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Volume 24, Issue 145, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Thursday Morning July 26th, 2007
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Radio News ®
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 NAB seeks congressional
streaming fix
Saying it is getting nowhere with attempts to negotiate with SoundExchange, NAB is renewing its effort to get Congress to overturn the streaming royalty rates set by a panel of three copyright judges. NAB is back to a full-court press for legislation sponsored by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA), pictured, known as the Internet Radio Equality Action. The Inslee bill, introduced in April, has garnered 140 co-sponsors and would reverse the controversial Copyright Royalty Board decision that dramatically increased rates for local radio stations that stream music over the Internet. NAB said its renewed strong backing of the Inslee bill follows an offer made on behalf of NAB member radio stations to SoundExchange, an organization created by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to establish and collect royalties for digital sound recordings. NAB said it has yet to receive a response from SoundExchange to the offer, which was made on June 6th. "We are disappointed by SoundExchange's continued reluctance to respond to the good-faith, reasonable offer put forth by NAB nearly two months ago. NAB will now turn our attention to aggressively advocating in support of Rep. Inslee's legislation to ensure that local radio broadcasters who stream content online are treated fairly," said NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton.
RBR observation: We continue to be mystified by SoundExchange, which seems to be hell-bent on killing the goose that promises to lay it golden eggs. The AM and FM broadcasters will continue on, whether or not they can stream their programming as well. But if they can't make that work economically, they won't be streaming and they won't be writing checks to SoundExchange. And, of course, most streaming-only operators will simply close up shop - also paying zero in fees to SoundExchange.
Tribune says financing is committed
Tribune Company CEO Dennis FitzSimons sought to calm Wall Street fears that the company's buyout won't close. FitzSimons insisted "Our going-private transaction is on track and the financing for it is fully committed." In a statement accompanying his company's Q2 financial results, the CEO said, "We anticipate closing the transaction in the fourth quarter, following FCC approval, and expect to be in full compliance with our credit agreements." Q2 results were predictably soft, given the general state of the ad market. Publishing revenues declined 9% to 920 million, with ad revenues off 11%. Television operating revenues dropped 7% to 287 million and TV operating cash flow declined 12% to 100 million. "Station revenues in Los Angeles and Chicago were down for the quarter and revenues in St. Louis were lower because KPLR no longer carries Cardinals baseball. New York showed improvement. On a group basis, declines in the auto, restaurant, financial and retail categories, as well as the absence of political advertising, were partially offset by gains in the telecom, media and entertainment/recreation categories," the company said. Tribune does not break out results for WGN-AM Chicago, but Radio/Entertainment revenues were up 27.3% to 106 million, primarily because the Chicago Cubs had more home games during the quarter this year than last. Radio/Entertainment operating cash flow jumped 146.3% to 20.2 million. For all of Tribune Company, Q2 revenues dropped 7% to 1.3 billion and operating cash flow declined 29% to 254 million. On the bottom line, earnings per share from continuing operations were 17 cents, down from 53 cents a year ago
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WaPo Radio experiment nearing a plug pull?
The joint effort to run an in-depth news radio station struck in Washington between the Washington Post and Bonneville International appears to be on life support, according to local city magazine The Washingtonian. The two-stick station, WTWP-AM 1500 kHz and WTWP-FM 107.7 MHz, utilizes the vast journalistic resources of the Post. It's a compliment to Bonneville's local all news institution WTOP. The latter station follows the standard headline-oriented radio approach to news interspersed with traffic and weather reports every ten minutes. Washington Post Radio was designed to go into greater depth, and the newspaper's reporters are utilized on air to provide information on stories they are following and writing about. Unfortunately, few are tuning in, and according to Washingtonian, the plug may be pulled by the end of the current baseball season (the stations carry MLB Washington Nationals baseball games).
