Tuesday's Radio & Media News - April 2, 2013

Weekly Online Radio Audience Reaches Estimated 86M Nationally One in three Americans ages 12 and older now listens to all forms of online radio on a weekly basis, according to "The Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms." The 21st in a series of studies dating back to 1998, the new national survey from Arbitron and Edison Research also finds that 53% of all Americans ages 12 and over -- an estimated 139 million -- own a smartphone, while three-fourths of those ages 18-to-34 own such devices. Among the other findings unveiled in a webinar on the study is that weekly online radio listeners report listening for an average of 11 hours 56 minutes per week, up by more than two hours over last year's listening levels of 9 hours 46 minutes, and nearly double that reported in 2008 (6 hours 13 minutes). More than one in four Americans (27%) check their social network several times per day, estimated at 71 million people. AM/FM radio is an "almost all of the times" or "most of the times" in-car choice for nearly six in ten adults ages 18 and over. Dashboard AM/FM radio (58%) far outpaces frequent in-car use of CD players (15%), portable digital audio/MP3 players (11%) and satellite radio (10%). The study also finds that AM/FM Radio delivers far more consumers (49%) than other media during the half hour before they arrive to shop, more than twice the number reached by the next closest medium (advertising on billboards at 21%). Some 29% own a tablet, according to the new "Infinite Dial" study. That's up more than 70% in the past year, compared to 17% ownership in 2012. Among the nearly half of Americans (45%) who say it is important to learn about and keep up-to-date with new music, AM/FM Radio is the top source for new music discovery at 78%. "We are now seeing the highest levels of weekly online radio listening with the increasing strength of AM/FM streams and other online radio brands and the near ubiquity of devices in which consumers can listen," says Arbitron SVP of Marketing Bill Rose. "In the smartphone, the majority of Americans now have powerful computers in their pockets, which has irrevocably altered not only out-of-home listening behavior, but out-of-home purchase behavior as well," adds Edison Research VP of Strategy and Marketing Tom Webster. The study, as well as previous studies, may be downloaded free from the Arbitron and Edison Research websites at arbitron.com and edisonresearch.com. FCC Asks 'What's Indecent?' - As It Seeks to Clarify Rules The FCC, thwarted in the recent past by court rulings that its indecency rules are too vague, is now seeking public comment on whether its indecency rules are consistent with the First Amendment. The Commission is asking for public comment says a Public Notice, which also tells us that the FCC has reduced a backlog of broadcast indecency complaints by 70%, discarding more than one million that are too old. The dismissed complaints were in limbo pending court challenges in high profile cases. The Public Notice notes that after the Supreme Court's decision in FCC versus Fox Television Stations, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski "instructed Commission staff to commence a review of the Commission's broadcast indecency policies and enforcement to ensure they are fully consistent with vital First Amendment principles. Since September 2012, the Bureau has reduced their immense backlog of indecency complaints by 70% by dismissing close to a million of those complaints." The Supreme Court decision did not find the FCC's indecency rules unconstitutional nor unable to be enforced, but too vague and unevenly enforced -- something many broadcasters have long said. Now the Commission is seeking to clarify its indecency rules so that they can be enforced without broadcasters being able to say that the rules weren't clearly spelled out. The FCC notes that it's "actively investigating egregious indecency cases and will continue to do so." And now seeks "comment on whether the full Commission should make changes to its current broadcast indecency policies or maintain them as they are." Says the new Public Notice, "Comments may be filed using (1) the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government's eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. Comments can be filed through the Commission's ECFS filing interface located at the following Internet address: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/." SBS Radio Net Revenues Down 4% in Q4 2012 Spanish Broadcasting System reports fourth quarter consolidated net revenues down 3% from $38.2 million a year earlier to $36.9 million for Q4 2012. Radio was down 4%. SBS reports, "Our radio segment net revenues decreased $1.4 million or 4%, primarily due to special events revenue and network sales, offset by increases in national, barter, local and interactive sales. The decrease in special events revenue occurred mainly in our Puerto Rico market and the decrease in network sales occurred throughout most of our markets. The increases in national, barter and interactive sales took place throughout most of our markets and the increase in local sales was mostly in our Los Angeles and Puerto Rico markets. Our television segment net revenues increased $0.1 million or 3%, largely due to increases in paid-programming, local spot and integrated sales, offset by a decrease in barter sales." Operating income increased 19% or $2.0 million, totaling $12.4 million compared to $10.4 million for the same prior year period. "During the past year we continued to focus on strengthening our multi-media platform through prudent investments in our content, sales force and digital distribution