Good Morning - Gain a personal edge on today's business day. Are you reading this from a forwarded email?
New readers can receive our RBR Morning Epaper for the next 30 Business days!
SIGN UP HERE
|
|
|
|
|
Volume 22, Issue 249, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
|
Thursday Morning December 22nd, 2005
|
|
Subscription Renewal Due Today
If you haven't already done so, renew your RBR today! I wish you and your family an enjoyable holiday and rest a little, we are going to need our strength for the new year. Don't get into '06 without us as we speak with one voice.
When you renew your RBR, don't forget it's tax deductible. A 1 year subscription to RBR Epaper is only $108, that's a 16% SAVINGS off the normal subscription price of $129. Give yourself the gift of success for 2006
Yes Jim, I want to renew my RBR
For the Last Minute Business Shopper:
Still wondering what to give your colleague, friend, or special employee? Give them a years subscription to RBR.
Give RBR as a holiday gift
Happy Holidays and a successful 2006!
From Jim Carnegie and your colleagues at Radio Business Report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Radio News®
|
RBR returns on Tuesday, December 27th.
The RBR/TVBR offices will close at noon today and reopen on 12/27. Enjoy the holiday weekend!
Presidential changes at Arbitron
Arbitron late yesterday announced a realignment of its top management in a move the company said was designed to speed up commercialization of the Portable People Meter (PPM). Owen Charlebois, who had been President of US Media Services, is now President of Operations, Technology, Research and Development, charged with continuing efforts to "enhance the quality of the diary based radio ratings as Arbitron begins the transition to electronic measurement." Pierre Bouvard (pictured), who had been President of PPM, is now President of Sales and Marketing, overseeing sales and marketing efforts for both the PPM and the company's core businesses. Linda Dupree, Sr. VP of PPM, will continue to oversee development of market research services based on PPM and to head up Project Apollo. "In 2006, we will be taking our Portable People Meter system from a stand-alone development effort to an integral component of our core media services," said CEO Steve Morris in explaining the management realignment.
Goldman downgrades WW1
Given the recent exit of its CEO and reduced Q4 guidance (12/9/05 RBR #240), it's hardly surprising that Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Wienkes is lowering Westwood One from "outperform" to "in line." Even so, he still thinks the company is solid. "While we continue to believe that Westwood is a differentiated content player relative to pure-play radio station operators, we believe the shares are likely to tread water until 1) fundamental revenue trends accelerate; 2) a new CEO is announced; 3) clarity of the new strategy improves; and 4) the magnitude of new investment plans are known. That said, with the potential CBS buy-in still looming and the shares trading at an average 11% discount on P/FCF and EV/EBITDA vs. the group, we see minimal downside risk in the shares," Wienkes said in a note to clients.
Orlando exits NAB
The changing of the guard at the NAB is progressing one step further as John Orlando, Executive Vice President/Government Relations has announced his return to CBS Corporation, his former employer. Interestingly enough, that core department happens to be one in which new President/CEO David Rehr has made one of his first high-profile hires. Rehr said, "John has been an extraordinarily effective lobbyist for the entire broadcast industry over the last five years. We wish him nothing but the best, and we look forward to working with John as he moves back to his old home at CBS." "We will miss John Orlando," echoed Bonneville honcho and NAB Joint Board Chairman Bruce Reese. "Under his leadership, NAB's talented Government Relations team has strengthened its well-earned reputation as one of Washington's premiere lobbying organizations." Rehr just announced the hiring of a former National Beer Wholesalers Association colleague, Laurie Knight, as SVP of Government Relations (12/20/05 TVBR #247). In addition holding down that post, she's a former Legislative Director for Rep. Jim Turner (D-TX). Still, there was no word on a direct replacement for Orlando.
|
|
|
If at first you don't deny - - deny, deny again
Broadcast Company of the Americas has once again tried to be the fly in the ointment as the deals sending Emmis television stations to Journal, LIN and SJL Acquisition/Blackstone Group wend their way through the regulatory process (12/1/05 RBR #234). And again, the petition to deny was denied. BCA, which is annoyed at Emmis due to adversarial positions regarding the technical parameters of a BCA Mexican-border FM station, is basically taking advantage of unrelated Emmis FCC business to lodge a protest. Generally, the FCC is itself annoyed with new filings which fail to bring to light any new information. The latest BCA filing apparently brought forth even new minimal effort. The FCC wrote, "In fact, BCA's petition to deny consists primarily of copies of its previous petition to deny..." The issue before the FCC - - allowing SJL to continue hub/satellite stations in the Wichita and Honolulu markets, was cleared for continuation.
