Have a colleague try us and be prepared for 4th qtr, forward them todays epaper, they'll thank you for it.
Trial Subscription Sign Up
Welcome to RBR's Daily Epaper
Volume 23, Issue 183, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
Wednesday Morning September 20th, 2006

Radio News ®

Boxer receives another
suppressed study

...and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has already ordered an internal investigation into the matter of the media ownership studies which seem to have been shelved while the FCC considered directly related rulemakings. The first report, the existence of which Barbara Boxer (D-CA) revealed at Martin's renomination hearing, concerned local news content on television. The latest details consolidation of radio ownership since 1996. The first report, put together in 2004, showed that local television owners included on average about five minutes more local news coverage than their distant-HQ counterparts, and about three-and-a-half more minutes of on-scene coverage. The newly revealed report chronicled the rise of consolidation in the radio industry in the aftermath of passage of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. It said that while the number of stations increased by 5.9%, the number of owners decreased about 35%. Josh Silver of watchdog Free Press said, "This is a scandal. Apparently, FCC officials are willing to deep-six any research that contradicts industry's pro-consolidation claims. they can't be trusted. There needs to be an independent investigation and a full review of all research conducted under the leadership of Michael Powell and Kevin Martin." However, Martin, Powell and former Media Bureau Chief Ken Ferree have denied any knowledge of the reports (the first one, anyway), let alone having a role in their suppression.

RBR observation: We believe Martin when he said he had no clue as to the existence of these documents, and his swift action to address Boxer's concerns would also bear that out. He has expressed in the past a desire to clear the way for more local newspaper/broadcast combos, but we haven't heard any specific opinions one way or the other on the topic of upping local broadcast caps. This is definitely a stay tuned item.

Hispanic advertising universe growing fast
The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) says that the 2000 census was a milestone for its members. It's quantification of the Hispanic demographic as the fastest-growing group in America was the top milestone on the way to a 5B market in Hispanic advertising. And they're looking for more. Hispanics are closing in on becoming the spenders of 1 Trillion. Most respondents to a survey of Hispanic advertising agencies say that even while the mainstream advertising environment continues sputtering, they are expecting double-digit growth in 2007. It will be driven by increased spending in the finance, entertainment, pharmaceutical and travel categories. Still, they don't think they are getting market share commensurate with the potential of the market. AHAA Chairman Carl Kravetz said, "It is an ongoing process to educate corporate marketers about the value of marketing to Latinos as more than just a project but an integral part of every marketing plan. We need to move beyond the 'why,' however, and begin to discuss the 'how': partnering with clients to engage this brand-loyal audience and connect emotionally with them using the language of cultural identity rather than getting bogged down in a debate over whether to use Spanish or English." The AHAA says there are already 42M Hispanics commanding almost 900B in spending power.


CommComm says Americans
want video choice

Ted Stevens' (R-AK) Senate Commerce Committee has released results of a survey which shows overwhelming support for competition in the MVPD business, which will be realized by the move of telephone companies into competition with cable and satellite services. The Committee also claimed that people showed little concern for network neutrality, a statement immediately challenged by at least one watchdog. 90% of the 800 people surveyed were in favor of competitive MVPD providers because, according to the report, "... it would likely result in lower prices (82%), better customer service (81%), delivery of new technologies and enhanced services to customers (78%), and higher quality programming, such as high definition TV and video on demand content (73%)." The Commerce Committee went on to say that in some places only as few as 5% of the respondents had even heard of the concept of network neutrality. It did find that support for a "Consumer Bill of Rights," which "prevents Internet service providers from blocking access to competitors or degrading a consumer's broadband service" was high, at 78%. The report says, "According to the survey, when presented with a choice between video choice and additional net neutrality legislation, an overwhelming majority of voters supported video choice." Critic Ken Fisher of ars technica said that many of the questions tended to lead respondents toward supporting video competition, but there were only two net neutrality questions, period and neither mentioned potential benefits.

RBR observation: Without at this moment taking a position on this, we have to point out that asking for a preference between video competition and net neutrality is a false choice. There's no reason on earth consumers can't have both. The existence of one does not preclude the existence of the other. It's just that the MVPD providers want to provide both video and Internet services. It is clear that consumers want video competition, and the best way to get that ball rolling is to excise the net neutrality portions of the bill out and consider the issue separately.

