Tuesday's Radio & Media News - May 14, 2013

Techsurvey9 Shows Country Audience More Mobile Than Ever In Jacobs Media's Techsurvey9 study of core radio listeners more than 6,300 Country radio fans representing 25 stations across North America offered information about their digital habits and preferences. The conclusion from this year's study is that they're more mobile than ever. According to Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, "Country radio fans are rapidly adopting mobile gadgets from smartphones to tablets. And their rampant use of Facebook should be a signal to Country programmers that proficiency in both the social and mobile spheres is a minimum requirement for today's stations." Jacobs Media today offered the first in a series of webinars for six key format groupings from the study, this one on Country. Each presentation provides format-specific information on the digital, social, and media habits of radio listeners, including new data broken down generationally. Among highlights from the first webinar, Country listeners are rapidly purchasing mobile gadgets. Nearly two-thirds now own a smartphone (+31% from TS8), while more than a third have bought a tablet (+68% from TS8). Answering the question, "Wonder why Country is the ratings darling?" -- we learn that Country partisans are far more likely to listen to the radio eight hours a day or more. And more than any format, they spend more time listening to their favorite Country station than devotees of any of the 12 formats in Techsurvey9. When asked about the main reasons they listen to broadcast radio, Country fans point to the music more than partisans of any of the other music formats tested. Fans of Country radio are also more apt to point to music discovery as a key broadcast radio driver. And much more than average, their primary source for finding out about new music and new artists is radio. For the Country community, Facebook is becoming as important as email as fans are far more than average to have "liked" the Country station that sent them our survey on Facebook. While Country fans are moving to Twitter, Pinterest has become their #2 social network of choice. A third of Country fans with a social profile are now pinning things on Pinterest-triple the total from Techsurvey8. Country fans are also more likely to interact socially with their favorite stations. But you'd better acknowledge them. More than any other format, those who connect with Country stations socially expect a response that same day. They are avid mobile app users, and are especially likely to have downloaded the iHeartRadio app. Country fans are also more likely to be driving a vehicle with a digital dashboard. Over the next several weeks, as we detailed May 8, Jacobs Media will be hosting Techsurvey9 webinars for the Christian, News/Talk, Sports, Rock (AAA, Alternative, Classic Rock, Active Rock), and AC/CHR/Hot AC formats. Stitcher Survey: Americans Prefer On-Demand Radio Younger Americans have an overwhelming preference for on-demand radio -- according to a study from mobile streaming service Stitcher. Their online survey also shows the same preference for on-demand television and movies. Stitcher's survey of 2,000 adults finds that 57 percent of respondents believe that in five years, Americans will primarily listen to streaming radio options over traditional AM/FM radio. The survey also finds that students may be leading the shift to on-demand and streaming media -- and Americans aged 18-34 are much more likely to watch movies, television, and listen to music always or mostly on-demand than their older counterparts. Stitcher also reports that 46 percent of the 18-34s who listen to music prefer to listen always or mostly on-demand. That demographic is more than twice as likely to listen to music on-demand than 35-54 year olds. The study also shows that 81 percent of U.S. adults who prefer to enjoy radio, movies and TV shows on-demand, do so in order to watch or listen at a later time that is more convenient, while 68 percent do so because they can avoid commercials. Says Stitcher CEO Noah Shanok, "We're relying on our smartphones and mobile technology now more than ever. We're a nation on the go, and we want access to our favorite radio shows and music at a time that's convenient for us. With the latest advancements in streaming technology, apps like Stitcher put entertainment right at your fingertips." Auto Radio Ads Have Greatest Influence Closest to Purchase Over 28,000 Radio Listeners Share Automotive Preferences, RAB Launches New Study Initiative for Members Radio plays a dominant role, whether people are considering a vehicle