Wednesday's Radio & Media News - July 17, 2013

Arbitron's Jon Miller: 'Why Every Day Matters' How does a radio station get listeners to spend more time with their station? Arbitron Director of Programming Services Jon Miller addresses that in a new blog post -- "Every Day Matters." He writes, "Not long after PPM was introduced, I remember having conversations with broadcasters about how every minute counts. In the world of PPM, a listener's detailed tuning habits are captured throughout the day, and it turns out listening is much more spread out over the course of the hour than we traditionally believed. In short, life is complicated and busy and listeners tune in and out as their daily routines allow. This line of thinking eventually led us to one of the first big findings for programmers in PPM. Occasions of listening are easier to influence than how long they last. In other words, focus on getting listeners to tune back in. And now the subject of daily occasions is standard in every PD’s ratings toolbox." In the first of what will be two columns, Miller writes that he wants to "expand on this subject by proving why every DAY matters, too." "The switch from Diary to PPM changed the way Cume is calculated. In the Diary, it’s weekly; whether someone listens one day or seven, you only count as one weekly Cume listener. In PPM, it’s all about the daily audience. Since we’re looking at every single day, there are actually 28 opportunities to 'Cume' a station during a monthly survey (since it lasts 28 days), so the more days your audience listens, the more Cume you'll get," writes Miller. Citing data from the Top 10 PPM Markets, Winter 2013 (Jan-Feb-Mar), Total Radio Listening, "During an average month how many In-Tab days were you exposed to radio during the 6AM-Mid daypart," it's noted that "During an average month in the Winter of 2013 in the top 10 markets, 72% of the total 12+ sample tuned to radio more than 50% of the possible days." Miller then writes, "Almost three-quarters of the panelists in the top 10 markets are, during an average month, using some form of radio on at least half of their days. That’s a pretty impressive number when you consider today's media landscape and the multitude of options that vie for a listener’s attention. Keep this in mind as you consider how to recycle your audience. Vertical recycling—getting them to tune in more times each day—has been our focus for years because driving more daily occasions is crucial to increasing time spent listening. But horizontal recycling—getting listeners to tune in more days each week—helps increase your daily Cume AND gives your station another opportunity to create more tune-ins that day, leading to higher TSL. Combining the two—vertical and horizontal recycling—by creating habitual listening patterns that draw your audience back to your station again and again is as close to a ratings 'magic bullet' as you can find. It builds both Cume and time spent listening and solidifies your station's brand in the minds of the audience as a destination that matters to them." WMGC-FM/Detroit Close(r) to Sports Talk Flip? Some say it's not a question of if, but when. It now appears that "when" may be soon. Rumors and speculation about a flip at Detroit's AC WMGC-FM to Sports Talk seem to have some confirmation from ESPN Radio. Their VP of Communications, Diane Lamb, confirms related reports that ESPN Radio is ending its deal with Detroit's WCAR-AM, saying the network is “currently in the process of securing a new ESPN affiliate in Detroit." Although WMGC-FM is not named, and Greater Media Detroit remains silent on the reported pending flip, observers in the Motor City seem certain ESPN Radio is going to a new Sports Talk station on WMGC-FM, or at least its 105.1 frequency. Other reports from Detroit continue to indicate that some hosts from CBS Radio's "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM are set to move over to a new Greater Media competitor for "The Ticket" that will replace the AC music on WMGC-FM, currently branded as "Today's 105.1" but previously known as "Magic 105.1" after moving from a softer AC music offering as "Soft Rock 105.1 FM." WMGC-FM is one of three Greater Media stations in Detroit, along with Active Rock WRIF-FM and Classic Rock WCSX-FM. SiriusXM Leaves the 'Left' - And Calls That 'Progress' Sirius XM Radio is changing the name of its liberal/progressive channel "SiriusXM Left" in favor of the new name "SiriusXM Progress" -- with the positioner "We don't just talk, we do." But, says the satcaster, it's more than just a name change. There are also new morning and afternoon shows when Channel 127 assumes its new identity next week. Ari Rabin-Havt from Media Matters will host "The Agenda" in mornings, while activist Michelangelo Signorile will host afternoons. Signorile is editor-at-large at Huffington Post's "Gay Voices." Current “Left” channel hosts will remain with the "new" Channel 127, including evening talker Mark Thompson, a "longtime civil rights/NAACP activist." After leaving the left for progress -- think "progressive" used instead of "liberal" as a change of terms but with the same essential meaning -- some progressive talkers from terrestrial radio (such as Stephanie Miller and Ed Schultz) will also still be carried by "SiriusXM Progress" starting Monday (July 22). In a news release, SiriusXM tells us, "Left" will be "an expanded 