MHBC Radio and Media News: Friday's Radio & Media News

Media Life: 'Pandora's Not A Huge Threat to Radio'

Pandora is still not a serious threat to traditional radio, despite all of the claims to the contrary by the streaming music service. That's the finding of a recent Media Life survey on Pandora, which asked readers to weigh in on their clients’ attitudes toward the service. Media Life is an online magazine "for media planners and buyers." They tell us that while advertisers "are becoming increasingly interested in learning about Pandora," the music streamer is "still not a serious threat to traditional radio, say media buyers and planners." Less than a third of readers, 28 percent, see Pandora as a serious threat to terrestrial radio. The largest percentage, 39 percent, called it a medium threat, saying it could develop into a bigger one in the future but for now is more of an afterthought. And 22 percent dismissed it as a small threat, saying it has little more than buzz around it and does not represent an effective alternative to traditional radio. “While it certainly has many advantages (targetability, don't have to buy multiple formats, tracking) there is still value in local radio with the DJ connection, and the time-shift listening from one medium to the other based on daily behavioral habits," noted one reader. Wrote another: "Without any local content it’s just a music source not the same as traditional radio." Asked where money being allocated to Pandora is coming from, 45 percent said it’s being moved from radio budgets. Twenty-eight percent said the dollars are coming from online budgets, while 13 percent said it’s new money earmarked for online radio. The remainder said it is a mix of those three. Read more from Media Life here.

Cumulus Media Expands Country 'Nash FM' Brand

Cumulus Media's Country "Nash FM" brand expands to five more markets today, as Cumulus begins its planned national expansion of the brand. Six stations in the five markets are included in today's moves -- WPKR-FM and WPCK-FM, Appleton-Oshkosh-Green Bay, Wisconsin; KHKI-FM, Des Moines; WKAK-FM, Albany, Georgia; KQFC-FM, Boise; and WLXX-FM, Lexington, Kentucky. Says Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey, "Following our debut of the Nash FM brand earlier this year, we're excited about expanding Nash to more radio stations as well as bringing Nash content to other forms of media, including video and magazines. Our listeners and advertisers will continue to benefit from the variety of on-air and off-air Country lifestyle content opportunities associated with the Nash brand." As previously announced, Country stations will either use the brand itself or the notation "powered by Nash." The latter is expected to be used by successful stations that have well established other brands. While some are reporting this expansion of the Country brand "confirms widespread rumors," Cumulus had indicated that "Nash" would become a national brand since it was first launched at WNSH-FM, New York, in January, on the former WFME-FM.

We reported in January that "Cumulus has announced that 'Nash' will be a 'multi-platform entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle that will feature radio stations, a monthly magazine, website, social media, concerts and television programming'." As noted in January, "Cumulus already is the largest Country radio broadcaster in the United States with 83 Country stations." At the time, Dickey told us, "Country is more than just music. It's a lifestyle that is rich with content and marketing opportunities because Country is mass appeal and very much underserved in all forms of media. Cumulus is committed to serving this significant lifestyle segment that stretches from coast-to-coast by creating a full complement of content on the radio, in print, online and on TV." Also still to come, "Nash Magazine," to be published by Modern Luxury, will debut in the second half of 2013 along with what is described as an interactive and innovative "Nash" website. The Nash brand will also include social media content and exclusive concert events. "Nash" radio programming will include live shows, some originating from Nashville, and will be available to stations throughout the day through Cumulus Media Networks. All Country stations owned by Cumulus will feature the "Nash" brand and content.

