Monday's Top News Reports (Feb. 11, 2013)

Dial Global Restructures Top Management Team

Dial Global restructures its top-level management team, with Spencer Brown becoming the company's sole CEO, while Ken Williams becomes President, reporting to Brown. David Landau, who had been a co-CEO along with Brown and Williams, has resigned. Dial Global says the changes are intended to "sharpen the company's strategic focus and provide greater clarity" to its advertising clients, station affiliates, and stockholders. Says Brown, "Along with me and Ken, David has led Dial Global since its formation in 2002, and he has been a cornerstone of the company’s growth and success. I am personally grateful for his significant contributions over the years, and I know that the entire organization feels the same. While David will certainly be missed, I am excited to lead the company forward and am convinced that Dial Global’s best days lie ahead." Landau tells us, "Working with Spencer, Ken and many of the other talented executives at Dial Global over the last 10 years has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life, both personally and professionally. I have tremendous respect for Spencer and believe that he has the necessary qualifications and passion to lead the company through its next stage of growth. I remain a meaningful shareholder of Dial Global and its most ardent supporter."

Study: Mix Of Radio & TV Gives Advertisers Better Value

A Clear Channel Media and Entertainment study shows that a small reallocation of advertising spending from television to radio significantly increased brands’ reach, receptivity and frequency. The study of leading brands across several sectors, including automotive, quick-service restaurant, home improvement, and financial services, showed that when advertisers reallocated up to 15 percent of their ad spend from TV to radio, they increased their brand’s total reach up to 28%, with no negative impact on TV reach. The study, conducted by CCME EVP of Insights, Research and Analytics Radha Subramanyam, along with the Media Behavior Institute, also showed that these advertisers reached a more receptive audience, since radio use corresponds more directly to key times in consumers’ lives when they may be open and responsive to marketing ideas or suggestions. For example, when a quick-service restaurant brand shifted 15% of its TV dollars to radio, audience reach increased 12% and receptivity to its ad messages jumped 84%. Says Subramanyam, "With lingering economic uncertainty, this research clearly demonstrates a simple and effective way for advertisers to stretch their budgets further with no negative impact on existing efforts."

Radio Ink Publisher Acquires RBR-TVBR

Eric Rhoads, Chairman of Radio Ink owner Streamline Publishing, announces that the company has closed on the purchase of broadcast-industry trade publication Radio Business Report/Television Business Report (RBR-TVBR). Says Rhoads, "The acquisition is designed to expand Streamline’s platform and commitment to the broadcasting industry. RBR is a 30-year-old established brand in radio and has gained respect for its financial and business reporting in the industry." RBR-TVBR, we're told, will be operated as a separate entity with the existing team, and will not be melded into Radio Ink. Rhoads says, “We are highly impressed with the quality of the reporting and operational organization at RBR-TVBR, and are excited about working with them. Most of the staff have been on the team for over 20 years and bring tremendous skill to our business." RBR-TVBR was founded in 1983 by Jim and Cathy Carnegie, and over 30 years they built RBR-TVBR into one of the strongest brands in the broadcasting industry. Cathy passed away unexpectedly in January 2012, and Jim Carnegie has since then been exploring the best future for RBR-TVBR.

"While this transaction might seem sudden, it was actually in the works for some time prior to Cathy's passing," says Carnegie. "Over the last year, as my personal priorities have changed, it became clear it was time to find a new caretaker for RBR-TVBR. We spoke with dozens of interested parties in a very thorough process to identify the right fit for RBR-TVBR going forward. Streamline was one of the early parties we considered, and as we went down this road, it became increasingly clear through dozens of conversations that Streamline was the right place for RBR-TVBR. The passion and commitment to broadcasters that Streamline and Radio Ink have demonstrated over the years made this transaction such a natural fit for the future of RBR-TVBR. The combined brands offer a very powerful proposition for broadcasters and our advertising partners." Rhoads adds, "Broadcasting is facing vast opportunities, and I believe RBR is poised to help address those opportunities, not only with its daily e-mail information and education, but with its private-access paid subscription content, reports, white papers, and data on industry trends and solutions. This area of the business is booming and has become a valuable intelligence tool to industry leaders, financial people, and radio managers."