RBR observation: We recall awhile back that the Post was butting heads with a trade union over on-air duties for reporters. But Washingtonian mentions a problem that our readers probably thought of immediately. Just because you can write a story for print doesn't mean you can discuss it on the air in a way that pulls in listeners. Washingtonian had a word for many if not most of the Post reporters: "boring." We work in this market, and are regular listeners to WTOP. If we find ourselves out of the office and on the road during the middle of the day, then we certainly consider WTWP as an alternative to the cyclical news items on the main station. We would note that the format requires a very gifted radio host who can speak intelligently about an astoundingly wide range of topics. But during drive time, we want what WTOP has. Anyway, maybe WaPo and Bonneville will surprise us, but the apparent failure of this experiment may take a bit of the edge off calls to make it easier to build cross-ownership clusters.
 Disney decides to kick the habit
The Walt Disney Company has promised House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) that it will discourage depictions of tobacco use in its films, and will completely eliminate them from any film under the Disney brand. In a letter to Markey, Disney President and CEO Robert A. Iger said, "The Walt Disney Company shares your concern regarding deaths due to cigarette smoking. We discourage depictions of cigarette smoking in Disney, Touchstone and Miramax films. In particular, we expect that depictions of cigarette smoking in future Disney branded films will be non-existent. In response to your suggestion, our Company will place an anti-smoking PSA on DVD's of any future film that does depict cigarette smoking." Additionally, Disney said it will work with theater owners to run a PSA before screenings of such films. Markey commended Disney challenged the rest of the industry "to similarly kick the habit."
RBR observation: It never hurts to take the high road when you can. The goal here is to prevent young people from becoming smokers in the first place. However, there's a flip side as well - we have gone through the process of quitting the habit, and for a while there it was very difficult to watch Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Sometimes we just wanted to leap into the screen to ask Bogie if he had a spare butt we could bum. We believe a no-smoking policy should be a guideline, not a dictate. Freedom of speech is freedom of speech, and sometimes smoking is an integral part of a story - like if you are doing a biopic on Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. But if a cigarette is nothing more than a prop to give some nervous actor some business for his hands, have him take up embroidery or tie trout flies of some other non-carcinogenic activity, and let magazines be the guests of dishonor the next time Markey holds a hearing on tobacco promotion.
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| Wall Street Media Business Report TM |
Moody's may downgrade Cumulus
On the heels of Cumulus Media announcing a private equity buyout, which will likely boost its leverage, Moody's Investors Service has placed the company's ratings on review for possible downgrade. "The review will focus on the company's pro forma capital structure and credit metrics as well as its future business strategy in the context of the secular pressures on and modest growth prospects for the mature radio broadcasting industry," Moody's said.
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Ad Business Report TM
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Obama turns to radio in SC
 South Carolina has elevated importance in the 2008 primary season, scheduled for 1/29/08 - a week ahead of 2/5/08, otherwise known as Super Duper Tuesday. Barack Obama (D-IL) is mounting an air attack there in an effort to shore up support for his candidacy that is making use of 60-second spots on no less than 36 radio stations. According to the Associated Press, the purpose of the campaign is to stake out a share of the state's substantial African-American population. He's grappling with Hillary Clinton (D-NY) over this constituency, who is benefitting from the excellent relations established by her husband, President Bill Clinton. Obama's campaign is said to have introductory elements to overcome Clinton's built-in advantage.
SWMX moves to new generation
SoftWave Media Exchange announced the launch of SWMX Radio 2.0, the second generation marketplace platform facilitating the purchase, sale and management of radio advertising time for marketers and media owners. "SWMX Radio 2.0 represents a significant advancement in our efforts to deliver a turnkey application supporting virtually all aspects of an organization's media buying and sales initiatives, integrating all necessary data, providing creative delivery and archiving and enabling both marketers and media owners to execute their business with greater efficiency, profitability and ROI than ever before," said Stavros Aloizos, Chief technology officer of SWMX. The most significant enhancement of SWMX Radio 2.0 is the marketplace will deliver integrated functionality enabling marketers and media owners to transact full-rate flighted campaigns through the interface. The new platform will also facilitate campaign changes, cancellations and makegoods. Flighting functionality is anticipated to be activated within the next month.
