Tuesday's Radio & Media News - June 4, 2013

Techsurvey9 Finds Key Differences in Rock Formats Listeners Of the various genres of Rock radio formats, Alternative listeners are the most tech savvy, while Triple-A fans profile as the hardest to please -- and Mainstream Rockers now value personalities ahead of music on broadcast radio stations. That's according to the latest webinar data release from Jacobs Media's Techsurvey9 study of core radio listeners. More than 28,700 fans of Rock Radio formats supplied information about their media and technology habits for the latest study. Alternative listeners are the most tech savvy, leading the other Rock formats in streaming, social and mobile. Classic Rock listeners are catching up on new technology -- buying smartphones, texting, and discovering new platforms for content, including Pandora. Says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, "Each of the Rock oriented formats has its distinct digital footprint. Programmers and managers need to understand that while they all enjoy rock music of one type of another, that's often where their media similarities end." Among key takeaways by specific format, Alternative fans are distracted and engaged. They listen to less radio and place high values on music discovery. These listeners are the youngest of the four formats, very social and mobile, consuming media content whenever and wherever they go. While vulnerable to pure-plays like Pandora and Spotify, they are especially likely to download radio-centric mobile apps. If you connect with these listeners, they're most apt to share the digital content they love, so there's tremendous potential. And while they're frequent Facebook users, they are also moving to Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. For Mainstream Rock, personality matters. Of all the music formats represented in Techsurvey9, these fans say that DJs now outweigh music in their consumption and enjoyment of broadcast radio. Leaning the most male of these formats, Active Rockers are heavily into mobile, social, as well as options like Pandora and satellite radio. Programmers can also connect with them via email database programs as well as through station websites. And their use of and reliance on Facebook and Twitter for connecting with their favorite stations continues to grow. Triple-A listeners are the "hopelessly hip" audience. While they love music -- music discovery is their primary driver -- their overall listenership to broadcast radio is on the low side. Even Triple-A fans who listen to Pandora are especially critical of that service's lack of music discovery. Unabashed Apple fans, Triple-A listeners are above average for both smartphone and tablet ownership. But they also profile as the least social compared to fans of the other three rock-centric formats. Classic Rockers are rapidly catching up for being tech savy. While the least techie, they are quickly moving to adopt new gadgets and platforms, from smartphones and tablets to Facebook and texting. Of the available digital avenues, the email database has the best potential to build stronger relationships among fans of Classic Hits and Classic Rock stations. While Pandora is becoming a more popular option, these more mature rockers are the most likely of these rock format fans to subscribe to SiriusXM. On June 10, Jacobs Media will host its final format webinar for Techsurvey9 in a series -- The AC, Hot AC and CHR family. However, our friends at The Conclave have asked us to remind our readers that they will present a 90 minute webinar with Fred Jacobs and the results of Jacobs Media's Techsurvey 9, Wednesday (June 5) at 2pm CT. It's free, but preregistration is required -- at this location. More 'Infinite Dial 2013' -- This Time Focusing on Country Radio P1s Arbitron and Edison Research continue releasing in-depth data from "Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms" -- this time focusing on Country radio P1s. According to this year's study, 63 percent of Country P1 listeners have Wi-Fi in their homes, with 19 percent living in homes with at least five Wi-Fi connected devices. Both numbers are below average of the overall Persons 12+ surveyed. Just 26 percent of Country P1s tune in to online radio on a weekly basis, and they are also less likely than the average radio listener to stream Pandora, as just 16 percent said they had in the past week. Country P1s have an below-average awareness of Pandora and Spotify, but 47 percent are familiar with iHeartRadio. Just 37 percent of Country P1s are familiar with podcasting, and only 10 percent listened to one in the last month. Some 28 percent of Country P1s watch YouTube on a weekly basis, and about half are likely to keep their cellphone "within arm's length." Thirty percent use their cellphone to wake them up in the morning, which is the norm according to the latest study, and 42 percent own a smartphone. About