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Radio Responds to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims 
In the aftermath of what may have been the most devastating tornado ever, radio nationwide -- large and small -- is responding with efforts to raise money for relief and recovery for those affected in Oklahoma. Cox Enterprises, the parent of Cox Media Group, in partnership with the James M. Cox Foundation, has announced $1 million in support to assist those efforts, including a $500,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross and $500,000 of in-kind support, including public service announcements.
SiriusXM CEO Claims 'Superior Revenue Model' 
SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer claims the satcaster has a "superior revenue model" which "generates $142.34 per subscriber." That, said Meyer at SiriusXM's annual meeting, compares to "$12.91 per listener for Clear Channel and $6.51 per active user for Pandora." Meyer spoke optimistically about the company's projections for the near future. At the end of the first quarter, SiriusXM had 24.4 million subscribers, and Meyer said the satcaster now projects to end 2013 with roughly 25.3 million subscribers. SiriusXM is projecting 2013 revenue of over $3.7 billion, with adjusted EBITA of over $1.1 billion and free cash flow of roughly $915 million. Meyer's presentation also included data on "New Auto Sales Trends" and "SiriusXM Enabled Vehicles In Operation" -- as well as details on their "Pre-Owner Program Ramp." Meyer specifically touted his company's pre-eminence for the digital dashboard. "SiriusXM's ability to deliver service via its satellite network and wireless networks cannot be matched by IP-only competitors," said Meyer. His complete SiriusXM shareholder presentation -- as submitted to the SEC -- can be viewed here. Mat Mitchell Named Program Director for Two Phoenix Stations 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Phoenix names veteran programmer Mat Mitchell as Program Director for CHR-Top40 "104.7 Kiss FM" KZZP-FM and Rhythmic Oldies "Eva 95.5" KYOT-FM, effective June 6. Mitchell will also host middays on KZZP-FM. Mitchell spent the past six years as Assistant PD and afternoon host at KRBE-FM, Houston. His more than 20 years of radio experience includes stops at KMXV-FM, Kansas City; WXSS-FM, Milwaukee; "Y100" WHYI-FM, Miami; and, "Q100" WWWQ-FM, Atlanta. Mitchell is from Wichita, Kansas, where he was PD and morning host at CHR-Top40 KZCH-FM. "KZZP is a heritage brand with a top-rated morning show in Johnjay and Rich. Hiring Mat gives us someone who understands how these two key pieces work together," says CCME Phoenix VP of Programming Steve Geofferies. "The sky's the limit from here. He has a passion for great radio and adds another key piece to our Phoenix team." CCME SVP of Programming Brad Hardin adds, "Mat's experience working with an established brand like KRBE will bring new ideas and battle tested strategies to KZZP. We're excited to bring his talent to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Phoenix." And Mitchell tells us, "I want to thank Leslie Whittle and the amazing family at KRBE for an incredible six years! My time in Houston will always remain special to me. I am so excited to lead the powerful brands in 104.7 Kiss FM and Eva 95.5. My thanks to the Clear Channel programming team and I can't wait to get started in Phoenix!" Austin's 'The Zone' Announces New Morning Show 
Clear Channel Sports Talk "1300 The Zone" KVET-AM, Austin, announces a new on-air lineup -- with Mike Taylor now hosting mornings 6-8:00am, beginning Thursday (May 23). Taylor currently hosts mornings on sister "The Ticket 760" in San Antonio. His show will be simulcast in both markets, "giving a wider and more diverse opportunity for discussion of current sports topics," says the announcement. Taylor's show, we're told, will continue to focus on sports and lifestyle content appealing to central Texans. "We're excited to add Mike Taylor's show to the KVET-AM morning drive lineup," says CCME Austin Vice President of Operations Jay Shannon. "He's proven his success in San Antonio and we're thrilled to now have him on the Longhorn flagship station here in Austin." Market President Pam McKay addse, "Mike brings a fresh perspective and a unique personality to sports radio that listeners will gravitate to. We look forward to him not only continuing the Zone's success and momentum, but also growing our Austin audience." KVET-AM will also adjust its midday programming to allow "The Dan Patrick Show" and "The Jay Mohr Show" to air live. Patrick will be heard 8-11am; Mohr, 11am-2pm. Also, the afternoon "Sports Buffet" will expand to2-7pm, and will include Jon Madani. Brian Hatfield New Afternoon Host at San Antonio's 'Y 100' 
Cox Media Group tells us that Brian Hatfield is the new afternoon drive host at Country "Y 100" KCYY-FM, San Antonio. Says Operations Manager Jeff Garrison, "San Antonio, get ready for The Hat Man! Brian's passion and excitement for country music is unmatched. He will deliver that every day to the Y 100 listeners, and we’re very excited to have Brian aboard The Y 100 team!" Accolades for Hatfield during his radio career have included CMA Station of the Year 2009 and Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Aircheck Music Director of the Year 2010 and 2011. About his new gig Hatfield tells us, "Wow, I am blessed and fortunate to not only work for a great company like Cox Media Group, but also to work at the legendary KCYY is a dream. It’s about making history, and with Jeff Garrison’s leadership, things are about to get interesting." Hatfield most recently was Program Director and Music Director at Clear Channel Country "99.9 Kiss Country" WKSF-FM, Asheville, North Carolina. He's just started his new afternoon show at "Today’s Country Y 100" KCYY-FM this week. Connoisseur Appoints Andy Rosen Trenton NJ Market Manager 
