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Volume 24, Issue 187, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Tuesday Morning September 25th, 2007
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Radio News ®
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 Gloomy forecast for Charlotte
That's not the weather outlook, which is pretty sunny for this NAB Radio Show week, but Bank of America analyst Jonathan Jacoby sees "no sunny days for radio." The data he has gathered indicates that August sales were worse than expected in large markets, so he's expected the month industry-wide to come in down 1%, rather than his previous estimate of flat. CL King analyst Jim Boyle is even more pessimistic. He thinks August will be down 2%. Jacoby says his data comes from most of the largest radio markets, accounting for around 30% of total radio revenues. "For these markets, total revenue growth (including Internet and other non-spot sales) was down approximately 3% year over year. Spot sales slipped approximately 4%, with slightly heavier declines coming from national spot sales. Non-spot sales (led by online ads) were up again, increasing by approximately 10% by our estimate - showing an increase from the 6% growth rate seen in July," Jacoby told clients. "Smaller radio markets have tended to grow faster than larger markets in recent years, and so a 2-3% decline among the larger markets likely indicates a somewhat more moderate decline for the industry as a whole. We are keeping September at 1%, and 2007 is at negative 0.4%," he concluded.
Boyle at CL King is seeing a continuation of the trend he's tracked for months of small markets generally doing better than large ones. But he notes in his latest report that the long-time weakness in the top 25 markets seems to be spreading to mid-markets as well. Yes, the small- and mid-markets he tracks beat the big ones for the 17th time in 19 months, but the gap has almost disappeared, primarily because of weakening in the medium markets. "The last four months have seen the average mid-sized market in our sample go from up 2%, to up 0.5% for two months and then down 2% in August," Boyle noted. He continues to forecast that radio revenues will be down 1% for 2007.
RBR observation: It's not all gloom and doom. We expect to see lots of happy, prosperous small market owners in Charlotte. Those markets where the rare agency buy is pretty inconsequential have held up well as their brethren in markets where CPM-type buys occur every day have suffered. The answer, of course, is to escape from negotiations based strictly on ratings and cost-per-point and sell based on the results that your station delivers to happy advertisers. Easier said than done - and each layer of people between the station sales staff and the ultimate decision maker for the advertiser just makes it that much harder. That's why mom and pop radio is still fun and rewarding, if increasingly rare.
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Election day is today for CCU
Don't look for a cliff hanger. This one is in the bag, with one-time dissident Highfields Capital pledged to support the buyout and most other big shareholders also believed to be firmly in the "yes" column. The big question is how many current public shareholders will take advantage of the opportunity to remain a shareholder in the new, private Clear Channel Communications as they vote to approve the deal to take the company private, with Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital as the primary shareholders. Highfields had pressed hard for that option, so it is expected to emerge as the biggest outside investor once the deal closes. With regulatory approvals still needed, but no known impediment to receiving them, that could be in the Thanksgiving-New Years time frame. Even after the buyout Clear Channel won't disappear from the Wall Street radar. It will have to make regular SEC reports for its stock trading in the over the counter market and its outstanding bonds. If you are a shareholder who elects the private stock option, the shares will be trading with the new ticker "CCMOV" on the pink sheets.
RBR observation: Losing the biggest radio stock of all leaves quite a hole in our daily Radio Index, which has been tracking radio stock movements for over a decade. Should we include CCMOV, even though it will not be listed on an exchange? We'll have to see how much trading volume there is before making that call.
 "Urban Radio in the
PPM World" studied
Urban radio has an unmatched ability to reach and motivate African American consumers on behalf of advertisers and marketers, according to a new presentation by ROI Media Solutions that debuted at Interep's 9th Annual "Power of Urban Radio Symposium." Based on the insights into the radio audience from PPM system, the presentation shows that radio continues to be a very influential medium among African-American consumers - reaching 97% of all Black persons age 12 and older each week. Black audiences continue to be extremely loyal to Urban radio. 75% of all African-American listeners age 12 and older spend most of their listening time with Urban radio, their number one format preference.