purchase, or spending time in a vehicle. The closer listeners get to purchasing or leasing a vehicle, the more important a part radio advertising plays. And radio is a top “must-have” for automotive buyers of every age. These are just some of the key findings stemming from the RAB's new service to help radio stations sell locally and highlight the buying power of radio listeners coast to coast. Developed in partnership with Presslaff Interactive Revenue, and offered as a benefit of membership, Finding Consumer Trends (F.C.T) Reports are turn-key online surveys of a station’s audience that provide salable insights and qualified leads on purchase interests in top advertising categories. "We were excited to launch this initiative for our members," says RAB President and CEO Erica Farber. “The number of responses demonstrates the engagement radio has with its listeners. The information gleaned from this survey on Automotive proves radio’s role within brand consideration and purchase.” The first F.C.T Report survey was conducted from March 12 to April 2, 2013 and attracted over 28,000 respondents aged 18+. Respondents were asked about vehicle and brand preferences along with advertising and dealership influencers. Of those respondents surveyed, 44% currently own a vehicle that is over 8 years old and nearly one in three (32%) of the total respondents will be in the market to purchase/lease a vehicle within the next year. Vehicle cost and gas mileage are the top two items respondents chose as important in their vehicle selection. Interestingly enough, given the price of gas, SUVs top the list of type of vehicles for consideration, followed by sedans. And Chevy, Ford and Toyota topped the charts as the three brands most considered for purchase or lease. When it comes to in-dash options and entertainment while driving, radio ranks #1. Among all age groups, AM/FM radio was the top “must-have” in any new vehicle they may buy/lease. Radio listening also dominated all other entertainment options for respondents while driving. So what medium has the greatest influence when it comes to which dealership they’ll visit? Radio advertising was the top medium to influence their selection. Website ads and TV/cable ads were noted as second and third influences. "RAB member stations now have a wealth of information they can use to engage dealerships and services shops. With responses from over 28,000 radio listeners from coast to coast, we have uncovered everything from automotive brand preferences to buying intentions to their listening habits while driving," says Ruth Presslaff, President, Presslaff Interactive Revenue. “This is compelling information that will be beneficial for all radio sales, within and well beyond the automotive category.” A free, member-only webinar featuring the national results will be presented by the RAB and Ruth Presslaff, on May 21 at 10am CT and 3pm CT. To register for the Data to Drive Your Automotive Sales webinar, click here. Rick Thomas Named L.A. 'K-Earth' & 'The Wave' Program Director Veteran programmer Rick Thomas is named Program Director for CBS Radio Los Angeles Classic Hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM and Smooth AC "94.7 The Wave" KTWV-FM, effective June 17. Thomas was most recently Director of Programming at Ohana Broadcasting Hawaii, based in Honolulu. Before that he was Director of Programming at Local Media San Diego Rhythmic AC "Magic 92.5" XHRM-FM and Rhythmic CHR "Z90" XHTZ-FM. Other stops have included Operations Manager at Univision Radio's San Antonio cluster and Director of Programming for Salem Honolulu. "I'm beyond thrilled that Rick is joining CBS Radio in Los Angeles and he is the perfect choice to program K-Earth and The Wave," says VP of Programming Kevin Weatherly. "I had the privilege of competing directly against Rick in my first PD job in San Diego, so I know we are getting a warrior and a winner to lead these two great stations." CBS Radio Los Angeles SVP and Market Manager Steve Carver adds, "Rick has a passion for radio, terrific instincts, thinks strategically and knows the Southern California market." Thomas tells us, "I am absolutely thrilled at the privilege of caring for K-Earth 101 and The Wave. I'm looking forward to working in concert with Steve Carver, Greg Strassell, Kevin Weatherly and the entire CBS Radio Los Angeles team to grow these two elite and heritage L.A. brands and to take the stations to new levels of success." Knoxville Afternoon Host Jack Ryan Becomes 'Merle FM' Partner Country "Merle FM 96.7" WMYL-FM/Knoxville owners Ron Meredith and M&M Broadcasting tell us that afternoon host Jack Ryan has accepted a new