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SiriusXM Q1 Revenue Up 12%, Net Income Up 15% 
Sirius XM Radio today announced first quarter 2013 financial and operating results, including revenue of $897 million, up 12% from the first quarter 2012 revenue of $805 million. Net income for the first quarter 2013 and 2012 was $124 million and $108 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2013 reached a record $262 million, up 26% from $208 million in the first quarter of 2012. "SiriusXM's first quarter results show a continuation of our trend of strong, profitable growth. We turned in our best first quarter for subscriber additions since the merger, and with our continuing sharp focus on costs, we set an all-time high for adjusted EBITDA. With our strong free cash flow and low leverage, we repurchased 209 million shares so far and have now returned nearly $1 billion in total to our stockholders since the end of December via stock buybacks and a special dividend," says CEO Jim Meyer. "We continue to focus on profitable subscriber growth first and foremost. We expect to achieve record adjusted EBITDA margins this year, which is all the more impressive considering our investments in new content, services, and expanding our distribution in the previously-owned vehicle market. We are off to a great start for the year and are confident in achieving our guidance," says Meyer.
Jim Meyer Officially Appointed SiriusXM CEO 
SiriusXM Radio today announced that James Meyer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Meyer has served as the interim CEO since December. "After a thorough search of excellent candidates, we are delighted to name Jim as the CEO of SiriusXM, where he will continue to lead a very strong executive team. Jim is a highly qualified leader and operator, and we look forward to working with him to build on SiriusXM's position as the innovator in audio entertainment," said SiriusXM Chairman Gregory Maffei. "He has been a vital part of SiriusXM for close to a decade, and his extensive knowledge of SiriusXM's business and significant industry experience will be invaluable assets in the highly competitive market within which SiriusXM is thriving. Jim's leadership, strategic vision and operating focus are exactly what SiriusXM needs today and in the future."
Clear Channel Digital Names Brian Kaminsky EVP Of Operations 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces that Brian Kaminsky joins the company's digital division as EVP of Operations, effective immediately. Kaminsky, who joins Clear Channel from The Huffington Post, will report to Brian Lakamp, President of Digital, and will be based out of New York City. In this new position, Kaminsky will oversee digital advertising operations, customer support, product analytics and partner operations across the suite of Clear Channel's digital products including iHeartRadio, and its vast network of station websites. His responsibilities will also include setting best practices for the management and modernization of digital ad inventory, and working with sales and product teams to define and develop new ad products. "Having Brian on board as the EVP of Operations illustrates Clear Channel's commitment to hiring exceptional, innovative talent that will continue to strengthen our position as a market leader," says Lakamp. "His business management skills and experience in optimizing the use of digital advertising inventory within technology-driven organizations will be a great asset to both our advertisers and the Clear Channel digital team." Kaminsky, who has spent 17 years working with both big brands and high-growth startups, served as COO/GM of The Huffington Post, where he led business operations, advertising products and business development. After AOL acquired The Huffington Post in 2011, Kaminsky spearheaded the integration of the two operations and subsequently helped oversee the tripling of The Huffington Post's revenue and users. Prior to The Huffington Post, Kaminsky was VP of Global Revenue Operations at Reuters Media. He has also served as Director of Operations and Business Manager for the Eastern Region at Yahoo!. Clear Channel Norfolk Names Matt Derrick Operations Manager 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Norfolk appoints Matt Derrick Operations Manager, effective immediately. Derrick, who will oversee all operations for the four-station cluster, joined Clear Channel in October 2011 as Program Director for WQHQ-FM, WSBY-FM and WKZP-FM in Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland. In May 2012, he was named Regional Programming Manager for the Wilmington, Delaware, and Salisbury markets, and Operations Manager for Salisbury. "Norfolk has a unique group of radio stations and I'm excited to have Matt lead our team to success," says CCME Richmond/Norfolk Regional Programming Manager Dave Symonds. "His 17-plus years programming diverse formats in cities like San Francisco, Dallas, Tulsa, Gainesville, and Wilmington/Salisbury as well as his terrific performance with Clear Channel make him the perfect fit." Says Derrick, "Huge thanks and appreciation to the Wilmington and Salisbury team. I've learned so much in the last two years, but I am thrilled to join the world-class management team in Norfolk. I'm looking forward to working with the Norfolk team to showcase our superior brands and help drive ratings and revenue growth." Joanna Douglas to Join Coleman Insights as VP 
Joanna Douglas will join media research firm Coleman Insights as a Vice President, June 3. Douglas brings with her a broad array of research and media experience, including 13 years at Arbitron, during which she was a key player in their rollout of PPM radio ratings measurement. "I know that Joanna will extend the great tradition of former Arbitron employees succeeding at Coleman Insights that began with people like Pierre Bouvard, Frank Stanitski and Michael Pelaia more than 20 years ago," says Coleman Insights President and COO Warren Kurtzman, who also previously worked at Arbitron. "Most importantly, our clients will benefit from her extensive experience in and passion for the radio industry." Says Douglas, "I’m so excited to be working with such an esteemed company. I look forward to making a significant contribution and putting my background and skills to work for Coleman Insights’ clients." Douglas began her tenure at Arbitron as a Senior Account Manager and Training Specialist before becoming PPM Implementation Manager and then Director of Sales, Regional Manager. Prior to that, she worked as a Radio Sales Manager for both McClure Broadcasting and Clancy-Mance Communications, as well as a Media Buyer for Ackerman McQueen.
CBS Radio, Astralwerks Launch Search for Best Female DJ 
CBS Radio
announces a partnership with Astralwerks to introduce “She Can DJ - America” -- a nationwide talent search "to find the country’s top female DJ/Producer. After successful programs in Australia and throughout Europe, 'She Can DJ' will launch in major markets nationwide this July." Following local competitions run by CBS Radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Boston, Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, Charlotte and Las Vegas, 12 semi-finalists will be chosen, including one wild-card competitor to vie for a grand prize that includes a recording contract with Astralwerks, and headline a tour through the CBS Radio markets that took part in the competition. “Aspiring female DJ’s/Producers need look no further than She Can DJ for that once in a lifetime chance to captivate an entire industry with their talent,” says CBS Radio SVP of Programming Greg Strassell. “As the competition plays out across our considerable platform of contemporary hit radio stations, participants will be front and center with millions of music fans, and the top decision makers in the business. The electronic dance music movement has been playing out to much success on radio stations all over the United States, and CBS Radio looks forward to advancing the genre.”
