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Reuters: 'Univision in Talks with Banks About 2014 IPO' 
Univision is reportedly considering an IPO (initial public offering). Reuters reports that "in recent weeks" Univision Communications has "held discussions with banks" about an IPO, "according to three people familiar with the matter, as strong stock markets encourage private equity owners to seek exits for their portfolio companies." Univision was taken private by a group of buyout firms for $12.3 billion in 2007. The investors included Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners. "The company is leaning toward an IPO, which may come in the second half of 2014, as the board continues to evaluate the company's strategic direction, one of the people said, adding that Univision has not yet made a formal decision to proceed with the offering," says the Reuters report. "All the people asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential. Univision, Madison Dearborn, TPG, Providence and THL declined to comment." Reuters says that a "surge in the equity markets this year has encouraged large private equity-backed companies to pursue IPOs." In addition to Univision Radio, Univision Communications owns "a highly rated Spanish language broadcast television network that sometimes beats English language broadcasters such as NBC in the primetime ratings race. It also owns another broadcast channel called UniMas, as well as several cable networks."
CBS Radio Partners with Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center 
CBS Radio, the Brooklyn Nets, and Barclays Center have formed a strategic alliance "that combines the strengths of the powerful media and entertainment brands, resulting in increased coverage" on "Sports Radio 66 and 101.9" WFAN-AM-FM, New York, of the popular NBA team, select college basketball games under the Brooklyn Hoops presented by Ticketmaster franchise, and select Brooklyn Boxing powered by Golden Boy Promotions bouts, as well as the creation of first-class concert events, and exposure of the landmark arena to audiences across the country. "CBS Radio provides a commanding broadcast partner for the Nets and Barclays Center that delivers widespread exposure and promotion for our franchises," says Nets and Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. "We are thrilled to continue airing Nets games on WFAN-AM-FM and expanding team coverage throughout the season, but we are just as excited about the opportunity of broadcasting other prominent events from Barclays Center, including select concerts, major college basketball and big time boxing, which will re-ignite a popular New York pastime."
Entercom to Add Local Talk to Re-Branded WWWL-AM/New Orleans 
Entercom will launch a revamped format with the new branding "3WL 1350" at WWWL-AM, New Orleans, October 14. Currently Sports Talk as "ESPN 1350," the station will move to a mix of local talk and programming from NBC Sports Radio, becoming a hybrid sports and local talk station, featuring "Sports, Food and Fun." The company makes the announcement in a news release for "the launch of a new station, 3WL 1350. This AM station is an extension of the Gulf South POWERhouse, WWL AM/FM. 3WL builds on the success of this legendary New Orleans station by offering a 'branch' focused on the passions of New Orleans. 3WL will go live Monday, October 14th." Entercom New Orleans VP and General Manager Chris Claus tells us, "3WL 1350 celebrates the three greatest passions of New Orleanians: sports, food and fun! Think of 3WL as a radio station as tasty as gumbo, as fun as Mardi Gras and as passionate as Saints fans on Sundays. 3WL will build on the tremendous success of WWL, but have a focus all its own. This is an exciting time for Entercom New Orleans and our clients. There is no city like New Orleans in America and there will be no station like 3WL in New Orleans." Says WWL Operations and Program Director Diane Newman, who will oversee 3WL, "From 6am to 6pm 3WL 1350 has a lineup that New Orleans not only knows but connects with. With sports in the morning, food at lunch, and a larger-than-life personality, Spud McConnell, in the afternoon, 3WL launches with tremendous strength, proven talent, and unquestioned passion." 3WL's lineup will feature: 6-9am – Morning Drive with T-Bob Hebert and Kristian Garic; 9am-12noon – The Power of NBC Sports with Erick Kuselias; Noon-3pm – “The Food Show” with Tom Fitzmorris; 3-6pm – "The Lighter Side of The Spud Show" with John Spud McConnell; and, 6pm-6am – NBC Sports Radio. CBS Radio and Katy Perry Team for Concert from Hollywood Bowl 
CBS Radio announces that Katy Perry, along with several of her favorite artists will take over the Hollywood Bowl for a special concert event on Wednesday, October 23. "Citi Presents Katy Perry's We Can Survive" also features Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Tegan and Sara, and Kacey Musgraves. "Katy joined Carson Daly," host of morning drive on CBS Radio's "97.1 Amp Radio" KAMP-FM, Los Angeles, today, "to make the announcement live on-air. Highlights of the interview are available at www.ampradio.com," says a news release. "The concert comes one day after the highly anticipated release of Katy’s newest album, PRISM" -- featuring the "Total Popular Music" Number One single "Roar." Tickets for "We Can Survive" go on sale Friday, September 27 at 10am PT through Ticketmaster. Citi Thank You cardmembers can purchase tickets beginning on Tuesday, September 24 at 10am PT, including VIP packages with exclusive access to Katy's pre-concert soundcheck.
