Thursday's Radio & Media News - September 19, 2013

2013 NAB Marconi Radio Award Winners Announced Winners of the 2013 National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Awards were announced Thursday night at the annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held at the Radio Show in Orlando. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. This year's NAB Marconi Radio Award recipients are: Legendary Station WBBM-AM Chicago Major Market Station of the Year WBEB-FM Philadelphia Large Market Station of the Year KSTP-FM St. Paul, MN Medium Market Station of the Year KRMG-FM Tulsa Small Market Station of the Year WKDZ-FM Cadiz, KY Major Market Personality of the Year Eric & Kathy, WTMX-FM Chicago Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Steve Harvey, Premiere Radio Networks Large Market Personality of the Year Cornbread, WIL-FM St. Louis Medium Market Personality of the Year Brian Byers, WSOY-AM Decatur, IL Small Market Personality of the Year Monk & Kelly, WGSQ-FM Cookeville, TN Spanish Format Personality of the Year Javier Romero WAMR-FM Miami AC Station of the Year WTMX-FM Chicago CHR Station of the Year WRDW-FM Philadelphia Country Station of the Year KKBQ-FM Houston Rock Station of the Year WZLX-FM Boston Urban Station of the Year WVEE-FM Atlanta News/Talk Station of the Year WBZ-AM Boston Sports Station of the Year KTCK-AM Dallas Religious Station of the Year KLRC-FM Siloam Springs, AR Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners were voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The votes were tabulated by an independent firm. The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show was hosted by "Shotgun Tom" Kelly of CBS Radio's KRTH-FM in Los Angeles. The show also featured a performance by Grammy Award-Winning band The Mavericks from Big Machine Label Group. 'Radio and the Connected Car' Findings Released: 140 Million Connected Cars to Be on the Road Globally by 2017 At the NAB/RAB Radio Show in Orlando today, Arbitron, Strategy Analytics and Jacobs Media presented the findings of "Radio and the Connected Car" -- an in depth look at the current state of in-car entertainment, where it’s headed and what actions radio broadcasters should take to maintain their station’s relevance in the car. According to Strategy Analytics, the connected car industry is growing. They project that by 2017 there will be 140 million connected cars on the road globally. While radio remains a strong connected car component, the study finds that the industry must adapt its strategy now to maintain that relevance in the future. Utilizing a series of videos showing automotive executives, experts in the connected car industry and consumers interacting with in-car infotainment technology, Jacobs Media concluded that there are still improvements needed in the integration and user interface of the digital dashboard. For now, radio maintains a strong presence in the automotive ecosystem. But it can't take its future status for granted. "Radio and the Connected Car" found that that although there’s some improvements needed with the new in-car technology, radio broadcasters need to have a strategy to remain competitive with the new in-car technology. By investigating where auto entertainment has been, where it’s going, and what has and hasn’t worked, "Radio and the Connected Car" has the following suggestions to keep radio the "King of In-car Media": * Develop your mobile strategy with the in-car experience in mind. For many car makers their connected vehicles use smartphones to link consumers with their audio entertainment. * Align your station’s streaming experience so that’s on equal footing with competitive streams and channels. * Engage with the connected car technology which is rapidly changing . While radio remains strong it needs to be proactive by planning and acting now to take advantage of the digital dashboard. * Drive a connected car. Whether you buy, lease, rent or test drive a connected car, it’s important to understand how your audience will be viewing the many in-car options that will be available to them. * Partner with a local car dealership. Getting closer with local car dealerships will help radio focus on better understanding their needs and potentially uncover mutually beneficial opportunities. * Attend a connected car conference. Listen and speak directly to automotive leaders about both their industry and the radio industry. * Rethink HD Radio. Most auto manufacturers believe HD Radio is a conduit to a better consumer infotainment experience in the car. * Form a radio in-car consortium. A radio industry consortium can provide a collective support network while protecting radio’s in-car franchise and build relationships with auto manufacturers and tier 1 electronics makers. FCC Acting Chair Clyburn Offers Revitalization Plan for AM Radio Speaking at the NAB/RAB Radio Show in Orlando, acting FCC Chair Mignon Clyburn circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that she says "will represent the next major step in the Commission's review of AM service." Clyburn was the keynoter at Wednesday’s opening ceremonies. She unveiled a six-point plan