'Walton and Johnson' Return to Houston's KPRC-AM 
"The Walton and Johnson Show" returns to Talk KPRC-AM, Houston. The syndicated show will now air weekdays 5:30-10am, says Clear Channel Houston Market President Eddie Martiny. John Walton and Steve Johnson were previously on KPRC-AM from July 2007 to February 2009, before moving to Classic Rock clustermate "93.7 The Arrow" KKRW-FM, which also became their flagship station. "We are thrilled to have Walton and Johnson back on KPRC. They have a proven track record of ratings growth and we look forward to them continuing that success on KPRC,"
San Diego's KFMB-AM Adds 'Armstrong and Getty' Morning Show 
Talk KFMB-AM, San Diego, is adding the regionally-syndicated "Armstrong and Getty Show" for mornings, starting June 3. The show orginates at Clear Channel Talk KSTE-AM, Sacramento, and also airs on CC's Talk KKSF-AM, San Francisco, and KWSX-AM, Stockton, California. KFMB-AM's current morning host Mike Slater will move to 9am-12noon, with Premiere's Glenn Beck shifting to 6-9pm, displacing Cumulus' Mark Levin. "Like any great radio morning show, Armstrong and Getty have that unique ability to not only connect with the listener but to become their companions," says KFMB-AM Program Director Dave Sniff. "They fit-in amazingly well among the great story-tellers that are part of 760 KFMB's character and lineage. They're not so much a 'talk show' as a 'mock show'." Philly's KYW-AM Promotes Adam Baldwin to LSM 
CBS Radio All News KYW-AM, Philadelphia, promotes AE Adam Baldwin to Local Sales Manager. "Adam has excelled as an Account Executive at KYW, and in his pointing key clients across the CBS platform," says VP/Director of Sales Jim Loftus. "He brings a fresh perspective to our management team. We look forward to his insight and talent in growing our family of advertisers, and further developing our sales team." Baldwin tells us, "I'm thrilled to continue to work with local companies in the Delaware
Valley to help grow their businesses. The outlook for Philadelphia is bright -- as is the future of integrated media platforms like those at CBS Philadelphia."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday's Radio & Media News - April 30, 2013
says CCME Houston Director of AM Programming Bryan Erickson. Together since 1983, Walton and Johnson tell us, "No show has a more unique mix of 'stream of consciousness,' opinionated and compelling talk, guests, musical elements, fictional characters, famous impersonations, great skit writing and production coupled with powerful audience interaction. This is a show that knows how to get an audience and to sell product." The duo adds that they "say out loud what everyone wishes they could."
Aaron Klauber is appointed Director of Marketing and Promotions for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Detroit, joining from CCME Dayton where he spent the last 13 years in various roles including marketing, promotions and on-air ... Hot AC "Q 99.7" KMBQ-FM, Anchorage, Program Director Chuck Geiger adds PD at Adult Variety Hits sister "92.1 Bob FM" KBBO-FM, replacing former PD Derek Moran ...
CHR-Top40 "101.9 Radio Now" KWNW-FM, Memphis, night host Kwame Dankwa exits to return to New England to be closer to a sick relative. He joined the station in last September. Dankwa says he's secured a programming job back east to be announced within the next week ... Triple-A "Radio Woodstock 100.1" WDST-FM, Woodstock, adds Katie DiMartile as Music Director/Promotions Director. DiMartile, who comes to WDST-FM from Assistant PD at Triple-A "92.5 The River" WXRV-FM, Boston, replaces the exiting Drew Frankel, and will start in Woodstock May 28 .... Classic Hits "Y100.9" WYNZ-FM, Portland, Maine, flips to Adult Hits "Rewind 100.9," playing a wide variety of hit music from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s ... Steve Harvey will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Monday, May 13. "Steve is a man of many talents," says Hollywood Chamber President/CEO Leron Gubler. "We are thrilled that he is joining our Walk of Fame family" ... Vijay Das joins Rhythmic CHR "Wild 101" KWYD-FM, Boise, for nights. Das most recently was at Clear Channel Williamsport, Pennsylvania ... "South Sound Country 96.9" KAYO-FM, Tacoma, debuts Alan Kabel as the new night host, replacing Brittni who exited earlier this year ... Tony Finnel is named afternoon host at Urban AC WROU-FM, Dayton -- "Ohio's R&B Leader!" Previously, Finnel worked for Radio One Cincinnati ... "Talk 1300" WGDJ-AM, Albany, NY, promotes Executive Producer Angela Rosetti to Operations Manager. Rosetti is a six-year veteran of the station.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday's Radio & Media News - April 29. 2013
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Clear Channel Names Steve Stewart Regional Programming Manager 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment appoints veteran programmer Steve Stewart as Regional Programming Manager for the Wichita Kansas, St. Louis and Springfield Missouri, markets, effective May 1. Stewart, who has been with Clear Channel St. Louis for close to two years, will report to Market President and Regional Market Manager Beth Davis. In his new position, Stewart will lead and manage the multi-media programming functions across the region to ensure that best practices are deployed in a consistent manner. He will build and develop high performing regional teams that will leverage Clear Channel's brands and audience to enhance revenue. "Steve's experience, coupled with his desire for growth and success, creates a win-win for our region," says Davis. "He is a trusted resource within our cluster and I'm excited for our teams throughout the region to be able to work with him." Stewart addds, "I am extremely thankful to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment's senior leadership for this opportunity as well as for their support. We truly have an amazing team and I look forward to continuing this success story." In July 2011, we reported that Stewart was named Program Director at Country KSD-FM and Classic Hits KLOU-FM, St. Louis. He joined from Citadel Broadcasting where he'd been Midwest Regional Director of Country Programming, and Country "Thunder 94.5" WTNR-FM, Grand Rapids, Program Director and morning host.