2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival 'Brought the App to Life' 
Clear Channel is hailing the success of the two-day iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, which "came to a close Saturday night following a weekend of incredible performances by the biggest names in music." Says Clear Channel, "The Festival, which celebrated the success of the iHeartRadio all-in-one digital audio service, included performances by over 40 artists, both on the main stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on September 20 and 21 and at the all-new iHeartRadio Music Festival Village on Saturday afternoon." Ryan Seacrest kicked off the Festival Friday night at MGM Grand with performances by artists Robin Thicke, fun., Keith Urban, Muse, Tiesto, J. Cole, Elton John, Benny Benassi, Chris Brown, Katy Perry and Queen + Adam Lambert. Paul McCartney opened the second night, and reset the already high bar with an eight-song set that included a medley of songs combining work from his upcoming album New with some of his most classic hits. McCartney used the Festival stage to debut three new songs. The action continued throughout the evening with back-to-back top-notch performances including Zedd, Maroon 5, Tim McGraw, Miley Cyrus, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Bruno Mars, Phoenix, Miguel, Ke$ha featuring Joan Jett, Drake and Justin Timberlake.
BMI Announces Highest Royalty Distributions in Company’s History 
Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) today reports record revenues and royalty distributions for its fiscal 2013 year, which ended June 30. Revenues increased by $45 million, a five percent gain over the prior fiscal year, exceeding $944 million. The company also says it brought in a "historic new high in royalty distribution" -- with $814 million for BMI-affiliated songwriters, composers and music publishers. Royalty distributions increased by $64 million or nine percent compared to the previous year. "This represents the largest fiscal year revenue posted and royalties distributed in BMI's 74 year history and tops a five-year period in which BMI generated more than $4.5 billion in revenues and paid out royalties of $4 billion." Says BMI President Del Bryant, "The success we are reporting today has been achieved in a very transitional period for BMI and the music and entertainment business. We are alert to the challenges that the restructuring of the industry presents, but we also see unprecedented opportunity. BMI’s dynamic and constantly evolving repertoire is able to reach the public across a myriad of platforms in which music is the core offering, or an essential part of the creative product. As this year’s results demonstrate, we have continued to capture the value that music contributes, and deliver it to our writers, composers and publishers." Michael O’Neill, BMI’s recently elected CEO, adds, "What is most impressive about this year's significant success is not only the diversity and growth in our revenues, but also our ability to increase royalties by an even larger margin. This is the result of a true team effort. I would like to congratulate everyone at BMI for their dedication to service, their diligent attention to the details of our business, and for these great results! Our songwriters, composers and publishers deserve this kind of performance, and we have delivered. To everyone at BMI, job well done!"
Michael Savage Returns to Boston's WRKO-AM 
Entercom's WRKO-AM -- "Boston's Talk Station" -- tells us that Conservative Talk radio/multimedia host, author and political commentator Michael Savage has returned to the station after a one-year absence. "The Savage Nation" -- now syndicated by Cumulus Media Networks -- airs weeknights 10 pm-1 am. "The people in Boston are realists, we understand each other," says Savage. "I appreciate the city." Heard by millions of listeners a week across the United States, Savage is also the author of 25 books, including four New York Times best-sellers. WRKO-AM had previously aired "The Savage Nation" until he left his former longtime syndication company, Talk Radio Network, after winning a nearly two-year legal battle against the company. WRKO-AM had featured Savage in its evening schedule from November 2002 until September 2012, when the station filled the gap with Cumulus' national talker Mark Levin. Stephanie Callihan Appointed Clear Channel Wichita Market Manager 
Stephanie Callihan is appointed Market Manager for Clear Channel Wichita, effective October 1. Callihan returns to Clear Channel from the former ABC/Citadel Dallas, where she was Director of Sales for 13 years until September 2011. Previously, Callihan was a National Account Executive with Clear Channel Austin, and later was with the company's Los Angeles cluster as an Account Executive, and then back to Clear Channel Austin as a Local Sales Manager. "Stephanie's varied sales management and leadership experience make her the perfect match for Wichita's success-focused team," says Regional Market Manager Beth Davis. "I am thrilled to be coming home to Wichita and to be rejoining one of the finest broadcasting and entertainment companies in the world," says Callihan. "I am humbled by this extraordinary opportunity to lead Clear Channel Wichita and look forward to growing our business and other businesses in my hometown." NAMB Elects Glenn Serafin President 
