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CC Media Holdings Reports Q2 Revenues Up 1% 
Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings reports second quarter revenue increased 1% to $1.61 billion from $1.60 billion, excluding foreign exchange and divestitures. Operating income fell to $320.2 million from $346.1 million in Q2 2012. OIBDAN declined 5% year-to-year to $505 million with an OIBDAN margin of 31%. The company posted a consolidated net income of $7 million swinging from a loss of $39 million in the year-ago period. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (which includes radio) revenues increased two percent to $13 million, driven primarily by national and digital sales, as well as strong growth at Premiere Networks. Partially offsetting this growth were revenue declines in the Traffic business from lost contracts and lower sales resulting from integration activities. "During the quarter, we made important progress across our businesses -- delivering overall topline growth in a challenging market while strengthening our digital and national advertising capabilities for the future," says Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. "We are continuing to create innovative, multi-platform solutions for leading national marketers and brands. Emphasizing our focus on connecting consumers to their favorite stations, artists, and content wherever they are, iHeartRadio registered users were up 162% from last year’s second quarter and reached the milestone of 30 million registered users in less than two years. Industry research shows that broadcast industry radio listening is also growing -- up 9% over the last decade -- and remains the #1 source of music discovery and the #1 listening choice in the car by a wide margin. At a time when consumers are spending more time out of their homes than ever -- and expect to be connected wherever they are -- both our Media and Entertainment and our Outdoor businesses continue to benefit from our leadership in that out-of-home sweet spot we’re seeing globally. Outdoor generated strong results this quarter by leveraging its growing base of digital displays, both domestically and internationally. We also continued to improve our balance sheet with two opportunistic and transformative debt transactions, and we enhanced our liquidity through both operational improvements and the sale of non-core assets."
President Obama Nominates Michael O'Rielly for FCC Commissioner 
As expected, President Obama nominates Michael O'Rielly to fill the vacant FCC Republican Commissioner seat previously held by Robert McDowell, who left the Commission earlier this year. O'Rielly is an advisor to Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX). O'Rielly's nomination follows the Senate Commerce Committee approval of Tom Wheeler's nomination as FCC Chairman. Republicans have warned that Wheeler would not receive a Senate vote until the GOP nominee was named. O'Rielly previously worked for the Senate Republican Policy Committee as a policy analyst for banking, technology, transportation, trade and commerce issues from 2009 to 2010. He also served as legislative director for Sen. John Sununu from 2007 to 2009 and as senior legislative assistant from 2003 to 2007. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W) says he will try to hold a hearing soon for the Republican nominee.
Gary Burns Says New Arbitron TLR Policy Hurts Small Broadcasters 
The owner of a small radio group, 3 Daughters Media CEO Gary Burns, says Arbitron's new policy on Total Line Reporting has the potential to hurt small broadcasters. As we reported Wednesday, Arbitron announced 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. Burns says, "I really believe that Arbitron's new policy on Total Line Reporting for non-subscribers has the potential to hurt small broadcasters. AM stations finally have the ability to broadcast on FM via translators. Many Arbitron markets have grown beyond their MSA's because only subscribers get to vote on the definition of the market. In many cases (like Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA) it takes more than one frequency to cover the Arbitron defined market, that in many cases has no basis in reality. I believe that the DOJ should look into this before the Arbitron merger with Nielsen is allowed to proceed. Arbitron should really reconsider this policy and Arbitron should apply the same rules for all stations when measuring radio listening." Under Arbitron's 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. Burns' 3 Daughters Media is based in Forest, Virginia. Entravision Q2 Revenues Increased 5%, Radio Up 2% 
Entravision Communications reports a 5% increase in revenue during the second quarter to $56.95 million from $54.5 million in Q2 2012. Entravision says the increase is mainly attributed to gains in local and national advertising revenue. Entravision's radio division saw a 2% growth in revenue to $17.36 million. The majority of the company's revenue success was attributed to its television unit, where revenue was up 6% to $39.59 million. Radio operating expenses grew four percent in Q2 to $13.8 million. Overall results show operating expenses up 3% to $33.4 million, while operating income increased 9% to $14.9 million from $13.7 million. Entravision reports a 146% gain in net earnings to $5 million, compared to $2.06 million in the year-ago period. Says Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa, "During the second quarter, we achieved revenue growth driven by increases in both our television and radio segments. Core revenue (excluding retransmission consent revenue and political advertising revenue) from our television and radio segments outperformed their respective industry averages, and we improved our free cash flow over the second quarter of 2012. Our audience shares remain strong in the nation's most densely populated Hispanic markets, and we believe we are well positioned to benefit as the U.S. Hispanic market continues to expand and advertisers increasingly recognize the importance of reaching our target audience." Kraddick Morning Show Team Returns Live on Monday 