Confirmed: Jack Diamond Exits Mornings at DC's 'Mix 107.3' 
Veteran Washington DC morning radio host Jack Diamond has indeed exited Cumulus Hot AC "Mix 107.3" WRQX-FM, Washington DC after 24 years. We reported first, late Friday (in our "Behind the Microphone" section), "Reports are circulating that Jack Diamond is missing from the website of Hot AC 'Mix 107.3' WRQX-FM, Washington DC, and rumors are running strong that Diamond has exited the station after 24 years." Diamond's contract was close to expiring and he was told that it would not be renewed. Several reliable reports said Diamond was likely to be replaced by the syndicated "Bert Show" based at Cumulus sister "Q100" WWWQ-FM, Atlanta -- which was later announced by Market Manager Mark O'Brien, who earlier promised a Monday announcement. Diamond says in a Facebook posting, "I have NEVER been happier or more excited about the future and my career. It's SO good, I just had to share." We also reported Friday that a reliable source tells us that Diamond will soon announce "an exciting new gig."
Jacksonville's WFYV-FM Gets Its 'Rock' Off 
As expected -- and previously reported here as about to happen -- WFYV-FM, Jacksonville, has "retired" from its career as "Rock 104.5" after more than 30 years. Cox Media Group officially retired the station Sunday night with a live version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird." The 104.5 FM frequency is currently stunting with five different formats, directing Rock fans to sister Alternative "X 102.9" WXXJ-FM. Following "Freebird," the station went silent for a minute before beginning a stunt loop of teaser formats and sweepers, reports RadioInsight's Lance Venta. He says the teaser formats heard were Hot Talk "104.5 The Bone" - Soft AC "Easy 104.5" - New Country "104.5 Brad FM" - Urban "Power 104.5" - and, Regional Mexican "Caliente 104.5". Venta also writes, "In the February 2013 PPM monthly the station recorded a 2.6 share making it the lowest rated station in the Cox cluster." On the station’s Facebook page, a statement told of the "retirement" in advance. "So as you can see the station formerly known as Rock 105 and currently known as Rock 1045 is going away," It added, "We will wrap this whole thing up on the last Night of Welcome To Rockville. We figured what better retirement party then to rock Met Park one last time with the bands that helped give this station its identity. The music that you are looking for can be found at X1029." Tom Davis Named Clear Channel Melbourne Market Manager 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces that Tom Davis is named Melbourne (Florida) VP and Market Manager, in a return to radio. He will lead and manage Melbourne’s three-station cluster. Davis, we're told, has more than 20 years of experience in the media industry and will join the Melbourne market from Charlotte, NC, where since 2010 he's served as General Manager of a NASCAR race team. He previously worked in broadcasting (radio and TV) as an Account Executive, General Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and VP/Market Manager in Las Vegas. His broadcast background includes roles with Centennial Broadcasting, Beasley Broadcast Group and Cox Media. "Tom Davis brings his professionalism and success as well as proven leadership to Melbourne," says CCME Florida Regional Market Manager Sherri Griswold. "I am extremely excited he has chosen to join my team and be a part of an already successful market in Melbourne." Davis tells us, "I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the three already successful brands Clear Channel operates in Melbourne. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to get back to my true passion - radio." Simmons Media VP of Programming Alan Hague Exiting 
Michael O'Shea Exits Saga Bellingham Manager Post 
Saga Communications' Cascade Radio Group Bellingham, Washington, VP and General Manager Michael O'Shea resigns for a similar position in California. O'Shea will reunite with the Amaturo family, becoming Market Manager for Lawrence Amaturo's Sonoma Media Partners which recently purchased five stations from Maverick Media in Sant Rosa. O'Shea previously had been National Program Director for Amaturo Radio Group in the 1970s. "I'll be joining long-time friend and associate Lawrence Amaturo, the architect of this transaction, and former owner of the stations in Santa Rosa," says O’Shea. "Lawrence and I go back to the mid-seventies when I was National Program Director for his Dad (and my mentor), Joe Amaturo’s stations in Miami, St. Louis and Houston. I’m genuinely excited about the next step in my long career, overseeing five vital stations in a beautiful and thriving community, where I will be greeted with 300-plus days of sunshine per year and an average daily temperature of 72 degrees." O'Shea has been at Saga Communications since 2008, most recently as General Manager and Marketing Director for Saga's Cascade Radio Group in Bellingham. Katz Radio Group: Radio Remains Audio Listening Leader 
Katz Radio Group's Mary Beth Garber says in a new report that recent Arbitron RADAR findings prove Katz's own findings that broadcast radio remains the audio listening leader. Arbitron's latest RADAR report on national radio listening reported that broadcast radio continues to dominate, reaching 243 million listeners per week, representing 92.4% of Americans. "The latest findings bear out what we continue to find from all our research-and hear from consumers -- that broadcast radio is still by far the overwhelming leader in audio listening," writes Garber, EVP of Radio Analysis and Insights at Katz Radio Group. "Broadcast radio isn't losing listeners. In fact just the opposite, which makes it clear that digital listening actually represents incremental listening. So as digital listening -- which is both AM/FM digital listening and personal music collection digital listening -- continues to grow, it is an expansion of broadcast radio listening, additive to it rather than a substitute. Research from Infinite Dial 2012 shows that digital listeners are also heavy broadcast users; digital extends the reach and popularity of broadcast radio to new devices and new listening opportunities. We're pleased with digital's growth and how it has added to the broadcast radio experience." Garber adds, "A digital-only 'music collection' audio service like Pandora only has 4.4% of total audio listening, even if you assume the Triton measurement of when the service is left on is comparable to the measurement of actual listening that Arbitron does. That said, even though it is still a relatively small percentage of all listening, we remain excited about the role of digital listening in extending radio listening to new devices, further enhancing radio's role as the major mobile entertainment and information service to the consumer." ZenithOptimedia: 2013 Global Ad Spends to Grow 3.9% 