to help AM broadcasters. Although most were technical in nature, the first point was especially welcomed. Clyburn said the FCC would be expanding the inventory of FM translators. By the end of this year, the FCC's Audio division will be increasing the number of authorized FM translators by 28 percent. "I am happy to confirm that this morning I circulated the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will represent the next major step in the Commission's review of AM service." The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking means the plan can be examined and discussed by others -- including the FCC Commissioners -- without waiting for a scheduled meeting. The notice also means more immediate action to help AM broadcasters. The proposal includes opening a one-time FM translator filing window limited to current AM licensees and permittees. They alone would be allowed to apply for new translators to augment their service areas. Clyburn noted that "the sustainability of the AM broadcast service has been threatened by the migration of AM listeners to newer, higher-fidelity, media services." She went on to say, "The number of stations is decreasing; AM listenership is dwindling; and young people just are not tuning in. Many stations are unable to broadcast at night or must reduce their power due to the nighttime propagation characteristics of AM signals. Reinforced buildings and structures with steel frames or aluminum siding can block AM signals, leading to poor AM reception in many urban areas. And AM radio is particularly sensitive to interference from electronic devices of all types, including TV sets, vehicle engines, fluorescent lighting, computers, and power lines. But the FCC has taken discrete steps to ease regulatory burdens on AM broadcasters. We're simplifying the licensing procedures and technical requirements -- including allowing 'moment-method' modeling -- which can save licensees over $100,000. We've been expanding the inventory of translator stations. By the end of 2013, the FCC's Audio division will increase the number of authorized FM translators from 5,700 to about 7,300 a 28 percent boost. We're granting experimental authorization for all-digital AM operation and improving protection to AM stations from potential re-radiators and/or pattern disturbances. And I am happy to confirm that this morning I circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will represent the next major step in the Commission's review of AM service, building on the work we have been doing over the last few years." She said the proposals in the Notice include "opening a one-time filing window, limited to current AM licensees and permittees, which will allow each to apply for one new FM translator station to fill in its service area." Clyburn concluded, "This proposed rulemaking invites comment on additional proposals or rule modifications that could help to revitalize the AM band. I am eager to hear all of the well-thought-out ideas that you can provide, and I know that my colleagues on the Commission are as well. It won't be easy. There will be challenges ahead. But working together, we can ensure that AM radio and all radio can flourish going forward, allowing your businesses to prosper while continuing to deliver tremendous benefits to the American people." Michael Kassan Expands Advisory Role with Clear Channel Clear Channel Communications announces that business strategist Michael Kassan will become a Special Advisor to Clear Channel's Chairman. Kassan is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of MediaLink, an advisory and business development firm that provides counsel and direction on issues of marketing, advertising, media, entertainment and digital technology. "His extensive background as a leader in the media and advertising industries includes serving as President/COO and Vice Chairman of Initiative Media Worldwide and President and COO of International Video Entertainment." Expanding on Clear Channel's current partnership with MediaLink, Kassan, will work closely with Clear Channel Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chairman and CEO John Hogan, Clear Channel Outdoor CEO William Eccleshare and Clear Channel President and CFO Rich Bressler on "the further planning and implementation of strategic marketing and brand development for Clear Channel's businesses. Kassan will advise on marketing and revenue generating solutions to ensure that Clear Channel maximizes its unmatched assets for existing and potential clients, partners and agencies." "Over the last several years MediaLink has been an important and valuable partner for us, and Michael's expanded role is a testament of his involvement. He has made an effort to be more directly involved in our business, and we of course jumped at the opportunity to have him play an even bigger role with us," says Hogan. "Michael has shown a strong interest and a deep understanding of Clear Channel's unparalleled capabilities, and will be extremely valuable in helping Clear Channel further capitalize on our unique multiplatform assets and deliver unmatched media solutions to our advertisers. He is strategic, creative