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CC Media Holdings Reports Q1 Revenues Down 1% 
Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings reports first quarter consolidated revenues of $1.3 billion, down 1% from Q1 2012. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment first quarter revenues decreased 2% to $656 million from $671 million, driven primarily by certain contract losses in its traffic business and lower sales. Operating expenses decreased 3% to $443 million from $457 million in the year-ago period. The company reports a net loss of $203 million, compared to $143 million in the first quarter of 2012. "The strength of our businesses was clear in the company's solid first quarter results, which included growing returns from our strategic investments in key digital assets," says CEO Bob Pittman. "Across the company, we are creating unique, engaging solutions for clients that use our unparalleled multi-platform reach. With our advertisers, we are innovating new ways to use our assets to reach consumers more effectively wherever they are-which is increasingly out of their homes."EVP/CFO Tom Casey adds, "Thanks to our operating discipline, we contained costs and kept building momentum in our outdoor and our media and entertainment businesses during the quarter. We made solid progress in our broadcast, syndication and digital businesses. Our operating leverage in Americas outdoor drove strong results from last year's investments, while International outdoor delivered double-digit topline growth from emerging markets." Journal Communications Q1 Radio Revenue Up 6.7% 
Journal Communications reports, "For the first quarter, broadcasting revenue increased 31.1% to $58.2 million or 6.0% on a same-station basis. Total broadcast political advertising revenue decreased 61.4% to $0.5 million. Local advertising revenue, excluding political, was up 25.1%, or 3.2% on a same-station basis. National advertising revenue, excluding political, increased 41.0%, or 7.5% on a same-station basis. Retransmission revenue increased 145.1% to $5.4 million. Broadcasting operating earnings of $9.5 million increased 41.9%." For Radio, Journal reports, "For the first quarter, revenue from radio stations increased 6.7% to $15.9 million, or 2.8% on a same-station basis. Radio political advertising revenue was $0.1 million in each of 2013 and 2012. Local advertising revenue, excluding political, increased 7.2%, or 3.3% on a same-station basis, primarily due to an increase in retail advertising. National advertising revenue, excluding political, increased 2.1%, but decreased 1.3% on a same-station basis, primarily due to a decrease in communications advertising. Operating earnings from radio stations were $2.4 million compared to $2.9 million, a decrease of 15.3%. Radio operating expenses increased 11.9%, or 8.1% on a same-station basis, primarily due to employee-related expense increases and a non-cash building impairment charge of $0.2 million." Says Journal Chairman and CEO Steven Smith, "We are very pleased to report that Journal Communications experienced revenue growth in the first quarter at both our television and radio stations and improving trends at the Journal Sentinel daily newspaper." Entravision Q1 Overall and Radio Revenues Rise 6% 
Entravision Communications reports first quarter revenue rose 6% to $49.1 million, with net loss narrowing 72% to $957,000 (1 cent/share). Radio revenue also increased 6% to $14.1 million. The majority of the overall revenue increase -- $1.8 million out of $2.6 million -- came from television, with radio responsible for $800,000 of the added revenue, mostly from national advertising. Says Entravision Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa, "During the first quarter, we achieved revenue growth driven by increases in both our television and radio segments. Core revenue -- excluding retransmission consent revenue and political advertising revenue -- from our television and radio segments outperformed their respective industry averages, and we improved our free cash flow over the first quarter of 2012. Our audience shares remain strong in the nation's most densely populated Hispanic markets, and we believe we are well positioned to benefit as the U.S. Hispanic market continues to expand and advertisers increasingly recognize the importance of reaching our target audience." CBS Corporation Q1 Revenues Up 6% - Radio Revenue Flat 
CBS Corporation reports "its strongest ever quarterly results, including revenue that exceeded $4 billion for the first time since CBS became a stand-alone company in 2006." Revenues of $4.04 billion for the first quarter of 2013 increased 6% from $3.80 billion in the same prior-year period. Local Broadcasting, which includes radio had a 3% increase to $638 million -- but CBS Radio revenues remained flat compared with the same prior-year period. CBS says added revenue from the new CBS Sports Radio network was offset by the impact of radio station dispositions in 2012. For CBS Corporation overall, OIBDA increased 15% to $916 million, with an 18% increase in Operating Income to $800 million. CBS executives say they are pleased with the overall first quarter results. Says Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone, "CBS has started the year with a terrific first quarter. Our premium content and multiplatform distribution strategy are leading to results that are better than ever. I am confident that this approach, under the guidance of Leslie and his team, will continue to propel CBS ahead in the years to come." President and CEO Leslie Moonves tells us, "Across key financial measures — including revenue, OIBDA, operating income, and EPS — this was the most successful quarter in our company's history." Read more from CBS Corporation. Fired Cumulus Birmingham Market Manager Files Suit 
Former Cumulus Birmingham Market Manager Bill Thomas (Michael Thomas Stainback) is suing the company for discrimination, claiming Cumulus terminated him just six days after he informed them he had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The suit, filed in U. S District Court in Alabama, claims he "suffered discrimination via the terms and conditions of his employment, and subsequent termination from his employment, as alleged in the claims set forth below, and seeks permanent relief from this unlawful employment practice." Thomas says he informed corporate about his heart issues, and promised he’d continue working. Says the lawsuit, "Plaintiff is a person with a disability, has a history of a disability, and was regarded as disabled by Defendants. In 2009, Plaintiff had a severe heart attack which affected his heart rhythm. In 2010, Plaintiff had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted after experiencing an attack of ventricular tachycardia, while undergoing a stress test. Because of Plaintiff’s condition of ventricular tachycardia, he is at risk of sudden death without immediate fibrillation. His heart is compromised and functions at approximately forty percent capacity, and Plaintiff has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Despite his condition, Plaintiff can perform all the essential functions of his job as Market Manager."
