Wednesday's Radio & Media News - April 17, 2013

Greater Media Boston Suspends All On-Air Contests Will Instead Donate to 'One Fund Boston' for Bombing Victims' Families Following the horrific tragedy in Boston, Greater Media Boston has suspended all on-air listener contests for the remainder of this week on its stations there -- including "Hot 96.9" WBQT-FM, Country WKLB-FM, AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Alternative "Radio 92.9" WBOS-FM and Classic Hits WROR-FM -- and will instead be donating what would have gone to or been spent on prizes for contest winners to The One Fund Boston. That fund, announced by Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, has been created to help the people most affected by the terrorist bombings. Says cluster Director of Programming Cadillac Jack McCartney, "We discussed it with our team and Greater Media Boston Market Manager Rob Williams and I felt that this was absolutely the appropriate thing to do in an effort to help all the individuals directly impacted by the tragic event that took place in our city." More information about The One Fund Boston is available at Onefundboston.org. Boston Radio to Air Marathon Tragedy 'Moment Of Silence' April 22 Meanwhile, we've now learned that Boston radio stations are planning a moment of silence Monday (April 22) to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The 60-second tribute will air at 2:50pm -- one week from the moment of the detonation of the first bomb. We're told it will air on Boston stations, including those owned by CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Entercom and Greater Media. San Antonio: Clear Channel-Cox Classic Country Crosstown Competition '92.5 K-Buc' Adds 93.3 Simulcast, As Classic Country Battle Begins in the Market Clear Channel Classic Country "92.5 K-Buc" KRPT-FM, San Antonio, begins a simulcast on 93.3 FM, via FM translator K227BH "to extend broadcast coverage, effective immediately." This comes following the start of a format battle with the launch of 104.9 debuting as a simulcast of Cox "Country Legends 680" KKYX-AM. The additional frequency for "K-Buc," says the station, "will further expand the reach" of the station across San Antonio. "From the wide open spaces out west, to the heart of San Antonio, we are excited that K-Buc's Classic Country favorites can now be heard throughout San Antonio," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment San Antonio Market President Breeanna Malik. "Extending K-Buc Country's broadcasting coverage on 93.3 and 92.5 creates a better listening experience which is great for both our listeners and advertisers." This comes in response to crosstown KKYX-AM adding its simulcast on 104.9 via translator K285EU, Mendoza, after it completed an upgrade to 250 watts. "92.5 K-Buc" debuted February 22, when the station dropped its simulcast of Rhythmic CHR "Wild 105.7" K289BN. And the Clear Channel-Cox Classic Country Crosstown Competition (CCCCCCC) is ON in San Antonio. Classic Rock '96.1 The Planet' Launches in Richmond Virginia Clear Channel Richmond, Virginia, launches Classic Rock "96.1 The Planet" on translator W241AP and WRVQ-FM's HD2 multicast channel, returning the "Planet" name to the market after more than four years. Using the slogan "Richmond's Only Classic Rock," featured artists include The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen, among others. The syndicated "Bob and Tom" will air in mornings, followed by Maria Milito in middays, Ken Dashow in afternoons and Ron "Big Rig" Michaels in nights. "96.1 The Planet" is online at 961ThePlanet.com. "We are thrilled to offer great Classic Rock music programming which is something our listeners were missing until now," says Operations Manager Dave Symonds. "Even years after The Planet left the airwaves, the name has still been synonymous with Classic Rock in Richmond and shows the passion listeners have for the format." The FM translator for "The Planet" was purchased by Clear Channel from Liberty University for $50,000 in March, and has since completed its upgrade from 10 to 145 watts with a relocation to 96.1. "The Planet" identity was previously used by crosstown Cox (now) Mainstream Rock "Rock 96.5" WKLR-FM, during its Classic Rock era from 1997 until 2008. [Updated] Confirmed: Jersey Shore's 'Breeze' Blows Away A change is reportedly "in the air" at Press Communications AC "The Breeze 107.1 and 99.7" WWZY-FM, Long Branch, and WBHX-FM, Tuckerton, NJ. Lance Venta reports, "The moves began on April 5 with staff cuts that saw the departure of Director of Programming Mike Fitzgerald, Morning Host Randy Davis (who also voicetracked nights on sister