San Francisco 49ers Extend Team Voice Ted Robinson

The San Francisco 49ers sign a five-year contract extension with , "The Voice of the 49ers." The agreement runs through 2018, enabling Robinson to have served a decade with the NFL organization by the end of the contract. We're told that Robinson's role in 49ers programming will continue to grow moving forward, as the team says he will be very active with its website and television productions, in addition to radio coverage on flagship stations Cumulus Sports Talk KNBR-AM and Rock "107.7 The Bone" KSAN-FM in San Francisco. "We are absolutely elated that our Faithful fan base will get to enjoy Ted's unique skills at such an exciting time in our franchise's history," says 49ers Director of Broadcasting and Corporate Sales Bob Sargent. "We look forward to continuing the wonderful legacy of our broadcasters." Robinson adds, "I've learned through four seasons how significant the position of the voice of the 49ers is to the fan base. Luckily, we've had calls in the last two years that will live in 49ers history, and I look forward to many more at a time when our franchise is thriving both on and off the field with Levi's Stadium on the horizon." Robinson has been the play-by-play voice of the 49ers since 2009. He is part of a group of play-by-play talents who have provided coverage to 49ers fans throughout the 63-year history of the team. Robinson has strong ties to Bay Area fans as he has worked as a radio and television announcer for the San Francisco Giants (nine seasons), as the television announcer for the Oakland Athletics (three seasons), as a television announcer for the Golden State Warriors and as the radio announcer for the Stanford Cardinal football program.

Emmis Launches Austin Spanish CHR 'Latino 102.7'

As we first reported briefly in our "Behind the Microphone" (BTM) section, "There are no laughs (nor even giggles) as Emmis flips 'Comedy 102.7' on FM translator K274AX, Austin, to Spanish CHR 'Latino 102.7'." Now we have more on the flip from Emmis Austin. "The station will feature a mix of CHR, Rhythmic, Dance and Spanish Pop artists such as Pitbull, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Don Omar, Wisin Y Yandel, Mana, Camila, Chino Y Nacho, Aventura, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Swedish House Mafia and Lady Gaga," we are told. "Latino 102.7" launches with 10,000 songs in-a-row without commercials. "Austin's vibrant and bilingual Latino population continues to grow and set the trends for the marketplace," says Program Director Armando Ulloa (aka "El Chiquilin"). "We're proud to bring Latino 102.7 to the Austin community and to fulfill an unmet need of providing today's biggest hits, with deep local connections, and soon-to-be announced local personalities that are on the cutting edge of pop culture in Central Texas. We have created the perfect mix of hit music and a fresh production and imaging presentation provided by The Mix Group, with Jerry Pulles, a Mix Talent as the voice. We encourage Spanish and English hit music fans in Central Texas and around the world to tune in and enjoy Latino 102.7." The new Spanish CHR is online at www.latino1027.com.

Mark Devine to Co-Host Phoenix 'Peak' Mornings

Mark Devine is in at Bonneville's "98.7 The Peak" KPKX-FM, Phoenix, as morning co-host with in-place Monica Nelson starting May 29. Devine was co-host of the "Tim and Mark Show" on crosstown Rock KDKB-FM from 1989 to 2005. He's most recently hosted a weekend talk show on Bonneville's News Talk KTAR-FM. Says Bonneville Phoenix VP of Content and Operations Ryan Hatch, "Mark is the perfect partner for Monica. The Peak audience will love his intelligence, quick wit and connection to our local community." Devine worked in the market as half of the "Tim and Mark Show" on crosstown Rock KDKB-FM for 16 years before exiting in 2005. Most recently he's been hosting a weekend talk show on Bonneville’s KTAR-FM. Devine tells us, "I left radio and started a successful real estate business and wasn't planning on coming back unless the perfect situation presented itself. The opportunity to host mornings on The Peak with someone as talented as Monica Nelson was just too much to pass up. I'm absolutely ecstatic!"

SummitMedia Names Kori White VP of Digital and New Technology

With the acquisition of former Cox Media Group stations in five markets, SummitMedia announces Birmingham Operations Manager Kori White is promoted to VP of Digital and New Technology for the new company. SummitMedia acquired stations in Birmingham, Richmond, Louisville, Honolulu and Greenville, South Carolina, in a $66.25 million deal with Cox. SummitMedia tells us that White "will oversee digital operations in five markets, focusing on expanding the company’s digital footprint throughout the global market. He'll lead SummitMedia's digital strategy and execution and will also spearhead the company’s web engineering, products, services and e-commerce engineering, internet operations, quality assurance and program management teams." White, a Birmingham native, was appointed Operations Manager for all of the Birmingham radio stations by former owner CMG in March 2012, in a promotion from oversight of several of the cluster's stations. White had been with the stations since 1996. SummitMedia is "an integrated broadcasting, digital media, direct marketing and events company focused on compelling local brands, powerful personalities and meaningful marketing solutions." Carl Parmer is SummitMedia's Chairman and CEO. David DuBose is EVP/COO. In addition to Palmer and DuBose, principals in the company include Paul Bankston, William Tanner and Darryl Grondines. Each of the five owns a 3.5% stake. HighPoint Summit LLC owns 82.25% of SummitMedia.

