Thursday's Radio & Media News - August 15, 2013

NextRadio for FM on Mobile Devices Is Here: Sprint Rolls Out FM Smartphone Consumer App Jeff Smulyan: 'Today We Set A New Course As An Industry' Sprint announces that the NextRadio app for FM radio on smartphones is now being rolled out, and that Sprint will begin installing the application in a broad array of wireless devices over the coming years, allowing consumers to listen to their local radio stations on their smartphones. Emmis Communications, which has been at the forefront of developing the app and working for its inclusion in wireless devices, especially cellphones, says coordination by radio broadcasters has led to the announcement of the NextRadio roll out. Says Emmis Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan, "Today we set a new course as an industry, one that will bring exciting audience and advertiser engagement opportunities. This announcement is a credit to the entire radio industry, which has unified to make this happen." NextRadio delivers a highly interactive artist and ad experience to FM-enabled smartphones. Data for the app is supplied by TagStation, the cloud-based engine that offers stations the ability to upload branding images that will display as default artwork, as well as call letters, format, station name and slogan. This basic, free level of station integration is open to all radio stations and creates a compelling experience within the app as the user is able to quickly associate their local stations with familiar visuals while browsing. If a station does not register at TagStation, listeners using the NextRadio app will still be able to hear the radio station but may not see the station’s logo displayed. "Whether the station is large market, medium market, small market, commercial or non-commercial, this free service will provide listeners with a visual radio listening experience on the FM-enabled smartphone. Radio stations no longer have to add the cost of Internet Streaming to get local FM radio on a mobile device," says Emmis Chief Technology Officer and NextRadio President Paul Brenner. "Adding full TagStation capabilities allows radio stations to offer listeners features like album art and artist information, listener feedback, song tagging capabilities, enhanced advertising options and social integration, which dramatically enhance the listening experience." Smulyan says that more than 1,500 stations signed up for the free services offered by TagStation and thousands more are expected following today’s product launch. Entercom Boston VP of Programming Jason Wolfe Exiting Entercom Boston Vice President of Programming Jason Wolfe has announced that he is exiting the company after more than 20 years at Sports Talk WEEI and News Talk WRKO-AM. His replacement will be announced shortly, says Entercom in a news release. While Entercom suggests that Wolfe has decided to "move on," Wolfe writes on his Facebook page that he's being replaced because Entercom feels its time for a change. "They have an obligation to do what they feel is in the best interest of the station and the company and I respect that, and accept it." Wolfe was 24 years old when he started at WEEI, 22 years ago. Says Entercom Boston Market Manager Jeff Brown, “Jason Wolfe has defined sports talk radio, not only in Boston, but around the country as well. There are very few people who have influenced an industry like Jason has. From his work with the Jimmy Fund and the Red Sox's historic championship run to WRKO's engagement with politics, Jason’s behind-the-scenes work has made an impact few people will ever understand. We thank Jason for all his hard work, dedication to Entercom, and his commitment to the Boston community.” Wolfe is quoted in the Entercom news release as saying, “Being involved in the growth of WEEI has been a tremendous honor. WEEI went from a single radio station, to a regional sports network, added a world class digital platform because the demand for our content is so strong; and today, is one of the biggest radio brands in any format, anywhere in the country. We were #1 for six straight years through the fall of 2008. We’ve won four Marconi Awards and have given back so much to the community, helping to raise millions and millions of dollars for charity, including over $31 million for the Jimmy Fund. I couldn't be more proud to have played a role in all of the station's success. I am thankful to everyone at Entercom for all they’ve done to support me, and I wish them all the best in the future. It's now time for me to move on and begin the next chapter of my career." Spanish Broadcasting System Q2 Revenues Up 4% Radio Revenue Increases 6%, TV Down 12% Spanish Broadcasting System reports second quarter net revenue increased 4% to $36.067 million. SBS says radio revenue is up 6% year-to-year to $32.247 million, while television is off by 12% to $3.82 million. The radio gain is primarily attributed to national, barter, and interactive sales plus special events revenue. "Our radio segment net revenues increased $2.0 million or 6%, primarily due to national sales, barter sales, interactive sales and special events revenue. The increase in national sales was mainly in our New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. The increases in barter and interactive sales occurred throughout most of our markets. The special events revenue increase took place in our San Francisco, Miami and Los Angeles markets," says SBS in a news release. "We generated healthy gains in our operating profitability during the second quarter, leading to a 26 percent increase in our OIBDA for the first half of the year," says SBS Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon. "We are encouraged with the overall advertising environment across our markets, and we are confident in our ability to continue to convert our audience shares into financial gains. We are benefiting from the strategic investments we have made in our content, distribution and sales resources. At the same time, we have maintained a disciplined approach to managing our expenses, as reflected in our improving profitability. As advertisers increasingly recognize Spanish-language media as a highly effective channel to promote their brands, we remain focused on leveraging our diversified media platform