Monday's Radio & Media News - March 4, 2013

Kassof Study: Radio Execs Optimistic About Industry's Future A majority of radio general managers, group executives and owners say they are optimistic about the future of traditional, terrestrial radio, according to new research from Mark Kassof and Company. When asked whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about the future viability of traditional radio, 69% report themselves optimistic, versus 17% who say they're pessimistic, and 14% who don't know or are unsure of radio's future. Among those who are optimistic, 50% give radio's local connection and service as the reason why, far more than any other reason. Kassof notes that while there were too few to tabulate in the sample, the impact of major ownership groups and budget cutbacks were the most common reasons volunteered by those pessimistic about radio’s future. The research findings are based on 104 online surveys of radio station general managers, group executives and owners in the U.S. and Canada, conducted February 20-28. In his report on the findings, Kassof writes: "Now, I’ll admit to being initially surprised at the level of optimism among radio execs and owners. After all, what we hear about radio’s future from some sources isn’t at all positive. But maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised. Consider who we’re talking about. These are people who work in radio and are invested in it. Their job is to sell radio…to be upbeat about it! Perhaps the bigger story is that 31% aren’t optimistic! I’ll leave that for you to ponder. But one thing I can tell you is that even if they are optimistic, that doesn’t mean radio execs are oblivious to the challenges traditional radio faces." More details on the new "Listener Think" study can be found at Kassof.com. Sports Talker Dan Sileo Out at WQAM-AM/Miami Dan Sileo is on the loose again, as he exits Beasley "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM, Miami, where he's been the midday host for close to a year. Sileo cites what he calls "content issues" for his exit. "I wish them well," says the often controversial Sports Talk host, adding, "I will never change." WQAM-AM says that evening hosts Kevin Rogers and Brandon Guzio are now hosting the 10am-1pm show. Reports from the market say WQAM-AM fired Sileo. Program Director Jorge Sedano confirms that the station has "parted ways" with Sileo, who then posted at Twitter that "WQAM isn't for me" claiming it feared him. Sileo, a former Miami Hurricanes and NFL player and Fox Sports Radio host, joined WQAM-AM in April 2012 after a long run at Clear Channel's "The Sports Animal" WDAE-AM, Tampa, where he became known for controversy at times. You might remember his well publicized suspension over an exchange of tweets with Fox sports reporter Erin Andrews. Brent Alberts Named Program Director for Toldeo's WXKR-FM Brent Alberts is named Program Director and afternoon host at Cumulus Classic Rock "94.5 XKR" WXKR-FM, Toledo, and PD of Alternative "100.7 The Zone" on FM translator W264AK and WXKR-FM's HD2 multicast channel. Most recently, Alberts was Program Director of Greater Media's Classic Rock WCSX-FM, Detroit, until this past November, when his contract wasn't renewed. Before that he was the Midwest Region Director of Programming and Operations for Citadel for eight years, based in Michigan. When he exited WCSX-FM, he told us, "WCSX has been one of the highlights of my career, and what a great staff. I will miss the many folks I worked with here. It was truly an honor to program and work for this company in Detroit." About his new job in Toledo, Alberts now says, "This will be the first time in my career I have been able to stay where I want to live, instead of where the job is. I want to thank Val Garris with Cumulus, who has been great to work with in putting this deal together. I'm excited to be back to work in the business I've had a love affair with for 45 years." JC Corcoran Joining Houston's '93.7 The Arrow' for Mornings Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Classic Rock "93.7 The Arrow" KKRW-FM, Houston, announces that JC Corcoran will join the station as its new morning show host (5:30-10am), beginning March 18. In addition to "The Arrow Morning Show," Corcoran will be a contributor to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Houston's talk stations "NewsRadio 740" KTRH-AM and "950 The Mojo" KPRC-AM. Corcoran was most recently at News Talk KMOX-AM, St. Louis, but is best known for his time in St. Louis at Rock KSHE-FM. He spent the last 29 years in St. Louis as a radio personality at various stations. While in St. Louis, Corcoran also served as an Entertainment Editor and Commentator at NBC, CBS and Fox television stations as well as columnist at St. Louis Sports Magazine. Corcoran's previous radio experience also includes stops at "DC101" in Washington DC, "97 Rock" in Buffalo, NY, and "The Loop" in Chicago. "After being on-air in the Midwest for so long it's exciting to now have the opportunity to connect with people in an entirely new region," sayd Corcoran. "We're excited to have JC on our team,' says Clear Channel Houston VP of Programming Marc Sherman. He'll bring a fun, new approach to The Arrow that our audience will definitely enjoy." New York's WFUV-FM Announces New Lineup Chuck Singleton, General Manager of New York's "Rock & Roots" Triple-A public radio station WFUV-FM announces that Corny O'Connell will be WFUV's permanent morning show host. O'Connell, the station's longtime evening host, has been hosting mornings from 6-10am on an interim basis since last October. At the same time, Singleton announced that Carmel Holt, Music Director and air personality at WDST-FM, Woodstock, NY, will take over the midday shift, while Darren DeVivo moves to evenings. Russ Borris has been promoted from Assistant Music