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SiriusXM 'Committed to Keeping' Howard Stern 
SiriusXM Radio is "committed to keeping" Howard Stern when his current deal with the satcaster expires at the end of 2015, CEO Jim Meyer told the Goldman Sachs Communacopia investor conference Thursday. But Meyer says he wouldn't extend the deal with Stern on a non-exclusive basis. Meyer said SiriusXM would like to continue its relationship with Stern as long as the radio host wants to work. Stern earlier this year said that he is planning to leave SiriusXM at the end of his contract that runs through 2015. The comment came after he failed to revive a $300 million lawsuit based on a contract dispute with the satellite radio company. "As long as Howard Stern wants to work, as long as Howard Stern is as motivated as he is today and makes his show as good as it is, we want him on SiriusXM Radio," said Meyer. But asked if he would extend Stern's contract on a non-exclusive basis, Meyer said "absolutely not." He explained, "We pay an awful lot of money for Howard. And every penny is worth that. We want to protect that exclusivity." However, he said he loves that Stern is doing "America's Got Talent" on NBC television as it helps the Stern and SiriusXM brand. But there could be no deal that would share Stern with terrestrial broadcast radio. Ford Acquires Connected Car Company Livio 
Ford acquires in-dash car connectivity company Livio, a maker of a platform for in-car apps, with a focus on audio and music services. Livio has told potential customers, "Think of Livio Connect as a liaison between your customers’ various apps and hardware devices. It’s a protocol that enables users to control today’s apps with their voice or fingers through the physical buttons on hardware equipment -- including enabled head units and consumer electronics." Paul Mascarenas, VP and Chief Technical Officer of Ford Research and Innovation, announced the acquistion of Livio during a conference call with reporters. Livio becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary and separate department of Ford Global Technologies. Although the price of the deal is not disclosed, it's being reported that it's believed to be "less than 10 million." Mascarenas said Ford was buying Livio for three main reasons: to acquire Livio's team of software developers, to gain access to the company's IP and to promote a single technical standard for in-car apps. "With the additional expertise Livio provides us, Ford intends to continue to lead the next generation of in-car connectivity with technology advancements that give consumers more options to access their devices on the go," said Mascarenas. "At Livio, our philosophy is centered on bringing customers more connectivity with less hassle,” says Livio CEO Jake Sigalo. “We believe this partnership is an excellent match, as it will give us the ability to work with Livio to provide customers even more access to new technologies in the vehicle infotainment space." Ford Global Technologies President and CEO Bill Coughlin adds, "Ford is acquiring Livio to advance connectivity for our customers and to lead the way in in-vehicle connectivity for the entire automotive industry." Livio's technology, we're told, provides an relatively easy way for developers to port their apps for in-car use. Ford Sync performs a similar function with its AppLink feature, although Mascarenas says Ford would work at combining the two "connectivity solutions" into a single industry standard. "It's about taking complexity out," Mascarenas said. "For us, standardizing in-vehicle connectivity really helps to ease the burden on content developers because they currently have to great applications using several different vehicle interfaces. A single standard lets them write software more efficiently. [Acquiring Livio] is another step in taking complexity out. It's a great match." Livio has a total of 11 employees, all of whom are now Ford employees. Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray Renews 
Katz Media Group announces that media executive Mark Gray has extended his contract as President of Katz Radio Group (KRG), its radio representation company. Gray started his career with KRG in 1988 as an Account Executive, and has since been promoted within the company to positions including General Sales Manager and VP. He became president of Katz Radio in 2001 before being promoted to his current role as President of KRG in 2006. "We are thrilled to have Mark Gray continuing in his role as President of Katz Radio Group," says CEO Mark Rosenthal. "Mark has a tremendous amount of success and experience in serving KRG’s phenomenal clients and his expertise continues to be a great asset for Katz Radio Group. Radio is a powerful national marketing platform and Mark extending his commitment to KRG solidifies the company’s further growth and intensified effort to create unsurpassed media solutions for clients." Says Gray, "It’s extremely exciting to continue my role at Katz Radio Group. KRG has the brightest talent and an exceptional client base. I look forward to leading our sales force and working with our broadcast partners to strengthen radio’s perception within the advertising community. Radio's story has never been stronger." Gray is a member of the Board of Directors for the Broadcasters Foundation of America. In this position, he manages corporate membership and leads Katz Media Group's annual employee membership drive. In recent years, Katz has raised more than $125,000 to aid broadcasters in need. Gray is also a member of the Radio Advertising Bureau’s Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees for the Alliance for Women in Media. Boston Celtics Move to '98.5 The Sports Hub' WBZ-FM 
The Boston Celtics are moving to CBS Radio's "98.5 The Sports Hub" WBZ-FM, Boston, in a multi-year partnership. WBZ-FM becomes the new flagship for the NBA team's games. The Celtics previously aired on crosstown Entercom Sports WEEI-FM. Beginning this season, WBZ-FM will air select pre-season games, and all regular and post-season matchups, as well as produce extended pre- and post-game shows focused entirely on the Celtics.
Kassof ListenerThink: 'In the Mood for Radio' 
In the fourth release from Mark Kassof and Company's 2013 "ListenerThink P1" study, we're told that listeners seek "mood" from radio. Mark Kassof writes today, "Tuesday, we reported that more than two-thirds of 18-64 listeners think radio is an important part of their lives. Yesterday, we reported that three-fourths pay a lot of attention when they listen. The question we answer today is: WHY??? What does radio deliver that makes it important and worthy of attention? Most programmers, I think, would answer music, news, sports, humor, contests, etc. All true, but there’s more than that. This month’s ListenerThink research explored the benefits that listeners get from radio…beyond only the elements of programming. In an online survey, we asked 989 18-64 listeners to rate 18 different motivations for listening to radio, on a scale from 'not at all important' to 'very important'."