Connoisseur Media appoints Andy Rosen as the new Market Manager for WPST-FM and WCHR-AM, Trenton, NJ. Rosen, who has an extensive radio management background, joins Connoisseur from TargetSpot, where he was VP of Strategic Sales. He's previously been VP and General Manager for Clear Channel in New York, Radio One in Philadelphia and Cumulus Media Partners in Atlanta. "To say that I am excited to join the Connoisseur Family would be an understatement," says Rosen. "Connoisseur's commitment to delivering quality to listeners, advertisers and communities with integrity, service and innovation aligns with my core operating values. Between my management background in radio and my experience in digital, I look forward to creating exciting new initiatives and building on the strong foundation that already exists at WPST and WCHR." Connoisseur COO David Bevins tells us, "We are pleased to have Andy join our team. He is an experienced media executive, that has excelled at all levels of the industry, including national representation of firms, and in large, medium and small market senior leadership positions. His teams have consistently produced exceptional results in highly competitive environments and I'm confident he will continue this success in Trenton." Slacker Names John Hayase Chief Product Officer 
Slacker names John Hayase Chief Product Officer, to oversee the development of Slacker’s digital music service across the Web, smartphones, tablets, cars and consumer electronics devices. "Slacker is growing fast with millions of people listening every month," says Slacker CEO Jim Cady. "John is here to guarantee these listeners have an amazing experience across every platform, whether they’re listening for free or are paying subscribers. John’s career at the intersection of entertainment and e-commerce also supports Slacker’s commitment to provide artists and advertisers a highly engaging and efficient way to reach their fans and customers." Hayase joins Slacker from ElasticPath, where he was VP of Client Solutions, leading the implementation of the company’s e-commerce platform. Previously he served in a number of executive roles at EA, including leading e-commerce platform development for the company’s Origin digital download service, and as the General Manager of EA China. Earlier in his career, Hayase served as a senior engineer at Boeing, designing life support systems for the International Space Station. Slacker, which launched its digital music service in 2010, recently expanded its operations, opening offices in Palo Alto, California, and New York City. Clear Channel Begins Bid to Push Back 2016 Debt to 2021 
Clear Channel Communications has started the process to offer holders of outstanding notes due 2016 to exchange any and all outstanding notes for its newly issued senior notes due 2021. The move involves a $2.1 billion bond exchange, with the company offering to swap $796.3 million of 10.75% notes due in 2016 and $1.28 billion of 11% payment-in-kind notes due in 2016 for the new debt that would come due in 2021. The notes will pay 12% in cash and 2% through the issuance of payment-in-kind notes. In a news release Clear Channel Communications says "it has commenced a private offer" to "holders of CCU's outstanding 10.75% Senior Cash Pay Notes due 2016" and "11.00%/11.75% Senior Toggle Notes due 2016" and "collectively with the Outstanding Cash Pay Notes," to "exchange any and all Outstanding Notes for its newly issued Senior Notes due 2021." CCU says, "The Exchange Offer, which is only available to holders of Outstanding Notes that have certified their status as (i) both a 'qualified institutional buyer' as that term is defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and an institutional 'accredited investor' as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, or (ii) not a 'U.S. person' as that term is defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act (each, an 'Eligible Holder'), is being made pursuant to an Offering Circular dated May 21, 2013, and is exempt from registration under the Securities Act." We're told that "Eligible Holders of Outstanding Notes must submit a letter of transmittal on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 2013 unless extended" in order "to be eligible to receive New Notes in the Exchange Offer." Read more from Clear Channel Communications. SiriusXM, Rural Media Group Sued Over 'Radio RFD' 
