Monday's Radio & Media News - August 12, 2013

Chris Oliviero Promoted to CBS Radio EVP of Programming CBS Radio promotes SVP of Programming Chris Oliviero to EVP of Programming, with an expanded role, effective immediately. Oliviero has worked for the company in various capacities since 1996, the past four as SVP of Programming. In this new role, Oliviero "will lead programming development and operations for CBS Radio's 126 News, Sports, Talk and music stations nationwide, as well as manage talent relations and explore new business partnerships and acquisitions." We're told he will also continue his role overseeing CBS Sports Radio. "Chris has been a valued member of our senior leadership team, creating opportunities and initiatives that provide an exceptional listening experience and extend the CBS Radio brand," says CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason. "He has demonstrated a profound understanding of collaboration across our local station management, sales and digital teams to drive growth, and brings a contemporary perspective into the ever changing media landscape. Chris is a true industry leader and a respected colleague to everyone at CBS Radio." Says Oliviero, "CBS Radio has afforded me the chance to work with an amazingly talented group of professionals – all who share my enthusiasm for radio and its unquestionably bright future. We’ve assembled an outstanding line-up of multi-platform assets that not only showcase our unmatched collection of exclusive content, but also provide additional opportunities to introduce our industry leading brands to new audiences each and every day. I look forward to continuing these efforts by partnering with [SVP of Programming] Greg Strassell along with all our program directors in the years to come." Oliviero was named SVP of Programming for CBS Radio in 2009, and assumed a supervisory role for CBS Sports Radio in 2012. He "has been instrumental in CBS Radio's expansion of Sports radio on FM, including launches in New York, Dallas, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Tampa, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cleveland." He began his career with CBS Radio in 1996 as an intern for "The Howard Stern Show." Official: Greater Media's WMGC-FM/Detroit Flips to Sports Talk Greater Media Detroit makes it official. AC "Today's 105.1" WMGC-FM flips to Sports Talk as "Detroit Sports 105.1" with local host Drew Lane and other programming from ESPN Radio. The new format, as expected, launches at 3pm today with Lane's local show. Greater Media Detroit tells us, "Powered by ESPN, the new station will feature America’s top sports morning show, 'Mike and Mike' each weekday morning from 6-10am. From 10 to noon listeners will hear the outspoken Colin Cowherd on 'The Herd.' During both shows, listeners will receive news and information about local Detroit teams three times an hour. Afternoon drive will be hosted by legendary former long-time WRIF-FM morning personality Drew lane from 3-7pm. He will be joined by longtime producer Marc Fellhauer." Says Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare, "We are thrilled to be able to offer Detroit a new alternative that will be designed with our loyal and dedicated sports fans in mind. We look forward to providing the very best local and national talent on the airwaves for our listeners. We will have more announcements surrounding the new station in the near future." The station says its agreement with ESPN "will allow the station to use all of the resources of 'The Worldwide Leader in Sports' to entertain the fans of Detroit. ESPN Monday Night Football announcer and Ann Arbor resident Mike Tirico will make a weekly appearance on Detroit Sports 105.1. The station will have access to the full slate of ESPN’s analysts and personalities." Patrick Polking, ESPN Senior Director, Distribution and Business Development tells us, "We are excited about expanding our relationship with Greater Media by providing ESPN Radio programming to the 12th largest media market in the country on Detroit Sports 105.1. This move provides Detroit’s passionate fans the best of our national and their local coverage and analysis while extending our goal of moving our content to the FM dial. This addition becomes our 148th FM affiliate (roughly 40%) for ESPN Radio." A news release adds, "The agreement with ESPN will allow the new Detroit Sports 105.1 to air some of the biggest events in the world of sports including: The World Series, The NBA Finals and The BCS Championship Game. In addition, 'Ryan and Rico' -- consisting of Ryan Ermanni and Rico Beard -- will be hosting the 12noon-3pm program until a permanent personality is announced." Jack Clark/Kevin Slaten Out at 'CBS Sports Radio 920'/St. Louis Following On-Air Allegations That Albert Pujols Used Steroids Jack Clark and co-host Kevin Slaten are off the air at "CBS Sports Radio 920" WGNU-AM, St. Louis, after on-air allegations by Clark that Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, a former St. Louis player, has used performance-enhancing drugs. Pujols denies using PEDs, and is threatening to sue. Clark claimed that a former trainer told him years ago that he was administering steroids to Pujols. Clark and Slaten just started on WGNU-AM on August 1. They are out after just seven shows. WGNU-AM is programmed on weekdays by Tim McKernan's InsideSTL Enterprises, which began operating the station as "CBS Sports Radio 920" on August 1. "InsideSTL Enterprises, LLC and all related companies would like to make clear that Jack Clark is no longer associated with the company," says McKernan in a statement. "Mr. Clark was never employed by insideSTL but rather was an independent contractor. Any opinions, views or statements made by him strictly reflect his own personal views and do not reflect the views of insideSTL. insideSTL Enterprises, LLC and any related companies have never asserted and do not assert that Albert Pujols has ever used steroids or any other type of performing enhancing drug." Earlier Pujols said in his own statement, "I know people are tired of athletes saying they are innocent, asking for the public to believe in them, only to have their sins exposed later down the road. But I am not one of those athletes, and I will not stand to have my name and my family's name, dragged through the mud. I am currently in the process of taking legal action against Jack Clark and his employers at WGNU. I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it. If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person." In an interview in Los Angeles, Pujols said, "I've been tested hundreds and hundreds of times throughout my career, and never once have I tested positive. It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using performance-enhancing drugs." Clear Channel Settles Two New Orleans Sales Execs Lawsuits, Prepares for Courtroom Battle with Third (Prixie Montgomery) Clear Channel has settled two of the three lawsuits filed by African-American former sales account managers for the company's New Orleans cluster. Terms of the settlements, described in the orders of dismissal as "a compromise," were not disclosed, but we are told the claims of Ave Gaines and Lela Logan are "dismissed without prejudice," meaning they can be reinstated if the settlement isn't completed within a reasonable time. The third suit, by Prixie Montgomery, filed in July 2012, is proceeding to trial, with Clear Channel filing an objection to her "first witness and exhibit list," claiming it was submitted after a deadline. The three filed suit over the February 2009 revision of sales compensation and account assignments, which the plaintiffs said were discriminatory. Clear Channel says the changes were based on the economic downturn. The company also added workplace violence allegations in Montgomery's case. Pacifica's WBAI-FM/New York Lays Off Most Staff Most staff members including the entire news department are laid off today at Pacifica's WBAI-FM, New York, because the station doesn't have the funds to meet payroll. Several months ago, the station began issuing notices to the staff and management that they would be be out of work July 15. That deadline was later extended, but the layoffs did take effect today. Pacifica Interim Executive Director Summer Reese says WBAI-FM had the choice of paying back payroll or transmitter rent this week. She also says Pacifica's national office is out of money after paying WBAI and other stations. According to Reese, Station General Manager Berthold Reimers, and Interim Development Director Andrea Katz remain, while former WBAI Program Director Andrew Phillips, recently Interim GM of Pacifica’s KPFA Berkeley, California, assumes oversight of WBAI's non-commercial Progressive Talk programming. Reese says the station has "not been able to fully recover" from Hurricane Sandy, and "many years of financial stress at this station." Reports from New York say that in all 19 of 26 staffers are now gone. Entercom's Weezie Kramer Wins MIW Trailblazer Award The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group announces that Entercom Radio President Weezie Kramer has been named the recipient of the 5th annual MIW Radio Group Trailblazer Award. Kramer will be recognized on stage, September 18, during the Opening Remarks and Keynote session at the 2013 Radio Show in Orlando. The Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. It was renamed in 2012 the "Frances Preston Trailblazer Award" in honor BMI's late longtime President, CEO and member of the MIWs. "Weezie Kramer‘s career serves as a shining example for all women in our industry," says MIW Radio Group Spokesperson and Greater Media VP of Corporate Communication Heidi Raphael. "Her leadership, commitment and passion for the radio industry made her the ultimate choice to receive this special honor." The Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. It was renamed in 2012 the "Frances Preston Trailblazer Award" in honor of BMI's late longtime President/CEO and member of the MIWs. '101 The Fox' Extends with Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs Radio Network and the Kansas City Chiefs sign a multi-year radio extension with Cumulus Classic Rock "101 The Fox" KCFX-FM, Kansas City, extending their partnership through 2019. For the 24th consecutive season, "101 The Fox" will be the flagship station of the Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network. The first year of the new agreement in 2014 will be the 