Other key findings include:
Urban radio is the best way to effectively and efficiently reach the Black consumer. In Philadelphia, which is one of two top markets currently measured by the PPM system, over 91% of Black listeners age 12+ listened to at least one the five Urban radio stations over the course of a typical week. PPM ratings indicate that two thirds (67%) of the African-American daytime radio audience is employed full or part-time. This is a higher percentage of employed listeners than the overall Philadelphia radio audience (62%).
Rush Imus panel comes into focus
Although it proved to be a difficult session to pull together, Bobby Rush (D-IL) finally has his Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection set for "From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degrading Images" this morning at 10AM. It would seem that the only thing missing from the three panel hearing is Don Imus himself. Here are the scheduled witnesses: Panel One: Phillippe P. Dauman, Viacom; Edgar Bronfman Jr., Warner Music Group; Doug Morris, Universal Music Group; Alfred C. Liggins III, Radio One; and Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two Interactive Software. Panel Two: Percy Miller aka "Master P"; Levell Crump, aka "David Banner. Panel Three: Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, Vanderbilt University; Andrew Rojecki, University of Illinois-Chicago; Faye Williams, National Congress of Black Women; Lisa Fager Bediako, Industry Ears; Karen Kill, Lenoir-Rhyne College.
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Comcast nailed for unidentified VNR
A regional news channel called CN8, produced by Cable giant Comcast, aired a consumer information segment that prominently featured a video news release about Nelson's Rescue Sleep sent to it by D.S. Simon Productions. Lack of sourcing has cost the MSO 4K. The issue was brought before the Commission by watchdogs Center for Media and Democracy and Free Press, who objected to a 9/21/06 report by CN8's Art Fennell. Fennell's story was on non-prescription sleep aids, and included the Nelson's footage, and did not mention any products competing with Nelson's. Comcast objected on a number of counts. It said in that the VNR sourcing requirements applied only to broadcasters, which the FCC said was nonsense -- the FCC said "origination programming" by a CATV operator is under the same obligation to identify a VNR source. It further said that it received no compensation for Nelson's. However, the FCC said there is an exception to the compensation proviso, "when there is too much focus on a product or brand name in the programming." Such was the case in the CN8 report, in the opinion of the FCC, an opinion which it backed up with the 4K fine.
RBR observation: The cliché is that 4K probably wouldn't cover this year's capex on paper clips for a giant like Comcast. However, this incident serves as an inexpensive warning that the FCC is on the job and will interpret the rules in favor of levying a fine when doubt exists as in this case. It also serves as a reminder that watchdogs have their VCRs running and are eager to bring such incidents to the FCC's attention. Forewarned is forearmed.
 House panel puts DTV
on the schedule twice
One hearing on DTV won't cut it for John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce. On 10/17/07, he's hauling in the FCC, the NTIA and the GAO, and then on 10/31/07, he wants to hear from various stakeholders. "The transition from analog to digital television is looming, said Dingell. "We need to ensure that the transition itself will be smooth and that Americans are prepared with the proper equipment and instructions. While the switch to digital promises to enhance news and entertainment alike, it will be cumbersome if broadcasters and consumers are not ready." Dingell's close associate and head of the key Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Ed Markey (D-MA) said, "If done correctly, the transition to digital television will be a boon for consumers and the future of wireless communication. These hearings will help focus federal efforts on this critical transition and should encourage consumer education to help prepare Americans for the switch." Markey's subcom will actually be holding these hearings. Invitees to the first will include the FCC's Kevin Martin and NTIA's John Kneuer. The representative from GAO has not yet been identified, nor have any of the potential witnesses for the 10/31/07 session.
RBR observation: Former Senate Commerce Committee Chair John McCain (R-AZ) was fond of quoting the late Mo Udall, whose hearing lament was that everything that could possibly have been said on a topic had been said, but everyone hadn't said it yet. We're rapidly approaching the point where every committee that can possibly hold a DTV hearing will find an excuse to hold one, regardless how far a field it is from the committee's ordinary area of oversight. Still, there is nothing wrong with an abundance of caution on this topic, and if legislators can shake some extra cash out of the US Treasury to put toward the effort, so much the better.
