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RAB: First Quarter Radio Revenue Flat
Communications, Financial Services and Retail Shine in Q1 2013 
"Radio's first quarter was flat at $3.5 billion, aided by an uptick in Spot in March after a sluggish start to the year," reports the RAB. "Both Digital and Off-Air performed well throughout the quarter and were up 9% and 5% respectively," according to the quarterly revenue report. "Spot spending by Communication/Cellular advertisers soared by over 1/3 (36%) for this quarter, propelling the category to #1 for the period. Also up – in rank order based on spending – were Financial Services (+13%), Department/Discount Stores & Shopping Centers (+58%), and Home Furnishings/Floor Coverings (+6%). While dollar volume was virtually flat for Television/Networks/Cable Providers (-3%) and Restaurants (-2%), these were solid contributors to radio’s bottom line in the #2 and #4 spots; Automotive declined 20% and slipped to the #3 rank." Says RAB President and CEO Erica Farber, "Major increases in radio advertising by Communications/Cellular and Financial Services went a long way to offset a drop in Automotive spending. Additionally, spending is up in the Department/Discount Stores category – reflecting increased confidence among retailers who have experienced radio’s ability to drive traffic and sales." Farber adds, "Radio's digital sector revenue continues to grow as radio stations invest in and promote their digital offerings to listeners, driving increased attention by the ad buying community."
Jacobs Media Releases Techsurvey9 Christian Radio Data 
Jacobs Media releases more data from Techsurvey9 in another webinar -- this one focusing on Christian Radio listeners. Jacobs surveyed over 9,400 Christian Radio fans representing 10 stations and two networks (K-Love and Air 1) across North America. A major finding this year is that Christian Radio partisans continue to share and recommend at a record pace. Says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, "Last year, the Net Promoter recommendation score among Christian Radio listeners was off the charts. This year, it's even better, which is a major advantage for stations in the format."
FTC Clears Sinclair Purchase of Fisher Stations 
The Federal Trade Commission has cleared Sinclair Broadcasting's purchase of Fisher Communications. The FTC says it finds no antitrust issues with the $373.3 million deal, granting early termination of its review. That means the FTC found no reason to seek conditions on or try to block the Sinclair acquisition of Fisher's television and radio stations. The FCC has not yet approved the license transfers. According to the FCC, the deal still has a week and a half more on public notice, allowing for the public to weigh in on the deal before the Commission makes a decision. The FTC or DOJ vets the deal for antitrust concerns.
Jim Pattison Acquiring Three Western Canada Stations 
Jim Pattison Broadcast Group is acquiring three stations from the pending Astral-Bell merger. From Bell the group is purchasing Rhythmic AC "Kool 101.5" CKBE-FM, Calgary, and Classic Hits "Fab 94.3" CHIQ-FM, Winnipeg. From Astral Pattison is acquiring Country "QX 104" CFQX-FM. Terms of the sale, which must be approved by Canada's CRTC, have not been disclosed. Approval of the Astral-Bell merger is also a condition for the acquisition by JPBG. “This is a very important acquisition for our Broadcast Group and, with the approval of this transaction from the CRTC, we will expand our presence in the major markets of Calgary and Winnipeg, which we have been focusing on for some time,” says Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Chairman Rick Arnish. "Our strategy is to grow in Western Canada as a broadcast group, and with that, we dealt with the team at Bell and Astral to put this acquisition opportunity together.” Pattison is currently preparing to launch Triple-A "95.3 The Peak" CHPK-FM, Calgary. With the three Astral-Bell stations, Pattison Broadcast Group would have 33 FM stations across Western Canada. Arnish adds that the Bell-Astral group approached Pattison Broadcast with the opportunity to bid on the stations. He said Astral’s stations in Toronto and Ottawa were also available, but JPBG chose to remain focused on the West. FCC Chair Nominee Tom Wheeler's Confirmation Hearing Delayed 
