Monday's Radio & Media News - June 24, 2013

'The Link' Launches in Fort Myers The realignment of Beasley's Southwest Florida stations is completed with the launch of Alternative/Modern AC hybrid "The Link" on four FM translators. Those translators had been re-broadcasting Sports Talk "770 ESPN" WWCN-AM before Beasley gave it a full power FM signal of its own on 99.3 replacing "99X" which, in turn, has been merged with "96 K-Rock" WRXK-FM, Fort Myers. "The Link" is being promoted as "Southwest Florida's Modern Music" and launches with 10,000 songs in a row. Former "99X" hosts Roger Marley and Gabbi are scheduled to relocate to "The Link" soon. "The Link" is airing on 96.5 W243BM, Suncoast Estates; 98.1 W251AL, Fort Myers; 101.5 W268AH, Bonita Springs; and 105.1 W286AK, Naples, via WRXK-FM's HD2 multicast channel. Last week, Beasley Southwest Florida told us that "The Link" will "play the biggest songs from Triple-A, Alternative, and Hot AC on one radio station" and include artists such as Imagine Dragons, Muse, Mumford & Sons, fun. and Coldplay along with U2, R.E.M., Dave Matthews Band, INXS and more. Said Beasley Southwest Florida VP and Market Manager Brad Beasley, "The crossover music between Alternative, Triple A, and Hot AC formats have never been hotter. We feel a unique radio station celebrating the richest artists in today’s Pop/Alternative music alongside proven artists with multiple decades of success will deliver a unique upscale audience currently not being served by the many gold-based radio stations in Southwest Florida." Arbitron Sues Renda for Unauthorized Jacksonville Ratings Use Arbitron is suing Renda Broadcasting for copyright infringement. In the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Florida, Arbitron claims that Renda used Jacksonville ratings without paying for them -- that Renda's contract to use the data expired in December 2010, but that between May 2011 and at least December 2012, Renda "illicitly obtained” copies of the Jacksonville ratings from an unnamed advertising agency. The suit says a senior exec of the ad agency "was a long time friend and business associate of Bill Reese" -- Renda's Jacksonville General Manager. Reese allegedly gave the ratings info to "99.9 Gator Country" WGNE-FM Sales Manager Charlie Jennings and cluster Operations Manager Chuck Beck, as well as AC "Lite 96.1" WEJZ-FM morning host Arthur Crofton who also requested and received his own reports from the agency. According to the suit, Reese at first received the ratings information in the form of printouts, but later the cluster was sent emails with the information. It claims Reese promised to shred the ratings once they looked them over. Arbitron is seeking at least $150,000 per infringing act plus attorney's fees and enhanced damages, along with injunctive relief and at least $500,000 for inducement of the agency to infringe on the copyright. Arbitron is not seeking damages from the ad agency that shared the data. Renda has not yet filed a response to the suit. Pink Floyd: 'Pandora's Internet Radio Royalty Ripoff' Three members of the iconic Classic Rock band Pink Floyd -- making their opinions known on webcasters royalty rates in an op-ed piece in USA Today -- are especially critical of Pandora. Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason write, "Great music can inspire deep emotions, and businesses have long sought to harness this power in order to make money. Nothing wrong with that – everyone deserves to make a living – but too often it leads to less than scrupulous behavior. The latest example is how Pandora is pushing for a special law in Congress to slash musicians' royalties – and the tactics they are using to trick artists into supporting this unfair cut in pay. It's a matter of principle for us. We hope that many online and mobile music services can give fans and artists the music they want, when they want it, at price points that work. But those same services should fairly pay the artists and creators who make the music at the core of their businesses. For almost all working musicians, it's also a question of economic survival. Nearly 90% of the artists who get a check for digital play receive less than $5,000 a year. They cannot afford the 85% pay cut Pandora asked Congress to impose on the music community. "Last year, we joined over 130 other bands and artists to oppose Pandora's campaign to cut the royalties paid for digital radio spins. Widespread artist opposition stopped them last year, so this year Pandora is trying to enlist artists support for their next attempt at passing this unfair legislation. Musicians around the country are getting emails from Pandora – even directly from the company's charismatic founder Tim Westergren – asking them to "be part of a conversation" about the music business and sign a simple "letter of support" for Internet radio. Sounds good. Who wouldn't want to be "part of a conversation"? Who doesn't support Internet radio? What scrooge would refuse to sign such a positive, pro-music statement? Of course, this letter doesn't say anything about