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CCME Survey Shows Consumer Satisfaction with Radio Clear Channel Releases Study On 'State Of Listening In America' 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment releases the results of an extensive study of the "State of Listening in America." The survey looks at "radio's continued, widespread popularity, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, who listen to radio regularly and describe it as 'trustworthy,' 'human' and 'relate-able'." The research, conducted for CCME by research firms Latitude Research and OpenMind Strategy, also reveals that listeners enjoy connecting with their favorite stations and on-air personalities via social media, illustrating how social media has made radio increasingly interactive and personal. The study shows that 92 percent of Americans regularly tune in to AM/FM radio and that much of this listening happens at or near a place of purchase – radio's significant and "unique selling proposition," in the words of advertising icon David Ogilvy. Additionally, 85 percent of listeners feel radio is more accessible than ever, demonstrating that digital media, including Clear Channel's iHeartRadio, has fueled category growth and expanded radio’s accessibility and relevancy. Also a majority of listeners view on-air personalities as local celebrities and reported that DJs engage listeners regularly on both digital and broadcast platforms. Says Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman, "This research confirms that radio's reach and appeal remain strong regardless of the platform, geography, ethnicity, or age group. American listeners – particularly younger generations – feel a strong connection to their favorite on-air radio personalities – which is made stronger by social media – in a way that isn’t replicated by other media."
Lew Dickey: What Rush Limbaugh Cost Cumulus Media 
Cumulus Media Chairman, President and CEO Lew Dickey says the backlash against Rush Limbaugh's controversial comments about Sandra Fluke cost Cumulus "millions of dollars." Dickey -- interviewed Thursday (May 9) by host Betty Lu on Bloomberg Television's "In The Loop" -- talked about the money lost on advertising from Rush Limbaugh's syndicated program as advertisers left the program following controversial comments. Noting that the public backlash affected not just Limbaugh's show, but also extended to other Conservative Talk radio programs, Dickey said that Cumulus "took a hit" because News Talk represents "about 10%" of his company's business. Limbaugh's Premiere-syndicated "EIB Network" show currently airs on about 40 Cumulus stations, including WABC-AM, New York. Asked about the threat from Limbaugh's camp to leave those stations if the Cumulus chief doesn't stop blaming Rush for its losses, Dickey told Betty Lu "sometimes contracts get negotiated in public. We prefer not to do that. We have the premiere talk distribution platform in the United States. If you want to be on the big stage in this game, you have to be on our radio stations in the largest markets. Everybody knows that."
Report: Clear Channel Working on Song-Swapping Technology 
Clear Channel is working on a technology that would replace songs in streamed content with a different song while accounting for the difference in song lengths, according to a patent application recently filed with the U.S. Patent Office. Clear Channel declines to comment, reports Billboard.com. "The application describes a technology that alters streaming content by substituting a different song for the one being played by a radio station. After the substituted song has been played, the 'downstream' radio station resumes playing. The technology employs a "variable buffer delay" to account for the difference in lengths between the substituted and replaced songs," says Billboard's "exclusive" report. They tell us that the technology "would alleviate problems that arise when a networked radio station shares programming with another. The application explains that content for one broadcast station may include songs or advertisements pertinent to one audience but not for the audience of another broadcast station." Billboard adds, "Another scenario finds content in a transmission from one radio station may [have] content undesirable for the diverse audiences of the radio stations carrying the transmission. While a station could swap out its own advertisements -- they run the same length of time -- it's not feasible to swap out songs." Read the full report here. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski (Finally) Sets Departure Date 