Carnegie will assist Streamline in the short term during the transition, and has launched an advisory firm that will be the focus of his attention. “Over the years broadcasters have sought advice and input that I frankly have never had the time to give," says Carnegie. "With RBR-TVBR now in great hands, I can devote more time to answering those calls and helping broadcasters in a more one-to-one way.” The acquisition was orchestrated by Streamline CEO Jim Robinson, who says, “We’re very happy with the product RBR-TVBR produces. It's credible and held in high regard in the industry due to the accuracy of its content and quality of its reporting. It is our intent to keep the existing content intact and seek growth opportunity for the brands."

Houston's KNTH-AM to Have 'The Answer' -- And Sam Malone in Mornings

Salem Communications News Talk KNTH-AM, Houston, will rebrand as "The Answer" and add a local morning show with market veteran Sam Malone. Following the lead of other Salem News Talk stations, "The Answer" will replace the current "News Talk 1070" branding. Malone’s new hybrid audio-video talk show will debut next week on KNTH-AM and be simulcast on Phonoscope Cable Channel 11 in the Houston area. Malone's 7-10am show will be KNTH-AM's first local program. "Salem is a rock-solid company, and their investment in talent is amazing," says Malone. "I'm excited to join that family." He adds that his new show will be similar to his most recent one on crosstown KSEV-AM, with a mix of conservative talk, news and pop culture. Malone's debut will result in a programming realignment at KNTH-AM, with Bill Bennett airing 5-7am, Mike Gallagher 10am-12noon and Dennis Prager noon-2pm. Program Director Chuck Tiller says Malone "will be a great asset. He has a great following, and his addition will do nothing but benefit AM 1070 The Answer." Malone has hosted shows on Houston's KTRH-AM, KRBE-FM, KHMX-FM, KPRC-AM and KSEV-AM. He will continue in his role as President of Phonoscope New Media which is producing programs for the Houston cable channel.

Kevin Winter Exits Boston WEEI Morning Sports Anchor Role

Kevin Winter exits as morning sports anchor on the "Dennis and Callahan" show on Entercom Sports Talk WEEI-FM, Boston, effective immediately. He had added that position to his schedule less than two months ago. Winter, who was working exclusively for ESPN Radio before joining WEEI, says, "I appreciated the opportunity to join WEEI, but my time commitments at ESPN Radio were just too consuming for me to continue in both roles. I wish John and Gerry and the entire team the best going forward." Says VP of Programming and Operations Jason Wolfe, "I respect Kevin's decision and wish him well in his future endeavors." Winter joined the station in December. He's worked at ESPN Radio since 2004, has served in a variety of studio host capacities including National SportsCenter Anchor for all ESPN Radio shows including "Mike and Mike in the Morning," and has been the pre- and post-game host for ESPN's coverage of college football and basketball.

Despite the official news release as to why Winter has exited, Boston.com is reporting: "Kevin Winter was fired as the sports update anchor on WEEI's 'Dennis and Callahan' morning show Monday, just six weeks after his debut as the replacement for Jon Meterparel. According to industry sources, Winter was called into program director Jason Wolfe's office following Monday's program and told that the chemistry between him and hosts John Dennis and Gerry Callahan wasn't working."

Pittsburgh Morning Host Exits Show After Contentious Gun Debate

Tim Benz says that he's exited the morning show on Clear Channel Alternative Rock "105.9 The X" WXDX-FM, Pittsburgh, after arguing with listeners about gun control. "There was a flare-up about gun control on the show, which included a good deal of flashback against the station. I wasn't able to walk away from the fight. I decided to step away from the Morning Show. Benz says he didn't resign and plans to honor his contract however the station sees fit -- on the air in a different capacity or off the air. The argument stemmed from a Pittsburgh gun shop's recent giveaway of hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines and an AR-15 military-style rifle on its Facebook page. Benz said he supported stricter gun control laws which spurred a lively debate. "It's a personal battle that I may have waged on the airwaves too often for the format. It's a topic I feel passionately about. And that passion has gotten in the way of doing the show in the manner in which it should be done.” Pittsburgh Tactical Firearms owner Erik Lowry says, "When you're a morning show host in a town of blue-collar workers who love their guns and the Second Amendment, you're going to (anger) a lot of people." So far, there's been no official reaction from "105.9 The X" Program Director John Moschitta, and the station's website doesn't mention any of this. Benz is still listed as part of the morning show team.

