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NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith Keynotes NAB Show 
The 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas got underway over the weekend, with NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith delivering the annual NAB State of the Industry address. After opening with comments about his optimism for the broadcasting industry, Smith discussed the power of radio and TV stations, and looked at the future of the television industry. Smith then focused on radio. "Recent events have proven that radio is an indispensable lifeline to every local community," said Smith. "We were reminded of this when Hurricane Sandy struck the Eastern seaboard last October. It was also a reminder that built-in radio in mobile phones is an effective way to inform people of pending danger. Up and down the Eastern seaboard, we heard stories of cell networks and broadband connections being down for days, even weeks. But radio was always on… always there for its listeners." He went on to say, "My former Senate colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, said of broadcasters' response during Hurricane Sandy, 'Local radio, especially, was a lifeline for those without power, and I applaud everyone who worked around the clock to make sure that residents received timely and accurate information.' This technology provides many benefits to consumers, broadcasters and manufacturers alike." Smith added, "Future radios in smartphones will combine over-the-air and online content for a rich, 'hybrid radio experience that provides interactive enhancements, along with potential new revenue opportunities."
RAIN Summit West 2013 Looks at In-Car Internet Radio 
Kurt Handson's RAIN Summit West 2013, at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, presented a day of panels and presentations on the future of radio and streaming audio, Sunday. Leading off was the "Dashboard Discussions" panel. "Delivering Internet audio to the car is hard," reports RAIN (Radio and Internet Newsletter). "Everyone agreed on that," writes Hanson. "So far, implementations are all unique and different, and it's expensive to work with carmakers." A recap of RSW 2013 tells us that Entercom Director of Digital Operations Amy Van Hook explained "that's why her company is sticking with aggregations like TuneIn, or Entercom's mobile apps, to connect to cars for now. Chia-Lin Simmons, Aha by Harman VP/Marketing & Content, said it can cost a million dollars to get integrated into the car 'head unit.' Moderator Roger Lanctot of Strategy Analytics verified that automakers make hard to 'scale' integrations." But, says the report, "it's incredibly important to be in the car. Broadcasters can't walk away from this vital listening 'theater,' and newer audio sources need that audience to grow." jacAPPS President Paul Jacobs reminded attendees that "the car is both radio's number-one listening location, and carmakers are radio's number-one client." Said Jacobs, "The radio is no longer two little dials and five buttons." He said that he sees few radio people at the Consumer Electronics Show, and urged radio people to go to CES. Jacobs says car manufacturers "love radio" -- asserting "the radio industry needs to take a more intense view of radio's relationship with the car." He said radio's "imperative is to create a partnership with the automotive industry," adding, "there is so much opportunity ahead." Simmons said we're living in a world now where customers expect their content to be delivered everywhere, and introduced the concept of "round tripping," where a listener can bookmark a place in their listening in the cloud, and pick it up where they left off once they're in the car. Hanson today offers a full summary of Sunday's daylong RAIN Summit West 2013 here. LDR Hails Record Growth in First Quarter 2013 Crowdcasting Pioneer Grows 52% by Adding 83 New Stations 
Broadcast technology company LDR says it enjoyed record growth during the first quarter of 2013 in terms of new station partners and international expansion. LDR added 83 new stations to its client roster, bringing its total customer count to 243 representing a 52 percent growth rate. In addition, LDR entered two new international markets in the quarter – Sweden and Namibia – increasing its total overseas footprint to 7 countries. The company's revenue growth in 2012 was exceptionally strong with income doubling in 2012 compared to 2011. The announcement is made in Las Vegas at the annual NAB Show where LDR CEO and co-founder Daniel Anstandig is delivering a presentation, together with Jon Erdahl, president of 3D Media Ventures, on the "Ten Critical Business Shifts for Radio Broadcasters." The session will be held Tuesday (April 9) at 10:30am.
