Pandora's Sony/ATV Royalty Payments Reportedly to Increase 25%
Pandora will reportedly be paying significantly more to publisher Sony/ATV this year. Pandora and the music publisher are reported to have signed a new agreement, which includes a 25 percent increase in royalties to Sony/ATV, according to the New York Post. "The agreement may come as a surprise to some as the 6-year-old streaming upstart, which has roughly 60 million users, has been vocal about demanding decreases in the fees it pays to the music business and artists," writes the Post. "Sony/ATV, a joint venture between Sony Corp. and the Michael Jackson estate, secured the big jump up after it pulled digital rights from two associations effective Jan. 1, industry insiders told The Post." According to the published report, Pandora executives have been meeting with Sony/ATV management to work out a new deal that is said to run for the next 12 months. The Post says Sony/ATV declined to comment on the terms of any new deal, but CEO Martin Bandier, told them, "At the end of the day, we got a terrific deal for our songwriters. Our thinking has been vindicated. Hopefully it's the first of many." Pandora didn't comment. Reportedly, Sony/ATV will now seek better deals from other digital music streamers. The new deal with Sony/ATV comes after the publisher pulled its digital rights from ASCAP and BMI. The Post report notes that the Pandora deal "could spark a domino effect as other music publishing firms weigh negotiating their own digital music rights outside of collective deals struck by ASCAP and BMI collecting on behalf of publishers and song writers."
YouTube Reported to Be Increasing Vevo Investment
YouTube is reportedly increasing its stake in Vevo, according to several published reports. "YouTube already owns a small stake in Vevo but is reportedly looking to up that investment, according to AllThingsD. If indeed the video giant does partner with Vevo, the way consumers view content on the site will supposedly stay the same -- which means watching big label music videos for free," reports CNet. "YouTube and its owner Google have agreed to buy a minority stake in Vevo, according to people familiar with the deal, which hasn’t been finalized," writes AllThingsD. "If it happens, it will be the second time in the last year that Google has invested directly in a video company that relies on YouTube for distribution. In May, Google put money into Machinima, the Web video network aimed at gamers." The published reports say that if a deal is completed, it will allow Vevo and YouTube to continue with a relationship that has existed for three years. "Vevo gets to distribute its clips on the world’s largest video site, and YouTube gets to keep showing music videos from the big labels, which account for many of its most popular clips." AllThingsD believes the planned transaction "will be bigger than the $35 million funding round Google and YouTube led in Machinima last year." That report adds that "while both YouTube and Vevo have signed off on the investment and a renewed distribution deal that includes long-term licenses for the videos, the deal hasn’t closed and could still be derailed." Vevo is primarily owned by Universal Music Group and Sony Music, with an investment from Abu Dhabi Media. AllThingsD says the current tentative agreement could be completed at the same time YouTube signs new agreements with UMG and Sony for other licensing issues, such as user-uploaded clips that incorporate music from the major labels.
Dial Global Gets Extension from Lenders
Dial Global tells the SEC that it has arranged a "Third Limited Waiver to its Credit Agreement" with its first lien lenders that extends its previous waiver of "certain events of noncompliance" through February 28. The previous waivers advanced DG's deadline to comply with the terms of its credit agreement to January 15. The company says it has also been granted up to $5 million of borrowing power under its Second Lien Waiver, which will now also mature February 28. The SEC filing says that Dial Global "believes that the parties have established a framework for a potential restructuring of the Company's obligations under its Credit Facilities, (but) there can be no assurance that the Company and its lenders will be able to reach agreement regarding a restructuring on terms acceptable to the Company and its lenders prior to the termination of the Waivers, or at all."
John O'Connell Named PD for CBS Radio Tampa Sports Talkers
CBS Radio's "Sports Radio 98.7 The Fan" WHFS-FM and "CBS Sports Radio 1010" WHFS-AM, Tampa, names former CBS Radio West Palm Beach cluster Operations Manager John O'Connell as Program Director, effective January 22. Says Tampa SVP and Market Manager Ben Hill, "I have complete confidence in John's experience and leadership, having worked closely with him over the years. He is confident and 'walks the walk' when it comes to achieving results. And the fact that no one can match what we offer when it comes to sports programming will enable John to create a listener experience that is completely driven by the fans." O'Connell tells us, "I am thrilled to rejoin CBS Radio and become part of Tampa's Number One sports team. This is an exciting time for Sports radio and I’m looking forward to leading the stations to a solid ratings victory." O'Connell began his career while in high school, and spent 15 years in Boston working at a number of stations. He moved to Florida in 1996 as PD for Alternative Rock WPBZ-FM, later increasing his responsibilities to oversee several stations.
Veteran Programmer Bob Agnew Named KLAA-AM/Los Angeles PD
Veteran Talk and Sports programmer Bob Agnew is named Program Director of Sports KLAA-AM, Los Angeles, the flagship station for the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, effective January 28. Says General Manager David Baronfeld, "If there were a Mt. Rushmore for Sports Radio Programmers, Bob would be one of the faces you'd see. His impact in creating the most successful sports radio station on the west coast is undeniable and having him join KLAA is truly exciting." Agnew was the longtime PD at Sports KNBR-AM, San Francisco. He's also programmed Clear Chanel's San Francisco AM station and CBS Radio Talk KXNT-AM, Las Vegas. He tells us, "This is a great opportunity to continue to grow and develop AM 830 KLAA into one of Southern California's premier Sports radio stations. There has been a tremendous growth of sports programming across the county and I am excited to put my experience and expertise to work with the KLAA staff. I look forward to working alongside Roger Lodge, Travis Rogers and the rest of the very dedicated staff."
Melissa Joins Boston’s New 'Hot 96.9'
Boston's new Rhythmic "Hot 96.9" WTKK-FM, has hired market personality Melissa for a shift to be announced. She previously was part of the morning show at crosstown "Jammin 94.5" WJMN-FM. Says "Hot 96.9" Program Director and Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack McCartney, "Melissa is a talent who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, having watched her development and growth over many years. The Boston audience loves her contagious energy and enthusiasm. I was pleased to learn she was already a part of the Greater Media team when I joined the company. Melissa will be perfect for the all-new 'Hot 96.9' and I'm looking forward to many more great times with her in the years to come." Previously, as we reported early this month before the new format was revealed, WTKK-FM signed veteran market personality Pebbles to host mornings. Pebbles had exited crosstown Clear Channel Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" last month. That's where she long co-hosted mornings with Ramiro Torres. Melissa worked with them as a producer and on-air personality.
'DJ Trauma' Stephan Servalli Dies from Flu-Like Symptoms
Stephan Servalli, known on-air as "DJ Trauma" at “Power 98.3” KKFR-FM, Phoenix, has died at the age of 38 after contracting flu-like symptoms while visiting St. Petersburg, Florida, over the holidays and died after returning to Phoenix. Seravalli had previously worked at Tampa Bay's "Wild 94.1" WLLD-FM from 1999 to 2008. "Wild 94.1" reported Servalli's death to media in the Tampa area. Phoenix-based Riviera Broadcasting confirmed Seravalli's passing, but had no further information. As news of his death spread, Seravalli's Facebook page was filled with condolences and memories from friends and fans. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for January 22 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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