RBR's Daily Morning Epaper

Volume 21, Issue 234, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher

Thursday Morning December 2nd, 2004

Radio News®

Can you handle a 40% increase for PPM?
That's the best case scenario in what we're hearing that Arbitron is telling top groups about what it will cost to switch from diaries to ratings from Portable People Meters (PPM). As we reported yesterday (12/1/04 RBR #233), the increase in ratings costs could be as much as 65% if Nielsen doesn't embrace PPM for TV and cable ratings and radio has to go it alone. What would a 40% increase mean? By analyzing the latest annual reports of Arbitron, Clear Channel Communications and Viacom, RBR calculated that Clear Channel paid Arbitron about 57.4 million in 2003 and Viacom's Infinity Broadcasting paid about 27.3. In very rough terms, that works out to approximately 1.5% of radio revenues that each of the two largest radio companies paid Arbitron for ratings and other services. Arbitron's 2003 revenues of 273.5 million also work out to a little less than 1.5% of total US radio revenues of 19.6 billion, as reported by the RAB. So a 40% increase would mean that Clear Channel would be paying about 23 million more and Infinity 11 million more. Instead of paying about 1.5% of revenues for ratings, radio stations could expect to pay about 2.1%.

RBR observation: We're not surprised to hear that Arbitron boss Steve Morris got an extremely chilly reception from big radio group heads when he first laid out his 40-65% rate hike scenario a few days ago. That's a huge price hike to swallow. The big question yet to be answered is whether PPM is worth it. Will advertisers pay better rates for faster, more accurate, more detailed ratings data? If so, how much more will they pay? Accountability is what they're demanding - - but who is going to pay for it? As we've noted before, the party holding some important cards in this is Nielsen Media Research, which is still evaluating whether to enter into a joint venture with Arbitron to use PPM for TV and cable ratings. The 40% price hike, from Arbitron's best case scenario WITH Nielsen, could become a 65% price hike for PPM without Nielsen - - and that is going to be very difficult to sell to the radio industry.

Political dollars inflate TV coffers
Oh how the revenues rolled in during Q3 for television stations, as the Bush and Kerry campaigns exchanged fire in the battleground states - - not to mention plenty of Senate, House, state and local contests and issues. The Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) reports that local TV station revenues (local and national spot combined) rose 12.2% for the quarter to 4.29 billion. Network did even better, rising 24.9%, and syndication was up 16.8%, giving the overall TV industry a gain of 18.7% to 11.6 billion. As you might expect, the biggest percentage gain in the top 25 ad categories was for Government & Organizations (which includes political), which shot up 165.7% to 251.8 million. The Bush for President Committee checked in as the #19 spender at 32.9 million, while the Kerry campaign was back at #41 with 19.7 million. | More... |

Top execs see troubled future for TV
A poll of high-ranking entertainment industry executives indicated widespread expectations of tough time for the television business when it comes to adjusting to new technology. Digital video recorders (DVR) were seen as the primary challenge. Ernst & Young conducted the poll, according to Hollywood Reporter. Among the execs participating were Viacom's Sumner Redstone, Clear Channel's Lowry Mays, Liberty Media's John Malone, Michael Eisner of Disney, Richard Parsons of Time Warner and others. 23 CEOs, CFOs and investors participated. 71% had a negative impression of the immediate future for broadcast television, primarily because of the commercial-zapping ability given to consumers who invest in a DVR device. The perceived situation for other industry sectors was not nearly so dire. Recorded music elicited only a 36% negative response, radio only 29% and telecom only 21%. DVRs are not the only concern for TV, according to the study. Another source of concern is the video game industry, which in particular keeps young men in front of the TV but away from the networks.

UCC's bouncer ad bounced by CBS, NBC
The Eye and the Peacock have noses out of joint at the United Church of Christ because they won't air a 30-second spot for the church because it's been deemed too controversial. But the very same ad is airing on a bunch of cable channels.