a quarter of them own tablets. When it comes to social media, 59 percent of Country P1s have a social network profile, with only 23 percent reporting they use social networking "several times per day." Country P1s have an below-average number of Facebook friends, and are also less likely to use all social networks (except Pinterest) than the average Person 12+. Country P1s are above-average when it comes to AM/FM listening, as 91 percent tune in to terrestrial radio in the car, followed by 60 percent who listen to their CD players in the car. Just 18 percent use an iPod/MP3 Player, while 11 percent use satellite radio in their car, eight percent listen to online radio and three percent are tuning in to HD Radio. Roughly four in ten Country P1s say it is "very or somewhat important" to keep up with new music, while 86 percent would be disappointed if their favorite station went off the air. Eleven percent said they "like" their favorite station on Facebook, and eight percent are signed up for their favorite station's email list, which is in line with the overall Persons 12+ response. Also, 61 percent of Country P1s are likely to be listening to the radio just before going to shop, above the 49 percent average. "The Infinite Dial 2013" from Arbitron and Edison Research is based on a national telephone survey that 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. Dial Global Promotes Charles Steinhauer to COO Dial Global promotes Charles Steinhauer to Chief Operations Officer -- responsible for overseeing the management of the company's day to day operations. Steinhauer will continue to be located in New York City and will report directly to CEO Paul Caine. Steinhauer was most recently Dial Global's President of Operations, managing all sales support divisions. He began his career as an Account Executive with Venture Direct Worldwide, a business-to-business direct marketing firm. In 1997, he took a position as research analyst at Winstar Global Media, which eventually merged with Dial Communications to form Dial Global. In 2005, while SVP of Operations, Steinhauer helped launch Dial Global's first RADAR rated network -- the first by an independent network firm. In 2007 he was promoted to EVP and also elected Chair of the Network Radio Research Council (NRRC). He is a board member of the Media Ratings Council. "I'm very excited to be working with Paul Caine and to continue to move the company forward with all of the Dial Global family," says Steinhauer. "I look forward to working even more closely with our staff and our outstanding content and distribution partners to create optimum value for our audiences and advertisers. I couldn't be more fortunate." Caine adds, "I am thrilled to be able to recognize Charles for the work he has been doing and for the leadership role he has in the organization and within the industry We have forged a great partnership and I look forward to having him alongside me as we take Dial Global to the next level." Cumulus Names Steve Sklenar San Francisco Market Manager, Kevin Crespo San Francisco National/Regional Sales Manager Cumulus Media appoints Steve Sklenar as Market Manager and Kevin Crespo as National/Regional Sales Manager for its San Francisco cluster. Sklenar will oversee station operations for Triple-A KFOG-FM/KFFG-FM, Classic Rock "The Bone" KSAN-FM, Sports Talk "The Ticket" KNBR-AM and KTCT-AM, Talk KSFO-AM and Talk KGO-AM. Crespo, we're told, will help to develop national and regional advertising sales for the cluster. Sklenar most recently was VP/Assistant Director of Sales at Lincoln Financial Radio San Diego, while Crespo most recently was General Sales Manager for Finest City Broadcasting San Diego. "To be tapped as the leader of Cumulus San Francisco is both exciting and humbling," says Sklenar. "This is without question one of the most coveted positions in all of broadcasting, not just radio. The history and prestige of these stations in the San Francisco community comes with great responsibility. We will not take that lightly." Says Crespo, "The opportunity to return to San Francisco and represent Cumulus Media’s prestigious call letters and dynamic cluster is a dream come true," Crespo said. "In addition, I will be able to continue to work with Steve Sklenar, one of the best leaders and most respected mangers in the radio industry." Cumulus Media EVP/Co-COO Jon Pinch tells us, "Steve and Kevin are well-suited to take leadership and sales development roles at this legendary cluster of stations. They will round out a solid team that’s contributing significantly to our growth in San Francisco. After meeting with numerous qualified candidates, John Dickey and I are confident that these two gentlemen will have immediate positive impact on our business moving forward." Bill White Out As WGN-AM/Chicago Program Director News Talk "Radio 720" WGN-AM, Chicago, Program Director Bill White is out. He had been with