network partner.  With their history and relationships with radio stations and groups around the country, we look forward to continued strong affiliate growth through the life of this partnership.”

Steve Harvey in for Mornings on WMBX, West Palm Beach.  The nationally syndicated Steve Harvey morning show is the new wake-up program on Palm Beach Broadcasting’s hip hop WMBX, West Palm Beach “X102.3.”  The company announces that with the arrival of the Premiere Networks syndicated program, it will “keep the station live and local, with popular ‘X102.3’ personality Reggie Dee who continues his ‘man on street’ role, talking to the people who wake up the city and giving away great prizes to ‘X102.3’ listeners.”

More RadioInfo Career Moves.  Nikki Ramirez exits Lincoln Financial Media’s AC WLYF, Miami “101.5 Lite FM” where she hosted the afternoon program.  The veteran of Miami outlets WPOW “Power 96,” WEDR “99Jamz,” WFLC “97.3 The Coast,” WHYI “Y100” and Atlanta’s WWWQ “Q100” and WSTR “Star 94” is seeking her next gig.  Reach her at 786-355-2323 or via Twitter @ItsNikkiRamirez….. DJ Hot Sauce is the new evening host at Clear Channel’s hip hop WZHT, Montgomery, Alabama “Hot 105.7” where he’ll also serve as APD and host the mix show.  He comes to “Hot 105.7” from CC’s WKKV, Milwaukee “V100.”…..Abe Kanan gets the imaging gig for SiriusXM’s “Octane” channel.  Kanan also hosts his eponymous show on Howard Stern’s “Howard 101” channel.

Round Two of Arbitron’s April 2013 PPM Data.  The second round of PPM data from Arbitron for April 2013 is out for the next 12 markets including Washington, DC; Boston, Detroit; Miami; Seattle; Phoenix; Minneapolis; San Diego; Tampa; Denver; Baltimore; and St. Louis and is available here.  RadioInfo managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian offers his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings data:

• Boston — It is for the most tragic reason imaginable that we anticipated Boston’s April results. Quite obviously though, in light of the Hub’s horrific Patriot’s Day bombing (Monday, April 15), ratings numbers were among the lowest priority item for stations.  Arbitron’s April survey period was March 28 – April 24, which included aftermath coverage of the bombing, as well as MLB’s opening day (April 1).  With a full-share March-April improvement, Boston Red Sox (and Boston Celtics) flagship WEEI-FM jumps from #14 – #11 and the Entercom sports outlet’s 3.5 (6+) matches its January stat.  Also noteworthy is that its direct competitor, WBZ-FM (CBS Radio’s “Sports Hub”), is +.2 (#7); with a six-tenths gain to 6.8, news/talk hybrid WBZ-AM improves from #4 to #2.

• Detroit — After three straight months at 4.3 (January-February-March), WXYT-FM tacks on 1.8 (6+) and it progresses from #9 to #5. The CBS Radio sports station’s 6.1 is its best since November’s 7.9.

• Seattle — With a strong +.8 to 4.8 (6+), KZOK ends its brief slide (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0). The CBS Radio classic rocker mirrors Detroit’s WXYT-FM by bumping up from #9 to #5; country KKWF (Entercom’s “The Wolf”) has its fourth successive plus trend.

• Phoenix — Bonneville-owned KTAR-AM improves by one-half share (2.1 – 2.6, 6+) and the sports facility inches up from #19 to #18.

• Minneapolis — With a full-share boost to 1.7, Northern Lights Broadcasting hot AC KTWN “K-Twin” returns to the top 20 (#21 to #19).  Meanwhile, fellow hot AC KSTP-FM (Hubbard’s “KS95″) has its fourth consecutive positive trend (5.6 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.4) and remains at #2.

• San Diego — Although still outside the top 20, San Diego Padres flagship XEPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090″ registers a +.8 to 2.1 (#21, 6+). The sports station’s January-February-March line score was 2.5 – 1.6 – 1.3.

• Tampa — For the second consecutive month, Cox Media Group adult contemporary siblings rank #1 – #2 (6+), as market pacesetter WDUV adds eight-tenths to 10.1 and runner-up WWRM “Magic 94-9″ is up by half as much (+.4) to 6.7.

• Denver — Clear Channel-owned Colorado Rockies flagship KOA’s second consecutive progressive trend (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.8) vaults the talk station from #3 to #1; Lincoln Financial Media country outlet KYGO-FM notches the metro’s strongest (6+) gain, 4.4 – 5.3 (+.9, #3).

• Baltimore — With a robust +1.2 to 4.1, WBAL advances from #12 to #6. The Hearst Television talk facility has its highest 6+ stat since December’s 4.2.

