Tuesday's Radio & Media News - August 13, 2013

SiriusXM Launches 'Piolin Radio' with Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo SiriusXM announces that Spanish-language radio personality Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo will launch a new entertainment channel exclusively on SiriusXM, anchored by his own daily morning show, "El Show de Piolin." A news release from the satcaster says, "Piolin, credited with popularizing the Spanish-language morning drive format in major Hispanic markets, will now have his first true national platform, reconnecting with his massive base of loyal fans while reaching new listeners nationwide who have heretofore been unable to hear his compelling, entertaining, and unpredictable style of radio. The addition of Piolin solidifies the SiriusXM Latino suite of channels as the most comprehensive lineup of Latino programming in radio today." Says Sotelo, "I am honored SiriusXM believes in me. As I tell my listeners, 'We came to succeed.' And now, as we step up to a new level, I will be doing that on the biggest radio platform possible. I can't wait to fly free and for the first time be truly available coast-to-coast. I am excited that my listeners will be able to tune in to Piolin Radio at home, in the car or anywhere mobile. I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fans and reaching out to new listeners everywhere across the country." Sotelo abruptly exited his syndicated Univision morning show July 22, and then dealt with allegations of sexual harassment lodged against him by former co-worker Alberto "Beto" Cortez. "Piolin's fans nationwide are loyal and supportive, and we are thrilled to welcome Piolin back to radio," says SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. "With our growing Latino audience and our national reach, SiriusXM's 'Piolin Radio' will truly be coast to coast. Piolin will draw subscribers and advertisers alike, and represents our commitment to bring the best and most comprehensive lineup of Spanish-language radio programming to a nation of listeners." Piolin, we're told, will host the live, four-hour call-in show, "expanding on the format that made him the most popular Latino radio host in the United States. Building on the fast wit and humor he is known for, 'El Show de Piolin' will include lively discussion of the day's events, surprise interviews with celebrity guests, listener call-ins, pranks, music and much more. He will welcome a wide range of guests--Hollywood stars, musicians, athletes, comedians and politicians. His previous guests have included President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, comedian George Lopez, and entertainers Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Vicente Fernandez, as well as legendary athletes Oscar de la Hoya and Cuauhtemoc Blanco. As always, he will also take on weightier subjects such as immigration reform and voter registration, issues he unwaveringly advocates. His exclusive show and the channel, Piolin Radio, will launch on SiriusXM later this year. Piolin Radio will cover the spectrum of entertainment. Details on launch date of the channel and Piolin's daily show will be announced soon. Piolin's channel joins the expanding Spanish-language programming lineup on SiriusXM. Later this year, Piolin Radio will join the SiriusXM lineup of Spanish-language satellite channels offering a variety of commercial-free music, plus talk, entertainment, and sports, including play-by-play of Major League Baseball games. This is part of SiriusXM's commitment to reach a national audience of underserved Hispanic listeners." Radio One Reports Q2 Net Revenues Up 13% Radio One reports second quarter net revenue up 13 percent to $119.6 million, but says "radio advertising markets have been choppy." The revenue increase is attributed primarily to a timing difference of Reach Media's annual cruise event as well as revenue improvements in both the Cable Television and Internet segments. Station operating income was approximately $45.7 million, an increase of 10.4 percent from a year ago. Operating income was approximately $18.4 million for the quarter, compared to operating income of $21.5 million in Q2 2012. Radio One took a $14.2 million net loss in Q2, compared to net income of $42.7 million a year ago. Says Radio One CEO/President Alfred Liggins, "Overall I am pleased with our Adjusted EBITDA growth of 19.5% for the quarter, which demonstrates the benefits of our diversification strategy. Radio advertising markets have been choppy, with a slowdown in June that took our core radio revenues from low single digit positive to a –0.6% finish. July core radio station net revenue was +5.0% and Q3 