an 85% artist pay cut. That would probably turn off most musicians who might consider signing on. All it says about royalties is "We are all fervent advocates for the fair treatment of artists." And the only hint of Pandora's real agenda is the innocent sounding line "We are also fervent supporters of internet radio and want more than anything for it to grow." The petition doesn't mention that Pandora is pushing the growth of its business directly at the expense of artists' paychecks. Fine print is one thing. But a musician could read this "letter of support" a dozen times and hold it up to a funhouse mirror for good measure without realizing she was signing a call to cut her own royalties to pad Pandora's bottom line. "We've heard Pandora complain it pays too much in royalties to make a profit. (Of course, we also watched Pandora raise $235 million in its IPO and double its listeners in the last two years.) But a business that exists to deliver music can't really complain that its biggest cost is music. You don't hear grocery stores complain they have to pay for the food they sell. Netflix pays more for movies than Pandora pays for music, but they aren't running to Congress for a bailout. Everyone deserves the right to be paid a fair market rate for their work, regardless of what their work entails. We're not saying that the music business is perfect or that there is no room to compromise. Artists would gladly work with Pandora to end AM/FM's radio exemption from paying any musician royalties – a loophole that hurts artists and digital radio alike. Other changes and compromises may be possible as well. The open letter to Pandora that we signed last year said, "Lets work this out as partners" and that's what we should do. But tricking artists into signing a confusing petition without explaining what they are really being asked to support only poisons the well." BlogTalkRadio Partners with Tavis Smiley to Host First Network Daily Radio Show 'Tavis Talks' Launches June 25 BlogTalkRadio announces that well known public radio broadcaster Tavis Smiley will launch the Tavis Smiley Network (TSN). This marks BlogTalkRadio's first talent-branded network and first alliance with a national media personality. The Tavis Smiley Network (TSN) debuts June 25 with multiple shows including the daily “Tavis Talks,” Smiley’s return to live call-in radio. Throughout the inaugural season of the Tavis Smiley Network, guests will include Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt, Larry King, Hugh Laurie, Maya Angelou, Suze Orman, Walter Mosley, Mindi Abair, Dwight Gooden, the Sugar Hill Gang, and many more. BlogTalkRadio describes itself as "the world's largest social broadcasting network with more than 18 million unique visitors and 40 million listens per month." Founder and CEO Alan Levy tells us, "Tavis brings a new level of broadcast excellence to the platform that bolsters the evolution of BlogTalkRadio. We are thrilled to offer our listeners even more compelling content through Tavis and his network featuring other top broadcasters.” Says Smiley, "BlogTalkRadio gives me the ability to engage with fellow citizens in a way I haven't been able to since 2001. I'm excited about this partnership with BlogTalkRadio and look forward to the launch of the Tavis Smiley Network (TSN), the new home for smart talk online." Veteran journalist and talk-show producer Michael Horowicz will executive produce TSN for Smiley Radio Properties. Recently, BlogTalkRadio announced that media executives Stephen Colvin (former CEO of Newsweek Daily Beast) and Craig Marks (former editor of Spin, Blender and Popdust) have joined the company. Craig Marks has been named BlogTalkRadio's first Editorial Director and Stephen Colvin has joined as a Strategic Advisor. Charlie Morgan Elected Country Radio Broadcasters President Emmis Indianapolis SVP and Market Manager Charlie Morgan has been elected President of the Country Radio Broadcasters. “The Country Radio Seminar has played such a significant role in my own personal growth and success that it is a privilege and a bit humbling to have the chance to serve the organization," says Morgan. "The leadership team, both board leadership and staff, is incredible and the Seminar will continue to be a catalyst for growth and learning for years to come." Other CRB appointments include R.J. Curtis (All Access Music Group), Vice President; Carole Bowen (WKIS-FM), Secretary; and Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group), Treasurer. Seven newly elected members to the Board are: Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Beverlee Brannigan (Journal Broadcast Group), Jeff Kapugi (CBS Radio/Chicago), Jon Loba (BBR Music Group), Nick Martin (Curb Records), CRS 2014 Agenda Chair Annie Sandor (Curb Records) and Todd Schumacher (Summit Media Group). Re-elected to the Board are: Becky Brenner (Albright & O'Malley & Brenner Consulting), Mike Dungan (UMG Nashville), Mike McVay (Cumulus Media), Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications), Gary Overton (Sony Music