RBR observation: Nobody likes to deal with frivolous legal filings, and the FCC has a long history of simply brushing aside attempts such as this. If BCA has an issue in Emmis in southern California/northern Mexico, it needs to confine its confrontation to that particular battlefield. And even, then, it must do so with fresh legal ammunition if it hopes to get anywhere.
CC Outdoor: to buy or sell?
At least five Wall Street firms initiated coverage yesterday of Clear Channel Outdoor. Opinions are split on whether the stock is a "buy" or "hold" proposition, although no one is shouting "sell." The billboard company is still 90% owned by Clear Channel Communications, but was spun out as a separate public stock last month (11/14/05 RBR #223). After pricing at a disappointing 18 bucks a share, the stock (ticker "CCO") has since been as high as 20.40. Beginning coverage yesterday, Deutsche Securities and Stanford Research rated CCO a "buy" and Goldman Sachs "outperform," essentially the same thing as "buy." UBS and Banc of America Securities began with a "neutral" rating, meaning "hold." At Goldman Sachs, analyst Mark Wienkes crunched the numbers and said the fair value of the stock is 25 bucks, or a 30% upside to current valuation.
Congressional MIM funding A-OK
We were wondering about the legality of Morality in Media's (MIM) Congressional funding of 150K to basically establish an Internet posse of citizens uncovering and reporting instances of illegal obscenity (12/21/05 TVBR #248). As we often do when we have a thorny legal question, we turned to Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC legal eagle Gregg P. Skall. "Under current law, there is no constitutional barrier to the Congress providing this funding," Skall explained. "The Supreme Court has held and affirmed that obscenity is not constitutionally protected speech and that indecent speech may be regulated. Congress' funding of a consumer group to provide a watchdog service and to aid law enforcement is akin to its funding a neighborhood watch service. Unless it could be shown that the implementation of this funding resulted in the suppression of constitutionally protected speech, overreached legitimate goals, or was actually fostering another specific political or religious agenda, it would withstand challenge. According to Skall, the arrangement between MIM and Congress would cross the line into unconstitutionality if Congress gave the watchdog regulatory or judicial powers or responsibilities - - "...but they haven't gone that far...yet," Skall observed.
RBR observation: It may be legal, but is it ethical to give a government hand-out to an activist group with a political agenda?
|
|
|
|
|
Adbiz©
|
PGA Tour launches
integrated campaign for 2006
"These Guys Are Good," the longest running and one of the most recognizable tag s in professional sports marketing, gets a fresh look through a new round of advertising from the PGA Tour 's longtime AOR, GSD&M Austin. "The Professor" campaign will include as many as 10 different TV brand and tune-in ads along with print, radio, Internet and retail. The campaign launches during NFL broadcasts on CBS the week of Christmas, on NBC during the ADT Golf Skills Challenge 12/30-31, on ABC during the PGA TOUR Season Preview Show airing New Year's Eve, during various programming on The Golf Channel, and during ESPN's prime time airing of the Mercedes Championships 1/5-8. The campaign focuses on the highly competitive nature of PGA Tour members and the obstacles they face. Most sports are largely man vs. man. In golf, however, players not only compete against each other, they face equal and sometimes greater challenges of man vs. nature and man vs. himself. To highlight, the campaign features a mock professor describing fictitious clinical scenarios of various life obrstacles that are also realities that both Tour players and recreational golfers can relate to, such as man's inner demons and the forces of nature. In one of the ads, "Pressure Seeker," the professor describes a person who derives satisfaction from extreme pressure situations. While most people succumb to pressure, Tour players are the best in the world at coping with it. The professor suggests these type of individuals, even when dealing with extreme situations, can often appear "cool as a cucumber." New to PGA Tour TV ads this season will be the addition of a tune-in component on ads running on Sundays that will promote the following week's PGA Tour event.