to garner a greater share of advertising budgets." For Q2 (ended June 30), consolidated net revenues totaled $36.1 million compared to $34.6 million for the same prior year period, resulting in an increase of $1.5 million or 4%. OIBDA, a non-GAAP measure, totaled $12.7 million compared to $11.5 million for the same prior year period, representing an increase of $1.2 million or 11%. Radio segment OIBDA increased $0.9 million or 6%, primarily due to the increase in net revenues of $2.0 million, offset by the increase of station operating expenses of $1.1 million. Radio station operating expenses increased mainly due to compensation and benefits, and barter expense, which were offset by a decrease in local commissions. The television segment OIBDA increased $1.3 million, largely due to the decrease in station operating expenses of $1.8 million, offset by the decrease in net revenues of $0.5 million. Television station operating expenses decreased primarily due to the decrease in originally produced programming costs, facilities expenses, barter expense and the elimination of broadcasting rights fees related to our former Chicago and Puerto Rico outlets. Corporate expenses increased $1.0 million or 60%, mostly due to increases in professional fees and compensation and benefits. Operating income totaled $11.4 million compared to $9.8 million for the same prior year period, representing an increase of $1.6 million or 16%. "This increase in operating income was primarily due to the increase in revenue." For the six-months ended June 30, 2013, consolidated net revenues totaled $75.2 million compared to $66.7 million for the same prior year period, resulting in an increase of $8.5 million or 13%. The radio segment net revenues increased $7.1 million or 12%, primarily due to special events revenue, national, barter and interactive sales. The increases in special events revenue, barter and interactive sales occurred throughout most of our markets. The increase in national sales took place in their Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Puerto Rico markets. The television segment net revenues increased $1.3 million or 15%, largely due to the increase in special events revenue, offset by the decreases in national and local spot sales and integrated sales. Chicago's WGN-AM Removes Mike McConnell from On Air Tribune Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, has pulled midday host Mike McConnell off the air, and assigned him an online-only 10am-2pm show. A podcast is being made available of the online show later in the same day. The buzz from the Windy City says the station would have preferred to totally oust McConnell, but because of a long term contract signed by the former management of the station three years ago, would have had to pay him for not working at all. The online show was then adopted by current management as an "experimental" way to go. So far, no replacement for McConnell on "720 WGN Radio" has been announced, with a variety of guest hosts airing. Among those is Steve Cochran, recently hired by the station but not yet assigned a fulltime show. We've previously reported speculation that Cochran will be named midday host on WGN-AM when a new schedule for the Talk station is soon announced. McConnell has been off the air at "720 WGN Radio" since the end of July, but until now listeners were told he "was on vacation." He revealed the new online show on his Facebook page: "Hello friends, We're starting something new today. A PODCAST! Some of the show will be prerecorded and some live. The live portion will stream at 11:00am cdt and your calls are welcome. The phone number is WGN's old number 312-591-7200. When you call you will go directly on hold and hear the stream. There is no call screener and for now I'm experimenting with how to best put it together." You might remember that three years ago, under Tribune CEO Randy Michaels and WGN Radio Program Director Kevin Metheny, McConnell was lured away from middays at WLW-AM, Cincinnati, where he aired for close to 25 years. But after Michaels and Metheny were both gone, McConnell became a subject of speculation for the Chicago station, which recently has been working to overhaul its programming. Others recently heard on-air in the midday slot have included husband and wife Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, overnight host Bill Leff, and frequent fill-in host and market veteran Pete McMurray. SiriusXM Acquiring Agero's Connected Vehicle Services Business Sirius XM Radio is buying the connected vehicle services business of Agero for $530 million in cash. The connected vehicle unit of Agero provides telematics services, offering safety, security and convenience services for drivers and end-to-end, turnkey solutions for automakers. Following the acquisition, SiriusXM will provide connected vehicle services to more automotive manufacturers -- including Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota -- than any other telematics provider. Says SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer, "The acquisition of Agero's connected vehicle business is a natural fit for Sirius XM. As the world's leading provider of in-vehicle subscription services, SiriusXM is uniquely positioned to offer world-class end-to-end telematics services. The transaction accelerates SiriusXM's development in architecture supporting connected vehicle services, as well as the ability to provide services over both satellite and cellular networks. Agero's connected vehicle team is known for their experience, innovation and technology, and we look forward to welcoming them to SiriusXM as we work to capture the significant growth opportunities in connected vehicle services." The transaction is subject to the expiration or early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to SiriusXM in connection with this transaction. Stardome Signs with Sun for Ad Sales Representation Sun Broadcast Group enters a national sales representation agreement with Stardome Radio Networks to rep CNN en Espanol Radio and Fox Deportes Radio, effective immediately. The partnership expands the Spanish products being offered by Sun's Spanish language division, Sun Latino, and will include in-show inventory, promotional opportunities and local activation. "The goal of Sun Broadcast