is currently pacing up low single digits. TV One posted robust revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth, up approximately 17.0% and 22.3% respectively, and Household ratings in prime were up 15%. Our Interactive One business performed well, with positive Adjusted EBITDA of $507,000 compared to a loss of $475,000 for the same period last year, and remains on target to hit break-even for the year. The Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage was a success, and helped propel Reach Media to a positive Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.9 million, which was a welcome turn-around from last year's comparable loss of $89,000." Gary Burns: New Arbitron TLR Policy Unfair Takes His Complaint to the FCC, FTC, DOJ While many non-subscribing broadcasters are upset with Arbitron's recently announced new Total Line Reporting policy that's set for 2014, none is more upset than small radio group owner, 3 Daughters Media CEO Gary Burns (as we first reported August 2). Currently stations simulcasting 100% of their programming and commercials are eligible for combined reporting regardless of subscriber status, but starting next year Arbitron will limit such TLR only to subscribers. Burns has now written to Arbitron CEO Sean Creamer, and filed his complaint with the change with the FCC, FTC and DOJ. Burns tell Creamer, "I take strong exception to the recently announced change in policy by Arbitron as it pertains to Total Line Reporting of radio listening, which as of 2014, will only apply to stations that pay for and subscribe to the Arbitron service. Application of the proposed rule will result in different methodology for stations in the same survey and will change the ranking of stations. The stations most likely to incur damages as a result of this new policy are stations with limited coverage, and stations owned by small business and minorities. Measurement of radio listening in metro markets should be subject to the same methodology and rules for every station qualified to be in the measured market." Burns tells us that he's "formally requesting that the FCC revisit their policy of using Arbitron-defined markets, outsourced to BIA, versus Census Bureau SMSA designations as the way to define how many stations are in a market for the purposes of ownership limits." His formal complaint to the FCC says, "I take strong exception to the recently announced change in policy by Arbitron as it pertains to Total Line Reporting of radio listening, which as of 2014, will only apply to stations that pay for and subscribe to the Arbitron service. Application of the proposed rule will result in different methodology for stations in the same survey and will change the ranking of stations. Stations most likely to incur damages as a result of this new policy are stations with limited coverage, and stations owned by small business and minorities. Measurement of radio listening in metro markets should be subject to the same methodology and rules for every station qualified to be in the measured market." He continues, "When the FCC designated Arbitron as the 'definer' of radio markets for the purpose of determining how many stations an individual station owner could operate in a given market, it put too much power in the hands of the rating company and subsequently to the stations that subscribe to the service. Arbitron subscribers alone decide which counties are included in the market's definition. A good case in point is the market where I operate, Roanoke-Lynchburg. Roanoke and Lynchburg are separate SMSA's as defined by the government. The cities are 60 miles apart, separated by the Blue Ridge mountains, are in different telephone area codes, are served by different daily newspapers, have over-the-air network affiliated television stations that are licensed to each city, have more than ten radio stations licensed to each city, and they share no government services or elected officials except for one gerrymandered congressional district, two Senators and the common shared benefits of both being in the Commonwealth of Virginia." Burns is also asking the DOJ and the FTC to "require that all measured entities be treated equally without regard to whether it is a paid subscriber to the service." EMF Paying $20.25 Million for Merlin Media's WWIQ-FM/Philadelphia EMF is paying $20.25 million to purchase Merlin Media's Conservative Talk "IQ 106.9" WWIQ-FM, Philadelphia (licensed to Camden, New Jersey). That's according to the contract attached to paperwork filed with the FCC. Randy Michaels' Chicago-based Merlin Media paid $22.5 million for the station in December 2011 when Merlin purchased the former WKDN-FM from Family