24/7 channel dedicated to progressive politics offering a powerful, diverse lineup of original thought, nuanced opinions and inspiring political discussions." Says SiriusXM SVP of Talk and Entertainment Programming Jeremy Coleman, "From sports to music to all perspectives of political talk, SiriusXM's non-traditional, groundbreaking hosts live their lives in their fields as much as on the air. We are very pleased to launch SiriusXM Progress with that spirit, expanding and enhancing the quality and depth of our diverse political lineup across multiple SiriusXM channels. Whether our audience agrees or disagrees, seeks out information or challenges what they hear, we now offer truly insider radio featuring progressive politics and perspective from veteran activists who have earned their stripes and are ready to take calls from listeners nationwide." Says Thompson, "Our new name is SiriusXM Progress, but as Frederick Douglass said, 'If there is no struggle, there is no progress'." Tom Joyner Offers Scholarship to Zimmerman Trial Witness Syndicated radio host Tom Joyner invited George Zimmerman trial witness Rachel Jeantel to his morning show Tuesday, and greeted her with a surprise. "Here's my offer to you, if you want to graduate from high school and go to an HBCU [Historically Black College or University], even if it's not in Florida, but especially Florida, like Florida Memorial, Edward Waters, Bethune Cookman or FAMU, if you want to do that, I want to help you do that," Joyner told Jeantel on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show." He then added, "I will help you get tutors to get you out of high school, tutors to help you pass the SAT and I will give you a full ride scholarship to any HBCU you'd like." Jeantel responded "thank you" -- and Joyner went on to explain that he was moved by her testimony and appearance on CNN's Piers Morgan show, where she discussed her thoughts and feelings in the aftermath of the Zimmerman trial. Elvis Duran 'Sips In' on TV's 'Today Show' Premiere Networks syndicated morning host Elvis Duran co-hosted the full "Today Show" fourth hour, sitting in (and sipping in) for Kathie Lee Gifford, with Hoda Tuesday. The Duran appearance on the TV show was an extension of his monthly segment "Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month," in which he introduces rising stars to viewers. Joining Hoda, Duran shared his thoughts on what music celebrities are really like from the many interviews he's done with his crew on the his radio show, based at Clear Channel's "Z100" WHTZ-FM, New York. Sipping in? Yes, it was the regular Kathie Lee and Hoda "Booze Day Tuesday" show, and Duran complied. Our sources tells us Elvis was sipping vodka and soda. Back to his take on music artists. Duran told Hoda that Justin Bieber is really a "sweet guy" who just happens to like to get into trouble. This was the first time Duran co-hosted an entire hour on the NBC TV program. Envision Offers 'Brand Like a Rock Star with Steve Jones' Envision Radio Networks introduces "Brand Like a Rock Star with Steve Jones" -- a new 60-second daily feature that, says Envision, "helps listeners learn life lessons from rock and roll's greatest bands." Envision tells us that "using advice from his international best-selling book, Brand Like a Rock Star: Lessons From Rock 'n' Roll To Make Your Business Rich and Famous, host Steve Jones takes listeners backstage to reveal the core marketing secrets of rock legends and shows how those strategies can be put into use in everyday life." Says Jones, "For every entrepreneur, business owner, marketer, or anyone building their personal brand and career, Brand Like a Rock Star is a must-listen." According to a news release describing the feature, "By using rock legends as examples, Jones takes an entirely fresh perspective to self-help. How can you build a brand as consistent as AC/DC? What does it take to start a company as distinct as Bob Dylan? How can you create a business as attention-getting as KISS? Each day, Jones will share a powerful story from rock music history and clearly illustrate how it can be applied to achieve success." 2013 Radio Show Super Session Addresses Changing Ad Trends The NAB and RAB will present a Super Session at the 2013 Radio Show in Orlando -- "Radical Change in Local Advertising and How Media is Morphing to Survive." The session will take place on Thursday, September 19. Advertising analyst Gordon Borrell, CEO and founder of Borrell Associates, will discuss the fundamental changes in how local businesses are spending marketing dollars and provide an overview on the history of advertising trends. He will also present a never-before-released survey conducted by Borrell Associates, in which thousands of small and medium-sized businesses were queried on their media and marketing choices and advertising strategies. Although total spending on advertising is 6 percent lower than it was 10 years ago, spending on promotions has ballooned 88 percent, according to Borrell Associates. This presents an opportunity for radio, where promotions are widely used. Borrell, who is quoted frequently by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, MHBC News, Ad Age and Forbes, often appears on radio and TV programs discussing trends and forecasts for local media. Prior to starting Borrell Associates, Borrell was VP of New Media at Landmark Communications. George