Jim Ingstad Sells Six Fargo North Dakota Stations, Buys Six; 
After selling his six-station radio group in Fargo, North Dakota, Jim Ingstad purchased the stations of his longtime competitor – in a lightning-speed, three-way ownership shuffle. In the end, the two major commercial radio station groups in Fargo-Moorhead – headquartered just blocks apart – swapped an owner. First, Midwest Communications closed on its acquisition of Ingstad's six-station cluster for $25 million. Included in that deal are Talk KFGO-AM, CHR WDAY-FM, Country KBVB-FM, Classic Hits KMJO-FM, Sports KVOX-AM and Classic Rock KRWK-FM. Midwest, headed by Duke Wright, owns 47 stations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. "We are a family-owned and -operated broadcast company with over 54 years in the radio business," says Wright. "We have had a long-term interest in getting involved in North Dakota radio, and we have family in Fargo. The Radio Fargo-Moorhead properties are among the top-rated facilities in the country. We are very excited about becoming involved with these great radio stations." Then, Larry Wilson’s L&L Radio completed its $21 million purchase of Triad Broadcasting’s 32 stations, including six in Fargo. And Ingstad, acquired L&L’s Fargo stations for $9.5 million. The stations involved in that purchase are Rock KQWB-FM, Country KVOX-FM, AC KLTA-FM, Classic Rock KPFX-FM, News Talk KBMW-AM, and True Oldies KQWB-AM. Ingstad will immediately begin operating his new cluster under an LMA. He also owns twelve stations in the Tri-Cities and Yakima markets of Washington. L&L Broadcasting will retain the other clusters it acquired in the Triad Broadcasting purchase in Biloxi, Mississippi; Bluefield, West Virginia; Peoria, Illinois; and Savannah, Georgia/Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The bottom line: Ingstad will still have six stations in Fargo, but nets $15.5 million, while Larry Wilson recoups $9.5 million of $21 million. Memphis' WMC-AM to Become 'CBS Sports Radio 790' 
Entercom Memphis will flip "Sports 790" WMC-AM to "CBS Sports 790" offering the CBS Sports Radio network's 24/7 national sports coverage, programming and high profile personalities, beginning May 5. The lineup will include national talent such as Tiki Barber, Dana Jacobson, Doug Gottlieb, John Feinstein and Jim Rome with local favorites such as Scott Ferrall and local and regional play-by-play. "The relationship with CBS strengthens our position as the dominant sports network in the Mid-South," says Market Manager Dan Barron. "We now have a deeper bench of the best local and national sports hosts and popular local and regional partnerships with major league franchises for the sports fanatics. True fans have an insatiable appetite for all things sports; that's why we love the sports business. Partnering with CBS allows us to deepen our resources and provide an alternative view for listeners from nationally respected hosts." He also tells us that WMC-AM is the latest addition to the Entercom Memphis Sports Network which also includes "92.9FM/680AM ESPN" -- radio home of University of Tennessee football and basketball games as well as Coaches shows, St. Louis Cardinal Baseball, Titans Football and NBA Memphis Grizzlies Basketball.
