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Programmer Jhani Kaye to Exit CBS Radio Los Angeles 'K-Earth' & 'The Wave' Program Director Resigns Effective June 30 
CBS Radio Los Angeles Classic Hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM and "94.7 The Wave" KTWV-FM Program Director Jhani Kaye announces his resignation, effective June 30. CBS Radio Los Angeles SVP and Market Manager Steve Carver told the staff of Kaye's plans in a memo: "For the past seven years we have been fortunate to work alongside Jhani Kaye as he helmed the programming efforts at The Wave and K-Earth. He has made a number of important contributions that have distinguished the stations among its peers, and been a valued member of the team. As he nears the end of his current agreement with CBS Radio, Jhani has elected to explore fresh challenges and new opportunities using his multi-faceted talents and unmatched passion for music. We wish Jhani nothing but the best in the future and I know you all congratulate him on his many successes at CBS Radio. Fortunately he won't be going anywhere right away. He will continue to program The Wave and K-Earth and assist with the transition until a new Program Director is named. I urge you to continue to take advantage of his insights for the next few months while we search for a suitable replacement." Carver and CBS Radio Los Angeles VP of Programming Kevin Weatherly will oversee the search for Kaye's replacement. Kaye says the reason he's leaving is "to follow other passions in the entertainment industry," but offers no specifics as to his future plans. Vevo Launches 24/7 'TV Channel' - 'Traditional TV' In Its Future 
Vevo today announced plans to introduce Vevo TV, a "fully programmed, linear, 24/7, lean-back experience." Vevo TV will be "an always-on broadcast-style music and video channel" available exclusively within Vevo.com and apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Xbox 360 and Roku. The company says it hopes to make Vevo TV "available anywhere and everywhere Vevo is." The announcement came at SXSW. CEO Rio Caraeff says the new venture will be "more TV-like" than the traditional Vevo experience, and will feature live concert events, artist interviews and video premieres, as well as original music programming, blocks of music videos and more. In the announcement, the company notes that "just like a TV programming guide, our schedule will illustrate what is on right now and what is coming up later in the day, so you won’t miss a thing. See a video playing and want to watch it later, on-demand? No problem, just click or tap “Watch It Later” and it will be added to a special TV playlist." The digital music video service has also adjusted its overall branding and design, with a new logo. Vevo TV is available today in the U.S. and Canada, with a roll out in additional countries and additional channels forthcoming. When the full roll-out is completed, plans call for even further expansion. "Further down the road you'll see us partner with the traditional cable and satellite, and bundle our on-demand videos and linear channel with the incumbent players," says Caraeff. He's told some media sources that Vevo has already lined up big-name brands like McDonald's and State Farm as Vevo TV sponsors when it eventually goes to traditional television. Caraeff suggests that will happen on at least some cable or satellite platform by the end of this year. There are also reports that Vevo will leave YouTube, despite its close relationship with Google. NMPA Hopes for Better Pandora Relationship After CEO Kennedy Exit 
With Pandora CEO Joe Kennedy's announcement last week that he will be stepping down, the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hopes his exit will lead to a better relationship between publishers and the digital music streaming service. The Hill reports, "NMPA CEO David Israelite said songwriters are frustrated that roughly 4% of Pandora's revenue goes towards compensating them for their music, while nearly half of company's revenue goes towards paying recording labels and recording artists." Israelite also noted that Pandora has filed suit to lower the percentage of revenue it pays out to songwriters. "The four percent Pandora pays is unfair and must change," says Israelite in a statement.
David 'Dr. Dave' Kolin Suing USRN for Breach of Contract 
United Stations Radio Networks EVP of Comedy David "Dr. Dave" Kolin is suing USRN for breach of contract, seeking a declaration that he has "good reason" to terminate his contract. He claims he's owed $671,639 in back salary, and in the lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court, is also seeking to have the company buy his shares, and to have his noncompete agreement nullified. Kolin was founder, Director and President of DB Communications, a radio syndication company, that was acquired and served as the nucleus for USRN in 1993.