the station since February 2011. As we first reported late last night, his Monday afternoon release came on Jimmy de Castro's first day as President and General Manager of Tribune's WGN-AM. White made the announcement in an email to the WGN Radio staff. "Today is my last day as Director of Programming and News of WGN Radio. Having the opportunity to work with such a tremendous team at one of America's legendary radio stations has been a privilege and an honor. I wish you and WGN Radio much success in the future." Tribune Broadcasting and former WGN Radio VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer hired White in January 2011 to replace Program Director Kevin Metheny, who had been fired two months earlier. Chicagoland Radio and Media tells us that "White had the difficult job of undoing some of the public and internal damage done by his predecessor, as well as trying to grow a radio station, while burdened with heavy contracts created by the previous regime. To make matters worse, for most of the time Bill White worked for the station, its parent company was in bankruptcy and demanding every possible corner be cut. Difficult circumstances to work under, even for a seasoned programming vet like White." According to CRM, de Castro also sent a memo out to WGN-AM staffers which read: "Sometimes managers have to make difficult decisions on behalf of a few to build a brighter future for many. Today, we are losing the services of a friend and delightful professional, Bill White. Please join me in wishing him the best in his future endeavors." Prior to joining WGN-AM, White spent a decade at Greater Media's "News Talk 1110" WBT-AM (now also on FM 99.3) and Hot AC "107.9 The Link" WLNK-FM, Charlotte. MHBC News hears that the leading candidate to replace White is Mitch Rosen, Program Director of CBS Radio's crosstown "670 The Score" WSCR-AM. KHOW-AM/Denver Parts Ways with Morning Host Peter Boyles "TalkRadio 630" KHOW-AM, Denver, morning host Peter Boyles is officially out, two weeks after an argument escalated to "a heated exchange" that ultimately involved physical violence with his producer, Greg Hollenback. Boyles has been off the air since then. Now the Clear Channel station confirms Boyles is "no longer with the company." Program Director Dan Mandis confirms the morning host's exit and says guest hosts will handle the show until a new permanent morning talker is named. The longtime Denver radio talk show host was first missing from the KHOW-AM moning show the day after reports of a "violent incident involving his producer" first circulated, as reported by a local TV crew visiting the studios for Tom Tancredo's announcement of his gubernatorial bid in 2014 on the show. Boyles subsequently confirmed the altercation saying he "had a very heated exchange" with his longtime producer. Clear Channel never officially confirmed the incident nor the suspension which has now become a termination. The first official word on what the company had said was a confidential "personnel matter" finally came Monday (June 3) when Mandis said an an email to a Denver newspaper, "Peter Boyles is no longer with the company." Radio Disney Continues to Sell Off Stations Radio Disney is continuing its sell off of radio stations -- now putting seven of its medium market "Radio Disney" stations on the market. According to Variety, "In the latest cost-cutting move at Disney, the company is seeking buyers for six AM and one FM radio stations that are part of the Radio Disney portfolio in the United States." Disney is now attempting to sell WDDY-AM, Albany, NY; KPHN-AM, Kansas City; KDIS-FM, Little Rock; WKSH-AM, Sussex-Milwaukee; WDZY-AM, Colonial Heights-Richmond; KWDZ-AM, Salt Lake City; and KRDY-AM, San Antonio. Disney Media Networks is handling the current sale of the stations in small- to mid-sized markets, says Variety, adding: "It is unclear just how much coin Disney could collect from the sale of the stations aimed at kids, tweens and families. The company does not break out results from its radio stations in earnings reports, incorporating them, instead, with the media networks group, which also includes broadcast and cable TV networks like ABC, Disney Channel and ESPN." You might remember that in 2010 Disney shut down and later sold eight Radio Disney stations. Disney has been placing extra emphasis on digital distribution of the network. Variety says that Disney will continue to operate their owned stations in the top 25 markets. Radio Disney Promotes Alyssa Talovic to Director of Digital Marketing In other news from Radio Disney, the company promotes Alyssa Talovic to Director of Digital Marketing. Previously she was Senior Manager of Digital Marketing, overseeing the digital marketing efforts of the network. In her new role, Talovic will work with key stakeholders and new and existing partners in developing Radio Disney's digital marketing strategy to "further elevate and