Director to Music Director, a vacancy created when Rita Houston became Program Director. "With these changes, one of the nation's most significant sources for musical discovery just got even better," says Singleton. "We're very pleased to see Corny in this new role. He's been such an invaluable member of the FUV team in so many ways." Says a news release, "A Westchester County native and a graduate of NYU Film School, Corny O'Connell came to WFUV in 1989 while he was a student at Fordham Law School. He never practiced law, but has used his powers of persuasion as the producer of WFUV's membership drives, in addition to his regular air shift." Houston tells us, "Corny has really grown into the demanding role of morning show host. He's got a friendly and often funny way to convey all the music and information listeners need to get their day started, including a very creative approach to the Question of the Day. As for Carmel, she's a very welcome addition to the FUV staff. She's always said working at FUV was her dream job, and as a fill-in host she's instantly connected with listeners with her vibrant personality and passion for music." Todd Harris Named Clear Channel Austin VP of Sales Clear Channel names Todd Harris as VP of Sales for its five-station Austin cluster, effective immediately. Harris began his media career with Clear Channel's Miami cluster in 2002. He rejoins Clear Channel from CBS Radio Chicago, where he first was a Senior AE and later was promoted to his most recent position as Local Sales Manager for WBBM. "Joining Clear Channel Austin as Vice President of Sales is a tremendous honor and a great opportunity," says Harris. "I'm excited to lead the sales efforts for these great stations and brands, and create innovative opportunities for our partners. I look forward to leading our team to continued success and growth." Says Austin Market President Pam McKay, "Todd's experience and success in the radio industry makes him a strong leader that will help us create meaningful results for our clients and partners." Clear Channel EVP of Operations for Major Markets West Hartley Adkins adds, "I look forward to Todd joining the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Austin team. The cluster delivers to more consumers than any Austin TV station and Todd's leadership will continue to leverage that advantage to provide unparalleled results for our advertisers." Triton Digital Powers Streaming Radio Channel SXSWfm Triton Digital announces that it is powering SXSWfm, the official online radio channel of the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals (SXSW). The station is available at sxsw.com/fm. "SXSWfm will focus on new music discovery, streaming tracks from the 2,000 bands that will be performing in Austin, Texas, at SXSW," says Triton Digital. "Additional programming will include features and interviews with musicians, filmmakers, comedians and presenters connected to the conference. The station will continue to air post-conference programming throughout the year, including music, news and stories from SXSW participants and highlights from past years." Triton Digital, we're told, is powering SXSWfm "through its full suite of products for streaming audio, including Live Streaming for high-quality delivery, the Ad Injector platform and its MRC-accredited Webcast Metrics audience measurement solution." Kevin Connor of SXSW tells us, “Our mission with SXSWfm is to make listeners feel like they’re in Austin, with access to some of the most interesting aspects of our festivals. With its track record of providing high-quality services, we know that Triton Digital is the best technology partner to help us accomplish that goal and deliver a great experience.” Triton Digital President of Publisher Development Dominick Milano adds, “SXSW has become one of the biggest events of the year uniting music and technology, and we’re excited to be involved with bringing that content to an even broader audience. As radio and music become increasingly digital in our daily lives, the launch of SXSWfm is a nod to the way we consume media today and opens the doors to a new generation of SXSW fans.” SXSW, now in its 27th year, will take place March 8–17. In addition to providing services for SXSWfm, Triton Digital executives will be speaking at the event as part of two separate panels: “Understanding and Navigating the Aggregator Space” on March 7 and “The Fight for Fair Fees in the Music Industry” on March 13. Dial Global Announces Recapitalization Agreements Dial Global announces that the company, its lenders and certain of its stockholders have agreed to recapitalize the company's existing credit facilities, other obligations and equity interests. The recapitalization is expected to become effective on or around April 16. Says Dial Global CEO Spencer Brown, "The new agreements with our lenders represent a significant step forward for the company. Once these transactions close, we will have de-levered our balance sheet and decreased cash interest expense. The agreements will provide us with greater flexibility to actively manage and grow our business. We look forward to closing these transactions in April and focusing on serving our clients." As part of the recapitalization, the company "has entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among the Company, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (the "First Lien Credit Agreement"), which provides for a $15 million paydown of the Company's existing term loan and revolving credit commitments," says a news release. "The maturity date under the First Lien Credit Agreement is October 21, 2016." We're told that the company "also entered into a Priority Second Lien Credit Agreement among the company, the administrative agent, the syndication agent and the lender party thereto, pursuant to which such lender agreed