Saga Net Revenue Up 10% In Q4, Up 4% for 2012 
Saga Communications reports that its net operating revenue increased 4% to $130.3 million for 2012, ending the year with a 10% Q4 net operating revenue gain from the year-ago period. For the fourth quarter, operating income from continuing operations increased 27.8% to $9.8 million; Station operating expense increased 3.3% to $23.6 million. Net income for the quarter was $5.8 million, up from $4.1 million for Q4 2011. For the full year, operating income from continuing operations increased 19.7% to $32.0 million; Station operating expense decreased approximately 1.0% to $90.3 million. Net income was $17.9 million, compared to net income of $12.6 million for the previous year. Saga reports free cash flow increased 9.5% to $25.1 million for the year. For the fourth quarter, free cash flow increased 11.2% to $8.2 million. Read more from Saga.
Radio One Awards CEO Alfred Liggins $1.5M Bonus, 
Radio One awards CEO Alfred Liggins a 2012 bonus of $1.5 million, and Founder/Chairperson Catherine Hughes a bonus of $500,000. According to an 8-K form filed with the SEC, "On March 5, 2013, the compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Radio One, Inc. (the “Company” or “Radio One”) awarded cash bonuses to Alfred C. Liggins, III, Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), and Catherine L. Hughes, Founder and Chairperson (the “Founder”) for the year-ended December 31, 2012. In making 2012 annual bonus decisions, the Compensation Committee considered the applicable performance criteria as set forth in the CEO’s and Founder’s 2008 employment agreements (the “2008 Employment Agreements”). However, given that the 2008 Employment Agreements had an initial three year term expiring April 15, 2011 and had not been updated, the Compensation Committee also exercised discretion to reflect a number of factors not contemplated by the 2008 Employment Agreements." The bonuses to Liggins and Hughes follow the recent bonuses of $250,000 each to CFO Peter Thompson and Chief Administrative Officer Linda Vilardo. Last June, Liggins said he was postponing merit raises. "I need to ensure that our success is sustained and that we are properly positioned financially before increasing our fixed costs," he wrote at the time in a memo to Radio One employees. Now, the Radio One compensation committee awards Hughes $500,000 because of her "strategic leadership, guidance, and promotion of the company." Also, says the committee, because she's been actively involved in the sales activities of One Solution, the company's national sales platform. "The Compensation Committee determined that the Founder has been an integral part of the One Solution sales team and her efforts have resulted in significant advertising commitments and revenue generation." For Liggins, the committee considered the radio division’s 2012 operating performance versus its 2012 business plan. "In this regard, the compensation committee noted that the radio division had met its EBITDA plan for the calendar year-ended December 31, 2012." The committee also noted that for Q4 2012, core radio revenues were up by 11% and the company outperformed the markets in which it operates by 820 basis points leading to revenues being up 7% for calendar year 2012 versus a 0.9% increase in revenues in the markets in which the company operates. Stanley Hubbard Named 2013 Lowry Mays Award Recipient 
Hubbard Broadcasting Chairman Stanley Hubbard will be the recipient of this year’s Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award. The award will be presented during the Broadcasters Foundation of America Breakfast, April 10, at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the NAB Show. The Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award honors an individual in broadcasting whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Stanley Hubbard's industry accomplishments include overseeing the building of the first successful UHF television station in a VHF market with others in the Hubbard organization, creating the world's first satellite newsgathering organization, and establishing U.S. Satellite Broadcasting (USSB). Broadcasting & Cable labeled him "the father of satellite broadcasting," and he's a charter member of their Hall of Fame. Hubbard holds memberships in numerous industry associations, including the National Association of Broadcasters, the Broadcasters Foundation of America, and the International Radio and Television Society.