and has an incredible amount of knowledge of the media industry. He believes in our company and knows the value we can bring to advertisers -- and he will be a huge asset to Clear Channel." Says Kassan, "Clear Channel has the 'special sauce' that is sought after in media today: the rare combination of proven experience coupled with intelligent innovation. As an organization, it is one of the largest media companies and one of the most nimble in the world. Its assets are truly multiplatform, connecting bedrock offerings in radio and out-of-home, with show-stopping digital and live experiences. And, of course, its people – with a team worthy of the word 'leadership' that has demonstrated results for both audiences and advertisers across all mediums. I am honored and energized to be serving as a special advisor to Clear Channel, particularly Bob Pittman, John Hogan, William Eccleshare and Rich Bressler, as they further evolves their partnerships with advertisers." NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith Remembers Kidd Kraddick, Looks at Radio's Future in a Growing New Media World "Because we are in Orlando, I want to mention David Peter Cradick - who touched millions of lives through his nationally-syndicated morning show, 'Kidd Kraddick in the Morning'," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith in opening remarks at the 2013 Radio Show produced by the NAB and the RAB. "Sadly, we mourned Kidd's loss in July... he was a man who had a special connection to Orlando. Each year, his charity, Kidd's Kids, sent terminally and chronically ill children to Disney World with their families. Kidd's listeners supported his charity, donating the funds to make these trips possible. The passing of Kidd, and sadly many other good friends in radio this year, reminds us of the power of this great medium… its connection to listeners… and its impact on communities." Smith segued from the remembrance of Kidd Kraddick to broadcasting's role in covering headlining tragedies. "Every day seems to bring a new story of broadcasters serving the public in times of crisis. Sadly, we experienced this earlier this week when a terrible tragedy occurred at the Navy Yard, not far from NAB headquarters in Washington DC. At times like this, we know we can turn to broadcast radio and television to help keep us safe. As broadcasters, we share the mission of serving our local communities - providing them with the news, emergency updates, and entertainment that they rely on each day. This mission keeps us focused on adapting to consumers' changing needs…so that radio will always be there when listeners need us…on any platform…anytime and anywhere." That served as a lead-in to comments on radio's future in a new media world. "Indeed, radio's future lies with the listener, and we must keep looking forward in order to meet their needs. Unfortunately, many businesses are unable to think long-term, focusing instead on short-term gains to satisfy Wall Street… they seem only capable of concentrating on the here and now. But radio's success depends on having a long-term vision, too; and we must ask ourselves, what is that vision? What is the model that will enable us to grow our businesses and fulfill our mission as broadcasters at the same time? Many in this room are currently working to answer this question. There are those in the radio business who say streaming is our future. But are there other paths that can also move radio forward? Increasingly, webcasters are facing challenges as the music industry is pushing for more royalties for streaming music. It is my hope that both the streaming and broadcast platforms can have a business model that advances the interests of everyone with a stake in the music industry. Recent direct deals between broadcasters, record labels and artists demonstrate that there are market-based solutions. In thinking about radio's future, I am reminded of my Eagle Scout days. Every good scout is taught to leave the campground a little better than he found it; thus, improving the environment for the next group of campers. Now, if we apply that same principle to the radio business, we must ask ourselves, 'Are we positioning our companies to be better than we found them? What investments do we need to make in order to grow better businesses for future generations, and better places for investors to camp their dollars?' Investing in innovation is crucial to our long-term growth. Radio's future lies in our willingness to embrace new platforms and to go where listeners want to go. Now, to that end, NAB is continuing to work with the wireless industry and the government to promote a particular innovation that would greatly serve the public - the inclusion and activation of radio receivers in mobile devices." RAB President/CEO Erica Farber Highlights 'Positive Energy' In her opening remarks at the 2013 Radio Show, RAB President and CEO Erica Farber began by focusing on "the impact of positive energy across the industry." She also talked about radio advertising (the RAB's specialty), Professional Development programs, HD Radio, and streaming. "I've been at the RAB for a little more than a year and a half