Thursday's Radio & Media News - April 18, 2013

Sacramento's '98 Rock' Suspends Morning Show for Boston Comments Updated: 'Rob, Arnie and Dawn' Off the Air for 'Top 5 Reasons to Hate Boston' Entercom "98 Rock" KRXQ-FM, Sacramento, has pulled the locally-based syndicated "Rob, Arnie and Dawn in the Morning" off the air for airing a "Top 5 Reasons to Hate Boston," Wednesday (April 17). Despite earlier reports that they were off the station until Monday, we've now learned that no decision has been made as to when the show will return on KRXQ-FM. The trio originally said they were told they would be off the air for the rest of the week. That, after criticism from crosstown "CBS Sports Radio 1140" KHTK-AM morning host Don Geronimo. He blasted Rob, Arnie and Dawn for the bit and for asking on Tuesday's show if it was too soon to joke about Boson. On their www.RobArnieAndDawn.com website, the hosts posted a lengthy statement criticizing KRXQ-FM for taking the show off the air. They have even stronger words about Sports Talker Geronimo. The statement from Rob, Arnie and Dawn reads: "On Monday, April 15 2013, we'd like to say the unthinkable happened in Boston; however, in current times, with misguided and small-minded zealots, extremists and ideologues cowardly lurking in the shadows plotting and planning ways and means to cause harm to innocent human beings, though shocking, disturbing and disgusting, the April 15 tragedy is not totally surprising. What is surprising is that human beings, domestic or foreign, believe somehow that maiming and killing innocent Americans (or other nationals) serves some kind of credible or legitimate God, religion, ethnic, or political purpose. The reality is this: The individuals who planned, orchestrated and carried out the April 15 bombings are some mix of coward, “maladjust,” ignorant and sociopath, and beyond identification for prosecutorial (and hopefully death penalty) purposes, and deserve zero press or publicity whatsoever. Rather, they should be summarily negated from this Earth, preferably locked in a deep, dark, wet hole somewhere populated with flesh-eating flora and fauna. "Unfortunately, On Wednesday, April 17, our show came under attack from a Sacramento radio host who would love to call himself a 'competitor,' but who instead is just another bottom-feeder looking and hoping for ways to better himself by disparaging and defaming us, our show and others in the local media market. Outrageously, he came out claiming that we in some way intended or were being insensitive or callous to the victims of the Boston tragedy. We refuse to stoop to this individual's despicable level, but instead want our listeners to know and understand that we did not, would not, and under no circumstances have intended in any way to have been insensitive, callous, dismissive, disparaging or otherwise to or of the victims of the Boston tragedy. To the contrary, of course we are and have been sickened, disgusted and angered at whomever the cowards who carried out the senseless and disgraceful terrorist acts and the terrible injuries and harm caused to innocent victims. "The Nature of our show demands honest, noble and real discussions, debate, emotions and, at times, irreverence. For the past two days we have engaged, for hours, in heated exchanges with one another and with you, our loyal listeners, to try to make sense of the non-sensical acts perpetrated on not just Boston, but our nation as a whole. We have expressed fear, anger, outrage, disbelief, and at times everything from great despair to unbridled hope. During rare moments when there was laughter, it had nothing to do whatsoever with the tragedy, but instead was intended to divert, distract and bring much-needed levity to an awful event and situation. "For reasons unclear to us, our Sacramento carrier, 98 Rock (KRXQ), allowed itself to be bullied and misled by the local radio host who so grossly distorted truth and facts, and in 98 Rock's ill-judgment, it informed us late Wednesday evening that we are pulled off the air until Monday. We understand a radio station's desire and instinct to protect itself for economic and political purposes, but this is absurd. Our Sacramento carrier has elected a knee-jerk reaction to a fabricated and manufactured smear campaign by a local thug who is more than happy and willing to politicize and sensationalize the Boston tragedy for his own short-term gain. To this, we at the Rob, Arnie and Dawn Show say, you're a sad, pathetic character, shame on you, and shame on 98 Rock and their parent company, Entercom Communications. "We encourage our faithful listeners and all other truth-seekers to call in and email. As always, thank you for your support -- and you may hear us again in Sacramento Monday!" Update: Entercom Sacramento VP and Market Manager Sean Shannon released a statement about the decision to not air the Rob, Arnie and Dawn show on "98 Rock" -- saying: "This Monday in Boston was a tragedy. There is nothing funny about it. We disagree with how Rob, Arnie and Dawn