In NYC, both MTA and Port Authority
use radio heavily in December
Some interesting facts showing that two major advertisers and service providers in NYC agree with all of us about the power of radio to reach people, one before and one after the massive transit strike began. The Port Authority of NY and NJ apparently believes in the immediacy of radio and its ability to reach many people right away with important info for commuters. Media Monitors, which tracks radio commercials in major markets nationwide, reports that the NY/NJ Port Authority ran 73 radio spots Sunday the 18th through 12/21 at noon, across 9 stations (4 AM and 5 FM). And, just to demonstrate the confidence the Port Authority apparently has in radio reaching drivers, Media Monitors also notes 100% of those spots (yes, all 73) aired in drive times, specifically between 6-9AM and 3-7PM. That's about once every hour on those stations during those time slots. Meanwhile, looking back this month, Media Monitors reports that MTA NYC Transit was also a heavy advertiser on New York radio right up until the transit strike. In fact, from December 1-19, the MTA (Metropolitian Transportation Authority) ran a hefty schedule of 657 spots across 17 radio stations (12 FM and 5 AM), but the MTA's number of radio spots dropped all the way to zero on the 20th and 21st, once the strike began.
|
 |
How business is getting done in NYC
We also spoke to Natalie Swed Stone, US Director, National Radio Investment, OMD, about she's getting the job with the transit strike in full swing. The way she, and many others are going about it is getting into the city by car--at 11AM the Lincoln Tunnel opens to regular traffic. Swed Stone tells us she works from home until 10:30, then leaves in time to get to the tunnel by 11. With all the chaos, she made it to the office before noon. She then works through lunch, stays later than usual and heads home. She also mentioned many commuters from New Jersey are doing alright because the PATH system and all public transportation there is working. It's the people from Long Island and the boroughs that are having the toughest time. It's very cold and Manhattans are either walking quite a ways or trying to get three or four people into one cab. "Everybody is doing it differently, everybody's got a different story," she tells us. "You know, New Yorkers are great. New Yorkers are positive. And we don't like what these union people are doing-it's not right and it's illegal. They're asking for a lot. The other thing is many of us are closing Friday, so for two or three days, we all know it's limited. And people aren't as worried about next week so much, being the Holiday week. It's not going to go on for three weeks-we don't think. So by the time the New Year comes we're hoping things will be back to normal."
Comment on Mandel quote
Well, we asked for comments on yesterday's opinion on the NYC strike from Jon Mandel, Chairman/MediaCom US and Chief Global Buying Officer MediaCom Worldwide (12/21/05 RBR #248) and we got it:
"What does the commuter tax have to do with people in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island not being able to get to work? I have to laugh at the Manhattan elite that forget REAL NYers reside in the 'outer boroughs'.
I thought the spirit of the article was going to be about NYers having to drive to work and listen to more Radio; now that would have been refreshing.
Anonymous (I still want to get bought by Mediacom)."
Indeed, the New York Daily News story, "Nothing can beat radio info during strike," detailed how as the transit strike tied knots around the city, local radio became both information central and an opinion forum that suggested annoyance with the inconvenience and yet considerable support for the transit workers.
| Read some excerpts from the story |
Office Depot to Kaplan Thaler
Office Depot has reportedly gone with Kaplan Thaler Group NY after a review, to handle creative on its 85 million-dollar account. The review began this fall and also included Leo Burnett USA, Chicago; and Martin Agency, Richmond, VA. Incumbent BBDO Worldwide NY chose not to defend. New creative is expected to break in Q1. Buying and planning, not part of the review, remain with Prometheus.
|
|
|
|
| Media Business Report |
News Corp. poison pill to have its day in court
A Delaware judge has refused to throw out a lawsuit by shareholders who want to vote on News Corporation's poison pill (10/10/05 RBR #198). The court agreed to hear arguments that the company's decision to extend the poison pill, after saying it would be put to a shareholder vote, constituted a breach of contract and a breach of promise. However, the judge dismissed claims of fraud and misrepresentation.