ZenithOptimedia forecasts global advertising expenditures will increase by 3.9% in 2013, reaching $518 billion by the end of the year. Internet advertising is supplying most of the growth in expenditure by medium, driven by technical innovations, such as better measurement of exposure to advertising, greater localization, and integration with mobile devices, says ZenithOptimedia. Internet advertising should grow by 14.4% in 2013, while "traditional media" (which includes radio) will grow by 1.6%. As has been the case since the start of the economic downturn in 2007, the "Rising Markets" category is expected to grow by 8.2% on average in 2013, while "Mature Markets" grow by just 1.8%, weighed down by the eurozone crisis. Over the next two years, Rising and Mature Markets, will grow 9.4% and 3.5%, respectively in 2015. Display is the fastest growing medium within Internet advertising, with annual growth of 20%, driven by the rapid rise of online video and social media advertising, each of which is growing at about 30% per year. Continued innovation among the search engines - including richer product information and images within ads -- is seeing a healthy rise in paid search. Paid search will grow by 13% a year to 2015. Also says the new study, North America is expected to deliver solid 4-5% annual growth, online video and social media will help drive 20% annual growth in Internet display over the next three years, and Internet advertising is expected to exceed combined newspaper and magazine totals in 2015. Media Management Group Signs Doctor Ronald Hoffman 
Veteran syndicated radio personality Dr. Ronald Hoffman -- formerly with WOR-AM/New York -- joins the client roster at Media Management Group. Hoffman, the medical director of The Hoffman Center, is also an author, lecturer, media spokesperson and a leader in the field of complementary medicine. Hoffman's syndicated "Health Talk" show is described as "a balance of relatable treatments of complex medical topics and a common sense approach to health issues." Says Media Management Group CEO Jeff Schwartz, "Dr. Hoffman is a highly respected physician and a great talent, and he has built an impressive media platform. We're looking forward to working with him to take everything to the next level." Hoffman adds, "I'm very much looking forward to working with the talented team at MMG to leverage new media channels to get my message of 'Intelligent Medicine' out to ever-wider audiences." Scholarship Applications Open for 'Rising Through the Ranks' 
The RAB, BMI, and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW) are now accepting scholarship applications for the sixth annual "Rising Through the Ranks" women's radio management sessions. The two-day training seminar, dedicated to the support and advancement of women in radio sales, will be held August 21-22, at the BMI Offices in Nashville, Tennessee. The program is designed for new managers and senior sellers who have recently been promoted into management, about to be promoted into management, or desire to be in management. Sessions focus on essential sales management techniques, encompassing everything from budgeting and forecasting to time management to the challenges of managing a variety of personalities and generations. "The course was amazing. I really enjoyed the open discussions. I love to hear how other people handle issues we have in common," says BMI scholarship recipient and 2012 graduate Cheryl Mulligan, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment in Melbourne, Florida. As in past years, BMI is providing 20 scholarships for this year's program. These scholarships cover the cost of the training course, but do not include airfare, hotel, or other travel expenses. Classes include: The Role of Today's Radio Manager; Managing Up and Down; Solving Problems Effectively; Budgeting and Forecasting. The seminar also includes subjects specifically targeted to women, such as "Women in the Radio Workplace" and "Building Your Personal Brand." Scholarship applications and registration information are accessible at www.rab.com and will be accepted now through July 3. Keke Luv Does It Again -- 'Live For 175' 
CHR-Top40 "Kiss 103.3" KSAS-FM, Boise, morning host and Program Director Steve "Keke Luv" Kicklighter does it again! He completed his sixth annual "Live For 175" marathon -- broadcasting live for 175 hours -- to raise funds to battle child abuse. Says Peak Broadcasting SVP and Market Manager Kevin Godwin, "Keke and our 103.3 Kiss FM team have done it again, 175 straight hours of broadcasting on location and this time only with the community’s help to power the message. I’m always in awe of the support we receive from the community on our annual Live for 175 Child Abuse awareness project, we've had thousands of people participate this week, riding bikes and doing what they can to help us make an impact." Keke Luv, we've learned spent the weekend resting after wrapping up the 175 hours Friday afternoon. KSAS-FM has posted photos and videos, as well as a recap of the eight-day marathon broadcast, on its website. L.A.'s KROQ Wants to Roast Your Weenie 
CBS Radio Alternative Rock KROQ-FM, Los Angeles, tells listeners May 18 is the day to roast their weenies, announcing the lineup for its 21st Annual "KROQ Weenie Roast." This year's edition is set for the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, with The Black Keys, Thirty Seconds To Mars and Vampire Weekend topping the lineup. Of Monsters and Men, Silversun Pickups, Jimmy Eat World, Imagine Dragons and AWOLNATION will also be featured says KROQ-FM. Atlas Genius, C2C, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Neighbourhood, Capital Cities, New Politics and Twenty One Pilots round out the list of Rock acts set to appear. KROQ is offering full details and ticket purchase information on its website. The only thing missing is the answer to the question of whether guys must bring their own weenies -- although it's assumed most of them likely will.
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WRQX-FM confirms that "The Bert Show" is the replacement in mornings for Jack Diamond, starting May 16. The show is hosted by Bert Weiss, Diamond's former co-host at WRQX-FM. Weiss is joined by co-hosts Jeff Dauler and Kristin Klingshirn on the Atlanta-based morning show. Says Weiss, "I love DC. It was great being on Mix with Jack Diamond, and to think I would return to DC and take over mornings on the legendary Mix 107.3 is just awesome." Says O'Brien's official announcement, "Bert Weiss is an iconic radio talent with roots here in Washington -- even meeting his wife here -- and we’re thrilled to make the 'The Bert Show' available to radio listeners in the area. Bert's relatable style, the quality of his guests and the topics he talks about are exactly the right fit for our listeners and advertisers." In a statement, Diamond now tells us, "Thank you to all who have listened to and participated on my show for the past 24 years! It has been an amazing privilege and honor to have spent over two decades back in my hometown. In every performer's career, there comes a time when a new stage or fresh piece of canvas with a new palette of colors calls your name. That time has come for me. I am very excited about the future! I'm also excited to see one of my protégés and partners, Bert Weiss, continue what I started here given Bert joined me on a couple occasions over those 24 years."