treated those events and thus took their syndicated show off the air. We prefer the focus to be on our friends, colleagues and the city of Boston in this difficult time." Meanwhile, we have learned that the morning hosts may not actually be back on the air Monday. Sources at Entercom headquarters say no decision has been made about when they will return, despite their published statement that they'd return to "Rock 98" Monday. One source suggests it likely won't be Monday when stations in the Boston market will commemorate the previous Monday's tragic events with a minute of silence at 2:50pm. Having heard about the reports that Entercom may not return the show to "Rock 98," Rob Williams says that as far as he knows the trio will indeed be back after the weekend. But he also notes no one from the station has contacted him or his two co-hosts, or their representatives, since telling them they'd be off the air Thursday and Friday. Greater Media Boston Market Manager Rob Williams Promoted to VP Greater Media promotes Boston Market Manager Rob Williams to Vice President. He oversees Greater Media's Boston radio stations -- including AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Rhythmic "Hot 96.9" WBQT-FM, Country WKLB-FM, Alternative "Radio 92.9" WBOS-FM, and Classic Hits WROR-FM. "Rob has done an outstanding job since he joined Greater Media Boston in taking the cluster to the next level," says Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. "He is a brilliant strategist and respected leader. We are very proud to have him in our family." Williams joined Greater Media Boston as Market Manager in January 2012. A veteran radio professional, he's led some of the industry's most successful radio stations during his career. Prior to joining Greater Media, he was CEO of Digital Brand Connections, a company he co-founded. Prior to that he was a longtime Clear Channel executive, where he led the company's largest region by revenue -- 29 markets including major markets New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Willims later was President and Market Manager for Clear Channel's New York City stations, including CHR-Top40 "Z100" WHTZ-FM and perennial highest billing U.S. radio station, AC "106.7 Lite FM" WLTW-FM. He left Clear Channel following the company's sale in 2008, and became CEO of Internet start-up Goom Radio, a service he launched in the U.S. in 2009. Williams joined Clear Channel with its acquisition of AMFM in 2000, and was promoted to Clear Channel's Senior Management Team in 2001. He was named Clear Channel Communications Executive of the Year in 2001. Williams began his career as an account executive and spent time in a variety of radio sales and management positions in markets including Buffalo; Charleston, SC; Hartford-New Haven, CT; Philadelphia and New York City. His late father, Bob Williams, was a respected broadcaster who owned several radio stations. Williams started his own radio career after graduating with Honors from Tulane University. Comedy Producer 'Dr. Dave' Kolin Partners with Premiere Networks Premiere Networks has entered a partnership with veteran comedy producer David "Dr. Dave" Kolin, under which they will develop a variety of content, including services for radio talent, stations, digital outlets, video projects and more. Specifics are forthcoming, says Premiere. "Dr. Dave is a fantastically creative person with a demonstrated record of success in a variety of media. We were delighted when the opportunity to work with him presented itself," says Premiere VP of Music Programming Jennifer Leimgruber. Kolin tells us, "It is a dream come true and the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to apply my talents and skills with people who share the same vision for entertaining consumers in this multimedia world. I look forward to revealing Dr. Dave 2.0." Kolin was the founder, director and president of DB Communications, a radio syndication company that eventually served as the nucleus for USRN, which he co-founded in 1994 when he partnered with Nick Verbitsky and Dick Clark in the formation of United Stations Radio Networks. During his time with USRN, Dr. Dave wrote and performed much of the comedy product distributed by the network, served as the executive producer of the comedy department, and executive produced Pulse Comedy Prep. He also served on the company's Board of Directors. You might remember that last month we reported that Kolin was suing USRN for breach of contract and seeking a declaration that he had "good reason" to terminate his contract, get $671,639 in back salary he said he was owed, have the company buy his shares, and have his non-compete agreement not be enforced. Later a court freed him from the non-compete, and now partners with Premiere. Now Bipartisan Congressional Opposition to Local Radio Freedom Act As we continue to report increasing bipartisan support from both houses of the Congress for the Local Radio Freedom Act -- actually a non-binding resolution -- which opposes any performance