RBR observation: Excuse us, but how does consolidation come into play here? The basic cable channels which are carrying the UCC ads include quite a few that are owned by Viacom and NBC Universal, who also own the two broadcast networks which rejected them. If there were some heavy-handed suppression of free speech going on at the corporate level, the ads would have been nixed across-the-board. | More... |

Assault of the unlicensed devices?
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) have combined to try to head off an FCC proposal to allow a wave of unlicensed broadcast devices to try and ply seemingly open spectrum in the zone currently used by over-the-air television stations. "That proposal would produce many detrimental and unintended consequences to America's free, over-the-air television service, but fails to present any meaningful method for resolving such problems. The public would be ill-served by its adoption," they wrote. The transition to DTV is seen as a particularly sensitive time, certainly a period when it is unwise to have experimental projects rubbing elbows with a television regime in flux. "Because digital technology is an 'all or nothing service,' the 'early adopters' with digital television sets will see a blank screen when experiencing harmful interference from unlicensed devices," they said. "If digital service is branded 'unreliable,' other consumers will be less inclined to adopt DTV technology." NAB/MSTV also notes a Canadian study which shows possible loss of all TV reception, perhaps even over cable, within the walls of a building where unlicensed devices are in use. Further, the FCC proposal essentially leaves broadcasters defenseless in the event of interference, particularly in the absence of any proven technology to prevent such interference.

Calpers president tossed overboard
Apparently we weren't the only ones who thought that the California Public Employees Retirement System (Calpers) had gone a bit looney with some of its shareholder activism against corporate management (4/28/04 RBR #83). The California Personnel Board has voted to replace Calpers President Sean Harrigan, a union executive and Democrat, with Ron Alvarado, a real estate developer and Republican. With Arnold Schwarzenegger now serving as Governor, the new Republican administration in Sacramento sent a clear message that they want Calpers to get back to its main mission of making good investments.

RBR observation: We were disappointed to read stories in both the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle saying that many members of the Calpers board who can't be replaced by the new governor and his allies have no intention of changing their ways. As the largest pension fund in the nation, Calpers could be very effective in pushing for better corporate governance if it would pick its battles more carefully and focus on real problems, rather than using a one-size-fits-all standard that equates Warren Buffett with Michael Eisner. Our previous story ridiculed Calpers for nit-picking about billionaire co-founder Red McCombs having a tiny real estate deal with Clear Channel. More recently, the pension fund voted against re-electing Rupert Murdoch and other top News Corporation officials to the board of Fox Entertainment, arguing that the board had too many insiders. That's pretty silly, since Fox is a majority-controlled subsidiary of News Corporation.

Dec. 6th, Only 3 biz days left to sign up

Adbiz©

Charles Schwab chooses Euro RSCG Worldwide
Euro RSCG NY announced it has been selected by Charles Schwab as its new AOR, to handle its 100 million national brand and retail advertising account after a review. A campaign is planned for early 2005. Grey NY, Publicis & Hal Riney San Francisco and Wieden + Kennedy Portland were contenders; GSD&M Austin was the incumbent. David Jones, Euro RSCG NY CEO, who led the agency's pitch, said, "This is a very exciting, major win and we are delighted to welcome Charles Schwab to our client roster. We will partner with this iconic financial services brand to tell its phenomenal story, leverage its power across all communications channels, and propel its growth and success. They have a tremendously accomplished marketing team and we look forward to working with them."

Radio ads rev up to support NASCAR driver
The next time you hear a radio commercial, it may be helping send a severely ill child to camp. At least that's what NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Michael Waltrip and The Norman Agency Toronto are hoping for. NASCAR Nextel Cup driver and two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip has made a commitment to raise 1 million to benefit The Victory Junction Gang Camp in an effort called "Operation Marathon: Going the Distance for Kids." To support that effort, the Norman Agency has made a commitment to donate 10% of their gross revenues derived from "Operation Marathon" projects. These are projects that begin with U.S. and Canadian advertisers saying that they want to help Operation Marathon when they call The Norman Agency to create new radio commercials for them. The agency has also created a series of PSAs for the effort, all of which feature Michael Waltrip. These pro bono PSAs are available now for North American radio stations to air. Radio stations can download them here.