Noory Renews Longterm with Premiere Premiere Networks has signed "an exclusive longterm agreement" with syndicated personality George Noory, under which Noory will continue as host of overnight program "Coast to Coast AM." The show is currently heard by nearly three million weekly listeners on 570 affiliates in the U.S., Canada, Guam and Mexico, says Premiere. "The program's audience has grown 13% over the past two years with double and triple digit gains in New York (+23%), Los Angeles (+25%), Houston (+121%) and Philadelphia (+167%)." Noory tells us, "By renewing my deal with Premiere Networks, I'll be around when astronauts land on Mars. I want to thank Premiere and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for having the confidence in me and our amazing team to take Coast to Coast AM into the future. I look forward to many more years of bringing riveting programs during the late-night hours to our millions of listeners around the world." And says Premiere President of Content and Affiliate Services Julie Talbott, "The continued growth and success of Coast to Coast AM is a testament to George's incredible talent and dedication. Each year, George takes Coast to Coast AM to new heights, and we couldn't be happier to extend our partnership with him for years to come." Stacy Horton Joins Media Management Group Stacy Horton joins the team at Media Management Group as EVP of Sales and Affiliations. In her new role, she will oversee the affiliate growth strategy for the MMG Radio Network. Horton started her radio career in the early 1990s as part of the marketing team that launched the Universal Studios Radio Broadcast Center. Most recently, she was VP of Affiliate Sales at the Business Talk Radio Network. Prior to that, Horton was a producer and affiliate relations manager at Yahoo, USRN, Launch Radio and Sony Music. "When we launched MMGRN in April with Warren Eckstein's The Pet Show, we had no idea it would grow so quickly," says MMG VP of Business Development Alan Eisenson. "There's a great demand for quality, niche weekend programming, and Stacy will be invaluable in not only adding affiliates for Warren, but also as we continue to expand our roster of programs and services to affiliates." Horton adds, "This is an exciting time for the media industry and I'm thrilled to be joining the amazing team at MMG. The company is ideally positioned at the nexus between talent, technology, and content. My job will be to leverage those synergies, and create value to fuel growth for the company, our partner stations, and the personalities we represent." Dial Global Renews with Wise Brother Media Dial Global renews its partnership with Wise Brother Media, an independent radio show prep company. "Together, Dial Global and WBM will collaborate to continue providing stations across the country with content," says DG's announcement. "Dial Global is the exclusive ad sales representative for WBM, which includes The Complete Sheet, Delicious Audio and Studio Think Tank." Dial Global COO Charles Steinhauer tells us, "We look for partners that share Dial Global's model for efficiently developing and distributing top-notch audio content. Wise Brother Media continues to be our trusted partner for show prep programming. Their creativity and tone are unique and I'm very excited about their evolution, including their latest endeavor Studio Think Tank." WBM CEO Johnny Vega adds, "The relationship between Wise Brother and Dial Global is more like the bond between trusted family members. We are thrilled to be continuing our 10-year-strong partnership with Dial Global." And says CEO Paul Caine, "At Dial Global, we believe in the power of sound and are always considering how we can be more effective in delivering smart audio content to our radio network partners across the country. We're thrilled to be able to renew our commitment to Wise Brother Media, and in turn, continue to deliver engaging and exclusive listening experiences to our various audiences." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Radio veteran Curtiss Johnson exits as Station Manager of Entercom's Sacramento cluster, as his position is eliminated due to restructuring. Classic Rock KSEG-FM APD Brian Lopez will add programming oversight of Sports Talk KCTC-AM. Johnson had spent 18 years at Entercom. He was upped to Station Manager in 1997 after serving as a Program Director within the cluster ... CBS Radio Hot AC "Alice@97.3" KLLC-FM, San Francisco, Assistant PD and afternoon host Marcus D Najera exits to pursue a new opportunity which he expects to be announced soon ... Program Director Picazzo Stevens exits Rhythmic CHR "103.3 The Vibe" KVYB-FM, Oxnard-Ventura ... Entercom Rock WAAF-FM, Boston. appoints Andrew Kaiser as Imaging Director, effective August 5. Kaiser previously worked at Alternative "Radio 104" WMRQ-FM, Hartford, where he was Creative Services Director, morning host and evening host ... Clear Channel Country WDRM-FM, Huntsville, Alabama, hires Josie Lane for morning co-host, joining longtime morning personality Dan McClain, and replacing Jess Alex who previously exited ... Sun Broadcasting's Talk "Fox News 92.5" WFSX-FM, Fort Myers, is losing its two AM simulcasts next week. WFSX-AM, Fort Myers, and WNOG-AM, Naples, will launch a new format to be announced starting Monday (July 22). The three stations have been simulcasting for just under four years.