• St. Louis — By virtue of its +.8 to 7.3 – its best 6+ showing since October’s 7.4 – heritage CBS Radio talk outlet KMOX takes over the #1 spot. Adult contemporary sibling KEZK “Fresh 102.5″ is up seven-tenths, 5.6 – 6.3, (#5 to #3) as is Emmis’ KSHE, 5.0 – 5.7 (#9 to #5).

Google Reportedly to Unveil Music Streaming Service.  According to a piece in The Verge that was picked up by The New York Times, Google will announce a new streaming music service at its Google I/O conference today.  The service is reportedly to be a competitor to pay services like Spotify since it will charge a monthly fee whereas Pandora and the rumored-to-be Apple music streaming service offer a free tier.  The story also indicates that Google has worked out deals with music organizations Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.

RAB Study: Auto Radio Ads Have Greatest Influence as Consumers Get Close to Purchase.  According to the Radio Advertising Bureau’s newest service – Finding Consumer Trends Reports – “radio plays a dominant role, whether people are considering a vehicle purchase, or spending time in a vehicle.  The closer listeners get to purchasing or leasing a vehicle, the more important a part radio advertising plays.  And radio is a top ‘must-have’ for automotive buyers of every age.”  The RAB states that “these are just some of the key findings stemming from its new service to help radio stations sell locally and highlight the buying power of radio listeners coast to coast.”  It was developed in partnership with Presslaff Interactive Revenue, and offered as a benefit of membership, Finding Consumer Trends (F.C.T.) Reports are turn-key online surveys of a station’s audience that provide salable insights and qualified leads on purchase interests in top advertising categories.  RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “We were excited to launch this initiative for our members.  The number of responses demonstrates the engagement radio has with its listeners.  The information gleaned from this survey on automotive proves radio’s role within brand consideration and purchase.”  The RAB says the first F.C.T Report survey was conducted from March 12 to April 2, 2013 and attracted over 28,000 respondents aged 18-plus.  Respondents were asked about vehicle and brand preferences along with advertising and dealership influencers.  Of those respondents surveyed, 44% currently own a vehicle that is over 8 years old and nearly one in three (32%) of the total respondents will be in the market to purchase/lease a vehicle within the next year.  Presslaff Interactive Revenue’s president Ruth Presslaff says of the study, “RAB member stations now have a wealth of information they can use to engage dealerships and services shops.  With responses from over 28,000 radio listeners from coast to coast, we have uncovered everything from automotive brand preferences to buying intentions to their listening habits while driving.  This is compelling information that will be beneficial for all radio sales, within and well beyond the automotive category.”

WWNQ, Columbia Partners with St. Jude’s for Country Cares Radiothon.  Hometown Columbia-owned country outlet WWNQ, Columbia, South Carolina “94.3 The Dude” is participating in Country Cares, a country music community-driven radiothon dedicated to supporting the St. Jude’s mission to care for children in need.  The radiothon takes place Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17.  Hometown Columbia president Kirk Litton states, “The country community knows that parents and their families need places like St. Jude’s, which finds cures and saves children’s lives by sharing their research with hospitals in our area and across the country.  They do it at no cost to children and their families, even though it takes $1.8 million each day to run the hospital – something St. Jude’s does without any government support or a single penny from taxes.  Here at ‘The Dude’ we’re very excited to be part of the fundraising that gives the kids and families who need St. Jude’s that opportunity, and the hospital the resources it needs to wipe out children’s cancer for families in the Midlands and beyond.”  In addition to getting chances to win prizes for donating, fans will get their first chance to meet new host Dallas Reese, who will join the station on-air in June.

Christian Music Broadcasters Announces New Format for Radio Station of the Year Awards.  The Christian Music Broadcasters announces a streamlined process for entering the competition for the Radio Station of the Year.  It states, “Christian Music Broadcasters has re-vamped the entry procedure for the 2013 Station of the Year competition.  Stations will no longer need to put together an elaborate written entry and submit it for judging.  All written information will now simply be entered into an online ‘form’ on the CMB website  cmbonline.org   No more pictures, no more elaborate layouts, just a written record of what your station has done in the past year in the areas of ratings, community involvement, new media and industry leadership.  Audio portions of each entry will be uploaded directly to our website.  Simply CLICK HERE and follow the step by step instructions.  Voted on by a panel of judges within the radio industry, the Christian Music Broadcasters Radio Station of The Year Awards are presented to stations which show outstanding achievement in on-air presentation, community service, ratings, new media and industry leadership.  One award is given in each of four market categories – Major, Large, Medium and Small.  The 2013 Christian Music Broadcasters Radio Station of The Year Awards will be presented Wednesday evening at the CMB Networking dinner to be held at Momentum 2013, September 4-7 at the Disney Yacht & Beach Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.