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Volume 24, Issue 157, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Monday Morning August 13th, 2007
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Radio News ®
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 Univision moving on asset sales
Univision's new private equity owners haven't announced any asset sales yet, but in the company's quarterly conference call CFO Andrew Hobson indicated that the process is well underway to sell the half-billion bucks in non-core assets that the company has indicated it plans to divest. One analyst wanted to know how Univision can get that much cash while shedding only 15 million or so in EBITDA. Hobson explained that the big reason is Univision Music, which the company expects to sell to a major record label which will be able to realize substantial cost efficiencies. The CFO didn't discuss a price, but the New York Post reported Friday that bids are expected to be in the range of 225-325 million. Also, some of the radio stations on the divestiture list are sticks, so worth more for their potential than any multiple of cash flow. For the first time, Univision indicated in its quarterly SEC filing that some TV assets will also be divested. Asked about that by an analyst, Hobson said the company had identified a couple of low-power and a couple of full-power stations which are non-core and are going to be sold off. He said the impact on TV division revenues will be de minimis.
RBR observation: A little housecleaning seems perfectly logical for a new owner. Getting out of the music business is clearly a smart move, since that has been a real drag on the company's profitability - and a lot more trouble than it could ever be worth. We had wondered whether big bidders would show up for the auction, but, despite their own difficulties with declining sales, the major record companies apparently all see Latin music as one growth area in a business that currently is lacking in such. Most of the rest of the 500 million in expected proceeds will be coming from radio, where Univision is expected to divest stations in markets where it has no TV O&Os.
Small markets again the place to be
Looking at his own market-by-market research following RAB's report of a 3% decline in June radio revenues, CL King analyst Jim Boyle says it was yet another month of small markets outperforming big markets. "Analyzing nearly fifty markets' June data, the variance by market size is remarkable and consistent. The Top 25 markets we have seen plunged an average 4% in June, whereas the small-mid markets were up an average of 3%," he told clients. "Furthermore, the smaller markets of #76-plus were on average up an impressive 6% for June. If one is to operate, or invest, in radio stations, it seems much better to be in small-mid markets, like Saga and Regent," Boyle noted. Wall Street, however, has not rewarded those small market owners for outperforming their large market brethren. Saga was a 10 buck a share stock back in June, but has lately been trading below seven. Regent has been in penny stock territory for some time. Its stock price is so far below its private market value that one major shareholder has been trying to force a sell-off. As threatened (8/10/07 RBR #156), Riley Investment Management filed suit on Friday to try to force Recent to call a special shareholders meeting at which Riley hopes to put three of its nominees on the board of directors.
RBR observation: We like Boyle's style and his put it on the line but RBR will also add most of these markets are run by radio broadcasters that are operators not portfolio managers. These operators are paying attention to the day to day work that needs to be done today like right now. Unlike some high in their ivory towers these local small market operators are held accountable for their duties as it is called payroll as these operators are not guaranteed mega salaries while their stock is in crapper. We also notice more innovation from these small market broadcasters and they do it with passion. Passion and Innovation again is something RBR does not see coming from the Ivory Tower dudes. RBR's estimation of small market does not mean market 250, but look around in markets like Fresno, Kansas City etc. where there are independent group operators making it work today.
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 Former broadcaster leaving SEC
Roel Campos announced plans to step down from his seat on the US Securities and Exchange Commission in a month to return to the private sector. It's doubtful he'll go back to broadcasting, though. Bloomberg reports that he's likely to join Cooley Godward Kronish, a major law firm that specializes in high tech and venture capital clients. Before his appointment to the SEC by President George W. Bush in 2002, Campos had been Tom Castros' partner in launching, building and then selling El Dorado Communications, which owned a number of Spanish-language radio stations. "I have been quite fortunate and privileged to have served the American investor at a crucial period in the history of US markets. I am greatly honored to have worked closely with great public servants, Chairman Chris Cox and his predecessors, Bill Donaldson and Harvey Pitt, as well as my fellow Commissioners," said Campos in announcing his plans to depart the SEC.