position that gives him an ownership stake, making him a partner in M&M Broadcasting. Ryan’s new role allows him to be part of the decisions made concerning M&M. Says Ryan, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Merle FM is already one of Knoxville's most listened-to radio stations. I have always wanted to own my own radio station. I never imagined it would be one as successful as Merle FM." Says Meredith, “This is a great day for M&M Broadcasting and Merle FM. To have a partner like Jack Ryan to help continue the unprecedented growth Merle FM has experienced over the last year is something I am very excited about. It is good for a local company like ours to partner with a local guy like Jack. He is one of the hardest-working people I have ever met." Ryan's LinkedIn profile has now been updated to describe him as "Partner/Account Executive and on air personality at WMYL, Merle-FM Knoxville, Tennessee Area." He says he's currently "Working hard to become the most listened to afternoon show in East Tennessee at Merle FM 96.7" -- and indicates previously he was "Radio personality at WIVK" and before that "Program director/Morning show personality at WYLV-FM." WIVK-FM is a Knoxville Country competitor to WMYL-FM. WYLV-FM, currently an EMF Contemporary Christian station in the Knoxville market, previously was a locally programmed station before its 2011 sale to Educational Media Foundation. Doug Banks Media Signs New AURN Agreement American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and Doug Banks Media have reached a new agreement for AURN to continue syndicating the "Doug Banks Radio Show" -- airing weekdays 3-7pm ET. Under the terms of the new contract, AURN will distribute, market and sell the show, one of the longest running urban programs, through 2015. AURN has distributed the Banks' radio show since July 2010. The show currently airs on nearly 30 stations, including Urban AC flagship WVAZ-FM, Chicago. "The Doug Banks Radio Show has been entertaining urban adult audiences for a long time and with his extraordinarily talented sidekick DeDe McGuire and newly added comedian George Willborn, we expect he'll be entertaining audiences for many years to come" says President of Program Operations and Affiliations Jerry Lopes. "Given the most recent landscape changes, we expect more and more stations to turn to the PPM tried and tested Doug Banks Radio Show." Doug Banks Media President Ed Pearson tells us, "Doug Banks Media has an aggressive growth strategy to expand the Doug Banks brand and introduce new and innovative media platforms to radio and beyond. Over the past few years, AURN has proven to be a solid and committed partner to the Doug Banks Radio Show, and we feel they're the best fit to be our radio syndication and distribution partner as we move into the future." Banks himself adds, "I'm excited to have AURN as our network partner. With their history and relationships with radio stations and groups around the country, we look forward to continued strong affiliate growth through the life of this partnership." FCC Gives New Leniency to Noncommercial Student-Run Stations Student-operated noncommercial radio stations will receive more leniency for violations from the FCC under a new policy. According to the Commission, there are fewer than 500 non-commercial student-run stations in the U.S. -- and acknowledges that "they are prone to commit rule violations, and likely to have difficulty paying resultant fines." The FCC says that "in view of their intrinsic value" the Commission will apply a new protocol for first-time offenders. The regulatory agency also notes the number of institutions that have chosen to leave radio business, depriving students of the chance to serve the community and learn about broadcasting. The FCC used the case of student-run William Penn University KIGC-FM, Oskaloosa, Iowa, a 250 watt station. KIGC-FM had a number of compliance violations, and was facing $20,000 in fines. That was before the new policy was applied. KIGC-FM is instead given the opportunity to sign a consent decree requiring ongoing training for the staff, and to make a $2,500 voluntary contribution to the U.S. Treasury, instead of the larger fines. According to the FCC's decision (and new policy), "Student-run radio stations play a unique role because they are incubators for talent as well as media outlets.” The FCC then notes the unique challenges faced by such outlets: a staff made up mostly of student volunteers for whom working at the station is but one of many obligations and activities; faculty advisers who face a very similar situation; and a very high turnover rate. At the