Thursday's Radio & Media News - May 30, 2013

Study: Broadcasters Unconcerned By Cross-Ownership Competitors? Local broadcasters are not concerned about rival companies with cross-ownership holdings, according to a new survey conducted for the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) by BIA/Kelsey. Some, though, might question the results. The study shows that local owners are not worried about such competitors having an advantage in the market. However, those results are based on only 14 responses representing 31 stations. But eight of the responses came from companies with minority or female owners. "While we would have preferred to have received more responses, we believe that the responses that we did receive indicated there is no difference in the views of the two groups of stations towards the impact of these cross-media operations," says BIA/Kelsey. "We were struck by the lack of any large concern by almost all of the respondents to these cross-media operations." They add, "The results of this study, while not dispositive, do provide evidence that the impact of cross-media ownership on minority and women broadcast ownership is probably negligible." The study was just submitted to the FCC, including acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, who helped push for a study of the effects of cross-ownership rules. The MMTC suggested that the FCC ask for comments on their study as well. With Clyburn currently heading the FCC on an interim basis, and another seat at the Commission currently vacant, it is expected the cross-ownership rules review will again be delayed until the two Commission vacancies are formally filled. The study -- prepared by BIA/Kelsey VP/Chief Economist Mark Fratrik -- says, "The marketplace in which local radio and television stations, as well as local newspapers has changed quite dramatically in the past few years. Competition for audiences as well as for local advertisers has noticeably increased. At the same time, these traditional media are still important players in the advertising marketplace and the provision of news and entertainment to their local communities. The regulations governing the ownership of these traditional media have changed too, though the ban on broadcast-newspaper local ownership is still in place. Many analysts have examined the continuance of that ban and relaxing other local broadcast ownership rules on the impact on competition and the provision of diverse viewpoints. There has not been any specific study on the impact of relaxing these local cross-ownership rules on the impact on minority and/or women owned broadcasters." That study, says MMTC, results in their conclusion that "There may be sound justifications relating to overall viewpoint diversity, localism or competition for why the cross-ownership rules should or should not be changed. However, it appears from this study that cross-media interests’ impact on minority and women broadcast ownership is not sufficiently material to be a material justification for tightening or retaining the rules." More 'Infinite Dial 2013' -- This Time Examining Religious Radio P1's One in three Religious Format P1s listen to Online Radio weekly, while AM/FM Radio is the top in-car medium, but CD player usage is higher than average. More than twice as many as average have signed up to receive email from their P1 station. Arbitron and Edison Research release more in-depth data from their 2013 "Infinite Dial" study. After releasing additional data on AC, Urban and CHR listeners, the latest report looks at P1s for Religious radio stations. According to "Infinite Dial 2013," 71 percent of Religious P1 listeners have Wi-Fi in their homes, with 27 percent living in homes with at least five Wi-Fi connected devices. Both numbers are above the average of those surveyed. While one-third of Religious P1s tune in to online radio on a weekly basis, they are less likely than the average radio listener to use Pandora -- just 12 percent said they had in the past week. Religious P1s essentially have an average awareness of Pandora, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Also, 44 percent of Religious P1s are familiar with podcasting, but 16 percent listened to one in the last month, which is above the overall average. Just under one-third of Religious P1s watch YouTube on a weekly basis, while 54 percent are likely to keep their cellphone "within arm's length." Only 24 percent of Religious P1s use their cellphone to wake them up in the morning, which is below the 30 percent average, and just 44 percent own a smartphone. About two-thirds of Religious P1s have a social network profile, with only 26 percent reporting they use social networking "several times per day." Religious P1s have an below-average number of Facebook friends, and are also more likely to use Facebook, Linkedin, MySpace and Pinterest than the average Person 12+. Religious P1s are above-average in their AM/FM listening, as 91 percent tune in to terrestrial radio in the car, followed by 71 percent who listen to their CD players in the car. Just 26 percent use an iPod/MP3 Player, while 12 percent use satellite radio in their car and three percent are tuning in to HD Radio. Only four percent listen to online radio in the car, below the overall 12 percent average. Also, Religious P1s are also less likely to think it is important to learn about and keep up with new music, while 96 percent would be disappointed if their favorite station went off the air. Just seven percent said they are "like" their favorite station on Facebook, but an above-average 18 percent are signed up for their favorite station's