Country 'Thunder 106'), News Director Al Brooks, and night host Shelli Cole. The station has also begun de-emphasizing its 'Breeze' moniker in favor of just its frequencies." Venta says that Press "is taking the next step in the removal of the name," naming four domain names that have been registered for the station "indicating a potential new non-brand brand is on the way." He tells us that the newly-registered domans are 1071Radio.com, 1071FMRadio.com, Radio1071.com, and Radio1071FM.com. Press Communications also operates five other stations in the Monmouth/Ocean market -- CHR-Top40 "B98.5" WBBO-FM, Country "Thunder 106" WKMK-FM/WTHJ-FM, and "Oldies 1410 AM" WHTG-AM. Update, April 19: We've now learned from Press Communications that the stations will rebrand as "107.1 FM" -- with the slogan "A Music Radio Station" -- and a scaled-back music library. CFO and General Manager Rich Morena tells us that after an extensive perceptual study of heavy radio listeners in its target demographics, the former "Breeze" is re-creating the stations, focusing on more currents and recurrents, while remaining Adult Contemporary. He says listeners indicated they didn't hear their favorite songs often enough. Starting Monday (April 22), the "Pork Roll and Eggs" morning show, hosted by Nina Siciliano and Tom Devoy, moves to WWZY-FM and WBHK-FM from sister CHR-Top40 "B98.5" WBBO-FM. They will be replaced at WBBO-FM by current midday host and Music Director Kelso and night host Sara Cucci. Radio Mercury Awards Entry Deadline Extended to April 29 The Radio Mercury Awards has again extended the deadline for submission of entries for the 2013 competition. Those desiring to enter the 2013 Radio Mercury Awards competition now have until April 29. The competition is open to ad agencies, production companies, radio stations, advertisers, schools and universities in the U.S. Entries are also being accepted from international creators so long as the produced spots originally aired primarily in the U.S. All of the prize amounts have been increased this year, ranging from $3,000 for student produced content to the $50,000 "Best of Show" category. Other categories include Integrated Radio Campaign ($6,000), Radio Campaign ($6,000), Radio Campaign - New ($3,000), Agency/Production Company (two: one $6,000 and one $3,000), PSA ($3,000), Radio Station Produced ($6,000), and Spanish Language ($6,000). More information is available at www.RadioMercuryAwards.com -- where they tell visitors, "When you enter the 2013 Radio Mercury Awards, Big things can happen. You could step up on stage June 5th to Big applause, Win a Big prize and take home a Mercury trophy. There’s also the Big boost to your creative reputation. And the richest creative competition for radio goes even Bigger in 2013 with Increased prize monies in some of the most popular entry categories and a new $3,000 Campaign Award." NAMB Also Asks FCC to Ease Broadcast Foreign Ownership Limit Following the lead of the NAB (as reported here Tuesday), the National Association of Media Brokers (NAMB) has filed comments with the FCC supporting the elimination of the current rule limiting foreign ownership of broadcast radio and television stations to not more than 25% of their equity interest. NAMB represents buyers and sellers of radio and television stations and related businesses. "While the values of broadcast stations have moderated and increasingly more and more persons and companies wish to grow their companies or make first time acquisitions, unfortunately the supply of capital is not enough to satisfy the demand," says NAMB President, and Director of Media Services Group, Joseph "Jody" McCoy. "Our membership believes it's time to invite foreign capital to the table, just as it is invited in most every other medium." The April 15 filing says, "Many companies which provided capital to prospective new owners who were previously active in the broadcast marketplace have exited the industry. New sources of capital to take their place have been slow to develop. The NAMB's comments also note that "the lack of available capital is the primary issue that discourages new entrants into broadcast ownership." NAMB VP, and founder of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, Mark Jorgenson says another point for consideration is the effect on minority and ethnic broadcasters. "As our comments state, specialized broadcasters, with targeted programming to serve racial and ethnic minorities, are particularly likely to see new sources of funding should the enforcement of the alien ownership restrictions be relaxed, as foreign investors trying to reach those members of their ethnic communities