Saga Promotes Jason Addams to Springfield Operations Manager

Saga Communications promotes Jason Addams to Operations Manager of the company's five-station Springfield cluster. Adams rises from the Brand Manager post at CHR-Top40 WDBR-FM and Adult Variety Hits "93.9 Abe FM" WABZ-FM. As part of a series of moves, Addams will partner with Sarah Smerz for the WDBR-FM morning show, replacing Dave Daniels and Dina Michaels who exit the station to pursue charitable non-profit work in the community. Blake Stadel moves from evenings to PM drive on WDBR-FM, and is promoted to cluster Digital and Social Media Director. Taking over Stadel’s evening show is Greg Harvey, coming in from CHR-Top40 WIZM-FM, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, who also adds production duties for the cluster. WDBR-FM midday host Amy Nelson is elevated to Brand Manager for sister Oldies “Cool 101.9” WQQL-FM, where she will also host middays. And Jeff Hall moves up from weekends on-air and Promotions Director to Music Director for WABZ-FM.

John Brock to Return to ShareMedia Senior Leadership Team

ShareMedia announces the return of John Brock to its senior leadership team, assuming the newly-created role of EVP on April 15. He will oversee domestic and international Christian radio client development and radio fundraising events in the U.S. Brock is a 40-year radio veteran with 25 years focused in the Christian radio market. Most recently, he served as Senior Pastor at New Hope Church in his hometown of East Tawas, Michigan. ShareMedia President and Co-founder Todd Isberner tells us, "John has a unique call on his life to help strengthen and resource ministries. He's one of the most gifted broadcast fundraisers I've encountered. And in 25 years of knowing and working with him, I've personally witnessed God use John in increasingly greater ways. I'm incredibly grateful for John and look forward to working with him as we mutually seek to increase the impact of Christian radio and ministries on our culture." We're told that for "nearly four decades ShareMedia Services has specialized in broadcast fundraising and has produced more than 3,000 radio broadcasts raising over $1 billion for non-profit clients. The company also has a team of seasoned coaches and hosts that provide on-site services during hundreds of non-commercial Christian radio fundraisers each year."

Premiere Networks to Distribute Imaging Blueprint

Premiere Networks will provide exclusive international distribution for Imaging Blueprint, an imaging library for CHR and Hot AC stations, effective immediately. "Created and designed by the directors at Contraband Media Ltd, Imaging Blueprint is an innovative, online database featuring thousands of audio files containing sound design, music beds, artist-imaging work parts, vocal work parts and topical elements," says the announcement from Premiere. "Updated 24/7 and on demand, it provides tools for stations to produce innovative imaging, breaking down the work parts into clever and simple building blocks, and allowing the producer to be truly creative. With more than 30 years of experience, the Imaging Blueprint team has been recognized with multiple production awards and their work is utilized by some of the most-popular stations around the world, including BBC Radio 1, 95.8 Capital FM, Kiss 100, Nova, XFM, Virgin Radio and The Edge."

"We are thrilled to represent Imaging Blueprint internationally, as this new production library was built by producers for producers," says Premiere Networks Executive Director, International Business Development Tanya Juhasz. "The UK has a reputation for producing cutting-edge sound and Contraband Media is leading the charge." Blueprint Director of Imaging Adam Burgess tells us, "We worked very closely with Tanya and the team at Premiere throughout the inception of Imaging Blueprint. We wanted to create something truly unique, something we wanted to produce and they wanted to represent, and I think we've nailed it."

ACN's Joel Graham Launches Universal Comedy Network

Following the recent demise of American Comedy Network, ACN GM/Creative Director Joel Graham launches the new comedy prep service Universal Comedy Network. ACN was shut down by owner Dial Global with just 30 days notice, and Graham notes that many affiliates need a quick replacement. UCN is offering former ACN affiliates the opportunity to secure market exclusivity. Says Graham, "UCN is an audio-intensive prep service that provides highly topical comedy content tailored to fit the needs of personalities from large markets to small who are committed to providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience for their listeners." A new UCN website is launching at www.UniversalComedyNetwork.com. Interested stations can contact him at 203-804-0077 or joelgraham@sbcglobal.net. Graham says he has re-assembled the same core creative team from ACN and promises to offer "the highest quality original content like song parodies, spoof commercials, show opens, character phoners, production elements and more." The new service is being offered on a cash or barter basis.