assets," says Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon. "Building on the strength of our brands among Spanish-speaking audiences in the nation's top Hispanic markets, we made notable progress in expanding our presence in the live entertainment, mobile and online arenas, while maintaining strong audience shares across our radio clusters. We also continued to improve the performance of our TV division, which posted positive operating cash flow once again in the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, we remain very positive regarding the prospects of our business given the growth of the Hispanic population and the increasing need for advertisers to connect with our audience." For the full year of 2012, consolidated net revenues totaled $139.5 million compared to $141.0 million for 2011, resulting in a decrease of $1.5 million or 1%. "Our radio segment net revenues decreased by $1.7 million or 1%, primarily due to decreases in national and network sales, and special events revenue, offset by increases in barter, interactive and local sales. The decrease in national sales took place mainly in our New York and Chicago markets and the decrease in network sales occurred throughout all of our markets," reports SBS. The decrease in special events revenue occurred in our Puerto Rico, Los Angeles and New York markets. The increases in barter and interactive sales took place throughout all of our markets and the increase in local sales was mainly in our New York, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico markets. Our television segment net revenues increased $0.3 million or 2%, largely due to increases in paid-programming, sub-channel rental revenue, barter and interactive sales, offset by decreases in national, local and integrated sales." Mike Francesa Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with WFAN/NYC "Sports Radio 660AM/101.9FM" WFAN-AM-FM, New York, announces today it has signed a long term agreement with Mike Francesa, "keeping the venerable personality as host of PM drive" (weekdays 1-6:30pm), "on the award-winning station for several years to come. Francesa joined WFAN in 1987, the same year the station launched as the country’s first all-sports station, and boasts more listeners than any other local sports radio host." As part of the agreement, we're told, "Francesa will also bring his long running Sunday morning 'The NFL Now' show to CBS Sports Radio beginning this fall." The program is broadcast live on WFAN from 9am-12Noon ET, and will be available to more than 250 affiliate radio stations nationwide. “Mike has earned his place in radio history as a great broadcaster and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with sports radio's most celebrated host,” says CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason. "WFAN and Mike Francesa are synonymous with the absolute best in sports programming excellence. These two powerful brands have endured the test of time, and remain a very relevant force in the industry nearly three decades after they first went on the air." CBS Radio VP of Sports Programming and WFAN Program Director Mark Chernoff adds, "Mike represents the heart and soul of WFAN, and we’re proud he will continue to make the station his long-term broadcast home. Like no one else, Mike can take a story to the next level and involve his listeners in thought provoking ways with topical and opinionated conversation. He has set the standard for what represents an entertaining and informative radio program." Says Francesa, "I'm very proud of what we have accomplished at WFAN. I am also honored and thankful to CBS Radio for its continued commitment, and most of all to the listeners for their enduring loyalty." Francesa has anchored afternoons on WFAN for more than 25 years, and has been recognized with two NAB Marconi Radio Awards. 'Zazza and Julie' Set for Dallas '103.7 Lite FM' Mornings CBS Radio’s AC "103.7 Lite FM" KVIL-FM, Dallas, names Tony Zazza and Julie Fisk for its new morning show -- "Zazza and Julie" -- which debuts April 8. Zazza joined "Lite FM" in 2009 as midday host, after 11 years at crosstown KDMX-FM, where he'd hosted mornings for the latter part of his time there (when KDMX-FM was still "Mix 102.9"). You might remember that at the start of the year, KVIL-FM dumped the "Gene and Julie" morning show with husband and wife Gene and Julie Gates, and moved midday host Zazza into the earlier shift on a "temporary basis." Fisk joined CBS Radio Dallas in 2006, where she currently fills various roles, including morning traffic reporter and film critic for "NewsRadio 1080" KRLD-AM, as well as entertainment reporter for "100.3 Jack FM" KJJK-FM. "Tony brings energy and purpose to KVIL mornings," says Director of Music Programming Ron Harrell. "He has market equity and his connections to local celebrities will infuse this show with a new swagger. We needed a female co-host to exude strength and have a voice, and I found her in our building. Julie Fisk is smart, experienced and has a proven chemistry with Tony. This show will be strong." A native of San Diego, Zazza came to Texas on a baseball scholarship at Hill College in Hillsboro and later at Tarleton State University. While in college, he was a local correspondent for MTV.com and also worked at KCUB-FM, Stephenville. Fisk's radio career began in Atlanta and later took her to South Carolina and New Mexico before she moved to Dallas in 1998 to become the night host at KDGE-FM. The next year, she began co-hosting the station's morning show. NABEF Announces Service to America Award Winners The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) announces the winners of the annual Service to America Awards. Winners will be honored at the Celebration of Service