Equity group encouraging diverse investment
The National Association of Investment Companies says that investing in diversely-owned companies can be a major driver of economic recovery while at the same time helping to resolve age old socially-driven economic imbalances. A couple of broadcast stations were among those it studied.

RBR observation: Fact: Minorities are underrepresented in the broadcast license database. Fact: There are many stations languishing on the sales block. Conclusion: NAIC may have a win-win idea, but it is not without qualifications.

Arbitron responds to GAO probe of PPM
After first saying no comment to word of 10 Members of Congress requesting a GAO investigation of Arbitron's PPM, the company has now issued a formal statement. In short, it says Arbitron is always happy to discuss PPM with anyone.

PACs continue to spend
So many issues, so many politicians to target, so little time. Actually, time is the stock in trade of the broadcasting business, and most broadcasters are more than willing to cut a deal with the politically-motivated. DNC is using television and radio to go after leading Republican legislators in stimulus. The FRC is using television in five markets in opposition to health reform. And an environmental group is mounting a prolonged multimedia effort against three carefully selected House members.

RBR observation: As broadcasters, we'll accommodate you no matter what side you're on. We say, bring us your tired, your poor, your huddled dollars. Or your unhuddled dollars. Any dollars. Just bring 'em...

Clunkers already getting stimulus credit
A non-governmental group that helped enact Cash for Clunkers says the program has already injected millions into the economy before the first new car has been driven off a lot, toward an eventual $1B total of economic stimulus. CashForClunkersInformation.org says that the early spenders will reap the biggest benefits.

RBR observation: We smelled windfall the minute we heard about this program, and have been providing early warning for months. Hopefully your station is getting a piece of this pie from one of broadcasting's most damaged categories.

Ideas Working Now ™
How to Connect with Your Audience
By Jennifer Lane, President, Audio4Cast.com
I read a great article about branding the other day which emphasized that branding is not just about how you market your brand, product or service, but also about how you distribute it. Very successful product/brands have more than a great identity, they also have established successful channels of distribution for those products/brands. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, social media sites in general are channels of distribution for your messages. Ways that you, your brand or product can connect directly with your audience. Get it?

Wendy's taps Kaplan Thaler Group
Wendy's named The Kaplan Thaler Group as its lead creative agency with responsibilities encompassing advertising, media planning, digital marketing and restaurant activation. Kaplan Thaler was selected from a group of five leading agencies that participated in a review.

$480K KFNS-FM St. Louis MO (Troy MO) from Big Stick LLC (Andrew Saltzman) to Westplex Broadcasting LLC (John Scheper, Steve Kaspar). $48K down payment, balance within 15 days of FCC approval. Seller retains rights to call letters for 30 years, and will lease to buyer for $1/year for now. LMA 7/15/09 at $5K monthly plus operating expenses. Duopoly with KWRE-AM/KFAV-FM Warrenton MO. [FCC file date 7/7/09]

Hutchison on the way out
Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) has told local a Texas radio station that she is leaving the Senate later this year to pursue the governorship of her state, according to TalkingPointsMemo.com. Her departure, which was not a surprise, will result in an interim appointment from current Gov. Rick Perry (R) and a special election in May 2010 to fill out her term, which runs through 2012.

RBR observation: Although Republicans will be heavily favored to hold the seat, it is less secure without an incumbent to run, and low-turnout special elections often produce unexpected results. Tip for Texas broadcasters: Both national party organizations will be able to spend freely with a very big prize on the table and no other immediate distractions.

TV star touts elections hearing
Actor Sam Waterson is on Capitol Hill pushing a hearing on a bill which would promote a new campaign finance system based on small donations and government matching funds. Waterson is known for his work on NBC's "Law and Order." The bill has bipartisan backing in the House but starts its march to the Oval Office with only 70 sponsors.

RBR observation: It's hard to see this bill going anywhere, bipartisan or not. Members of both parties are simply too addicted to their massive political warchests.

Music Choice brings channels to CruiseCast line-up
Music Choice, the multi-platform video and music network, has signed a carriage agreement with RaySat Broadcasting Corporation to offer 20 of its music channels featuring robust playlists with no interruptions for AT&T CruiseCast service, the in-car satellite entertainment technology. CruiseCast service now offers commercial-free music channels programmed by Music Choice, including -

More Kabrich bashing of PPM
The PPM Coalition (which might better be named the Anti-PPM Coalition) has found a ready ally in consultant Randy Kabrich. His latest data analysis concludes that while most stations saw AQH ratings go down once Arbitron's PPM was introduced in their market, Spanish and Urban formats were hit much harder than non-ethnic stations. Click the headline for his complete chart.

Dan Patrick to debut on DIRECTV
Syndicated sports talker Dan Patrick will bring his game to DIRECTV's The 101 Network with a new TV show, premiering 8/3, based on his weekday radio program, The Dan Patrick Show.

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Only On RBR.com
How to Connect with
Your Audience
Successful product/brands have more than a great identity

Ad Business Report
Wendy's taps
Kaplan Thaler Group as its lead creative agency

Washington
Business Report
TV star touts
Elections hearing, it's hard to see this bill going anywhere

Ratings & Research
More Kabrich bashing
Of PPM, PPM Coalition has found a ready ally

Upped at NPR
Guy Raz has been named weekend host of NPR News' signature afternoon newsmagazine "All Things Considered." Raz will step into the role fulltime this weekend, after guest-hosting for the past several months. Previously, Raz was NPR's defense correspondent.

Louisiana Rated
Market Class C FM
$2.75 Million cash. NDA required from interested parties. Contact: Mitt Younts,
EnVest Media
(804) 282-5561 or
[email protected]

Panelists named for NAB Super Session breakfast
Along with your eggs and orange juice, here's what you're going to be getting at the Group Executives Super Session Breakfast at 7:30 am on Thursday, September 24 during the NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia. Panelists will be Frank Flores, Chief Revenue Officer for Spanish Broadcasting System; George Laughlin, President of GAP Broadcasting; Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications; Bill Stakelin, President & CEO of Regent Communications; and Charles Warfield, President & COO of ICBC Broadcast Holdings. David Kennedy, CEO of FlyCast, will be the moderator.

Veteran anchor Bob Walker dead at 77
ABC News Radio reports that retired anchor Bob Walker has died at age 77. His career at the network crossed four decades, from the 1960s to the '90s.

Your Online Community Boards now live at RBR.com
Voice your opinions, share information and ask questions of fellow broadcasters on the new RBR/TVBR Community Forums. Get interactive today - Go HERE to register and participate. Everyone is invited to speak out and mix it up and share in the voice.

News staffing: Women up, minorities down
Minority broadcast newsers had made big gains in 2008 - and at least they did not go under 2007 levels this time. But it was close at television, where their share of positions stood only 3% lower at 21.5%. Radio has a much more comfortable gap, 2.7% to the good compared to 2007's 6.2% reading. But radio's numbers are woefully inadequate compared to overall population statistics.
07/29/09 RBR #146

Off-target in the case of Listener Driven Radio
I'd like to respond to Richard Harker's comments (Been There. Done That) regarding Listener Driven Radio. I am a partner in LDR. I value his opinion, but believe that he's somewhat off-target in the case of Listener Driven Radio.
Why at RBR.com
07/29/09 RBR #146

HD Radio Electronic Program Guide
goes to field trial in Boston
This field trial is being conducted as part of an NAB FASTROAD project to develop the business requirements, system architecture and specifications of an EPG-an interactive, on-screen guide to scheduled broadcast programming. We spoke to iBiquity CEO Bob Struble.
07/29/09 RBR #146