|
|
|
|
| Media Markets & MoneyTM |
Letting the CATT out of the bag
The relatively young and frisky Olean NY Arbitron market is about to lose its CATT, as in CATT Communications. Principal Michael Washington has inked a deal with Robert Pfunter's Pembroke Pines radio group which will send CATT's WGGO-AM & WQRT-FM into a five-station superduopoly. The pair, licensed to Salamanca, will hook up with WOEN-AM/WMXO-FM in Olean and WZKZ-FM in Alfred. The 1.25M pricetag will come in four parts - - a 25K deposit, 325K cash, a 543.5K note and a 356.5K non-compete. Over and above that, Pfunter will also take on a mortgage with no more than 280K in remaining debt.
|
|
|
|
| Washington Beat |
FM Auction No. 62: 212 go for 171
212 qualified bidders have survived the Form 175 application process as the kick-off for FM Auction No. 62 looms ever closer. Scheduled to begin 1/12/06, the start date is less than a month away. There will be a six-round mock auction scheduled for 1/9-10/06. There will be two rounds on 1/12 of an hour and a half each, and three one-hour sessions on the 13th. The FCC made a point of warning bidders off any attempt at collusion, and that warning extended to the 125 applicants who did not proceed to the qualified bidder roster.
Senate rubber stamps DTV compromise
The full Senate squeaked through a budget reconciliation measure - - it took a tie-breaker vote from VP Dick Cheney to do it - - which included the compromise language on the DTV transition already passed by the House (12/20/05 RBR #247). The new legislation sets the end of analog broadcast at 2/17/09 and provides up to 1.5B for downconverters, among other things. A change to the package by the Senate, unrelated to the DTV portion, requires that the House sign off on it one more time, an event which is not expected to occur until it comes back into session in late January 2006. NAB again hailed the legislation as an essentially positive development. "With today's Senate vote, lawmakers have struck an appropriate compromise on the DTV transition that balances the interests of consumers, public safety providers and local broadcasters," said President/CEO David Rehr (pictured). "As we look forward to 2006, NAB will work with Congress to ensure that cable operators not be permitted to block consumer access to the full benefits of digital and high-definition television."
|
|
|
|
| Ratings & Research |
Online retailers' optimism increases 71%
With three-quarters of the holiday shopping season complete, online retailers are more optimistic than ever. 82% reported feeling very or somewhat optimistic about the holiday season. The number of online retailers saying they feel "very optimistic," increased to 41.0% compared to 24.0% when they were surveyed in late September before the holiday season began. More than one-third of retailers report sales growth of 50.0% or higher compared to the same time last year and three-quarters of retailers report growth of 20.0% or higher. "After a strong Cyber Monday, online retailers haven't looked back," said Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org. "Aggressive marketing and promotions, combined with enhanced customer service and product availability have kept the momentum going." 59% of online retailers reported that their average order size increased compared to last year and 58.0% of retailers reported that their browse-to-buy or "conversion" rate increased compared to last year. Despite reports of increasing costs for search engine marketing, 56.0% of online retailers report that their return on investment in paid search has increased compared to last year at the same time. Increased spending on paid search was the most frequently mentioned mid-holiday marketing adjustment being made by online retailers. Shoppers are benefiting too - 96.0% of online shoppers say that they are satisfied with their online buying experience so far this holiday season. "So far, this season has been an undisputable success for both online retailers and their customers," said Chuck Davis, Chairman of Shopzilla. "The hard work online retailers have put into creating the best possible online shopping experience is paying off. With consumer satisfaction so high there is a state of near nirvana, especially given shoppers high holiday demands." Despite the success they've experienced so far, retailers have no plans to rest on their laurels. During the week of 12/19, more than half of online retailers will still be offering free shipping promotions and 35.0% of retailers will offer free shipping upgrades, allowing shoppers to receive two-day shipping at the cost of standard shipping.
|
|
|
|
| RBR Stats |
Audio Graphics' online
radio listener survey results
Comparing two RRadio Network surveys (from July 5, 2003 and this Survey 34), there is an 8.4% drop in persons listening to online radio for 3+ hours each session. Also, 7% fewer persons listen between 1-3 hours each time they tune in. 38.9% of Survey 34 respondents say they listen to online radio for more than 3 hours each listening session.
