Lew Dickey Doesn't Yet 'See a Business Model for Streaming'
Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey, appearing on Bloomberg TV's "In The Loop" program, said he doesn't yet see a business model for streaming. He spoke about a number of topics -- including the launch of NASH in New York and plans to take that Country format national, as well as the Cumulus programming and growth strategy and the outlook for the radio industry. But the headline grabber came when host Betty Liu redirected the discussion to streaming -- and if there's a financial future in it. Dickey said that Cumulus, without much effort, has become the third largest streaming platform in the U.S., behind Pandora and Clear Channel, but that hasn't yet translated into revenue. "Radio is an in car medium and that really has not changed," said Dickey, adding that "we don't yet see a business model behind streaming." Dickey acknowledged that consumers are shifting to mobile, but said, "What mobile is really good at is search and commerce. The device is not particularly conducive to display advertising. So that's why you're seeing display be somewhat challenged." When asked whether he accepts the idea that companies must make the most money out of mobile, he replied, "If you're in search or commerce. What we're working on with our commerce platform is to be able to monetize it as a remote control device for commerce.”
As for the company's programming strategy, Dickey says Cumulus is organizing around key content verticals. "Country is one, talk is one, sports is another and rock. Those are the content verticals we're focusing on. We're investing in talk and sports. We're seeing a shift from political based talk over to sports because people are tired of partisan bickering. We see ratings declining in talk and ratings increasing in sports. We're up to about 300 affiliates with CBS Sports Radio." Regarding the launch of NASH in New York, Dickey said, "The City has not had a Country station in 20 years. The time was right. 85 million passionate loyal fans listen to Country Music. There's a big thirst for Country music in New York." He also explained the company's previously released plans to make NASH a nationwide format and brand. Video of the full Bloomberg TV interview is available at this url.
Cumulus Names Mark O'Brien Washington DC Market Manager
Mark O'Brien is the new Market Manager for Cumulus Media in Washington DC, replacing Sam Rogers. O'Brien, who will oversee ad sales and station operations, joins Cumulus with more than 25 years of advertising and marketing experience within the radio industry. He most recently was VP and Market Manager for Clear Channel in Jacksonville, Florida. "We're fortunate to have Mark joining the D.C. team. He’s a consummate broadcast professional with a history of building high-performance sales teams," says Cumulus COO/EVP Jon Pinch. "Coupled with his intimate knowledge of the Beltway, Mark is the perfect choice to run this important cluster." Says O'Brien, "It is an extraordinary opportunity to return to the city I love and work with talented people at radio stations rich with promise and history. I have spent half of my adult life competing in Washington DC radio, and it will be fun to join the successful Cumulus team there."
PD Larry Gifford to Exit Seattle's KIRO-FM
News Talk KIRO-FM and Talk KTTH-AM, Seattle, Program Director Larry Gifford says he will exit the stations, March 1, after almost two years. He told the staff of his plans to exit in an email: "I am a big fan of Bonneville Seattle, the brands, philosophies, purpose, and the people who breathe life and personality into our products. I believe KIRO FM and KTTH are positioned for success. I also recognize the stations have both evolved greatly in the two years I’ve been here. As stations evolve, their leaders need to evolve as well. As I’ve considered where we are and the road ahead, it has become clear to me that the type of leadership needed to keep moving these stations forward requires someone with different strengths and passions than mine. So, with mixed emotions, I have resigned my position at Bonneville Seattle. At Carl's request, I will be here through March 1st to help both stations through this transition." Gifford says he will be seeking a new position after taking a month-long vacation. Gifford previously programmed at ESPN Radio, "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, and WBNS-AM, Columbus.
Ryan Haney Move to Birmingham 'Zone' Put On Hold by Federal Judge
Program Director Ryan Haney's move from Cumulus Sports Talk WJOX-FM, Birmingham, to crosstown Cox Media Group competitor "97.3 The Zone" WZNN-FM is on hold after U.S. District Court Judge David Proctor issued an order saying he cannot work for his new station until more evidence is heard in a lawsuit filed by Cumulus via subsidiary Citadel Broadcasting. A March 4 hearing is set. The federal judge also denied a CMG motion to be added to the suit as an "indispensable party" to the proceedings. As we previously reported, the Cumulus/Citael lawsuit claims Haney's move was a breach of contract. Haney resigned from WJOX-FM January 21, and a week later began working for "The Zone." Haney's former station contends that while his contract expired December 21, that as an at-will employee, the terms of his contract continued, including a one-year non-compete clause. Haney's resignation at WJOX-FM came at the same time as the exit of afternoon host Paul Finebaum, who is currently sitting out a three month non-compete.