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| Wall Street Media Business Report TM |
Downgrades send two radio stocks lower
With his gloomy comments on the overall radio industry (see Radio News) CL King analyst Jim Boyle also downgraded two radio stocks, sending them skidding in yesterday's trading. Emmis fell to a 52-week low as Boyle reduced the stock to "neutral" from "accumulate." He noted that the "dismal ratings" for key Emmis stations in New York and Los Angeles are not rebounding. Boyle also said it appears that efforts by Emmis to sell a New York station (previously identified as WQCD-FM) have gone dormant, perhaps due to the financing climate and a pricing debate. Boyle's observation that the advertising softness in large markets has moved down to mid-markets prompted him to downgrade Saga Communications to "neutral" from "accumulate." The analyst says four straight months of revenue declines for the radio industry and weakness spreading wider do not bode well for the mid-market radio company. "Hence, we are backing off our rating from Accumulate to Neutral on SGA, despite its well-managed, leading clusters," Boyle told clients.
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| Executive Comment |
An open letter to David Rehr
Rock (or is it Roll) to (NAB President) David Rehr:
 It's about broadcast radio remaining the Dashboard Dominator. True NAB will be forced to repudiate all the hyperbolic praise related to the HD radio roll-out. After all, unlike Sirius and XM, Ibiquity didn't do such a great job of super-charging market penetration by cutting lucrative equity deals with OEM's.
And why when offered the opportunity, didn't Bob Struble and his many radio company investors just give Steve Jobs a fee-free license to include HD radio reception to the latest version of the iPod (Touch)? Doesn't the value of "hip-ness" factor resonate as a result of your years in the beer-marketing business? Instead of fearing the thin white wires, exploit the opportunity to bask in the cache for heaven's sake...
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Ad Business Report TM
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UAW strikes GM
General Motors workers at plants in Michigan, Ohio and Kansas began walking off the job and organizing pickets as a national strike against the automaker began yesterday. UAW local leaders had been told to have 73,000 union-represented GM factory workers begin walking off the job after an impasse in 10-week-old contract talks had not been resolved. The last contract expired 9/14. "We're on strike. It's too late to call us back now," UAW Local President Chris "Tiny" Sherwood told Reuters as a union-imposed strike deadline passed at 11 a.m. ET Monday. The strike is the first against GM since 1998 and marks the first time since 1979 that the UAW called a national strike in the midst of contract talks with one of the U.S. automakers. UAW Local 22 President George McGregor said he hoped the strike would force both sides to reach a quick agreement.
RBR observation: It's unlikely at this early stage, but the strike could affect the network radio upfront if it goes on for a while. Media negotiations with GM on certain lines could be pushed back at least until things get resolved.
NAB to launch Drunk Driving PSAs at Radio Show
NAB will distribute over 90 drunk driving prevention PSAs featuring the tag, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk" to radio stations during The NAB Radio Show in Charlotte. The campaign is a collaborative effort among NAB, RADD: The Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety and the Ad Council, encouraging people to intervene in order to prevent friends from driving drunk. Designed to reach the critical audience of 21-34-year-olds who represent over half of all alcohol-related fatalities, the PSAs celebrity entertainers including Gwen Stefani, Jeff Foxworthy and John Mayer. In addition to distribution at The NAB Radio Show, CDs will be mailed to stations later this month and PSAs can be downloaded from the NAB Web site. Available in both English and Spanish, the CD contains PSAs that can be aired year-round as well as holiday-specific PSAs.
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NAB Daytime Planner
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The following will be attending the NAB.
Call or email to make your
appointment in advance.