The cast of "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" will return with a live show Monday (August 5). Following the passing of Kidd Kraddick last weekend, the rest of his show's team did an abbreviated live show on Monday morning to pay tribute to the popular syndicated host. Since then, affiliates around the country have aired "best of" shows for the rest of this week. YEA Networks has informed Kraddick affiliates that some form of the show will be live this Monday. Kraddick affiliate "B97" WEZB-FM, New Orleans, has posted an announcement on the station's website: "The cast of the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning show wanted us to share with you that they all came together today and had a great meeting about the show moving forward. They are all excited about continuing Kidd's legacy and are ready to get back on the air at B97 this Monday, August 5th. The show will, of course, be a little different ... but it's going to be funny...it'll be about what's happening in the world...and yes, it will probably be emotional. Many people have asked if it will still be called 'Kidd Kraddick in the Morning.' The answer is yes. Everyone gave this a lot of thought, but the bottom line is that Kidd put together this show and in every way, it is still a piece of him. It is still Kidd Kraddick in the Morning. We hope you'll join Kellie, Big Al, J-Si and Jenna as they help you get through your mornings on B97. And in doing so, you'll help them get though their mornings as well." A total of 50,336 had signed the online petition to keep the show going as of this morning. As we reported yesterday, fans have been signing the online petition to keep the nationally syndicated show on the air following Kraddick's sudden death. (Our Thursday report includes a link to that petition.) Clear Channel 'RIFs' Nashville's 'Joe Elvis' After Two Decades 
One of Nashville's most popular radio personalities -- "Joe Elvis" -- is out at Classic Rock "105.9 The Rock" WNRQ-FM. Longtime afternoon host Joe "Elvis" King has exited in what's being described as "a reduction in workforce." He's been on the air at the station for over 20 years. "I'm very appreciative to Clear Channel. I've raised my boys working there and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has listened for those past 23 years. Nashville has always rocked and that was always fun for me being in a country town playing great rock-and-roll, so that was kind of the fun edge of my job for me," says King, known on-air as "Joe Elvis." He adds, "I never thought I would work in radio a day in my life and that's when it usually lasts forever -- when you're not looking for it -- and I got into radio from being a drummer and representing bands from the Mid-South and that was 23 years ago. At this point in my life I'm looking for new challenges," he continued. "If a mountain was smooth, nobody would be able to climb it so I have a lot of opportunities, looking forward to the next stage. I'm very appreciative to Clear Channel. I've raised my boys working there and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has listened for those past 23 years. I've loved every second of being with you for the ride home." Eric Deggans Joins NPR News as TV Critic/Correspondent 
Tampa Bay Times media critic Eric Deggans joins NPR News as a TV critic and correspondent, starting fulltime in October. Deggans, a longtime TV and media critic, has contributed media criticism and commentary to NPR for the past several years, producing radio pieces and appearing regularly to discuss TV and media on all of its news programs. In the newly-created role of TV critic and correspondent, Deggans will continue to bring audiences his perspective on television, media and cultural criticism, and offer context on entertainment trends and their intersection with society and culture in America today. He will be honored at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention as the recipient of its 2013 Arts & Entertainment Task Force Legacy Award. "For many years, I have been a fan of NPR's super smart journalism and I often fantasized of what it might be like to join their ranks as a contributor," says Deggans. "A position like this one is beyond my wildest dreams; I'm honored and excited by the opportunity to help shape NPR's coverage of television and pop culture." NPR News Executive Editor Madhulika Sikka adds, "We are thrilled that Eric is joining NPR, and going to be part of a team that will enhance our coverage of one of the most important social forces in our time, the impact of TV." Air1 Announces New Program Director Randy Chase 
Educational Media Foundation's Christian CHR Air1 Network appoints veteran programmer Randy Chase as its new Program Director, replacing Paul Goldsmith. Cari Kates will continue as Assistant PD. Chase comes to Air1 with more than 25 years of experience across multiple formats including country, classic rock, talk, AC, oldies and sports talk. Most recently Chase was with Cox Media Group handling all of their country formats around the nation. "It is a very exciting chapter in Air1 as we welcome Randy Chase," says Chief Creative Officer David Pierce.
