Thursday's Radio & Media News - September 12, 2013

Clear Channel Signs Deal with Warner Music Group 'Warner Music Group and Clear Channel Announce Landmark Music Partnership' Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) today announced a landmark partnership aligning the two companies’ interests in driving digital growth, increasing radio listenership, breaking new music and creating new marketing opportunities for established artists. The agreement is the first wide-ranging strategic alliance between a major music company and Clear Channel. Through this transformative alliance, WMG will share in revenue from all platforms and gain unprecedented opportunities to promote the music of its emerging and established artists across all of Clear Channel’s unmatched multi-platform assets, including: * Clear Channel's 850 radio stations nationwide; 243 million monthly broadcast radio users; more than 20,000 nationwide events; 60 million monthly uniques across its digital properties; its iHeartRadio theaters; and the 143 million person monthly reach of its outdoor assets; * Programs to dedicate commercial time specifically to launch new music by providing new song exposure through both an enhanced and a first-ever guaranteed and prioritized version of Clear Channel's Artist Integration Program (AIP), which will deliver carefully timed and continuing promotion; * Major nationally televised events, including the Jingle Ball annual holiday concerts, the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party events, iHeartRadio Album Release Parties, and more; * Special programs using Clear Channel's digital footprint, including its digital simulcast, digital-only stations and custom stations, as well as special audio and video content, programming and promotions; and * New targeted user interfaces in digital that make it easier for consumers to buy music when they hear it ­ building on radio's role as the #1 way people discover music, and driving the conversion of interest in new music directly to sales. "The reach of radio, its power to promote, coupled with a recognition of the value of music makes this a great opportunity for artists and a promise to all people that finding their favorite music is fun and fundamental," said CeeLo Green. "WMG is showing the way for what a true 21st century music company can be a music company built for the digital age. They're now poised to use this unique relationship to benefit both their new and legendary artists," says Clear Channel Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be their partner in building these exciting new markets and promoting their artists in innovative new ways. This is a win for all parties ­ for artists, who will enjoy heightened and guaranteed exposure; for their fans, who will find them in more places than ever before; for consumers, who will have the enhanced ability to find and listen to music wherever and whenever they want; and for WMG, Clear Channel and all of us participating in the new digital marketplace. The team at WMG understands that old formulas don't work as well as they must in the digital age, and that we have to think differently to build a robust future for the music industry. Today, music companies and media and entertainment companies need to be more supportive of each other's needs. This agreement begins that new era, and will help both companies thrive in the digital world." "We are delighted with this multi-faceted alliance, which we are confident will generate greater overall revenue for our artists and labels, while providing a host of powerful new promotional opportunities to reach a wider audience," says WMG CEO Steve Cooper. "This deal is further evidence of our efforts to be nimble in artist development, our determination to create profitable new methods of breaking original music and our commitment to sustainable digital innovation. This agreement underscores that WMG is a music company in a class of its own." Says WMG COO/Corporate Rob Wiesenthal. "From high visibility live and televised events to unique digital services, the breadth and strength of Clear Channel's platforms will enable us to propel our artists' careers in an extremely competitive marketplace." Major Labels, RIAA Sue SiriusXM Over Pre-1972 Royalties Another pre-1972 royalties suit is filed against SiriusXM, this time by the major labels and the RIAA. Five music companies are now suing SiriusXM Radio, saying the satellite radio service uses song recordings made before 1972 without obtaining permission and without paying for them. This follows recent lawsuits against SiriusXM by Flo & Eddie of The Turtles and SoundExchange over unpaid royalties on songs from pre-1972. Now Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG, Warner Music Group and ABKCO Music claim Sirius uses recordings from the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones without proper authorization and transmits them to millions of subscribers every day. They are seeking unspecified damages. In 1972 the U.S. copyright act was amended to include protection of sound recordings. The record companies argue that a "common law property right" for sound recordings was recognized by California courts before 1972, and that they should be compensated for any use of them. "The conduct of SiriusXM presents the paradigmatic example of a commercial business that is based on, uses, and profits from the intellectual property created by and owned by others, without obtaining the right to do so, and without paying for it," the recorded music companies say in a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The case is: Capitol Records LLC et al v. SiriusXM Radio, No BC520981, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. The RIAA says in a statement that SiriusXM's "self-serving decision means that it pays a group like the Four Tops when it uses the 1973 hit, 'Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)' but not when it