email list. Just under half of Religious P1s are likely to be listening to the radio just before going to shop, essentially on par with the overall Persons 12+ response. The national telephone survey took place in January and February 2013, in both English and Spanish -- landline and cellphone -- with 2,021 people aged 12 and older. This was the 21st study in the series dating to 1998. Borrell: 'Assessing Local Digital Sales Forces - 2013 Update' Radio's Digital Account Executives Have Lowest Starting Salary Borell Associates releases a new report examining how media hires and pays digital account executives. According to the latest study, 11 percent of radio stations have dedicated digital sellers, compared to 44 percent in TV and 57 percent in newspaper. The average starting salary of a digital AE in radio is $32,200 while television offers $42,250 -- and a pureplay Internet company pays $54,100. Newspapers pay an average salary of $34,458. All of those are base salaries, before bonuses and commissions. This year's "2013 Update" is the third in a series of such reports. Borell notes that they "first surveyed sales managers on these issues in August 2009, then repeated it in November/December 2011 (reported in January 2012). Our latest survey was conducted in April and May 2013." Participants were solicited through Borell Associates’ client base, as well as through promotions by the RAB, Local Media Association, and Local Search Association. Question wording and issues evolved over time, so not all questions were identical. The survey was conducted online. For the 2013 survey, 220 media executives responded to the interview solicitation. One-third were from newspaper companies, 56% from broadcasting, 12% from yellow pages, and 4% from Internet pureplays. The survey found that hiring and training sales reps has become a top priority in the local media industry. Local media companies with digital-only reps, according to BA, average twice the online revenue of those without digital reps, have a sales staff that exhibits greater ability to consult with and educate advertisers, and have a sales staff with stronger capabilities to understand and sell digital products. But not everyone wants to be part of this digital revenue shift. Writes Borell, "Our survey found several managers who haven’t boarded the digital bandwagon. 'We should be focusing on our strength, audio advertising,' one radio manager commented, 'not selling our clients the pipe dream of 'interactivity' that digital has promised but seldom delivers.' It’s a minority opinion, but certainly represents a sibling rivalry occurring in local media families where the cute digital brother gets all the attention." The survey does find that hiring digital sales reps is on the upswing again. "Our first survey in 2009 revealed that 60% of respondents had at least one rep whose sole focus was digital products. By 2011 the recession had cut that figure to 46%. Our latest survey shows 62% of sales managers in newspapers, radio, TV and yellow pages companies reporting that they employ digital-only reps. But it’s not a lot. Two-thirds of those respondents said they have no more than two. There appears to be formidable competition from online pureplay companies." Borrell adds, "The pureplay managers in our 2013 survey reported an average starting salary of $54,100 for reps, which is about 50% higher than what TV, newspaper and radio managers were offering." For more information about the 2013 study, contact Greg Harmon at Borell Associates [gharmon@borrellassociates.com]. Tim Roberts Adds Detroit 'Amp Radio' Operations Manager CBS Radio Country WYCD-FM and Classic Hits WOMC-FM, Detroit, Operations Manager Tim Roberts adds Operations Manager for CHR-Top40 clustermate "98.7 Amp Radio" WDZH-FM. "Amp Radio" Program Director Tim Rainey remains in place and will work closely with his new Operations Manager. Roberts joined WYCD-FM as Program Director in 2005, from Cumulus Media where he was Midwest Regional Operations Manager. "Tim is an outstanding programmer and a leader with great vision," says CBS Radio Detroit SVP and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon. "His years of experience, success and knowledge will continue to help move AMP Radio to the top Top 40 position in the marketplace." Trudi Daniels to Co-Host WCSX-FM/Detroit Mornings Market veteran Trudi Daniels is named the new morning show co-host at Classic Rock WCSX-FM, Detroit, teaming with station mainstay Ken "KC" Calvert starting Monday. Daniels was most recently heard on the air as the long-time news personality on Detroit’s Rock WRIF-FM ("101The Riff") for the past 22 years. "I spent most of my life going to concerts and had to find some way to keep getting free tickets,” says Daniels, who is originally from Sandusky, Ohio. “I'm also going for the record for shortest radio move -- about 40 yards and across the hall." Yes, WCSX-FM and WRIF-FM are sister stations operated by Greater Media Detroit. We're told that with her unique and flat-out funny take on twisted stories from the shadows of today's headlines, Daniels is a perfect match for Calvert, who described his new partner as “an outstanding talent and the perfect choice to co-host the morning show.” Daniels had been the longtime “Drew and Mike” news director on WRIF-FM. She said goodbye to listeners and longtime hosts Drew Lane and Mike Clark on May 17 when “Drew and Mike” ended its highly rated 22-year run on WRIF-FM. “Dave and Chuck the Freak” this week their run as the replacement for Lane and Clark on WRIF-FM. Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare tells us, "The WCSX air staff is a collection of outstanding on-air personalities from Detroit Rock Radio history. Trudi is an outstanding talent and the perfect choice to co-host the morning show with Ken Calvert. We are thrilled she will continue to remain a part of the Greater Media Detroit family." Before her 22 years "across the hall," Daniels worked as a morning show host in Boston, Sacramento and two Ohio markets (Columbus and Toledo). TKRN Brings Back 'Powerline' with Brother Jon Rivers The Tom Kent Radio Network launches the new "Powerline" hosted by Brother Jon Rivers. "Powerline" was a staple at Top 40 Radio in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and was hosted by Rivers worldwide on over 2,000 stations. The new "Powerline" will air on TKRN's "24/7 Fun" Classic Hits network on Sunday mornings. It will be available to Adult Contemporary and Classic Hits stations as weekend Sunday programming playing Classic Hits and Gold Based AC hits with an inspirational message. "When my dear friend Tom Kent offered me a chance to help bring back the show it was a joyous day! I have admired Tom for even longer than I hosted Powerline," says Rivers. "Everything he has ever done has been compelling and entertaining. It is a pleasure to work with him again and to at last get back on the Powerline." In addition to hosting Powerline, Rivers also hosts the nationally syndicated show "20, The Countdown Magazine" and has programmed and worked mornings at KLTY and KNUS in Dallas as well as KILT in Houston. Says Kent, "Brother Jon Rivers is not only an iconic GREAT air talent but also one of the best people I've ever known in this business. He's a good guy with a tremendous passion for delivering excellent radio and we couldn't be more thrilled to have Brother Jon in our ever expanding talent pool." Knoxville's WOKI-FM Proposes Frequency Move, Upgrade Cumulus Media's "News Talk 98.7" WOKI-FM, Knoxville, is seeking a signal upgrade with a move to 98.3 FM. The move, however, is contingent on changes involving three other stations -- 98.3 WHAY- FM, Whitley City, Kentucky; 98.3 WMTY-FM, Sweetwater, Tennessee; and 98.5 WTFM-FM, Kingsport, TN. Agreements with two of those stations -- WHAY-FM and WTFM-FM -- have been filed at the FCC. The third station -- WMTY-FM -- would receive an “involuntary” change of frequency to 95.7 under the plan. WOKI would move from 98.7 to 98.3 with a classification change from C3 to C2. The station, which currently operates with 8000 watts, would increase power to 45000 watts from a new tower eight miles closer to Knoxville. WHAY-FM would relocate from 98.3 to 95.7 FM. WTFM-FM’s change would only involve changing its licensed coordinates while remaining at the same tower and antenna height. The FCC has accepted the applications for review. But whether the Commission will approve the plan is another question. Andy Parks DC Radio Show Moves to Salem's WRC-AM The Washington Times venture with longtime DC radio talker Andy Parks moves from afternoons at Metro Radio's WTNT-AM to crosstown Salem Communications WRC-AM, 11am-1pm. Parks was once half of the “Grandy and Andy” morning show on WMAL-AM, with former TV actor and ex-Congressman Fred Grandy. Says Parks, "The combination of the resources of The Washington Times and WRC 1260 provides a great opportunity to explore the news of the day, examine the big issues and break stories. I look forward to bringing those elements of the show to the listeners at WRC.” Salem DC Market Manager Thomas Moyer tells us, “The Washington Times is the only Washington-based newspaper that is committed to conservative American values. WRC 1260 is the only Washington-area talk radio station committed to similar conservative American values. This is a partnership that makes sense. This is a unique opportunity coming to our lineup.” Parks' WRC-AM show airs between Salem Radio Network’s Mike Gallagher and Dennis Prager. NABEF 'Celebration of Service' Features FCC Commissioners,   Members of Congress, Honoree Stevie Wonder The 15th annual Celebration of Service to America Awards, produced by the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF), will take place Monday (June 3) in Washington DC. "Recognized among the top Washington events, the gala will honor radio and television broadcasters from across the country for exceptional community service," says a news release. The event will also include the presentation of NABEF's highest honor, the Service to America Leadership Award, to Stevie Wonder, with four-time Grammy Award nominee Oleta Adams performing a musical tribute to Wonder. We're told that among the government officials and legislators presenting awards are acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, FCC Commissioners Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel, Senator Richard Burr, Reps. Greg Walden, Jim Bridenstine, Kathy Castor, Eliot Engel, Jim Matheson, Chris Stewart, and Paul Tonko. A record number of members of Congress will be in attendance. Several members from the North Carolina congressional delegation will attend in support of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, whose members will receive the President’s Special Award, and North Carolina-based Lowe's, winner of the Corporate Leadership Award. Other event highlights include: * Legendary Singer - Songwriter Stevie Wonder to Receive Service to America Leadership Award * Deborah Norville to Emcee NABEF's Celebration of Service to America Awards * NAB Education Foundation Announces Service to America Award Winners * NABEF to Honor Lowe's with Corporate Leadership Award The NABEF event is scheduled to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, June 