are natural sources of funding for U.S. broadcast investments." Our previous report on the NAB's comments provided the full background for the filing of comments on this topic with the FCC at this time. Mark Kassof: Internet Most Important Medium; Radio and TV Second The majority of 18-64’s in the U.S. consider the internet "very important" in their lives -- far ahead of other media tested, while radio and TV are tied for second, says a report on new research from Mark Kassof and Company. Some 50% rate radio four or five on a scale where five means "very important" -- essentially tied with television (at 52%). In addition, there is also no significant difference in the importance of radio and TV among age demo groups from 18 to 54. TV does have an importance edge over radio among 55-64s. Newpapers fare poorly. Only 28% rate it four or five, while 30% rate it one -- that is, "not at all important." Newspapers fare better among 35-64s, but remain less important than radio or TV, even among 55-64s. The research findings are based on 502 telephone interviews conducted April 3-7, 2013. Maximum total sample margin of error is +/-4%. In the latest in Kassof's "ListenerThink" series, Mark Kassof says, "It's no shock that the internet has become the most important medium. After all, the ‘net delivers radio, TV, newspaper content and much more. But radio remains a big deal -- as important as TV, and much more important than newspapers." In his report on the new study -- "Radio’s Place in the Food Chain?" -- Kassof writes, "Over the past two decades, the internet has grown to become a video-fast medium we can access almost everywhere, anytime and do almost anything with. It's been a seismic force impacting the entire media landscape…y’know, the one that we're still part of. So, just how important is the internet? And how do radio, TV and newspapers compare to it? It's affected radio, for sure. Time spent online means time away from broadcast FM and AM. Yet the vitality of our medium has been confirmed by how well it has held up in the face of the 'net monster. Radio continues to reach around 90% of Americans. Still, at this point, I wondered: Just how important is radio in people’s lives? Where does it stand compared to the internet and other media? So, in early April, we asked 18-64s in the U.S. how important the internet and radio are to them, plus TV and newspapers for comparison. Based on 502 telephone interviews, here’s what we learned. The internet rules over all. Three-fourths rate it a 4 or 5 on our 5-point scale, where 5 means 'very important.' After that, radio and TV score essentially the same, with half rating them 4 or 5. (TV does have a small edge in the percentage rating it very important.) Meanwhile, little more than one-fourth rate newpapers 4 or 5, while nearly a third rate them 1 — that is, “not at all important.' (Take that to your market's local advertisers!)" Read more from Mark Kassof. A Quarter of Teens Mostly Access the Internet Using Cellphones While many teens have a variety of Internet-connected devices in their lives, the cellphone has become the primary means by which 25% of those ages 12-17 access the internet, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. Among teens who are mobile Internet users, that number rises to one in three (33%). Among teen smartphone owners, 50% say they use the Internet mostly via their cellphone. While cell-mostly Internet use tracks with some of the same demographic trends as smartphone ownership (such as age), gender stands out as an especially important indicator. Although teen girls and boys are equally likely to have smartphones and are equally likely to use some kind of mobile access to the Internet, girls are significantly more likely than boys to say they access the Internet mostly using their cellphone (29% vs. 20%). Older teen girls represent the leading edge of cell-mostly Internet use; 34% of them say that most of their Internet use happens on their cellphone. Among older teen girls who are smartphone owners, 55% say they use the Internet mostly from their phone. In overall Internet use, youth ages 12-17 who are living in lower-income and lower-education households are still somewhat less likely to use the Internet in any capacity -- mobile or wired. However, those who fall into lower socioeconomic groups are just as likely and in some cases more likely than those living in higher income and highly educated households to use their cellphone as a primary point of access. The new study -- "Teens and Technology 2013" -- finds that fully 95% of teens are online, a percentage that has been consistent since 2006. Yet, the nature of teens’ Internet use has transformed dramatically during that time -- from stationary connections tied to desktops in the home to always-on connections that move with them throughout the day. In many ways, teens represent the leading edge of mobile connectivity, and the patterns of their technology use often signal future changes in the adult population. Teens are just as likely to have a cellphone as they are to have a desktop or laptop computer. And increasingly these phones are affording teens always-on, mobile access to the Internet -- in some cases, serving as their primary point of access. Smartphone ownership among teens has grown substantially since 2011; 37% of American youth ages 12-17 now have a smartphone, up from 23% in 2011. Tablets are also taking hold, as close to one in four teens say they have one of these devices. Taken together, teens have more ways than ever to stay connected throughout the day -- and night. Other findings: Three in four teens access the internet on cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices; 93% of teens have a computer or have access to one; 71% of teen computer users say the computer they use most often is shared with family members; 23% of teens have a tablet computer; 37% of all teens have smartphones, up from 23% in 2011. Read more here. NPD Group: Apple iTunes Continues U.S. Music Download Dominance After 10 years Apple's iTunes Store continues to lead the market in digital music downloads, according to The NPD Group's "Annual Music Study 2012." Apple will celebrate the anniversary of its iTunes Store on April 28. With a fourth quarter 2012 unit share of the paid music download market reaching 63 percent, Apple dominated the market for paid music downloads, followed by AmazonMP3 at 22 percent. Eight out of ten digital music buyers downloaded their tracks and albums from Apple’s iTunes store in Q4 2012. According to the 2012 study, 44 million Americans bought at least one song track or album download last year. That number has remained relatively stable over the past three years, despite the rapid growth of Pandora and other music-streaming options. NPD estimates that average per-buyer spending on music downloads increased 6 percent, year over year, due largely to increases in music purchasing by teens, along with an increase in the number of consumers purchasing both single song tracks and full albums. “Since the launch of Apple's iTunes store, digital music downloads have become the dominant revenue source for the recorded music industry and iTunes continues to be the dominant retailer,” says NPD SVP of Industry Analysis Russ Crupnick. “There’s a belief that consumers don’t need to buy music because of streaming options, when in fact streamers are much more likely than the average consumer to buy music downloads.” One third (38 percent) of U.S. consumers surveyed reported that it is still important to own music, and 30 percent believe that listening to albums is important. Among consumers who listened to music on Pandora and other free music-streaming services, 41 percent reported that owning music was important to them; in fact, many free streamers attributed buying more downloads to their discovery on a radio or via an on-demand service. NPD’s “Annual Music Study 2012” is based on data from 5,400 consumer surveys, and NPD MusicWatch, which is based on 7,600 surveys. The “Annual Music Study” survey data was weighted to represent U.S. population of Internet users (age 13 and older), while MusicWatch is weighted to U.S. general population (age 13 and older). WAY Media to Discontinue Satellite Affiliate Feed WAY Media Network (WAY-FM) will discontinue its live satellite affiliate feed to non-owned stations, effective July 1. The move will allow the Christian radio broadcaster to concentrate on its owned-and-operated WAY-FM stations. Says VP of Content Faron Dice, "We have come to terms with the reality that we need to focus our efforts into creating the best possible WAY-FM radio product, and our network is the hub for all of our station's programming." WAY Media Network will, though, continue to distribute the "The Wally Show" in syndication with non-owned affiliates on a daily basis with downloadable voicetracks via FTP. The program already airs on several affiliate stations, which offers the ability to control the music and the clock, while airing a four-person show. Broadcast Company CEOs React to Boston Bombings Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth and Entercom CEO David Field have both written at length on their reactions to the Boston Marathon terrorist bombings. We, in a departure from normal protocol, are offering the full text of