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Weekend Update
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AOL Radio Not Affected by End of AOL Music 
Following Friday's reports that AOL Music is shutting down, some people apparently believed that also meant the end of AOL Radio. But we're told that AOL Radio is in no way affected by the end of AOL Music. The first clarification of that -- in light of some erroenous information that had begun circulating -- came from AOL Radio Program Director Thomas Chau, who tweeted, "AOL Radio will still be around and so I will still be doing that for the time being." In a later Twitter posting, he added, "To be clear since some seem to be confused, AOL Radio is not shutting down." AOL Radio -- now "powered by Slacker" -- will, we're told, continue to "offer over 350 Internet radio stations with song skipping, and includes music, news, sports and talk." AOL Radio previously was "powered by" CBS Radio from April 2008 until the change to Slacker in October 2011. The roots of AOL Radio are directly related to the roots of AOL Music, which might have spurred the confusion. AOL Radio traces its roots to two companies it acquired in June 1999, for $400 million -- Spinner.com and Nullsoft. Spinner.com was formerly known as TheDJ.com. Nullsoft was the maker of the popular Winamp and SHOUTcast products. Both new organizations operated out of the same office in San Francisco. The Spinner.com brand was retired in July 2003, but has existed as the AOL Music blog and a series of channels on AOL Radio. AOL Radio launched as Radio@AOL, essentially a rebranded Spinner.com, using technology from RealNetworks on October 16, 2001 as part of the AOL 7.0 software announced that same day. A Closer Look: "The Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms" 
Thursday afternoon we reported on some highlights from the webinar on "The Infinite Dial: Navigating Digital Platforms" from Arbitron and Edison Research -- looking at P1 listeners from a nine radio format categories: Adult Contemporary, CHR, Classic Rock/Classic Hits, Country, News/Talk/Sports, Public Radio, Religious, Rock, and Urban. Now, a closer look at the results of this year's edition of the annual study is presented on some of the key findings about P1s.
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Friday, April 26, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - April 26, 2013
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Beasley First Quarter Net Revenue Rises 6.5%, 
Beasley Broadcast Group reports first quarter net revenues increased 6.5% from $23.3 million to $24.8 million. Station operating income grew 4.1% to $8.1 million, with operating income up 4% to $5.5 million. Net income was essentially flat at $2.4 million. The increase in net revenue was attributed to the strength of Beasley's stations in Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Fort Myers, Florida, and
the addition of KOAS/Las Vegas in the third quarter of 2012. Says Chairman and CEO George Beasley, "The solid first quarter revenue growth led to another period of SOI growth, as consolidated SOI increased 4.1% year-over-year. First quarter SOI margins also remain healthy at 32.7% but declined slightly from last year as station operating expenses rose due to our investments in our local sales teams. Beyond our company-wide focus on programming and ratings which serve as the foundation for the success of our on-air and digital advertising platforms, we continue to strengthen our balance sheet. During the first quarter, we made repayments totaling $1.0 million against the credit facility, reducing total bank debt to $115.7 million at March 31, 2013, from $123.4 million at the end of last year's first quarter."
FCC Approves Sales of CMG Stations in Six Markets 
The FCC has approved the proposed sales of Cox Media Group's clusters in six markets to two companies. The deal falls under CMG's broadcast portfolio realignment, announced in July of 2012, as part of their strategy to focus on larger markets. Connoisseur Media is acquiring CMG's outlets in Southern Connecticut, while SummitMedia is purchasing CMG's clusters in Birmingham, Greenville (SC), Louisville, Richmond (VA) and Hawaii. Included in the two deals are: Southern Connecticut: WPLR-FM, WEZN-FM, WFOX-FM and contract rights for WYBC-FM; Birmingham: WAGG-AM, WBHJ-FM, WBHK-FM, WENN-AM, WZZK-FM, WZNN-FM, WBPT-FM and CMG's contract rights for WALJ-FM; Greenville: WJMZ-FM and WHZT-FM; Hawaii: KRTR-AM and FM, KPHW-FM, KCCN-FM, KINE-FM and KKNE-AM; Louisville: WRKA-FM, WVEZ-FM, WSFR-FM and WQNU-FM; and, Richmond: WHTI-FM, WKHK-FM, WKLR-FM and WURV-FM. Says Cox Media Group President Doug Franklin, "These are all important brands powered by talented media professionals who tirelessly serve their audiences, advertisers and communities. We wish all of the employees well and know they will continue to work hard to produce quality entertainment, news and information for their customers and new owners." The sales are expected to close during the second quarter. Jeff Hurley Named Clear Channel Harrisburg Operations Manager Also Regional Program Manager for Harrisburg, Lancaster-Reading, Williamsport, Allentown 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (CCME) CHR-Top40 "B104" WAEB-FM, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Program Director and afternoon host Jeff Hurley is promoted to CCME Harrisburg Operations Manager, as well as Regional Program Manager for the Harrisburg, Lancaster-Reading, Williamsport and Allentown markets. The announcement comes from CCME VP and Regional Market Manager Dan Lankford, "I’m excited to announce that Jeff Hurley has accepted the position of Harrisburg OM and the region’s RPM effective April 29. Jeff will continue to oversee B104 while we search for a replacement." Hurley tells us, "Thank you to Dan Lankford, Jon Zellner, and Kevin Legrett for this unbelievable opportunity. I’ve been lucky enough to work directly with four of the markets within this region over the past 10 years, and I’m excited for the possibilities that lie ahead. The entire region is stocked with top-notch local talent who are the cornerstones of their successful brands. A tip of the cowboy hat to departing RPM/OM JT Bosch, who set an extremely high standard of success. I’ll miss my afternoon coffee conversations with Clear Channel Allentown Operations Manager Craig Stevens. We will have to set up Skype next to the Keurig!" Hurley was named PD of WAEB-FM, Allentown, in January of 2012. Previously, he was OM for Clear Channel’s Lancaster-Reading markets. As Hurley mentioned, he replaces JT Bosch, who recently moved to CCME Austin, where he's now Program Director of Country stations KASE-FM and KVET-FM. Clear Channel Tucson Names Lance Tidwell Operations Manager 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (CCME) Tucson names Lance Tidwell Operations Manager for its seven-station cluster, effective May 15. Tidwell will join the Tucson market from CCME Hartford-New Haven -- where, since 2009, he's served as Program Director for "Country 92.5" WWYZ-FM. In Hartford, he also supported the re-imaging and programming for WELI, WAVZ, WPOP and WUCS. "I'm thrilled to have someone with Lance’s caliber of talent join our Tucson team," says CCME Regional Market Manager Glynn Alan. "His leadership will help take our Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Tucson brands to new heights." Tidwell tells us, "I’m excited for the opportunity to grow my career with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. I look forward to working with the Clear Channel Tucson's great brands and team." Prior to joining Clear Channel Tidwell was the Chief Operating Officer for Southern Star Broadcasting in Memphis, where he was responsible for the company's day-to-day business operations with a focus on strategic sales and programming operations. Tidwell's radio experience also includes previous stints at Jacobs Media and Citadel. AOL Music Shutting Down, Entire Staff Laid Off 
