Wednesday's Radio & Media News - April 24, 2013

PTC Issues 'Action Alert' About 'Proposed FCC Enforcement Changes' 'Mean MORE Obnoxious and Offensive Content Over Broadcast Airways' Although their premise is actually somewhat incorrect, the PTC is warning, "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed changing the rules governing their enforcement of broadcast decency laws. Under the new rules, the FCC would only investigate and issue fines against the most 'egregious' broadcast content. Harsh profanity and 'non-sexual' nudity might not be punished under the new rules — IF we allow those new rules to be implemented." Referring to the FCC's recently issued call for public comments on enforcement of indecency rules, the PTC "alert" -- published on its website -- goes on to say, "That's right. The FCC is giving the broadcast networks license to air as much explicit profanity and nudity at any time of the day, regardless of how many children might be in the viewing audience. And as we all know, if you give the networks an inch, they’ll take a mile... so if this rules change goes into effect, we can expect to see an explosion of sex, profanity and graphic nudity pouring into our homes over the public broadcast airwaves. It's an outrage! The FCC was created to protect consumers, not as a lobbying arm of the entertainment industry! And yet once again, families lose out and Hollywood gets to push its anything goes agenda on the rest of us." The PTC is asking parents to protect their children from "More Sex! More F-bombs! More Profanity! More Nudity!" by taking action to contact the FCC before May 20 -- the deadline for comments in the Commission's proceeding -- even providing a clickable link (with instructions for a "formal submittal") and a "suggeted example of a comment you can submit." As we reported early this month, the FCC is seeking comments on its indecency policy, asking how they should enforce their indecency policies following last year's Supreme Court ruling that the Commission can indeed do so, but needs to clearly spell out what the policy actually is, in a manner which can be evenly enforced, and which broadcasters can understand. While the ruling backed the FCC, it also called for less vague standards than have been enforced. Michael Martin Signs Extension with CBS Radio Michael Martin has agreed to a new multi-year contract to continue as VP of Programming for CBS Radio's San Francisco stations -- CHR-Top40 "99.7 Now" KMVQ-FM, Hot AC "Alice @ 97.3" KLLC-FM, and Alternative "Live 105" KITS-FM -- and as CBS Radio VP of Top 40 Programming, a position he has held since February 2012. Martin is also a key part of the development and execution of CBS Radio’s national music programming initiatives. "Our music stations in San Francisco have experienced consistent ratings growth under Michael’s leadership," says SVP and Market Manager Doug Harvill. "As a respected programmer with deep roots in the music community, Michael has been influential in transforming the way radio stations interact with an audience both on a local and national level. We are pleased to continue this winning partnership." Martin joined CBS Radio in 2009, following a career managing the operations and programming of a number of stations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, including serving as Program Director of KYSR-FM, KMEL-FM, KYLD-FM and KIOI-FM. George Willborn Joins 'Doug Banks Radio Show' The newly launched Doug Banks Media hires George Willborn, Michael Baisden’s former co-host. He debuts on April 25 on the Urban AC "Doug Banks Radio Show" -- joining co-host DeDe McGuire and replacing co-host Rudy Rush. Dubbed comedy’s “Stress Reliever,” Willborn was the co-host of the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden show for eight years, up until the show’s recent cancellation. Willborn tells us, "I grew up with Doug and let me make this perfectly clear - I am now and have always been a fan of his. I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to bring all of my talent and every one of my fans to compliment the tremendous talent that is Doug Banks.” Says Banks, "I’ve always wanted to work with George. It was just a matter of timing. This move will take the show to an entirely new level. And how perfect is it that we have him for our Next Big Voice debut?" Doug Banks Media President Ed Pearson adds, “George is a rare talent with lots of fans. His addition to The Doug Banks Radio Show will result in even higher ratings and affiliate growth.” Bob Socci Named New England Patriots Play-By-Play Voice Veteran sportscaster and play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci is named the radio play-by-play announcer for the New England Patriots on "98.5 The Sports Hub" WBZ-FM, the official flagship radio station of the three-time Super Bowl champions. Socci (pronounced So-SEE) replaces Gil Santos, who retired following the 2012 season after 36 years as the