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Radio News ®
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NAB claims to be voice of reason
in market contour debate - compromise offered
With the FCC Commissioners apparently still undecided on whether to approve a staff recommendation to change the Commission's local radio market definition to Arbitron metros, or stick with the current contour overlap method, the NAB late Friday (5/23) proposed a compromise. The proposal, endorsed by the NAB Radio Board, would modify the current contour overlap method for determining how many stations a single owner can own in a local market. | Full Story Click Here |
 Is Clear Channel
part of the Republican machine?
With opponents of media consolidation accusing Clear Channel Communications (N:CCU) of being part of a secret conspiracy involving President George W. Bush, Lowry Mays, Rupert Murdoch, Tom Hicks, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich, it seems strange - - even laughable - - that the Clear Channel-bashers seem to be unaware of a real connection between the company and the Republican Party. And it's not even a secret. RBR Observation: Nuthin' wrong with that.
| Full Story Click Here | RBR Observation |
We hate Clear Channel sites expand
The list is growing of cities where anti-Clear Channel protests are planned for this Thursday (5/29). We reported Friday that demonstrations protesting media consolidation and Clear Channel's purported pro-war bias were planned for around noon Thursday in Washington, DC and San Francisco. Now we have details of protests planned in New York City and Portland, OR. National organizers tell RBR that protests are also being organized in other Clear Channel markets, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Austin, TX. | Full Story Click Here |
Copps, Adelstein convene on-site ownership roundtable
Democratic FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein are holding yet another forum on media ownership regulation today - Tuesday. However, this time at least, the travel involved will be no more nor less than their normal commuting chores.
| Full Story Click Here |
June 2 meeting is official
There'll be no delay. The FCC has scheduled a vote on ownership rules for Monday, June 2nd. The official agenda was released late Friday (5/23). | Full Story Click Here |
Minority journalists want to avoid
scorching in anti-Blair blare
Mae Cheng, National President of the Asian American Journalists Associated, has responded to unspecified allegations that the situation involving fictional/plagiarized news items, Jayson Blair and the New York Times are a biproduct of affirmative action.
| Full Story Click Here |
 NABEF to honor First Lady Laura Bush
First Lady Laura Bush has been selected to receive the highest honor bestowed by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation, the Leadership Award, at NABEF's 5th annual Service to America Summit 6/9 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Bush is receiving the award for her efforts to promote education and literacy among the nation's youth. She is not the first First Lady to receive the award. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan received the Leadership Award the first year it was given. Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter were jointly honored another year. Other recipients have included Muhammad Ali and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Disney bailing from retail stores
The Disney Store in your local mall may soon be spun off from the Magic Kingdom. The Walt Disney Co. (N:DIS) may be good at many things, but running retail stores isn't one of them. So, the company says it is looking at selling the US/Canada Disney Store chain to someone else. Disney, of course, would still make money from licensing its name, not to mention its royalties from all of the Disney product sales. | Full Story Click Here |
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Home Depot launching into direct television
Ad Age reports Home Depot is making its effort into Direct Response television, as a test for its multi-channel distribution and to boost private-label items. Their Husky power washer and Ryobi tool kits were chosen for the effort. Richards Group Dallas is Home Depot's AOR.
Starcom opens planning group for Procter & Gamble
Publicis' Starcom MediaVest is joining its Procter & Gamble brand planning into one group, it announced last week. This, to "achieve "greater efficiencies across the multiple brand planning assignments within Publicis Groupe, and to create an organizational structure that more closely mirrors the category alignment within P&G. The group will be called "SMG/P&G," based in NYC and Chicago. The group will report into Laura Desmond MediaVest US CEO and will include staff from MediaVest and Saatchi & Saatchi. The Chicago team will report into Renetta McCann, Starcom US CEO.
BK names Russ Klein Chief Marketing Officer
Burger King announced it has appointed Russ Klein as its new chief marketing officer. "This is another milestone in our quest to attract and bring together a highly motivated and experienced executive leadership team," said Brad Blum, BK CEO. Klein most recently served as chief marketing officer at 7-Eleven, where he was responsible for marketing across 5,800 stores in North America.