Nashville), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Associates), Jennie Smythe (Girilla Marketing) and John Zarling (Big Machine Label Group). Board members with continued terms are: Tom Baldrica (Show Dog – Universal), Carole Bowen (WKIS-FM), Johnny Chaing (KKBQ), John Crenshaw, Mike Culotta (Streamsound Records), R.J. Curtis (All Access Music Group), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicutt (Clear Channel), Keith Kaufman (Center Stage Tour Promotions), CRS Director Emeritus Charlie Monk (Monk Family Music), Royce Risser (UMG Nashville), Denise Roberts (Lytle Management Group), Tim Roberts (WYCD), John Shomby (Max Media of Hampton Roads) and Jeff Walker (The AristoMedia Group). CRS 2014 will be held February 19-21, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information on CRS 2014. WIOU-AM/Kokomo Going All Sports Hoosier AM/FM Radio News Talk/Sports Talk WIOU-AM, Kokomo, Indiana, will flip to all Sports Talk using ESPN Radio July 1. Program Director and morning host Rob Rupe will remain as PD. The new format will include the full ESPN Radio national lineup, plus Indianapolis Colts football and local high school sports play-by-play. WIOU-AM has been an ESPN affiliate with its format but only airing select programming from the national feed. Says Station Manager Ernie Calderone, "I feel as long as we continue to be local in our community, we’ll do extremely well. I think we’ve been known as the sports station, because we already carry a half-day schedule. I just felt like with the sports we already have, why not go to all Sports 24/7?” With the change the station will drop local shows hosted by Rupe and Peter Heck and the syndicated Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh programs. CBS Sports Radio Signs 300th Affiliate CBS Radio announces it has just signed its 300th affiliate for the CBS Sports Radio network. Launched on September 4, 2012, CBS Sports Radio, we're told, has more than tripled its reach since the new venture was announced with programming available in all of the Top 10 and 35 of the Top 50 markets across the United States. "The content partnership between CBS Radio and CBS Sports, with affiliate sales and syndication provided by Cumulus Media Networks, offers around the clock national sports coverage from a wide range of sports personalities and experienced broadcasters," according to today's announcement. "Hitting the 300 affiliate mark in less than a year is a significant milestone and testament to the overwhelming love of, and support for sports radio in this country," says CBS Radio SVP of Programming Chris Oliviero. "We've always been of the mind that if you provide listeners with superior content from knowledgeable talent, adoption will surely follow, and with CBS Sports Radio, we have that perfect combination of well-known and respected sports enthusiasts, superstars and analysts. Sports talk is truly the new national pastime that continues to engage with a broad spectrum of involved fans across a myriad of platforms, and we are proud, along with our terrific and supportive affiliate base, to be an active part of this daily conversation across the nation." BIA/Kelsey Announces Two VP Promotions New Roles for Analysts Michael Boland and Jed Williams Digital Media Exec Warren Kay Joins as Executive-in-Residence BIA/Kelsey today announced the expansion of its executive team with the promotions of analyst Michael Boland to Vice President, Content, and analyst Jed Williams to Vice President, Consulting. In addition, veteran digital media executive Warren Kay has joined the firm as executive-in-residence. Since joining the company in 2005, Boland has been instrumental in covering interactive and mobile media. His expertise and curiosity about new mobile, social, and video technologies have made him a valuable resource for BIA/Kelsey clients. As VP, Content, he will direct internal programs such as the evolution of BIA/Kelsey’s Custom Advisory Services, and the newly formed "BIA/Kelsey Labs" incubator for new initiatives. As VP, Consulting, Williams will manage the company’s growing strategic consulting practice and will remain focused on helping clients build and execute successful digital media business strategies. His expertise spans market research and segmentation, forecasting, strategic planning, new product development, partnerships and competitive intelligence. His domain specialties include social media, mobile platforms, digital advertising and ecommerce. "Mike and Jed have been valuable assets to BIA/Kelsey, our clients and the industry at large, through their analysis and coverage of the trends, technology and business models shaping the local media landscape," says BIA/Kelsey Managing Director Rick Ducey. "I look forward to working closely with each of them in their expanded roles, as they contribute in new ways to the growth of our business." As executive-in-residence, Kay will "provide expert counsel to clients of BIA/Kelsey’s Custom Advisory Services and lend his expertise to the firm’s coverage of digital media sales transformation. He is a highly regarded