25th anniversary of the club's partnership with KCFX-FM. "We're excited to extend our long-standing partnership with 101 The Fox," says Chiefs President Mark Donovan. "In more than two decades serving as our FM flagship radio station, KCFX has been a valuable partner and more importantly, a remarkable resource for our fan base. Their award-winning broadcast team has provided Chiefs fans with incredible gameday coverage and we are looking forward to continuing that trend." Cumulus President/CEO Lew Dickey says, "Sports is a key focus for Cumulus and we couldn't be more pleased to announce this long-term extension in Kansas City with our partners at the Chiefs organization. They are consummate professionals and share our deep passion to create a compelling broadcast experience for the enormous base of Chiefs fans." And Cumulus Kansas City SVP and General Manager Mark Sullivan tells us, "We are extremely happy that our partnership will continue through our 30th season. We are looking forward to continuing to provide the best broadcast in the NFL to the Chiefs Kingdom." KCFX-FM will broadcast all Chiefs pre-season, regular season and post-season games to affiliates throughout a seven-state region. Producer RedOne Launches 'Red's World Radio' on iHeartRadio Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Grammy-winning producer, musician and songwriter RedOne, announce the launch of "Red's World Radio" -- a digital station on iHeartRadio. The station is hosted by RedOne, along with Bilal the Chef, Porcelain Black, Novel and Prophet of the band 7Lions and will feature talk segments discussing their inspirations, topics and highlights of their careers and introducing some of their favorite music. "With this station, the music creator becomes the music curator. It's a great way for listeners to discover tomorrow's hits early and hear the story behind the music from the man writing and producing the music," says CCM+E President of National Programming Platforms Tom Poleman. "I’m glad to have someone as accomplished in the industry like RedOne be a part of iHeartRadio." Says RedOne, "I am loving this chance to introduce the world to some of my favorite music and artists and also discuss some of my biggest inspirations along the way. I am grateful that Clear Channel is giving me this tremendous platform to share with those who love exploring and learning about music." We're told that "fans of world music, pop, rock, classic and 80s rock and all things in between" can hear it all on "Red’s World Radio" 24/7 on iHeartRadio here. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio AC "Today's 105.1" WMGC-FM, Detroit, staffers are out, with the station's flip to a new Sports Talk format. Those released include Program Director Brian Figula, morning host Chris Edmonds, and midday host Mitzi Miles, as well as several part-time weekend hosts ... Clear Channel Rhythmic CHR "B95" KBOS-FM, Fresno, longtime Program Director and morning host Greg Hoffman exits, as the company continues budget-cutting nationwide. At "B95" morning co-hosts Andre "Dre" Covington and Carmen remain ... News Talk WJR-AM, Detroit, host and Detroit News columnist Frank Beckmann will retire as radio play-by-play voice of University of Michigan football after the 2013 season ... Country "K92" WWKA-FM, Orlando, midday host Grace Vasquez exits after six years with the station ... News Talk WIOD-AM, Miami, News Director and anchor Lori Shepard exits ... Reid Mullins exits Talk KTOK-AM, Oklahoma City, after eight years in mornings.

Weekend Update

WTF Is 'Hot Adult'? Or What's the Difference Between 'Hot AC' and 'Adult Top 40'? As we often mention that our Total Popular Music charts are based on total airplay at the CHR/Top 40 and Hot Adult components of pop music, we are inevitably asked, "What the **** is 'Hot Adult'?" Although we've gone into this in the past (but not for some time), and we've since gained hundreds of new followers, we thought it's time to again explain our reasoning. Both BDSRadio and (to only a slightly lesser degree) Mediabase lump together radio stations airing either Hot AC or Adult Top 40 formats. Many of those who report on radio airplay formats use the two terms interchangeably. But are they actually the same? Not really. Yes, for the most part stations with either formula air the same songs (although not fully). For example, "Same Love" (Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert) is currently ranked #48 on the "published" Mediabase "Hot AC" chart with 161 "spins" (as they call plays), and #44 on Mediabase's "all stations" listing for "Hot AC" with 242 "spins." I can say for sure that none of those spins comes from a true "Hot AC" formatted radio station! All of them are courtesy of those who actually are airing "Adult Top 40" formats and delve more into CHR/Top 40 hits. It bears repeating here that while both BDSRadio and Mediabase call their charts for their Hot Adult charts by the "Hot AC" nametag, Billboard (which uses BDSRadio's airplay charts), labels the Hot AC listing as "Adult Top 40" (claiming a trademark on the term!). Mark Harris created the catchall term "Hot Adult" for the airplay charts lumping the two (significantly different) segments of "Hot Adult Contemporary Top 40" into a single chart. The upfront difference between "Hot AC" and "Adult Top 40" is in the rotations scheduling of hit music from the mainstream pop category. Most HAC stations are "80s, 90s and Now" while AT40s stick more with currents, recurrents and gold-based titles from the 2000s, possibly with some major hits from the 1990s. Rotations also vary in the frequency of currents/recurrents. While the two segments are in some ways similar, they are as much different when actually programming them. Currently a significant hit at Hot AC, "Brave" by Sara Bareilles is (for now) still an exclusive at Hot Adult radio airplay, although it is currently being promoted to CHR/Top 40. When we did our own separating study recently on airplay samplings of HACs versus AT40 stations, we found the song is receiving two-thirds of its radio plays (or "spins") from the true Hot AC stations, and only a third from AT40s -- although the latter are quicker to respond to the label push for Top 40 stations to add it than (so far) have been Mainstream Top 40 stations. (Currently at TPM, "Brave" is ranked by total airplay at #27.) One other factor needs to be mentioned. Some stations that I consider "ultimate Adult Top 40s" are currently classified for airplay reporting by either/both BDS as CHR/Top 40, or Mediabase as Mainstream Top 40. This, of course, further weakens any case that could be made for separate airplay charts for HAC and AT40. I've been told many times that is influenced more by the desires of the recorded music industry than the radio world, although the airplay reporting services themselves will offer different explanations. My old friend (and sometimes self-declared competitor) Sean Ross, to his credit, launched his short-lived (and now defunct) "25+" (or "25-Plus") chart using a panel of his own creation that he said was comprised of CHR/Top 40 stations that seek to be adult-friendly and more aggressive Adult Top 40 stations. Although he still denies it, the publication for which he wrote his excellent (and recommended) "Ross On Radio" column at the time (which for unknown reasons declared "war" on my TotalPopularMusic.com) asked him to create a chart that would directly compete with MHBC's "Total Popular Music" format. Actually, I welcomed the competition and was among those most disappointed to see its untimely demise. It ended when his airplay source, Mediaguide, stopped offering airplay monitoring services -- quite some time before "Ross On Radio" was unceremoniously kicked off that site ahead of a sale to a new owner who would go on to destroy it fully. Especially because Sean's methodology was different from mine, I valued it as a radio programmer and programming consultant as an added resource. Our two weekly charts were often similar but almost always showed some interesting differences. So to answer the question "WTF Is Hot Adult?" directly, it is our (my) catchall term for its two components, which combined is one of our two components for the "Total Popular Music" Mass Appeal Hit Music radio format. But in unpublished comments I often say my TPM is actually comprised of three components: Adult Top 40, Mainstream CHR/'Top 40, and Hot AC (in that order). When I coined the term "Hot Adult," I surprised myself. Many years ago -- before there was a Hot AC format -- I was named the third Program Director in a year's time of a station offering a "full-service AC" format. The station, though, was rated third in its market and was hard to sell to local advertisers. I also was named to host afternoon drive. I spent my first three weeks doing my show and hiring a top-notch staff for other dayparts, while analyzing the station's weakness with both audience and potential ad clients. Then, it hit me like a ton of vinyl 45rpm hit records! I created a totally new music formula that I called "Contemporary Adult" (as opposed to Adult Contemporary) to go along with our full-service news and local information offerings (which I beefed up somewhat while spacing elements of them better to eliminate overly-long stops from the music at certain points in the hour). The result, our next full quarterly book, my station was Number One, and it remained there for the next year until the owner decided the station's value now was such that he'd sell it (and the format would go bye-bye along with the entire staff!) "Contemporary Adult" was very much like today's Hot AC (or more so, "Adult Top 40"). I had planned to use that term at TPM until a ton of CDs hit me and the term "Hot Adult" was embedded into my brain's RAM (even though the change in thinking resulted in extremely high CPU readings). A final thought. As Hot Adult stations continue to out-rate traditional AC in many markets, and Adult Contemporary itself is becoming far more contemporary than ever before, I renew my secondary description of "Total Popular Music" as the future of the AC radio format. ("But why wait when you can have it now from MHBC?") For now let's just say (once again), "Total Popular Music is More Contemporary than Adult Contemporary, Hotter than Hot AC, and More Mainstream than Mainstream CHR." And the best part is that it's not only for adults, but for the full 6+ hit music radio audience (while nabbing the adult demos sought by advertisers).