AOL Music is shutting down and the entire staff is being laid off. Dan Reilly, the editor of a music site owned by AOL called Spinner, tweets the news from an HR meeting where his staff was informed of the decision. Reilly posted on Twitter, "Well, we all just got laid off. AOL Music is finished." The Spinner account on Twitter also tweeted a similar report, according to a retweet: “All of AOL Music is shutting down. Thank you all for your support. We had such a blast.” That tweet has since been removed. It's currently unclear how many staff will be laid off and what deadline AOL is setting for itself -- although some reports indicate today (April 26) is the final day for AOL Music. "Given that the Spinner tweet was deleted, however, we can assume the company wasn’t yet ready to announce the shuttering publicly," reports TheNextWeb.com. Independently, we've also found that AOL Music Hip-Hop Editor Paul Cantor tweeted, "Just lost my job. Actually I'm in the room losing it right this second, while tweeting. So yeah, hit me with any opportunities." And, according to Mediabistro.com, "Spinner.com, a rock-music news site under the AOL Music banner, announced suddenly that it was shutting down. Minutes later, it said in a tweet that the entire music editorial division of the media giant, which owns The Huffington Post, was closing." The music and entertainment site Spinner was acquired by AOL on June 1, 1999, along with Nullsoft for $400 million. Based in San Francisco, California, it is considered to have been the first Internet music service. In 2002, AOL combined Spinner with its Netscape portal to form Netscape Radio and in 2008, Spinner was revamped by AOL as a music site, featuring exclusive interviews with recording artists, streams of albums and live performances, and free daily downloads. Nielsen CEO: Arbitron Merger Is '60 Days to 4 Months Away' 
Nielsen CEO David Calhoun says his company is nearing completion of the FTC's request for more information on its proposed acquisition of Arbitron, and while he won't speculate on how long it will take the regulators to review the documentation, says it should take "somewhere between 60 days and four months" for the FTC "to go through it." But, because this is "a regulator," it's hard to predict exactly how long it will actually take. During a Thursday conference call to discuss Nielsen's latest earnings report, Calhoun told a financial analyst, "We’re just going to do our best [to] respond. There's nothing about the documentation that we’ve organized and prepared that scares us." Last December, of course, Nielsen agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Arbitron for $48 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 26% to Arbitron's closing price on December 17, 2012. Nielsen said it had a financing commitment for the total transaction amount. At that time, the transaction was approved by the boards of both companies, but was subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. Last week, Arbitron stockholders voted to approve the acquisition by Nielsen. Approximately 98.99% of the shares voting at a Special Meeting of Stockholders voted in favor of the agreement and plan of merger. These shares represented approximately 77.11% of total outstanding shares of Arbitron common stock as of March 8, 2013.
GOP Consultant Calls Rush Limbaugh 'Problematic' 
Republican consultant Frank Luntz calls Rush Limbaugh "problematic" -- but, at a talk to college students, would only chastise Limbaugh and right-wing radio off the record. In an unauthorized recording of an off-the-record presentation to University of Pennsylvania students leaked to Mother Jones online magazine, Luntz criticized conservative talk radio for polarizing political discourse and being "problematic" for the Republican Party. Mother Jones refers to Luntz as "the media-friendly Republican consultant and word wiz," as it reports that he told the college students that "right-wing talk radio" is "partly responsible for the stark polarization within the nation's political discourse." In the talk with Penn's College Republicans, recorded surreptitiously by a student after Luntz went off the record, the GOP consultant noted that while Democrats have "got every other source of news on their side," Republicans rely on talk radio, and noted that Marco Rubio is trying to find "a legitimate, long-term effective solution to immigration that isn't the traditional Republican approach, and talk radio is killing him." In the record Lunt is heard to say that Rubio is "getting destroyed by Mark Levin, Rush Limbaugh and a few others” in conservative media. Luntz has been openly critical of the Republican leadership and image problems. At Penn, he criticized talkers as "irresponsible" for their positions about women and birth control, a reference to Rush Limbaugh’s controversial comments about Sandra Fluke. Entercom San Francisco Gets The Raiders 
The Oakland Raiders and Entercom "95.7 The Game" KGMZ-FM, San Francisco announce a multi-year agreement for KGMZ-FM to become the NFL team's radio flagship station in the Bay Area. Raiders programming will include pre-game and post-game shows, locker room reaction and listener phone calls. Also, there will be weekly call-in shows with Head Coach Dennis Allen and Raiders players.
Oregon Ducks Extend with Portland's '750 The Game' 
Alpha Broadcasting Sports Talk "750 The Game" KXTG-AM, Portland, and the Oregon Ducks announce a new multi-year extension for exclusive play-by-play coverage and rights for the Oregon Ducks football and basketball games. The Ducks are the teams of
the University of Oregon. Says Alpha COO Bob Proffitt, "With the truly National brand of Oregon Football, and emerging basketball, baseball, and really the entire sports programs in such an elite position, we could not be happier as the Portland
SAG-AFTRA Approves New Commercials Contract 
The SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors approves the recently negotiated commercials agreements. The National Board unanimously approved the deal reached with the ad industry earlier this month on new radio and television commercials contracts. The new contracts will result in $238 million in wage increases and other payments for all categories of performers, improvements in cable use fees, increases in payments for work on the Internet and new media platforms, and an increase in the late payment fee. Formal negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the advertising industry began February 14 and concluded April 6. "This is a great deal for SAG-AFTRA members. We made important gains on these contracts that provide our members with the solid foundation they need to sustain their careers and families," says National Co-President and Commercials Negotiating Committee National Chair Roberta Reardon. "I am very grateful to our negotiating committee which came together and worked as one to ensure a strong contract for their sisters and brothers who work in the commercials area." Meeting in Los Angeles, the merged union's Board also took action on several other items -- including an operational restructuring plan and multiple governance and administrative matters.