royalty for terrestrial radio, it has become obvious that in a very divided Congress, there is also opposition to the LRFA. A bipartisan group of Congress members -- Darrell Issa (R-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Melvin Watt (D-CA.) -- have sent a letter to their colleagues urging them not to co-sponsor the LRFA. That letter is titled "The Local Radio Freedom Act Shuts Down Debate, Stifles Innovation and Harms Artists." It cites creative side talking points highlighted by over-the-air radio's exemption from paying royalties while satellite and Internet services do pay royalties for airing recorded music. They say AM-FM radio stations "can use the property of artists, musicians and music companies without their consent and without providing compensation. This business model stifles creativity and innovation and discriminates against competing radio platforms." The LRFA expresses opposition to terrestrial radio facing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge." The four Congress members opposing that resolution tell their colleagues, "We urge you to refrain from cosponsoring this resolution because it impedes future debate, it stifles innovation, and it will continue to maintain an unfair playing field." MHBC News has obtained a copy of the full letter (pdf), and we're making it available to our readers here. FM Radio Missing on Samsung Galaxy S4 Phone Some who report radio and media news are saying that Samsung -- the manufacturer of the popular Galaxy S series -- is not among the believers in the future of FM radio reception capability on cellphones. FM Radio is, indeed, missing on the Galaxy S4 Phone, but as Sam Mobile notes, "Every Galaxy S has it, only the Galaxy S4 hasn't." They add, "We are talking about the FM Radio. Samsung decided not to bring the FM Radio application to the Galaxy S4." And, we're told, "According to Samsung, people listen more to online broadcast radio streams (which costs data)." The Sam Mobile site asks readers, "What do you think. Do you miss the feature of no FM Radio? Or do you listen as Samsung said, to own music and online streams?" The official explanation from Samsung Russia, translated from Russian, says, "Our studies show a trend shift of interest to digital broadcasting, specifically – focus on listening to music content in social networks or on the channel YouTube. The flagship model of our products are focused on customers who use digital content, which use modern formats and channels of information consumption." Samsung's Galaxy S4 smartphone, the main challenger to Apple's iPhone, will go on sale next week at U.S. carriers, including T-Mobile USA and Sprint Nextel. Seven U.S. carriers and seven retailers will be selling the Galaxy S4, Suwon, says Samsung. T-Mobile has set an April 24 release date, aiming to be first to offer the device. Sprint will follow on April 27, while AT&T plans to make it available on April 30. Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. carrier, hasn't set a date yet. According to Bloomberg, the Galaxy S4, unveiled last month at a lavish event in New York, represents the biggest threat to the iPhone's lead in the U.S. market. The phone has a larger screen, faster processor and higher-resolution camera, putting pressure on Apple to match those capabilities. The next version of the iPhone isn't expected until later this year. Twitter #Music App Launches for iPhone and Web The new "Twitter #Music" debuts to the public today, after first launching to an invite-only group of celebrities, including Ryan Seacrest, last week. Twitter today officially unveiled its music discovery app for the iPhone, which is also available as an Internet service, although few details were initially offered with a Thursday morning announcement. Twitter does say the new music app will "change the way many people discover music." The app, we're told, "puts artists front and center and allows users to go to a profile to see which artists others recommend." The announcement was made on ABC's "Good Morning America" which reports online, "You no longer have to be Ryan Seacrest, Ne-Yo or Jason Mraz to play with Twitter's new music discovery app. After testing the app with music artists and influencers, Twitter #Music will be available starting today at music.twitter.com, and as a separate app for the iPhone through the App Store." So what does the new service do? "Well, it does what you might expect from a music app from Twitter -- it helps you find music that's popular on Twitter and music based on the bands you follow. The app is centered around four pages or tabs, which you can swipe through to access." Last week we reported that Twitter was ready to launch "its own dedicated music app." that would suggest artists and songs "based on a variety of signals, and be personalized based on which accounts a user follows on Twitter." Songs, we were told, would be streamed to the app via SoundCloud. When we published our Friday report, only a few celebrities were already using it in a beta testing. It