Patriots' radio voice. Socci, who has called Navy football games on the radio for the past 16 years, will join analyst Scott Zolak, who will be entering his third season as part of the broadcast team. "This is the thrill of a lifetime to get the opportunity from 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Patriots organization to continue the tradition established by the legendary Gil Santos to be the play-by-play announcer for the New England Patriots," says Socci. CBS Radio Boston VP of Programming Mike Thomas tells us, "We were impressed with his extensive work and expertise calling various football and baseball games, and he’s a local guy with great knowledge of the Patriots. No doubt, Bob has big shoes to fill, but we are excited about this new era of play-by-play with Bob and Scott." Socci will appear on the "98.5 The Sports Hub" show "Felger and Massarotti" show Thursday afternoon, and will join the "Gresh and Zolak" midday program for their NFL draft special Saturday. Socci is currently in his first season as one of the two radio voices of the Pawtucket Red Sox. He will be leaving that position July 1. Cox Media Group Promotes Two in Houston Sales Cox Media Group Houston names Judy Lakin as its new cluster Director of Sales, and Alana Thomas as CMG Houston’s new General Sales Manager for Classic Hits "The Eagle" KGLK-FM. Lakin will oversee the entire cluster sales department, and continue to be responsible for the combo "Country Legends 97.1" KKBQ-FM and KTHT-FM, where she's been General Sales Manager for more than 12 years. Lakin joined Cox in 2000. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston and Houston Advertising Federation of America. Thomas, who will work closely with Lakin on cluster opportunities, has been with CMG for seven years. She's currently involved with the Media Alliance of Houston and has served on the Houston Works Board since 2011. Says CMG Houston VP and Market Manager Mark Krieschen, "I am extremely proud of Judy and Alana and that we’re able to promote such amazing sales talent from within CMG. Both of these women are proven winners, solid leaders in the advertising community, and deserving of their new roles at CMG. Judy and Alana will be hiring a new local sales manager for the cluster soon." TTN and Univision Radio Renew, Expand Partnership Total Traffic Network (TTN) announces a renewed and expanded multi-year agreement with Univision Radio. Effective immediately, we're told, TTN will be the exclusive traffic content provider for Univsion Radio. As part of the expanded partnership TTN will provide its "24/7 News Source" newswire service to all of Univision's news and talk stations. TTN's "24/7 News Source" is a web-based News and Information wire service delivering national, state and local news, weather, sports and consumer reports, plus entertainment news and format-specific show prep. "Our partnership with Univision brings together two industry leaders to provide Spanish-speaking radio listeners the traffic and news information they need from the stations they trust," says TTN SVP of Affiliate Sales Mike Haake. "With the Hispanic population in the U.S. growing by over 40 percent in the last decade, our partnership with Univision Radio will ensure that Total Traffic's radio network mirrors the diversity of our markets. I'm very pleased we've been able to turn this into a long term relationship." Apple Reports Record Fiscal Q2 Revenue Apple announces its financial results for the company's fiscal second quarter, which ended March 30, reporting that the company's revenue for the quarter was $43.6 billion. That's up from $39.2 billion a year ago. Net profit, however, fell from $11.6 billion a year ago to $9.5 billion, representing Apple's first year-to-year profit decline in a decade. According to CNet, though, the reported numbers are above Apple's own expectations for the quarter -- and are essentially in line with Wall Street predictions. Apple sold 37.4 million iPhones in its fiscal Q2, as well as 19.5 million iPads and just under four million Mac computers. Apple's iTunes Store set a new record with $2.4 billion in sales, up 28 percent from a year ago, head of its 10th anniversary. The iTunes Store launched in 56 new markets around the globe in late December. "We are pleased to report record March quarter revenue thanks to continued strong performance of iPhone and iPad," said Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. "Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software, and services and we are very excited about the products in our pipeline." Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer adds, "Our cash generation remains very strong, with $12.5 billion in cash flow from operations during the quarter and an ending cash balance of $145 billion." Apple's news release says the company "is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2013 third quarter: revenue between $33.5 billion and $35.5 billion; gross margin between 36 percent and 37 percent; operating expenses between $3.85 billion and $3.95 billion; other income/(expense) of $300 million; and, tax rate of 26%." Grooveshark Loses Latest Round in Court A New York court rules against Grooveshark in an appeal of its case with Universal Music Group. Last July a court rejected UMG's argument that the DMCA's safe harbors didn't apply to pre-1972 sound recordings, because, technically, those recordings are not covered by federal copyright law. UMG appealed, and in doing so made, what some observers say are "some compelling arguments about the wording of the law." The appellate court agreed, and has now issued pretty much the opposite decision of the earlier one -- pre-1972 sound recordings are not covered by the DMCA, and thus Grooveshark has no DMCA safe harbors for such songs. A 17 page decision, handed down Tuesday, contains the new ruling. UMG's lawsuit argued that Grooveshark had infringed on copyrights by hosting songs uploaded by users that were owned by the label. Grooveshark said it was relying on the "safe harbor" rules, but UMG countered that the provisions did not apply to pre-1972 recordings. TechDirt writes, "There are a few different parts to the ruling, but the core argument is straightforward: section 301(c) of the Copyright Act explicitly states that no 'rights or remedies' under common law copyright on pre-1972 recordings shall be 'annulled or limited' until 2067, and it's pretty hard to argue that the DMCA doesn't do that." After a lengthy write-up of the UMG vs Grooveshark case, and the DMCA, TechDirt concludes: "The only optimistic thought is that perhaps it [the latest ruling] would force congress to revisit the law, and we could finally push for a Digital Millennium Copyright Act that actually works in the digital millennium." AWM to President Obama: Consider Diversity in FCC Appointments The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is one of 50 in a national group of organizations sending a letter to the White House urging the Obama Administration to nominate candidates committed to promoting "diversity and inclusion" when filling two FCC vacancies -- a new Chair and one Commissioner. AWM says it "strongly believes the FCC needs leaders committed to reversing the extraordinarily low representation of minorities and women in media." They tell us in a news release, "The representation of women and minorities remains disproportionately low in industries overseen by the FCC. These industries collectively represent one-sixth of our nation's economy. The letter notes that "[m]inority and women's participation in broadcast ownership are particularly at risk, as they continue to decline rapidly." The organizations signing the letter also are encouraging President Obama to address the issues by nominating leaders who will "assign the highest priority to racial and ethnic minority and women's participation in the nation's most influential industries." Says AWM President Erin Fuller, "The Alliance for Women in Media has been encouraged by the past appointments of Commissioners that share our priorities of diversity and inclusion. We eagerly await the FCC to reach full composition, and stand ready to assist in areas including research, public education and promoting the role of all forms of media in our society." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Scott Simon is in at Country KRST-FM, Albuquerque, as a new member of the morning show team, and as Music Director for the heritage Cumulus station starting next week. Simon most recently was with Alpha Broadcasting Country KUPL-FM, Portland ... New Clear Channel Alternative "Radio 105.7" changes its call letters from WWVA-FM to WRDA-FM to match the new format and identity ... Rhythmic CHR "Jamz 96.3" WAJZ-FM, Albany, NY, promotes morning host Jaleel "J. Will" Williams to Program Director, replacing Erin "Charlie" Buchwalk, who exited for a new job earlier this month ... Talk WTMA-AM, Charleston, SC, promotes Assistant PD and morning show producer John Quincy to Program Director. He's been in the market since 1981 and with WTMA-AM since 2002 ... Alternative "96X" WROX-FM, Norfolk, Virginia, Program Director and afternoon host James Steele exits after nearly six years at the station. Assistant PD/Music Director and morning host Nick Chappell is promoted to Program Director ... Triple-A/AC hybrid KBHR-FM, Big Bear City, California, Program Director/Music Director Mike Evans resigns and exits after six years, eight with owner Parallel Broadcasting. Evans says he will relocate and seek new opportunities in the Palm Springs area -- noting "it is time for me to move to the desert permanently and explore my career options" ... Also from KBHR-FM, announcer Jay Tunnell exits after 17 years to go to Lake Havasu, Arizona, and work for a four station group there. And Rick Bates, best known for his Friday evening "Blues on the Bear" show, is named KBHR-FM Music Director.