Is radio walking on an oil slick?
Victor Miller and his team of analysts at Bear Stearns note a double digit rise in radio stock prices from early August through 9/13/06. They say it bodes well, that August and September are showing enough growth to pull July's 1% revenue loss into the black, and that Q4 is also starting to look positive, especially with political cash still being held in reserve. It also notes that the recent reduction in oil prices from 80 to 65 dollars a barrel helps two of radio primary categories, automotive and retail. The relationship of oil to automotive is obvious, and retail benefits as consumer cash is freed up for discretionary purchases. Looking ahead, Bear expects 2% revenue growth in 2007, as programming investments halt declining listenership patterns and HD radio begins to gain traction.

RBR observation: Cheaper gas may also mean more people in cars for longer periods of time. That can only help build audience numbers.


Excelsior acquires Radio Data Group
Excelsior Radio Networks has acquired Radio Data Group (RDG), a Virginia-based company that provides software tools to radio stations for web publishing and listener interactivity. Excelsior had owned 20% of RDG's common stock and earlier this month acquired the remaining outstanding shares from CBS Radio and a private investor. Excelsior's MJI Interactive division has worked closely with RDG in developing the market for specialized software tools for radio since MJI established an exclusive rep deal with the company in 1997. Excelsior plans to integrate RDG into MJI and invest further in new products for broadcasters and in monetizing emerging media. "Our MJI Interactive division is going to do the affiliate sales," Excelsior CEO Spencer Brown tells RBR. "I think this is a key area of growth, selling web tools and other products to radio stations as they get more digital. It's going to be sold by Dial-Global primarily for barter. We currently have 1,500 affiliates that subscribe to the web tools and MJI content." "It's really clear that stations seek new ways to monetize not only their web sites, but the many new ways they relate to their listeners - whether it's text messaging, podcasting or streamed entertainment," added Margaret Shiverick, president of MJI Interactive. "Our next growth wave will come from helping stations and station owners earn their shares of local and national online advertising."

RBR Observation
Peyton space
We have watched quite a few NFL games in this young 2006 season. We see 22 players on the field most of the time, with another 60-70 on the sidelines, along with a large number of coaches. As much as we admire the various abilities of NFL players and coaches, we have no reason to suspect that we share consumption habits with any of these fine folks. So we have to ask this question: What is with the carpet-bombing attack of Peyton Manning every time there is a break in the action? We do not live in the Indianapolis media market, and while we do not hold grudges against athletes working elsewhere, neither do we elevate them on to a pedestal and seek to emulate their patterns of consumption, even when they are as conspicuous as Mr. Manning's have become of late. Three points: For starters, is this an example of collusion? Is every advertising agency in America in on this? It sure seems like it. Second, can't somebody else get a chance? Other players no doubt would like to make a little cash on the side, and have the talent to get through a :30 or :60 spot effectively. Third, we are so busy registering our shock that Mr. Manning is back on the screen AGAIN that frankly, as we write this, although we remember him talking about himself while wearing a disguise, and we remember his face emerging from a football bladder (or something), and we remember him pulling up in the middle of a play to talk to us, we seriously cannot remember a single one of the products he's working so hard to promote. And frankly speaking, if we do remember, we may boycott the product on general principles. As we've mentioned before, we won't buy Wisk to this day. Manning has been turned into a cliche overnight. Creative? Don't think so.


Publisher Perspective
Howard - The return to the Dial?
The hype is on, again, about the self-proclaimed "King of All Media" Howard Stern returning to terrestrial radio. Just so happens today the annual NAB Radio show begins and what a good way to get a buzz going. Yep, I got emails telling they heard Imus talking about Stern returning and wanting to know what RBR knew? It was on the cable news channels and viewing these so-called radio experts discussing the radio business is a joke in itself, no less their trying to explain Stern going back to the free radio dial with the money involved etc. Fact is, nobody knows and it is just good buzz for Howard and trying to get buzz about Sirius. Remember, Christmas is only a few months away and last year Stern was humping Sirius radios before he made the move. But now he doesn't have that big free radio platform. So what do you think Mel "The Zen Master" Karmazin is going to do this first full year in marketing Stern and Sirius for the Holiday? RBR already reported that Karmazin was going to spend marketing ad dollars during this Christmas season, so why would anyone want to blow this plan. Plus the gossip - more rumors of XM and Sirius merging and if that happened then Stern's audience would grow through the marriage. That's not gonna happen, but it is just more buzz. The bottom line on the self proclaimed "King of All Media" - his crown has slipped and now most likely is just a prince of a small island with lots of money. So Howard, you got your press - now we in radio have to get to work during this NAB show and make terrestrial radio better and get a proactive strategy for success.