was reported then that radio and TV host Ryan Seacrest confirmed the app's existence in a series of Twitter tweets that indicated he was "lovin" using it. Entravision Seeks to Boost Los Angeles Latino Voter Turnout Entravision Communications announces a "multiplatform campaign to encourage Los Angeles Latino voters to participate in the upcoming runoff election for Mayor" to be held May 21. "With only 16% of registered voters turning out for the Primary Nominating Election that was held in March, Entravision is committed to using its radio and digital assets in Los Angeles to raise awareness of the upcoming election and instill the importance of participating in the democratic election process," says the company's announcement. Through election day, Entravision will air a series of public service announcements on its three Los Angeles radio stations -- "Super Estrella 107.1" KSSE-FM, "Jose 97.5" KLYY-FM, and "El Gato 103.1" KDLD-FM -- underscoring the importance of participating in the election. The websites for the three radio stations will also host a short video outlining the roles of the Mayor as an additional means to encourage the population to vote. Entravision also says it will also be at various community events leading up to the election to pass out information about the election and how to register to vote. "At Entravision, we believe that the Los Angeles Mayoral election is extremely important to the future of the city. As an active member of the community, it is our civic duty to encourage as many citizens as possible to exercise their right to vote," says Entravision Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa. "With this election being only the third time in the last 75 years that an incumbent mayoral candidate has not been on the ballot in Los Angeles, this election offers a unique opportunity for citizens to vote with their voice and help shape the future for the city. By leveraging Entravision's multiple media properties in Los Angeles, we will provide a valuable service to the community and help encourage voter participation for this special election." Temkin Study Finds Radio Listening Steady, Daily Use Up Slightly Temkin Group's "Media Use Benchmark 2013" study finds that radio listening has increased slightly so far this year. Radio listening was at an average of two hours per day in the group's 2012 data, but increased to 2.1 hours per day in 2013. The newly-released Temkin Group study looks at patterns of media usage. TV viewing was the top-ranked media option, which remains steady with 3.9 hours per day, followed by Internet usage (not for work), also steady at 3.8 hours per day. Internet usage for work slipped slightly from 2.1 hours per day to two hours. In January 2013 Temkin surveyed 10,000 U.S. consumers about their media use patterns and compared the results to data that they collected a year earlier. The analysis examines internet usage (at home and at work), reading of books and news (online and offline), TV watching, radio listening, and mobile activity. The report breaks down the data by age, ethnicity, income, and geographic region. The Temkin Group also has released a series of other findings from its "Media Use Benchmark 2013" study. We're told that 98 percent of consumers go online at home, 60 percent do it at least three hours per day, while 57 percent of consumers use their mobile phone for going online or using an app, 16 percent do it at least three hours per day. Those 65 to 74 watch the most TV (4.2 hours per day), 18- to 24-year-olds watch the least (3.6 hours per day), says Temkin Group. All ages of consumers spend more time reading paper books than online books, but the gap is narrower with younger consumers. The study also finds that of consumers making less than $25,000 per year, 57 percent use their mobile phone for going online or using an app, 16 percent do it at least three hours per day, and watch 4.5 hours per day of TV, while those making $100,000 or more watch less than 3.4 hours of television. Some 39 percent of consumers making less than $25,000 per year use their mobile phone for going online or using an app, compared with more than 60 percent of those who earn $75,00 or more. The number of hours that consumers spend watching TV goes down with increasing educational levels. And, looking at various ethnic groups, the study results tell us that Asians spend twice as much time reading online books as do Caucasians, and that African-Americans watch the most TV per day. In a regional breakout, Temkin Groups reports that 54 percent of consumers in the South use their mobile phone for going online or using an app, compared with 49 percent of those in the Midwest. Stevie Wonder to Receive Service to America Leadership Award Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder will receive the 2013 Service to America Leadership Award from the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) for his important work as an activist, Messenger of Peace and his dedication to helping people with disabilities