WEQX-FM PD/Afternoon Host Amber Miller to Exit, 
Alternative WEQX-FM, Manchester Vermont/Albany NY, Program Director and afternoon host Amber Miller is stepping down after six years at the station. She spent the last three as PD. Her last day at WEQX-FM will be June 7. Current Assistant PD and Music Director Jeff Morad has officially been named to take over as Program Director when Miller leaves. She will return to her hometown of Detroit with her husband, who has taken a new job there. Says Miller, "I’ve been able to live the dream for six years at EQX. Six years more than most. I’ll miss this place like crazy, but am looking forward to being close to family and friends in the Motor City. I leave knowing the station is in good hands with Jeff at the helm." She will be looking for new opportunities in the Detroit area. Meanwhile, the station is now looking for a new, fulltime, afternoon drive host, a position that will come with either music scheduling or production and imaging duties. Along with a resume and demo, WEQX-FM is looking for a minimum of two years on-air experience and the ability to deliver lifestyle friendly and local breaks in a concise, conversational manner. Other requirements, we're told include being a "team player and uber self-motivated, creative writing and production skills, exciting Marketing skills and digital/social networking thinking and content development, understanding and passion for the music and culture of the Alternative radio audience, respect the heritage of the WEQX brand, and music scheduling/Music Master experience." The station adds, "Bonus points for: Web design skills, Graphic design skills, Videography and video editing skills." Qualified applicants should contact Jeff Morad: jeff@weqx.com. Arbitron Mailing Summer 2013 Station Info Packets 
Arbitron is mailing Summer 2013 Station Information Packets to radio stations in markets Arbitron measures for the Summer 2013 Diary survey and for the July, August, and September PPM report periods (June 20, 2013 – September 11, 2013) today (May 2). The packet contains a Station Information Form that includes information the station submitted the previous survey, along with other information important for the Winter quarter. The information collected on the Station Information Form is used by Arbitron to credit Diary entries and serves as a basis for reporting audience estimates in the Diary and PPM services. All stations are asked to complete the forms and return them by Monday, May 20, 2013. Stations may further update their submitted station information at any time during the survey or report period. Arbitron "strongly encourages" stations to note: Stations should promptly notify Arbitron about call letter changes, format and station name updates, and other station information changes; Frequency Moves and Exchanges, "Hot" Call Letter Changes, and other complex changes should be provided to Arbitron as early in advance as possible; Stations that are 100% simulcast and request Total Line Reporting must (re)submit their requests by the end of each applicable survey or report period. All stations are asked to complete the forms and return them by May 20. Stations may further update their submitted station information at any time during the survey or report period. NAB Asks FCC for More Indecency Rule Review Comment Time 
The NAB is asking the FCC for more time for comments in the Commission's indecency rules review. The FCC, as we've previously reported, issued a "Notice" seeking public comments on how it 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. The broadcasters association has requested a one-month extension from the current deadlines of May 20 for comments and June 18 for replies, asking that the deadlines be changed June 19 and July 18. The NAB says in its filing that the Commission "should allow adequate time for all interested parties to address fully all relevant issues and prepare thorough and thoughtful comments." The filing adds, "NAB also needs sufficient time to consider the views of our varied membership and to gather additional information about the impacts of specific policies on radio and television stations and networks." Says the association, "We observe that previous changes to the Commission’s indecency policies nearly a decade ago proved controversial and ultimately produced multiple legal challenges and appeals court decisions, as well as two Supreme Court decisions. Because changes in indecency policies pursuant to this Notice may prove similarly controversial -- and certainly raise significant First Amendment and other questions -- the comment period must be sufficient to provide all interested parties the time and opportunity to consider and present their views." Mike Westhoff and Ray Lucas Join NY Jets WEPN-FM Pre-game Show 