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BANKERS
Peter H. Ottmar; Dover Capital Partners, LLC; Westin Charlotte; 401/723-1063 x103; cell 401/639-4958; [email protected]
Jacob J. Barker; Barker Capital; Hilton Charlotte City Center; (212) 332-4312; [email protected]
Brian Eick/Dave Meier; The Gladstone Companies; Omni Charlotte Hotel; Brian cell 847-612-3002, Dave cell 847-650-1735; [email protected], [email protected]
BROKERS
Todd Fowler/David Reeder; American Media Services; Westin Charlotte; 843-972-2200; [email protected]; [email protected]
Cliff Gardiner; Clifton Gardiner & Co.; Hilton Charlotte City Center; 303-758-6900; [email protected]
Andy McClure/Erick Steinberg, The Exline Company, Westin Charlotte, office 415-479-3484, Andy cell 415-497-3855, Erick cell (415) 209-4890, [email protected]. [email protected]
Frank Boyle; Frank Boyle & Co.; Residence Inn Charlotte Uptown; 203-969-2020; cell 203-249-7818;
[email protected]
Gordon Rice; Gordon Rice Associates; 843-884-3590; Westin Charlotte; [email protected]
John L. Pierce/ Jamie Rasnick; John Pierce & Company LLC; office 859-647-0101, John cell 859-512-3015; Jamie cell 513-252-1186, Westin Charlotte; [email protected]; [email protected]
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Dick Kozacko/George Kimble;
Kozacko Media Services; office 607-733-7138; cell 607-738-1219; Westin Charlotte; [email protected]; [email protected]
Media Services Group; Westin Charlotte; www.mediaservicesgroup.com
Elliot Evers/Greg Widroe/Brian Pryor/Patricia Carberry-Harris;
Media Venture Partners;
415-391-4877; Hilton Charlotte City Center;
[email protected]
Larry Patrick/Susan Patrick/Greg Guy/Todd Wirth; Patrick Communications; 410-740-0250; Westin Charlotte; [email protected]
Glenn Serafin; Serafin Bros., Inc.;
office 813-885-6060; cell 813-494-6875; Westin Charlotte; [email protected]
Bill Schutz; Schutz & Company; Westin Charlotte; office 757-258-8740, cell 757-880-9251; [email protected]
Zoph Potts; Snowden Associates; Omni Hotel; office 252-940-1680, cell 252-717-3772; [email protected]
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Richard Mertz, Dan Ryson; Cavell, Mertz & Associates, Inc.; Main Office 703-392-9090; [email protected]
TRAFFIC SYSTEMS
Shane Harris/Susie Hedrick; Marketron Broadcast Solutions; Booth #530; www.marketron.com; 208-788-6800; [email protected]; [email protected]
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| Media Business Report TM |
 VoIP company to monitor
phone calls to tailor ad deliveries
Pudding Media, a start-up in San Jose, CA has introducing an Internet phone service that will be supported by advertising related to what people are talking about in their calls. The Web-based phone service offers calling without any toll charges. The trade-off is Pudding Media will eavesdrop on calls via voice recognition software in order to display ads on the screen that are related to the conversation. Voice recognition software monitors the calls, selects ads based on what it hears and pushes the ads to the subscriber's computer screen while they're talking. Pudding Media is also working on a way to e-mail the ads and other content to the person on the other end of the call, or to show it on that person's cellphone screen. Pudding Media also asks users for their sex, age range, native language and ZIP code when they sign up. For now, the company is running ads that are sold by a third-party network, but plans to also sell its own ads in a few months. The consumer site is found at ThePudding.com.
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| Washington Media Business Report TM |
NABOB schedule released
While the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) takes over Charlotte NC this week, the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) will have Washington DC to itself. Its 31st Annual Fall Broadcast Management Conference kicks off at noon Thursday 9/27/07 and runs through 4:30PM Friday 9/28/07. NABOB Executive Director/General Counsel James L. Winston has plenty of starpower lined up, and a host of important issues on table. Stevie Wonder, Russ Parr, Jonathan Adelstein, Charles M. Warfield Jr., Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Pierre M. Sutton, Steve Morris, Zemira Jones and members of Congress Edolphus Townes (D-NY), Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Albert Wynn (D-MD), along with many others, will be on hand. More information is available at nabob.org.