same time, student-run stations generally operate with a very small budget, even when licensed to a school with a big overall annual budget to work with. In the past, the FCC has held such stations to the same rules, and applied the same punishments as all other stations, and has taken into account the school’s funding, not the station’s, when deciding whether or not to grant reductions or cancellations of fines. Also, the Commission said that from now on, schools with a first time violation for rules involving reports and filings would be notified that they could apply to have the violations handled via consent decree, under similar terms. The types of violations involved are reports to be filed with the FCC; reports that are to be placed in the station’s public file; and notifications that need to be published in local newspaper or broadcast on the station. KIGC-FM agreed to the deal, and will make the $2,500 contribution to the U.S. Treasury. Thom Callahan Is New SCBA President The Southern California Broadcasters Association Board of Directors names industry veteran Thom Callahan to be SCBA's new President, effective June 3. Callahan was most recently President of Callahan Communications. Previously, he was Director of Sales for Radiate Media, based in Los Angeles. Callahan has also held senior management positions with The Associated Press, CBS Radio, Metro Networks and Anheuser-Busch. Says Callahan, "I am very excited to be leading the SCBA. Being the face, voice, and advocate for the country's largest radio market is an honor. Southern California Radio is a dynamic and effective media platform that all advertisers should be a part of for market share and brand growth. We will work diligently to advance Radio's strength for the SCBA." SCBA Board Chairman and CBS Radio SVP Market Manager Steve Carver tells us, "Thom brings to the SCBA a wealth of media knowledge and executive expertise. He is a true advocate for Radio, with a history of collaborating with diverse groups to achieve a common goal." iHeartRadio Goes Better with Coke! (for NASCAR Summer Concert) Coca-Cola and iHeartRadio are partnering for the "iHeartRadio Coca-Cola Open for Summer Concert" featuring Trace Adkins on May 23 in Charlotte. The free event for NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 ticket-holders will stream across more than 100 Clear Channel Mainstream Country outlets nationwide during a 60-minute Memorial Day special broadcast event on May 27 -- as well as on iHeartRadio's "Country Road Radio." The long-term partnership, we're told, will also include a co-branded integrated national cinema advertising campaign across AMC, Regal, Carmike, Cinemark and independent theatres. The iHeartRadio Live Coca-Cola Summer Concert Series will feature artists like Of Monsters and Men and Jason Derulo at the iHeartRadio Theater in New York. Also, a Coke-branded digital-only custom station will launch this summer on iHeartRadio. It is available across all major platforms including web, mobile, tablets, automotive, television and gaming devices. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio AC "101.5 Lite FM" WLYF-FM, Miami, afternoon host Nikki Ramirez exits and is seeking her next opportunity -- saying until she finds it, you can find her on the beach. A veteran on-air talent, Ramirez is known as "Miss Miami Sunshine" by some -- but we know her best as a former host at Miami stations "Power 96" WPOW-FM and "97.3 The Coast" WFLC-FM (not to mention "99 Jamz" WEDR-FM -- or a couple of top stations in Atlanta) ... After four months on the sidelines, John Curley is returning to Bonneville Talk KIRO-FM, Seattle, this time as co-host with in-place Andrew Walsh, who took over evenings from Curley when he moved to mornings, but later was replaced in mornings by Dave Ross ... Mike Taylor is in at "Key Sports Radio 104.3" WYKE-FM, Ocala, Florida -- coming out of retirement. He will also contribute to sister independent TV station WYKE-CD. Before retiring, Taylor was Program Director and morning host at Oldies WRGO-FM, Gainesville. Previous stops included WHYN-AM, Springfield Massachusetts; WDRC-FM, Hartford; WKYS-FM, Washington DC; KYA-FM, San Francisco; KOPA-FM, Phoenix; and WMJJ-FM, Birmingham ... Skip Kelly is named Program Director at Clear Channel’s "107.3 Jack FM" WWJK-FM, Jacksonville. Kelly has previously worked for Clear Channel including at KIIS-FM and KYSR-FM, Los Angeles. He returns to Clear Channel Jacksonville where he was PD of the former WFKS-FM (now "Radio Now" WNWW-FM) ... Rhythmic CHR "Hot Z95" KZFM-FM, Corpus Christi, night host DJ Chris Fonseca moves up to afternoons with the exit of Gabe Rivera.