Friday's Radio & Media News - August 9, 2013

Arbitron Sues LM Communications for Unauthorized Ratings Use Arbitron has filed a lawsuit against LM Communications for alleged unauthorized use of its ratings and audience data in Charleston, South Carolina. Arbitron has previously filed similar suits against Saga Communications and Renda Broadcasting. According to the latest suit, LM used its ratings information for the Charleston market -- where LM Communications, headed by founder, President and CEO Lynn Martin, operates Triple-A "The Bridge 105.5" WCOO-FM. LM only subscribes to Arbitron ratings for the Lexington Kentucky market, where it operates "B92" WBVX-FM, "Hank 96.1" WLXO-FM, "96.9 Kiss FM" WGKS-FM, "Your 106.3" WCDA-FM, "107.9 The Beat" WBTF-FM, and "ESPN Sports Radio 1300" WLXG-AM. In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kentucky, Arbitron claims that LM copied, distributed and used its copyrighted data for Charleston between the spring of 2009 and May of this year. Arbitron says LM Communications acquired the Charleston information from "various sources" including at least "one or more industry consultants." The suit claims Martin, and other members of the company's management, had specifically asked to "illicitly" obtain the data. Arbitron is seeking at least $725,000 from LM, as well as attorney fees. That $725,000 includes $150,000 per infringing act, and $500,000 for requesting an Arbitron licensee to obtain ratings for them, and $75,000 for unjust enrichment. LM, which also operates four radio stations in West Virginia, describes itself as "a multimedia company specializing in on-demand entertainment and premier service opportunities for our listeners and advertisers through radio, television and digital programming platforms." Saga Responds to Arbitron Ratings Infringement Suit Saga Communications has now responded to Arbitron's lawsuit against them, which claims improper use of ratings data. Arbiton filed its suit against Saga in May, claiming that Saga's Milwaukee cluster, which operates as the subsidiary Lakefront Communications, used copyrighted audience estimates from approximately September of 2010 until 2012. In court documents filed this week, Saga claims that Arbitron's recent lawsuits against broadcasters over their data are being used "to intimidate and harass radio stations" that have canceled their subscriptions to the company's ratings services. Saga also claims that Arbitron does not have copyright protection for its information, and says the suit is "an improper and illegitimate effort to maintain its near-monopoly on radio ratings, and to maintain the exorbitant prices it charges for its reports" Saga says in its filing that Arbitron "has long known, or should have known, that it has no copyright protection for facts, information, data or numerical rankings and that it has no right to prohibit a radio station from using that information or from possessing a copy of its reports. Nevertheless, in an improper and illegitimate effort to maintain its near-monopoly on radio ratings, and to maintain the exorbitant prices it charges for its reports, Plaintiff embarked on a campaign to intimidate and harass radio stations that have the temerity to cancel their subscriptions to Arbitron reports." WMGC-FM/Detroit to Flip to Sports Talk Next Week MHBC hears "reliable rumors" (like when a major political figure reveals something not knowing there's a live microphone picking it up) that Greater Media Boston will officially flip AC "Today's 105.1" WMGC-FM to its new Sports Talk format next week. We're expecting an official announcement Monday morning (August 12) at a news conference. Sources inside the Greater Media Boston cluster say the new station will be branded as "Detroit Sports 105.1" -- without ESPN Radio in the name, although it will be an ESPN Radio affiliate. The flip will not come as a surprise to anyone, after months of "insider" reports that it was coming and that new staffers were already being brought on board or actively sought. Also, the domain "DetroitSports1051.com" (currently "parked" at Go Daddy) is awaiting activation. Our sources tell us that following the Monday morning official announcement, the new format will begin at 3pm with the station's one initial local host's debut show, as former WRIF-FM morning host Drew Lane takes to the air. The rest of the station’s programming at first is expected to come from ESPN Radio, although the new competitor to three existing Sports Talk stations in the market is said to still be working on bringing in some former or current hosts from one or more of those stations. We do know for sure that Jason Dixon has been hired as Program Director for the new WMGC-FM format. Dixon most recently was Operations Manager and Program Director of "99.9 The Fan" WCMC-FM, Raleigh. Last month, we reported that ESPN Radio VP of Communications Diane Lamb confirmed reports that the network was ending its deal with Detroit's WCAR-AM, saying the network was "currently in the process of securing a new ESPN affiliate in Detroit." Birach Holdings' WCAR-AM is now "NBC Sports Radio 1090" after losing ESPN. There have also been reports that some hosts from CBS Radio's "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM were set to move over to a new Greater Media competitor, but as of now we're hearing no deals have actually been made. The other format competitor is WDFN-AM, a Fox Sports Radio affiliate. WMGC-FM is one of three Greater Media stations in Detroit, along with Active Rock WRIF-FM and Classic Rock WCSX-FM. Los Angeles' KYSR-FM Rebrands as 'ALT 98.7' Clear Channel Alternative KYSR-FM, Los Angeles, has a new identity as "ALT 98.7" that matches its format, replacing the ambiguous "98.7 FM" that had been in use since the station evolved from Modern AC to Alternative. Despite adding a three-hour commercial-free block from 9am-12noon, KYSR-FM still trails CBS Radio’s KROQ-FM in the market's ratings. However, 98.7 FM has risen in the ratings with Alternative, compared to when it was Modern AC. The format change was mainly to enable it to compete with KROQ-FM. It is Clear Channel's largest station with an Alternative Rock format, since 2008 when KYSR-FM adopted its current format. KYSR-FM is also simulcast on KSRY-FM, Tehachapi, California. Ithaca's '98.7 The Vine' to Become '96.7 The Vine' Saga's Cayuga Radio Group Ithaca, NY, Triple-A "98.7 The Vine" on FM translator W254BF, via WYXL-FM's HD3 multicast channel, is moving to 96.7 FM, Monday, for increased coverage. "96.7 The Vine" will air on the more powerful W244CZ. "The Vine" will go from a 35 watt signal to one with 250 watts. The station will continue to originate via 97.3 HD3. "This station is truly unique to Ithaca. The improved signal will only increase our audience," says VP and General Manager Chet Osadchey. "We're finally able to give the people what they've been asking for -- a better sounding Vine," says Brand Manager Aaron Terkel. "It's exciting to bring higher quality audio to a music lover's station-a true audiophile format. John Prine's vocal nuances and Kings of Leon guitar solos will pop out of the speakers." The new translator signal was obtained by Saga from Calvary Chapel of The Finger Lakes for $60,000 in May (when it was still a CP). Spotify CEO Daniel Ek: Artists Are Getting It Wrong Spotify CEO and co-founder Daniel Ek, responding to the recent complaints from recording artists says he's "not surprised" but "saddened" by them. Ek didn't specifically mention well-publicized critiques by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke and the group's producer Nigel Godrich, most believe Ek was indeed responding to them. He says that the move from physical music to digital "is the single-biggest shift in the industry since the invention of the recording. We're selling access, not ownership; that's something very, very different. And, you know, the focus of the artist ought to be how you maximize the number of streams, because that, in turn, will be better long-term for you," says Ek in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Ek says he believes artists are confusing the math on streaming with downloading. "All they see is millions of streams, and they see, you know, not millions of dollars in the end, but thousands of dollars, and they think that a million streams is comparable to a million downloads, which it obviously isn't. Sure, you're