3, starting with a reception at 6pm. The Celebration of Service to America Awards are sponsored and produced by NABEF with major support from Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc., Bonneville International Corporation, and the National Association of Broadcasters. NJBA Schedules 'Pandora Punishing Session' The New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) has scheduled a "Pandora Punishing Session." NJBA President and CEO Paul Rotella says it will be part of the upcoming 66th Annual NJBA Conference and Gala June 18-19 in Atlantic City. The panel, we're told, will feature Research Director's Charlie Sislen and Katz Radio Group EVP of Radio Analysis and Insights Mary Beth Garber. Says Rotella, "Join Charlie and Mary Beth for an inside baseball look at the specious claims of your would-be competitors and tear the knob off of their presentations before they poach your clients." The two-day conference will also feature a “Super Programming Session: The Future of Broadcast!” That session will be moderated by NJBA Board Member and Salem Communications VP/Director Spoken Word Phil Boyce. The roundtable will include: Scott Herman, EVP Operations CBS Radio; Joe Puglise, President and Market Manager Clear Channel New York; Eric Johnson, Program Director Townsquare Media NJ; Jeff Smulyan, CEO Emmis Communications; Walter Sabo, Chairman of Sabo Media; Joseph Kerry, Chief of Staff, Mercury Radio Arts and the Glenn Beck Show; Steve Jones, SVP ABC News Radio and Gordon Borrell, CEO of Borrell Associates. More information on the upcoming conference is available at www.njba.com. Fred Jacobs: What Radio Can Learn from MLB's Digital Division What can radio learn from Major League Baseball's digital division? In a JacoBlog post, Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs looks at that question -- and offers some answers. The post -- "Fail Fast" -- is based on "an insightful interview by the Wall Street Journal’s Walter Mossberg with Bob Bowman, MLB's head of Advance Media." Jacobs writes that "there are great lessons about how traditional entertainment businesses are navigating the digital space -- especially mobile." Says Jacobs, "First, there's an experimental aspect to what MLB has accomplished, led by the vision of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig who championed the idea of a digital division for his league." After offering a quote from the cited interview to support that, Jacobs adds, "Second, there's a realization that mobile is the thing." And, "Third, it's about making the experience a great one. And yes, it's time spent with the MLB app averages out to only 10 minutes a day." Anything else? "Fourth, it's about knowing your audience." The post notes, "Bowman's team knows MLB's target audience." We're only hitting some highlights here -- to encourage you to read the full JacoBlog post for yourself. "Finally, as Bowman notes, 'We like to fail fast.' And with that, 'We want to make sure we're respectful of people's time'," writes the Jacobs Media President. Read the full post here. It's definitely worth a thorough read. Radiate Media Traffic Adds Lincoln's San Diego Stations Radiate Media will provide traffic information for Lincoln Financial Media's San Diego stations, under a new agreement. Stations receiving the Radiate Media traffic reports include Country KSON-FM, Smooth AC KIFM-FM and Alternative KBZT-FM. Radiate notes that these stations represent a significant increase in audience coverage for the firm in the San Diego market, while expanding the reach for their advertisers on the Radiate Media radio network. "San Diego radio listeners rely on the radio properties of Lincoln Financial Media to provide them with timely, relevant information and entertainment. Now, with the addition of Radiate Media's traffic service, they have the most accurate, real-time traffic data," says Radiate Media's Dave Van Dyke. "We will be working closely with Lincoln Financial's management team of Market Manager Rick Jackson, Director of Sales Steve Sklenar and Station Program Directors Kevin Callahan and Mike Vasquez to insure the best experience for their listeners." LFM San Diego Market Manager Rick Jackson tells us, "Radiate Traffic brings a new dimension to the service that we provide both to our advertisers and to our listeners. Listeners of KBZT, KIFM and KSON -- San Diego's most popular and highest rated station -- will hear a substantial upgrade in traffic reports while our clients will enjoy our ability to showcase their products with this truly dynamic service." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Brian Casey is the new afternoon host at Hot AC WLBC-FM, Muncie, Indiana. He's also Production Director for WLBC-FM and sister Sports Talk WXFN-AM ("Fox Sports 1340") ... KZIZ-AM, Seattle-Tacoma, flips to Smooth Jazz as "Jazzy Z" using Allen Kepler's Smooth Jazz Network ... Sports Talk "93.7 The Ticket" KNTK-FM, Lincoln, Nebraska, promotes midday co-host John Gaskins to Program Director ... News Talk KFWB-AM, Los Angeles, morniing sports anchor Bret Lewis retires from radio, as of May 31. Afternoon sports anchor Bill Seward will take over from Lewis, while Bob Harvey takes over from Seward in afternoons ... Summit City Radio Group will flip Adult Standards/Talk "1250 The River" WGL-AM and AC "V102.9" WGL-FM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Classic Hits "Oldies 102.9 FM and 1250 AM" June 3. Summit City says the new format will focus on pop hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Veteran Fort Wayne radio personality Rick Hughes will join the station for mornings.