Radio. Educational Media Foundation will use the 106.9 FM signal to bring its "K-Love" Contemporary Christian music format to the Philadelphia market. After the EMF-Merlin deal was announced (but minus a price tag), K-Love President and CEO Mike Novak told us, "All of us at K-Love are excited to have worked out a deal with Merlin Media for the purchase of WWIQ, 106.9 FM. To be able to share the Gospel and work hand-in-hand with listeners in the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas is such a blessing. We can't wait." They will only have to wait until the FCC approves the transaction, which is expected to come rather quickly. EMF's "growing portfolio" already includes radio stations in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, and more -- potentially reaching an estimated 14 million listeners weekly. EMF is also expected to air its "Air1" format on the HD2 multicast channel of its new Philadelphia station, although that has yet to be formally announced. Pandora Responds to ASCAP Petition to Deny, Seeking to Stop Pandora FM Station Purchase Pandora has filed an FCC response to ASCAP's petition to deny Pandora's purchase of Hot AC "Mix 102.7" KXMZ-FM, Box Elder-Rapid City, South Dakota. Pandora Media, which is purchasing its first over-the-air station from Connoisseur Media, tells the FCC that ASCAP's filing is "a blatant attempt to draw the FCC into a private dispute regarding music performance royalties, a dispute over which the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has exclusive jurisdiction." Pandora writes, "ASCAP is trying to entice the FCC into a music royalty fight," while rejecting ASCAP's characterization of it as incapable of serving the community. Pandora says it is "uniquely situated to serve those needs and is committed to continue and expand upon KXMZ's public service after closing." The filing also called ASCAP's charge that Pandora had not fully disclosed its ownership and may have hidden excessive foreign control "meritless" and "based on a superficial analysis" of its stockholders. Pandora adds that ASCAP's own analysis shows that Pandora is under the 20% threshold. Pandora also is challenging ASCAP's standing to challenge the sale, noting that the music licensing organization is not a competitor or resident of the area and supplied an illegible declaration from a South Dakota resident, that Pandora says does not determine whether ASCAP is representing a local interest. Boston's 'Magic 106.7' Names David O'Leary Morning Co-Host Greater Media AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Boston, names David O'Leary as morning co-host, teaming with Candy O'Terry, starting August 19. O'Leary has been heard on Boston radio for over 25 years, including a time as morning host on sister WBOS-FM. "Several good candidates surfaced during our extensive talent search, and after careful consideration, David O'Leary stood out as the natural choice to best help propel Magic's morning show into the future," says Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack McCartney. "David's experience, warmth, and great judgment with respect to content are just some of the reasons I'm thrilled to once again promote from within our valuable roster of 'A' talent here at Greater Media Boston. The combination of David and Candy promises to be an exciting new chapter for Morning Magic!" O'Leary tells us, "I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Magic air staff. This station, in this city, working with a team I know and respect. It's a dream come true!" D.L. Hughley Signs with Reach Media for Syndicated Afternoon Show Reach Media makes it official, that comedian, author, actor, TV personality, and former radio host D.L. Hughley has signed to host a weekday afternoon show. A launch date will be announced. "The D.L. Hughley Show" will be a daily-themed, music-intensive afternoon drive program, 3-7pm ET. Cumulus Media Networks will partner with Reach Media in affiliation and other aspects of the show. Says Hughley, "I'm very excited to get back to radio and it couldn't have come at a better time. I think radio fits my sensibility. I want to be fast, I want to be funny, I want to be topical. I want to make people laugh a lot and think a little. Some people want to push the envelope -- I want to see if I can singe it a little." Reach Media CEO David Kantor tells us, "D.L. is the right personality to provide a new style of content in afternoon drive time. The D.L. Hughley Show will be engaging and fun, along with great music." Hughley established himself as a stand-up comedian with the Original Kings of Comedy Tour and a subsequent movie release. He went on to have a television show, "The