Classical Radio Returns to St. Louis 
Radio Arts Foundation debuts their Classical format in St. Louis on 107.3 FM and on the HD multicast channel of 96.3 FM. The Monday launch followed a week of signal testing for 107.3, K297BI-LP, a 250 watt signal that replaces the former Classical KFUO-FM, which the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod sold for a Christian format after 60 years in the market. Radio Arts Foundation St. Louis (RAF-STL) tells us, "With the flip of a switch, at precisely 10:00 a.m. CST on April 8, 2013, classical music and the sound of art gloriously returned to the St. Louis radio airwaves. The Radio Arts Foundation’s new station will be branded as 'RAF-STL' and the station will operate on analog radio at 107.3 FM and on hybrid digital radio at KIHT 96.3 HD2." According to a news release, "The station’s opening is the result of countless hours of effort by the Radio Arts Foundation Board of Directors, as well as the determination and dedication of the station’s staff, contributors and supporters throughout the St. Louis region." Says RAF-STL General Manager James Connett, "This is truly a dream come true. Building this new station from the ground up has been a labor of love. We are thrilled to finally bring classical music back to the St. Louis community on the public airwaves. Everyone involved with the project looks forward to the station becoming a nucleus for the arts community in the St. Louis region for years to come." The station is located at in Clayton, Missouri, in "a newly built studio with two broadcast studios, one on either side of a conference room that doubles as a performance space." In addition, the station also has the capability to broadcast remotely throughout the central corridor of the St. Louis. Live performances, both in-studio and at remote locations, will be an integral part of the station’s programming. The station will have access to the Centene Corporation’s 280-seat auditorium from which it plans to air live performances. In addition to classical compositions, RAF-STL will also play chamber music, vocal music, choirs, opera, symphonic, jazz, and blues, as part of its programming line up. Personalities who will be part of the station’s programming include local radio veterans Jim Doyle, Kathy Lawton Brown and Tom Sudholt. In addition, says the official announcement, "RAF-STL will have a robust schedule of original arts programming designed to showcase and promote the depth and breadth of cultural and arts attractions in the St. Louis area." Portland's '750 The Game' Names Bernard Bokenyi Program Director 
Alpha Broadcasting Sports Talk "750 The Game" KXTG-AM, Portland, taps Bernard Bokenyi as the station's new Program Director. He's been with Alpha for three years. Originally from Cleveland, the 15-year radio veteran spent six years in Chicago at Sporting News Radio. He's also worked as Executive Producer for Sports Talk WKNR-AM, Cleveland, while covering local and national sporting events. Says Alpha Broadcasting Director of Programming Scott Mahalick, "Bernard brings a genuine passion and drive to sports radio that is invaluable to 750 The Game and Alpha Broadcasting." Bokenyi tells us, "I am truly honored to be given this opportunity with such a great radio station and to be a part of a company that is committed to creating quality content." Radio Disney Revamps Programming, Launches New Morning Show 
Radio Disney revamps its programming schedule -- including launching new morning show "Morgan and Maddy in the Morning" hosted by Morgan Tompkins and Maddy Whitby. Tompkins and Whitby will also continue to host Radio Disney's Saturday evening "Move It Party." The announcement comes from Radio Disney VP and General Manager Phil Guerini. "Morgan and Maddy have embodied the fun and youthful energy of Radio Disney during their weekend dance show and we're thrilled to introduce this dynamic duo to our morning listeners as well. We are also confident that changes to peak listening times for families will further engage our audience across the nation." The new daily schedule also includes new assignments for the primetime listening hours for kids and families -- afternoons and weekends -- with on-air personality Candice moving to afternoons and new features for families on weekends. Radio Disney's Candice, who most recently has been the evening host, moves to host afternoons, which will continue to feature "Celebrity Take" hosted by Radio Disney's entertainment correspondent and on-air personality Jake Whetter and "Planet Premiere" -- one-one-one interviews with listeners' favorite stars. Blake Kuhre, who has hosted the morning show for six years, moves to evenings with "Up Late with Blake," described as "a fast-paced, high-energy audience request driven show" which will include Radio Disney's "Dot Com Top 3." Ernest "Ernie D" Martinez, Radio Disney on-air personality and the network's Creative Director, Programming, will host middays, targeting the station's strong audience of moms. Martinez also oversees the presentation of Radio Disney's programming and manages on-air talent. Rowdy Yates Returns with 'Original Country Gold' 
Following his recent win of a 2013 Academy of Country Music Award, Country radio request show host Rowdy Yates returns to national syndication with "The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates" -- represented by Focus 360. The five-hour weekend specialty program will be available to stations and national advertisers starting April 20. "Rowdy's high energy and upbeat presentation drive appointment listening," says Focus 360 VP/Affiliate Sales and Programming Todd Alan. "For thousands of listeners across the country, 'The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates' is a weekend institution, and we are proud to offer it to our affiliate radio stations." Focus 360 VP of Advertising Sales Dick Silipigni adds, "Rowdy's reputation for creating fun radio has made him one of country's radio's most popular personalities. Our national advertisers can deliver their message and connect with listeners in a highly receptive environment that triggers audience engagement." Yates, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, tells us, "I am very excited to be back hosting The Original Country Gold and about my new association with Focus 360. Their understanding of the importance of my relationship with listeners, and how to maximize that for advertisers, is essential for the success of our affiliate radio stations and our advertisers. I am looking forward to working with them." iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party Returns to BleauLive More Than 120 Clear Channel Radio Stations to Promote Event 