both. First, Smyth turns his regular "Corner Office" column over to "When Tragedy Strikes" -- followed by an "E-mail to all Entercom Employees from David Field on the Tragedy in Boston." As we continue to attempt to make some sense out of this senseless tragedy, and to find words to express our personal reactions, we read in both of these some of the thoughts and feelings that we've already experienced -- plus words of commendation for radio's continued tradition of exceptional response to major emergency situations. April 2013 – When Tragedy Strikes April 16, 2013 I share this column with you with a heavy heart for the victims and the families of those impacted by yesterday’s bombings in Boston. What happened was a terrible tragedy. Thankfully, none of our Greater Media Boston employees were down at the race during the time the tragic series of events took place. The response from all of Boston was overwhelming. From police officers, firefighters, medical personnel and first responders to the general public, it was inspiring to see so many people working together to help and console others during this important time of need. I am so very proud of all of our employees and stations for the way they kept our listeners informed as news continued to break throughout the event. HOT 96.9 Morning Personalities Baltazar and Pebbles returned to the radio station yesterday afternoon to provide timely updates, take calls live on the air from listeners and discuss what happened. Afternoon personalities Steve Kelly from Country 102.5FM WKLB-FM and Julie Devereaux from 105.7 WROR-FM did an outstanding job providing up to the minute information and traffic updates as the day progressed. MAGIC 106.7 and Radio 92.9 were also front and center, sharing updates on the air as new information became available. I would like to express my sincere thanks Greater Media Boston Market Manager Rob Williams, Director of Programming Cadillac Jack and the entire staff for all they did to inform and comfort our listeners, their families and the community. Moments like this define who we are as people. We will continue to work closely with those involved in law enforcement to share the latest updates both on the air and via social media as they become available. As a family, we are resilient and will move forward. Greater Media will be unveiling a company-wide Greater Good initiative to help those impacted by this terrible tragedy. Details will be announced in the very near future. It is a privilege to live and work in the great city of Boston. Sincerely, Peter Peter H. Smyth Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greater Media, Inc. E-mail to all Entercom Employees from David Field on the Tragedy in Boston I have spent the morning listening to our stations in Boston providing on-going coverage of the terrorist attacks. I could not be prouder of the work we are doing. WEEI, WRKO and WAAF are all delivering riveting, thoughtful, poignant, and inspiring radio to their listeners. Callers are sharing their incredible personal accounts of the attacks while our personalities are adding insightful, meaningful perspective to help all of us make sense of the madness. The tragedy is Boston is heart-breaking. We feel incredible sadness for the Richard family of Dorchester and all of the other victims of this heinous terrorist attack. We feel a great sense of loss and anger that this wonderful event which represented so much of what is great about our world could be so brutally violated by the cowards that did this. And yet we are inspired by the magnificent outpouring of selflessness and heroism that we witnessed yesterday. First responders, volunteers, and complete strangers risked their lives to assist the wounded. And so many others opened their homes to strangers, gave blood and assisted in various other ways. We witnessed humanity at its very worst and its very best. And as we have seen in countless tragedies in our nation’s past, radio is playing a leading role in helping people grieve, process, cope, and get back on their feet. Entercom is playing a particularly important role in rallying the community due to the prominence of WAAF, WRKO and WEEI and the many high-profile personalities at these stations who are so well-known in Boston. Our teams have stepped up to the challenge and are delivering outstanding radio and leadership to a community in need. They will continue to play a vital, leading role in the days ahead. I am incredibly proud to work with the men and women of Entercom Boston and to be a part of radio, this great American business that does so much to help us cope, heal and rebuild when tragedy strikes. Sincerely, David