The National Association of Media Brokers (NAMB), representing buyers and sellers of radio and television stations and related businesses, elected a new slate of officers at its semi-annual meeting during last week's NAB/RAB Radio Show in Orlando. Elected to serve a two-year term as President of NAMB is Glenn Serafin, Director of Tampa Florida-based Serafin Brothers. Elected Vice President was Mark Jorgenson, the founding partner of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage. The Secretary of NAMB is Roger Rafson, the owner of CMS Station Brokerage, who, at 55, is celebrating 44 years in broadcasting. Greg Guy is the new Treasurer of the NAMB. A Managing Partner of Patrick Communications, his background includes stints at the NAB and the FCC. Two NAMB members -- Ed Henson of Henson Media and Eddie Esserman of Media Services Group -- also are members of the NAB Radio Board of Directors. NAMB member and past President Larry Patrick of Patrick Communications is Chairman of the NAB Political Action Committee (NABPAC). All three are station owners. ESPN Joins IPG Mediabrands’ Magna Consortium 
ESPN's Customer Marketing and Sales announces that ESPN will join the Magna Consortium, a group dedicated to using data and technology to unlock the true power of all media. ESPN will contribute to the Consortium's efforts to test new standards to drive efficiency and automation across all media transactions. "Given the dynamic nature of live sports programming, these new models have the potential to increase our efficiency and campaign effectiveness across all platforms," says Eric Johnson, EVP of Multimedia Sales at ESPN. "Ultimately this will allow our teams to spend less time on nominal tasks and more time on creativity and activation, thereby further enhancing our premium sales proposition and client service." Johnson will speak about the collaboration on a panel hosted by Magna Global at Advertising Week New York, Tuesday (Sept. 24). Titled The Future of Media is Here: The Automation Revolution, the panel will be moderated by Magna’s Worldwide CEO Tim Spengler, with additional panelists from Consortium members A+E Networks, AOL, Cablevision, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Tribune. Says Spengler, “Magna and IPG Mediabrands are committed to automation and to expanding the pipeline of available inventory that can be planned and purchased through automated means. As the industry’s premier source for premium sports content, ESPN’s commitment is crucial to the advancement of our automation agenda, and we are thrilled that they have joined our cause.” The Magna Consortium, formally launched last month with seven charter members from across the television, radio, and digital industries. It "aims to substantially improve the media planning and buying process, leading the way to a scalable, omni-channel marketplace." Nissan Exclusive Automotive Launch Partner for Apple iTunes Radio 
Nissan announces that it will serve as the exclusive automotive partner for the launch of Apple's iTunes Radio, taking advantage of new creative formats, including audio and video, across Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac and PC. Among the first Nissan vehicles to be highlighted with unique iTunes Radio materials are the upcoming 2014 Nissan Rogue compact SUV, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle. "We see iTunes Radio as an integral part of our new vehicle launches and 'big moments,' riding the wave of interest and usage of this exciting new service to maximize exposure of Nissan's new models," says Jon Brancheau, VP of Marketing, Nissan North America. "We're also adding iAd on iTunes Radio as a critical platform in support of ongoing campaigns, such as our college football and Heisman Trophy Tour initiatives. It's a great way for Nissan to reach the right audiences in the right markets." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio 
Townsquare Media Group hires Andi Poch as SVP of National Digital Sales. She will oversee sales efforts and develop innovative advertising and marketing solutions for Townsquare's national digital business ... Scott "Lugnut" Dwyer is named Program Director at Rhythmic CHR "U 92.7" KKUU-FM, Palm Springs. Most recently Dwyer was at WPFM-fm, Panama City, where he hosted mornings ... Urban One Broadcasting will launch an Urban AC station to serve the Gainesville-Ocala Florida market. WURB-FM at 97.7 is scheduled to be on the air by December 1 ... Clear Channel News Talk WSPD-AM, Toledo, afternoon host Johny D exits after eight months. Program Director Scott Sands takes over the 3-6pm show ... Black Crow Media "NewsTalk 105.9" WVGA-FM, Valdosta, Georgia, News Director and Program Director Adam Chappelle exits ... West Virginia Radio/Charleston, WV, Director of Promotions Matthew Pauley exits for a position outside of radio.
Contact MHBC News
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday's Radio & Media News - September 23, 2013
CBS Radio stations nationwide and snack brand "popchips" will offer listeners the chance to win their way to the Hollywood Bowl through exclusive promotions and contests on-air and online. Winners and their guest will have access to a variety of up-close experiences with the artists leading up to and following the concert. For more information, log on to Radio.com. A portion of the proceeds from “We Can Survive” will support Young Survival Coalition, the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual campaign to bring attention to, and share information on the disease. "I'm so proud to be playing songs from my new record, PRISM, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl alongside a hand-picked group of my favorite female artists," says Katy. "It will be a night of celebrating fantastic music and life, all for a very important cause!"
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