and children and families in need. "Wonder, who is one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century, will receive the award at NABEF's Celebration of Service to America Gala on June 3," says an NAB release. The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. "Considered NABEF's highest individual honor, the award will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Gala held Monday, June 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC." Says NABEF President Marcellus Alexander, "Stevie Wonder has touched millions of lives worldwide through his musical genius and through his tireless contributions as a humanitarian. It is for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of those in need that we proudly honor him with this prestigious award." NABEF notes that Stevie Wonder "has amassed 32 #1 singles, 49 Top40 singles, 25 Grammy Awards including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Songwriters' Halls of Fame, was the youngest recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, is a Commander of France's National Order of Arts and Letters, and became the second recipient of the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song." The news release tells us, "Stevie Wonder has been pivotal in U.S. and world events. In 1983, he spearheaded a campaign in the U.S. to make Martin Luther King Day a national holiday and his advocacy for ending apartheid in South Africa is legendary. As an artist, songwriter and producer concerned with major humanitarian issues, his voice has lent itself to charities in support of disabilities, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, hunger and homelessness, domestic abuse and numerous other causes on behalf of children and adults. His numerous awards include recognition from the U.S. President’s Committee on Employment of Handicapped People, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the American Association of People with Disabilities. For 17 years, he has provided toys and gifts of joy for children and families in need with his annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert. As a designated U.N. Messenger of Peace with special focus on persons with disabilities, he continues to demonstrate the activism that has made him such a vital voice for social progress." MTV, VH1, CMT Launch 'Artist Opportunity' Online Hub MTV, VH1 and CMT launch an "artist opportunities hub" on their artist platforms at Artists.MTV, Artists.VH1, and Artists.CMT, where, says a report, artists can "opt into a myriad of massive scale opportunities to build fan reach and engagement by having their music showcased across MTV, VH1, CMT, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, VH1 Soul, CMT Pure and Palladia." Artists that have claimed or created an account with the sites, we're told, can opt into these new opportunities. "We're going back to our roots of connecting artists to fans and empowering them to subsidize, support and help their favorite bands get heard, not just by their friends and peers, but by the entire country," says Viacom Music Group President Van Toffler. "Starting today, artists of all levels and genres will be featured across our television channels, sites, stages, blogs, social channels, concert tours, radio shows, and most importantly, provided a direct link to their fans via artist platform." The opportunities include On-Air Music Opportunities, Digital Music Opportunities, Music Video / Track Spotlight, and Partner Opportunities, among others, and with even more planned for the near future. Read more here. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio After almost three decades on KCRW-FM, Santa Barbara, comedian Harry Shearer's "Le Show" has been dropped from the weekend lineup, with a change in weekend programming. "Weekend All Things Considered" has also been dropped, as KCRW-FM adds NPR's "TED Radio Hour." KCRW-FM, however, will continue to distribute "Le Show" for syndication and as a podcast ... Brendan Kashua is the new Program Director at Triple-A "Ocean 98" WOCM-FM, Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland, replacing the exiting Skip Dixxon ... CBS Radio Spanish Hits "Mega 101" KLOL-FM, Houston, launches new morning show "Mega in Your Mornings with Mario” hosted by Mario Alberto Gonzalez, a Tijuana, Mexico, native who has worked in radio in Mexico and the U.S. since 1992, and has won a number of local and national awards, including an NAB Marconi ... Former radio host (now podcaster) Adam Carolla is returning to cable TV, signing a contract with Spike TV for a non-scripted series ... Rhythmic CHR KDON-FM, Monterey-Salinas, California, ups night host Angel "Visa" Jarquin to Assistant PD/Music Director and afternoon host. The Sleeping Giant Wakes Up! Total Popular Music Is Going Viral!!! The NEW Mass Appeal Hit Music Radio Format! All the Hits for All the Listeners! Radio stations, Contact Mark Harris at MHBC to have TPM working for you! Radio listeners, call your local stations and tell them, "I Want My TPM!"