Hughleys," and followed that up with a book, comedy specials, and television appearances. Hughley has also served as host of a talk show on CNN. He also hosted mornings for 13 months at the now defunct Urban AC "98.7 Kiss FM" New York, 2009-2010. Carolina Panthers Extend with WBT-AM-FM The Carolina Panthers have announced the extension of a long-time partnership with Greater Media’s News Talk WBT-AM-FM, Charlotte, North Carolina. Having served as the radio flagship of the Carolina for 13 of the team’s 18-year history, WBT-AM-FM and the Panthers have agreed on a three-year extension to keep the radio broadcasts there through 2015. "With such a long and successful history between our two organizations, we are excited about continuing to look for new ways to improve our broadcasts," says David Langton, Executive Radio Producer. "WBT AM-FM and the Carolina Panthers histories are rooted in tradition, passion and performance. The first touchdown in Panther history was heard on WBT, and that tradition will continue into the foreseeable future," says Trip Savery, VP and Station Manager of WBT AM-FM and Greater Media Charlotte. "Carolina Panthers fans and PSL holders fit the profile of the WBT listener perfectly. The Panthers are a significant part of our 90 year history of serving the greater Charlotte region, and we look forward to many more years working together." Carolina Panthers color analyst and WBT sports director, Jim Szoke is the only broadcaster to have seen every home and away Carolina Panthers game in the history of the franchise. Joining Jim in the booth for the 9th season will be play-by-play man Mick Mixon and former Carolina Panther and 16-year NFL veteran Eugene Robinson. ESPN Dallas/KESN-FM Extends with Dallas Mavericks "ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM" KESN-FM and the Dallas Mavericks have a five-year deal to extend their radio play-by-play agreement. "ESPN Dallas 103.3" -- which debuted in April 2001 -- has broadcast Mavericks games since Fall 2001. The station and team will now be together through the 2017-18 season, making this the longest running pro sports team radio rights agreement in Dallas. "We are thrilled to continue to be the radio home of the Dallas Mavericks," says ESPN Dallas General Manager Pete Dits. "Our relationship has grown over the years, and together we give Dallas Mavericks fans the best overall coverage of the team and a well-produced game broadcast." The new agreement calls for a continuation of "The Rick Carlisle Show" as well as a player show to air on KESN-FM, and the continuation of the annual Mavstoberfest event that allows up to 1000 ESPN Dallas and Dallas Mavericks winners passes to a free autograph signing with the entire team as well as a free open-to-the-public scrimmage. Says Maverick's owner Mark Cuban, "There is no better radio network for the Dallas Mavericks than ESPN Dallas. They have been our home for 12 seasons and our fans know where to find the Mavs on the radio. We are thrilled to be with ESPN Dallas for many more seasons to come." Scott Vowinkle Joins Journal Omaha as Radio GSM Scott Vowinkle joins Journal Broadcast Group's Omaha Operations as General Sales Manager beginning August 15. Vowinkle most recently was Regional Sales Director for ApartmentGuide.com, a print, Internet and mobile service for Texas renters and home buyers. He previously has been VP of Business Development for the RAB and a VP/GM for the Hispanic Broadcasting Corp. "Scott is a veteran media executive with significant radio and digital sales experience," says Journal Omaha VP and General Manager Christopher Sehring. Vowinkle will be sharing management responsibilities for Journal's Omaha radio cluster with GSM Kris Chistiansen, devoting his primary focus to leading the sales efforts for "Z-92" KEZO-FM, "CD105.9" KKCD-FM, and "590 ESPN" KXSP-AM. NABEF Leadership Development Program Now Open The NAB Education Foundation announces open registration for the 2013 Leadership Development Program, to be held October 24-27 at NAB Headquarters in Washington DC. The program targets broadcasters with three to seven years experience considered to be rising stars in their field. Attendees will participate in peer and professional assessments. Session topics include navigating corporate culture, leveraging talents and work style, leading others for optimal performance and team-building. NABEF is providing five fellowships for women and people of color to attend this program. For those interested in an NABEF Fellowship, please apply online. General applications are still being accepted; however, space is limited. The program costs $1,700 with hotel or $1,000 without. "Participants gain valuable leadership