Group has always been to be the leader in offering top quality programming to our affiliate and agency partners," says Sun CEO Jason Bailey. "This partnership with Stardome and the addition of CNN en Espanol Radio and Fox Deportes Radio to our sales lineup are clear examples of our continued commitment to this exciting industry and, most importantly, the powerful U.S. Hispanic market." Sun Director of Hispanic Sales Julio Aponte tells us, "Sun Broadcast Group has quickly become the go to network for Spanish Language news, sports and information. I'm excited to share this opportunity with our advertisers where they will be showcased in an exclusive environment with two of the world's biggest brands." Stardome Radio Networks Managing Director and CEO Anthony Hernandez adds, "The Sun Broadcast Group team has demonstrated that they represent a growing trend of highly specialized network advertising sellers. This partnership will allow Stardome to maximize its focus on building its affiliate base with its CNN en Espanol Radio and FOX Deportes Radio business by placing a vote of confidence on a new selling partner for these two unique brands. These two networks have already taken a leadership position in the marketplace and our combined efforts will ensure its continued growth." CNN en Espanol Radio is a top of the hour newscast heard on nearly 100 stations and includes breaking news updates, health reports and entertainment news with over 65% coverage of the U.S. Hispanic markets. Fox Deportes Radio is a bottom of the hour sportscast with over 110 affiliates and 70% coverage of the U.S. Hispanic markets. Norm Pattiz's PodcastOne Seeks 'Clarity' with Abacast Using Abacast's Clarity Digital Radio System, PodcastOne, a division of Norm Pattiz's Courtside Entertainment Group, will provide clients with targeted “relevant ad insertion" as well as "campaign management, audience metrics and delivery for live and on-demand digital audio programming." With the Abacast system, PodcastOne clients will be able to place customized commercials in specific markets, geo-targeting listeners and even listener devices. Pattiz tells us, “This is another example of taking advantage of the latest technology to provide the services that advertisers expect. This is consistent with our promise to have the best targeted ad solution in an industry poised for rapid growth. Abacast has demonstrated its ability to provide us with exactly what we need.” Says Abacast CEO Rob Green, “Abacast is making a commitment to podcasting by extending its Clarity Digital Radio System to the podcasting market. We couldn’t be happier to be chosen by PodcastOne, the premier destination for the most popular podcasts on the Internet.” The integrated service will be released later this year. NBC Sports Radio Partners with Rotoworld for Fantasy Sports NBC Sports Radio tells us that Rotoworld -- a high traffic fantasy sports information site -- will become the fantasy sports information brand of NBC Sports Radio. Over the last four years, participation in fantasy sports has grown more than 60 percent, with more than 35 million people across the U.S. and Canada now actively participating. The partnership will provide fans essential player updates and information, live interviews and on-demand programming. NBC Sports Radio is a partnership between Dial Global and NBC Sports Group. "Rotoworld has always been my go-to fantasy source for news and information and I couldn't be more excited, as a true fantasy fan and player, to welcome this partnership," says Dial Global EVP and General Manager of Sports Programming Chris Corcoran. "The fantasy space is massive and continues to grow at an enormous pace. Our exclusive programming will help feed this extremely loyal fantasy fan base." The on-demand specialty shows will be hosted by NBC Sports Radio anchor and Rotoworld contributor Kay Adams, a fantasy sports expert. In addition to her work with NBC Sports Radio and Rotoworld, she also hosts the weekly show, "Livin' the Fantasy" on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio and has a social media following @HeyKayAdams. She also appears weekly on NBC Sports Network's "Fantasy Football Live -- Thursday Night!" Launching the week of August 26, the partnership will include live interviews on NBC Sports Radio throughout the NFL season with Rotoworld writers and talent, including Evan Silva, Adam Levitan, Pat Daugherty and Nick Mensio. Additionally, two exclusive, 60-minute NFL-related fantasy shows per week (Tuesdays and Fridays) that will be available on the NBC Sports Radio on-demand network. AWM Names 'Women Who Represent' Honorees The Alliance for Women in Media has announced its 2013 Women Who Represent award honorees. Among those being honored are Acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, and NAB EVP of Government Relations Kelly Cole. The group will be honored at the 2013 Women Who Represent Breakfast on November 14 in Washington DC, where AWM will celebrate the accomplishments and impact of these women who help shape the political and media landscape nationally and globally. “AWM is proud to recognize women who make a difference through advocacy, policy, and industry outreach,” says AWM Chair Kay Olin. “We are excited to host this event in our nation’s capital to honor the accomplishments of our Women Who Represent honorees and inspire tomorrow’s political, media, and thought leaders.” Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Ryan Kramer is named Program Director at CHR/Top 40 "96.7 Kiss FM" KHFI-FM and Rhythmic CHR "102.3 The Beat" KPEZ-FM, Austin, starting September 16. He will also be morning host at KPEZ-FM, replacing Zannie K. Kramer who recently exited. Kramer will arrive from PD and afternoon host at sister "96.1 Kiss FM" KSME-FM, Fort Collins, Colorado ... Emily Bermann joins Clear Channel Nashville as Director of Promotions for Country WSIX-FM and Urban WUBT-FM replacing Mollie Cochrane ... Talk WPHT-AM, Philadelphia, Program Director Ed Palladino is exiting the CBS Radio station, saying he's going to an unspecified non-radio job ... Buckley Radio appoints Liz Ray to the newly-created post of Marketing Manager for the company's California group of stations. Most recently, Ray was General Sales Manager at Fresno's Soft AC KJWL-FM and News Talk KYNO-AM.