News Briefs - Nov. 12, 2012

Arbitron Continues 'Sandy' Review. Arbitron will release PPM ratings data for Week 3 (October 25-October 31) of the November Survey period as scheduled to all PPM markets, including New York, Nassau-Suffolk, Middlesex-Somerset-Union and Philadelphia. Arbitron's Kim Myers tells us, "While Super Storm Sandy did affect the performance of the sample in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets, our review of in-tab and other sample performance metrics supports the release of the Week 3 data in all markets." Myers adds, "Week 3 PPM data will begin releasing to authorized users as scheduled, beginning on Monday, November 19. Because the week of the 19th includes the Thanksgiving Holiday, the fourth day of weekly PPM data releases will be on Monday November 26. Arbitron is continuing its review of the November Week 4 (November 1-November 7) sample performance metrics for New York, Nassau-Suffolk, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. We expect to provide the industry with a final decision on the release of Week 4 in these three markets, early in the week of November 19. Arbitron currently plans to release Week 4 and the monthly November PPM data for all other PPM markets as scheduled, beginning Tuesday, November 27."

Will FCC Chairman Genachowski Stay or Go? And if He Exits, Who Will Replace Him? Will FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski remain with the Commission or exit, and if he leaves (as many expect), who will replace him? We've been hearing buzz about this since before President Obama was reelected, but now Politico is looking at that question, suggesting Genachowski "is ready to leave the agency in the coming months," according to "most observers" even though the FCC Chairman himself is "coy about his plans." Noting that President Obama's reelection "means a Democrat will remain in the driver’s seat" at the FCC, Politico writes " just who that Democrat will be is an open question." Among others, the two other Democrats already on the Commission -- Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel -- "are seen as contenders to succeed Genachowski," writes Politico. And "Public Knowledge CEO Gigi Sohn, for one, hopes the next chairman is a woman." However, if Genachowski does exit, and that's not yet a given, some "industry insiders think the chairmanship will go to a Washington outsider." After reading Politico's full report, we are thoroughly convinced that we can say with 100% certainty that the FCC Chairman during the president's full second term will be ... a Democrat.

Spotify Reportedly Close to $100 Million in New Financing. Spotify is close to finalizing $100 million in financing that would bring the digital music service's value in at just over $3 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. Reportedly the investment in Spotify would come from multiple sources, although Goldman Sachs is the only one named. Last year, in a previous round of funding, Spotify raised about $100 million, resulting in a value of $1 billion value. CNet notes that at one point, the company was aiming for a $4 billion value but has pulled back from that target. And Billboard.biz reports that Spotify is planning an expansion into Latin America and Eastern Europe into 2013, noting that the company is now advertising to hire staffers in new markets, including Mexico City and Poland.

McGavren Guild Radio COO/CFO Barry Fischer Exits. McGavren Guild Radio COO/CFO Barry Fischer has resigned and exited the radio rep firm. Fischer, a 16-year company vet, previously was McGavren Guild Radio EVP and General Manager. In September 2006, he was promoted to Regional VP of the rep firm's Eastern Region and General Manager of SBS-Interep, a division within McGavren Guild Radio dedicated to Hispanic sales. Prior to that he was Director of Sales. Also leaving is Brian Thomas who has served as Regional VP for the company's Southern region.

Stacey Simms to Leave Charlotte's WBT-AM-FM. Greater Media says longtime "Charlotte’s Morning News" co-host Stacey Simms will be leaving WBT-AM-FM, December 14 for "personal reasons." Simms has been with the station for 10 years. Market Manager Rick Feinblatt tells us, “Since 2002, Stacey has been instrumental in the development and success of Charlotte’s Morning News and has always displayed the highest level of professionalism and dedication, to WBT and all our listeners. We wish Stacey all the best as she pursues new opportunities and adventures. Thank you Stacey for 10 years of excellence!”

Former WIBC/Indianapolis Traffic Reporter Big John Gillis Dies. Veteran former News Talk WIBC-FM, Indianapolis, traffic reporter Big John Gillis has died at the age of 64. Reports from Indianapolis say Gillis, who retired from WIBC-FM in 2007, had been dealing with breathing problems recently. Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan said, "WIBC and the entire Emmis family are saddened by the passing of Big John Gillis. John was an icon in Central Indiana whose captivating personality touched generations of listeners in our community. John will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Sherry and his entire family." Funeral arrangements are currently pending.