 Verizon Wireless
goes for triple play
Verizon Wireless has consolidated its advertising agency responsibilities across three companies (down from eight) covering local markets nationwide. Hill Holliday, Global Hue and Zenith all have a piece of the action. Here's the breakdown: Hill Holliday will be responsible for the strategy and creative support for all local advertising. The account will be handled by Hill Holliday's Erwin-Penland unit in Greenville, S.C., which previously handled retail marketing duties for Verizon Wireless in the southern United States; and Hill Holliday - New York, which had similar responsibilities for Verizon Wireless in the northeastern United States; Detroit-based Global Hue, in an extension of its role as multicultural agency for national advertising, will be the lead multicultural agency for the company's local markets; Zenith -- New York, currently responsible for national advertising media planning and buying, will add to its duties the coordination and support of local efforts in markets throughout the country. The three agencies now exclusively supporting Verizon Wireless' regional efforts will be called upon to ensure the company's brand strategy and messaging is consistent in all local newspaper, radio, outdoor and business advertising.
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| Media Business Report TM |
Creativity in consolidation
Alternative newspaper group Creative Loafing Inc., based in Tampa, has acquired two of the nation's best-known alternative weeklies, Chicago Reader and Washington City Paper. The move was a surprise to staffers, particularly in Chicago, where the Reader has had a single owner since its launch in 1971. Chicago Reader co-founder Bob Roth called it "handing the keys to a new generation" in his official announcement and told the Chicago Tribune that several of the former owner-managers were contemplating retirement. Roth himself is 60. The Chicago Reader has an average weekly circulation of 135K and Washington City Paper 80K. Creative Loafing was launched as an alternative paper in Atlanta in 1972 by the family of current CEO Ben Eason. The company expanded to Charlotte in 1987, Tampa a year later and Sarasota, FL in 1999, along the way moving corporate HQ to Tampa. It also has a minority interest in the Birminghan Weekly in Alabama. "Our expansion into Chicago and Washington reflects our confidence in the future of alternative publishing - in print, on the web and in other media as they emerge. While others may be looking at publishing companies through the lens of old print media, we are pioneering the opportunities offered by convergent print, web and new media applications," said Eason in his announcement. BIA Digital Partners, a name well known to RBR readers, is an investor in Creative Loafing for the expansion and Gregg Johnson will serve on the board of directors.
RBR observation: What's happened to alternative newspapers in recent years? Craigslist. As much as the free classifieds online site has hurt mainstream newspapers, it hit the alternative papers earlier and harder. The alternative papers used to be the only outlet for advertisers whose products and services were not acceptable to mainstream papers and the preferred choice for some advertisers targeting young demos who didn't read the dailies. No more. Online is cheaper (or free) and that's where the alternative advertisers have moved in droves.
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| Media Markets & Money TM |
One Nebraska AM will form three combos
When KNZA Inc. closes on its acquisition of KTNC-AM in Falls City NE, it will have created three separate AM-FM combos. The group, which lists Gregory F. Buser, Robert B. Hilton and William Douglas Weinberg III as principals, owns three FMs in the area which do not overlap one another, but all of which share a piece of KTNC's coverage area. The group includes KNZA-FM Hiawatha KS, KMZA-FM Seneca KS and KLZA-FM, which shares KTNC's Falls City hometown. The seller is Charles Radatz's C.R. Communications, which will get 330K for the station.
Four FMs in Apex Charleston cluster
The triple-play swap-CP deal put together by Apex Broadcasting will leave it with four FMs and an AM in the Charleston SC market, not three FMs as we reported 7/25/07. According to VP/GM Chris Johnson, the clsuster will include Rocker WAVF-FM/96Wave (moving from 96.1 MHz to 95.9 MHz), WIHB-FM/B92 doing mainstream CHR, WXST-FM/Star 99.7 playing Urban AC and Gospel WXTC-AM/Heaven. The group will also have a station on 101.7 MHz which it identifies with Hanahan/Charleston. Its calls and format are under construction.
