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Arbitron Sues Saga Communications for Unauthorized Data Use 
Arbitron has filed a federal lawsuit against Saga Communications, claiming that Saga, which is not an Arbitron subscriber, has illegally used its ratings and audience data. According to the lawsuit, filed in U. S. District Court in Delaware, Saga's Milwaukee cluster, which operates as Saga subsidiary Lakefront Communications, used its copyrighted audience estimates from approximately September of 2010 until 2012. In the suit, Arbitron says, "Defendants
Infinite Dial 2013: CHR P1s Are Big Online Listeners, 
Arbitron and Edison Research, releasing more in-depth data from their "Infinite Dial 2013" study, tell us that CHR P1s are more likely than the average radio listener surveyed to tune in to online radio on a weekly basis, with 47 percent of CHR P1s listening online regularly, compared to 33 percent of Persons 12+ overall. Also, 33 percent said they listened to Pandora in the past week, compared to an overall 20 percent. CHR P1s have above-average awareness of Pandora, iHeartRadio and Spotify, and 54 percent of them are familiar with podcasting, while 12 percent listened to one in the last month. The CHR data follows releasing of additional data on AC and Urban listeners. According to "The Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms," 78 percent of CHR P1 listeners have Wi-Fi in their homes, with 34 percent living in homes with at least five Wi-Fi connected devices. Both numbers are above the average of those surveyed. About six out of ten CHR P1s watch YouTube on a weekly basis, while 64 percent are likely to keep their cellphone "within arm's length." Also, 44 percent of CHR P1s use their cellphones to wake them up in the morning and 75 percent own a smartphone, while 33 percent own a tablet device. The vast majority of CHR P1s have a social network profile, with 82 percent reporting they use social networking. CHR P1s are more likely to be frequent social media users, as 45 percent said they use such sites "several times a day." CHR P1s also have an above-average number of Facebook friends. CHR fans are also more likely to use all social media platforms, with the exception of LinkedIn.
'Rush' Out in Greensboro (But Not Limbaugh) 
The "Rush Radio" brand is out at another station -- this time in Greensboro-Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at Clear Channel's WPTI-FM. The station is re-branded to "94.5 WPTI" -- as "The Piedmont's Talk Station" -- from "Rush Radio 94.5" following a similar move at sister WTKK-FM, Raleigh, two months ago. That station had been "Rush Radio 106.1" WRDU-FM. WPTI-FM hasn't changed its Conservative Talk format, and Rush Limbaugh's Premiere-syndicated show remains on the schedule, 12noon-3pm. The similar move in Raleigh came when Clear Channel grabbed the former Boston WTKK call letters. WPTI-FM and the former WRDU-FM began using the "Rush Radio" brand when the stations obtained Limbaugh's show and flipped to Talk in 2010. Tom Taylor (in his "Now" newsletter) reports that the "lone remaining 'Rush Radio' appears to be WRNO, New Orleans (99.5) - which was also the first one." Meanwhile, Lance Venta at RadioInsight writes, "While Rush and Clear Channel continue to go out of their way to insist that there isn’t anything wrong with Rush’s brand and revenue, actions speak louder than words. You don’t rebrand a station unless you have something that needs fixing and dropping the 'Rush Radio' brand is the action that Clear Channel has now taken in two North Carolina markets." 'B104' Allentown PA Names Kyle 'Jojo' Due Program Director 
Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "B104" WAEB-FM, Allentown, Pennsylvania, names Kyle "Jojo" Due Program Director, effective June 17. Due most recently was PD at co-owned "105.7 Now" WMKS-FM, Greensboro, North Carolina. Previously, Due was PD and afternoon host at "Kiss" WKXJ-FM, Chattanooga. His radio background also includes roles at Clear Channel's "Q102" WIOQ-FM, Philadelphia; "Hot 99.5" WIHT-FM, Washington DC; "96.1 The Beat" KIBT-FM, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and "97BHT" WBHT-FM, Scranton, PA, among others. "B104" tells us that "Jojo grew up in Bangor, PA, started his career dubbing music at nearby WSBG at age 15 and one of his earliest part-time positions was at B104." Due tells us, "Honored is the first word that comes to mind when I think about this new role. Being able to lead the talented team of this heritage radio station, which helped launch my career, is just an honor. I definitely need to thank Clear Channel's senior programming team for their coaching and mentoring over the years which led me to this opportunity. I'm excited to jump in and work with the B104 team continue this station's dominance in the market." Says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Regional Programming Manager Jeff Hureley, "Jojo’s track record of success makes him the perfect person for this position. He’ll bring a new energy and drive to our market-leading brand. He’s one of our company’s rising young programming stars and we’re thrilled to add him to our superstar team." Hurley, by the way is CCME RPM for Harrisburg, Lancaster/Reading, Williamsport and Allentown. Rob Hunter to Co-Host KTAR-FM/Phoenix Midday Show 
