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DRS taps Michael Troje as regional SM
DRS Broadcast Technology, formerly Continental Electronics, announced Michael Troje has joined the team as a Regional and Vendor Sales Manager. This addition represents a significant dedication by DRS-BT to develop and maintain direct relationships with its customers. As owner of TDM Broadcast Services, Michael has represented the Continental transmitter line to clients throughout the Upper Midwest. Michael has over 25 years serving the broadcast industry as a broadcast engineer, Domestic Sales Manager for Broadcast Electronics, and NSM for Shively Labs television products division. | More U&T Click Here |

Europe is Knocking...
Two Opportunities!!!
#1 Get in on the ground floor with the launch of an 8-station digital group based in London, with coverage throughout southern England. Government protected format and licenses. Already on the air.
#2 Program Syndicator with unique format aimed at the huge vacation market. Major station deal in place. Others in the works. Coverage throughout Europe. Music partner is one of the UKs biggest. Both parties are seeking financial support in the $1 million range in return for equity participation.
Contact: Larry Grimes, President, W.B. Grimes & Company, (301) 253-5016; lgrimes299@comcast.net

7 Station
Regional Cluster
Excellent Cash Flow in Far Northwest
Cliff at Clifton Gardiner & Co (303)758-6900
cliff@cliftongardiner.com

Rated Market AM
10KW expanded band AM. Could be move-in to top 25 market.
Cliff at Clifton Gardiner & Co (303)758-6900
cliff@cliftongardiner.com

Sen. John McCain hosted Indecent chatter on Capitol Hill
All five FCC Commissioners for a discussion, while Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) held a session with Viacom's Mel Karmazin and the NFL's Paul Tagliabue which went into overtime and then some. RBR observation: At least the FCC commissioners didn’t get drilled as in the past on indecent or anything else. Remember last June 4,’03 6/5/03 RBR #110. Chairman Powell noted that the FCC was planning to begin issuing fines for repeat indecent incidents within a single program. Wow – some how this reads indecent!
02/12/04 RBR #29

Karmazin: Indecency rules
too vague to be followed
You can't obey what you can't understand, and Viacom President/COO Mel Karmazin told the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee that current indecency laws and regulations are so vague, and enforcement so inconsistent, that broadcasters have no chance to figure out how to comply. RBR observation: Rules too vague to be follow? – Ah, come on guys how about some common sense as it comes with the driver’s license. Maybe when new rules are written a mandatory vision test will also be required. Bravo ‘Zen Master’ as your bus pulls away from the curb glad to know the bus hasn’t hit anyone – yet, just a few minor fender benders. Bad news is your insurance rate just went up…. May want to call that insurance company with the lizard! 02/12/04 RBR #29

Comcast makes bid for Disney
Got immediate response from FCC Chair Michael Powell. He announced a promise of close scrutiny if Comcast succeeded in purchasing Disney. "I don't know if Comcast will get Disney or not...if it does, a merger of that magnitude will unquestionably go through the finest filter at the commission, I can assure you, as possible," RBR observation: Ok fine but remember when we stated Roy Disney was taking on an anti-Eisner fight to shareholders. Remember we said, ‘The small guys roll with the punches but the big guys throw them.’ The real fight bell is set to ring on March 3rd and in the city of 'Rocky Balboa' - Philadelphia. 01/28/04 RBR #19. Well, Comcast has Eisner in the corner and punching his lungs out. Comcast says “We want to make this as friendly as possible.” Anyone ever see the movie Rocky? 02/12/04 RBR #29

Anheuser-Busch looking at old US ads/branding for foreign markets
Anheuser-Busch is updating some of its past US campaigns and seeing if they fit the tastes of audiences overseas. For example, Busch's "Ants" campaign, not seen in the US since the late '90s, is being shown in China and has proven to be a hit. Editor's Note: Those oldies but goodies remind me of you!
02/11/04 TVBR #28

Super Bowl advertisers
complaining to NFL
America's biggest marketers are mulling whether to return to the Super Bowl. Longtime big spenders such as Pepsi and Gillette have communicated in harsh words to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue that if the league does not clean up the halftime act, they might take a pass in 2005. Editor's Note: Remember, in an election year – everyone is looking for a deal deal! 02/11/04 TVBR #28

The Dees Tease leaves KIIS-FM
What many in the biz feel could have been an on-air stunt in that 22-year KIIS-FM, LA morning legend Rick Dees leaves or has left the building at KIIS is true. Rick Dees has said bye-bye, buy bonds and don’t forget to play his only hit record ‘Disco Duck’. Editor's Note: Clear Channel could have made it an exit with a little more class. 02/11/04 RBR #28

Publishers Perspective
RAB 2004 'Accountability'
A Melting Pot boiling over...
President Fries spoke on accountability and EDI but it was delivered a little awkward. It was the 'State of the Industry' speech to an audience that not all were on the same verbal or intelligence level of the issues facing radio that have been long discussed behind closed corporate board meetings, ad agency and client world doors. Publihser Note: Puzzling or pathetic department deals with the press themselves…Pathetic!
02/10/04 RBR #27

FCC’s Michael Powell
threatened to pull CBS licenses
Considered holding a dramatic license revocation hearing against CBS after last week's Super Bowl breast mess. "A furious Powell vocalized the "license revocation" option against CBS-owned broadcast outlets to senior staff at the FCC in the hours and days after the event, a top source said from Washington. Several FCC commissioners believe CBSVIACOM has repeatedly violated indecency rules. Editor's Note: The way these FCC commissioners are stumping you thing they are running for re-election. Hello… you are appointed to the position you have. 02/10/04 RBR #27

PastieGate update:
Mixed decision for Viacom
We're not sure what the other 53% would pick, but Reuters is quoting a Time/CNN poll which has 47% of Americans agreeing that the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake incident at the Super Bowl halftime show represents "a new low in bad taste." However, the same poll said that 68% did not believe that the act warranted punishment for CBS Television. Editor's Note: And the Beat Goes On.. Ta Dum! 02/10/04 RBR #27