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Meanwhile, we learn that the FTC is expected to consider implications on new media and advertising if it approves Nielsen's acquisition of Arbitron. According to a panel of experts polled by 
Says the announcement, "Every Monday during the NFL season will be re-branded on the station as 'Raiders Mondays.' 95.7 The Game is also the broadcast home of Oakland Athletics baseball. In the event of a programming conflict with A’s baseball, Oakland Raiders football will be heard on sister station KFOX-FM at 102.1 and 98.5." The agreement was negotiated by Compass Media Networks, owner and syndicator of the broadcast rights for all Oakland Raiders English language broadcasts. Compass Media Networks is responsible for all aspects of the broadcasts of all Oakland Raiders preseason, regular season, and post-season games on terrestrial radio. "95.7 The Game" has posted a full schedule of Raiders games to be aired for the coming season 
flagship station of the Ducks and we look forward to many more years to come."
University of Oregon's Director of Athletics Rob Mullens adds, "Alpha Broadcasting has been a great long-time partner covering Oregon athletics throughout the state. The capability to be covered in the state's largest metropolitan areas is important as we continue to expand our brand within Oregon and beyond."
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thursday's Radio & Media News - April 25, 2013
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Nearly Half of CHR P1s Have Sampled Online Radio in Past Week 
Some 47% of CHR format P1s have listened to online radio in the last week according to data from "The Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms" from Arbitron and Edison Research, unveiled during a Thursday webinar. The newly released data looks at radio format P1s from nine AM/FM Radio format categories -- Adult Contemporary, CHR, Classic Rock/Classic Hits, Country, News/Talk/Sports, Public Radio, Religious, Rock, and Urban. Some of the highlights of the study's many findings include: CHR P1s have the highest online radio listening levels with 47 percent having listened in the last week. More than four in ten Public Radio, Rock and Urban P1s also listened to online radio in the last week. One in three Public Radio P1s have listened to audio podcasts in the past month. CHR (75 percent), Rock (70 percent) and Urban (67 percent) P1s are the format P1s most likely to own a smartphone. The vast majority of CHR P1s (82 percent) have a profile on any social network, with nearly half (45 percent) of these listeners using social media several times per day. Eight percent of the population age 12+, an estimated 20 million, has signed up to receive email from the AM or FM radio station they listen to most. 20 percent of Rock P1s and 18 percent of Religious P1s have done so.
Media Audit Study: Social Networking Continues Rapid Growth 
Popular social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are continuing to increase in their popularity, according to preliminary findings from The Media Audit's soon-to-be released 2012 National Report. This report comes as radio is being urged to make better use of social media to engage audiences and potential listeners. The study finds that 61.6% have now visited these websites with the past month. The figure represents more than 89 million monthly unique website visitors across 105 markets measured by The Media Audit. "The figure, when compared to last year's 58.5% who visited these sites represents another 5.3% gain in only a year," says The Media Audit. "Among those 89 million monthly unique website visitors, 83.4 million have visited Facebook within the past 30 days, suggesting Facebook is still king when it comes to social media websites. In 2011, 54.7% of all adults had visited the popular social media website, compared to 57.5% in 2012, resulting in a 5.1% gain for the year. Within the same time frame, LinkedIn grew from 15.7% in 2011 to 17.6% in 2012 who had visited the website with the past 30 days, representing a 12% gain.
'Communicating Superstorm Sandy' NAB Presents Video Documenting Broadcaster's 'First Informers' Role 
"NAB is proud to present the second installment in a powerful video series demonstrating the vital role that local radio and television broadcasters serve as 'first informers' in times of emergency," writes NAB VP of Communications Ann Marie Cumming, posting "Local Broadcasters: Communicating Superstorm Sandy" on the NAB Policy Blog. It details broadcasters' response to the devastating storm. Cumming tells us, "This film, entitled 'Communicating Superstorm Sandy,' documents the rapid response and lifeline support provided by local broadcasters when Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast last fall. Featuring dramatic storm footage and in-depth interviews with station staff, the mini-documentary charts the storm’s path from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New Jersey to New York." It also includes testimonials from broadcasters in those areas. "Many thanks to the film’s producers: Media Arts Professor Scott Hodgson from the University of Oklahoma and Chandra Clark, Ph.D. professor of telecommunications and film at the University of Alabama. Working with the Broadcast Education Association, Scott and Chandra, along with their students, compiled extensive footage and conducted more than 30 interviews for a video account of broadcasters' heroic efforts in covering this horrific storm," writes Cumming.