going to stream that Rihanna song five or 10 times, but you're also going to listen to David Bowie's entire back catalog, which you might not have gone out and purchased. Those are two very, very different behaviors." When asked about Spotify's losses, Ek told WSJ, "The focus hasn't really been about when we're going to show profitability. I think a lot of people just look at the financials and say: 'Oh wow, losses, that's really, really bad.' That's not at all how we see it, we see that we've actually now proved our business model. The difference between what we pay out in royalties and what we actually take in in revenue is increasing, which is positive. [And] we believe that fundamentally this is a huge market. Who on this planet doesn't like music? What we find is as [people] try out Spotify, above 20% actually decide that they want to pay for the service, which is astounding." NYT: Copyright Lawsuit Targets Cover Songs on YouTube A group of music publishers is suing Fullscreen, one of the largest suppliers of videos to YouTube, saying that many of Fullscreen’s videos -- particularly cover versions of popular songs -- infringe on the publishers’ copyrights, according to the New York Times. Fullscreen is one of the largest of the so-called multichannel networks. According to Fullscreen, the 15,000 channels the company represents have a total of 200 million subscribers and draw more than 2.5 billion views each month. "Among the most popular videos on YouTube are cover versions of popular songs, often by amateurs or semiprofessionals who have built a following online," reports NYT. But according to the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan "by groups represented by the National Music Publishers’ Association, most of these lack the proper licenses and do not pay publishers and songwriters the royalties earned from ad revenue. (Publishers represent the music and lyrics underlying songs, not recordings of them, which are covered by a separate copyright.)" According to the suit, Fullscreen and its founder, George Strompolos, who is named as a defendant, “have willfully ignored their obligation to obtain licenses and pay royalties to exploit the vast majority of the musical content disseminated over Fullscreen’s networks.” A spokeswoman for Fullscreen declined to comment. The publishers represented in the suit include Warner/Chappell Music, which is owned by the Warner Music Group and is one of the biggest publishers, along with several independents like Songs Music Publishing and Peermusic. An exhibit submitted with the suit lists dozens of songs that Fullscreen is accused of using without proper licenses. SiriusXM and beIN SPORT Team for 'World Class Soccer' SiriusXM Radio and beIN SPORT announce that beIN SPORT's live English-language play-by-play of "the best soccer leagues in the world" – including Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 -- will be available to SiriusXM subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM's dedicated soccer channel, SiriusXM FC, channel 94, and other SiriusXM play-by-play channels. "Each week, listeners will hear multiple La Liga matches, including all matches featuring Real Madrid and Barcelona, multiple Serie A and Ligue 1 matches, as well as select matches from the Copa del Rey tournament and select World Cup qualifiers for CONMEBOL South American teams. The SiriusXM FC channel is available to subscribers on all satellite radios, through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at SiriusXM.com," says the satcaster in a news release. And we're told that SiriusXM will also "broadcast Spanish-language beIN SPORT en Espanol on SiriusXM channel 158, starting August 15. This programming will include live play-by-play of La Liga, Serie A, Copa del Rey and World Cup qualifying matches, exclusive club shows from Barca TV and Real Madrid TV as well as the network's most popular news and magazine shows including The Locker Room and The Express as well as top international sports including Million Dollar horse racing from Dubai, European basketball and cycling and motorsports, like the FIM Superbike Championships. beIN SPORT en Espanol (SiriusXM channel 158) will be available to subscribers on satellite radios, through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at SiriusXM.com." Says SiriusXM SVP of Sports Programming Steve Cohen, "We're thrilled to work with beIN SPORT to deliver our subscribers more of the world's best soccer and we're particularly pleased to make this programming available to our listeners in both English and Spanish. The addition of La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 play-by-play further enhances our already abundant soccer programming and gives our listeners direct access to the world's game through their satellite radios, handheld devices and online." Where's Sean Hannity Going? (On TV, Not Radio) First came reports that Megyn Kelly is moving from daytime to Sean Hannity's timeslot (9pm ET) at Fox News Channel. Now there's an official response (of sorts) from CEO Roger Ailes. But he neither confirms nor denies those reports, saying only that Fox News Channel has a new deal with Hannity as well as two other hosts. Ailes adds that "all of our stars will be back," quashing rumors that Hannity might be out. However, if Kelly takes the 9pm ET slot, the question becomes whether Hannity will be moving to another time or sharing co-hosting duties with Kelly. There's now some speculation that primetime programming will be juggled with "The O'Reilly Factor" (Bill O'Reilly) being bumped, since Ailes confirms Greta Van Susteren along with Hannity. FCC Sets LPFM Webinars The FCC will hold two webinars to answer questions about Low Power FM (LPFM), and the process for applying for a new LPFM license during the October 15-29, 2013 open filing window. The Commission says that LPFM service was established in 2000 to create opportunities for new voices to be heard on the radio. The first webinar will be held August 20 from 1-2:30pm. Areas that will be covered include: an overview of the low power radio service, how to use the Commission's LPFM Channel Finder, instructions on creating a CDBS account and how to fill out the application (Form 318), among others. Details on the second webinar, to be held in early October, will be provided in a later announcement. The webinars will be available live on the Internet at at www.fcc.gov/live. Presentations will be available both during and after the sessions at www.fcc.gov/event as well as at fcc.gov/events/webinars-low-power-fm-radio. Participants can submit questions by email during the webinars to lpfm@fcc.gov or by Twitter using the hashtag, #LPFMquestions. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Jenny Lee is named afternoon host at AC "Magic 105.3" KSMG-FM, San Antonio. A native of Chicago, Lee most recently was on air in Madison, Wisconsin ... Country WJVL-FM, Janesville, Wisconsin, Assistant PD and afternoon host Rob West is promoted to Program Director, replacing Ken Scott, who will now concentrate on VP/GM duties at co-owned Country WBWL-FM, West Bend, Wisconsin. Scott will also continue to host 2-7pm ... Soft AC "Seaview 104.9" WCVU-FM, Fort Myers-Naples, Florida, adds veteran air talent Chuck Britton to its morning show ... Country "K-Law 101" KLAW-FM, Lawton, Oklahoma, ups morning personality Jeri Anderson to Brand Manager, effective August 15, replacing Frank Seres, who left the Townsquare Media station in June after nearly three years with the company ... The latest so-called "Clear Channel Bloodbath" continues. Among the latest reported victims are Talk KTOK-AM, Oklahoma City, morning host Reid Mullins, out after eight years, and News Talk WIOD-AM, Miami, longtime News Director and on-air anchor Lori Shepard ... Scott Laudani exits Shamrock Communications Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he was Program Director of Classic Rock WEZX-FM, Alternative WFUZ-FM and Sports Talk WJEL-FM ... Lindsay Aerts is named midday host at Hot AC KBEE-FM, Salt Lake City, moving from Active Rock clustermate KHTB-FM ... Randy Galloway is retiring from afternoon host at "ESPN Dallas 103.3" KESN-FM at the end of this year when his current contract ends. He says there's no connection on that decision, which has been under consideration for many months, with the news that Cumulus Media will be taking over operation of KESN-FM under an LMA.

