Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Wednesday's Radio & Media News - April 3, 2013

Jeff Wyatt Named Clear Channel Charlotte Operations Manager,
Also Regional Programming Manager to Include Raleigh

Jeff Wyatt

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Charlotte names Jeff Wyatt as cluster Operations Manager, effective immediately. He will oversee all operations for the five-station cluster. Wyatt will also take on a dual role with the company as Regional Programming Manager for the Charlotte and Raleigh markets. Wyatt has more than 30 years of experience in the radio industry and returns to the field after serving as the Managing Partner of three start-up companies over the past few years. He returns to Clear Channel, where he previously served as RVP of Programming for the Mid-Atlantic Region. During that time Wyatt managed the programming and marketing for 32 Clear Channel radio stations. In addition, his past experience includes programming, management and on-air roles in Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington DC, at companies including Gannett, CBS Radio and Emmis. "Thanks to Clear Channel's senior teams in Charlotte and Raleigh for this great opportunity to rejoin the most forward reaching company in media entertainment today," says Wyatt. "I'm very excited to work with the Charlotte and Raleigh teams, and lead their talented staffs to continued success." Clear Channel Regional Market Manager Charlie Wilkinson tells us, "Jeff is a proven leader and we are excited to have him join the team. His years of experience in radio and programming expertise will be a tremendous asset to both the Raleigh and Charlotte teams."



Steve Duemig Back on Tampa's Sports Talk WDAE-AM

Steve Duemig

Longtime Clear Channel Sports Talk WDAE-AM, Tampa, host Steve Duemig is back on the air after an absence over contract issues. On March 20 we reported that "Duemig is off the air in a contract dispute, and may be missing from his afternoon show for some amount of time." It turns out he was only absent from his afternoon show for six days. And while he's returned, and says he's glad to be back, Duemig stops short of saying he’s happy how his negotiations turned out. “I was told to sign a document before our negotiations were done,” Duemig tells Tampa Bay Times Media Critic Eric Deggans. The Sports Talk host says he left the air when Clear Channel wanted him to sign a new agreement before a window opened in his contract allowing him to negotiate with competitors. When he refused, Duemig said, he was taken off the air. "It’s great to have a job at the station I helped build with Chris Thomas," Duemig tells Deggans, who notes, "He and Thomas -- also lead sportcaster at Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA-Ch. 8, who died in 2004 – were the first talent hired for the station when WDAE debuted a sports talk format in 1997." But, Duemig tells Deggans, "am I happy? I won’t answer that." In our March 20 report we told you, "There are reports from the market that CBS Radio's '98.7 the Fan' WHFS-FM would like to have Duemig join them." In his new report, Deggans tells us, "An executive at Clear Channel declined to comment on negotiations with Duemig, including his allegation that its current tactics were inspired by competition with CBS Radio."



Jeffrey T. Mason Joins Chicago's 'K-Hits' for Nights

Jeffrey T. Mason

As we first reported briefly Tuesday in our "Behind the Microphone" feature, Jeffrey T. Mason is in at CBS Radio's "104.3 K-Hits" WJMK-FM, Chicago, as 7pm-12midnight host. WJMK-FM is the main competitor to Classic Hits WLS-FM. Mason 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. We've now turned to our friend Larz at Chicagoland Radio and Media for more on this one. "Jeffrey T. Mason, also known by his nickname Jeffro, is back on the Chicago airwaves after over ten years away. Mason has been hired by WJMK-FM/104.3 K-Hits to be the station's newest nighttime DJ," CRM tells us. KHits "Mason now fills a vacancy that the station has had for six months, since George McFly exited K-Hits' nights in early October 2012. That role was filled temporarily by Dave Fogel, until it was decided that Fogel was the perfect fit for a morning vacancy at the start of this year." The main reason we wanted a direct report from Chicago was to fill us in on Mason's past in the market. "For ten years, Mason was heard on Chicago radio," reports Larz. "He began with Big City Radio's suburban WKIE-FM when it was 92.7 Kiss FM in December 1998, being the first live DJ on the air there. In August 1999, he moved over to sister-station WXXY-FM to be the evening DJ and music director for that short-lived all-80s station. For the first half of 2001, Mason worked nights for Chicago's ABC Radio-owned WZZN-FM, playing 80s and 90s music on 'The Zone.' By the second half of 2001, he was back with suburban Big City Radio, working as a morning, then evening DJ on WKIE-FM/WKIF-FM/WDEK-FM, known as the dance station Energy 95.7/5. By the start of January, 2003, that station was no more and Jeffro moved on from the Chicago market." Mason has also worked in a number of other markets -- including Charlotte, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Roanoke, Atlantic City, Indianapolis, Dallas, Miami and Washington DC.