industry leader with fifteen years of experience in driving innovation and results in online media." He brings to BIA/Kelsey relevant industry experience in a range of executive and sales management roles at top digital media companies, including Dex One Media, Citysearch, Yahoo!, News Corp – Fox Audience Network, Trada and iPromote. “Warren’s experience at some of the top companies in the digital media industry, coupled with his knowledge of modern digital media sales practices, makes him a valuable addition to the BIA/Kelsey team,” says BIA/Kelsey CEO Tom Buono. “We are thrilled to have him aboard and expect our clients will share our excitement as they have the opportunity to tap into his insights and expertise.” Kay starts with the company July 1. Clear Channel Seattle Appoints Katerina Perez VP of Sales Clear Channel Seattle appoints Katerina Perez to be VP of Sales, effective August 1. In her new role, Perez will oversee all sales operations for Clear Channel's seven-station Seattle cluster. She most recently has been Market President for Clear Channel Norfolk. She has also held a variety of leadership and sales positions throughout Clear Channel Florida including Miami, West Palm Beach and the Florida Keys. "Katerina's strong performance and high level of achievement makes her the perfect choice to oversee and lead our sales operations for Seattle," says Seattle Market President Lisa Decker. "Her track record is one of continuous success with the company." Perez tells us, "I am excited to work with the outstanding Seattle team and our exceptional brands 106.1 Kiss FM, KUBE 93, 95.7 KJR-FM, Sports Radio KJR 950 AM, South Sound Sports 850 AM, The Brew 104.9 FM and our newest addition 102.9 Now FM. This is such a dynamic time for Clear Channel and I am thrilled to be part of the next phase of growth in Seattle." Emmis St. Louis Announces Two Sales Management Appointments Emmis Communications St. Louis announces Steve Williams as the new General Sales Manager of "Real Rock Radio" KSHE-FM, and Alana Doran as General Sales Manager of "K-Hits" KIHT-FM. Doran takes over from Williams as he assumes his new position. "Steve did an excellent job at KIHT and will now bring his work ethic, decades of experience and training skills to KSHE," says VP and Director of Sales of Emmis St. Louis Dave Keiser. Speaking of Doran, who is promoted from Account Manager, Keiser adds, "Since coming to Emmis St. Louis, Alana has quickly established herself as someone that has a passion for our business, an easy and effective rapport with clients and the respect of her peers." She joined Emmis from Media Specialist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and stltoday.com. Las Vegas PD John Shaffer Elected APTRA President Beasley Broadcast Group Las Vegas tells us that News Talk KDWN-AM Program Director John Shaffer has been elected the 2013-2014 President of the Associated Press Television and Radio Association (APTRA). He'll represent thirteen western states, including California, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Washington, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Alaska and Oregon. Shaffer had served as VP of the APTRA Board of Directors for the past two years, and as the Nevada Radio representative on the board for the past four. Beasley Las Vegas Market Manager Tom Humm tells MHBC, "John serves as Program Director and News Director for KDWN and is perfect for this position. He is a perfectionist, and believes in the importance of both maintaining integrity and getting information out to our communities in a timely manner. These skills will serve him well as president of APTRA." The passing of the gavel took place at APTRA's annual Mark Twain Awards Banquet, held Saturday, June 22, in Pasadena, California. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio "ESPN 99.1 The Ticket" KSEK-FM, Pittsburg, Kansas, flips to Classic Rock "99.1 URock".with plans for a lineup of local hosts. The station will retain its local high school sports coverage from the previous format ... Peter Herrick exits CHR-Top40 "Channel 96.1"WHQC-FM, Charlotte, as the producer of the syndicated "Ace and TJ Show" ... Hot AC "Majic 95.1" WAJI-FM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, midday host Barb Richards resigns for a non-radio Marketing Director position ... Alternative Rock "Z104.5 The Edge" KMYZ-FM, Tulsa, morning host Tara and night host Mikey B both exit ... Inspirational "Praise 103.9" WPPZ-FM, Philadelphia, Programming Assistant Kyle Glover is promoted to Music Director. Glover will also continue to assist in the programming of WPPZ-FM and sister "Old School 100.3" WRNB-FM ... "96 K-Rock" WRXK-FM, Fort Myers, midday hosts "Zito and Garrett" are out, as the station exits a Hot Talk format and merges programming with Rock WJBX-FM in the recent format adjustments at Beasley's Southwest Florida stations ... Country WMAD-FM, Madison, afternoon personality Tracy Dixon is named morning co-host for Country KYGO-FM, Denver, effective July 8, joining in-place host Ryno, after the recent exit of Jackson.