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Arbitron backs off blanket embargo
One element of the fallout from the Infinity defection from Arbitron was a decision by the ratings giant to make ratings for markets where Infinity is a player client-exclusive. The idewa was to assure that Arbitron's copyrights were protected and to assure that only clients are able to benefit from its research. That would effectively shut down commonly-published generic ratings information, such as 12+ ratings and rankers, since those are the markets in which Infinity has its radio strongholds. | More... |

Ownership: Multidisciplinary
call for hearings
Democratic FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein are staging an event this week to urge a new round of public hearings on broadcast ownership regulation. They'll be joined by members of Congress and two important trade organizations. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA), Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Bernard Sanders (I-VT) are the members of Congress signed up for the Tuesday event, along with Linda Foley of The Newspaper Guild-CWA and John Connolly of AFTRA. A release says that there will be participation by other unions as well. FCC Chairman Michael Powell is being asked to "seek broad-based public input where the impact of such regulatory changes will be felt the most - - local media markets." The unions commissioned a survey of news professionals in both the print and broadcast media, which will be released in support of the call for hearings.

Is RIAA stream scheme redeemable?
Susquehanna SVP/GM Dan Halyburton appeared before Congress last week seeking to redress the unworkable current situation regarding streaming of radio station content over the Internet. Far from encouraging the development of a new source of entertainment and information, the current set-up is driving entrepreneurs away. Exorbitant music licensing fees are the culprit. Halyburton pointed out to the House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property that the way applicable law is written, broadcasters are forced to pay by the listener. The upshot is that they lose money developing an Internet following, and should they build it to the point where advertising sales are viable, that viability is negated by the RIAA royalty fee, making the whole enterprise a lose-lose proposition. Halyburton said that a one-time total of 1,700 is now down to around 700, exactly the opposite of what you'd expect with a new technology. Why? "Susquehanna will pay RIAA six times what we pay ASCAP, BMI and SESAC combined for these exact same performances," Halyburton testified. "Just one of our stations - - KPLX in Dallas - - will pay almost $50K in fees this year to reach a small fraction of its over-the-air audience." Halyburton made numerous suggestions on how to fix the problem. His full testimony is available at nab.org.

News staff diversity:
Stability or stagnation?
A number of minority journalist trade associations have joined together in a plea for the broadcast industry to do a better job when it comes to mirroring the ethnic makeup of the audience. The argument is that even though minority staff levels were stable in the latest RTNDA/Ball State survey, with small gains from 2002 to 2003, the percentages aren't that different than in 1994. Hispanics in 2003 held 8.9% of local TV news jobs, and 3.9% of those in radio. Numbers for Blacks were 10.3% and 7.3%. All of these numbers are well below total US population percentages. "Sadly, we continue to see broadcasting ignore the reality that the population has changed at a rate that far outpaces the progress of local companies," said newsday.com's Ernest R. Sotomayer, president of minority journalistic umbrella organization UNITY. Criticism was also leveled at the percentage employment for Asian and Native Americans. Four national associations are affiliated with UNITY: Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Native American Journalists Association.

Clear Channel settles Times Square squabble
The flap between Clear Channel Spectacolor and Project Billboard, with the Marriott Marquis Hotel playing a strong supporting role, has been settled. Marriott's building will remain unadorned by any political-messages, consistent with its own policy, and Project Billboard (PBb) will get not one, but two prominent spaces for its anti-Iraq war advertising. | More... |

Look out Clear Channel in Tampa Metro-Plex;
Bubba wants a Stinken Badge and Gun
The Love Sponge, age 38, over weight and out of work for five months and no on-air gig in site except for the tire kicking of satellite radio has shocked the Tampa-St. Pete market - again. Last Friday night, 7/16, Bubba (Dave Clem) at the DoubleTree Hotel Tampa Westshore wants to give it to the people of Pinellas County, St. Petersburg/ Clearwater and is running for the Sheriff's Office. Bubba is not a stranger to running in many ways as this is his second shot at office at campaigning for the political office. Bubba in 2000 was running for something but in as an official candidate but now he coughed up the $8,584.86 filing fee and will be on the ballot as the Lone Ranger Democrat as he awaits for the winner of the GOP primary results. Got to note Bubba was a lifelong Republican, but registered Democrat 60 days ago by saying he was fed up with the Republicans - just like 'The Howard'.