broadcasts the group's iconic songs from the 60's like 'Baby I Need Your Loving,' and 'Sugar Pie Honey Bunch'." This suit is seeking unspecified damages from SiriusXM. Sean Hannity Renews with Premiere Networks Premiere Networks announces a long-term agreement with syndicated talk host Sean Hannity to "renew and extend his relationship" with the company. Under the new agreement, "The Sean Hannity Show" will expand to additional major market Clear Channel Talk stations as well as non-Clear Channel stations in 2014. The new affiliates will fill the gaps left by Hannity’s parting with his current Cumulus-owned affiliates. Details regarding station clearances will be announced at a later date. The program will also move from delayed status to live on some of its existing Clear Channel affiliates. In addition, Hannity will participate in key live events, touring and iHeartRadio Talk. "We're really excited to be able to expand our relationship with Sean, one of the greatest talk radio talents in the country," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chairman/CEO John Hogan. "Sean continues to be one of the most successful radio personalities in both ratings and delivering results for advertisers, and his provocative show has seen significant growth. His blend of intelligence, passion and integrity is what makes him such a successful broadcaster and important asset to radio. We expect this new distribution plan to offer even more exposure and growth for The Sean Hannity Show." "Renewing and expanding our relationship with Sean is another great example of how we continue to partner with industry-leading talent," says Julie Talbott, President of Content and Affiliate Services for National Media Groups, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. "Talk format listeners are extremely devoted, and as big believers in this format, we’re continuing to invest in it. We also understand the importance of digital media and the potential of the Talk format for that platform, and we continue to innovate on that front as well, reaching our listeners -- and Sean fans -- no matter where they are." Hannity tells us, "From the very first day I went on the air in 1986, and that red light went on, I have been in love with radio. That love has grown every day since. I am extremely appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day. Premiere has been an incredibly supportive partner and a huge part of the show’s success. I look forward to some amazing announcements to come, and the opportunity to continue a dialogue on the issues of the day with the single greatest audience in radio." Carson Daly Joining NBC's 'Today Show' Carson Daly is joining NBC's "Today" show, it was announced today. Daly will be the host of the Orange Room, part of the morning show's revamped studio set to be unveiled Monday. As host of the Orange Room, Daly will bridge the "Today" show's television and digital platforms. The network describes it as "the nexus point" between "Today" and its audience. Daly says he will also continue hosting the morning show at CBS Radio's CHR/Top 40 "Amp 97.1" KAMP-FM, Los Angeles, and his CBS Radio "Daly Countdown" show. But he's excited about his latest role at NBC TV. "When I got the call about being permanently on 'Today' and launching the Orange Room, it was like a dream come true. You know that scene in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,' where Charlie peels back the wrapper and finds the golden ticket? I felt like I got the golden ticket." Daly will continue to host and produce NBC's "The Voice" -- along with continuing as executive producer of the network's late-night "Last Call" but with "plans for a transition" that "will be announced at a later date." It's likely a new host will be announced. At "Today" the addition of Daly and the redesigned set are the latest competitive moves against ABC archrival "Good Morning America," which has stolen the ratings crown from "Today" in the past year. More Defections from TRN, COO Bill Crawford Resigns As most believe the end is near for Talk Radio Network, TRN COO Bill Crawford resigns. Crawford has submitted his resignation to CEO Mark Masters and the board. He says he understands the nature of the immediate tasks that face the Talk Radio Network companies -- and that decisions must be implemented quickly with board approval and without delay. Crawford also leaves his TRN positions as board member and corporate officer immediately. Crawford's resignation follows that of John McCaslin, an anchor of TRN's America's Morning News, and also an EVP (and friend of CEO Mark Masters). He says that with "the writing on the wall that the news product was declining" -- and massive staff layoffs -- after five years with TRN, it was time to exit. According to McCaslin, the cuts started last year and accelerated last week to the point where the product was not up to recognized journalistic standards. Both Crawford and McCaslin agree with widespread expectations that TRN will soon be out of business. At the end of last week Masters shut down fledgling subsidiary America's Radio News Network, but vowed TRN would continue. However, it appears more of the remaining talk hosts are leaving (or about to leave) for other syndicators -- possibly including some that Masters is suing. Arbitron's 'Network Radio Today' Reports 'Massive Audience' Network radio is heard by nearly 179 million people each week, or two-thirds of the U.S. population ages 12 and over, according to Arbitron's just released "Network Radio Today 2013" study report. Arbitron says that among those people, nearly 163 million listeners are adults age 18 and older -- and over half of them (nearly 83 million adults), are employed full time. Among additional highlights of the study, we're told that among adult listeners (Persons 18+), gender is split nearly even: 51 percent Women, 49 percent Men. Network radio listeners do so both in home and out of home, with four in 