Thursday's Radio & Media News - August 8, 2013

Sinclair Closes on Fisher Communications Acquisition Sinclair Broadcast Group announced today that it has closed on its previously announced acquisition of Fisher Communications, valued at approximately $373.3 million, less acquired working capital. Under the terms of the agreement, Fisher shareholders received $41.00 in cash for each share of Fisher common stock they owned. The transaction represented a 44% premium to the closing price of Fisher common stock on January 9, 2013, the final trading day prior to Fisher announcing a review of strategic alternatives. In addition to 20 television stations in eight markets, Sinclair takes control of Fisher's Seattle radio stations -- News KOMO-AM, Hot AC "Star 101.5" KPLZ-FM, and Talk KVI-AM. Sinclair also acquires the Fisher LMA to operate South Sound Broadcasting's KOMO-FM, which simulcasts KOMO-AM. On Tuesday, as we reported then, Fisher Communications announced that its shareholders approved the merger agreement with Sinclair. We were told that "More than 90% of the votes represented and cast at the special meeting of Fisher's shareholders, or approximately 77% of the total outstanding shares of common stock eligible to vote as of the June 14, 2013 record date, were voted in favor of the approval of the merger agreement." Stacey Sedbrook Named Beasley Broadcast Group VP of Digital Beasley Broadcast Group appoints Stacey Sedbrook as VP of Digital. We're told that "she will lead and direct all of the company's social and online initiatives; develop and implement new media strategies; and also coordinate all digital and interactive efforts for each of Beasley’s radio stations." She joins Beasley September 1, based in the corporate office in Naples, Florida, and reporting to Caroline Beasley. Sedbrook arrives at Beasley from Boston, where she was most recently Senior Director of Digital Sales and Operations for Wicked Local-Gatehouse Media New England. "As our digital initiatives continue to grow and evolve, we realize the benefit in examining this critically important part of our business with fresh eyes and from a different perspective," says EVP/CFO Caroline Beasley. "Stacey’s record of driving the development of innovative, revenue-generating marketing and sales campaigns for both agencies and clients is exceptional. We believe the skill set she brings to Beasley's digital team will help build a stronger department that is better tailored to serve the needs of our advertisers and listeners. Radio may be a new industry to Stacey, but the challenges we face as our digital presence expands are the same issues she faced previously on the print side." Sedbrook tells us, "Radio is an industry that I've been watching closely. To join a company like Beasley, one that understands that digital and radio are converging at a faster pace than ever before, is a tremendous opportunity. My past experience and accomplishments will translate well into radio. I very much look forward to leveraging the strength of radio’s reach and listener response to introduce the audience extension, personalization and trackability of digital products and services. After living through Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Boston Blizzard of 2013, I'm excited to be leaving New England for the year-round sunshine in SW Florida." Slacker Names Lisa Namerow SVP of Strategic Partnership Operations Slacker names former AOL General Manager Lisa Namerow to be Slacker's SVP of Strategic Partnership Operations. Namerow, a terrestrial radio veteran, will lead partnership operations with a focus on broadening existing and future partnerships for the streaming audio service. The company says, "With a rich background in the development and implementation of strategic plans to drive consumer usage of web and mobile products, Namerow will lead partnership operations with a focus on broadening existing and future partnerships in order to provide the most stellar listening experience for Slacker’s ever-growing audience." She joins the Slacker team from AOL, where she was the General Manager of the AOL Music Network and AOL Radio. There, she led day-to-day business operations, product and audience development, and strategic partnerships for five music websites and AOL Radio. Over the years, Namerow spearheaded many partnerships, including those with Vevo, CBS Radio, Rolling Stone, and even Slacker. She also oversaw the launch of the AOL Radio iPhone application. A terrestrial radio veteran, Namerow began her career as an overnight DJ for WICB-FM and later held several positions with Saga Communications. "One of Slacker's greatest strengths is the depth and breadth of our distribution partners – from auto manufacturers and wireless carriers to consumer web portals like AOL," says Slacker CEO Jim Cady. "Lisa's tremendous experience in conceptualizing and executing strategic multi-platform partnerships will help further our reach and build upon Slacker’s already outstanding roster of partners." Namerow tells us, "I've spent my career at the intersection of music and technology, developing entertainment products for a mass audience and leveraging strategic partnerships that enhanced those experiences. Slacker delivers a seamless experience across the web, mobile devices, consumer electronics devices and cars – and I'm focused on maximizing the impact of Slacker's current partnerships and identifying new music partnerships which allow Slacker to continue to deliver the most compelling consumer experience." 