skills and insights into building a personal brand," says NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "The Leadership Development Program is a great opportunity for those interested in advancing their broadcast careers." USRN Expands Phantom Producer to Rock Format United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) expands its "Phantom Producer" radio imaging service to the Mainstream Rock format. The move brings the online production app to its seventh radio format, but marking the first time that Phantom Producer is available to a format that specifically targets younger men. Phantom Producer has been previously available to programmers and production talent serving the CHR, AC, Hot AC, Classic Rock, Classic Hits and Country formats. The move into Mainstream Rock is effective immediately. Since its introduction in 2010, Phantom Producer has been giving users the ability to audition, mix and download their own customized or generic sweepers, jingles, audio links and other interstitial production elements via a password-protected website. Recently, "music hooks" were added to the service which expanded the creative options for affiliates. To create Mainstream Rock content for Phantom Producer, the team has retained Jerry Rohira as Rock Imaging Producer. Rohira is well known in the Rock format for several years at "94.5 The Buzz" in Houston. He was recruited by SiriusXM as Creative Director and to work on major initiatives involving Paul McCartney, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen and others. Rohira also helped launch "The Howard Stern Show" on satellite radio and was Creative Services Director for the show during its first year there. Most recently, Rohira was VP of Production for Merlin Media's News Network, before its demise. CBS 'Radio.com' August 17 Vegas 'SPF' Set for Streaming We suppose the graphic actually says it all. CBS Radio's answer to Clear Channel's iHeartRadio (on a somewhat smaller scale), Radio.com, will stream the upcoming Summer Pool Fiesta (SPF) at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The CBS Radio/Radio.com "SPF" will feature Robin Thicke, Jason Derulo, and Sammy Adams, and is set for August 17, starting at 8:30pm PT, which according to our own exclusive calculations means it will be streamed at 11:30pm ET. (Do Jay and Dave know about this?) "With the Las Vegas Strip as the background, the luxury resort’s Boulevard pool will play host to the star-studded event. Fans can watch a live broadcast of SPF streaming on Radio.com" said the July 22 initial announcement, as we reported here. The formal announcement from CBS Radio told us, "CBS Radio stations nationwide will award hundreds of listeners complimentary access to the show, with many receiving a trip to Las Vegas with superior travel and accommodations at The Cosmopolitan, and exclusive access on-site at SPF." Read more about "SPF Powered By Radio.com" from CBS Radio here. Slacker Adds 'ESPN The Magazine Radio' ESPN Audio and ESPN The Magazine have launched "ESPN The Magazine Radio" on Slacker. We're told it offers music and sports features from ESPN The Magazine. The initial launch of the station features songs from the personal playlists of the "Body Issue" athletes including Colin Kaepernick, Elena Hight, Sydney Leroux, and Kenneth “Manimal” Faried. Related audio elements from the athletes themselves are showcased on the site in between songs as well as magazine photography. As each issue is released, the station will expand to showcase a growing playlist of elite athletes, says ESPN Audio. The channel is exclusive to Slacker. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters returns KYZZ-FM, Salinas, California, to the air as Classical "K-Mozart" joining KMZT-AM, Beverly Hills, and KMZT-FM, Big Sur, in their Classical programming. Mount Wilson closed on its purchase of KYZZ-FM at the end of July and temporarily took it silent ... Rock "Q98" KQWB, Fargo, North Dakota, will move to 105.1 FM, August 16, and become "Q105.1" replacing AC KLTA-FM ... Cox Media Group AC "B98.5" WSB-FM, Atlanta announces the "Jeff and Melissa" show with Jeff Elliott and Melissa Carter for mornings, beginning August 14 ... Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" WJMN-FM, Boston, names Maverik its new afternoon host. He started his radio career there as an intern while at Boston College ... Clear Channel Country WSIX-FM, Nashville, Assistant PD and afternoon host Anthony "Ant Man" Allen is named APD/MD and afternooner for Country sister KNIX-FM, Phoenix, effective August 19 ... Alternative "102.9 The Buzz" WBUZ-FM, Nashville, promotes APD/MD and afternoon host Zigz to Program Director, replacing Troy Hanson.