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Marketing
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 Cross Promotion
opportunity for Radio
NBC's American Dreams
Bandstand Boogie
Dick Clark, executive producer talked about "Bandstand Boogie" with long-time colleague and RBR Publisher Jim Carnegie: "Plot line for the fall, without giving the story away, is much more involved because we are hitting the highlights of the 60s. In truth, the setting is 1964 but they were the late 50s and as we progress into 1965, race relations don't improve at all. The Vietnam War descends upon us in full force and the white (Pryor) and the black (Walker) families begin to fray at the edges. It will be interesting to see the inner relationships of the two families. JJ joined the Marines and there are several more complications with both families that are both very serious." American Dreams: Last week's "City on Fire - - Season Finale" brings tremendous opportunity for NBC affiliates and local radio during this summer and into both medium's fall rating periods, if anyone out there is thinking.
| Full Story Click Here | RBR Observation |
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Media, Markets & Money tm
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First Broadcasting keeps its eye on I-95
First Media Radio (FMR), the small market Mid-Atlantic radio group put together by Alex Kolobielski, William Prettyman and Richard Marriott, has filed a deal which will bring in eight radio stations and an LPTV, located for the most part on the I-95 corridor near the Virginia/North Carolina border. | Full Story Click Here |
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Washington Beat
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 Cameras, mics closer to
getting their day in court
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bipartisan bill which would give federal judges discretion to allow electronic media coverage of courtroom proceedings. Proposed legislation has been sponsored by Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Larry Craig (R-ID), George Allen (R-VA), Wayne Allard (R-CO), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) were also backers of the measure. Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) was among those opposing the bill. The Radio-Television News Directors Association applauded the vote. Said RTNDA President Barbara Cochran, "I urge news directors throughout the country to write to their Senators and Representatives urging passage of this legislation. It is important that the American people see for themselves how justice is served in the federal courts." Similar legislation is being pushed in the House by Steve Chabot (R-OH) and William Delahunt (D-MA).
Where are you, 25-year-old?
The minority tax certificate, which came out of the FCC's Statement of Policy on Minority Ownership of Broadcast Facilities, turns 25 Sunday. Too bad it's not around to celebrate. The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council reminds us that then-FCC Chairman Richard Wiley was behind the 1978 Policy Statement which provided an effective means to open the doors toward broadcast ownership to minorities. All six Commissioners (there were seven total back then) supported the Policy Statement. Minority ownership went from 60 facilities to 320 until 1995, when Congress voted to end the tax certificate program. Senator John McCain has introduced similar legislation for consideration by this year's Congress which has received widespread support, including statements in favor of it from the National Association of Broadcasters and current FCC Chairman Michael Powell.
 FCC shuts down Maine, opens RIC
Did we make you look? Well, here's the scoop. You have to use the main entrance, not the Maine entrance, as in Maine Avenue, to get into the FCC these days. However, despite being under Condition Orange, the FCC is making its reference resources available to the public. The Reference Information Center (RIC) has been reopened but under special terror-alert conditions. Patrons must use the 12th Street entrance to gain access to the bulding, identify their destination as Room CY-A257, and to have the guard call 202-418-0273. An RIC staffer will then come to escort the patron to the RIC. The RIC's hours of availability have once again been restricted. You can use it from 8AM-4:30PM Monday-Thursday, and from 8AM-11AM on Friday.
RBR observation: We don't know what CYA stands for at the FCC, but we know what it stands for out here in the real world. And it stands to reason that the FCC's making certain information available in the RIC amounts to what might be considered a CYA move in the business sector. Therefore, we suggest that the room number hyphen be moved one space to the left, from CY-A257 to CYA-257.
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Who will command the cover of June RBR Magazine?
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 Upcoming features in the June issue of RBR's management, sales and technology journal include:
AdBiz
African American audience measurement issues in network radio How are falling diary response and return rates hurting networks that serve African-American listeners? For Part IV on our minority measurement series.