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| Washington Media Business Report TM |
 FCC July open meeting next week
The Federal Communications Commission holds one open meeting per month, and all we can say is that there's nothing like waiting for the last minute to get something like that done. Chairman Kevin Martin will hold the July meeting on 7/31/07 starting at 10AM. The agenda is only two items long, and neither have any great bearing on broadcasters. The first, listed under both Wireless Telecommunications and Public Safety & Homeland Security, concerns various elements affecting the frequency band being abandoned by broadcast television as part of the DTV transition. The second, under Wireless Telecommunications, concerns roaming obligations of commercial mobile radio service providers.
RBR observation: So if you're on the beach literally (not due to an involuntary employment hiatus event of some sort) but you like to keep up with FCC actions at all times, you will probably be safe if you save the battery in your laptop and bypass this session in its entirety.
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| Internet Media Business Report TM |
Saga signs for Ando services
Ando Media announced an agreement with Saga Communications for Saga to utilize Ando Media's Internet advertising management and measurement systems for all of its radio stations. Through the use of Ando Media's suite of services, Saga will have access to actual audience metrics for all of its internet radio stations as well as being able to set up advertising campaigns and report on its impression delivery in real-time. "Saga Communications has done an excellent job in a short time at selling advertising on their Internet radio stations and we look forward to providing them the tools to continue monetizing their online audience," said Ando Media COO Robert Maccini.
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| Ratings & Research |
PPM high on RAC agenda
With the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council (RAC) meeting through tomorrow in Charlottesville, VA, there will be much to discuss about the Portable People Meter (PPM) now that it is actually up and running in two markets, Philadelphia and Houston. RAC Chairman Steve Sinicropi, VP/GM for Cox Radio in Greenville, SC, says the impact of PPM on Urban stations will be one topic, but there are also non-PPM matters to discuss dealing with small markets. The overall theme, he told RBR, is "confidence in the currency," and that includes both PPM and diaries.
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| TVBR TV News |
CommComm set to tee up DTV
 The five FCC Commissioners, who just visited the House side of Capitol Hill yesterday, will get a break from the Senate at today's DTV hearing, but one of their colleagues will be there along with the NTIA chief and representatives of minority and senior citizen groups. The hearing, held by the Commerce Committee, kicks off at 10AM with the citizens going first. Panel I consists of AARP Board of Directors member Nelda Barnett; National Hispanic Media Coalition President/CEO Alex Nogales; and Nancy Zirkin, VP/Director of Public Policy, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. NTIA's John Kneuer, otherwise known as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Communications and Information; and Cathy Seidel, Chief of the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau make up Panel II. RBR notes the absence of any representatives from broadcasting, cable or satellite.
TVBR observation: We suspect that AARP may have its work cut out for it more than the other groups, especially if our Mom is typical of other retired persons. She has the ability to tune out any commercial at will, and may well be immune to any efforts by broadcasters to fully educate citizens about the upcoming revolution in television broadcasting. But in the final analysis, we doubt that the transition will be the complete train wreck that some on Capitol Hill are fearful of, if only because broadcasters have an extremely vested interest in not losing any viewership. Government participation in the process will be welcomed, but one way or another, broadcasters will see that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. But expect alarm bells to be sounded at this hearing, unleavened by the calming influence a witness from the broadcasting community may have been able to provide.
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| Transactions |
150K WFFM-FM Ashburn GA from Educational Media Foundation (Richard Jenkins) to Three Trees Communications Inc. (James A. Howard, Joseph T. Overton, James Scott). 50K cash at closing, 100K deduction from promissory note related to sellers acquisition of WJYF-FM Nashville GA from buyer. Duopoly with WTIF-FM Omega, WTIF-AM Tifton GA. [File date 6/29/07.]
N/A WEBL-FM Macon GA (Warner Robins GA) from AMFM Radio Licenses LLC, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications Inc. (Mark Mays) to Aloha Station Trust LLC (Jeanette Tully). Stations going into trust pending sale. [File date 7/2/07.]
N/A WAGH-FM Columbus GA (Fort Mitchell AL) from CC Licenses LLC, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications Inc. (Mark Mays) to Aloha Station Trust LLC (Jeanette Tully). Stations going into trust pending sale. [File date 7/2/07.]
