There's speculation circulating that CBS could sell off its radio division, and that Cumulus Media could be the buyer. While there's been recent talk about a CBS Radio spinoff being possible, the speculation is now fueled by a New York Post report that suggests it's under serious consideration, and that Cumulus Media wants to be the buyer. "CBS head honcho Les Mooves is looking to ramp up dealmaking as part of an overhaul of his old-growth media company," writes the Post. "His first step - a spinoff of the billboard division - has sparked talk that CBS Radio will be the next to hit the market. While CBS insists radio is a core business, industry insiders believe Moonves is open to a sale of the station group as he looks to reduce the company’s reliance on advertising and shed slower growth businesses," says the published report. Citing an unnamed "top entertainment executive," the Post writes that it was told, "He's trying to diversify. He’s actively looking. He’s got to do something,” adding "And he’s not being shy." The New York Post emphasizes that, according to sources, "a sale of the radio unit isn't imminent" but the sell-off "could happen in the next 12 to 24 months." The report claims "Cumulus boss Lew Dickey, who runs the second-largest radio station group after Clear Channel, has already sent out feelers to No. 3 CBS Radio, sources said." The Post notes that with the acquisition of CBS Radio, Cumulus would "become roughly equal in size to Clear Channel." The report also notes that Cumulus has partnered with CBS to launch and distribute the new CBS Sports Radio network. According to the report, "A source familiar with Dickey's thinking said he believes Cumulus could buy CBS Radio through a spinoff structure known as a reverse Morris trust that would minimize the tax hit to CBS." CBS, however, continues to deny that it is considering selling, or would sell, its radio division. A spokes for CBS told the Post, "We are not selling CBS Radio."
"The Answer" Comes to Chicago
Salem's new "The Answer" brand for its Conservative News Talk stations comes to Chicago at WIND-AM, which rebrands to "560 The Answer." The brand was first introduced in New York City and has since been expanded to Los Angeles, Columbus, Dallas, and Riverside. "The Answer" brand was created by Salem's VP and Director of Spoken Word Phil Boyce. “When we think about what our stations mean to our listeners, having them think of us as the answer to their questions of the day makes a lot of sense,” says Boyce. “There is a unique attitude and spirit in Chicago, and we will capture it with our new on-air sound.” WIND-AM General Manager Jeff Reisman tells us, "As AM 560 The Answer, we are making a promise to our listeners that we are going to provide them with exactly what they want -- the latest information, context for that information, and an explanation of what that information means. When we say that we're The Answer, that will mean that we're about the business of answering questions like: ‘What's happening?’ ‘What does it mean?’ and ‘Why is it important?’ Our aim is to be the answer to all the various questions that our listeners might have."
Arbitron Seeks Shareholders Approval to Merge with Nielsen
Arbitron has filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC, in which it asks current shareholders to formally approve the merger with Nielsen announced last month. "On December 17, 2012, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Nielsen Holdings N.V., TNC Sub I Corporation and Arbitron, as it may be amended from time to time, which we refer to as the merger agreement, providing for the acquisition of Arbitron by Nielsen Holdings N.V., which we refer to as Nielsen," says the fiing. "The merger agreement was unanimously approved by our board of directors. At the special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the merger agreement and the other proposals described in the accompanying proxy statement."
Veteran media reporter (and former broadcaster) Tom Taylor, in his new Tom Taylor Now newsletter, reports that "Nielsen aims to close on Arbitron by March 15." Taylor writes that the newly filed proxy from Arbitron says "we currently expect to complete the merger on or after March 15." But, notes the report, "it acknowledges it needs shareholder approval (at a special shareholder meeting, convened at the swank Four Seasons Hotel in New York City). It also must gain regulatory approvals." Read Taylor's full report here.
(And do yourself a favor by signing up to receive the "Tom Taylor Now" newsletter daily via email.)
Herman Cain Show Debuts
Dial Global's "The Herman Cain Show" - replacing now-retired Neal Boortz - began today (Jan. 21) on more than 80 radio affiliates. Cain, the former pizza chain CEO who sought the Republican nomination for President, has been a frequent substitute for Boortz in recent years, and previously hosted his own show on WSB-AM, Atlanta, which was also the flagship station for Boortz, and had been announced as the successor when Boortz announced he would end his show. Says Dial Global SVP of News and Talk Amy Bolton, "A true American success story, Herman Cain came from humble beginnings, had a vision, worked hard and became a successful businessman, presidential candidate and now Talk Radio phenomenon. Known for his no-nonsense style and ability to connect with everyday Americans, Herman Cain promises to deliver great radio. Dial Global is thrilled to partner with Cox Media Group and Herman as we launch the next Talk Radio Star." In advance of his first show, Cain said, "Buckle your seatbelts, because we are in full-blast mode. I'm excited and inspired to be a voice against ignorance and stupidity." Cain had specifically desired to begin his new national show on Inauguration Day, having repeatedly made know that he's no fan of President Obama. Cain's bio says he's "an American author, business executive, radio host, syndicated columnist, and Tea Party activist from Georgia."
Briefly
Veteran programmer Drew Hayes is reportedly returning to News Talk KABC-AM, Los Angeles, as Program Director. Hayes is currently Operations Director at sister News Talk WLS-AM, Chicago. Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago reports, "After three tumultuous years as operations director of news/talk WLS-AM (890), Drew Hayes is leaving the Cumulus Media station here to fill the company’s programming vacancy in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, Hayes, 54, is expected to be named program director of news/talk KABC-AM in L.A. -- a post he previously held under Walt Disney Co./ABC ownership. The position has been vacant since another former Chicagoan, Jack Silver, left last June."
Night host Tracy Jackson is out at Clear Channel Urban "Power 99" WUSL-FM, Philadelphia, the first major station personality to be cut under new Director of Urban Programming Derrick "DC" Corbett. No reason has been offered for the termination,. but Jackson, known as "Uncle 0," has in the past been involved in some incidents outside of the station, including one in which he was reportedly arrested.
After less than two weeks in mornings at Triple-A WDST-FM, Poughkeepsie-Woodstock, NY, Bob Wohlfeld's "Wakin' Up With The Wolf" is canceled. Greg Gattine is back in mornings. The station's owner and president said on the station's Facebook page that the change was the result of response from listeners.
Clear Channel Raleigh, North Carolina, Market Manager Dick Harlow exits the cluster he's overseen since 2002. No successor has been announced. Harlow is the current President of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.
The staff at Southern California Public Radio has voted to join SAG-AFTRA. Under a vote conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, 35 staffers supported organizing, while 26 voted to oppose the move. SAG-AFTRA says it will begin working on negotiating its first contract covering 65 reporters, producers, show hosts and news anchors. SCPP includes KPCCP-FM, Los Angeles; KUOR-FM, Riverside-San Bernardino; and KVLA-FM, Palm Springs.
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