As we first reported briefly last week in our "Behind the Microphone" section, Bonneville Phoenix installs longtime producer and weekend talk show host Rob Hunter as co-host with Karie Dozer on the new "Rob and Karie" midday show, set to start June 3 on "News Talk 92.3" KTAR-FM. Now comes the formal announcement. "Rob is a rising star," says Bonneville Phoenix VP of Content and Operations Ryan Hatch. "He and Karie will have diverse and interesting points of view that will bring a thought provoking jolt of energy to the KTAR middays." Rob and Karie will be an opinionated and interactive look at the most topical and locally relevant news stories of the day. It will include listener calls and heavy social media integration. "This is a dream come true for me," says Hunter. "For the past six years I've worked with some of the best in the business and now I'm excited to take what I've learned and deliver an entertaining show that will make our audience think about the news a little differently." Chuck Powell, Dozer's midday radio partner for the past 18 months, will take his creative talents to a new digital content position in which he will contribute to all three Bonneville Phoenix stations -- KTAR-FM, Sports Talk KTAR-AM, and Adult Variety Hits "98.7 The Peak" KPKX-FM. He will also host a sports podcast with his former sports radio partner Vince Marotta on arizonasports.com. Dial Global Hires Shari Sterenbuch as Senior Director of Marketing 
Dial Global hires Shari Sterenbuch as Senior Director of Marketing. In this newly created position, Sterenbuch will be responsible for "creating cutting-edge promotional opportunities for content producers, advertisers and marketers." She will work out of New York City, reporting directly to VP of Marketing Suzy Schultz. Sterenbuch joins DG from Clear Channel New York, where she was Director of Promotions for WAXQ-FM, WHTZ-FM, WKTU-FM, WLTW-FM and WWPR-FM. Sterenbuch started her career as Assistant Promotions Director for Clear Channel's WKTU-FM, eventually rising to Promotions Manager. "I am thrilled to join Dial's Global's exceptional talent and management team under the leadership of CEO Paul Caine, CMO Christina Albee and VP Suzy Schultz," says Sterenbuch. "I'm delighted to work with this stellar group to grow Dial Global as a marketing powerhouse and to help our clients innovate with audio." DG VP of Marketing Suzy Schultz adds, "We're so excited to have someone of Shari's caliber join our dynamite team. Her local activation expertise and specialty in multi-platform promotional experiences will bring our sales and programming offerings to the next level." Simmons Names Jake Jensen Director Promotions/Marketing/Events 
Simmons Media Salt Lake City appoints Jake Jensen as VP and Director of Promotions, Marketing and Events for the cluster, effective June 1. That station group includes Alternative KXRK-FM, CHR-Top40 KUDD-FM, Rhythmic CHR KUUU-FM, Country KEGA-FM, Rhythmic AC KYMV-FM, and St. George, Utah, Alternative KRQX-FM and CHR KURR-FM. Jensen will continue to oversee all on-site promotion and marketing strategies of the cluster, but will now also assume the promotion and marketing of Simmons Events, where he's served as Executive Producer. Jensen will also continue to manage the tactical on-site marketing plans associated with Group Sales Promotions and Events, working closely with Group Sales Coordinator Jana Tuttle. Arbitron Has Balls! Looks at Baseball Opening Day, NBA Regular Season Radio Listening 
Arbitron has released ratings data for radio broadcasts of Major League Baseball opening day games and NBA regular season broadcasts for this season, analyzed by their Chris Meinhardt. The New York Yankees had the largest opening day cume among Persons 6+, with 581,500, followed by the Cincinnati Reds with 343,600 and the New York Mets with 264,900. Looking at the share of Men 25-54, the Milwaukee Brewers brought in the biggest number, with a massive 40.8 share in this demographic, followed by the Reds with a 36.1. Despite playing a night game for their opener, the St. Louis Cardinals ranked third with a 26.3 share. Meinhardt notes that some of the usual best performers -- like the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies -- showed lower shares than usual because their openers were played at night. He also noted that the on-field improvement of the Pittsburg Pirates and Washinjgton Nationals is reflected in increased listenership.