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| Media Markets & Money TM |
More CCU ripples in Mankato
A deal in April sending numerous stations from Clear Channel to Three Eagles spawned two additional Mankato-New Ulm-St. Peter MN deals. Now a third one has been announced, which is also the second between Three Eagles and the Linder family's Minnesota Valley Broadcasting Company (MVBC). In the immediate deal, Three Eagles is sending KYSM-AM to the Linders for 700K. That'll bring it into a cluster which includes KXLP-FM New Ulm, KTOE-AM Mankato, KDOG-FM North Mankato, KNSG-FM Springfield MN and KXAC-FM St. James. Take daisy-chaining into account and non-Mankato stations KOWZ-AM/KREU-FM Waseca and KOWZ-FM Blooming Prairie into the mix. Both KYSM and KXLP were part of Three Eagles' Clear Channel deal, with KXLP acquired by MVBC for 3,132,500 back in April. KNSG-FM also moved within the Linder family back then to become part of this cluster.
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| Ratings & Research |
78% say online video ads good as/better than TV
A comprehensive survey by TNS says the online video platform has become mainstream media, with the research confirming that reach across the medium is broad and rapidly growing. Fully 75% of respondents reported watching more video online than they did a year ago, and half (52%) expected to watch more online video over the next year. Users cited convenience, control, and access to unique content as some of the medium's benefits. The study, sponsored by AOL and Google, also found widespread acceptance among consumers for online video ads. Nearly two-thirds (63%) said they prefer having video sites include ads in order to keep the content free. The combination of viewer control and the ability to easily share content combine to create a uniquely engaging media experience. 84% say they watch online videos when it is convenient, and 57% say that online video provides a lot of control over content. Both responses describe the active posture associated with viewing online video. Additionally, 54% say they often view videos sent to them by friends and family, while 47% say they enjoy sharing online videos themselves.
 Halloween sales leave retailers with "nothing to fear"
According to the National Retail Federation's Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, consumers are expected to spend more on Halloween this year than last year, with the average person planning to spend 64.82 on the holiday compared to 59.06 one year ago. Total Halloween spending for 2007 is estimated to reach 5.07 billion. Halloween party-goers are bobbing for more than just apples. They'll also be on the lookout for candy, costumes and decorations. The average person will spend 23.33 on Halloween costumes (including children's and pet's costumes), though young adults will spend far more. In fact, according to the survey, 18-24 year-olds plan to be the most festive, spending 34.06 on costumes, nearly twice as much as they plan to spend on candy (19.65). According to the survey, average spending will rise in all categories, including candy (19.84, decorations (17.73) and greeting cards (3.92).
Nielsen provides Hispanic consumer
shopping behavior insights
Nielsen Homescan and Scarborough Research show that as Hispanics become more acculturated, there's less evidence of brand loyalty. For example, select brand/flavors of carbonated soft drinks shows that 33% of English language-only/preferred Hispanics met their needs with a particular cola, while nearly 70% of Spanish language-preferred homes fulfilled their carbonated beverage requirements with the identical brand. Similar trends were noted for other categories, such as laundry detergent, cereal, toothpaste and beer. Hispanics of all language preference are heavy users of phone service, 95% more likely than the average consumer to have spent 100 dollars on long distance, and 18% more likely to have rung up a cell phone bill of 150 dollars or more during the last month. Searching for a more favorable deal, Hispanic consumers are more likely to plan on switching cellular providers during the next year, and 11% more likely to use a prepaid cellular plan. When it comes to Internet purchases, Scarborough finds that roughly 25% of Hispanic Internet users purchased airline tickets, books and clothing/accessories online in the past year, with 6% spending more than 2,500 online during that time.
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| Transactions |
5M KGGG-FM Wichita KS (Hutchinson KS) from Ad Astra per Aspera Broadcasting Inc. (Cliff C. Shank, Michael G. Hill, Carol Foster, Sue Ann Jennings et al) to Connoisseur Media of Wichita LLC (Jeffrey D. Warshaw, Michael O. Driscoll). Swap for KTCM-FM Kingman KS. Connoisseur also pays 3M (200K escrow, balance in cash at closing). Duopoly with KIBB-FM Augusta KS once KGGG-FM completes CP moving city of license to Haven KS. Mutual LMAs began 9/1/07. Price is RBR estimate. [File date 9/5/07.]