Thursday's Radio & Media News - August 8, 2013

Sinclair Closes on Fisher Communications Acquisition Sinclair Broadcast Group announced today that it has closed on its previously announced acquisition of Fisher Communications, valued at approximately $373.3 million, less acquired working capital. Under the terms of the agreement, Fisher shareholders received $41.00 in cash for each share of Fisher common stock they owned. The transaction represented a 44% premium to the closing price of Fisher common stock on January 9, 2013, the final trading day prior to Fisher announcing a review of strategic alternatives. In addition to 20 television stations in eight markets, Sinclair takes control of Fisher's Seattle radio stations -- News KOMO-AM, Hot AC "Star 101.5" KPLZ-FM, and Talk KVI-AM. Sinclair also acquires the Fisher LMA to operate South Sound Broadcasting's KOMO-FM, which simulcasts KOMO-AM. On Tuesday, as we reported then, Fisher Communications announced that its shareholders approved the merger agreement with Sinclair. We were told that "More than 90% of the votes represented and cast at the special meeting of Fisher's shareholders, or approximately 77% of the total outstanding shares of common stock eligible to vote as of the June 14, 2013 record date, were voted in favor of the approval of the merger agreement." Stacey Sedbrook Named Beasley Broadcast Group VP of Digital Beasley Broadcast Group appoints Stacey Sedbrook as VP of Digital. We're told that "she will lead and direct all of the company's social and online initiatives; develop and implement new media strategies; and also coordinate all digital and interactive efforts for each of Beasley’s radio stations." She joins Beasley September 1, based in the corporate office in Naples, Florida, and reporting to Caroline Beasley. Sedbrook arrives at Beasley from Boston, where she was most recently Senior Director of Digital Sales and Operations for Wicked Local-Gatehouse Media New England. "As our digital initiatives continue to grow and evolve, we realize the benefit in examining this critically important part of our business with fresh eyes and from a different perspective," says EVP/CFO Caroline Beasley. "Stacey’s record of driving the development of innovative, revenue-generating marketing and sales campaigns for both agencies and clients is exceptional. We believe the skill set she brings to Beasley's digital team will help build a stronger department that is better tailored to serve the needs of our advertisers and listeners. Radio may be a new industry to Stacey, but the challenges we face as our digital presence expands are the same issues she faced previously on the print side." Sedbrook tells us, "Radio is an industry that I've been watching closely. To join a company like Beasley, one that understands that digital and radio are converging at a faster pace than ever before, is a tremendous opportunity. My past experience and accomplishments will translate well into radio. I very much look forward to leveraging the strength of radio’s reach and listener response to introduce the audience extension, personalization and trackability of digital products and services. After living through Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Boston Blizzard of 2013, I'm excited to be leaving New England for the year-round sunshine in SW Florida." Slacker Names Lisa Namerow SVP of Strategic Partnership Operations Slacker names former AOL General Manager Lisa Namerow to be Slacker's SVP of Strategic Partnership Operations. Namerow, a terrestrial radio veteran, will lead partnership operations with a focus on broadening existing and future partnerships for the streaming audio service. The company says, "With a rich background in the development and implementation of strategic plans to drive consumer usage of web and mobile products, Namerow will lead partnership operations with a focus on broadening existing and future partnerships in order to provide the most stellar listening experience for Slacker’s ever-growing audience." She joins the Slacker team from AOL, where she was the General Manager of the AOL Music Network and AOL Radio. There, she led day-to-day business operations, product and audience development, and strategic partnerships for five music websites and AOL Radio. Over the years, Namerow spearheaded many partnerships, including those with Vevo, CBS Radio, Rolling Stone, and even Slacker. She also oversaw the launch of the AOL Radio iPhone application. A terrestrial radio veteran, Namerow began her career as an overnight DJ for WICB-FM and later held several positions with Saga Communications. "One of Slacker's greatest strengths is the depth and breadth of our distribution partners – from auto manufacturers and wireless carriers to consumer web portals like AOL," says Slacker CEO Jim Cady. "Lisa's tremendous experience in conceptualizing and executing strategic multi-platform partnerships will help further our reach and build upon Slacker’s already outstanding roster of partners." Namerow tells us, "I've spent my career at the intersection of music and technology, developing entertainment products for a mass audience and leveraging strategic partnerships that enhanced those experiences. Slacker delivers a seamless experience across the web, mobile devices, consumer electronics devices and cars – and I'm focused on maximizing the impact of Slacker's current partnerships and identifying new music partnerships which allow Slacker to continue to deliver the most compelling consumer experience." 'Z100'/NYC Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Digital Time Capsule Legendary CHR/Top 40 "Z100" WHTZ-FM, New York, celebrating its 30th anniversary this entire month, has launched the "Z100 Time Capsule." Program Director Sharon Dastur explains, "Ever since the station signed on, Z100 continues to have such a meaningful impact with its listeners in the Tri-State Area, along with the radio and music industry around the world. What an honor and a thrill to be part of this legendary station's past, present and very exciting future. To celebrate 30 years on the air, 'Z100' is taking listeners on a journey down memory lane with the launch of the 'Z100 Time Capsule' -- an interactive guide taking listeners back to what Z100.com would be like each year since its launch in 1983. The platform shares behind-the-scenes videos, Z100's evolution of logos and design and, of course, each year's top entertainment statistics, including the Number One song from each month of every year, the year's top movies, TV shows, trends and fads." Elvis Duran, host of the "Z100" morning show, tells us, "For almost 25 years I have been front row watching the evolution of Z100. I am thrilled that fans everywhere are now able to see how Z100 became the symbol that it is today, and I am proud to be involved with such an iconic brand in entertainment." For more on WHTZ-FM's 30-year history, read our exclusive August 5 report. SBS: NYC 'Mega 97.9' Leads Tri-State Area as # 1 Market Station Spanish Broadcasting System's "Mega 97.9" WSKQ-FM, New York, says SBS, "achieved significant ratings gains and strengthened its market position in Arbitron's recently-released July 2013 trend report. WSKQ-FM has captured the number one position amongst all Radio stations in the Tri-State New York market, for Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, regardless of language." SBS COO Albert Rodriguez tells us, "As WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM continues to lead and reach listeners in New York, we are confident that audiences will only continue to grow even more so, as demonstrated in the latest New York Arbitron rankings. The Hispanic community is growing rapidly and SBS New York will continue to provide quality, compelling entertainment to satisfy its listeners." SBS New York VP of Sales Eric Garcia adds, "The SBS Radio cluster in New York has consistently served as the leader in the NY Latino market place for over 30 years. Today we have only strengthened that position by becoming the number 1 radio station in New York regardless of language amongst key advertising demos, A18-49 & A18-34", said "Our Arbitron performance reflects our strategic advantages and tactical strengths, which benefit both the communities we serve and our clients who are tapping into the branding power of WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM by reaching the fast growing Hispanic consumer segment." Jesus Salas, EVP of Programming and Multiplatform Coordinator of SBS also comments. "WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9FM reaching the number one rank over all the stations in New York regardless of language is an impressive and history making event. WSKQ-FM Mega 97.9 FM has a close tie with the local community unlike any other station. Our on air personalities have formed an emotional relationship with our millions of listeners in a unique way." According to a news release, WSKQ-FM "personalities have captured New Yorkers with the best on air content and music. The solid ratings performance confirms Spanish Broadcasting's leadership commitment to delivering the growing Hispanic consumer audience the best original programming throughout the Tri-State area." Sports Talker Paul Finebaum's New Show Set to Debut The new "Paul Finebaum Show" will debut in syndication, Monday (August 12), airing for four hours daily, 2-6pm. The new show will be produced by ESPN Radio, "showcasing Finebaum's opinions and knowledge of the SEC as well as his interaction with callers, many of whom have followed