Clear Channel's iHeartRadio and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach today announced the return of the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party presented by Visit Florida, a two-day musical weekend on June 28-29, 2013 as part of the Fontainebleau's BleauLive concert series. The weekend will feature performances at Fontainebleau by Pitbull, Ke$ha, Afrojack, Icona Pop and Krewella. To promote the event, Clear Channel will launch a national on-air and online promotion across more than 120 of its Mainstream and Rhythmic CHR and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) stations beginning today. Seven winners will be chosen each weekday through May 17, and more than 200 packages, which include roundtrip airfare, two night hotel accommodations for two and access to all the weekend events, will be given away through a text-to-win contest. The event will kick off Friday, June 28, with a Welcome Party at the resort's legendary pool. The festivities will continue on Saturday with an all-day pool party featuring performances by Icona Pop and Krewella. The weekend event will culminate in a live concert that evening featuring Pitbull, Ke$ha and AfroJack. "We continue to create pop culture events and connect our listeners across America to the music they love and The iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party is yet another great example of that," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment President of National Programming Platforms Tom Poleman. "Last year's event was a huge success and we're looking forward to delivering yet another unforgettable experience for our listeners." Fontainebleau Miami Beach President and COO Philip Goldfarb adds, "Fontainebleau Miami Beach continues its legacy of bringing top performers to the historic property with the return of The iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party. Fontainebleau's BleauLive once again sets the bar for entertainment destinations by providing outstanding resort-wide experiences for guests." Media Reporter Robert Feder Leaves Time Out Chicago 
Veteran Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, often quoted by MHBC News, exits Time Out Chicago. Many had wondered if he might be leaving his most recent base with the sale of TOC, which became effective Monday (April 8). Now Feder says that he's "accepted a buyout of his contract," reports Chicagoist.com. He says in a statement: “I am eager to continue my work and I expect to make an announcement soon.” Time Out Chicago was sold back to the company that owns the Time Out brand elsewhere, and that company previously had said Time Out Chicago's top managers and editors would be replaced. Feder himself reported in a recent TOC column that there would be few remaining local reporters or writers when the sale was finalized, although he didn't specifically say he would or might exit. According to Crain's Chicago Business, Feder is keeping his future plans a secret. Although Feder didn't report his TOC exit in his column, he now offers a link to the Chicagoist report on his Facebook page. He also offers a link to a report from Chicago Grid. "The Time Out Chicago entertainment magazine has been acquired by Time Out Group, which plans to phase out the print publication and make it all digital, the companies announced Monday." That report also says, "The staff cuts include media columnist Robert Feder, formerly of the Sun-Times. Feder wrote a daily blog for Time Out Chicago and he also appeared in the magazine." On Twitter, Feder himself says, "With the sale of Time Out Chicago, I have agreed to accept a buyout of my contract. I am eager to continue my work and I expect to make an announcement soon. Until then, I'll keep you posted on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks so much for reading me." Chicago Grid says Time Out representatives could not be reached for comment concerning staff cuts Monday. Feder joined TOC in January 2011 after exiting the www.WBEZ.org blogsite along with a number of others. Triton Digital Promotes Benjamin Masse to a2x VP/GM 
Triton Digital promotes Benjamin Masse to VP and General Manager at a2x. Masse will be responsible for leading strategy, partner recruitment and product development for "the industry’s only programmatic ad exchange for online and mobile streaming audio." Masse previously was the product line director for Triton’s digital content monetization and programmatic advertising products including a2x. He's also held positions at Nexio, SOPROQ, and ADISQ in addition to co-founding Double V3. "Triton has invested heavily in the advanced technologies that brought programmatic buying, behavioral targeting, and real-time bidding to online audio," says Triton Digital President of Market Development John Rosso. "Benjamin is an ad tech veteran who has proven his ability to lead our a2X team through a successful product launch, and developed great partnerships with companies including CBS, Entercom, Cumulus Media, Salem Communications,Xaxis and Exelate." Says Masse, "The programmatic exchange ecosystem is growing very quickly and it’s important to stay on top of the latest technology and trends in order to deliver a superior product to our customers. Triton’s a2X has already experienced tremendous growth since launching earlier this year, and we intend to ensure that it continues to grow and evolve in this fast-moving market." a2x is an audio advertising exchange that enables real-time bidding and programmatic buying of targeted online and mobile audio inventory for advertisers, enhancing the ability to manage, buy and sell third-party advertising campaigns. The platform’s automated, exchange-driven method of buying and selling ad impressions facilitates rapid and precise transactions, eliminating waste and resulting in the highest price for publishers and the greatest efficiency for advertisers. Entercom's Marijane Milton to Join MBMI 