38.9% - 3 hour +
19.3% - Listen 2-3 hours Each Listening Session
26.7% - 1-2 hours
14% - Less than 1 hour
It seems people may not be running away from broadcast radio as much as some thought. In Survey 29, RRadio Network asked what respondents anticipated listening to most in the next 12 months. The survey included a list of six choices, identified below. To see if these predications ring true Survey 34 offered the same list, asking "What do you listen to most?" Of interest are the numbers dealing with listening to broadcast and satellite radio. In March 2005, 7.9% of Survey 29 respondents thought they would be listening mostly to satellite radio irn one year. Only 3.2% reported that is the case today. Only 15.6% thought broadcast radio would be "most listened to" after one year. Yet, Survey 34 shows 25.1% of respondents are still listening mostly to broadcast radio.
|
March 2005
|
December 2005
|
| Internet Radio |
58.4% |
57.3%
|
| Broadcast Radio |
15.6 |
25.1
|
| Portable MP3 Player |
11.5 |
8.5
|
| Satellite Radio |
7.9 |
3.2
|
| Cable Music Channels |
1.5 |
0.9
|
| Other |
5 |
4.2 |
|
|
|
|
| Transactions |
3M WMLP-AM/WVLY-FM Sunbury-Selinsgrove-Lewsiburg PA (Milton PA) from Milton-Lewisburg Broadcasting Inc. (John H. Yingling, Donald C. Steese) to Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation (Lois W. Haddon, Roger S. Haddon Jr.). 250K escrow, 15K worth of health insurance for Sttese and his wife, balance in cash at closing, 500K of which will be used to pay off existing promissory note. Superduopoly with WKOK-AM/WQKX-FM Sunbury & WEGH-FM Northumberland PA. LMA 10/30/05 @ 26K/month. [File date 12/1/05.]
500K KVSN-AM Tumwater WA from Evergreen Broadcasting Inc. (Lawrence E. Adams) to KUOW/Puget Sound Public Radio (Pauline Reiter et al). 35K escrow, 50K post-closing escrow, balance in cash at closing. [File date 11/30/05.]
|
|
|
|
| Stock Talk |
Broadcasters slip as market moves up
Some M&A deals in tech and drugs helped stock prices on Wednesday, but broadcasters didn't participate in the gains. The Dow Industrials rose 28 points, or 0.3%, to 10,834.
The Radio Index dropped 0.119, or 0.1%, to 181.028 - - its third straight year-to-date low. Saga was particularly hard hit, falling 3.9%.
|
|
|
|
| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Wednesday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
|
Arbitron
|
ARB
|
|
38.92
|
+0.96
|
Jeff-Pilot
|
JP
|
|
57.17
|
+1.66
|
|
Beasley
|
BBGI
|
|
13.79
|
+0.09
|
Journal Comm.
|
JRN
|
|
13.65
|
+0.10
|
| Citadel |
CDL |
|
12.93 |
+0.08 |
Radio One, Cl. A
|
ROIA
|
|
10.72
|
-0.04
|
|
Clear Channel
|
CCU
|
|
32.29
|
-0.50
|
Radio One, Cl. D
|
ROIAK
|
|
10.77
|
-0.03
|
|
Cox Radio
|
CXR
|
|
14.20
|
-0.06
|
Regent
|
RGCI
|
|
4.55
|
+0.07
|
|
Cumulus
|
CMLS
|
|
12.58
|
+0.06
|
Saga Commun.
|
SGA
|
|
10.52
|
-0.43
|
|
Disney
|
DIS
|
|
24.10
|
-0.17
|
Salem Comm.
|
SALM
|
|
17.17
|
-0.13
|
|
Emmis
|
EMMS
|
|
19.51
|
-0.18
|
Sirius Sat. Radio
|
SIRI
|
|
6.67
|
+0.08
|
| Entercom |
ETM
|
|
29.24
|
+0.13
|
Spanish Bcg.
|
SBSA
|
|
5.20
|
+0.02
|
|
Entravision
|
EVC
|
|
7.05
|
+0.09
|
Univision
|
UVN
|
|
29.66
|
-0.36
|
|
Fisher
|
FSCI
|
|
44.14
|
-0.38
|
Viacom, Cl. A
|
VIA
|
|
33.40
|
+0.05
|
|
Gaylord
|
GET
|
|
43.98
|
-0.10
|
Viacom, Cl. B
|
VIAb
|
|
33.37
|
+0.02
|
|
Hearst-Argyle
|
HTV
|
|
23.96
|
-0.01
|
Westwood One
|
WON
|
|
16.02
|
-0.17
|
|
Interep
|
IREP
|
|
0.36
|
unch
|
XM Sat. Radio
|
XMSR
|
|
28.43
|
-0.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bounceback
|
We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to radionews@rbr.com
When it comes to EEO fines, it's not just the FCC you have to worry about (12/21/05 RBR #248).