him for years." Finebaum, considered a leading sports authority in the South and the "Voice of the SEC," will be based in ESPN's Charlotte studios and distributed by Cumulus Media Networks to broadcast outlets. ESPN affiliated stations in every market will have the first opportunity to carry the show. His former home station WJOX-FM, Birmingham, will offer the new show, as will its new sister Sports Talker, WJQX-FM which is flipping to ESPN Radio's full schedule. Finebaum's previous program attracted nearly a quarter of the adult male listeners in Birmingham, ESPN's highest-rated college football television market the past several years. ESPN Audio is overseeing satellite and digital distribution. Sports Commentator Jay Mariotti Launches Multimedia Site, Daily Radio Show in Deal with Genesis Communications National sports commentator and former Chicago midday radio Sports Talk host Jay Mariotti is launching a multimedia digital site and daily radio show in a deal with Genesis Communications. Says a news release, "Known for his eight years as a daily ESPN TV panelist, 17 years as a leading Chicago columnist and as a highly rated midday radio host in Chicago, Mariotti is launching an innovative 24/7 content production -- The Mariotti Show at www.mariottishow.com. Starting August 12, the site will feature the live streaming feed of his national radio show, airing 12noon-3pm ET, Monday through Friday. The www.mariottishow.com site, just launched, highlights his award-winning columns on major sports topics and events, immediate short-form opinions about sports and life, interviews, video commentaries, a running travelogue and free-flowing audience interaction in a live, continuous format." The radio show also will launch on Genesis-owned stations "Sports Talk 1040" WHBO-AM in Tampa and "Sports Talk 1080" WHOO-AM in Orlando. It will also launch on AM900/100.3FM in Ocala, as well as AM1230 in Gainesville. The program will be streamed live and on demand on www.SportsTalkFlorida.com . Genesis is in partnership with the NBC Sports Radio Network. In addition, a Mariotti show app is being developed for mobile devices. "Jay Mariotti is one of the country's most interesting and provocative sports personalities. Sports fans want to hear and see Jay," says Genesis Communications President Bruce Maduri. "They will have an interactive opportunity to be up close with Jay with his radio program, digital platform and his thought-provoking columns. He is back where he belongs." Says Mariotti, "We'll bring the proper balance and make nationwide impact with a compelling mix of daily topicality, strong opinions, professionalism, interaction and, for sure, fun. To combine radio and video with my continuing fascination with sports and commentary is just what I've wanted to do in this evolving media era." Mariotti has covered every major sports event nationally and worldwide on numerous occasions, including 14 Olympic Games and 24 Super Bowls, and has closely chronicled the life and times of all the top sports newsmakers. Mariotti, who is known for his challenging opinions and passionate approach, adds, "I've always been fiercely independent, detached from the institutional filters that stifle opinion in sports -- and nothing has changed," Mariotti said, adding: "I keep my eye on the listeners, readers and viewers and tell them what they SHOULD know. There's nothing safe about my approach, nor should there be. We'll deal with sports, media, Obama, pop culture, everything. And we'll do it on all platforms because I've had success on all platforms." Tulane University Sports Radio Network Expands Cumulus Media's Sports Talk "106.1 The Ticket" WMTI-FM, New Orleans, will again air Tulane University football and men's basketball for the 2013-2014 season. The station will also air talk programs for football, men's basketball and women's basketball. Mapa Broadcasting's "ESPN Radio 1560" WSLA-AM, New Orleans, will now serve as an affiliate of the Tulane network for additional metro coverage. "We are happy to announce that we have grown the Tulane Radio Network into two flagship stations and have added additional coverage for our fans, with a total of seven stations now carrying football," says Tulane Director of Athletics Rick Dickson. "We are excited to continue our relationship with WMTI-FM 106.1 The Ticket. We have made great strides to make sure all our major sports teams have extensive coverage in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf Region." Cumulus Regional VP Susan Lucchesi tells us, "Cumulus Media owns and operates The Ticket, WMTI-FM 106.1 and we are very excited about carrying the Green Wave football and men's basketball games. Cumulus believes in serving the local community and this union with Tulane is an amazing opportunity for us to continue working with our community." Scott Winchell Named Journal Wichita GSM Scott Winchell is appointed General Sales Manager for Journal Broadcast Group's Wichita cluster. Winchell comes to JBG from Clear Channel Birmingham, where he was GSM for News Talk WERC-FM, Active Rock "103.1 The Vulcan" plus Urban "104.1 The Beat" and "105.1 Hallelujah FM." Says JBG Wichita VP and General Manager Eric McCart, "We're very excited Scott is joining our Journal Broadcast Group team. He brings genuine enthusiasm, passion and many years of proven leadership experience to our company." Noting that Winchell is originally from Salina, Kansas, McCart adds, "He knows Wichita and is very excited to roll up his sleeves, hit the streets and help us continue to provide creative, unique and effective customer-focused marketing solutions for our advertisers." After a long run with artist management, touring and the recording industries, Winchell joined Clear Channel in 2003 in Nashville as an account executive, leading to sales management positions with WUBT-FM, WNRQ-FM, WLAC-AM, and the leadership of the Nashville cluster's digital sales. He also spent time as GSM with Clear Channel's Charlotte stations before moving to Birmingham in 2010. "Journal Broadcast Group has an incredible reputation and track record in our industry, and in the communities it serves. I am honored and ecstatic to be joining up with Eric and the entire highly talented Wichita Operations team," says Winchell. "I find it exhilarating to have the opportunity to make a difference in Kansas. Wichita is a great Midwestern city, and it will be nice to be back in the area." Mel Karmazin Says He's Done with Radio Mel Karmazin says he's "done with radio." The former SiriusXM CEO, appearing on Fox Business Network Wednesday night, touched on a wide range of topics with host Neil Cavuto. Karmazin says he doesn't plan to return to broadcasting because he hasn't seen anything to lure him out of his second retirement. Karmazin, who was CBS Radio's chief before satellite radio lured him, also offered his thoughts on the current retransmission rights battle between CBS and Time Warner Cable. Karmazin told Cavuto there's "zero chance" that CBS will not return to the cable provider. "I guarantee the day the NFL is back on CBS, Time Warner will have CBS." Karmazin also offered his take on Jeff Bezos' purchase of The Washington Post, calling it "really terrific," the state of the economy (the main issues being "jobs" and that "taxes are out of whack and I don’t mean what I pay") and the Mayoral race in New York, saying he would never run for Mayor. When asked who should be the next President of the United States, Karmazin replied Jamie Dimon, the Chairman, President, and CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

Wednesday's Radio & Media News - August 7, 2013

Merlin Media Sells WWIQ-FM/Philadelphia to EMF Update: We now have confirmation of the sale of "IQ 106.9" with the announcement from EMF that it is purchasing WWIQ-FM, Camden-Philadelphia, from Merlin Media. No price is immediately disclosed, but we'll get that when the deal is filed with the FCC. Upon completion of the sale, EMF will flip the station to its Christian AC "K-Love" programming. There will be no LMA prior to closing. Merlin sold WRXP-FM, New York, to CBS Radio in 2012. Merlin continues to own two stations, and operate a third outlet in Chicago (for now) -- Hot AC WIQI-FM, Classic Rock WLUP-FM, and Alternative WKQX-LP (LPTV Ch. 6 audio). Our earlier "exclusive report" follows. MHBC News has learned that Merlin Media has sold Conservative News Talk "IQ 106.9" WWIQ-FM, licensed to Camden, New Jersey, and serving the Philadelphia market. Merlin is selling the station to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent of the "K-Love" and "Air 1 Radio" networks, one of which will take over 106.9 FM. Advertising clients of WWIQ-FM are being told the current programming will end as the station is taken over by new owners. The station was previously WKDN-FM, which broadcast religious programming from Family Radio until April 2012. WWIQ-FM has been airing syndicated programs from Don Imus, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Michael Savage. A local morning show was eliminated with the addition of "Imus in the Morning." Current programming also includes John Batchelor and "Red Eye Radio." Local content on "IQ 106.9" included "Philly's Morning News," a combination News and Talk show, 5-9am, initially co-hosted by former TV anchor Larry Mendte and Al Gardner, a radio veteran and Philadelphia native. Gardner was also the station's Program Director. Mendte was dropped from the station at the end of 2012. Gardner has also since been released. Cumulus to LMA 'ESPN 103.3'/Dallas Cumulus Media will take