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| Stock Talk |
Back up we go!
Did we call this a roller coaster ride yesterday? You bet. Wednesday's trading was back to the up side, with Wall Street cheering earnings reports from Amazon.com and Boeing. The Dow Industrials rose 68 points, or 0.5%, to 13,785.
Radio stocks were left on the sidelines. The Radio Index declined 1.001, or 0.7%, to 151.994. There wasn't much news to drive radio stocks. Saga was the worst performer, down 4%. Entravision was the best, up 3.1%.
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| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Wednesday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Arbitron
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ARB
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50.89
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+0.89
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Google
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GOOG
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509.76
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-4.24
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Beasley
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BBGI
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8.72
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-0.05
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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22.86
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+0.28
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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34.09
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-0.24
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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11.33
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+0.14
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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34.10
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-0.25
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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64.25
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-0.27
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| Citadel |
CDL |
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5.75 |
-0.15 |
Radio One, Cl. A
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ROIA
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6.98
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-0.14
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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36.97
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-0.21
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Radio One, Cl. D
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ROIAK
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6.99
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-0.15
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Cox Radio
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CXR
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14.08
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+0.03
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Regent
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RGCI
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3.41
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+0.01
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Cumulus
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CMLS
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10.98
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-0.05
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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8.67
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-0.36
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Debut Bcg.
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DBTB
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1.80
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unch
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Salem Comm.
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SALM
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10.40
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-0.09
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Disney
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DIS
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34.93
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+0.18
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Sirius Sat. Radio
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SIRI
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3.09
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-0.03
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Emmis
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EMMS
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8.58
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-0.15
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Spanish Bcg.
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SBSA
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3.52
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-0.15
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Entercom
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ETM
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24.16
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+0.20
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SWMX
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SMWX
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0.15
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-0.01
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Entravision
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EVC
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10.33
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+0.31
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Westwood One
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WON
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5.55
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-0.10
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Fisher
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FSCI
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49.74
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+0.45
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XM Sat. Radio
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XMSR
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12.08
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+0.18
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Bounceback
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 We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to radionews@rbr.com
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Below the Fold
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Ad Business Report
Obama turns to radio in SC
Making use of 60-second spots on no less than 36 radio stations...
Media Business Report
Creativity in consolidation
Creative Loafing Inc., acquired 2 of the nation's best-known alternative weeklies...
Media Markets & Money
One Nebraska AM
Will form 3 combos when KNZA Inc. closes on its acquisition of...
Four FMs
In Apex Charleston cluster
A triple-play swap-CP deal...
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Stations for Sale
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New Hampshire
AM/FM combo
First Class facilities in NH's
fastest growing area. Double
digit increases last 6 years.
Priced at 10x trailing BCF $4.99MM
Inquiries 781-848-4201 or
E-mail: salesgroup@beld.net
WEB: radiostationsforsale.net
Hispanic Stations-Connecticut
Two full-time established AM stations serving the Hartford & Bridgeport Markets.
Contact Dick Kozacko,
Kozacko Media Services
607-733-7138,
rkozacko@stny.rr.com
MCH Enterprises, Inc.
CA Coast FM: $1.5M
NV Boomtown: $895K
www.mchentinc.com
805.680.2265 (cell)
 Market your Stations For Sale
in our daily epapers.
Contact
June Barnes
jbarnes@rbr.com
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Radio Media Moves
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Solo in Orlando
"Terry Bowden-Brandy Ackerman Show" co-host Brandy Ackerman will now host the 3-6 pm show alone on Genesis Communications' WHOO-AM Orlando and WIXC-AM Melbourne, FL. Terry Bowden is leaving the area to join Florida State University as an advisor to its football program, but will still be heard twice weekly as a college football commentator on WHOO-WIXC. Bowden will also continue as a radio analyst for Westwood One college football games.