Mike Westhoff and Ray Lucas are added to "ESPN New York 98.7" WEPN-FM's Jets pre-game show -- joining host Don La Greca and analyst Greg Buttle. Westhoff and Lucas will also make regular appearances on the station's studio programming throughout the season. "Our radio broadcast is an integral part of our fans' game-day experience," says New York Jets President Neil Glat. "We are confident that adding two veterans, Ray Lucas and Coach Westhoff, to our already strong roster of on-air talent, should enhance our fans' knowledge and enjoyment of our games." ESPN New York VP and General Manager Dave Roberts tells us, "Coach Westhoff and Ray have unique perspectives on the current Jets organization," said"Adding them to our Jets pre-game show and weekly studio programming will engage our listeners and drive the relevant topics around the Jets." Westhoff has more than 40 years of college and NFL coaching experience, the last 12 as Jets special teams coordinator, retiring after the 2012 season. Lucas, who played quarterback for the Jets, Dolphins, Patriots and Ravens during his seven-year NFL career (1996-2002), has had a significant role on the Jets post-game show for the past five years and will continue. Julio Aponte Joins Sun Broadcast Group as Director of Hispanic Sales 
Sun Broadcast Group appoints Julio Aponte as Director of Hispanic Sales. Aponte will oversee sales and marketing efforts for all of Sun’s Hispanic products including the recently signed "El Mandril Morning Show." He will be based at SBG's New York office beginning May 6. Before joining Sun Broadcast Group, Aponte served as Director of Hispanic Sales for Cumulus Media Networks En Espanol. "One of the founding principles here at Sun is we only take on a project if we know we can be the leader in it," says CEO Jason Bailey. "When we expanded our portfolio to include national Hispanic programs like 'El Mandril,' we knew that we needed the very best person in network radio to tell this story. Julio is exactly that and I couldn't be more excited that he's joining our family." Says Aponte, "In Spanish we say 'El sol sale para todos' which means 'The Sun is for everyone." With the addition of these exciting Hispanic properties to the Sun Broadcast lineup, that statement has never been more appropriate. Today, I'm proud to say that this Sun does shine for everyone." Higher Income Earners Account for Majority of Entertainment Spending Nielsen: Households with Average $66,000 Annual Income Contribute 70% of Entertainment Dollars 
Wealthier households are found to be the largest spenders for music, movies, books and more, contributing the majority of dollars spent on entertainment, according to a new Nielsen "U.S. Entertainment Consumer Report" study. Consumers in households earning an average annual income of $66,000 account for more than 70 percent of spending on entertainment. Not only did the survey find that these high entertainment spenders have more discretionary income than low or moderate spenders, they also participate in more entertainment activities. This group is also more likely to be female, ethnically diverse and have young children in their household. Moderate spenders on entertainment have an average annual household income of $51,000, while low spenders earn just a bit more, at $52,000. All three segments spend the most time each week playing video games and listening to music. High spenders average 4.3 hours per week listening to music, while moderate spenders reported an average of 5.1 hours and low spenders listening to music 6.1 hours per week. High spenders also average 3.4 hours a week "attending live events," while moderate spenders reported 3.5 hours per week and low spenders at 2.9 hours a week. 'Country Gold' to Offer George Jones Tribute 
Dial Global says "Country Gold" hosted by Randy Owen, will offer a tribute to the late Country music legend George Jones this weekend. A four-hour show will feature listeners sharing their stories about special songs and concerts by Jones, and will highlight 10 of his top hits -- along with George Jones-related songs like "Don't Rock the Jukebox" and "The Race Is On." The special tribute is available based on market exclusivity. "Country Gold" host Randy Owen, the front man and lead vocalist from the Country group Alabama, says, "There really aren't many adjectives that would fully describe what George Jones means to Country music, but we know that he probably is the greatest country vocalist of all times." Stations interested in airing the tribute can obtain more details by emailing findoutmore@dialglobal.com or by calling (212) 419-2926.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Thursday's Radio & Media News - May 2. 2013
CHR-Top40 "93.3 KOB-FM" KKOB-FM, Albuquerque, promotes morning host Carlos Duran to Program Director. Duran will continue to host KOB-FM's 'Morning Mayhem' in addition to his new responsibilities ... The "Lite" is out at KVIL-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, as the CBS Radio AC station re-brands as "103.7 KVIL" with the slogan "Best Variety ... '90s, 2K, and Today" ... The "Lite" is on at Regional Mexican "Fiesta 99.7" KANR-FM, Wichita, Kansas, which flips to AC "99.7 Lite FM" with new call letter KHLT-FM, under new owner Air Capitol Media ... Adult Standards "America's Best Music"
KHAR-AM and FM translator K244EG, Anchorage, flip to "Sportsradio 590 and 96.7" airing CBS Sports Radio's full lineup ... Morning host Tati is leaving Rhythmic CHR XHTZ-FM, San Diego, for a yet-to-be-named major market position. "It's a great move and we're really happy for her," says Director of Programming R. Dub. The station is now seeking its next morning show ... Russ Allen hands over day-to-day Program Director duties at Rock WHHZ-FM, Gainsville, Florida, to Kevin McKay, effective May 6. Allen will focus on sister Rhythmic CHR "Magic 101.3" WTMG-FM, which he programs and on which he hosts afternoons.
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