MultiBrand Media International hires Entercom Corporate VP Marijane Milton, who joins the MBMI Leadership Team in the newly created position of International Director of Revenue Innovation and Training, and will lead MBMI's recently launched MBMI Learning division. Milton spent 11 years at Entercom, creating sales training, business and personal growth programs. Former radio executive Bill Pahsa leads MBMI as President. He tells us, "MJ's broadcasting achievements for Entercom, Cox, Bonneville International, and Groupe NRJ are recognized worldwide. We are excited to introduce MJ to our domestic and international communications, political and hospitality industry clients who will benefit from her expertise and ability to teach and motivate their employees and grow their businesses.” Milton says, “As a theater lover and actress, I know all the world’s a stage, and MBMI is in the middle of it, having expanded and diversified its international clientele, reach, and influence very quickly. I plan to apply fundamental principles of audience growth and sales revenue development to a menu of advanced consumer engagement and revenue platforms, for broadcasting and for a new spectrum of industries. Joining Bill, David Pearlman, Mark Driscoll, Robert Dedus, and the rest of MBMI is like hitting a First Class upgrade, which I hope to do often.” Milton joins MBMI on May 1. Jump2Go/AudioActive Now Compatible with TagStation 
Emmis announces that its TagStation hybrid radio data service is expanding support for broadcasters' on-air system integration by working with Jump2Go/AudioActive's JumpGate RDS and HD Radio solutions. This, we're told, is part of an ongoing effort to help prepare radio for the anticipated release of FM-enabled smartphones and the rapidly growing influx of HD Radio-enabled Artist Experience dashboards coming to market from automakers. Emmis has expanded options for a more industry-wide adoption of its TagStation product by combining efforts with the device-maker and middleware. Joining Broadcast Electronics' TRE, Arctic Palm's Center Stage Live, and ENCO's PADapult datacasting systems, Jump2Go/AudioActive's JumpGate solution now ties into TagStation, the cloud-based engine that supplies data for the NextRadio smartphone application and the HD Radio Artist Experience. Paul Brenner of Emmis tells us, "The TagStation team realizes that many stations have already made investments in hardware and software for linking on-air systems to the internet. We continue to work towards helping stations leverage their original investment, and this collaboration with Jump2Go/AudioActive integration is indicative of our commitment to that work."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday's Radio & Media News - April 8, 2013
"LDR's first quarter 2013 growth rate – and the company's 2012 financial performance – are testament to the revolutionary technology our team has built as well as our strong customer service. We have developed a reputation for providing the best service in the industry," says. Anstandig. "We anticipate tremendous growth for the remainder of 2013, in part because of our international expansion and recent partnership agreement with OXIS Media to represent LDR throughout Europe." Among the stations that have committed to using one or more of LDR's technology platforms – LDR.1, LDR.Takeover and LDR.TopicPulse – in the quarter are WHO-AM (Des Moines, Iowa), WDTW-FM (Detroit), WSHE-FM (Hollywood, Fla.), KGLK-FM (Houston-Galveston), WJMN-FM (Boston), WIHT-FM (Washington, D.C.), WMAD-FM (Madison, Wis.), WKDD-FM (Canton, OH), WLKO-FM (Charlotte, N.C.), WTAM-AM (Cleveland), WPOC-FM (Baltimore), WZFT-FM (Baltimore), WBWR-FM (Columbus, Ohio), KHHT-FM (Los Angeles), WAPE-FM (Jacksonville, Fla.), Lugna Favoriter (Sweden), RIX FM (Sweden), Bandit Rock (Sweden), WSBT-AM (South Bend, Ind.) and 99 FM Namibia (Namibia).
AC WASH-FM, Washington DC names Chilli Amar morning co-host, effective April 16, joining Loo Katz. Amar has been working in the DC market since 1996, holding a variety of radio roles including news reporter/anchor, morning show side-kick, afternoon host and traffic reporter ... Morning hosts (and husband and wife) Davin and Ana exit CHR-Top40 "Island 106" WILN-FM, Panama City, Florida, to return to Oklahoma following the death of Davin's father. They've asked the station to release them from their contract as they work on plans to move their show to the Internet for syndication. "Island 106" afternoon hosts Miguel and Mandy move to mornings to fill the gap ... Contemporary Christian "JQ 99" WJQK-FM, Grand Rapids, Michigan, morning hosts Chris and Emilee Danielson exit the station after four years. The husband-and-wife duo says they plan to launch their own Internet show … After 21 years on the air at Christian WDJC-FM, Birmingham, where he's also been Music Director, Ronnie Bruce has resigned effective at the end of this week ... "Real Country 101.7" WLQM-FM, Franklin, Virginia, hires John DeTerlizzi as Director of Sales and Promotions. DeTerlizzi joins from American K-9 Interdiction, where he spent the past two years in marketing ... Country "Eagle 92.9" WEGX-FM, Florence, SC, hires Parker Tant for afternoons. He most recently hosted afternoons at Country "Kicker 97.7" WKKR-FM, Auburn.
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