Engineered for Profit
Part 2 on Traffic & Billing
What is the medium looking at now and for the next few years? We talk with the RAB, TVB and AAAA on what to look for today and for five years. We look at EDI and to the future of multimedia traffic and billing.
Programming for Profit - Part 2 of Female Talk
Female talkers and new formats targeting women. RBR will offer Part 2 of a series that brings female personalities and executives into the driving front line of radio. WNEW-FM NY, the new "Blink," is also discussed with Infinity President/Programming Andy Schuon.
News/Talk
Now that the war is over-why should music stations continue to carry news? We talk to PDs overseeing music-intensive stations from around the country for their take. Also, how much news did they run at the height of the war and why?
Ad space limited. For space reservations in the June RBR Magazine, contact one of us for information via email:
Jim Carnegie -- [email protected] 703 719-9500
Ken Lee -- [email protected] 703 719-9500
June Barnes -- [email protected] 615 360-7875
Company Pre-Ordering extra copies of RBR June issue for your in-house and advertising clients needs must be ordered ASAP. Cost is only $190 per 100 issues. Email: Cathy Carnegie, [email protected] to place your order
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Radio Business Report
FIRST, FAST & INDEPENDENT REPORTING
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Programming for Profit
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Formatics: Auditing the audiences
Interep (O:IREP) has produced an excellent study which provides portraits of the audience make-up for a wide variety of formats. We'll be taking a look at a new format each day for the next few weeks. | Full Story Click Here |
 Programming Profile:
Black Enterprise Business Report
February 11th United Stations announced that they had partnered with Black Enterprise magazine to create the Black Enterprise Business Report. The three daily financial short features will run Monday - Friday (morning drive, midday and afternoon drive). Reports will include stock information and useful tips.
| Full Story Click Here |
Photo Left to Right: United Stations EVP/General Manager Jim Higgins; Black Enterprise Chief Operating Officer Earl G. Graves, Jr; Black Enterprise Chairman, Editor & Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr; Black Enterprise VP/ Business Development Derek Godrey and United Stations Director of Urban Programming Bobby Gailes.
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N TR Tip of the day
In conjunction with the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs, Labatt Blue --- the #1 selling Canadian beer in the U.S. --- is now available to hockey fans in limited edition 5-liter barrels, each featuring one of three Hockey Collector Series pieces of artwork. This artwork is also showcased on Labatt Blue Limited Edition Plaques, created as high-quality promotional merchandise for on- and off-premise accounts. Award-winning artist Gregory Manchess, who's best known for his illustrations for Major League Baseball's World Series and the covers of Time Magazine, crafted the artwork for Labatt Blue.www.labattusa.com. Source: Jeremy A. Prescott, NTR Systems, www.ntr-online.com, (207)363-5950
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Radio Stocks
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Tiny moves before the holiday weekend
Stocks ended little changed Friday as traders prepared for a three-day break. Passage of a tax cut package on Capitol Hill provided some upward pressure, but stocks still ended the day mixed. The Dow Industrials edged up 7 points, or 0.1%, to 8,601, but the broader S&P 500 was down slightly.
The Radio Index was also down slightly, slipping 0.304, or 0.1%, to 234.236.
Salem led gainers, up 5.5%. Spanish Broadcasting System rose 4.3%.
On the down side, Cumulus fell 3.7% and Entravision 1.9%.
Here's how stocks fared on Friday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
| Arbitron |
ARB
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$32.79
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+$0.06
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International Bcg.
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IBCS
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$0.02
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unch
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Beasley
|
BBGI
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$11.28
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unch
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Jeff-Pilot
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JP
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$40.27
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unch
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| Big City |
YFM |
$0.85 |
+$0.13
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Radio One, Cl. A
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ROIA
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$16.70
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unch
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Clear Channel
|
CCU
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$39.58
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-$0.27
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Radio One, Cl. D
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ROIAK
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$16.65
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unch
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Cox Radio
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CXR
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$23.24
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-$0.05
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Radio Unica
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UNCA
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$0.83
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unch
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Cumulus
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CMLS
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$17.63
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-$0.67
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Regent
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RGCI
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$6.20
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-$0.12
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Disney
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DIS
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$18.24
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+$0.12
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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$18.86
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-$0.34
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Emmis
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EMMS
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$19.87
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-$0.11
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Salem Comm.
