Wednesday's Radio & Media News - July 31, 2013

CBS Corporation Reports Second Quarter Revenues Up 11%, Radio Revenue Flat from Second Quarter of 2012 CBS Corporation reports its highest ever quarterly profits as second quarter revenues increased 11% to $3.7 billion from $3.33 billion in 2012. The growth was led by a 22% increase in content licensing and distribution revenues for digital streaming and international syndication. Second quarter Local Broadcasting revenues were down 1% to $698 million from $704 million in the year-ago period. Radio revenues remained flat from Q2 2012, "as the benefit of the new CBS Sports Radio Network was offset by the impact of radio station dispositions in 2012." CBS Corporation OIBDA increased 5% to $952 million from $911 million, "with growth in every segment." Operating income of $838 million increased 6% from $792 million in 2012. Net earnings from continuing operations were $476 million compared with $452 million in the year-ago period. "CBS's remarkable momentum continues to build," says CBS Corp. Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone. "This is a company built for long-term success, and I know Les and his team will continue to execute in the quarters and years to come." CBS Corp. President/CEO Leslie Moonves adds, "Double-digit revenue growth -- and the best quarterly profits we've ever had -- add up to a phenomenal quarter for CBS. This gives us great confidence in our future, and it's why we announced last week our largest increase ever to our share repurchase program. We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders, and we are certain we can deliver lucrative results for the remainder of this year, next year, and beyond as well." Journal Communications Q2 Radio Revenue Up 2.3% Journal Communications reports "a solid" second quarter of 2013. Overall revenue grew six percent from $95.5 million to $101.2 million, led by the company's broadcasting division, while its publishing division was down. Journal's broadcasting division, which includes radio, was up by 15.3 percent to $62.9 million. Within that, radio revenue was up 2.3 percent to $19.9 million, or 4.7 percent excluding political revenue. Local ad revenue, excluding political, was up five percent but national ad revenue, also excluding political, was down 4.9 percent. Publishing fell 6.5 percent to $38.4 million. "Journal Communications had a solid second quarter, driven by revenue gains in our broadcast group, as well as improving advertising revenue trends in publishing. Total revenue of $101.2 million was up 6 percent year over year," says Journal Communications Chairman and CEO Steven Smith. "Operating earnings decreased 2.6 percent as lower political revenue offset operating earnings increases in broadcast, driven by NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, as well as higher earnings at our daily newspaper. Within the Broadcast group, we continue to see core revenue growth. On a same-station basis and excluding political advertising, revenue was up six percent, with television up seven percent and radio up five percent." Nielsen Reports Second Quarter Revenue Up 3% Nielsen Holdings reports second quarter revenue up by three percent to $1.386 billion. Net income grew by 306 percent to $426 million, attributed to "a $303 million gain associated with the sale of our Expositions business in June 2013." Adjusted EBITDA was up 6% to $396 million. "Nielsen’s second quarter results reflect solid operating and financial performance," says Nielsen CEO David Calhoun. "With our continued focus on providing clients with innovative solutions, expansion into new geographies and our successful portfolio transformation, we are well positioned to execute our growth strategy and deliver greater value to shareholders over time." In announcing Q2 results, Nielsen notes that during the second quarter, on April 16, Arbitron’s shareholders voted to approve Nielsen's proposed acquisition of Arbitron. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. During a conference call, Calhoun said that he expects that the deal will be cleared by the FTC "by the end of August." Nielsen also announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend to 20 cents per share, and announced a $500 million share buyback authorization. The company credited growth in Information services to increased client investment in retail measurement worldwide other than in Europe. "We were pleased to announce a 25% increase to our quarterly dividend and a $500 million share repurchase authorization today. Returning excess cash to our shareholders continues to be an important component of our capital allocation strategy. The actions we announced today reflect our continued focus on long term shareholder value and confidence in the cash generation potential of the company." Arbitron Says Simulcast TLR to Be for Subscribers Only Arbitron announces that in 2014 it plans to make Total Line Reporting of simulcast stations available only to qualified Arbitron-subscribing radio stations in good standing. Currently, any simulcast station in a market, regardless of subscriber status, can request Total Line Reporting. Under the updated policy, only