“The Senate Commerce Committee isn't going to consider , the president's nominee to chair the FCC, until June at the earliest, according to a panel aide," reports Politico. Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller initially told Politico he hoped to invite Wheeler to testify before the end of May, along with the White House's nominees to take the reins at the Commerce Department and Department of Transportation. But the panel on Wednesday [May 15] announced two separate hearings on those nominees, both for next week -- and Wheeler was not on the list. With the Senate scheduled to be on break the following week, it means Wheeler’s hearing will slip into next month. The delay also means that acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn will get more time in that temporary position -- which some are calling a temporary break in "the glass ceiling." She's the first woman to chair the Commission, even on a temporary basis. James Dobson Says Family Talk Radio Targeted by IRS 
New allegations claim the IRS not only delayed the applications of new conservative groups, but also targeted a Christian group, Family Talk Action, and a well-established group, the Leadership Institute. Family Talk is Dobson's new venture that includes his latest syndicated radio program. "In September 2011, well-known family advocate Dr. James Dobson's newest Christian ministry, Family Talk Action Corporation, filed a Form 1024 with the IRS requesting 501(c)(4) status. The attorney in charge had 26 years experience of filing these forms," reports ChristianPost.com. "The Family Talk application was every bit as compliant as the ones he'd filled out in the past," said Alex McFarland, the group's Director of Apologetics. McFarland told The Christian Post that, after waiting a year, "the attorney called in December 2012, then several times in January and February" of this year. The attorney could not leave a message on the full voicemail until March 6, 2013. On March 19, the reviewing agent, R. Medley, finally returned his call. Medley informed him that the form would likely be denied due to its political views. Family Talk Action, she explained, is "not educational," because it does not present all views. She also called it a "partisan right-wing group," insisting "you're political" because Dr. Dobson "criticized President Obama, who was a candidate." McFarland says, "This is profiling of people based on their political views and conservative stances." After leaving Focus on the Family, Dobson founded Family Talk as a non-profit organization in 2010 and launched a new radio broadcast "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson" that began on May 3, 2010 on over 300 stations nationwide. Clear Channel Fort Collins Colorado Debuts 'Radio 94.9' 
Clear Channel Fort Collins Colorado debuts Triple-A "Radio 94.9" featuring "Colorado's Finest Rock" on KPAW-FM'S HD2 multicast channel and an FM translator at 94.9 FM. The station, we're told, will include music from artists such as Mumford & Sons, Colbie Caillat, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Adele, The Fray, Avett Brothers, and U2, among others. Says Market Manager Stu Haskell, "Radio 94.9 will be a perfect fit for the Fort Collins local music scene and lifestyle. We’re especially excited to spotlight local artists as part of our regular programming and offer the local community a unique radio station that has been missing from this area for a long time." The 94.9 translator launched last November as "Christmas 94.9" -- and more recently had been operating as "Fox Sports 94.9" to which it flipped after Christmas, until it began stunting in preparation for the launch of "Radio 94.9" with a Triple-A format. Drew and Mike Say Goodbye and Thank You Detroit at WRIF-FM 
Everyone knew it was coming -- we reported an announcement that it would come -- but fans still weren't really fully prepared for it. Today was the final one for longtime Greater Media Rock WRIF-FM/Detroit morning hosts Drew and Mike -- Drew Lane and Mike Clark. The duo said goodbye to their listeners this morning after 22 years on the air at the station. Drew and Mike, along with news person Trudi Daniels, took calls from listeners and past on-air contributors from 6-11:30am during their final show on WRIF-FM.
Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh - Perfect Neighbors? 