over operations of "ESPN 103.3" KESN-FM, Dallas, under a long-term LMA. KESN-FM will retain its ESPN affiliation, and will be programmed separately from Cumulus Media’s "1310 The Ticket" KTCK-AM. KESN-FM is also the flagship radio station forthe Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks, while KTCK-AM is home of the NHL Dallas Stars. The LMA will take effect after Cumulus closes on the spin-off of KTDK-FM to Whitley Media. Officially we're told, in a news release, "ESPN Audio has reached a long-term Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with Cumulus Media, Inc. which calls for Cumulus to program ESPN Radio Dallas KESN 103.3 FM. The station will retain the ESPN name and ESPN’s national programming, highlighted by Mike & Mike and The Herd with Colin Cowherd as part of a long-term affiliation agreement. In addition, ESPN Deportes Radio Dallas 1540 AM, through an affiliation agreement, will now be programmed by Deportes Media and will retain the ESPN Deportes Radio moniker. ESPN will continue to own KESN. The Cumulus Media LMA will take effect upon the closing of the pending sale of radio station KTDK FM, while the Deportes Media affiliation agreement will take effect on September 1, 2013." “ESPN Audio is always evaluating business options and opportunities, while continuing to serve sports fans," says Traug Keller, ESPN SVP of Production Business Divisions. "These two moves are smart for us in the Dallas market as we grow the audio business and draw on the strengths of Cumulus. Sports fans will continue to have access to the best national and local programming that ESPN Radio Dallas and ESPN Deportes Radio Dallas have to offer." In addition to Mike & Mike and The Herd with Colin Cowherd, other ESPN national talk programming will be offered as will the preeminent play by play lineup of NBA, MLB, NFL, college football including the BCS championship and much more. ESPN Radio Dallas is also the home of Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks broadcasts and surrounding programming. The ESPN Deportes Radio programming lineup in Dallas will remain the same, highlighted by the comprehensive lineup of live events, including Texas Rangers baseball, and the news and information content offered across ESPN Deportes Radio network, including Raza Deportiva, the number one morning Spanish-language sports show; and Jorge Ramos y Su Banda, the daily soccer program simulcast on television. ESPN retains ownership of KESN 103.3 FM and will continue to run and oversee all editorial content on espndallas.com. ESPN Audio will also continue to own and operate local radio stations and web sites in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago." Julie Pilat Exits Clear Channel to Join Beats Music Veteran radio programmer Julie Pilat exits Clear Channel to join Jimmy Iovine's Beats Music, and head up music curation for the company's upcoming streaming service. Pilat spent 20 years at Clear Channel stations, much of that in Los Angeles. She's also been Alternative Rock Brand Coordinator for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. But she's now just starting at Beats Music. Says Pilat, "To change the path for the future of music is the opportunity of a lifetime." She adds, I couldn't say no." Beats' executive lineup includes Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Dr. Dre and former Yahoo!/Topspin executive Ian Rogers. A handful of radio programmers have joined the company in recent months as well. Pilat tells The Hollywood Reporter that a "team of music experts" is already on the job at Beats. "I know there will be a lot of geeking out over music," she tells THR. Cox Media Group Partners with LDR Interactive   to Launch New Interactive Mobile Music Apps Cox Media Group partners with LDR Interactive to launch new interactive mobile music apps. CMG tells us, "The radio broadcasting industry's most innovative interactive mobile app hits the airwaves at 33 music stations in 11 Cox Media Group (CMG) radio markets this summer thanks to a partnership with broadcast technology company LDR Interactive." The iPhone, iPad and Android apps, created by LDR Interactive for Cox Media Group, we're told, "provide listeners with a real-time interactive experience featuring live audio streams from their favorite music stations, voting for the songs they'd like to hear next, an 'open mic' feature allowing them to create a high quality dedication in their own voice, and extensive integration with Facebook and Twitter." Initially, CMG stations in Athens and Atlanta, Georgia.; Dayton, Ohio; Houston; Jacksonville, Florida.; Long Island, NY; Miami; Orlando; San Antonio; Tampa; and Tulsa started introducing the apps to their listeners beginning in June. All 33 radio CMG stations will have the new apps by mid-August. "These best-in-class new apps extend our brands to listeners no matter where they are or what they are doing," says CMG EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie. "Listeners can make decisions regarding our programming and have on-the-go access to their favorite radio personalities. In addition, our apps have some pretty cool features that expand our brands beyond what we can do on the air, building a better relationship with our listeners." "We are proud to have partnered with Cox Media Group in this first mobile app development project working closely with Kim Guthrie, Steve Smith, Rich Reis and the CMG management team," says LDR Interactive President and CEO Daniel Anstandig. "CMG previously adopted our LDR.1 and LDR.Takeover platform technology at the majority of its radio stations. Last year, we set up a joint task force to conceive of a next generation mobile app that would help provide radio stations with a turnkey strategy to fully engage with their audiences in a very personal way. Today, we are formally launching that app which rivals and surpasses other popular streaming music apps with the added advantage of integration into consumers' favorite local broadcast brands. We are proud that CMG is the first in the world to introduce it to their loyal radio listeners." The new apps feature complete social integration with Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to share songs with their friends and notify them of a song they have dedicated to them. It also allows listeners to win badges for using the app – local stations can design new badges anytime to reward listeners for voting on a particular song or artist, for making an open mic recording or using the app during a certain time of day. A novel "alarm clock" function awakens listeners with a custom greeting including their local weather forecast, names of Facebook friends having birthdays and station contest reminders – before automatically starting the station's audio stream. "This is the hottest interactive radio mobile app on the planet, and our listeners get it first and exclusively," says CMG VP of Radio Programming Steve Smith. "Additionally, this app actually brings the audience inside our brands where they can steer the ship with us!" LDR Interactive has agreed to license the apps exclusively to Cox Media Group in their radio markets. The app will be available to other radio station group operators outside of CMG markets under the Gruvr brand name, which was announced separately today. Pioneering radio crowdcasting technology in 2009, LDR Interactive's patent-pending technology and interactive programming is on the air at over 260 radio stations, networks, and broadcast groups in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. Since 2012, the company's clients have generated nearly $3 million dollars in new digital revenues and sponsorships as a result of the LDR Interactive systems. Cumulus Media Networks and Dick Clark Productions   Announce Radio and Multi-Platform Content Partnership Cumulus Media Networks and Dick Clark Productions will join forces to create radio, digital and social content opportunities around the American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards. "Our partnership with Dick Clark Productions enables Cumulus to provide listeners and advertisers with unprecedented access to two top awards shows of the year with the American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards," says Cumulus Media Networks EVP and Co-Chief Operating Officer John Dickey. "We strive to find new and exclusive opportunities to deliver relevant and cutting edge content to engage fans through all of our affiliates platforms and programming." Says DC Media President Mike Mahan, "By partnering with Cumulus, we hope to increase awareness and fan engagement of the upcoming American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards through an incredible slate of content and unique affiliate opportunities." Radio coverage of the 2013 American Music Awards will feature six hours of original programming, including a two-hour red carpet radio show in advance of the awards that will be customized to all major radio formats. Cumulus will have prime positioning and unprecedented access to talent, offering an unparalleled and unique experience for millions and millions of listeners. Additional coverage of the event will be available across the stations' websites and their owned-and-operated social media profiles. The American Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 24 from 8-11pm ET on ABC. A similar radio and multi-platform content partnership is in development for the Billboard Music Awards in 2014. Details will be announced in the coming months. Sony Music Partners with Quu Interactive for