Too many of our clients think that they are exempt from EEO recruiting and reporting obligations just because they may have 5 or fewer employees per station and thereby get a "pass" under the FCC rules. What they don't realize is that the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) rules run parallel and still apply - - and are not so easy to fluff off. These rules are based on a completely different set of criteria and reporting requirements. Human Resources consulting has been an important part of our company's services for many years. Emphasis is placed on proper recruiting, hiring, termination, company policies and procedures, and codes of conduct. Amazingly, too many owners (primarily those small "moms 'n' pops" who cannot afford to ignore these issues) take the position that this is just "for the big companies." Wrong! The "big companies" can afford to fight it or even lose. The small owner/operators cannot afford to lose. One simple sexual harassment suit by an employee or ex-employee can cost you your station. Get advice and counsel up-front while it is still inexpensive. Fines and individual lawsuits or labor actions after the fact are killers! An annual distribution and acknowledgement by every employee as to the contents of the company's HR policies and procedures, a re-affirmation of the company's Code of Conduct, a little affirmative recruitment and especially the compilation of reporting statistics as to who submitted employment applications whether solicited or not will go a long ways toward protecting the company, the livelihood of owner/operators, and incidentally the livelihood of employees.
Brett Miller
MCH Enterprises, Inc.
|
|
|
Below the Fold
|
Ad Biz
Office Depot to Kaplan Thaler
To handle creative on its 85 million-dollar account...
Washington Beat
FM Auction No. 62: 212 go for 171
212 qualified bidders have survived...
Media Markets & Money
The CATT out of the bag
Sending WGGO-AM & WQRT-FM into a superduopoly...
|
|
|
Radio Media Moves
|
KLLC-FM gets new PD
CBS Radio's Alice @ 97.3 San Francisco has tapped industry veteran Chris Mays as the new PD. She began her new position 12/12. Mays was most recently the Station Manager and PD of KMTT in Seattle. Way back when at grad school at the University of Oregon in Eugene, she was PD of KZEL, one of the major "freeform" progressive stations of the 70's.
Another position filled
at New Viacom
With the split just a few days away, Toby Nelson has been tapped to be Sr. VP and Treasurer of New Viacom, reporting to CFO Michael Dolan. Nelson had been VP and Assistant Treasurer of Viacom since 1997.
|
|

|
Stations for Sale
|
NYC Prime Radio
Time for Lease
7 days a week available p/t-f/t Business, Foreign language, religious, Health, Infomercials accepted. 212-769-1925 tcntalk@aol.com
TV & Satellite time also available. Station Inquiries welcome
NEast CapCity FM
Suburban FM, strong revenue history-less than 8.5x BCF - 2M.
salesgroup@beld.net or
781-848-4201
|
|

|
December RBR/TVBR Digital Magazine
|
In this issue, we ask for 2006 Wish Lists--everyone from programmers to researchers to radio and media agency CEOs give their take. In AdBiz, we spoke to Sarah Fay, ISOBAR US President about the future of digital marketing. In Streaming, we compared and contrasted two differing measurement methodologies with two of the top rep firms in the space. We also look at the latest in Traffic systems; interviewed Fox News's John Gibson; and learned about WOR-AM NYC's revitalization project. Last but not least, RBR/TVBR looked at the Susquehanna sale to Cumulus and heard from ABC Radio Networks' Dr. Tom Evans about 2006 predictions for radio research.

Read RBR/TVBR in 2 simple steps:
1.Create a simple account with Zinio and download the Zinio Reader.
2. You can then download the
December Issue of RBR/TVBR

|
|
|
RBR Radar 2005
|
|
Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
|
SBS Los Angeles hit with EEO fine
A quartet of FMs in Los Angeles owned by Spanish Broadcasting System - - two of which are in an LMA/pending sale with Styles Media Group - - have been hit with a 20K FCC fine for EEO violations.