ESPN Radio Enters Out-Of-Market NFL Sunday Afternoon Syndication 
ESPN Radio is entering out-of-market NFL Sunday afternoon syndication, signing individual multi-year agreements with the New York Giants, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins for syndication rights beginning with the 2013 season. The agreements mark the first time ESPN Radio will broadcast NFL game action nationally on its over-the-air terrestrial network. The teams will continue to broadcast in their home markets through their official local stations. "Adding the NFL to ESPN Radio's play-by-play mix, which already includes MLB, NBA, BCS, and the new college football championship starting in 2015, strengthens an already unparalleled and valuable lineup to advertisers, our affiliates and sports fans," says ESPN SVP of Production Business Divisions Traug Keller. "We are excited to enter the NFL game business." ESPN NFL analysts Herm Edwards, Bill Polian and Damien Woody will each work several of ESPN Radio's national broadcasts. Additional commentators and the complete schedule will be announced at a later date. Research Director Sets Play-by-Play Webinar 
Research Director, in cooperation with GfK MRI, has completed an extensive study on the play-by-play radio listener that quantifies the benefits of reaching those listeners. And they will be conducting a webinar presentation of the study June 5 at 2pm ET. Says Research Director partner Charlie Sislen, “Play-by-play audiences deliver great bang for your buck. This study will help sellers differentiate their listeners from the average consumer.” Research Director says the study shows radio's sports play-by-play audience is comprised of people who make more money, are better educated, and buy more expensive houses and cars. Those are just a few of the traits of sports PBP listeners that make them more attractive and valuable to advertisers. Listeners' passion, combined with forefront sound, justifies a premium rate. To join in on the June 5 webinar, go to this gotomeeting url. Following the webinar, a portion of the study will be available here at Research Director's website. The entire study, which includes full profiles of eight sports, can be purchased from GfK MRI. FCC Releases Proposed Regulatory Fee Schedule 
The FCC has released its regulatory fee analysis and request for comment for fiscal year 2013, proposing to collect $339.8 million. The Commission notes that due to the government sequester, it must cut $17 million in salary and expenses to $322,8 million for the year -- but that the amount it needs to collect has not changed. The proposed fees show increases capped at 7.5% for the year. Under the proposal, the Media Bureau's share of the total amount to be collected is being increased from 30.2% to 33.33%. The FCC Notice says, "The sequester effectuated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 reduces the agency’s permitted Fiscal Year 2013 salary and expenses expenditures by $17M to $322,844,000. However, that Act does not alter the congressional directive ... to collect $339,844,000 in regulatory fees." Read the full proposed schedule here. Focus 360 to Rep 'Dr. Joy Browne' Radio Show 
Focus 360 signs with the "Dr. Joy Browne Radio Program" to become the exclusive national advertising sales rep of "the longest running nationally syndicated radio show of its kind," now syndicated by Radio America weekdays 12noon-3pm ET, plus weekends. The new arrangement, we're told, "expands Focus 360's roster of personality-driven radio programs." Says Focus 360 VP of Ad Sales Dick Silipigni, "An alternative to political talk radio, Dr. Joy's dynamic personality, combined with her no-nonsense advice on issues ranging from relationships, marriage, finance, work and career, has garnered her millions of devoted listeners. The addition of Dr. Joy's show to our repertoire creates more opportunities for our advertisers to reach engaged listeners." Radio America COO Mike Paradiso adds, "Dr. Joy's show has been a successful ratings winner for over 15 years. Partnering with Focus 360 will increase our revenue from national advertisers. We look forward to working with them as we continue to grow the Dr. Joy Browne Radio Program." A licensed clinical psychologist, Browne has won a number of awards for her work.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Kiss 98.3" WKSI-FM, Winchester, Virginia, Program Director and afternoon host Adam Rivers exits the station after 14-months for an as-yet unannounced position with Clear Channel ... Afternoon host Nikki Reed re-ups at CHR-Top40 "99.5 - Indy's Hit Music Station" WZPL-FM, Indianapolis, in a deal which includes her adding Music Director duties ... At "Thunder Country 96.3" WRHT-FM, Greenville, NC, Production Director Mudflap moves to 9am-12noon, Jenny Cruz takes 12noon-3pm, Program Director Dylan McKay assumes afternoons, and Music Director/Webmaster Chase adds nights ... Country WPDM-AM, Potsdam, NY, flips to CBS Sports Radio, while sister WSNN-FM becomes "B99.3" as "The 80's Hit Music Channel". Both changes come as Martz Communications takes control of the stations which they recently acquired ... KIGS-AM, Hanford, California, returns to the air as "Fox Sports 620" after a period of silence.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday's Radio & Media News - May 28. 2013
have willfully and intentionally infringed Arbitron's copyrights by copying and distributing copyrighted audience estimates obtained from the Arbitron Reports and Databases without authorization from Arbitron." Arbitron adds that management and employees "regularly obtained copies of Arbitron's copyrighted audience estimates which were reproduced and circulated among its personnel" -- and used its data on a regular basis, including for setting its own ad rates. The suit also claims that the Milwaukee stations' use of Arbitron's data was "so widespread, open and notorious" that management offered an "Arbitron bonus," based on how well its stations performed in Arbitron's ratings. Arbitron is seeking an award of damages "in an amount not less than $150,000 per act of infringement, the exact amount to be determined at trial, plus an award of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, plus an award of enhanced damages." See the federal lawsuit filing 
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