licensed subscribing radio stations in good standing will be eligible to combine audiences for their radio stations and Internet streams that are 100 percent simulcast on a single reporting line in Arbitron ratings reports and data services. Non-subscribing radio stations will be reported individually and will no longer be eligible to request TLR for 100 percent simulcasts. Arbitron's current plans call for the updated policy to become effective with the Winter 2014 survey in Diary markets and the January 2014 report period in PPM markets. Arbitron intends to review this plan in the fall of 2013 and may confirm or amend the implementation date. The requirement that radio stations must meet Minimum Reporting Standards to be included in Arbitron ratings reports remains unchanged. Licensed subscribers include stations that receive Arbitron data through the Radio Research Consortium. Qualified radio station subscribers, among other criteria, must subscribe to one or more of Arbitron's services for the applicable report period(s) and meet the TLR simulcast requirements. Each AM, FM, or HD-Multicast station and each Internet stream in the TLR combo must be a licensed subscriber, in good standing, to one of the above services in order to be eligible for TLR in any Arbitron service. Combos will receive TLR in any market in which the combo meets the applicable Minimum Reporting Standard. Clear Channel Norfolk Names Derrick Martin Market Manager Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Norfolk announces that Derrick Martin has been named Market Manager, effective August 12. Martin will "oversee all station activities and events to help drive sales and achieve revenue targets, leveraging Clear Channel Norfolk's brands, audience and all assets to provide quality programming and create new revenue opportunities. He will be responsible for all aspects of the market's operations including all strategies, programming and sales initiatives for the entire Norfolk market." Says CCME Northeast SVP of Operations Kevin LeGrett, "I am thrilled to have Derrick Martin join our team of high-performers at CCME Norfolk. Derrick has excelled throughout his career and I am excited to see the results he will bring in growing our audience, revenues, exceptional talent while implementing superior initiatives." Martin began his radio career in 1996 as a Account Executive at Clear Channel Memphis stations KJMS-FM and KWAM-AM. He later went on to serve as the Retail Sales Manager for two Clear Channel Detroit stations. In 2006, Martin joined Radio One Atlanta as the Interactive General Sales Manager. He will join the Norfolk market from Clear Channel St. Louis where he's been GSM since 2008. "One of the great things about working for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is the company's commitment to growing talent and rewarding opportunity from within," says Martin. "I am very excited to join the Norfolk team." Greater Media Promotes Jake McCann to Detroit Director of Sales Greater Media promotes Jake McCann to Director of Sales for its Detroit stations -- Rock WRIF-FM, Classic Rock WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM. McCann will begin his new position August 12, moving from Philadelphia where he's GSM for Sports Talk WPEN-FM and Classic Rock WMGK-FM. He's been with Greater Media since 2006, when he joined the company from Comcast. Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare tells us, "Jake is the right person to lead our three station sales operation in the Motor City. His passion, dedication and leadership are exactly what we need to take our three outstanding radio properties to the next level." Says McCann, "I'm excited to continue my career with Greater Media by joining Steve Chessare and the Greater Media Detroit team. They have great heritage radio stations that the city loves! I will miss the talented people I've had the opportunity to work with at Greater Media Philadelphia and the great friends I have made over the past seven years." McCann's August start in Detroit should be time for the flip of WMGC-FM from AC to Sports Talk. His experience in sales for Philadelphia's "97.5 The Fanatic" WPEN-FM would be a valuable asset to the Detroit cluster. Red Zebra Sells Norfolk Sports Talk Duo Red Zebra Broadcasting is selling Sports Talk "102.1 The Game" WXTG-FM and simulcast sister WXTG-AM, Norfolk, Virginia, to Local Voice Media, an investor group that includes musician and Williamsburg native Bruce Hornsby and Blue Heron Capital of Richmond. Formerly Davis Media, Local Voice plans to use the signals to extend the reach of its Triple-A "92.3 The Tide" WTYD-FM, Deltaville, Virginia. Financial terms aren’t immediately disclosed. A flip to the Adult Alternative "Tide" will occur soon on WXTG-AM-FM under an LMA. Coverage for "The Tide" will expand to a range from northern North Carolina to just south of Richmond. "It will be great to finally hear Lyle Lovett and the Avett Brothers in Norfolk and Virginia Beach," says Hornsby, who will be the voice of the station. WXTG-AM-FM will continue to carry Washington Nationals and Redskins play-by-play through the current seasons. Local Voice Media specializes