Nashville's WQZQ-AM Flips to NBC Sports Radio

WQZQ-AM

Cromwell Radio flips Christian "830 The Light" WQZQ-AM, Nashville, to "Sports Talk 830" as a fulltime affiliate of the newly-launched 24/7 NBC Sports Radio network. "Sports Talk 830" tells us they will air the net's full lineup -- including Erik Kuselias, Brian Kenny, "Voices of the Game" with Newy Scruggs, "Under Center" with Donovan McNabb and Mark Malone. WQZQ-AM will also become the flagship of "Sports Night featuring George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland" from 3-7pm. The station says it will also feature a weekend lineup that includes Rodney Harrison and Brian Webber. "Sports Talk 830" will also air select play-by-play games shared with sister "102.5 The Game" WPRT-FM, Nashville, and "97.5 The Game" on translator W248BM, Murfreesboro. Says General Manager Tincy Crouse, "We are excited to be a part of the brand new 24/7 NBC Sports Radio family from the beginning and looking forward to adding another quality sports talk product into the Nashville Market."



NPD Group: Net Radio Closing In, But AM/FM Radio Still Dominates

NPD Group

The NPD Group found in a recent study that Pandora and other Internet radio services accounted for nearly one-quarter (23%) of the average weekly music listening time among consumers 13-35, an increase from 17% in the previous year. The 13-35 AM/FM radio listening declined 2% to 24% of music-listening time. But for listeners 36 and older, AM/FM radio gets 41%, with Internet radio accounting for just 13% of music listening. The NPD Group study focused on media consumption in the fourth quarter of 2012. "Driven by mobility and connectivity, music-streaming services are rapidly growing their share of the music listening experience for teens and young adults, at the expense of traditional music listening methods," says NPD SVP of Industry Analysis Russ Crupnick. As listening to music on mobile devices increases, NPD's "Music Acquisition Monitor" also reported a decline in consumers listening to CDs and digital music files. In fact, more than half of Pandora and iHeartRadio users used their mobile phone to access those services. Roughly one in five Pandora or iHeartRadio users are also currently connecting to those services in their cars, which has in the past typically been the bastion of AM/FM radio listening. Six out of 10 consumers (62%) between the ages of 13 and 35 who used streaming services used these services more than they had in the past, and 51 percent reported that most of their music listening was in their cars. Whether it's listening to AM/FM radio or Pandora, music continues to be an integral element in the American driving and commuting experience," says Crupnick. The data used in the report, we're told, was derived from NPD’s "Music Acquisition Monitor," based on data from 7,600 NPD consumer surveys. Survey data was weighted to represent U.S. population of Internet users (age 13 and older). For a look at more stats, visit the NPD Group website.



Triton Digital Releases February Internet Audio Rankings

Triton Digital

Triton Digital releases its monthly Internet audio rankings for February 2013, showing Pandora on the verge of reaching two million Average Active Sessions for Monday through Friday, 6am-8pm, in the Domestic Rankings. Pandora had 1,918,000 AAS in February, with over 876 million Session Starts, down from January when it had over 900 million. Clear Channel was ranked second again, with 301,068 AAS and 122.7 million Session Starts. Cumulus is now third, passing CBS Radio, now ranked fourth. Slacker, Cox Radio, EMF Corporate, NPR Member Stations, ESPN Radio and Entercom round out the top ten. On February's All Streams Ranker (M-F, 6a-8p), Clear Channel is in first place with 303,403 AAS, followed by Digitally Imported and Prisa Radio. CBS Radio, Cumulus, Slacker, EMF Corporate, Cox, NPR and ESPN complete the top ten. And on the full week Domestic Ranker, Pandora remains on top with 1,657,727 AAS, again followed by Clear Channel, and Slacker in third place. Cumulus, CBS Radio, NPR, Cox, EMF Corporate, ESPN and Entercom round out the top ten. And on the All Streams Ranker's full week listing, Clear Channel remains number one, followed by Digitally Imported, Prisa Radio, Slacker, CBS Radio, Cumulus, NPR, EMF Corporate, Cox and 977Music.com.

Triton Digital also releases additional data and analysis this month. Looking at AAS during the primetime daypart of Monday through Friday 6am to 8pm, Triton found a modest six percent growth from January to February. Triton adds that AAS has increased 34 percent from February 2012 to February 2013. Comparing the mobile versus desktop segments over that time period, there has been AAS growth of 43 percent in mobile listening, while desktop listening only saw an increase of five percent. With the growth in mobile listening comes an overall decrease in Average Time Spent Listening (ATSL), going from a 46 minute average in February 2012 to a 39 minute average in February 2013. Meanwhile, in February 2012, mobile ATSL was 33 minutes while desktop ATSL was 1:01 hours. In February 2013, mobile ATSL dropped to 31 minutes, while desktop ATSL rose to 1:05 hours. Triton says this data shows that engagement at the desktop is about double that of mobile devices -- but the growth in listening is being driven by shorter listening sessions on mobile devices.