RBR observation: By all accounts, Campos has been an excellent commissioner, able to work both sides of the political fence and balance the desires of Wall Street firms against the interests of small investors. Although he is a Democrat, there was some talk in Washington after Chairman Donaldson left that President Bush might name fellow Texan Campos to the chair. That was not to be, but that it was even mentioned as a possibility shows how well respected he is in both parties.
Food for thought to feed Congress
As a direct result of a 7/31/07 FTC action known as "Resolution Directing Use of Compulsory Process to Collect Information for Use in Preparing a Report to Congress Regarding the Marketing of Food and Beverages to Children and Adolescents," 44 manufacturers have been put on notice to return detailed information regarding the nutritional value and marketing tactics of their products. The food categories it's interested in include breakfast cereals, snack foods, candy, dairy products, baked goods, carbonated beverages, fruit juice and other non-carbonated beverages, prepared foods and meals, frozen and chilled desserts, fruits and vegetables and restaurant food. The list of marketing techniques is even more comprehensive, including money spent on television, radio, print, company and non-company internet locations, movie theaters, product placements, in-school, viral marketing, word of mouth marketing and several others. FTC is especially interested in how much of this marketing is aimed at children. The request gives the companies 90 days to respond. Add in time for the FTC to process all the returned info and put together its report, and it will likely be well into 2008 before Congress sees the results of this effort.
| List of companies here |
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Small markets again the place to be
Looking at his own market-by-market research following RAB's report of a 3% decline in June radio revenues, CL King analyst Jim Boyle says it was yet another month of small markets outperforming big markets. "Analyzing nearly fifty markets' June data, the variance by market size is remarkable and consistent. The Top 25 markets we have seen plunged an average 4% in June, whereas the small-mid markets were up an average of 3%," he told clients. "Furthermore, the smaller markets of #76-plus were on average up an impressive 6% for June. If one is to operate, or invest, in radio stations, it seems much better to be in small-mid markets, like Saga and Regent," Boyle noted. Wall Street, however, has not rewarded those small market owners for outperforming their large market brethren. Saga was a 10 bucks a share stock back in June, but has lately been trading below seven. Regent has been in penny stock territory for some time. Its stock price is so far below its private market value that one major shareholder has been trying to force a sell-off. As threatened (8/10/07 RBR #156), Riley Investment Management filed suit on Friday to try to force Recent to call a special shareholders meeting at which Riley hopes to put three of its nominees on the board of directors.
 Pressing concern for the press?
The opinion of the average citizen on the quality of journalism these days is somewhat of a mixed bag, according to a study just out from Andrew Kohut and The Pew Research Center For The People & The Press. Each of five media studied are seen in a decidedly favorable light. Local TV rate and daily newspapers each rate a 78%/22% favorable to unfavorable split, followed by cable news (75%/25%), network TV news (71%/29%), and national newspapers, lagging at 60%/40%. Pew notes that the harshest criticism comes from individuals who get most of their news from the internet. But in general, when asked about specific criticisms, results have deteriorated significantly since 1985. Back then, 54% rated news organizations as moral, a number which has dwindled modestly to 46%; however, when asked if they are immoral, opinion has skyrocketed from 13% to 32%. Those that think the press protects democracy have shrunk from 54% to 44%, while those who believe it hurts democracy has grown from 23% to 36%. People who believe the press gets the facts straight have shrunk from 55% to 39%; while those who see inaccuracy have risen from 34% to 53%. There has been only slight shrinkage in those who believe the press strives to avoid bias, from 36% to 31%, compared to a 45%-to-55% increase in those who see political bias. A relatively low 22% now see journalists as unprofessional, but that number used to include only 11% of respondents.
RBR observation: This sounds to us like the frequent dichotomy between the public's view of Congress and of their own representatives. It seems that approval levels for Congress are almost always appallingly low; however, incumbents usually leave of their own free will rather than being ousted by this overwhelmingly disapproving public. We hate Congress, but we love our rep. It must be those other legislators causing the problem. Similarly, we love our daily news show or newspaper, but have problems with all those other inferior practitioners of journalism out there messing it up for everybody else. The key is to make sure that your own constituents see your service as outstanding. As long as they come back to you every day, they can say whatever they want about the other guys.