Ad Business Report TM

RADAR 90 audience data detailed
Radio retains its position as a mainstay medium, reaching more than 230 million listeners in a typical week, or almost 93% of all persons 12+, according to the latest total radio listening estimates compiled by RADAR. More than 182 million people, or 73% of all Persons 12+, tune to radio on Saturday or Sunday. Initial findings in RADAR 90 indicate that, over the course of a typical week, radio reaches 93% of all Persons, 12+, which amounts to 230,308,000 listeners. In terms of other demographics, radio reaches more than 94% of Adults 18+ who live in a household with an income of 75,000+. 94% of college grads listen to radio, as compared to 91% of people who did not go to college. 81% of Adults 18+ listen to radio while in their cars and 24% listen to radio at work. On 9/26, Arbitron will release the complete RADAR 90 Radio Network Audience Report results. The sample size for RADAR 90 has been increased to more than 112,000 diarykeepers.

XenTx deploys Wal-Mart in-store campaign
EMTA Holdings announced its XenTx signature line of extreme metal treatment applications, began a Wal-Mart in-store ad campaign in 875 stores nationwide that's running from 9/18-10/15. The Wal-Mart in-store television system is featuring two XenTx ads promoting XenTx Extreme Engine Treatment. The ads are rotated and shown 8 times every two hours. Additionally, Wal-Mart stores equipped with television walls are showing the two ads 16 times for every two hours of programming.


NAB Day Time Planner
The following will be attending the NAB. Call or email to make your
appointment in advance.
BROKERS
Todd Fowler/David Reeder/Gene Ferry/Bruce Pollock, American Media Services, Hilton Anatole, 843-972-2200, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Jack Higgins/Dan Graves/
Joel Day/Denis LeClair
, CobbCorp, LLC., Hilton Anatole, office 202-478-3737, [email protected]

Andrew P. McClure, The Exline Company, Hilton Anatole, Suite 353 office 415-479-3484, cell 415-497-3855, [email protected]

Frank Boyle, Frank Boyle & Co., Sheraton Suites Market Center, 203-969-2020, [email protected]

Cliff Gardiner, Clifton Gardiner & Co., Hilton Anatole, 303-758-6900, [email protected]

Gordon Rice, Gordon Rice Associates,
843-884-3590, Hilton Anatole, [email protected]

Ed Henson, Henson Media, Inc., Louisville, KY, 502-589-0060, Hilton Anatole, [email protected]

John L. Pierce,
John Pierce & Company LLC,
859-647-0101, cell 859-512-3015, Hilton Anatole, [email protected]

Jamie Rasnick,
John Pierce & Company LLC,
859-647-0101, cell 513-252-1186, Hilton Anatole, [email protected]

Dick Kozacko/George Kimble,
Kozacko Media Services, office 607-733-7138, cell 607-738-1219, Hilton Anatole,
[email protected]

Larry Patrick/Greg Guy/Susan Patrick/Summer Foust,
Patrick Communications, Hilton Anatole
Suite #1034, 410-740-0250, [email protected]

Glenn Serafin, Serafin Bros., Inc.,
office 813-885-6060,
cell 813-494-6875, [email protected]

Terry A. Greenwood,
TAG Media Consulting,
Hilton Anatole, office 410-931-3362, [email protected]

LAWYERS
Gregg P. Skall,
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC 202-857-4441, Hilton Anatole, [email protected]

TRAFFIC SOFTWARE
Eric Mathewson, Founder and CEO; Wide Orbit; 415-675-6751; Booth 617 and Hilton Anatole Presidential Suite;
[email protected]