and during this time I have seen the impact of positive energy across the industry. Radio continues to be a healthy industry at $17.6 billion. Interestingly enough, it is still greater than some of the newer area of business like Online Video at $2.1 billion and Mobile at $2.9 billion. And unlike some other media, radio has taken an aggressive stand and taken advantage of technology to deliver content listeners want, in whatever format they want and when they want it. And advertisers recognize the importance of delivering their ad messages across all of radio's platforms including radio's fastest growing segment - Digital. Reaching a high of $767 million in 2012, Digital grew thirteen percent to $401 million by the first-half of this year - that's over eighty percent higher than the first half of 2009. Communications, Financial, Automotive, TV/Networks/Cable, and Restaurants continue to be radio's top spending categories. Radio has also realized growth from advertisers in mid-tier categories like Professional Services and Casinos. We need to continue to position radio to capture dollars from new categories as well as identify new dollars from existing advertisers. We have a great opportunity right now with consumer messaging regarding the Affordable Care Act, estimated to reach $1 billion by 2015 according to Kantar Media. Some of you have already taken a first step. Nearly five hundred people attended the RAB webinar last month focused on how to develop and uncover new and evolving revenue streams from the upcoming changes in healthcare legislation. And many of you attended today's session on Healthcare advertising as we learned what we need to do to capture our fair share. "Our goal at the RAB is to provide the resources and information our members need today, tomorrow and long-term. Our successful CRM tool, Account Manager, has fifty-one hundred users, helping sales people and sales managers manage their businesses. Available on mobile devices and fully integrated with RAB research databases. Our Professional Development programs are created to benefit every level within your sales organization, from the entry level salesperson to the seasoned professional in the digital age. An average of two-thousand sales professionals each year have used RAB's online training and certification courses and we are pacing to have over three-thousand this year alone. Some of these certification courses deliver a deep dive into best practices of digital sales, as well as education and training to go from transactional seller to client-centric leader. Earlier this year, we launched a new member benefit - Finding Consumer Trends Report. Via online surveys to radio station data bases, the F.C.T. Report taps into consumer insights focused on specific ad categories to help you sell - both locally and nationally. Our first two were focused on Automotive and Shopping, and generated nearly fifty-thousand responses in total from radio station websites. On Friday, you will have the opportunity to hear first-hand the successes some stations have already experienced using this research. According to NPD Group's Annual Music Study, broadcast AM and FM radio stations are the still the top choice for both core and casual music fans. Specifically, ninety-five percent of music buffs tune into broadcast radio as their top choice for music content. "Radio's positive momentum in delivering content, like news, music and information, across additional platforms and devices will continue as NextRadio hits the market. This hybrid radio takes broadcast radio's efficiency combined with interactive capabilities to create a content rich listener experience with new advertising opportunities. Since it's very recent launch, it has already been downloaded over twenty-five thousand time and over three-thousand stations have been tuned in coast-to-coast. We now have another exciting platform to take to our advertisers. And it should be noted that, according to Miller Kaplan data, the number one category spender in radio for the first half of this year is Communications /Cellular and the number eight in rank of overall top radio supporters for the second quarter was Sprint - who increased their support of our medium by one hundred and fifty three percent! "HD Radio receivers are continuing to be added by automakers to more and more models. Did you know there are now over fourteen million HD receivers in the marketplace? Every six seconds over thirty percent of all new cars are driving off one of your client's car lots with an HD Radio! Thirty-three automakers have announced their plans to incorporate HD Radio technology in over one-hundred and seventy models by year-end with over eighty HD Radio receivers being included as standard equipment. The Streaming Initiative Committee, which you will be hearing more about in the coming weeks, is rolling up its sleeves and taking a deep dive look into all aspects of streaming - definitions, delivery, metrics, etc. And this will be important to radio's future especially as eMarketer projects that music listening via streams or downloads on smartphones will be used by thirty-three percent of the population or nearly