AFL/CIO is an
AFTRA thought
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists elected New York-based actor Roberta Reardon as its National President last weekend. She was already filling out the term of predecessor John Connolly and now has her own full term in front of her. Satellite radio host Bob Edwards retained his First VP slot, and is joined a slate of National VPs including Denny Delk, Holter Graham, Dick Kay, Bob Butler, Catherine Brown, Jim Ferguson and Shelby Scott. The organization has an indirect tie to AFL/CIO though the 4As - no, not that advertising group - we're talking about the Associated Actors and Artistes of America. The union overwhelmingly voted to become a direct AFL/CIO affiliate.
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More News Headlines
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Ad slump continues for New York Times Co.
The New York Times Company posted a big gain in Q2 net income, nearly doubling to 118.3 million bucks, but only from selling its TV group and WQEW-AM NYC. Its ongoing primarily print businesses saw revenues fall 3.7% to 788.9 million. Ad revenues were down 5.7% to 508.5 million. The company doesn't break out its only remaining broadcast property, WQXR-FM NYC, which is part of its News Media Group, anchored by the namesake New York Times. Revenues there were down 4.5%, with ad revenues down 6.9%.
Get a Chrysler,
get Sirius
Chrysler Group expects to install Sirius Satellite Radio in more than 70% of its vehicle production for the 2008 model year, up from approximately 40% for the previous model year. Sirius will be included as a standard feature in premium and mid-level price classes on most Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Additionally, Sirius will be a 100% standard feature on Chrysler Sebring and Aspen, the all-new Dodge Challenger and Nitro, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander. Chrysler Group includes one year of Sirius service with each new vehicle. But if you don't want to ever get a subscription bill, Sirius also announced that its satellite radio service will be available as factory installed equipment with a lifetime subscription on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DB9 vehicle lines.
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SmartMedia Magazine
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Coming in September
FALL NAB ISSUE
SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION:
NAB RADIO SHOW
Radio Roundtable:
Radio execs find solutions.
News/Talk:
Using your website to get, keep and grow your audiences
Political Advertising:
Greg Pinello, GMMB: Political dollars for radio: The need for there to be more ideological diversity in the news-talk format; Tom Edmonds, a Republican strategist with Edmonds and Associates
Legal Ease:
Gregg Skall:
"The FCC rules on political ads-Network exception issue".
HD Radio:
Monetizing Conditional Access
Streaming:
The impact of CRB Royalty rates on webcasters and streaming ads.
For advertising
information, contact:
June Barnes
jbarnes@rbr.com 803-731-5951;
Jim Carnegie
jcarnegie@rbr.com 813-909-2916 or
Carl Marcucci
cmarcucci@rbr.com 703-492-8191.
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RBR Radar 2007
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Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
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NYC winners and losers
Arbitron's Spring ratings in New York are good news for CBS and Univision. Bear Stearns analyst Victor Miller calculates that 12+ ratings for the CBS cluster improved 13%, led by AC "Fresh" WWFS-FM (the old WNEW). CBS has reformatted three stations in NYC thus far this year, although the switch of WCBS-FM from "Jack" back to Oldies came after the latest book. More details in RBR.
07/25/07 RBR #144
No quick decision
from the Bancrofts
Not that anyone expected one. Reports of the family meeting on Monday indicate that the Bancrofts are deeply divided over whether or not to sell Dow Jones & Co. to Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation for five billion bucks - a large chunk of which would go to members of the family that has controlled the company for 100 years. As expected, the four family representatives on the Dow Jones board were split.
TVBR observation: What happens next? Over the next few days the various Bancrofts will tell the family lawyers where they stand on the sale and the lawyers will tally up the yeas and nays. It seems unlikely that the entire family will agree to pledge the entire 64% stake in support of the deal, as Murdoch has requested. Then it comes down to counting the votes. If it appears that enough Bancrofts support the sale that they and a majority of the non-Bancroft votes would be enough to carry the day, the directors will likely call a special shareholders meeting to vote on the sale. Then it comes down to News Corporation beating the bushes for every possible vote to ensure approval. It could be a close vote.
07/25/07 TVBR #144
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