Back on March 22, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski confirmed long standing rumors that after nearly four years leading the Commission, he would be stepping down. At the time he said his exit would be in the "coming weeks." But until now, he's remained and hadn't announced a departure date. Now, Genachowski says May 17 will be his final day as FCC Chairman. Until President Obama's choice to succeed Genachowski -- Tom Wheeler -- is confirmed, current Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will be interim Chair. President Obama nominated Genachowski to the Commission in 2009, and he assumed the position four years ago this month. In his March 22 announcement, Genachowski focused on his priority during his tenure -- "broadband, wired and wireless, working to drive economic growth and improve the lives of all Americans." Looking beyond his tenure with the Commission, he ultimately added, "While there are challenges ahead in this fast-moving, globally competitive sector, a revitalized FCC is prepared to continue taking them on. I'm deeply grateful to President Obama for his vision, friendship, and the opportunity to serve our country." When Genachowski at the end of next week, he will join the Aspen Institute as a Senior Fellow. It's still unclear how long it will take for Wheeler's nomination as FCC Chairman to be confirmed. Wheeler is a tech and telecommunications venture capitalist and a former lobbyist. Wheeler has been the managing director of Core Capital Partners, a venture capital firm in Washington DC. Wheeler joined the firm in 2005. He has also founded companies that offer cable, wireless and video communications service, according to Core Capital.. In terms of policy, Wheeler has been involved with developing government telecommunications policies at the legislative and regulatory levels. 'Ben and Skin' Get KRLD-FM/Dallas Afternoons 
Sports Talk "105.3 The Fan" KRLD-FM, Dallas, announces that its new afternoon show will be market Sports Talk personalities "Ben and Skin." Beginning May 13, Ben Rogers and Jeff "Skin" Wade will host a new 2-6pm show on KRLD-FM, in a return to CBS Radio Dallas. For the past three years, the duo hosted 9am-noon on crosstown competitor ESPN Radio KESN-FM. They exited that station in February when they and the station couldn't agree on a new contract, in what was called an amicable parting. At KRLD-FM, they replace the recently departed Richie Whitt and "Greggo" Williams. Prior to their time at KESN-FM, "Ben and Skin" hosted a Mavericks post-game radio show on crosstown KTCK-AM, as well as a Saturday morning program on the station, and also filled in for vacationing weekday hosts. They became full-time hosts in 2008, at CBS Radio's then "Live 105.3" remaining until 2010. "We are really excited to bring the energy and excitement of the Ben and Skin Show to our listeners," says VP of News/Talk/Sports Gavin Spittle. "They are a perfect fit for our lineup and are well known in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, having spent their whole lives here cheering on and suffering alongside fellow sports fans." Says Wade, "For us, sports is so much more than rosters and box scores. It's entertainment -- an escape. Above all else, it should be fun -- and we definitely know how to have fun." Rogers adds, "We live, breathe, and eat this stuff, and we want our listeners to enjoy every minute of it with us. It's about giving them a backstage pass to the wild, wonderful and sometimes crazy sports scene here in North Texas." Summitt Media Moving Rickey Smiley Back to Birmingham's '95.7 Jamz' 
Summit Media will transition "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show," to the station where Smiley began his career in radio, Rhythmic CHR "95.7 Jamz" WBHJ-FM, Birmingham, beginning May 13. The show moves from "Power 102.1" to the more powerful WBHJ-FM, and will simulcast on both stations for one week. Smiley was part of the initial morning show on "95.7 Jamz" in the Summer of 1997. Says Smiley, "I was the one of the first talent on the station when it came on the air working as a comedian on the Buck Wilde Morning Show and the station has continued to do great things. I am really excited about helping to take it to another level with Dave DuBose and team. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show team will be heavily involved in all things Birmingham." Summit Media EVP/COO David R DuBose adds, "We are super excited to welcome Rickey back home to 95.7 Jamz. Rickey started his radio career here in Birmingham with us, and we know listeners will love hearing Bernice, Lil Darryl, Granny, and his entire cast of characters as well as Ebony, who is also an alum of 95.7 Jamz. Rickey has always been one of Birmingham's hometown heroes and his love for the City has helped catapult him to the success he enjoys today, we are proud to have him back on our team." Summit Media recently closed on the acquisition of the Cox Media stations in Birmingham, Richmond, Louisville, Greenville-Spartanburg and Honolulu. Mike Stern Returning to Jacobs Media as Consultant 