10 adults age 18+ listening in home, six in 10 out of home. The Arbitron study tells us that network radio commercials are heard by:key buying demos: 71 percent of Persons 18-49 and Persons 25-54; educated listeners: Two-thirds (67 percent) of Persons 18+ with a least a bachelor’s degree; affluent listeners: 70 percent of adults with household incomes of $75,000+; working adults: Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of Persons 18+ working full time; a diverse audience: nearly eight in 10 black non-Hispanic adults and nearly two-thirds of Hispanic adults age 18+. The Arbitron study also includes an overview of the evolution of network radio measurement, going back to the debut of the RADAR syndicated service in 1968. Boston's Loren and Wally Inducted into Hall of Fame, Renewed Again by Greater Media Boston Greater Media Boston tells MHBC that WROR-FM morning hosts Loren and Wally have been inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, a commemoration of their 32 years together and of their contributions to the city of Boston. The organization chooses a select few of the industry's most noteworthy members each year as inductees, specifically those who have made major contributions to Massachusetts broadcasting and broadcasting in general. "Loren and Wally have a natural gift for radio. When you listen to their show, you feel like you're sitting and having coffee with your best friends who you've known forever," says Program Director Ken West. "You have to really like the people you work with to wake up at three o'clock in the morning -- especially after thirty plus years -- and Loren and Wally's constant enthusiasm and encouragement has played a big part in the continuing success of the entire station." Greater Media Boston also tells us that they've just signed another renewal with Loren and Wally, and recently opened a new morning show studio for them. "I'm thrilled to continue Greater Media's relationship with Loren and Wally," says Greater Media Chairman/CEO Peter Smyth. "Their longevity and success as a radio show duo demonstrates their continuing passion and dedication to WROR, Greater Media, the city of Boston and, above all-their listeners. I'm honored to have them as integral members of the Greater Media family and am excited to see where the next thirty years takes them." Yahoo Sports Radio Adds Anthony Pepe Mid-Morning Show Yahoo Sports Radio announces a new show hosted by Anthony Pepe to air weekdays from 10am-12noon starting September 16. Pepe will be joined by Boston sports journalists Bob Ryan and Ron Borges. Pepe has worked in sports radio both on and off the air, including marketing positions at WEEI-FM, Boston, and currently as midday host and management at "NBC Sports Radio 1510" WUFC-AM, Boston. "Anthony is an exceptional host, and the contributions from Ryan and Borges provide compelling insights," says YSR/Gow Broadcasting CEO David Gow. "Personally, I will be tuned into this show. Pepe and Borges have been hosting a weekly boxing show on the network, and we were delighted to secure this opportunity to increase their presence with a nationally syndication on Yahoo! Sports Radio." Pepe adds, "I am honored to host a show on Yahoo! Sports Radio, and to work with guys like Ron Borges and Bob Ryan. I am really excited about what we will create together." Bipartisan Group of Seven Join LRFA Coalition A bipartisan group of seven Members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act is now currently co-sponsored by 159 Members of the House and 11 Senators, says the NAB today. "Adding their support to the Local Radio Freedom Act are Reps. Andy Barr (KY-6), John Campbell (CA-45), Paul Cook (CA-8), Luke Messmer (IN-6), Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Scott Tipton (CO-3) and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2). Reps. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Gene Green (D-TX) introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 16) in the House of Representatives on February 15 along with 71 additional co-sponsors. An identical resolution (S. Con. Res. 6) was introduced in the Senate on March 6 by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)." The Local Radio Freedom Act reads, "Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings." Radio One Philadelphia Proclaims 'E. Steven Collins Day' Radio One Philadelphia and the city of Philadelphia proclaim September 21 as "E. Steven Collins Day" in honor of the late broadcaster. An air personality and executive at Radio One Philly, he was well known for his work as a broadcaster and a community leader in Philadelphia. Collins -- better known to friends and family as "E" -- passed away of a heart attack on September 9, at the age of 58. Radio One Philadelphia will honor his life with a public memorial at Sharon Baptist Church, at 3955 Conshohocken Avenue in Philadelphia. The memorial will run from 12noon-3pm on Saturday, September 21. The Radio One family welcomes its listening community, family and friends to join them in a celebration of the life of E. Steven Collins. The entire community has joined to honor the Philly broadcast legend and host of "Philly Speaks" on "Old School 100.3" WRNB-FM. There will be tributes by Mayor Michael Nutter, Kenny Gamble, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Radio One's founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, Senator Vincent Hughes and music tributes from Marvin Sapp and Tye Tribbett. E. also leaves behind his Clear Channel family at WDAS where he worked for almost 30 years prior to Radio One. Says Radio One Operations Manager Elroy Smith, "E. is a true institution in the City of Philadelphia. He spent a number of years at WDAS where he helped spearhead the success of 'Unity Day.' He could have literally run for mayor of this city and would have become a strong contender. He was the heartbeat of this city and Radio One Philadelphia, and will be sadly missed."