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| Wall Street Media Business Report TM |
Strong quarter for Univision
It's not political revenues, but soccer that made for tough comps at Univision. Q2 net revenues were down 6.9% over all to 562.2 million, but if you exclude the 2006 FIFA World Cup, revenues were up 8.2%. Univision Radio was particularly strong, with revenues up 12.3% to 117.1 million. Excluding soccer revenues, TV was up 7.2% to 433.7 million. Internet revenues rose one million to 11.4 million. Univision continues to issue quarterly results because, while it no longer has public stock, it does have public bonds. New CEO Joe Uva missed the quarterly conference call, but was quoted in the company's news release. "Univision achieved strong operational and financial results in the second quarter compared to the broadcast industries, with continued momentum in our radio and online businesses. The Univision Network earned the #3 primetime ranking for the entire quarter, with a young adult audience larger than CBS, NBC and CW. Univision Radio achieved industry-leading revenue growth. Univision.com further solidified its place as the #1 Internet destination among Hispanics with the successful launches of its video portal and social networking platform. This quarter we began to demonstrate our focus on leveraging the connection Univision has with its audience in new and creative ways through the development of an innovative campaign with Unilever, which included a first of its kind mininovela on Univision.com that was launched in July. We intend to continue to find unique ways to leverage our connection to our audience and their loyalty to Univision for the benefit of our advertisers across all of our platforms," he said. In the call with analysts, President Ray Rodriguez was asked how Univision Radio managed to so greatly outpace the general radio industry and whether it could continue. The answer, he said, was ratings. So, as long as Univision's radio stations are able to continue growing their audience, the money will follow.
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Ad Business Report TM
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 Seven secrets of
great advertising
Most advertising professionals know what makes great advertising. But they work in a volatile business and are generally afraid to talk about it -- so they keep it a secret. Whether they are employed in corporate marketing departments or in advertising agencies, the risk is great. "They could get fired if they do something outrageous and it fails," according to John Howlett, President of advertising and marketing consultancy Aviza. "On the positive side, advertising professionals can also get promoted for exhibiting marketing genius! They could do this by developing brilliant ideas that help catapult their company's business."
| Here are his seven simple secrets to get to great advertising |
Best Buy adjusts branding for business customers
With business customers making up as much as 10% of its overall store traffic but usually unidentified as such, Best Buy announced new plans to identify and help the business customer shopping its 863 stores. Beginning this month, Best Buy will identify newly-added, business-grade products with the label "Professional Series," denoting a product designed with features tailored to business use. The labels will appear on business products on retail shelves, on in-store signage, on BestBuy.com and in Best Buy's weekly ad insert. Best Buy for Business also will train specially-selected store employees to help business customers navigate their purchasing experience in-store and provide an introduction to additional business resources available. The Professional Series label will initially feature notebook computers and networking equipment and extend to printing products, GPS and navigational equipment, digital cameras, storage products and mobile and landline phones. This expansion of Best Buy for Business into all U.S. stores is designed to bring customers shopping for both their businesses and their personal needs more access and clarity on business technology as well as assistance in navigating emerging technologies. Best Buy for Business has locations within more than 200 Best Buy stores throughout the U.S. Best Buy business customers will also have access to the Best Buy for Business Reward Zone program.
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| Media Business Report TM |
 Gannett launches
100+ local mobile sites
Breaking news, sports, weather and other must-have local information now can be accessed easily by mobile phone users in more than 100 local markets, Gannett announced. The local mobile sites are designed to appear on small screens and include content-updated 24/7-produced by local Gannett Information Centers that power real-time news and information to multiple platforms, including the Web, newspapers, television-and now mobile devices. The new mobile sites carry local, regional and national display advertising. They are free to consumers with mobile Internet browsing and data plans. Mobile versions of Gannett's 84 community daily newspapers, 19 broadcast market websites and USA Today can be directly by entering "m" before a Gannett site's URL (example: http://m.tennessean.com); by using a unique market SMS short code keyword which will be used in print, online and broadcast promotion (example: text NASH to 59523); and via links from the home pages of all Gannett newspaper and broadcast websites.
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| Washington Media Business Report TM |
FCC: Cap noncom FM stick applications?