Jacobs Media is bringing back Mike Stern to join its consulting team. He will replace Keith Cunningham, starting May 28, working with Cunningham's clients. With an extensive radio background, Stern most recently has described himself on his LinkedIn profile as "Freelance Writer, Talent Coach and Consultant." He's currently the Editor at "Billboard Top 40 Update" (where "Ross on Radio" now appears) and Consultant to the Programming Services Team at Arbitron. In the early 1990s, Stern was a programming assistant for Jacobs Media. In the nearly two decades since, he has programmed Alternative, Mainstream and Classic Rock stations in markets ranging from Anchorage and Las Vegas to Chicago. He was the VP of Programming for "Q101" Chicago, and had successful stints at WLZR-FM, Milwaukee; "The Peak" Denver; KXTE-FM, Las Vegas; and "The Edge" Dayton. Says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, "There’s a big reason why he is coming back to Jacobs Media. Since he left, he's spent nearly 20 years learning, broadening his field of vision, and preparing himself to help our clients grow in numerous ways. Mike brings a wealth of experience and new thinking to our company. Beside his Rock background, Mike has focused on talent coaching, writing, and ratings -- three important components that can help Jacobs Media better serve its clients." Stern tells us, "I couldn't be more excited to join the team at Jacobs Media. It not only gets me back to doing what I love, being part of programing radio stations, but I also get to be involved with all the other fascinating, exciting things going on at the company. I can't thank Fred and Paul enough for this great opportunity." Stern will remain based in Chicago. Triton Digital Promotes CTO 'Jeff' Gadoury 
Triton Digital promotes Jean-Francois Gadoury to Chief Technology Officer, responsible for leading the entire company's technology strategy and vision across all Triton Digital products. For the past six years, he was the Chief Technology Officer of Triton Digital's streaming products. The Los Angeles-based Triton Digital, the Oaktree Capital-backed provider of digital advertising services to the traditional and online radio market, today (May 10) announced the promotion of Gadoury -- better known to his associates as "Jeff" during his time as CTO for the streaming products. Prior to that, he was at Cesart International/Bell Canada, and also has served at Tata Communications, Atlas Telecom Mobile, and CESCOM. Triton Digital says that Gadoury will lead the entire company's technology strategy and vision. Says Triton Digital's COO Mike Agovino, "Jean-Francois, or Jeff as we like to call him, is a tremendously gifted technologist, leader and innovator. Jeff has an uncanny ability to translate the most complicated technical pieces into a language we can all understand. Over the last five years, he's built a fantastic name for himself and his team by delivering tremendous products and results. The digital audio space is at a key inflection point and the marketplace is just starting to understand the value of the innovation that Jeff and his team have created. I'm very excited to partner deeper with Jeff as we move forward and take advantage of his expertise holistically within Triton." CRN Digital Talk Radio Adds Four New Shows 
CRN Digital Talk Radio adds four new shows to its network roster -- "The Blue Lifestyle with Anthony Dias Blue" and "The Wise Guys Sit-down Hour" featuring former police officer Albert DeRobbio and businessman Nicky Barrilla, "Tommy Hunter’s The Edge at Night" plus "The Steve Sanchez Show" with entrepreneur, pastor, and author Steve Sanchez. Says CRN Digital Talk Radio President and CEO Michael Horn, "There's something for everyone just in these four shows alone. These great programs - plus the ones CRN already broadcasts during our 168 daily air hours – offer audiences an auditory buffet of unique, engaging programming."
FCC: Complaints Up During Fourth Quarter, 
The FCC reports that there was a 1% increase in consumer inquiries and informal complaints during the fourth quarter of 2012 from the third quarter. But they also report that there were fewer indecency complaints for the full year. The overall number of Q4 2012 informal complaints in the top five reported categories increased by more than 4% from those received and processed during the third quarter of 2012, from 75,453 to 78,608. The number of Radio and Television Broadcasting complaints increased by more than 104%, from 2,714 to 5,544, due to an increase in complaints regarding Programming and General Criticism issues. Only 298 complaints were about indecency. With the Q4 stats calculated, the Commission is able to tell us about the full year, notably those pertaining to indecency. The final tally shows 2,181 complaints were submitted. That’s a 19% drop compared to 2011. It’s also but a fraction of the total indecency complaints in 2010, when more than 156,000 came in to the FCC.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, May 10, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - May 10, 2013
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