REG.-NAT. SALES/STATION REPRESENTATION
Stuart J. Sharpe/Kevin S. Adelstein/Gail F. Lawing/Beth L. Lesser, Regional Reps Corp., office 216-781-0035, Stuart 216-272-8442, Kevin 216-702-2569, Gail 404-307-3194, Beth 214-621-5353, Hilton Anatole, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]


One On One
NAB CEO David Rehr
New Captain on deck at the NAB
Radio & Television Report Managing Editor Dave Seyler sat down with National Association of Broadcasters President/CEO David K. Rehr early in March. After briefly discussing children, Dr. Seuss and the truth of the story "Too Many Daves" in "The Sneetches and Other Stories," we moved on to the state of the broadcasting industry as he found it after three months on the job.

You obviously had a winning job interview with the NAB board members so I was wondering if you could do a summary of what you told them for the people that weren't there.
It was a very competitive process...I think there probably wasn't one thing that swayed them in my direction other than I like to be very value driven meaning that everything we do has to provide value to our members since they pay dues for it. I want to run a very efficient but effective ship meaning that we're getting the biggest bang for each dollar that I spend on behalf of the members. I absolutely love politics and Washington and I have let's say many friends but having spent 25-years of my life here meeting members of Congress and staffers and coming from the beer industry where I first think well what's the difference between or what's similar between beer and broadcasting? But I think beer is probably more regulated than broadcast is and just understanding what it's like to be in an industry that is highly regulated and how you work through kind of regulation to ensure that you're in a good competitive position but yet you allow sufficient entrepreneurism and market forces to work to help you be profitable.
| Read More... |


Media Business Report TM
Yahoo sees weakness
in online ad market

Sue Decker, Yahoo's CFO, said Tuesday at a Goldman Sachs conference in NYC that due to softness in online advertising, she expected Yahoo would report Q3 sales in the lower side of guidance that the company gave in July. Yahoo stock has fallen 24% over the last year. Decker said that softness in auto and financial advertising was having an effect and reportedly wasn't sure if this was just a Q3 phenomenon or part of a broader trend. Shares of Yahoo tumbled about 12% on the news, and shares of Google slid about 4%. At least one industry analyst said the impact could be broader. "It feels and smells like a macro problem, rather than something specific to Yahoo or the Internet industry," Martin Pyykkonen, an analyst with Global Crown Capital LLC, told Reuters. "It would be naive to say that advertisers would continue to pour ahead on online advertising and cut back only on traditional advertising in the face of economic weakness."


Media Markets & Money TM
And then there were three
Salem already announced it was selling a pair of Jacksonville AM stations to related radio group Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting. Now comes the announcement that WJGR-AM and WZNZ-AM will come with a third property, WZAZ-AM. The common thread between the two groups is the name Epperson. Stuart Eppinger, along with Edward Atsinger III, is a principal of Salem. Epperson's wife Nancy is the principal of the buyer. The addition of one AM has added another 1M to the pricetag, taking it up to 2.8M. Closure will mark Salem's official exit from the market. It recently closed on the 7.65M sale of WBGB-FM to Cox Radio.


Washington Media Business Report TM
Commerce Committee moves Martin forward
The Senate Commerce Committee didn't even bother heading up to one of its frequently used meeting rooms. It huddled off the Senate floor to consider the nomination of FCC Chairman Kevin Martin for a second full term as commissioner and an extension of his Chairmanship. And it took up the matter of Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator of the NTIA John Kneuer for the purpose of deleting the word "Acting" from his business card. Both were approved by unanimous acclimation. Now it's on to the floor for full Senate approval.

RBR observation: We don't anticipate any problems for either candidate, but any senator can put a hold on any nominee for any reason, and they can pretty much do it anonymously, so we'll just wait and see before we proclaim either one of these nominations a done deal.


Entertainment Media Business Report TM
Citadel chooses SSI, not ABCRN
Interestingly, it was not ABC Radio Networks, which Citadel is in the midst of purchasing along with ABC Radio: Syndicated Solutions (SSI) announced it has reached an agreement with Citadel Broadcasting along with hosts Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey, acquiring syndication rights for The Rick & Bubba Show. The agreement became effective 9/1. Rick & Bubba airs weekdays 6a-11a ET to several dozen affiliates from flagship station WYSF-FM Birmingham, AL. As a part of the new agreement, SSI will add a barter affiliation model to the program's syndication offerings and promote an encore refeed for afternoon/evening broadcasts.