'Z100'/NYC Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Digital Time Capsule Legendary CHR/Top 40 "Z100" WHTZ-FM, New York, celebrating its 30th anniversary this entire month, has launched the "Z100 Time Capsule." Program Director Sharon Dastur explains, "Ever since the station signed on, Z100 continues to have such a meaningful impact with its listeners in the Tri-State Area, along with the radio and music industry around the world. What an honor and a thrill to be part of this legendary station's past, present and very exciting future. To celebrate 30 years on the air, 'Z100' is taking listeners on a journey down memory lane with the launch of the 'Z100 Time Capsule' -- an interactive guide taking listeners back to what Z100.com would be like each year since its launch in 1983. The platform shares behind-the-scenes videos, Z100's evolution of logos and design and, of course, each year's top entertainment statistics, including the Number One song from each month of every year, the year's top movies, TV shows, trends and fads." Elvis Duran, host of the "Z100" morning show, tells us, "For almost 25 years I have been front row watching the evolution of Z100. I am thrilled that fans everywhere are now able to see how Z100 became the symbol that it is today, and I am proud to be involved with such an iconic brand in entertainment." For more on WHTZ-FM's 30-year history, read our exclusive August 5 report. SBS: NYC 'Mega 97.9' Leads Tri-State Area as # 1 Market Station Spanish Broadcasting System's "Mega 97.9" WSKQ-FM, New York, says SBS, "achieved significant ratings gains and strengthened its market position in Arbitron's recently-released July 2013 trend report. WSKQ-FM has captured the number one position amongst all Radio stations in the Tri-State New York market, for Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, regardless of language." SBS COO Albert Rodriguez tells us, "As WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM continues to lead and reach listeners in New York, we are confident that audiences will only continue to grow even more so, as demonstrated in the latest New York Arbitron rankings. The Hispanic community is growing rapidly and SBS New York will continue to provide quality, compelling entertainment to satisfy its listeners." SBS New York VP of Sales Eric Garcia adds, "The SBS Radio cluster in New York has consistently served as the leader in the NY Latino market place for over 30 years. Today we have only strengthened that position by becoming the number 1 radio station in New York regardless of language amongst key advertising demos, A18-49 & A18-34", said "Our Arbitron performance reflects our strategic advantages and tactical strengths, which benefit both the communities we serve and our clients who are tapping into the branding power of WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM by reaching the fast growing Hispanic consumer segment." Jesus Salas, EVP of Programming and Multiplatform Coordinator of SBS also comments. "WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM reaching the number one rank over all the stations in New York regardless of language is an impressive and history making event. WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9 FM has a close tie with the local community unlike any other station. Our on air personalities have formed an emotional relationship with our millions of listeners in a unique way." According to a news release, WSKQ-FM "personalities have captured New Yorkers with the best on air content and music. The solid ratings performance confirms Spanish Broadcasting's leadership commitment to delivering the growing Hispanic consumer audience the best original programming throughout the Tri-State area." Sports Talker Paul Finebaum's New Show Set to Debut The new "Paul Finebaum Show" will debut in syndication, Monday (August 12), airing for four hours daily, 2-6pm. The new show will be produced by ESPN Radio, "showcasing Finebaum's opinions and knowledge of the SEC as well as his interaction with callers, many of whom have followed him for years." Finebaum, considered a leading sports authority in the South and the "Voice of the SEC," will be based in ESPN's Charlotte studios and distributed by Cumulus Media Networks to broadcast outlets. ESPN affiliated stations in every market will have the first opportunity to carry the show. His former home station WJOX-FM, Birmingham, will offer the new show, as will its new sister Sports Talker, WJQX-FM which is flipping to ESPN Radio's full schedule. Finebaum's previous program attracted nearly a quarter of the adult male listeners in Birmingham, ESPN's highest-rated college football television market the past several years. ESPN Audio is overseeing satellite and digital distribution. Sports Commentator Jay Mariotti Launches Multimedia Site, Daily Radio Show in Deal with Genesis Communications National sports commentator and former Chicago midday radio Sports Talk host Jay Mariotti is launching a multimedia digital site and daily radio show in a deal with Genesis Communications. Says a news release, "Known for his eight years as a daily ESPN TV panelist, 17 years as a leading Chicago columnist and as a highly rated midday radio host in Chicago, Mariotti is launching an innovative 24/7 content production -- The Mariotti Show at www.mariottishow.com. Starting August 12, the site will feature the live streaming feed of his national radio show, airing 12noon-3pm ET, Monday through Friday. The www.mariottishow.com site, just launched, highlights his award-winning columns on major sports topics and events, immediate short-form opinions about sports and life, interviews, video commentaries, a running travelogue and free-flowing audience interaction in a live, continuous format." The radio show also will launch on Genesis-owned stations "Sports Talk 1040" WHBO-AM in Tampa and "Sports Talk 1080" WHOO-AM