Reports from Florida say Howard Stern is "likely" the buyer of a $52 million oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach -- where Rush Limbaugh also owns a home. Stern reportedly is purchasing his Palm Beach mansion in a private sale for a home sold by textile and apparel executive Martin Trust and his wife, Diane. Reportedly, the Trusts bought the home in 1986 for less than $5 million. Two buildings sit on the lot with a total of 39,000 square feet of living space, inside and out. The main house has 18,673 square feet and the additional building has 1,196 square feet. A broker involved in the sale of the real estate confirms that a transaction took place but wouldn't say who the buyer is or offer any other details. No comment from Howard -- or Rush. The two radio biggies are not expected to socialize together when both of them are actually at their Palm Beach homes. BTRN to Syndicate Food Nation Radio Network 
The Business TalkRadio Network announces an agreement with The Food Nation Radio Network with Elizabeth Dougherty to join its roster of nationally syndicated programming, beginning June 1. Food Nation Radio is a one-hour weekend show whose flagship station is Genesis Communications' WWBA-AM, Tampa. BTRN Consulting Operations Officer Jeff Weber says, "We are all really excited that hosts Elizabeth Dougherty and Michael Serio are bringing this compelling program to a national audience. We’re proud to be a part of this show which is informative and fun. It’s truly a one of a kind program." The program is described by its producers as "an adventure of good food, food-related stories and compelling interviews." Dougherty has an extensive background in food writing and culinary arts training, and has written hundreds of articles on food that have appeared in many major publications. She says of the new relationship with BTRN, "We are pleased to partner with the Business TalkRadio Network as 'Food Nation Radio' continues to grow so that we can continue to concentrate on the cutting-edge and entertaining content we provide to our listeners each week."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Radio programming legend and modern Top 40 pioneer Paul Drew has died at the age of 78. He was at an assisted living facility in Glendale, California, where he recently resided when he passed of natural causes ... Alternative KRXP-FM, Colorado Springs, says "you're in" to Gundy for night host starting Monday (May 20). Gundy, who arrives from Cheyenne, Wyoming, will also host KRXP-FM's "Colorado Native" program showcasing local bands ... Midday host Sarah Jordan adds Assistant Music Director duties at CHR-Top40 "99 DJX" WDJX-FM, Louisville ... At CHR-Top40 "Hot 101.5" WPOI-FM, Tampa, DJ Ekin is officially named night host. Ekin, who was handling weekend and mix show responsibilities, has been covering nights since March when Chase moved up to afternoons ... Julie Guy announces a pending exit from mornings at Hot AC "The Coast 97.3" WFLC-FM, Miami ... Garrett Doll exits "Go Country 105" KYGO-FM, Denver, after 16 years -- during which time he's held a variety of positions, including Promotions Director, Assistant PD, Music Director, and Imaging, as well as on-air host roles ... Urban AC WBLS-FM, New York, welcomes rap legend Doug E. Fresh as host of a Classic Hip-Hop show -- "The Show" -- on Saturday mornings 9-11am ... DJ Hot Sauce is the new evening host at Clear Channel's "Hot 105.7" WZHT-FM, Montgomery, Alabama. He will also serve as Assistant PD and host a mix show. He comes to Montgomery from sister "V100" WKKV-FM, Milwaukee ... Abe Kanan is in as Imaging Director for SiriusXM's "Octane" channel. Kanan also hosts a show on Howard Stern's "Howard 101" channel.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, May 17, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - May 17, 2013
That process is triggered by any transaction valued at $70.9 million or more. The deal also still needs an affirmative vote from Fisher shareholders before closing, expected in the third quarter of this year. The Sinclair-Fisher deal, mostly involving TV stations (20 of them), also includes Fisher's Seattle radio stations -- News KOMO-AM, Talk KVI-AM, and Hot AC "Star 101.5" KPLZ-FM. In April, Sinclair announced its acquisition of Fisher Communications, which it officially described as a "merger." Despite widespread speculation that SBG only wants the television stations, and would spinoff the three radio outlets, Sinclair has indicated it might keep the Seattle radio stations because of their close synergy with Fisher flagship KOMO-TV.
"They have been a big part of WRIF-FM’s legendary history in the Motor City," said Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare. "They are true professionals and a class act. We wish them the very best." WRIF-FM afternoon host Meltdown will temporarily handle the morning show until an announcement is made regarding the new morning show in the near future. Still not officially confirmed, reports from the market say former Bell Media Alternative "89X" CIMX-FM, Windsor-Detroit, hosts Dave and Chuck the Freak, who are coming to the end of a non-compete period, are being hired for mornings on WRIF-FM.
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