one hundred and eight million people in 2017. As an industry we must speak with one voice to deliver one important message: commercial broadcast radio is nearly eleven-thousand strong. And the diversity in radio's programming is unquestionable. This medium allows marketers to reach their target audiences according to their lifestyles, interests, age groups and languages at any point in their day and most important closest to the moment they are about to make a purchase." TuneIn Partners with Radio Disney TuneIn announces a strategic partnership with Radio Disney which will enable listeners to hear Radio Disney anywhere in the United States, on over 200 platforms ranging from mobile phones and tablets, to smart TVs and cars. Says TuneIn CEO John Donham, "TuneIn strives to make the best content available to people regardless of where they are. With Radio Disney on TuneIn, millions of people can enjoy some of the best family friendly programming available, for free." Says Radio Disney VP/Programming and General Manager Phil Guerini, "TuneIn is one of the most innovative and user-friendly audio services. By aligning with TuneIn, we're not only able to offer our listeners a pioneering service, but also to broaden the reach of our stations even further, allowing more kids, tweens and families the chance to experience everything we have to offer." Liquid Compass Launches Geofencing Following beta testing, Liquid Compass launches its geofencing technology network-wide. The technology, we're told, enables broadcasters to permit or deny delivery of their online content to any combination of countries or DMAs. Streams using the technology "are evaluated by the most granular location data available for each connected device," reducing the "false positives" associated with IP-based location services. Liquid Compass has also developed a new synchronized terrestrial banner product, which lets broadcasters trigger display banners alongside their simulcast streams on all Liquid Compass mobile apps and desktop players, as well as other direct-link streaming devices, including in-vehicle systems that support album art over Bluetooth. "Liquid Compass understands how important it is to provide flexible solutions that adapt to the evolving landscape of streaming radio," says Liquid Compass SVP of Product and Technology Jaxon Repp. "As stations moved to adopt Arbitron’s new in-market simulcast standard, we identified the resulting unused companion banners as lost opportunity for our clients, and developed a solution to help them recapture that revenue. Our solution is designed to work out of the box with most automation systems, with a minimum impact on existing workflow." In a new beta, Liquid Compass is testing a geo-restricted subscription service. The service gives broadcasters the option of making their streams always available in certain countries and DMAs while setting a monthly subscription charge for listeners outside those areas. Liquid Compass COO Stephen Guillot tells us, "It is our intent to be as flexible as possible as our partners explore this new market. Whether it’s allowing out-of-market listeners access to the simulcast stream, replacing terrestrial ads with premium non-advertising content, or something new that one of our partners dream up next week, we’re here to make it happen." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Veteran New Orleans TV news anchor Angela Hill joins Entercom News Talk WWL-AM-FM, starting September 30, for 1-4pm. HIll retired from WWL-TV earlier this year ... "105.3 The Fan" KRLD-FM, Dallas, tells us that "G-BAG Nation" with Gavin Dawson, Chris Arnold and Mike Bacsik will now air weekdays from 10am-2pm. And "K & C Masterpiece" with Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors moves from weekends to weekday evenings 6-11pm ... Market veteran Paul Kriegler is appointed Program Director of Adult Variety Hits "92.9 Bob FM" KBEZ-FM, Tulsa. Kriegler most recently worked crosstown as Operations Manager and Program Director at Alternative Rock "Z104.5 The Edge" KMYZ-FM and AC "94.1 The Breeze" KTSO-FM .... Operations Manager Steve Crumbley exits the SummitMedia Greenville cluster after eight years, with the elimination of his position ... Stephanie Bell is named Assistant PD and Promotions Director at Rhythmic CHR "Wild 106.1" KWWV-FM and Classic Hits "95.3 The Beach" KXTZ-FM, San Luis Obispo. Bell returns after leaving in 2010 to program "106.7 Z-Rock" KRQR-FM, Chico, California ... Urban "96.7 The Block" WKJX-FM, Elizabeth City, NC, names J.J. Solomon to be Production Director and night host beginning October 7. Solomon most recently hosted nights at "107.3 Jamz" WJMZ-FM, Greenville, SC ... Juan Hustle joins Rhythmic CHR "Magic 101.3" WTMG-FM, Gainesville, as afternoon host. Most recently, Hustle was Digital Content Director and night host at Urban WJZE-FM, Toledo ... CHR/Top 40 "Power 96.1" WWPW-FM, Atlanta, midday host Mami Chula exits ... The WQSL-FM/Greenville-New Bern and WQZL-FM/Jackson-Wilmington simulcast will be switching from Adult Vaiety Hits "Sam FM" to "Jack FM" under the direction of Brand Manager Tom "Tubby" Lawler. Contact MHBC News News Releases Welcomed