Sirius debuting DIY radio show
Sirius Satellite Radio listener is opening its airwaves for listeners to create and host their own national radio show. The new user-generated show, called D.I.Y. Radio, will debut on Faction, Sirius's music and sports lifestyle channel, on 9/24. It will air each Sunday at 8 pm ET on Faction/channel 28 D.I.Y. Radio will put a different Sirius listener in control of his or her own show every week - allowing them to pick all of the music and say whatever they want, completely commercial-free and uncensored. Earlier this year, Sirius launched Blog Radio on Left of Center/channel 26, featuring radio shows created and hosted by the influential music bloggers in America.

Rover's off in Detroit, too
CBS Radio talker WKRK-FM Detroit has also pulled (yesterday) Rover from mornings and replaced with Opie & Anthony. Rover also lost morning drive to O&A in Chicago this past July on WCKG-FM. O&A move over from sister sports WXYT-AM, which replaces with ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike. Rover's still on in Cleveland at CBS Radio's WXRK-FM.


Internet Media Business Report TM
BBC launches major ad push in Spanish - 'BBC Mundo: Your World, Your News' - an interactive online campaign
The BBC, launched a new interactive ad campaign to promote its Spanish language online site bbcmundo.com in Latin American and US Hispanic markets. The countries included in the campaign are: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, the USA, Uruguay and Venezuela. BBC Mundo: Your World, Your News promotes the Spanish language site bbcmundo.com through key news sites, portals and messenger services. Initially appearing on MSN Instant Messenger, the online campaign will expand across a wide range of popular news and information including Yahoo!, New York Times and Hotmail in October. Designed and delivered by the London-based digital marketing specialist, Agency Republic, the campaign runs for three months. The campaign promotes the site as a daily source for up-to-date headlines around the world and is targeting people with a modern outlook who use the internet as part of their daily lives and are unlikely to have had any previous experience of bbcmundo.com


Transactions
3,043,906 WSWB-TV Wilkes Barre-Scranton PA (Scranton) and WTLF-TV Tallahassee FL-Thomasville GA (Tallahassee FL) from Mystic Television of Scranton/Tallahasse LLC, a subsidiary of Mystic Broadcast Group Inc. (Daniel J. Duman) to MPS Tallahassee/MPS Scranton (Eugene Brown). New buyer replaces Bluenose Television of Scranton/Tallahassee LLC (Stephen C. Brissette) in deal filed 7/10/06. WSWB-TV is WB/UPN affiliate on Channel 38; WTLF-TV is a digital only facility playing UPN on Channel 24. [File date 8/29/06.]

N/A KVIV-AM El Paso TX from Spanish Christian Broadcasting of El Paso Inc. (Alfred Cabrera) to El Paso y Juarez Companerismo-Cristiano (Alfonso Cabrera, Francis Munoz, Judty Cabrera). Transferred per agreement upon pay-off of 2/26/95 promissory note held by Dunn Broadcasting Co. Both buyer and seller are non-profit. [File date 9/6/06.]


Stock Talk
Losers take winners yesterday
Most radio stocks were down, with XM, Entercom and Fisher leading with pack, down -0.57, -0.29 and -1.21, respectively. Yahoo! CFO Sue Decker's claim of softness in auto and financial advertising (see story in Media Business Report) may have played a role, as did three-year weaknesses in the housing market and DaimlerChrysler production cuts.


Radio Stocks

Here's how stocks fared on Tuesday

Company Symbol Close Change Company Symbol Close Change

Arbitron

ARB

37.64

-0.26

Hearst-Argyle

HTV

23.15

-0.22

Beasley

BBGI

7.25

-0.06

Journal Comm.

JRN

11.11

-0.22

CBS CI. B CBS

28.64

-0.03

Lincoln Natl.

LNC

61.00

-0.16

CBS CI. A CBSa

28.68

+0.01

Radio One, Cl. A

ROIA

6.35

-0.01

Citadel CDL
9.36 -0.02

Radio One, Cl. D

ROIAK

6.32

-0.07

Clear Channel

CCU

29.21

-0.12

Regent

RGCI

3.89

-0.07

Cox Radio

CXR

15.25

-0.06

Saga Commun.