Boston's WEEI-FM Is Pan-Mass Challenge Radio Partner 
Entercom Sports Talk WEEI-FM, Boston, is the official radio partner for the 2013 Pan-Mass Challenge, which takes place August 3 and 4, at the PMC Kids Rides program. As the official radio partner, the station supports the PMC throughout the year and leading up to the event via website, on-air and e-newsletter promotion. WEEI's four Entercom sister stations in New England also air public service announcements from December through the summer to bring awareness to the PMC. Says Pan-Mass Challenge Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr, "Entercom and WEEI have both been fabulous friends and partners. They have ensured that the PMC message is heard -- and understood -- far, wide and often." Entercom Boston VP and Market Manager Jeff Brown will be riding in this year's PMC. He tells us, "I am proud to continue Entercom's support of the Pan-Mass Challenge and we are also proud to be raising additional money through our dedicated team of riders and Virtual Riders. Our own Gerry Callahan will be taking part in his sixth ride and it is such an honor, both for WEEI and for all of us at Entercom Boston, to be a part of this dynamic cause and help the dedicated Dana-Farber doctors and researchers discover cures for cancer." The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge annually raises and contributes more money to charity than any other. Since its 1980 inception, the PMC has generated $375 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio MBC Radio swaps programming on two of its Grand Junction, Colorado stations. Country "The Moose 100.7" KMOZ-FM and Adult Variety Hits "The Vault 92.3" KKVT-FM have traded dial positions, giving the Country station the stronger of the two signals ... Just ahead of its flip to ESPN Radio, Cumulus WAPI-FM, Birmingham, changes its call letters to WJQX-FM, and will be branded as "Jox 2 - 100.5 ESPN" to tie into the branding of sister WJOX-FM ... Cumulus Media AC "webe 108" WEBE-FM, Bridgeport, Connecticut, announces that Storm N Norman is retiring from the Wake-Up Morning Show, August 3. With nearly 40 years behind the microphone, and as one of WEBE's original hosts at its launch in 1984, Storm N Norman has become a radio fixture in the market ... Stephens Media Group Tulsa brings in Josh Venable to be Program Director and afternoon host of newly-acquired Alternative "Z104.5 The Edge" KMYZ-FM, replacing Paul Kriegler. Most recently, Venable was PD at Clear Channel's Alternative "102.1 The Edge" KDGE-FM, Dallas ... Corinne Kimball joins Rhythmic CHR "Hot 104.5" WKHT-FM, Knoxville, as Music Director and night host, starting August 19. Kimball is inbound from CHR-Top40 "103.3 Amp Radio" WODS-FM, Boston. "Hot 104.5" Assistant PD Joey Tack segues from nights to afternoons, while PD Darren Stephens shifts from afternoons to middays ... Radio veteran Kevin Cruise exits as Assistant PD and night host at Alternative Rock "Radio 105.7" WRDA-FM, Atlanta, due to a reduction in force at the Clear Channel cluster ... Kim Monroe exits as Program Director and morning host at Alternative Rock WLFM-LP, Cleveland ... Jason Addams exits Capital Radio Group's Springfield Illinois cluster, where he was Operations Manager for five stations, and direct PD of CHR-Top40 WDBR-FM, Springfield, as well as co-host of WDBR-FM's morning show.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, August 2, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - August 2, 2013
"Randy brings a wealth of programming experience that will serve both our listeners and staff in amazing ways. Randy has been an Air1 fan while living in San Antonio and therefore has a deep understanding for what we do here at Air1 as well as the vision of what we hope to accomplish in the future." Says Chase, "I'm incredibly excited by the opportunity to be joining such a dynamic team dedicated to great radio with a purpose. I'm looking forward to helping Air1 fulfill its potential as a truly transformative multi-platform medium that creates compelling content and encourages our listeners to deepen their walk with Christ." Air1 is a non-profit, listener-supported Christian CHR radio networkl.
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