2M KTCM-FM Kingman KS from Connoisseur Media of Wichita LLC (Jeffrey D. Warshaw, Michael O. Driscoll) to Ad Astra per Aspera Broadcasting Inc. (Cliff C. Shank, Michael G. Hill, Carol Foster, Sue Ann Jennings et al). Swap for KGGG-FM Wichita KS (Hutchinson KS). Connoisseur also pays 3M (200K escrow, balance in cash at closing). Superduopoly with KXKU-FM Lyons, KSKU-FM Sterling, KWHK-FM Hutchinson. Mutual LMAs began 9/1/07. Price is RBR estimate. [File date 9/5/07.]
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| Stock Talk |
Stocks end lower
A strike at GM and continuing credit worries took their toll on Wall Street. The Dow Industrials finished the session down 61 points at 13,749.
Radio stocks dropped as a couple of analysts issued bearish reports on ad revenues. Emmis plunged 8.6% as analyst Jim Boyle at CL King downgraded the stock. He also downgraded Saga, but it fell only 1.4%.
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| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Monday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Arbitron
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ARB
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47.25
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+0.65
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Google
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GOOG
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568.02
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+7.92
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Beasley
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BBGI
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7.11
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+0.11
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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26.00
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+0.38
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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30.86
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-0.73
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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10.22
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-0.11
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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30.86
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-0.84
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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64.10
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-0.57
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| Citadel |
CDL |
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4.21 |
-0.04 |
Radio One, Cl. A
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ROIA
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3.76
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+0.19
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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36.76
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-0.12
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Radio One, Cl. D
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ROIAK
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3.80
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-0.12
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Cox Radio
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CXR
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13.10
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-0.06
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Regent
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RGCI
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2.67
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-0.07
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Cumulus
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CMLS
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10.40
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-0.04
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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7.17
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-0.10
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Debut Bcg.
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DBTB
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1.01
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unch
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Salem Comm.
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SALM
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8.40
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-0.21
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Disney
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DIS
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34.32
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-0.28
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Sirius Sat. Radio
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SIRI
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3.30
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-0.06
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Emmis
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EMMS
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5.55
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-0.52
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Spanish Bcg.
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SBSA
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2.54
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-0.06
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Entercom
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ETM
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19.56
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-0.10
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SWMX
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SMWX
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0.04
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-0.01
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Entravision
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EVC
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9.41
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-0.14
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Westwood One
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WON
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2.98
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+0.23
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Fisher
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FSCI
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48.78
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-0.37
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XM Sat. Radio
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XMSR
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13.69
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-0.52
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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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Executive Comment
An open letter to David Rehr
Rock (or is it Roll) to NAB
It's about broadcast radio remaining the Dashboard Dominator...
Ad Business Report
UAW strikes GM
Strike could affect the network radio upfront...
Media Business Report
VoIP to monitor phone calls
To tailor ad deliveries Internet phone service that will be supported by...
Media Markets & Money
More CCU ripples in Mankato
A deal in April sending numerous stations from CC to Three Eagles spawned...
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Stations for Sale
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Florida Resort FM
Immediate ownership opportunity; partner retiring. Sale or equity investor, terms available. Rated market, high growth area. Excellent facility. Meet at NAB/Charlotte
E-mail: [email protected]
3 Station SW Cluster
Excellent 2 owner market.
Priced to Sell. [email protected]
(303)758-6900
 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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New Regional VP
 Entercom announced that Michael Doyle has been promoted to Regional Vice President. Effective immediately, Doyle will oversee eight of the company's radio markets in Buffalo, NY; Gainesville, FL; Greensboro, NC; Greenville-Spartanburg, SC; Memphis, TN; Rochester, NY; Wichita, KS; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA. He has served as Market Manager of Entercom Rochester since 2000.