SGA

7.95

+0.07

Cumulus

CMLS

9.78

-0.10

Salem Comm.

SALM

10.98

+0.35

Disney

DIS

30.47

+0.41

Sirius Sat. Radio

SIRI

3.86

-0.25

Emmis

EMMS

11.75

-0.25

Spanish Bcg.

SBSA

3.98

-0.22

Entercom

ETM

24.76

-0.29

Univision

UVN

34.44

+0.04

Entravision

EVC

7.39

-0.06

Westwood One

WON

7.22

-0.08

Fisher

FSCI

42.63

-1.21

XM Sat. Radio

XMSR

13.31

-0.57

Gaylord

GET

44.99

+0.17

-

-

-

-

-


Bounceback

Send Us Your OpinionsWe want to
hear from you.

This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to [email protected]




Below the Fold
One On One
NAB CEO David Rehr
New Captain on deck Goes One on One with RBR...

Ad Business Report
RADAR 90
Audience data detailed radio retains position as mainstay medium...

Media Business Report
Yahoo sees weakness
In online ad market. Yahoo stock has fallen 24% over the last year...

Media Markets & Money
And then there were three
Salem already announced it was selling a pair of Jacksonville...

Arbitrends

Arbitron
Market Results
| Akron |
| Boston |
| Detroit |
| Hartford |
| Philadelphia |
| Riverside |
| San Diego |

NBA Minute




Stations for Sale

Alaska 5 Station Cluster
All from same building
Great Group at 8X trailing BCF
Cliff at Clifton Gardiner & Co
(303)758-6900 [email protected]


Radio Media Moves

Tom Land
named Journal
programming chief

Tom Land has been named Director of Radio Programming for the Journal Broadcast Group. In his new corporate role, Land will work directly with the local programming teams at the Journal Broadcast Group's radio stations to plan and execute product strategies. Land will be based at the company's Omaha Operations, where he has served as OM since 2000 and will continue to oversee Omaha's programming department.

Has NAB maxed its Capitol Hill contingent?
The National Association of Broadcasters continues to build a government relations wing which will be comfortable on both sides of the Capitol Hill aisle. And the latest addition was actually had a seat there. Former Representative Max Sandlin (D-TX) has come on board to provide "...strategic counsel and advice and will also advocate on behalf of broadcasters before Congress."




August RBR/TVBR
Digital Magazine

In August's RBR/TVBR Solutions Magazine:
* Hispanic media managers on ratings and audience trending.
* The explosion of Hispanic formats and networks.
* Denuo CEO, Publicis Media CIO Rashid Tobaccowala.
* Beth Comstock, President/Digital Media and Market Development, NBC Universal.
* One on One with David Kennedy.
* Magna Global CEO Bill Cella's days at WXYZ-TV.
* Jim Yager is out to do it all again.


Read RBR/TVBR in 2 simple steps:
1.Create a simple account with Zinio and download the Zinio Reader.
2. You can then download the
August Issue of RBR/TVBR




RBR Radar 2006
Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.

Emmis handing out cash
Rather than another Dutch auction, Emmis Communications has elected to make a cash payout of four bucks per share to shareholders as a special dividend. Emmis says the special dividend combined with last year's Dutch auction tender will have returned almost 550 million to shareholders. Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan has 37.2 million shares outstanding, so the special dividend will total 149 million. Nearly 20 million will go to Smulyan, who is the biggest shareholder.

RBR observation: This special dividend move did not please Wall Street, which had been hoping for another Dutch auction stock buyback round. Why not do that? One reason might be the current stock price. Having already rejected a 15.25 per share buyout offer from Smulyan to take the company private, it could have been embarrassing for the board of directors to turn around and do a big stock buyback at an even lower price.
09/19/06 RBR #182

Powell unaware of localism report
Many watchdogs thought they saw the fingerprints of former FCC Chairman Michael Powell in the case of the not-so-dead FCC report on the relationship between local news programming and the proximity of station ownership. Powell told RBR/TVBR that he knows nothing of the report, and the fact that it's available everywhere is clear proof that it wasn't destroyed.