Pandora Reports Claimed March 2013 Audience Metrics

Pandora

Pandora releases its own (uncertified) audience listenership metrics for the month of March, claiming 1.49 billion listener hours, a 40% increase over 1.07 billion in March 2011. Pandora also claims its share of total U.S. radio listening in March 2012 was 8.05% -- up from 5.73 percent a year ago. Additionally, active Pandora listeners are claimed to have totalled 69.5 million at the end of March, a 36 percent increase from 51.2 million in the year-ago period. The streaming music service also announces that "beginning with the March 2013 metrics, Pandora will report monthly U.S. radio listening market share data on a trailing 28-day basis as of the end of the month (whereas previous reports were based on a trailing 7-day basis as of the end of the month). The new 28-day trailing methodology will provide a more accurate reflection of Pandora's monthly market share."

Pandora Reportedly Lures Billboard Publisher and Former Label Exec Tommy Page.
In other news -- about Pandora as opposed to "from them" -- as the streaming music service continues to import high profile people from terrestrial radio and the music industry, we learn that Billboard Publisher Tommy Page is moving to Pandora where he will reportedly be working closely with artists and branding. Page's last day at Billboard is said to be April 12. So far, no official announcement on his new title and duties from Pandora, nor an actual start date. Page joined Billboard in June of 2011 as Associate Publisher, and later ascended to his current position. Before Billboard he spent several years at Warner Bros./Reprise Records, where he worked as a recording artist, an A&R executive, and ultimately the Vice President of Top 40 Radio Promotion.



Honda and Dodge Add HD Radio

HD Radio

HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital says that after the New York International Auto Show, 33 automakers now offer HD Radio receivers. "The momentum continues as Honda and Dodge announced their first vehicles to include HD Radio. Cadillac, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mitsubishi and Toyota all announced new or refreshed vehicles with HD Radio technology at the show," says iBiquity. COO Jeff Jury tells us, "Automakers continue to increase their support for HD Radio technology with Honda and Dodge becoming the latest brands to launch during the recent NY Auto Show. This brings the total number of automakers that support HD Radio Technology to 33, which is 5 new brands since the LA Auto Show in November. New York serves as an important show for the industry, as it marks the close of the major auto show season and we are pleased that HD Radio Technology is included in so many high profile announcements. We are looking forward to the rest of 2013 as automakers roll out the latest HD Radio advanced features like Artist Experience and Digital Traffic and Weather information."



Entravision Appoints Jim Lyke 'Solutions' VP of Network Sales

Jim Lyke

Entravision Communications appoints Jim Lyke to the position of VP of Network Sales for Entravision Solutions, a national sales and marketing organization specializing in Spanish-language media platforms -- including radio, online and mobile. It's a wholly-owned subsidiary of Entravision. In his new role, Lyke will be responsible for managing network clients in the Midwest and Western U.S. including Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. Prior to joining Entravision, Lyke most recently was at Cumulus Media as the Director of Sales, where he was in charge of managing Midwest sales for their English and Spanish-language radio network. "He has an extensive and proven sales background in the Spanish-language media industry, having held positions with several companies including Univision Radio, Radio Unica and Telemundo," says Entravision's announcement. "Jim is a seasoned network seller focused on the customer and growing new business. His addition to the Entravision team is an important part in our strategic commitment to accelerated growth," says Entravision CRO Mario Carrera. "He is a highly motivated individual and brings a unique set of skills and relationships to the company which will further strengthen our solid sales team. I would like to congratulate Jim on his appointment to head our network sales in the Midwest and Western regions of the U.S."



TM Studios Promotes Greg Clancy to General Manager

Greg Clancy

Dial Global announces that TM Studios VP of Creative Greg Clancy has been promoted to General Manager of TM Studios, the jingle, imaging and music company based in Dallas. In addition, Clancy will add affiliate management and operations to his current role. These responsibilities are being transitioned from Dial Global EVP of Advertising Sales Chris Long. "Greg has been around TM Studios since the mid-80s, and in his recent role as VP, Creative, he has really shown us he's got vision and a plan to move us forward," says President of Programming Kirk Stirland. "TM is a brand that has always stood for quality, with a mission to create products that make radio sound better," adds Clancy. "The job for us now is to get ahead of the significant evolution stations are experiencing and help these stations position themselves above their competition. We at TM are up for the challenge, and I am privileged to get to play a part in that process." A first-call singer and producer in Dallas for more than 25 years, Clancy began at TM Studios as a Music Director in 2006 and has been a Creative Director there since 2010. He oversees TM's offices and studios in Dallas, staff in Valencia, California, and Denver.