to America Awards dinner, June 3, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. The awards recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters. "The important role that broadcasters play in the lives of people in their communities every day is undeniable," says NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "Whether providing lifesaving information as first informers in an emergency or meeting basic needs through food and clothing drives, the winners this year exemplify the true meaning of community service." Radio broadcasters to be honored by this year's Service to America Awards include Clear Channel Media and Entertainment's WGY-AM, Latham, NY, with a Service to Children Award, and Emmis Communications' WQHT-FM New York, NY, with a Service to Community Award. The President's Special Award, which recognizes historic and extraordinary achievement by a broadcaster or group of broadcasters, goes to tbe North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and North Carolina's Radio and Television Broadcasters. Each year, WGY-AM organizes the WGY Christmas Wish Campaign benefiting children in the Northeast, with a particular attention to critical care services and recreational programs for ill, underprivileged and homeless youth. Though taking place over the winter months, this multi-faceted fundraising effort helps support local nonprofits in their year-round efforts to improve the lives of children aged 19 and under. In 2012, the campaign raised over $94,000, directly benefiting more than 100 nonprofit children's organizations that applied for grants from WGY. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, "Hot 97" WQHT-FM's "Hip Hop Has Heart Foundation" was in place to respond to the overwhelming needs of the community. During the storm, the "Hot 97" broadcast stayed on through multiple power outages, providing for some the only connection to news and information. In the days following, Hot 97 ran continuous announcements providing critical information about disaster-relief locations and assistance. In addition, the station's team reached out to influential artists and public figures to provide relief to the community through fundraising and by traveling the tri-state to give out coffee, soup, blankets, clothing and other much needed items. By hosting the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration, the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB), along with the USO of North Carolina and the Charlotte Motor Speedway, gave over 210,000 North Carolinian Vietnam Veterans the rightful welcome home they never received. With involvement from Senator Richard Burr, ranking member of the US Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, NCAB drew broadcasters from all over the state to create and promote a memorable one-day event for Vietnam Veterans and their families, complete with a motorcycle parade, the Vietnam War Memory Wall and entertainers. Through its member stations, NCAB donated over $1,000,000 in public service announcements and produced a live one-hour broadcast of the celebration which included taped interviews of Vietnam Veterans. Over 65,000 people attended the welcome home, which was aired by over 30 television and radio stations. The celebration not only honored the Vietnam Veterans, it educated the public and provided vital assistance by Veteran Service Organizations. Dial Global and CBS Radio Revise Their Deal Dial Global has amended its distribution agreement with CBS Radio, effective April 16. The amendment, revealed in Dial Global's annual report, includes changes in commercial inventory in exchange for smaller compensation and fees owed to CBS. The distribution agreement, for CBS radio brands, was amended March 8, according to the April filing. The CBS and Dial Global master agreement calls for DG to remain the primary distribution partner for CBS brands, including CBS News Radio top-of-the-hour newscasts, through March 2017, but with the revised terms. The amendments are contingent on Dial Global's recapitalization being consummated, and DG warms investors that there's no guarantee that the deal won’t be ended before then by either side. The new arrangement will also eliminate potential future fee hikes. DG and CBS also agreed to give CBS Radio stations a right of first refusal to certain Dial Global programming. The revised contract gives Dial Global more financial leeway. The syndicator says its agreement with CBS Radio is especially important because competitors such as Premiere Networks and Cumulus Media Networks have guaranteed distribution on their owned-and-operated stations. DG, which inherited the CBS Radio distribution from Westwood One, says its relationship with CBS gives it distribution in the “more desirable” top 10 radio markets that it can sell to advertisers and help stay competitive. CBS Radio, though, has demonstrated that it’s open to working with other syndicators -- most notably Cumulus Media, which is distributing the new CBS Sports Radio network, and airing the Sports Talk net's programming on many of its stations. WAYMedia Promotes Three in Organizational Changes WAYMedia promotes Network General Manager Faron Dice to VP of Content and Network Services. The company's Digital Media Department will now also be under Dice's direction. Says WAYMedia Founder/President Bob Augsburg, "Here at WAYMedia, Faron has a ten-year track record of being a strategic thinker with a tremendous heart and passion to impact people through Christian radio. He also believes that excellence should prevail in all aspects of our on air product and online offerings. His new role will help take the ministry to new heights." In addition to promoting Dice, "WAY-FM" Louisville WAYI-FM