The FCC says a number of interested parties think there should be a limit to how many CPs one entity tries for in the upcoming window for proposed new NCE FM stations. The goal is to gum up the works wading through potential "speculative filings," which could cause "extraordinary procedural delays." It's thinking of placing the cap at ten and wants your comments. The cap would be keyed to individuals with an attributable interest in any licensee - the proposed rule reads, "A party to an application filed in the NCE FM filing window may hold attributable interests in no more than a total of ten applications filed in the window." If any more than ten are found, the FCC will accept the first ten, going by file date, and dismiss all others. The window for reserved band (88.1 MHz-91.9 MHz) CP proposals as well as major change applications is open from 10/12/07 through 10/19/07. In a related announcement, broadcasters in the adjacent non-reserved ban, from 92.1 MHz to 92.5 MHz, will be frozen out of major changes from 9/7/07 though close of the application window. The freeze, a standard operating procedure before any auction or CP filing window, affects all reserved band frequencies.
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| Media Markets & Money TM |
Close encounter in Missouri
Broker Larry Patrick of Patrick Communications has successfully shephered 16 Shepherd Group stations into the portfolio of Dean Goodman's GoodRadio.TV LLC. None of the stations are in rated markets. The value of the transaction was 30.6M. The stations include KWIX-AM/KRES-FM Moberly MO; KAAN AM & FM Bethany MO; KMRN-AM/KKWK-FM Cameron MO; KJFF-AM Festus MO; KREI-AM/KTJJ-FM Farmington MO; KJPW AM & FM/KOZQ-AM/KFBD-FM Waynesville MO; KBNN-AM/KJEL-FM Lebanon MO; and KIRK-FM Macon MO.
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| Internet Media Business Report TM |
 NBC comedy site to
offer ad-funded downloads
NBC's DotComedy.com has partnered with Hiro Media to launch a free, ad-supported download service for its content. DotComedy has launched the Hiro technology platform on its Comedy To Go section, a collection of original video clips, and will also use the service for all downloadable content. The service enables DotComedy to monetize its free downloadable content by including copyrighted advertising that plays in-show. NBC can dynamically change ads each time a viewer watches the program, whether they're online or offline. Users can choose to register demographic information with the service, enabling advertisers to create personalized and time-sensitive advertising.
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| Ratings & Research |
Nielsen completes Telephia buy
The Nielsen Company has completed the acquisition of San Francisco-based Telephia, a leading provider of syndicated consumer research to the telecom and mobile media markets. This transaction puts Nielsen at the forefront of independent measurement and analysis of media and data content on mobile devices worldwide. Said Susan Whiting, EVP/The Nielsen Company: "Telephia's cutting-edge mobile content research and measurement complement our existing activities and expand our capabilities in the rapidly evolving telecom and mobile media markets. This is a strategic, high-growth opportunity that will enable us to expand the reach of Telephia's core measurement services and provide more comprehensive consumer insights to clients around the world." Sid Gorham will continue to serve as Telephia's President and CEO, reporting to Whiting. Nielsen Wireless, the company's recently launched service to measure consumer usage of mobile Internet, mobile video and other related content services, will be integrated into Telephia. Telephia's headquarters will remain in San Francisco. Telephia currently serves more than 100 clients in the United States, Canada and Europe from all sectors of the telecom and mobile media markets.
 What brands are
teens talking about?
New research is showing teens talk about brands than the rest of the American people--twice as many each week. In a word of mouth (WOM) survey of 2,046 teens (ages 13-17) conducted January through May 2007, the five brands with the largest number of "net positive" mentions were iPod, American Eagle, Dr Pepper, Chevrolet and Nintendo. In contrast, the top five WOM brand all-stars among the general public (15,287 respondents, ages 13-69) are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, Sony and Toyota. This is the latest research from TalkTrack, the Keller Fay Group's measurement program for WOM marketing that monitors the word of mouth conversations of thousands of Americans weekly. Highlights from the study include: -- Teens have 145 WOM conversations per week-more than twice as many as the general public (71). -- Although most of these WOM conversations (63%) are face-to-face, and 13% by phone, they are three times more likely to occur online (e.g., through text message/IM, e-mail, or chats/blogs) than similar conversations among the adult population. 19% of teen conversations occur online, versus 7% of the total public. -- More than 50% of teen WOM cites marketing or media efforts that support the brand or specific products. -- American Eagle is the only fashion apparel brand to make the list of "All Star" word of mouth brands; interestingly, no apparel retailer appears on the top 10 list for adults. -- Teens are far more likely than the total public to have conversations on a typical day about technology products, sports/recreation/hobbies, and telecom. Large differences are also found for shopping and apparel and personal care/beauty.