expand its regional and national profile." Before joining the company, Talovic was Digital Account Director at Universal Music Group. Robert Ratcliffe Named Acting FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief FCC Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn appoints Robert Ratcliffe as Acting Chief of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. Ratcliffe currently serves as Deputy Chief of the Media Bureau. P. Michele Ellison, previously Chief of the Enforcement Bureau, was recently named Chief of Staff. Ratcliffe has worked at the FCC for more than 35 years, including tenures as the Acting Chief of the Media Bureau and as Deputy Chief of the Enforcement Bureau from 2006-09. Says Clyburn, "I am pleased that Mr. Ratcliffe has agreed to serve in this critical role. Bob is a top flight lawyer who will bring his vast experience, sound legal judgment, and overall sense of fairness to this effort." Ratcliffe also served as interim media advisor to former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes and held various policy positions in the former Mass Media Bureau, including Deputy Chief of the Bureau and Assistant Chief of the Policy and Rules and Video Services Divisions. He began his career at the FCC in the original Cable Television Bureau, holding a variety of positions, including Chief of the Policy Review & Development Division. Lotus Communications Hires Kathleen Cloutier Lotus Communications hires Kathleen Cloutier as Director of Human Resources. In her new role, she will create and implement programs and initiatives for training and development while also overseeing benefit programs, compensation planning and administration, talent acquisition strategies and employee performance management. Cloutier is PHR Certified (Professional in Human Resources) with more than 20 years of experience under her belt as a Human Resources pro. Prior to joining Lotus, she worked at Prosum, a technology consulting and IT staffing company, for 12 years. Earlier in her career, she worked at Obie Company, an entertainment concert tour company, as well as the hotel industry. "With her background and expertise, Kathleen is a great asset to our company," says Lotus President Howard Kalmenson. "We look forward to her contributions in the years to come." Fred Jacobs Warns Radio: 'The Day the Music Dies' Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs tells radio, "It’s time to get serious about music formats on FM radio. Because now Google and Apple are." As "online radio" (music streaming services that like to call themselves "radio") grow in numbers and listenership, Jacobs raises the question of whether a day will come when over-the-air radio is ultimately forced out of music formats, with the radio dial filled with only spoken word formats -- if broadcast companies don't reverse the growing trend of eliminating their biggest assets of local service and personalities for cost-cutting purposes. In a JacoBlog post, Jacobs writes, "You wake up one day – or 5 o’clock rolls around – and it turns out that one of your competitors has changed formats. And now they’re coming right at you. They’re playing your music, with your value proposition, and your liners. And they're commercial-free so even if your core fans will try them out. And it also turns out that this is no ma and pa company – it’s one of the biggest corporations in the business and they're gunning right at your heart. It's a sick feeling because brand managers work very hard to establish their turf, their position, and their difference. And when another capable player with assets galore comes on the scene, it signals fragmentation and the pain that comes with it." Jacobs surmises that "has to be how Tim Westergren and Daniel Ek probably felt last month when Google announced its new Google Play Music All Access (OK, they’ve got to tighten up that name) – another of these all you can eat music subscription services where the world’s music library is available to you to create infinite numbers of playlists. Maybe it was Rhapsody that was most uncomfortable because they’ve never cracked through and now good old Google has designs on this space. And these pure-play incumbents may go through that collective nausea again if the rumors that Apple may be starting their own music service are true. You have to believe that an Apple-created iRadio would be an instant problem for Pandora, Spotify, and others pure-plays." Beyond looking at the pureplay streaming music competition, though, Jacobs sees concerns for traditional terrestrial broadcasters. Over-the-air radio, he suggests, must face up to the reality of the threats of new media. Noting that "Every digital pundit and blogger believes that radio’s music stations are on the endangered species list," Jacobs asks, "So will music formats really be dead on broadcast radio?" His answer? "Well, yes, if radio continues to go down the path