Orlando's WDBO-FM Rebrands as 'News 96.5' 
From the new logo, one might think Cox Media Group's WDBO-FM, Orlando, has abandoned a News Talk format and gone All News. However, we are assured that News Talk is still the format despite the rebranding, logo and positioning of "News 96.5" promoting on-air (and on the station's Facebook page) "Orlando’s 24-hour news, weather and traffic” station. Station officials tell us they are indeed placing a greater emphasis on WDBO-FM's news and information content, but are still airing the familiar talk shows. WDBO was originally an AM News Talk station at 580, but added an FM simulcast in August 2011, then ended the AM carriage of the format in November 2012 as WDBO-AM flipped to Sports Talk "ESPN Orlando." The 2011 addition of 96.5 FM ended the former "96 Rock" WHTQ-FM. Programming on "News 96.5" continues to include talk shows from Herman Cain, Mel Robbins, Clark Howard, Sean Hannity, Andy Dean, and Mark Levin -- along with "Central Florida's Morning News with Joe Kelley" and "Central Florida's Evening News with Scott Anez" -- with regular news, weather and traffic updates during the talk shows. Baltimore Radio Host Ed Norris Injured in Motorcycle Accident 
CBS Radio Sports Talk "105.7 The Fan" WJZ-FM, Baltimore, morning co-host Ed Norris was injured in a motorcycle accident Wedensday (April 24). A spokesperson says today that Norris is in serious condition at Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Norris, the co-host of the "Norris and Davis Show" on WJZ-FM, is a former Maryland state and Baltimore city police official. Before joining "105.7 The Fan," Norris commanded the State Police after time as Baltimore’s Police Commissioner. Maryland State Police confirm that Norris was driving a motorcycle and was injured when he swerved to avoid colliding with a box truck. He was flown to shock trauma by a State Police Medivac. State Police say his injuries were not life threatening. “He was alert and talking to everyone," says a police spokesperson. "He may have suffered a broken arm.” According to a State Police news release, a truck “failed to yield the to the Victory motorcycle. To avoid a collision directly with the vehicle, the operator of the motorcycle swerved and put the motorcycle into a skid. The motorcycle did not collide with any other vehicle.” The truck driver was cited for failure to yield. This morning (April 25) on the Norris and Davis radio show, co-host Steve Davis said he had spent several hours with Norris at the hospital Wednesday after the crash: “I talked with Ed,” he said, adding, “He was awake and alert.” Davis told listeners he wasn't going to talk about Norris’ injuries. "We’ll let him tell you about them” when he returns to the show. Tampa's WHPT-FM Sued for Using Altered Photo 
Cox Media Group's "Real Raw Talk" WHPT-FM, Tampa -- known as "The Bone" -- is facing a lawsuit for posting an altered photograph of a 17-year-old with Down's Syndrome. The suit was filed by the family, according to Courthouse News Service. The photo showed the 17-year-old holding a drawing which was replaced with a sign that read "Retarded News." In the suit, Adam Holland, and his parents Bernard and Pamela Holland, are seeking damages for invasion of privacy, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misappropriation of likeness and violations of the Tennessee Personal Rights Protection Act. Holland and his family are also suing Sign Generator, claiming they altered and used the photo on their own websites, also with "retarded" slogans along with the Flickr user who originally uploaded the altered photo That photo was posted on the afternoon "Cowhead Show" webpage, after which a letter of apology from WHPT-FM Program Director Michael Sharkey was sent to the mother saying that the picture would be removed. That letter is included in the suit as an admission that the station had posted the altered photo, the original of which was taken of Holland, then 17, at an art class at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in Nashville in July 2004. An instructor had taken the photo of the young man holding up a drawing he had made, which is included in the complaint, reports Courthouse News Service. The original color photo showed a smiling Holland holding a sheet of paper with two sticklike figures on it, and the words "Go Titans One." Cowhead had used the altered photo that depicted "Retarded News." Alpine Shipping Dash App Receiver with HD Radio 
Alpine Electronics is now shipping their new ICS-X7HD in-dash app receiver. "The ICS-X7HD is equipped with the latest in media and entertainment options and comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver," says Alpine. "It is also equipped with Alpine's exclusive Smart Reception Management which keeps listeners tuned into their favorite HD Radio stations as well as HD2/HD3 stations, even when listeners are in areas with limited digital reception." We're told that the receiver also supports the iTunes Tagging feature enabling "quick and easy music purchases." The ICS-X7HD is Alpine’s first product that aggregates a variety of information and entertainment content. It was recognized with an Innovations award in the In-Vehicle Audio category at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held earlier this year in Las Vegas. "As consumers increasingly look to the cloud to consume their entertainment and information, the natural progression of this use has moved to the in-vehicle space," says Steve Crawford, Alpine Electronics of America Aftermarket Business Unit VP and General Manager. "The ICS-X7HD gathers this content and applies Alpine’s proprietary user interface, so people can access their information in a manner that is relevant and simple for in-car use." The ICS-X7HD is a "mechless" AV receiver with a 7-inch WVGA touchscreen. (A "mechless" car stereo has no moving parts.) Nielsen Reports 3% Q1 Revenue Increase 
Nielsen Holdings reports that first quarter revenue increased 3% from the year-ago period to $1.376 billion. Net income was up 36% to $34 million. Nielsen says revenue at the media-tracking "watch" division was up 4% compared to the first quarter of 2012, which surpassed analysts expectations. "Nielsen delivered solid revenue growth and strong operating performance in the first quarter," says Nielsen CEO David Calhoun. "Our results reflect our continued ability to create value for our clients and we remain well-positioned to achieve our 2013 expectations." Nielsen, of course, is currently awaiting regulatory approval for its $1.26 billion acquisition of Arbitron, whose shareholders approved the deal last week. Twitter #Music's Kevin Thau Moves to Biz Stone’s Jelly 
Less than a week after Twitter's public launch of its new Twitter #Music app, one of the executives behind that project has exited the social networking company. Kevin Thau leaves Twitter to join Jelly, a new start-up company from Twitter co-founder Biz Stone. Jelly (not to be confused with Jelli) is expected to focus on content for smartphones and tablets. Thau, who has been with Twitter since 2009, is the second high profile Twitter employee to join Jelly. Earlier this week, Stone introduced former Twitter engineering manager Ben Finkel as his co-founder. In addition, Twitter’s first designer Vítor Lourenço, who left the company in November, is also serving as a consultant for Jelly. Thau joined Twitter as its “first official business development guru,” after time as VP of Sales and Business Development at Buzzwire. Before leading Twitter Music, Thau managed the mobile engineering and design teams responsible for launching the first versions of Twitter’s mobile apps before moving on to become VP of business and corporate development. Jelly is still under wraps, but the startup released a few hints earlier this month. In a blog post titled "What Is Jelly?," Stone said the startup will be for "everybody" and "developed first and foremost for mobile devices," which, writes TechCrunch, means the addition of Thau to its roster is a logical move. TechCrunch's Drew Olanoff and Josh Constine speculated that the Jelly team might be developing something that will help connect people to connect to social causes and show off their contributions.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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The resulting figure represents more than 25 million who logged on to the social media networking site aimed at reaching business professionals. The percent who visited Twitter grew by the greatest percent within the same period. According to the report, those who visited Twitter in the past 30 days grew from 12.4% in 2011 to 14.4% in 2012, the latest figure representing a 16% growth. As time spent surfing the Internet in a typical day continues to grow, it may be likely many of these social media websites are helping to fuel these increases. According to the same study, social website users spend 7% more time in a typical day surfing the Internet when compared to the general population. Today, 18.8% of a social media website user's typical day exposed to all media such as radio, TV, newspaper, and billboards, is spent surfing the Internet. Furthermore, 44.5% of all social media website users are considered heavy Internet users, spending more than three hours per day surfing the web, a figure that is 31% higher when compared to typical web usage among the general population. Among all U.S. adults, 33.8% are considered heavy Internet users."