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SALM
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$22.66
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+$1.18
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| Entercom |
ETM
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$46.90
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-$0.14
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Sirius Sat. Radio
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SIRI
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$1.32
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+$0.08
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Entravision
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EVC
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$9.24
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-$0.18
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Small Town
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STWI
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$0.03
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unch
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Fisher
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FSCI
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$45.20
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+$0.31
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Spanish Bcg.
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SBSA
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$7.49
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+$0.31
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Gaylord
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GET
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$20.23
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-$0.12
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Viacom, Cl. A
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VIA
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$44.95
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-$0.64
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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$24.01
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-$0.52
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Viacom, Cl. B
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VIAb
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$44.92
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-$0.63
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Hispanic Bcg.
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HSP
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$23.75
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+$0.15
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Westwood One
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WON
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$33.65
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-$0.48
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Interep
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IREP
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$2.05
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-$0.06
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XM Sat. Radio
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XMSR
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$10.25
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-$0.05
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RBR Bounceback
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We want to hear from you.
Speak out to your colleagues in radio on any subject affecting this business.
This is your column, so send your comments to [email protected]
Another reader sound off on the problem of commercial clutter
(5/12 RBR Daily Epaper #93).
If there were ever examples of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, the mind-numbing stop-sets that go on forever are it. The DJ or the Talk Host better be promoting the revelation of the cure for cancer or the meaning of life being uncovered "after these messages" or I am gone - - to either another station or to a prolonged off cycle.
Five, six, seven or more units in a break is an insult to the listener but a big boost to the future of XM, Sirius, CD's, Books-on-Tape and singing out loud. Imagine what the report will look like three years from now.
An important discussion, but not likely to change things until it is too late.
Regards,
Ira Apple
Ira Apple & Associates
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Upped & Tapped
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Dan Taylor named WCBS-FM NY morning driver
Dan Taylor has been tapped to fill the shoes of WCBS-FM NY morning man Harry Harrison. The "Morning Mayor" announced he was retiring his mic after 44 years on 3/17.
Pat Whitley named new WRKO middayer
Darlene McCarthy and Doreen Vigue, hosts of McCarthy and Vigue from 9AM-Noon on WRKO, will no longer be airing on Entercom's WRKO-AM Boston. Pat Whitley is returning to the station as the new host of the 9AM - Noon time slot beginning 6/2. "It has absolutely nothing to do with their performance. Darlene and Doreen took direction and worked very hard to deliver a talk product that was very compelling. "It basically comes down to having a single host, at a time when that is the trend in talk radio. And after filling in doing topical talk, Pat got the bug again," said Mike Elder, WRKO PD.
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Transactions
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$5,250,000 WLKQ-FM Buford GA from Lake Radio Inc. (Jacqueline A. Joseph) to Davis Broadcasting of Columbus (Gregory A. Davis). $100K escrow, balance in cash at closing. Station holds CP for new antenna and power upgrade.