of fewer personalities, more voicetracking, less talk, no local program directors, formulaic playlists, no audience interaction, local coverage only during disasters, zero curation, and simply no fun." The Jacobs Media President cautions, "Those tactics may work just fine in the PPM world. But consumers don't live in that neighborhood. They're part of a much larger social community." To avoid the danger of traditional radio losing its place with consumers as a music source, Jacobs says, "There's a way out of this, but we have to swallow a dose of reality and start designing that strategic road map. It's time to get serious about music formats on FM radio. Because now Google and Apple are." Read the full post here. Beasley Broadcast's George Beasley Receives Honorary Doctorate Beasley Broadcast Group Chairman and CEO George Beasley received a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa during Appalachian State University's recent May commencement. A native of Patrick County, Virginia, Beasley has deep ties to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, receiving both his undergraduate (1958) and graduate degrees (1960) from ASU. Most recently, he contributed the lead gift making a new broadcasting and media facility on campus possible. The George G. Beasley Media Complex is scheduled to open later this year. Beasley is a member and past chairman of the Appalachian State University Foundation Board of Directors and also currently serves on the Campaign Steering Committee. Additionally, he is a past member of Appalachian's Board of Trustees and a former member of the College of Fine and Applied Arts' Communication Advisory Board. In 1990, Beasley received the Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award. Beasley founded the company that bears his name in 1961. Throughout his 50-plus years in radio broadcasting, he has served on many boards and earned numerous accolades from the broadcast industry, as well as from various civic and charitable organizations. Notably, the Library of American Broadcasting named Beasley a 2012 Giants of Broadcasting Honoree. Additionally, Beasley is a recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation's Broadcast Pioneer Award. Thanks to YOU from MHBC! A pair of internal announcements from MHBC today have us feeling "Giggly GoLightly" (no relation to Holly Golightly). First there's a report of exponential recent growth for our main home base, TotalPopularMusic.com -- on which we'll soon post a report (with documented proof that our website is now receiving record daily traffic, both for "unique visitors" and "total hits"). Second, MHBC Radio and Media News is second in two categories in a new online survey. We're found to be second behind only AllAccess.com for "overall nationwide radio news reporting," and also second after the Tom Taylor Now newsletter for "an informative and interesting daily newsletter covering radio and media news" by the new Harris Poll, conducted online May 1-15. Our reaction: We're in great company in both categories! Also, a big thank you to our growing list of regular readers who have made these accomplishments possible! (And we promise -- the best is yet to come!) Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio New Country KYGO-FM, Denver, ends the "Ryno and Jackson" morning show after only six months, saying goodbye to co-host Jackson who joined the station early this year. Program Director Eddie Haskell says that for the short run Ryno will be solo, with a new co-host to be announced soon ... JVC Country WJVC-FM, Nassau, Program Director and morning host Phathead is named VP of Country Programming for the company. He also will continue his duties at WJVC-FM while adding the new role ... Justin McDonald exits as VP/Director of Programming at Alaska Integrated Anchorage where he oversaw Talk KOAN-FM, Sports KUDO-FM, Active Rock KZND-FM, Jazz-Blues KNIK-FM and Hot AC KMVN-FM. He also co-hosted mornings on KMVN-FM ... Mike Elder exits Fox News Radio where he was most recently VP of Programming. He'd been with the net for eight years overall. Elder says it was a mutual decision for him to exit as he contract ended and cuts were being made at Fox News Radio ... Clear Channel Harrisburg Regional Programming Manager/Operations Manager Jeff Hurley adds afternoon host at Country "Bob 94.9" WRBT-FM, Harrisburg, which he also programs. Hurley takes the afternoon shift after JT Bosch transferred to sister Country stations KASE-FM and KVET-FM in Austin where JTB is now PD. Hurley, a busy dude, also hosts afternoons on Harrisburg CHR-Top40 WAEB-FM. He says he may also do a few other things -- but just can't remember them all ... Rick Brancadoro's WIBG-AM, Ocean City-Somers Point (Atlantic City market), NJ, flips from News Talk to the syndicated "En Vivo" Spanish/English hit music network. Brancadoro says WIBG-AM is now "the only Hispanic music station in the market."