RBR observation: The ballot will read 'Bubba Clem' as his campaign platform will probably be - "Helloooo - Get To know me all over again over BBQ." Local political types are laughing by saying this guy has no experience and no credentials he just paid the - ahh - fine to enter the race. Bubba will force the Republican winner to spend some cash campaigning against him in the Nov. 2 general election and that is good for local. But remember if Bubba buys local radio campaign spots it may come down to who did the best marketing job. See the talk show market locally and nationally now. Bubba does Late Night with Letterman and the local Republican is SOL. "I'm fed up with Republicans," he said. Five months after Bubba the Love Sponge Clem was fired by Clear Channel Communications, the defrocked shock jock was back in front of reporters announcing his latest surprise.

Adbiz ©

CarboRite and Clear Channel launch
"Sweet Seats of Summer"
Carbolite Foods, makers of the popular CarboRite family of low carb snacks and treats, will be the official low-carb treat at Clear Channel amphitheatres this summer as Miller Branding + Communication, OMUSA, Inc. and Clear Channel Entertainment launch the "Sweet Seats of Summer" promotional effort. Miller Branding, agency of record for Carbolite Foods, and media partner OMUSA, worked with CC Entertainment and CC Radio of Philadelphia to develop the cross-platform promotional campaign that utilizes CC assets of radio, advertising, and promotions in conjunction with CC live entertainment venues and venue sponsorship. "CarboRite and Clear Channel's goal," said Gary Steel, Account Manager for CC Radio, "is to put the CarboRite products in front of concertgoers and radio audiences in the top 20 metros."

At select concert events, CarboRite's Street Team will distribute product samples and information on low-carb foods to concertgoers. Concertgoers can look for the bright blue CarboRite van at concerts nationwide to sample CarboRite and try and win seat upgrades. Each venue will also host an onsite promotion that offers concertgoers a chance to win merchandise and tickets to future shows. The onsite promotion includes an opportunity to gain access to the "CarboRite Sweet Seats," an exclusive VIP section of the lawn that includes private wait service, lawn chairs and complimentary food and beverage. DDG Productions will facilitate and manage the Street Team. The CarboRite Lawn sponsorship will be visible in 20 venues at 500 concerts.

Arby's puts account in review
Arby's is reportedly putting its $95M account into review, hiring Wanamaker Associates Atlanta to handle the search. RFPs should arrive at prospective agencies this week. Awrby's used the incumbent Doner since 1987. Arby's invited Doner to participate in the review, but the agency reportedly plans to decline. The move follows a management shakeup in January at Triarc Restaurant Group, which franchises Arby's and T.J. Cinnamons. Doug Benham was named president-CEO and Debbie Pike as President and chief marketing officer of the chain's Atlanta-based marketing arm, Arby's Franchise Association Service Corp.

Media, Markets & Money tm

Washington Beat

Monday Morning Shakers & Makers

Deals: 6/7/04-6/11/04
It was a reasonably good week, all told. Although there were no true blockbuster deals, neither were there any true dawgs - - the smallest deal was $325K for a small-town New Mexico FM. TV was back, with three relatively small deals in the $4-$12M range. The action was mostly in small rated markets.

Transactions

$6M KTBU-TV Houston (Conroe TX). 100% of Humanity Interested Media Inc. from Christ's Church of Conroe, Montgomery County, Texas Inc. (Charles D. Johnson)/Montgomery County Media Network Inc. to Channel 55 Broadcasting LLC (Donald E. Iloff Jr.). Cash. $.94M to Christ's Church, $60K to MCMN. [File date 6/28/04.]

$2.95M KTLI-FM Wichita KS (El Dorado KS). 100% of Adonai Radio Group Inc. from Stephens Family LP (Michael P. Stephens) to Education Media Foundation (Richard Jenkins). $147.5K escrow, $652.5K cash at closing, $2.15M note. [File date 6/17/04.]

$2M WAVS-AM Miami (Davie FL) from Radio WAVS Inc. (Roy H. Bresky) to Alliance Broadcasting Inc. (Emmanuel Cherubin). $50K advance payment, $250K escrow, balance in cash at closing. [File date 6/17/04.]

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