| More Transactions |
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RBR Radar 2003
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Click on these issues for Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
Republican Powell may be a minority witness during next Commerce visit RBR observation: Many other Republicans have expressed serous concerns about Clear Channel, the poster child 5/23/03 RBR #102
Oops! Journal offers to cancel employee stock buys RBR Observation: Not an offer many are likely to take. The unanswered question is whether Journal faces any future legal problems from the improper sales. 5/22/03 RBR #101
Jon Mandel, MediaCom co-CEO and Chief Negotiating Officer - - craftily caught between TV upfront meetings: Smart advertisers will go into radio. Q: What's the marketplace looking like so far? A: "I'm in my normal upfront lock-down - - I apologize. If you knew my mother, you'd understand! 5/22/03 RBR #101
Fox Upfront wrap up call highlights did not miss out in the fun. TVBR has 4 quick audio clips.. don't be shy - email us at [email protected] 5/22/03 TVBR #101
FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein's take on dereg: Want fries with that? 5/22/03 TVBR #101
RBR Exclusive Part 2 of Clear Channel: "Hello Houston," we may have a problem continuueeesss.. as RBR looks at the comments documented by June Garcia Sherman RBR Observation: Does anyone hear the whistle blowing? 5/21/03 RBR #100
'Hello Houston' hot talk inside Clear Channel.. According to sources Martiny told those gathered at Clear Channnel Houston operation that it is all lies. He went on to detail the strategy. 5/21/03 RBR #100
Carat SVP/Director of National Broadcast Andy Donchin on the upfront TVBR Observation: TV was probably undervalued before last year's upfront. Editor's Note: Q&A worth a read. 5/21/03 TVBR #100
KWOD is now an Entercom station - - and still Alternative.. No one was sure the switch would take place until it actually happened (5/20 RBR Daily Epaper #99) 5/21/03 RBR #100
Regent adopts poison pill is the latest publicly traded broadcaster to adopt a defense against any unwelcome takeover attempt. RBR Observation: Who's really being protected? We have to disagree with you Terry. A poison-pill anti-takeover provision is never in the interest of shareholders 5/21/03 RBR #100
RBR Exclusive: Clear Channel "Hello Houston", a potential TV reality sideshow.. June Garcia Sherman, Plaintiff VS Clear Channel Worldwide, Lowry Mays, and Eddie Martiny, Defendants. (Editor's Note: The total filing has 125 bullet points) 5/20/03 RBR #99
Feingold renews effort to slow down FCC proceeding, yet another letter has been fired off to FCC Chairman Michael Powell urging further comment before the FCC votes on new broadcast and newspaper ownership regulations 5/20/03 RBR #99
Washington Post sends up broadcast dereg.. Entitled "Sounds Familiar For a Reason," it is a critique of the results of the 1996 Telecom Act, and a warning not to repeat the same mistakes this time around. (Editor's Note: Worth a read) 5/20/03 RBR #99
On the road to disaster, the FCC's June 2nd vote.. The winners.. The losers: As it stands now, the FCC staff has made indefensibly bad policy recommendations on a number of major issues 5/19/03 RBR #98
Zenith Media CEO Rich Hamilton comments on CCA Outfront presentation 5/19/03 RBR #98
Zenith Media CEO Rich Hamilton comments on Television upfront 5/19/03 TVBR #98
Hollander jumps on the Zen Master's bus and he's already got it in gear.. "I don't want to hear what happened to John Fullam and what's been going on with corporate," RBR Observation: We shall see if "Bro" Joel's minivan gets traded up to a Hummer or downsized to a taxi cab Editor's Note: power points 5/16/03 RBR #97
Powell refuses to delay June 2nd vote, has said no to a request from the Commission's two Democrats, Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein 5/16/03 RBR #97
Buyers comment on Hollander's move to Infinity 5/16/03 RBR #97
Advice for liberals from the man who brought you Rush: Part 5, Ed McLaughlin Q: Do you think there are enough stations out there that would be able to take a liberal talk net? A: I think the way to look at it is, are there enough stations out there to take a new program? 5/16/03 RBR #97
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Industry Jobs
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Situation Wanted:
HIGHLY QUALIFIED GENERAL MANAGER, DOS OR GSM AVAILABLE
With 20 years experience of impressive achievement in small, medium, major markets as General Manager, Group DOS, Market DOS and GSM, I am searching for a well-respected broadcast company to join.
I have a remarkable ability to BUILD STRONG TEAMS, CONVINCING BUSINESS INSTINCT, and IMPRESSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. Outstanding turnaround skills. Sales and programming teams I've built are always willing to over perform.
For details on my experience go to my Website, call Bob at 903-553-1116 or e-mail [email protected].
I KNOW HOW TO WIN - AND HOW TO TEACH OTHERS TO BECOME WINNERS!
More jobs..
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