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| Monday Morning Makers & Shakers |
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Transactions: 6/25/07-6/29/07
The sale of KNOE-TV in Monroe-El Dorado not only broke a June television trading slump, it also propelled the week to the top of the June heap. In fact, more value was created in the final week of June than was created during the rest of the month, much like last week's top radio trade equalled the rest of the month's dealing up to that point. But the combined total for all of June was lower than the slowest single week in May. [Editor's note: We elected not to tally stations involved in the administrative cashless placement of numerous stations into the Aloha Station Trust by Clear Channel.]
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Total
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Total Deals
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11
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AMs
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4
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FMs
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6
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TVs
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2
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| Value |
67.235M
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| Complete Charts |
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Radio Transactions of the Week
Lotus helps Peak stay focused
| More... |
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TV Transactions of the Week
Whaddaya know about KNOE?
| More... |
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| Transactions |
38M WPRS-FM Washington DC (Waldorf MD) from Bonneville Holding Company, a subsidiary of Bonneville International Corporation (Bruce Reese) to Radio One Licenses LLC, a subsidiary of Radio One Inc. (Catherine L. Hughes, Alfred C. Liggins III). 3M escrow, balance in cash at closing. Superduopoly with WKYS-FM, WMMJ-FM, WOL-AM, WYCB-AM. [File date 7/19/07.]
750K TV CP Gainesville FL. 50% of Gainesville Channel 61 Associates LLC from Television Capital Corporation of Gainesville (Elvin Feltner) to Budd Broadcasting Company Inc. (Harvey Budd, Irene Budd). 10K deposit, balance in cash at closing. [File date 7/25/07.]
100K FM CP Byrdstown TN from Susan Clinton to Brandon Tollett. 10K escrow, balance in cash at closing. CP is for Class A on 98.9 MHz with 1.1 kw @ . [File date 7/17/07.]
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__FIRST__ __SECOND__,
here is another transaction brokered by Kalil & Co., Inc.
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| Stock Talk |
Radio stocks finally stop falling
Stock prices gyrated wildly on Friday as the Federal Reserve and other central banks around the globe injected money into the banking system to calm concerns about a credit crunch. The Dow Industrials were down 31 points to 13,240, but the S&P 500 finished slightly higher.
Radio stocks finally ended a 14-day string of declines with gains on Friday. The Radio Index rose 1.940, or 1.6%, to 124.374. Salem, which had announced a special dividend payment, rose 9.2%. Radio One recovered some ground. Its Class A rose 9.5% and Class D 6.7%. Citadel gained 8.8%.
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| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Friday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Arbitron
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ARB
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52.94
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+0.10
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Google
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GOOG
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515.75
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+1.02
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Beasley
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BBGI
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8.03
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+0.07
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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21.22
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+1.11
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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30.62
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-0.04
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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11.10
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+0.22
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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30.86
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+0.08
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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60.51
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+3.34
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| Citadel |
CDL |
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4.93 |
+0.40 |
Radio One, Cl. A
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ROIA
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3.59
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+0.31
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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34.93
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-0.41
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Radio One, Cl. D
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ROIAK
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3.53
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+0.22
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Cox Radio
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CXR
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13.16
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+0.38
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Regent
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RGCI
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3.01
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-0.01
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Cumulus
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CMLS
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9.66
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-0.14
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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6.87
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+0.32
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Debut Bcg.
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DBTB
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1.00
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-0.15
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Salem Comm.
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SALM
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8.45
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+0.71
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Disney
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DIS
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33.16
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+0.16
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Sirius Sat. Radio
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SIRI
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2.98
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-0.02
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Emmis
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EMMS
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5.79
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-0.32
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Spanish Bcg.