Clear Channel Wichita Launches '102.1 The Bull'
Clear Channel Wichita, Kansas, launches Country "102.1 The Bull" -- replacing Country "Kissin' 102" at KZSN-FM. The station says "The Bull" will do Country differently by playing more of the newest country hits from artists like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan. "The Bull," we're told, will "have a unique voice and attitude that will match the Wichita Country lifestyle and feature Wichita's #1 rated Bobby Bones Morning Show." Bobby Bones' first day on "The Bull" will be March 4. The fresh launch coincides with Bones' last day on sister CHR-Top40 "Channel 96.3" KZCH-FM before he relaunches his program for Country stations. For the next ten days "The Bull" will play non-stop New Country. Says Market Manager Rob Burton, "Wichita listeners have been asking for this kind of Country radio station and we think Wichitans are ready to make this their first choice for new country music." Program Director Brian Jennings adds, "Wichita now has a country station that doesn't just try to compete playing the same stuff, but actually reflects just how hot today's new country music really is!" The rebranding of KZSN-FM comes less than a week before the station’s 27th anniversary in the Country format. "Kissin' 102.1" debuted on Valentines Day 1986.
Columbia South Carolina Gets 'The Dude'
After several days of stunting, Hometown Columbia Media's former "Carolina Country 94.3" WWNQ-FM, Columbia, South Carolina, unveils its new identity as "94.3 The Dude." Owner Kirk Litton tells us, "We asked Columbia country fans what they wanted in a radio station and heard over and over, 'Dude, we just want to hear all our favorite songs on a station that is unafraid to be entertaining and play songs that were the biggest hits regardless of era.' So we're having 'The Dude' deliver 'Undivided Country,' a mix of new country and the greatest hits from the likes of George Strait, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and Zac Brown Band, among many other greats. The way we see it, Columbia now has a choice between the way corporate does it – the last 15 songs recorded in Nashville over and over – and the way locally owned 'The Dude' does it." Litton adds, "We won't 'voice track' different voices from all over the country and try to fool you into thinking they are on the air here. That's corporate radio. We are local. That's really the point." The new "Dude" comes after stunting with all George Strait, all Kenny Chesney and all Garth Brooks.
Clear Channel Los Angeles Launches EDM 'Evolution On KIIS HD2'
Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "102.7 KIIS FM" Los Angeles launches HD Electronic Dance Music (EDM) "Evolution on KIIS HD2" -- an extension of the EDM "Evolution" digital station on iHeartRadio. The programming is hosted by the array of EDM personalities heard on the iHeartRadio channel, including Pete Tong. "Dance music’s impact in Los Angeles can be seen through sold-out DJ performances, music downloads and passion for iHeartRadio’s new Evolution channel," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment SVP of Programming and KIIS-FM Program Director John Ivey. "Los Angeles is the perfect fit for Evolution’s programming because of its rich heritage in dance music, and we’re excited to bring a full EDM channel to KIIS HD2. Glow sticks in the air everybody."
San Francisco's '95.7 The Game' Adds Sean O'Connell as Late Morning Host
Entercom's "95.7 The Game" KGMZ-FM, San Francisco, adds Sean O'Connell to join Matt Steinmetz for a new 10:00am-12:00noon show, starting February 21. O'Connell, who is joining from Cumulus "1320 KFAN" KFNZ-AM, Salt Lake City, is a former college football player and MMA fighter. "To say that Sean O'Connell is a unique talent would be a tremendous understatement," says KGMZ-FM Program Director Jason Barrett. "Bay Area sports fans are going to love his passion, plus, now we also have a guaranteed bodyguard at future events, which will come in handy since our hosts have a tendency to fire up the fan base." O'Connell.tells us, "Having grown up following Bay Area sports teams, it goes without saying that the Bay Area is one of the truly great American sports markets. I'm ecstatic to work with a pro like Matt Steinmetz and look forward to getting in the ring with the new sound for sports at 95.7 The Game."
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