Steve Harvey Prepares for Annual National Mentoring Camp

Premiere Networks nationally syndicated radio host Steve Harvey is preparing for his fifth annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men in Dallas, with a six-day program through Father's Day weekend. Running June 11-16, Harvey will welcome 100 young men who are without fathers for the annual mentoring camp, and mothers and chaperones in a concurrent Parent Program, for mentoring experiences on his country ranch with himself and special guests. The program was created by Harvey to provide guidance to young men 13-18 from single female-headed households who are experiencing some struggles as they're navigating their adolescence. Harvey and a range of guests share inspiration, tailor-made educational opportunities and real talk not found in any classroom to empower young men. Says Harvey, "Bringing the young men out here, out of their everyday surroundings is an experience that gives them the opportunity to recharge and renew themselves, taking part in a program focused solely on them. Filled with a diverse number of activities, sessions, and role models from sports to business, education, fitness and more, no dream is too big to help them discover their potential, and help build the successful futures they're meant for."

Buckley Sells KYZZ-FM/Monterey to Saul Levine's Mount Wilson

Buckley Communications has agreed to sell "ESPN 97.9" KYZZ-FM, Monterey-Salinas, California, to Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters. Terms are not disclosed. (But we will get that info when the sale reaches the FCC.) Buckley also owns KIDD-AM and KWAV-FM in Monterey as well as seven other stations in California. It plans to continue the ESPN Radio affiliation on KIDD-AM. Buckley EVP Kathy Baker says the transaction "filled a strategic need for both parties." Mount Wilson also owns KKGO-FM and KMZT-AM in the Los Angeles market. It's headed by President Saul Levine. There's speculation that he will use the new FM signal to expand Mount Wilson's Classical "K-Mozart" -- currently heard on KMZT-AM, Los Angeles, and KMZT-FM, Big Sur, into the Montery-Salinas market, which previously lost its one Classical station to a format flip. The KYZZ-FM transaction is subject to FCC approval. Dick Foreman of Foreman Associates was the exclusive broker.

Rich Lieberman: Cumulus to Flip San Fran's KFOG-FM to KGO-FM?

Rich Lieberman at his 415 Media reports that on the "Friday Rumor Mill" is the pending flip of Triple-A KFOG-FM, San Francisco, to either KGO-FM, with a simulcast of All News KGO-AM, or to a Country format. Lieberman says that one of his "insiders near the Cumulus cluster" tells him "there's a good chance that KFOG, which is in severe under-achiever mode, will be flipped." Liberman believes the KGO-FM scenario is most likely because "KGO-AM is getting killed by KCBS, which long ago added KCBS-FM, (106.9) to bolster its AM stalwart, (740 AM). KGO might find a pulse if it had an FM component and Cumulus knows it."

Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio

Clear Channel Classic Country KCCY-AM, Pueblo, Colorado, returns to its former "Fox Sports 1350" with the return to Sports Talk coming just over a year after the station (in April 2012) flipped to "Classic Country 1350 KCCY" ... "93.9 The Country Moose" KIAI-FM, Mason City, Iows, names Mark Allen Program Director and morning host, effective May 28, replacing Wolf Bowers who previously exited. He's inbound from WTVY-FM, Dothan, Alabama, where he was also PD/morning host ... Alternative KYSR-FM, Los Angeles, adds fill-in host Harms to a regular weekend schedule. He came to KYSR-FM after exiting Alternative "107.7 The End" KNDD-FM, Seattle, where he spent 14 years ... CHR-Top40 WJYY-FM, Concord, Program Director AJ Dukette is promoted to Operations Manager for Binnie Media's Central New Hampshire cluster .... Alternative WBRU-FM, Providence, appoints Eliza Soros Music Director replacing Olivia Petrocco ... CHR-Top40 "Z 97.1" WZRT-FM, Rutland, Vermont, Program Director and afternoon host Amber "Stone" Huyghe will relinquish those duties to return to her previous Music Director and midday hosting duties.