Radio Connection Sony Music Nashville partners with Seattle-based tech company Quu Interactive to deliver content and ads related to its artists when they play on the radio. Opening up a new revenue stream for radio and a promotional vehicle for music, Quu's "Liner Notes" network of radio stations is utilized to complement station airplay with timely artists information in real time. Says Sony Music Nashville CEO Gary Overton, "Quu’s service provides an enormous promotional opportunity for our artists and the label to customize and geo-target an artist's message with a 360-degree approach, bringing together the full fan experience of albums, tours, artist offerings, and information in a new and innovative way utilizing the outstanding reach of radio. Now, as consumers listen to Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood on their car radios, one of the main points of radio airplay, we have the ability to inform them about where to see or hear from their favorite Sony Music Nashville artists next." Quu will use its existing "Liner Notes" network of nationwide radio stations, radio station websites and mobile applications. In addition to the vehicle interior radio display, Quu's customization offering enables Sony to pre-program and geo-target information on local tour dates, media appearances, breaking news, album releases, point-of-sale information and more, tied to an artist's song as it is playing on the radio. The service also uses Quu’s synchronization technology, which gives it the capability to feed messages directly from the artist's existing social platforms, including Twitter, giving fans a new way to hear from or about their favorite artists as they are listening to them, in their cars and through participating radio station websites and mobile applications. Says Quu CEO Joel Harb, "Quu's technology provides a solution for artists and broadcasters to communicate more directly with the consumer by effectively using radio's nationwide reach to target consumers at the right moment with the right customized message. Radio is already a vital part of the music industry, and providing labels with the technology to message on this additional platform tied to radio enables them to super-serve their artists and their artists' fan bases." Clear Channel Introduces Mentoring Programs to   'Cultivate Next Generation of Radio Engineers' Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has rolled out its inaugural Market Engineering Manager Development Program (MEM-Dev) and the third year of the company's Electrical Engineering Co-op Program -- both designed to provide participants with hands-on industry experience in specialist areas within electrical engineering. "Clear Channel is making a strategic investment in the future of broadcasting engineering and we hope to attract and expose new talent to the ever-changing world of radio while also fostering the expedited growth and development of our existing employees," says CCME EVP of Engineering and Systems Integration Jeff Littlejohn. CCME Chairman/CEO John Hogan adds, "We are always thinking ahead, looking for new ways in which to deliver growth and solidify our position at the forefront of innovation in broadcasting, and creating these programs speaks to our dedication to not only Clear Channel but the entire broadcasting community." The Clear Channel Electrical Engineering Co-op Program was introduced as a pilot program in 2011, and has offered 12 high-potential engineering college students the opportunity to expand upon their technical abilities and education while being exposed to innovative technologies and operational processes at Clear Channel stations across the country. Students alternate semesters working in the co-op program, then returning to school to pursue their academic studies. The students are tasked with projects and assignments geared towards design, troubleshooting and modification of electronic systems and exposed to the development of new technologies. Two participating students will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship for their contributions to the program. In addition to mentoring young aspiring engineers, Clear Channel also announced the graduation of its first Market Engineering Manager Development Program. MEM-Dev is an elite internal engineering development program designed to support Clear Channel's existing talent and accelerate professional growth. The two-year program incorporates a personalized curriculum that includes one-on-one coaching, education and testing, coupled with hands-on experience. As the first class graduates, Clear Channel welcomes its third MEM-Dev group into the program. Clear Channel will relocate its current class of six to Cincinnati, to assist in building a radio studio at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation as part of the hands-on portion of the program. FCC Again Extends Ownership Report Due Date The FCC extends the filing deadline for 2013 commercial station ownership reports to December 2. Stations are given more time to file their biennial Form 323 ownership reports with the advisory that all information submitted should still be current as of October 1, 2013. The Commission's extension, we're told, is intended to provide filers with 30 more days to allow adequate time to prepare the form, especially in light of how some licensees and parent companies may have to file numerous forms. The deadline was previously extended from October 1 to November 1. In announcing the extension, the FCC tell us, "On April 8, 2009, the Commission adopted the 323 Order in the proceeding. In the 323 Order, the Commission enlarged the class of broadcast licensees required to file FCC Form 323 biennially, and replaced the previous system of rolling filing deadlines tied to a station's renewal anniversary with a uniform filing date. Pursuant to that order, all commercial full-power AM, FM, TV, and LPTV stations, including Class A stations, as well as entities with attributable interests in those stations, were first required to file a revised FCC Form 323 on or before November 1, 2009, with information current as of October 1, 2009, and to file biennially thereafter. The Bureau extended the 2009 filing deadline until July 8, 2010 due to delays in the availability of the revised Form.3 For the 2011 biennial filing period, the Bureau extended the filing deadline by 30 days to ensure adequate time to file the form. Pursuant to the Commission's rules, all full-power AM, FM, TV, LPTV, and Class A stations, and entities with attributable interests currently are required to file the next biennial ownership report on FCC Form 323, no later than November 1, 2013, using information current as of October 1, 2013. On its own motion, the Media Bureau hereby extends the November 1, 2013 filing deadline until December 2, 2013." The FCC adds, "We stress that filers are encouraged to submit ownership reports as early as possible and to complete their Form 323 filings well in advance of the extended deadline whenever possible. This extension applies only to the 2013 biennial filing requirement." Clear Channel Seeks Summary Judgment to   Dismiss New Orleans Discrimination Case Clear Channel has moved for summary judgment to dismiss the lawsuit filed by three former account execs who worked at its New Orleans cluster, with the suit led by Prixie Montgomery. The company says the three have failed to prove their accounts were redistributed based on discriminatory reasons. The three women, who are African-American, claimed they were discriminated against by the company, in both compensation and assignment of accounts. Clear Channel now says the plaintiffs have failed to prove that the reallocation of accounts by the company was based on race or otherwise discriminatory. The company claims the changes were made in February 2009 as a result of the economic downturn. The plaintiffs filed EEOC complaints in 2010 claiming that the compensation structure and client account assignments instituted in 2009 violated Title VII. They were subsequently terminated, but CC claims the three were fired for performance reasons and points to white males fired or who resigned for the same reason, and notes that five other Account Executives who also filed EEOC complaints over a $20,000 per month goal were not fired because they met their goals. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Jason "Roach" Hines joins "Party 99.5" WBXY-FM, Gainesville, as night host. Hines formerly hosted afternoons at Alternative Rock "104.9 The X" KXNA-FM, Fayetteville ... CHR/Top 40 "Kelly 95.3" KLLY-FM, Bakersfield, Production Director Erik Fox is promoted to Assistant PD and will temporarily be doing middays as the station parts ways with the syndicated Ryan Seacrest on August 16. The station is in search of a new permanent midday host. Also, the station adds the syndicated Doug Kramer "Big Dumb Fun Show" for nights, replacing Mario Lopez ... CHR/Top 40 "103.7 Kiss FM" WXSS-FM, Milwaukee, picks market veteran Riggs for mornings, beginning August 19, joining Wes McKane and Alley Faith, and replacing Rahny Taylor on the morning show. Riggs is joining from crosstown "97.3 Radio Now" WRNW-FM ... Country "Q100.3" WCYQ-FM, Knoxville, names former KBWF-FM/San Francisco morning host Ken Anderson for mornings at WCYQ-FM, replacing Opie Joe, who moves to afternoons filling the shift left vacant by Brad Allen's move to Director of Production ... AC WSRS-FM, Worcester, Massachusetts, morning co-host Heidi West resigns, effective immediately, after 16 months with the station.