in radio and local newspaper combos in Wilmington, NC, and Columbia, SC. The deal includes the two stations, seven acres of property and a tower. Red Zebra, owned by Washington Redskins owners Dan Snyder, continues to own and operate Sports Talk stations in Washington and Richmond. Kevin Gardner Named KRNB-FM/Dallas Program Director As we first reported briefly in our BTM section, veteran programmer Kevin Gardner is appointed Program Director of Urban AC "Smooth R&B 105.7" KRNB-FM, Dallas, effective August 18. "We are so fortunate to have found someone who is experienced, instinctive, creative and constantly growing stronger," says Service Broadcasting Dallas Operations Manager Michael Erickson. "Kevin's character, leadership and commitment to the community made him stand out from the competition and an ideal fit to help move our company forward." Previously, Gardner was Program Director of Cox Media Group's "Star 94" WCFB-FM, Orlando, from 2005 to 2011. He joined WCFB-FM from Radio One's Urban Oldies WJMO-FM and Urban AC WKJS-FM, Richmond, Virginia, where he was Operations Manager and Program Director. "I am eager to be joining the Service Broadcasting family," says Gardner. "Michael Erickson, along with Hyman Childs and Geo Cook, have built two very strong radio brands in Dallas. I'm looking forward to working with them, the talented on-air staff and all of the passionate people who contribute daily to making Smooth R&B the number one UAC station in the market." Gardner's resume also includes time in Tallahassee, Florida, at several stations, and at WDAS-FM in Philadelphia. He's previously been with Cumulus and Beasley in addition to Radio One and Cox. Senate Committee Approves Tom Wheeler FCC Chairman Nomination The Senate Commerce Committee has approved Tom Wheeler's nomination to be the new FCC Chairman. That clears the way for the nomination to go to the full Senate, where it's expected to eventually be approved. There's no timetable set for actual Senate confirmation, but it's not likely to happen until after the traditional Congressional recess in August. The Commerce Committee approval came Tuesday without waiting for a nomination for the open Republican Commissioner seat at the FCC. The full Senate though is expected to deal with both nominations at the same time. Sen. John Thune (R-SD), a member of the Commerce Committee, says the Republican nomination is currently "pending at the White House" and he's hopeful it will be received "very soon." There are reports that Congressional staffer Michael O'Rielly is now the front-runner for the nomination for the open Commissioner seat. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was one of two republicans to vote against the Senate Commerce Committee approval of Wheeler's nomination to chair the Commission, raising concerns over political advertising sponsor disclosure rules and indecency. He's threatening to block Wheeler's nomination in the full Senate. Cruz and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) also wanted the committee to delay acting on Wheeler's nomination until a Republican Commissioner nomination was received, but Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller said that was not happening on his committee. "Unfortunately, the FCC has been without a Chairman for more than two months now, even though this Committee considered Tom Wheeler's nomination to be Chairman more than a month ago," said Rockefeller. "I said this at his nomination hearing, and I will say it again: Tom Wheeler is well-qualified to be FCC Chairman, with a distinguished career in the communications industry." The Commission is currently operating with just three Commissioners -- Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel, and Ajit Pai. FCC Reform Bill Introduced In Senate Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) has introduced a version of an FCC reform bill in the Senate -- the FCC Consolidated Reporting Act. Says Helle, “The reports Congress has mandated the FCC to produce over the years are rarely submitted on time and do not always reflect the current state of competition in the marketplace adequately. Democrats and Republicans agree that it makes sense to consolidate these reports and issue them at one time in the beginning of a new Congress. Such a move will reduce reporting burdens on the FCC and private industry while giving a cleaner picture of competition in the marketplace. Chairman Walden and I are committed to working across the aisle and with the Federal Communication Commission as we advocate for this common sense reform in our respective Chambers of Congress." Previous attempts at FCC reform legislation introduced by Heller have failed in the Senate. Univision's Uforia to Stream Emmis 'Hot 97'/NYC, 'Power 106'/LA Univision Communications signs a partnership with Emmis Communications to stream Rhythmic CHRs "Hot 97" WQHT-FM, New York, and "Power 106" KPWR-FM, Los Angeles, on Univision's Uforia music app. Univision Radio President Jose Valle tells us, "The Uforia music app is curating some of the best content there is on the market and being able to stream the two leading hip hop stations in the U.S. will not only resonate with our audience but solidify our position as Hispanic America's home of audio entertainment. Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan adds, "Univision Radio's involvement and recent growth in the digital arena is impressive and we are excited for the opportunity to work with such a forward-thinking company to bring our radio stations to a whole new audience via the Uforia music app." The app's stated purpose is to "expand Univision's efforts to provide Hispanic audiences with high-quality content across all media platforms." Uforia users are able to stream 60 of Univision Radio's most popular stations from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Additionally, more than 13 exclusive digital-only channels are also available for streaming including H2O Music Festival, Dulce, Romantica, La Chula, El Sancho and Planeta Rock. Fans looking for a more tailored experience, we're told, can create their own custom radio stations, "tapping into a library of more than 20 million songs across deep Latin genres." The Uforia app also offers a friend-sourcing social feature enabling easy sharing via Facebook. NuVoodoo Media Promotes Rob Magaziner to Lead Affiliate Sales Media research and marketing company NuVoodoo Media Services promotes affiliate sales executive and network radio veteran Rob Magaziner to lead NuVoodoo's direct sales of customized research and marketing solutions to radio and TV outlets. The announcement comes just as NuVoodoo launches its new national syndicated music research product, RealResearch, in the CHR-Top40 format on August 1. Magaziner, who serves client partners through his Central New Jersey-based Centerpiece Media Group, has deep experience in affiliate sales in Sports and News Talk radio. He's also managed business operations and affiliate sales at networks including Westwood One, the CBS Radio Network, United Stations, Unistar, CBS Radio News, CNN Radio, NBC News Radio, The Wall Street Journal Radio Network, CNBC Business Radio and Marketwatch. Says NuVoodoo CEO Carolyn Gilbert, "At NuVoodoo, we work with the very best, and Rob Magaziner certainly fits into that category. He is a valuable addition to our affiliate relations team and he will ensure that our clients receive impeccable service that is fast, responsive and unmatched in the industry. Rob has a vast network of relationships that will help us to reach and serve more stations better with our customized programming and marketing intelligence." Magaziner adds, "I'm so proud to work with Carolyn Gilbert and the amazing team she has assembled. There's an audible buzz in the industry about NuVoodoo, and for good reason. It's such a smart, forward-thinking company, and they're doing some incredible new things in media research and data-driven marketing. Together, we are very focused on finding specific solutions and creating the right approach for each station and market." Joe Namath Joins Sports USA for Podcast NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and sports icon Joe Namath will join Sports USA for the 2013 season with an exclusive weekly football podcast. Namath will analyze all things football beginning in mid-August and will continue through Super Bowl XLVIII. "It doesn't get bigger than Joe Namath," says Sports USA President Bob Moore. "Joe is extremely passionate about football and his insights are amazing." Namath tells us, "I'm thrilled to join the Sports USA Team with my new weekly podcast. I look forward to expressing my opinions on both the NFL and College Football each week from the beginning of the season all the way through the Super Bowl." Namath became a football icon in the 1960's with the New York Jets after an impressive college career under Alabama's Paul "Bear" Bryant. Upon his arrival in New York, Namath was immediately dubbed "Broadway Joe," for his many appearances and endorsements. On the field, Namath's "guarantee" in winning Super Bowl III changed the landscape of the NFL forever. Namath's AFL Jets shocked the world on January 12, 1969 by defeating the NFL's Baltimore Colts 16-7. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio KBZD-FM, Amarillo, Texas, flips to Hot AC "Fun 99.7" from an all divas format to which it flipped from Classic Country just a month ago, a year after going from a Tejano format, which aired for five years, to Classic Country ... Eagle Communications AC "Q103.5" KQLA-FM, Ogden, Kansas, flips to "Q Country 103.5" after several days of stunting with Christmas music in July ... Operations Manager Steve Harris exits Radio One Cincinnati. His exit coincides with the flip of Sports Talk "The Fan" on WCFN-FM to Urban Oldies "Old School 100.3" -- but as OM he also oversaw Urban "101 The Wiz" WIZF-FM and Talk WDBZ-AM. Harris, though, previously was Senior Program Director for ESPN Radio ... Classic Hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM, Los Angeles, names Dave Mason Assistant PD, effective September 4. Mason currently is the PD and midday host of Classic Hits "The Walrus" XHPRS-FM, San Diego ... "ESPN New York 98.7 FM" WEPN-FM, New York, is expanding its reach, and will be heard on Long Island's WLIR-FM from 12noon to 12midnight on weekdays beginning August 5.