in Orlando. It will also launch on AM900/100.3FM in Ocala, as well as AM1230 in Gainesville. The program will be streamed live and on demand on www.SportsTalkFlorida.com . Genesis is in partnership with the NBC Sports Radio Network. In addition, a Mariotti show app is being developed for mobile devices. "Jay Mariotti is one of the country's most interesting and provocative sports personalities. Sports fans want to hear and see Jay," says Genesis Communications President Bruce Maduri. "They will have an interactive opportunity to be up close with Jay with his radio program, digital platform and his thought-provoking columns. He is back where he belongs." Says Mariotti, "We'll bring the proper balance and make nationwide impact with a compelling mix of daily topicality, strong opinions, professionalism, interaction and, for sure, fun. To combine radio and video with my continuing fascination with sports and commentary is just what I've wanted to do in this evolving media era." Mariotti has covered every major sports event nationally and worldwide on numerous occasions, including 14 Olympic Games and 24 Super Bowls, and has closely chronicled the life and times of all the top sports newsmakers. Mariotti, who is known for his challenging opinions and passionate approach, adds, "I've always been fiercely independent, detached from the institutional filters that stifle opinion in sports -- and nothing has changed," Mariotti said, adding: "I keep my eye on the listeners, readers and viewers and tell them what they SHOULD know. There's nothing safe about my approach, nor should there be. We'll deal with sports, media, Obama, pop culture, everything. And we'll do it on all platforms because I've had success on all platforms." Tulane University Sports Radio Network Expands Cumulus Media's Sports Talk "106.1 The Ticket" WMTI-FM, New Orleans, will again air Tulane University football and men's basketball for the 2013-2014 season. The station will also air talk programs for football, men's basketball and women's basketball. Mapa Broadcasting's "ESPN Radio 1560" WSLA-AM, New Orleans, will now serve as an affiliate of the Tulane network for additional metro coverage. "We are happy to announce that we have grown the Tulane Radio Network into two flagship stations and have added additional coverage for our fans, with a total of seven stations now carrying football," says Tulane Director of Athletics Rick Dickson. "We are excited to continue our relationship with WMTI-FM 106.1 The Ticket. We have made great strides to make sure all our major sports teams have extensive coverage in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Region." Cumulus Regional VP Susan Lucchesi tells us, "Cumulus Media owns and operates The Ticket, WMTI-FM 106.1 and we are very excited about carrying the Green Wave football and men's basketball games. Cumulus believes in serving the local community and this union with Tulane is an amazing opportunity for us to continue working with our community." Scott Winchell Named Journal Wichita GSM Scott Winchell is appointed General Sales Manager for Journal Broadcast Group's Wichita cluster. Winchell comes to JBG from Clear Channel Birmingham, where he was GSM for News Talk WERC-FM, Active Rock "103.1 The Vulcan" plus Urban "104.1 The Beat" and "105.1 Hallelujah FM." Says JBG Wichita VP and General Manager Eric McCart, "We're very excited Scott is joining our Journal Broadcast Group team. He brings genuine enthusiasm, passion and many years of proven leadership experience to our company." Noting that Winchell is originally from Salina, Kansas, McCart adds, "He knows Wichita and is very excited to roll up his sleeves, hit the streets and help us continue to provide creative, unique and effective customer-focused marketing solutions for our advertisers." After a long run with artist management, touring and the recording industries, Winchell joined Clear Channel in 2003 in Nashville as an account executive, leading to sales management positions with WUBT-FM, WNRQ-FM, WLAC-AM, and the leadership of the Nashville cluster's digital sales. He also spent time as GSM with Clear Channel's Charlotte stations before moving to Birmingham in 2010. "Journal Broadcast Group has an incredible reputation and track record in our industry, and in the communities it serves. I am honored and ecstatic to be joining up with Eric and the entire highly talented Wichita Operations team," says Winchell. "I find it exhilarating to have the opportunity to make a difference in Kansas. Wichita is a great Midwestern city, and it will be nice to be back in the area." Mel Karmazin Says He's Done with Radio Mel Karmazin says he's "done with radio." The former SiriusXM CEO, appearing on Fox Business Network Wednesday night, touched on a wide range of topics with host Neil Cavuto. Karmazin says he doesn't plan to return to broadcasting because he hasn't seen anything to lure him out of his second retirement. Karmazin, who was CBS Radio's chief before satellite radio lured him, also offered his thoughts on the current retransmission rights battle between CBS and Time Warner Cable. Karmazin told Cavuto there's "zero chance" that CBS will not return to the cable provider. "I guarantee the day the NFL is back on CBS, Time Warner will have CBS." Karmazin also offered his take on Jeff Bezos' purchase of The Washington Post, calling it "really terrific," the state of the economy (the main issues being "jobs" and that "taxes are out of whack and I don’t mean what I pay") and the Mayoral race in New York, saying he would never run for Mayor. When asked who should be the next President of the United States, Karmazin replied Jamie Dimon, the Chairman, President, and CEO of JPMorgan Chase.