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SBSA
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2.82
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unch
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Entercom
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ETM
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21.98
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-1.99
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SWMX
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SMWX
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0.09
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unch
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Entravision
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EVC
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8.30
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-0.07
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Westwood One
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WON
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3.44
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+0.04
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Fisher
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FSCI
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48.42
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-0.07
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XM Sat. Radio
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XMSR
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11.41
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-0.19
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Bounceback
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 We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to [email protected]
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Below the Fold
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Ad Business Report
Seven secrets of great advertising
Most ad pros know what makes great advertising. But they work in a volatile biz and generally afraid to talk about it...
Media Markets & Money
Close encounter in Missouri
16 Shepherd Group sold...
Washington Media Business Report
FCC:
Cap noncom FM stick applications? Parties think there should be a limit...
Ratings & Research
Brands teens are talking about
Teens have 145 WOM conversations per week-more than twice as many as...
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Stations for Sale
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The Exline Company
AMs - San Jose,
Salt Lake City, Fresno
FMs - Northern CA, Coastal CA,
Central CA, Idaho, Oregon
Call Andy McClure or Erick Steinberg
(415) 479-3484 [email protected]
Florida
2 FMs, 1 AM
Unrated Panhandle Market
Best sales year ever in 2006
Gordon Rice Associates
(843) 884-3590 or
E-mail Gordon Rice Here
 Market your Stations For Sale
in our daily epapers.
Contact
June Barnes
[email protected]
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Radio Media Moves
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Tankersley in WideOrbit
WideOrbit announced Danny Tankersley, formerly of Wicks Broadcast Solutions, has joined WideOrbit as Regional Sales Director. WideOrbit provides Sales, Traffic and Billing software solutions for the media industry. Tankersley will report directly to Mike Zinsmeister, VP/Sales.
Tribune director exits
Tribune Company announced that Miles D. White has resigned from its board of directors. White, Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories, cited increasing business and civic commitments as reasons for stepping down.
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More News Headlines
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South Carolina muddies 2008 primary picture
The Republican Party has moved its presidential primary up to 1/19/08, a move which puts it at odds with New Hampshire state law and may likely have a ripple effect felt in Iowa as well. The already-truncated 2008 primary schedule was to kick off with caucuses in Iowa 1/14/08, followed by Nevada on 1/19/08. Then the tradition first primary in New Hampshire would be held on 1/22/08. New Hampshire state law dictates that it maintain its lead-off status, and it's 1/22/08 slot is only tentative at this point. It is expected that it will move up to get ahead of SC, which in turn may force Iowa to move to an earlier date. The schedule, which used to take place over a period of months, has been compressed in large part by a convergence of states all holding their events on 2/5/08, a date which has come to be known as Super Duper Tuesday.
RBR observation: So your end-of-year specialty advertisers may have unexpected company. Along with the post-holiday clearance bonanza and champagne is for lovers ads there may well be quite a few pointing out how one's slimy opponent is in the pocket of special interests. Just the thing to keep the public in the holiday mood. But hey, anything that keeps broadcast cash registers ringing into the traditional January doldrums is a good thing, right?
| Tentative primary dates here |
Journal Broadcast under attack
Two employees of Journal Broadcast Group's Milwaukee radio and TV operation were attacked last week by a pack of stray pit bulls outside the studios. One of them, a custodial worker, was bitten so severely on her legs that she may require plastic surgery. A police officer was also bitten while rounding up the animals. Since the vicious dogs were right outside the WTMJ-AM & TV and WKTI-FM studios, there were plenty of cameras around and video is posted on the Channel 4 website. Police are now trying to identify the owner of the four dogs, who appeared to be healthy and well fed.
Second O&O,
second language
Come this Wednesday (8/15), Disney's ESPN Inc. will debut its second O&O in Dallas with the launch of KNIT-AM as "1480 AM ESPN Deportes Radio," joining "103.3FM ESPN" KESN-FM in the market. With the addition of the Dallas-Ft. Worth market, ESPN Deportes Radio said it will cover 45% of the US Hispanic Market, with stations in 12 of the top 25 US Hispanic markets.
Merv Griffin dead at 82
Former radio group owner Merv Griffin died yesterday at age 82. A statement from his family said he died from a recurrence of prostate cancer which had quickly spread to other organs. Although we know him for radio, it was TV where he really made his mark. "The Merv Griffin Show" aired for 23 years and he created "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!"