General Manager Matt Hahn is promoted to Regional Manager, overseeing both the Louisville and Nashville operations. Also, Regional Business Development Director BJ O'Neal is promoted to WAYM-FM, Nashville, Station Manager, starting July 1. O'Neal will also continue in his role as National Director of Business Development, and will relocate to Nashville from West Palm Beach. The Nashville cluster staff will report directly to him. 2013 MIW 'Mildred Carter Mentoring' Mentees Selected The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group has chosen the mentees to participate in the 2013 Mildred Carter Mentoring Program. They are Tricia Gallenbeck, DOS, Beasley, Fayetteville, NC; Michelle Mitchell, On Air Personality, Neuhoff, Springfield, Illinois; Shelly Easton, Program Director, Beasley, Philadelphia; and Jules Riley, Program Director, Bonneville, Phoenix. This is the eleventh year of the mentoring program, launched in 2002, which matches women in the radio industry with female professionals who are leaders in all aspects of radio. To date, the program has successfully worked with a total of 23 mentees. "We had an outstanding number of women apply this year, which made the decision to narrow to only 4 very difficult" says Lindsay Cerajewski, spokesperson for the MIW Radio Group's Mildred Carter Mentoring Program and General Sales Manager of CBS Radio's WUSN-FM, Chicago. "This program would not be possible without the MIWs' commitment and dedication and should serve as an inspiration to everyone in the radio industry." Salem Communications Launches ChristianRadio.com Salem Communications has launched ChristianRadio.com, which Salem says "brings radio users a complete digital listening experience." It includes the company's Christian music and teaching talk stations. "ChristianRadio.com advances Salem's radio strategy to be available anytime, anywhere by offering live streams from more than 60 Christian music and talk radio stations," says the company. The new website, we're told, "also features on-demand programs from popular Christian ministries including Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Truth for Life with Pastor Alistair Begg, Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah, A New Beginning with Greg Laurie, Grace to You with John MacArthur, Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, Walk in the Word with Dr. James MacDonald, Precepts for Life with Kay Arthur, Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll, and more." Salem Communications Interactive and Publishing Division President David Evans tells us, "With the continued growth of desktop radio listening as well as the explosive growth, of mobile and tablet radio listening, Salem has launched ChristianRadio.com to provide Christian radio listeners a one-stop multi-device online destination to listen to all of their favorite Christian radio programs." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Mary Walter joins Classic Hits "Kool 98.3" WTKU-FM, in the Atlantic City NJ market starting April 8 to host the relationship talk show "Life! With Mary Walter" weeknights 9pm-12midnight. She previously hosted "Passion Phones" on Talk "New Jersey 101.5" WKXW-FM, Trenton ... Jeffrey T. Mason is in at "104.3 K-Hits" WJMK-FM, Chicago, as 7pm-12midnight host. He returns to the Windy City from Phoenix where he was Assistant PD and midday host at Classic Hits KOOL-FM. It's been about 10 years since Mason last worked in Chicago ... "Click Hop" WHPP-FM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, flips to "Rewind 106.3" featuring 90s pop music ... At "The Rock" WCCC-FM, Hartford, Connecticut, morning host and Program Director Michael Picozzi is out. Music Director Mike Karolyi takes over as PD for the Active Rock station. Also, WCCC-FM moves J. Raven to mornings alongside Miss Klonk. Karolyi takes over middays ... Classic Hits "The River" WRVA-FM, Raleigh, relaunches as "Classic Rock 100.7" WRDU-FM. The WRDU call letters were synonymous with Rock Radio for more than two decades in Raleigh. The WRDU call letters are moved from News Talk sister "Rush Radio 106.1" which rebrands as "106.1 FM" and takes the call letters WTKK-FM ... Classic Rock "106.3 The Surf" KRRF-FM, Santa Barbara, flips to Classic Hits, launching with 10,006 songs in a row. Duncan Payton is the Program Director for the new Classic Hits format at KRRF-FM. Payton will also serve as PD for sister "CBS Sports Radio 1450" KVEN-AM, Ventura ... News Talk "870 The Answer" KRLA-AM, Los Angeles/"590 The Answer" KTIE-FM, San Bernardino, names Elisha Krauss to replace Heidi Harris on "The Morning Answer." Krauss, who joins Brian Whitman and Ben Shapiro, previously was the executive producer of Sean Hannity's show ...Ariel Monae is in as midday host at Urban WBLX-FM, Mobile, Alabama, replacing Jay Nice who moves to afternoons to replace KJ who exits. Monae previously was at CHR-Top40 WRGV-FM, Pensacola, Florida ... Mapleton Communications San Luis Obispo, California, Operations Manager/Program Director JoJo Lopez adds morning host on sister CHR-Top40 stations KCDU-FM, Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz, and KQPT-FM, Chico ... WGNY-AM, Newburgh, NY, drops its Oldies simulcast with sister WGNY-FM, and flips to "1220 ESPN Radio" airing the full ESPN Radio lineup ... Country WPCV-FM, Lakeland, Florida, names Jeff Dylan for nights. He arrives from Hot AC "Mix 100.7" WMTX-FM, Tampa ... "101 ESPN" WXOS-FM, St. Louis, midday host Bernie Miklasz will exit at the end of April to concentrate on his column for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and STLToday.com ... Steven Stone is appointed Operations Manager at Talk WRHI-AM-FM, Country WRHM-FM and Country WVSZ-FM, Rock Hill, South Carolina.