RBR observation: It's interesting that an outfit which should naturally attract a workforce containing a high percentage of minorities of the Hispanic variety is still subject to strict enforcement of the EEO rules. A word to the wise keep up your commitments and your public file. Publisher Observation: Your insurance policy against these fines and know first hand - "What Every Operator Needs to Know in the Public File" - written by FCC Lawyer Gregg Skall for RBR. Cover cost is $189.00 but It is Free in pdf print format - But - 'Only to Paid RBR subscribers'.
| Pay and or Renew here to receive |
12/21/05 RBR #248
Moody's downgrades VNU
There's more financial pressure on the management of Nielsen parent VNU. Moody's Investors Service has downgraded its long-term debt and that of its Nielsen Media Ratings Inc. subsidiary - - and kept them under review for a possible further downgrade. Unless VNU is sold (and the company has acknowledged getting takeover bids), Moody's says VNU is likely to focus on its core assets, particularly! its media ratings and data businesses, while suggesting that divestitures are likely in its B-to-B businesses (trade publications and trade shows). Publisher Courtesy: Any reader to a VNU trade such as Billboard, Ad or Media Week are welcome here at RBR, TVBR, Media Mix and our monthly Solutions Magazine - Independently owned for 23 years and dependable. We are going to grow again in 2006.
| Start this morning to receive |
12/21/05 RBR #248
Eight more nabbed in
public file dragnet
FCC veteran Roy Stewart warned those assembled at the NAB Radio Show 2005 in Philadelphia that a lot of the upcoming fining action would be in the public file area. Eight more licensees, all on television side, will be contributing between 3K-10K to Uncle Sam because they inadequately contributed documents to the file for public inspection. Publisher Observation: RBR warned you and now we will help you even more for next year. "What Every Operator Needs to Know in the Public File" - Cover cost is $189.00 but It is Free in pdf print format and emails tomorrow - But - 'Only to Paid RBR subscribers'.
| Pay and or Renew here to receive |
12/21/05 RBR #248
Cablevision, JWT Detroit pact
Collaborating on Ford Motor Company's first VOD branding, entertainment and direct marketing campaign. The effort, focused in the NYC metro area, premieres later this month, and features two branded entertainment sections on the cable service's Optimum Autos interactive auto channel that highlights Ford's Fusion and Explorer models. Driving consumer traffic to the virtual channels will be a co-branded Ford/Optimum Autos banner on Cablevision's News 12 and Traffic and Weather channels that allow viewers to access the Ford VOD with a click of the remote control. The Ford channels will also be promoted in other strategic locations in the Cablevision landscape.
RBR observation: Technology waits for no one and radio continues to stand still with technology. If you are waiting for someone to lead don't hold your breath. Every operator must take charge of their own businesses now.
12/20/05 RBR #247
Seven finalists for
radio ratings competition
With only four passive monitoring devices in testing or beyond, the surprise is that Clear Channel got 34 submissions in response to its RFP for a new radio ratings system. Now seven finalists will be put through their paces by a panel.
RBR observation: Clear Channel and its evaluation team have an aggressive timetable. The winner is supposed to be ready to begin deployment for real world radio ratings before the end of 2006. Arbitron has been happily pointing out, repeatedly to anyone who will listen, that PPM is ready to go now - - in fact, it's already being used outside the US - - while everyone else is playing catch-up. But that doesn't make it a slam-dunk for PPM. Advertisers and agencies have been telling radio for some time now that they want electronic audience measurement - - and they want it yesterday.
12/19/05 RBR #246
|
|
|
|
 |
Local Sales Manager
WB58-KQCA-TV seeks dynamic LSM to train and motivate talented group of AE's. Must have passion for helping people solve problems and pass on the knowledge and experience. California's most livable markets is Sacramento.
Send cover letter and resume to:
KQCA-TV, attention HR
58 Television Circle
Sacramento CA 95814
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Help Desk
|
Having problems with our epapers?
Please send Questions/Concerns to:
Memberships@rbr.com
If you wish to remove your name completely from our database use this link __UNSUB__
RBR Epaper -- 108 annual
or just 9 a month
|
|
|
|
©2005 Radio Business Report, Inc. All rights reserved.
Radio Business Report -- 2050 Old Bridge Road, Suite B-01, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 -- Phone: 703-492-8191
|
|