'Metal Shop Live' Joins FoxRock Communications Syndication

The Metal Shop

The three-hour weekend Rock and Metal program "The Metal Shop Live" is now being syndicated by FoxRock Syndication Services, a division of FoxRock Communications. Says FRC President Matt Smith, "We are all really excited that ‘The Metal Shop Live’ team has chosen FoxRock Syndication Services to bring their brand of great weekend radio to a national audience. Curtis and Brad bring listeners the best music, great in-depth interviews, and a whole lot of fun." Smith says that unlike other syndicated Rock music programs, music research for this program is not left to consultants, but is discovered through the network of listeners and the hosts. "The music is really what drives the show. Your station playlist might not match the music on ‘The Metal Shop Live,’ but I guarantee your listeners know every new song and every deep cut you hear on the show." Program host Curtis McKinney tells us, "Teaming with FoxRock Syndication is incredible. Just knowing that a company like this believes in our product and wants to take ‘The Metal Shop Live’ to the next level is a feeling I can barely put into words. To have our show distributed on a national stage is an amazing feeling and we are looking forward to getting started. This show has been a huge part of our lives for the past several years and now to have the opportunity to share it with a national audience is the highlight of my radio career. Brad and I could not be happier and we look forward to giving this 110%."



Superadio to Syndicate 'The Baka Boyz'

Baka Boys

Superadio Networks announces an agreement with Baka Boyz Inc. to syndicate the "Baka Boyz Hip Hop Mastermix" and the "Baka Boyz All Star Hitmix." All station affiliations, marketing and national advertising sales for the shows will be handled by Superadio effective immediately. Superadio President/COO Jack Bryant tells us, "The Baka Boyz will provide a turnkey opportunity for stations to offer highly desirable hosted mix shows to their audiences." In a statement, the Baka Boyz say, "This is where we need to be! Superadio Networks is poised to promote our talents and programming skills all over America and around the world with this new venture." Since their debut at "Power 106" Los Angeles in 1992, the Baka Boyz -- Eric and Nick Vidal -- have, says a news release, "established themselves as radio royalty." Their "ground breaking contribution to popular music culture" continues with their Rhythmic CHR mix show "The All-Star Hitmix," already airing on "Hot 95.7" KKHH-FM, Houston; "Hot 97.5" KMVA-FM, Phoenix; and, KTFM-FM, San Antonio, among others. "The long running 'Baka Boyz Hip Hop Mastermix' is the most influential and widely syndicated Urban mix show in America," clearing on stations in Los Angeles, Portland, Kansas City, and more.



Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
img Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Hot 99.5" WIHT-FM, Washington DC, announces that Danni Starr has been named the new morning show co-host for "The Kane Show," effective immediately, joining the show alongside host Kane and sidekicks Intern John, Melanie and producer Erick. Broadcasting live from DC, "The Kane Show" also simulcasts on WZFT-FM, Baltimore; WFLZ-FM, Tampa; WNRW-FM, Louisville; WKFS-FM, Cincinnati; and, KWNW-FM, Memphis. Prior to joining "The Kane Show," Starr spent the past decade working in radio in Minneapolis/St. Paul at KTWN-FM. In addition to her career in radio, Starr is a former Miss Minnesota and reformed "Bridezilla," who is featured on past and upcoming reality shows on WE tv ... Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Q94" WRVQ-FM, Richmond, names Kasper as their new Assistant PD/Music Director and afternoon host, taking over from Jackson who moves to nights. Kasper most recently was APD/MD/afternoon host at sister CHR-Top40 "96.5 Kiss FM" WAKS-FM, Cleveland. Prior to that, he hosted afternoons at co-owned "Q102" WIOQ-FM, Philadelphia ... Adult Variety Hits "Bob FM" KVGS-FM, Las Vegas, morning host Gonzo Greg is leaving to seek new opportunities. He was part of the original team that launched Alternative "Area 108" in 2005 -- and after a brief hiatus, returned when the station flipped to "Bob" in 2011. Greg tells us he wants to seek a station better suited to the "Gonzo" brand -- as opposed to the "Bob" brand. He says (for now!) that he doesn't have another such station lined up to be announced after his soon exit from KVGS-FM (*wink wink*).



MHBC

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