to invest an additional $31.5 million through a term loan facility to the Company, with a maturity date of July 21, 2017. "In connection with such lender's agreement to extend credit under the Priority Second Lien Credit Agreement, the Company agreed to issue it penny warrants to purchase 7.5% of the Company's common stock exercisable immediately following the consummation of the recapitalization. The effectiveness of each credit agreement is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions." "The lenders under the company's existing Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2011 agreed, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions, to restructure their existing approximately $93 million in second lien obligations by amending and restating the Second Lien Credit Agreement to provide for a $30 million term loan that matures five years after the expected closing of the recapitalization and exchanging approximately $63 million in remaining obligations under the existing Second Lien Credit Agreement for a new series of preferred stock of the Company. As part of these agreements, these holders of preferred stock will be granted certain corporate governance rights. The company also agreed to issue the 2L lenders for nominal consideration warrants to purchase 12 percent of the company's common stock in connection with the exchange of a portion of the existing second lien obligations for preferred stock, which warrants will be exercisable at various dates after the recapitalization if the company does not retire the $30 million second lien term loan and the preferred stock held by such 2L lenders prior to the specified dates." Read Dial Global's full news release here. CNN Sues Westwood One for Alleged Breach of Contract CNN has filed suit in New York against Dial Global's Westwood One Radio Networks, alleging breach of contract, and seeking at least $2.35 million. According to the suit, CNN claims Westwood didn't make the last two payments it was owed under a 2009 contract, when the syndicator decided it no longer wanted to air CNN Radio in late 2011, a year before the contract between them was to expire. According to the suit, the companies amended their agreement, and CNN stopped providing content at the end of March 2013, but the amended contract said the 2009 agreement remained in effect, and CNN was still to be paid. CNN says in the suit Westwood never made the last two payments, of $1.175 million each. CNN claims in the lawsuit that it fulfilled all its obligations under the amended deal, including honoring a prohibition on distributing the content to over-the-air radio, and is suing for at least the amount of the combined payments, $2.35 million. Entravision Launches 'Carlos Alvarez En La Manana' in Los Angeles Entravision launches a new morning show in Los Angeles -- "Carlos Alvarez en la Manana" -- on "Super Estrella 107.1" KSSE-FM, Arcadia, California. The new 6-10am show is described as "a lifestyle entertainment program focused on daily living and issues that appeal to the Latino population of Los Angeles." “At Entravision, we are always refreshing our programming lineup to provide listeners with new and exciting content as well as advertisers with unique opportunities to reach the growing Latino population," says Entravision COO Jeff Liberman. "We believe our Los Angeles audience will enjoy our new morning drive lineup featuring ‘Carlos Alvarez en la Manana’." Joining Alvarez in discussions around fashion, relationships, gossip, pop culture and news are radio veteran Taly Taly and newcomer Hyacinth Itzel. NAB Show: 'Leading Global Event for Media and Entertainment' This year's NAB Show "will host 60 international delegations, including delegations attending for the first time from Croatia, Israel, Malaysia, Norway and United Arab Emirates," according to an announcement from the NAB. "Approximately 30 percent of the event’s 90,000+ attendees will travel from 155 countries to NAB Show, held April 6-11 in Las Vegas." NAB EVP of Communications Dennis Wharton tells us, "NAB Show places significant value on international participation from attendees and businesses. We have become the world's largest annual international media and entertainment event by recognizing the global nature of the business and creating the ideal environment where deals get done and the best ideas are exchanged." NAB Show participates in the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program, which recruits International Trade Delegations to select U.S. trade shows and connects international buyers with U.S. suppliers. NAB Show's Exhibit Hall will host nearly 600 companies that are based outside of the United States. From global leaders like Sony (Japan) and Samsung (South Korea) to hundreds of others like Vizrt (Norway), Dalet Digital (France), and Quantel (UK), these international companies will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions and services from around the world. The exhibition will also feature pavilions from Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Korea and the UK, as well the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Export Pavilion. "This year NAB Show will acknowledge India’s 100 year anniversary of film creation by presenting a special award at the 2013 TV & Film Awards Gala presented by NY Festivals on Tuesday, April 9. A session featuring top level entertainment executives from India discussing the growth of content produced by India's creative community will also be presented that day within the Creative Master Series Conference," says an NAB news release. "NAB Show also offers a variety of internationally-focused conference sessions and an International Trade Center (ITC) that features onsite services for international guests including Commercial Trade Specialists and multi-lingual staff in up to eight languages."