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RBR Radar 2007
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Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
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National and Local Business
Saga Communications Q2 conference call, CEO Ed Christian mentioned that in speaking with Katz Media CEO Stu Olds recently on national business, Christian noted Olds said the number of spots sold this year is higher than last year. However, each month Katz goes in about 5% below last year on pre-booking. "So not only do they start with a -5, we also have the introduction of the :30s, which have hurt the average rate in the marketplace. So that's part of the issue." He added that local radio has to re-invent itself and quit only going for the low-hanging fruit. "We have made this commitment to go out and do the developmental calls that are necessary to restore the growth in this industry." He says it can be done, radio just got lazy. The number of cold calls and spec spots required for each AE each week to develop new revenue need to go up.
RBR observation: Just got lazy lets add greedy, lack on innovation, being cheap to this long list. We are sure many in our business can add to the list so go ahead and send RBR your thoughts to this list [email protected] but also add what You are doing to improve your station.
08/10/07 RBR #156
Battle lines drawn at Regent
Riley Investment Management says it will sue the management and board of directors at Regent Communications because the company has not called a special shareholders meeting that Riley requested. The investment group has been pushing for a sell-off of Regent's assets and wants to put three directors of its choosing on the board.
08/10/07 RBR #156
Watchdog names its
best and worst advertisers
Parents Television Council awards green lights to television shows it likes, and red lights to those it doesn't. Parents are urged to direct their children to the green side of the equation.
TVBR observation: This is a completely appropriate use of the First Amendment by PTC.
08/10/07 TVBR #156
Clear Channel sale to Devine craters; 11 markets back in play
Chris Devine's Blue Point Media, one of the first big buyers announced in the Clear Channel Radio divestitures of small and medium market clusters, will not be a buyer after all. An internal memo to managers of the 11 clusters says Clear Channel intends to move promptly to identify a new buyer, and, as such, the managers can expect to get requests for updated market data. Here are the Clear Channel clusters formerly going to Blue Point.
RBR observation: There had been rumors for some time that this deal was in trouble. Devine and partner Bruce Buzil (who was not a part of Blue Point) had put some of their other radio companies - Millcreek Broadcasting, 3 Point Media - Delta, 3 Point Media - Franklin and 3 Point Media - Utah - into Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization a few months ago. That didn't inspire confidence and Devine apparently lost his original financing for the Clear Channel deal. There were attempts to find a new lender, but, alas, now the deal is dead. To see the stations and markets involved in this DOA deal view RBR
08/09/07 RBR #155
21 broadcast groups, rep firms
"Buy In" to TVB's ePort
The TVB announced 21 television broadcast groups and two Rep firms have committed to date to TVB ePort, an eBusiness platform that will enable a new wave of open-standard electronic transactions between advertisers, agencies, broadcasters and station reps. Chicago-based Spot Buy Spot will build the platform and that the first phase would launch in November, enabling Spot TV buyers to send Q1 2008 orders electronically. The entire suite of open standard transactions--from avail through invoice for stations' airtime, websites, digital subchannels and other multiplatform offerings--is expected to be available through TVB ePort by March 2008.
TVBR observation: Now this is the way a medium and their trade representative should work and grow together. Called Commitment and putting their money where their ideas and beliefs are. This is good for local TV.
08/09/07 TVBR #155
Will the good old days ever return?
Regent CEO Bill Stakelin's long career in radio in both large and small markets, plus a stint heading the RAB, CL King analyst Jim Boyle asked whether, after more than six years of slow-to-no-growth, is this still a cyclical downdraft or a long-term change? Stakelin said the impact of new media has changed the equation, but that online is a big opportunity for radio. "There's gold in them thar hills and we think we're good enough to mine it on behalf of our shareholders." Boyle asked Stakelin to predict the future, "When the larger markets and all of us regain our focus on the fact that this is a local-based, local-driven advertising medium and we get back to the basics of selling our local markets and serving the advertisers and their needs in those markets - be it in Buffalo or Watertown, New York - then I think we will have more control over our own destiny and how we can drive revenues and increase profits."
RBR observation: Lets also add leadership when radio owners stop being portfolio managers and become operators. When they loosen the money strings to research, marketing, programming then radio will see the growth. When we have the creativity locally we will have the growth.
08/08/07 RBR #154
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