Says Mark Kassof, "On that last item, I often find it helpful to throw at least one 'outlier' into questionnaires…things respondents are highly unlikely to agree with or appreciate. Still, one in ten listens to get angry! (Yes, Talk radio still has a future!) Fortunately, positive benefits are the biggest motivators. Unfortunately, few stations sell benefits in their positioning and promotion (including advertising). Other industries get it. Beer advertising sells male bonding, not just an alcoholic beverage. Resorts advertise escape, not just a hotel room. Revlon founder Charles Revson famously said: 'In the factory we make cosmetics; in the drugstore we sell hope.' What do radio stations advertise? All too often, attributes like 'less talk' - 'the biggest variety' - 'the ’90s to now' - etc -- not benefits! Yet years ago, Easy Listening stations had tremendous success positioning their stations as 'The Place to Relax' — radio’s #2 benefit. Could other formats sell mood elevation or energy or companionship or another major benefit? Of course they could…IF the benefit were major motivations for their target listeners. So far, we’ve just given you the 'big picture' of our P1 research. Next week, we’ll get into how P1′s of major formats differ -- not only in terms of the benefits they seek from radio, but also their attitudes toward radio and themselves."
FCC Commissioners Applaud Upcoming LPFM Filing Window 
With a Low Power FM (LPFM) filing window set to begin in October, the three FCC Commissioners -- Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai -- each have released statements applauding that opportunity. Acting Chairwoman Clyburn writes, "This is a very exciting moment. We are poised for a dramatic and historic explosion of diverse local voices on the radio band. I, for one, can't wait! Once again I extend special thanks to Congressman Michael Doyle and Congressman Lee Terry, as well as to Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator John McCain, the sponsors of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010. Without their leadership today's report and the nearing LPFM window would not be possible." She added, "I am hopeful that our implementation of the LCRA and adoption of various service, selection, and eligibility rule changes will result in the licensing of many hundreds of stations deeply rooted in their communities. In this regard I am most excited about two particular aspects of this window. The first is rule change designed to spur an increase in the origination of local programming content-- the gold standard for broadcasting. The second is the impact of those technical changes that will make FM frequencies available for the first time to nonprofit groups in most major metropolitan areas. I believe that the sustainability of the LPFM service is directly tied to its ability to attract listeners in our urban centers. Prospects appear good. These stations will be able to achieve significant coverage of densely populated neighborhoods. Moreover our great cities are teeming with extraordinary diversity. Most of these diverse groups, however, have no voice at all in the current media landscape. Providing an opportunity for ethnically and culturally diverse people to share their experiences and aspirations will enrich us all and strengthen our common bonds."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio 
Country/Southern Rock "93.9 The Outlaw" trustee Joule Broadcasting (Formerly Volt Radio Trust) has returned WJXY-FM, Conway/Myrtle Beach, and 93.7 WXJY-FM, Georgetown, SC to the air as Conservative Talk "News Talk 93.9" with a fully syndicated lineup, reports RadioInsight.com ... "The Dan LeBatard Show" with co-host Jon "Stugotz" Weiner debuts on ESPN Radio, Monday (Sept. 30). LeBatard -- whose show originates from Lincoln Financial Media’s "790 The Ticket" WAXY-AM, Miami -- will continue to offer a local hour from 3-4pm, but goes national from 4-7pm ... After a week of stunting with All-Elvis, the former CHR/Top 40 "Kiss" WYDL-FM, Middleton TN/Corinth MS, flips to Classic Rock as “Rock 100.3“ ... Radio blogger Rich Lieberman is moving his relatively new radio show from "Memories and Magic" KOMY-AM to "Talk Back Radio 1080" KSCO-AM, Santa Cruz, airing 2-4pm, effective October 1. Lieberman (of "415 Media" fame) says, "More power to ya" ... Country "106.5 The Wolf" WDAF-FM, Kansas City, names morning co-host Codie Allen Music Director, a newly created position for the station ... Alternative Rock KHTB-FM, Salt Lake City, afternoon host Tysen Webb exits for an Account Executive position at crosstown News Talk KSL-AM ... Scott Morello is named Creative Services Director at Greater Media AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Boston ... Hannah Byrom joins the cast of the syndicated CHR/Top 40 "Zach Sang and the Gang" 7-11pm ET show. Byrom previously was morning co-host at CHR/Top 40 "Z107-5" WAZO-FM, Wilmington, NC ... Cumulus Media News Talk WMAL-AM-FM, Washington DC, hires Rachel Sutherland for afternoon drive news anchoring, to take over from Mark Weaver, who is retiring as of today (Sept. 27).
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - September 27, 2013
"We are excited to launch a new era of Celtics basketball with CBS Radio Boston, extending our audience reach with Celtics fans throughout New England and providing an enhanced promotional platform for the Celtics, our team sponsors, and advertisers," says Celtics President Rich Gotham. "In addition to enjoying the NBA's best play by play with Grande and Max, Celtics fans will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Celtics executives, players, and coaches through interviews and features throughout the season."
Says CBS Radio Boston SVP and Market Manager Mark Hannon, "98.5 The Sports Hub is thrilled to add Boston Celtics radio broadcasts to our line-up. The Celtics are a winning, world class organization and the perfect fit for 98.5 The Sports Hub. I look forward to growing the success of both organizations through this partnership." Additional Celtics daily and weekly programming will be featured on WBZ-FM throughout the season. Secondary game coverage will be provided by CBS Radio's Classic Rock WZLX-FM as necessary.
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