KEZW-AM/Denver PD/Morning Host Rick Crandall Honored, 
Entercom Adult Standards "Studio 1430" KEZW-AM, Denver, Program Director and morning host Rick Crandall is named the Colorado Broadcasters Association 2012 Broadcaster Of the Year, being honored with the CBA's Rex Howell Award. In a news release, Entercom tells us that "Crandall has been a staple of Denver's broadcast community since he joined team KEZW in 1991. Since then, Rick has become an integral part of his listeners’ lives, travelling as far as South Africa with listeners on the now famous 'Listener Trips.' Rick's morning show, 'The Breakfast Club,' has grown so popular it's currently one of the top rated Adult Standards morning shows in the nation. He has earned numerous awards including the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for Adult Standards Station of the Year, and the Colorado Broadcasters Association Harry Hoth Award for Public Service. Throughout his broadcast career, Rick, a veteran himself, has actively supported Colorado veterans. KEZW proudly sponsors several annual events including Valentine’s for Veterans, Operation Christmas Joy, Veteran's Fair, and Veteran's Day Salute. Perhaps one of Rick's biggest achievements both as a veteran and a radio personality, was raising the $2 million needed to begin construction of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, a site commemorating the nearly 6,000 Colorado soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom." Says Entercom Denver Market Manager Amy Griesheimer, "We at Entercom are thrilled that Rick has won this well-deserved award for his outstanding performance as a broadcaster. Rick Crandall is such an inspiration to his listeners and colleagues; he is truly the heart of KEZW." The news release notes that the Colorado Broadcasters Association’s mission has been to “build a stronger broadcast industry” since 1949. Sun Signs Sales Rep Agreement with 'El Mandril Morning Show' 
Sun Broadcast Group enters into a national sales representation agreement with "El Mandril Morning Show." The partnership, effective immediately, expands the Spanish products being offered by Sun and will include in-show inventory, promotional opportunities, digital streaming, and mobile platforms. "El Mandril" -- hosted by Ricardo Sanchez -- is currently heard in more than two dozen markets, and is the top Spanish format morning show in Los Angeles.
Radio Programmer Randy James Launches Truth2Value 
Randy James launches Truth2Value -- which he says is not a consultancy. But says the radio programmer, his first client is the station he recently programmed, Pillar of Fire’s Christian Contemporary "Star 93.3" WAKW-FM, Cincinnati. The veteran programmer -- who lists Disney/ABC, Clear Channel, and Jacor, among others on his resume -- says in a news release that his initiative will work with “media companies in a new and unique partnership to create immediate and ensure future success." James calls his arrangements with media companies “partnerships," and says those who want to partner with Truth2Value can contact him at FitzMountie29@yahoo.com by email. (The preceeding was NOT a paid advertisement. That's the truth!) |
From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday's Radio & Media News - March 12, 2013
"In other areas of the music business, songwriters and music publishers often earn the same amount that is paid to record labels and artists. I wish Mr. Kennedy the best, but a new CEO could go a long way toward creating a true business partnership with the music industry by addressing this issue and respecting the contribution of songwriters." The Hill report notes that Pandora has lobbied for Congress to modify the music royalty rules that are used to set the fees it pays to record labels and music artists for streaming their music online, throwing its support behind the Internet Radio Freedom Act. "Pandora believes the bill will lower the royalty fees it pays so they're in line with the fees paid by satellite and cable radio stations," writes Jennifer Martinez for The Hill, adding that the bill is expected to be re-introduced this session. The NMPA, which represents music publishers and songwriters in Washington, has spoken out against the proposed legislation. The Hill also notes that Pandora recently sued ASCAP to lower the fees paid out to that organization.
According to his bio 
"Since 2008, Sun has been expanding our programming and sales portfolios to answer the calls of both programmers that feel neglected by other syndication and rep firms and our agency partners who are looking for fresh, new ideas that will excite their clients." says Sun Broadcast Group CEO Jason Bailey. "El Mandril is yet another great solution for all of our partners. Not only is the show amazing, but Ricardo's personal story is nothing short of remarkable." Ricardo Sanchez, better known as "El Mandril" ("The Baboon"), was born in Mexico where he literally swept the floors for his first job at a radio station. In 2002, after working his way through the radio ranks in Tijuana, he joined the lineup at "97.9 La Raza" KLAX-FM, Los Angeles, where he's now a successful radio personality. He tells us, "This is a very important step in my career. To have a company like Sun on my side is huge. I can only see a great future ahead for both of us. I am sure many advertisers will take advantage of this new opportunity to tap into the very coveted Hispanic 'Spanish speaking' market."
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