The Illinois Agricultural Association (the Illinois Farm Bureau) is suing Rural Media Group and SiriusXM to prevent them from using the name "RFD Radio" for a new agricultural News Talk channel that's been planned to launch July 1. The Illinois Agricultural Association claims the use of the "RFD" name would violate the Lanham Act. The suit was filed last week in U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois. Rural Media Group operates the RFD TV network and wanted to also launch a radio version on the satcaster -- but IAA has operated the RFD Radio Network since 1967 with 80 current affiliates -- and claims a registered trademark on "RFD" as well as "RFD Illinois" and "RFD Radio Network." IAA alleges that Rural Media Group President Patrick Gottsch approached IAA more than once "regarding the potential use and/or purchase of one or more RFD Marks." It's claimed they said no deal, but he hasn't given up. The lawsuit also says that Gottsch tried to register "Radio RFD" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and was rejected because of the likelihood of confusion with IAA's trademark. Marketron Sets Second Annual User Symposium 
Marketron, a provider of software solutions and business services for the media industry, will host its second annual User Symposium at the Grand Hyatt in Washington DC on June 19. Attendees will range from end users of Marketron's product suite and traffic systems, to c-level executives of leading media groups. The attendees will collaborate on a number of topics including best practices for traffic management, sales tips and training, and effective integrations of interactive and mobile advertising for broadcasters. The User Symposium traffic breakout sessions are designed to encourage attendees to share their best practices, as well as learn from product specialists in a unique environment. In addition to the product-specific sessions, Marketron will also be offering a Management track, open to non-end users, that provides management and c-level execs the opportunity to learn the best ways to capitalize on new revenue sources such as Mobile and Interactive. Presenters will include Marketron Interactive co-President Deb Esayian, as well as VP of Mobile Solutions Martin Kristiseter, who is known for his presentations on mobile trends and growth at a number of the industry's events such as NAB Show and RAB Radio Show. "The day is sure to be full of creative collaboration and education from industry experts. It's a mutual learning experience for clients and our team," said Marketron President/CEO Jeff Haley. "We look forward to seeing the collaboration between our attendees and ultimately make strides towards developing best practices and revenue growth in our industry." For the first time in recent years, Marketron Traffic, Visual Traffic and Delta Flex users will all be represented at the event. While content is planned with Marketron users in mind, the public is welcome to register and attend the broader management track. For more information on the Symposium and registration requests, visit this url at Marketron.com. L.A. 'K-Earth' Morning Co-Host Lisa Stanley Wins Gracie 
Classic Hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM, Los Angeles, morning show co-host Lisa Stanley was honored with a Gracie Award as the Outstanding Host in the field of Entertainment/Information on Radio in a Local market - Los Angeles. Stanley, who shares hosting duties with Gary Bryan, has been on the show for 11 years. She previously performed similar duties as sidekick to Rick Dees. Says Stanley, “I am thrilled with this recognition for my work. I want to thank CBS and K-Earth, as well as all of the superstars who have supported me by guesting on the show over the years and believing in me enough to give me their scoops. I look forward to continue having a great time every morning on the air.” Stanley has also worked on TV's "Hard Copy" and "Extra." The Conclave Announces 38th Learning Conference Agenda 
The agenda for the 38th annual Conclave Learning Conference (July 17-19, 2013) is announced by Conclave Executive Director Bob Shannon. He tells us, "There's never been a more exciting time in media and Conclave 38's agenda hits all the buttons - social, digital, mobile - plus how to grow talent, how to ask for what you want, and a whole day devoted to sports." Mark Bolke, Chairman of the Board for The Conclave says it best about the Conclave’s mission of education. "As the radio industry continues to evolve to meet the challenges of an ever changing media landscape, the necessity for continued education, actionable dialogue, mentoring, and networking are more relevant than ever. Conclave 38 is the next must-attend event for those investing in the future of the medium." The Jacobs Media Summer School kicks off the Learning Conference for the fourth year in row on Wednesday July 17 with ten targeted sessions from social media, to talent development, to radio connectivity and mobile, to one on ones with great programming minds of Jaye Albright and Dave Hamilton.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday's Radio & Media News - May 22, 2013
The Salem Radio Network and Salem-owned News Talk stations in major markets have launched a coordinated, nationwide effort to enlist listeners in Emergency Oklahoma Tornado Relief through Feed The Children, which itself is headquartered in Oklahoma City. This is 100% Oklahoma Emergency Tornado Relief, no references to hunger or other issues FTC deals with. All SRN shows are participating, bolstered by Salem "local" News/Talk hosts in New York, Houston, San Diego, Dallas, Louisville, Chicago, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Denver.
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