RBR observation: Powell, former Media Bureau Chief Ken Ferree and current Chairman Kevin Martin are pleading both innocence and ignorance. We're not sure who we'll need to get to the bottom of this one, Sherlock Holmes or Inspector Clouseau. Two things are clear, however. First, Martin exhibited a great deal of wisdom in shuffling this hot potato right into the public domain before any of his fingerprints could find their way onto the whole mess. Second, the bottom line is that it will make it just that much more difficult to edge the current redo of media ownership rules toward the deregulatory side.
09/19/06 RBR #182

"Sell" call for Cox Radio
Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Wienkes has lowered his "Neutral" rating on Cox Radio to "Sell." Wienkes says the stock appears to have been trading up on expectations of being taken private by Cox Enterprises, but he thinks that is unlikely to happen. Year-to-date (as of 9/14) Cox Radio shares are up 15% vs. a 25% decline for the radio sector. While the fundamentals for the company are stable, Wienkes says there is nothing about its performance to justify such a run up, so buyers must be banking on a takeout by its private parent.

RBR observation: In the current environment, every public radio CEO would like to go private. No one enjoys getting beaten up quarter after quarter by analysts and big money managers. But it takes money to go private and the deal has to make sense to the people supplying the money. We doubt that Cox Enterprises would pay off the public shareholders of Cox Radio at a huge premium in a soft market just to be rid of them.
09/18/06 RBR #181

Streaming revenues sparse
Internet streaming may be a natural brand extension for radio companies, but Lehman Brothers analyst Anthony DiClemente says efforts so far just aren't generating much in revenues. Meanwhile, those online efforts are further fragmenting the listening audience. Thus, DiClemente continues his "Negative" view for the radio sector.

RBR observation: Pay radio is still a tough sell, even if it is a lot cheaper to send audio out over the Internet than via expensive satellites. We wonder how many people actually pay the subscription fees for the "premium service" that takes you beyond the free channels of the online audio sites. Don't forget, there are costs associated with collecting 3.99 a month from a subscriber, so a subscription model actually makes it harder to get to the break-even point.
09/15/06 RBR #180

Analyst urges Clear Channel
to sell more stations
Marci Ryvicker at Wachovia says Clear Channel has been doing a lot of things right lately, reorganizing management and making deals that expand beyond traditional radio. And while the company has sold off a few stations, she says Clear Channel would improve its ratings and margins if it sold off more non-core radio assets.
09/14/06 RBR #179


Visit MediaHeadHunters.com

Marketing Director
WFAN is looking for an experienced Marketing Director. Responsibilities will include overseeing the promotions staff, development and execution of overall station marketing and promotions strategy and working with sales on creative approaches to sales materials. Experience in NY Metro area a plus. CBS owned station and is an EOE.
See Radio Careers

Local Sales Manager
Are you going to be at the NAB Radio Show in Dallas? KPLX 99.5 The WOLF, Texas Country in Dallas a Premier Country station in Top 5 market. Focus with Responsibilities: Achieving local sales goals, maintaining reputation and integrity of sales operation with clients while recruitment and retention of Account Managers with in-field coaching. Minimum 3 years large market Sales/Management, NTR, Interactive Media experience. Cumulus Radio Dallas is EOE.
See Radio Careers

Talk Radio Network
Seeking professionals in three areas to join our TRN team. First: Executive Producer on topical subjects, Second: Board Operator with 2 years experience with Telos call-screening software and Third: Staff Engineer that can take initiative. This is a fast paced high pressure environment, must be able to think and act professionally in emergency situations. EOE. For complete details on all three positions
See Radio Careers

Hard finding that key person
to fill the important position at your organization? Media HeadHunters is the place that key media firms use to get results. See Media HeadHunters and get results with service--Period.

Find Your Radio Career

Post Your Companies Job Openings


Other Links

Help Desk

__FIRST__ __SECOND__ :
Having problems with our epapers?
Please send Questions/Concerns to:
[email protected]

If you wish to remove your name completely from our database use this link __UNSUB__

RBR Epaper -- 108 annual
or just 9 a month

©2006 Radio Business Report, Inc. All rights reserved.
Radio Business Report -- 2050 Old Bridge Road, Suite B-01, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 -- Phone: 703-492-8191