 Upped at Sheridan
Sheridan Broadcasting Corp. announced today that Susan Austin has been promoted to Sr. Vice President and CFO. Austin previously was vice president of strategic planning, and treasurer, a position she had held since joining the company in January 2002. She retains her title of president, Sheridan Gospel Network, which she added to her responsibilities in January 2004. Also at Sheridan, Adele Lawhead has been elevated to VP and Treasurer.
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More News Headlines
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Fox News Radio offers on-demand news service
Fox News Radio is now offering Fox News Radio OnDemand to its 5-Minute News Service affiliates. "People today are getting their news and information not just from the radio but are also looking to the internet for what they need. Fox News Radio is proud to be working closely with our affiliated stations to help them fulfill that demand," said Fox News Radio EVP Kevin Magee. The new service provides stations with on-demand, fresh newscasts, 24 hours a day/seven days a week, directly to their websites. This allows Fox News Radio affiliates to serve their listeners with the same mix of news and information digitally that they now receive over the air. FNR's OnDemand service gives listeners greater access to current newscasts whenever they want it.
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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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Harman buyout blows up
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and GS Capital Partners VI fund say they are walking away from their eight billion bucks deal to take Harman International private. They claim the current credit crunch is not to blame, but rather that a material adverse change in Harman's business has occurred, which means they are no longer obligated to complete the buyout.
RBR observation: Investors have good reason to be worried about whether private equity firms will be able to make good on their buyout deals. Financing of mega deals is very tough right now and if the equity guys can find an excuse to slip out of a hard-to-finance deal, they are likely to take it. It still looks like the Clear Channel and Cumulus Media buyouts are solid, and Hearst Corporation certainly has the wherewithal to fund its proposed buyout of the public shareholders of Hearst-Argyle. But new radio or TV deals in the Billions or Hundreds of Millions aren't likely to take place for a while.
09/24/07 RBR #186
Retailers back merger,
watchdog yawns
RadioShack, Circuit City and Crutchfield have come out in favor of the proposed merger of satellite radio competitors XM and Sirius. The DARS duo touts this as clear evidence that the merger would be good for consumers, earning a rousing "Huh?" from an interested watchdog group.
RBR observation: Instead of two companies working hard to outdo one another both in quality and pricing, we are supposed to believe consumers will benefit from one company which can now focus more on maximizing its own bottom line without any of that pesky competition to worry about. This is from the Econ 101 textbook. It's amazing that this proposal has any traction at all.
09/24/07 RBR #186
Arbitron execs herald
NYC launch of PPM
Arbitron Sr. VP of Ratings Services Jay Guyther proudly told reporters that the company's Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings service launched at its in-tab goal for New York, as pre-currency measurement began yesterday. As with previous markets, the problem demo is Persons 18-34, which is at 66% of target in the core New York market (excluding the embedded Nassau-Suffolk and Middlesex-Somerset-Union markets), compared to 91% for Persons 6+. Those figures were as of August 29th and Guyther said the in-tab numbers had grown by over 200 since then, so he declared the launch to be on target.
RBR note: For the complete outline of details and the new market rankings see this issue of RBR.
09/21/07 RBR #185
PPM heads to Broadway
Today's the day. Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) begins pre-currency radio listening data gathering in the biggest US market, New York, after launching previously in Houston and Philadelphia. Anxious to avoid the in-tab shortfalls encountered recently in Houston and Philly, Arbitron over-installed the New York metro.
RBR observation: There is more in this issue of RBR. But, RBR will stay on PPM's progress in all shapes and forms. Reporting the Good, Bad, and Ugly as Technology Waits for No One.
09/20/07 RBR #184
Nielsen getting into
spot monitoring biz for radio
The Nielsen Company is launching a new spot monitoring system for radio called Nielsen SpotScan. It's an entirely new and separate product designed for local radio. SpotScan provides detailed ad tracking reports at the market and radio station level and offers exclusive expenditure data by specific advertisers; including the number of spots aired in each market, total ad spend across media (radio, local TV and newspaper), market share information, and month-by-month trends.
RBR observation: One thing for sure about Nielsen they believe in Technology and are the King of media research. Data is valuable and SpotScan will be strong Sales, Marketing, and Programming tool.
09/19/07 RBR #183
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