Lincoln brings game changing surprises
to Super Bowl XXXIX
The all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT is out to make an impression among a broader target audience with an integrated pre-launch marketing campaign. Indicative of a truck that is bound to turn a few heads and get people talking, the Mark LT is being launched with a surprising and entertaining advertisement during Super Bowl XXXIX. The ad, which is the first Lincoln Mercury Super Bowl ad in more than a decade, will play up the unexpected nature of the vehicle that is enticing, desirable and hard-to-resist ... even for those who typically resist temptation. | More... |

Speed Channel signs merch deal
with The Source International
Speed Channel has partnered with industry leader The Source International (TSI) in an effort to supercharge the network's merchandising efforts. The first phase of the partnership began yesterday as an all-new line of "Speed Swag" becomes available on the SpeedTV.com website, including network apparel and accessories, as well as show-specific items for Wind Tunnel and 2 Wheel Tuesday. Moving forward, the merchandising effort will be expanded to at-track sales beginning with the 2005 race season. In addition, discussions are underway to increase offerings to include motor sports books, DVDs and other merchandise. TSI, a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, is a leader in electronic retail and the programming and merchandise provider for the QVC segment "For Race Fans Only."

Media Markets & MoneyTM

Renda jacks up Jacksonville cluster
Tony Renda is getting a fourth FM signal in the Jacksonville vicinity, striking a 7.75M dollar deal with Bruce Buzil's 3 Point Media to acquire WSOS-FM just down the coast in America's oldest city, St. Augustine FL. Renda has his screwdriver handy - - all four FMs either hold or are applying for CPs. In fact, the WSOS deal in contingent on getting approval for a CP. Currently licensed as a C3 on 94.1 mHz with 19 kw @ 377', it's looking to go to 25 kw @ 302'. Also looking for an upgrade is stablemate-to-be WEJZ-FM Jacksonville. The 96.1 mHz Class C is looking to beam its 100 kw signal from a 1,480' tower, up from 984'. The other two FMs already have upgrades approved. WGNE-FM is actually sacrificing power to get closer to town. It's taking its Class C 99.9 mHz, 100 kw @ 1,200' signal out of Palatka FL, and moving it as a Class C1 to Middleburg, with 48 kw @ 984' - - the new city of license is 30-35 miles closer to Jacksonville. WWRR-FM Brunswick GA is getting a straight power boost, taking the 100.7 mHz signal from C1, 36 kw @ 1,463' to a C0 with 62 kw @ 1,473'.

Clarification/correction in Virginia deal
Tom Joyner, the seller of WICE-FM Clarksville VA and WSHV-AM/WKSK-FM South Hill VA to Tom Birch (12/1/04 RBR #233), emailed RBR to make sure we were clear in how the pricing for the trio of stations works. 150K is in escrow, and as he puts it, "...the down stroke at closing is 1.5M with a 1M note to the seller." More importantly, the LMA with WFXQ-FM noted in the contract is only a temporary arrangement. The station has already been approved to move from Chase City VA to Creedmoor NC. Birch will run the station only until the new Class C3 facility is constructed at its new location.

Disney: higher dividend and a new director
Providing more evidence that a long-awaited turnaround is underway, the directors of The Walt Disney Company approved an increase in the company's quarterly dividend to 24 cents from the previous 21 cents. "Over the past five years, while we have continued to seek earnings growth, we have broadened our key financial objectives to include return on invested capital and cash flow to help balance our financial goals. As a result of our recent financial successes, including record cash flow in fiscal 2004, returning cash to investors remains an important part of our capital plan. Our objective is to continue the kind of performance that permits moderate, sustainable dividend increases over the coming years," said CEO Michael Eisner. At the same time, Disney announced that it had added a new independent director to its board - - Fred Langhammer, the former CEO of Estee Lauder.

Hearst-Argyle boosts its dividend
Business must be good. Hearst-Argyle Television's board of directors has voted to increase the company's quarterly dividend to seven cents per share from the previous six. The higher dividend will be paid January 15th to shareholders of record on January 5th. The company owns 25 TV stations and manages three others, plus two radio stations.

3 Days left to sign up for your free issue!

January 2005 Debut!
Radio & Television
Business Report

RBR & TVBR provides timely, accurate information that broadcasters and media professionals need to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing marketplace. Jim's relationships with industry leaders allow him to get to the core of every story. Of course, the stories are often augmented by thought-provoking commentary, which not only offers valuable perspective, and but encourages us to take action.
- George Pine, Co-COO, Interep

We're offering this report to help you get ahead in '05! All orders must be in by
Monday December 6th, 2004.

Washington Beat

Let's think it over again
A number of companies want the FCC to take a second look at MB Docket No. 03-15, known in English as "In the Matter of Second Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television." We looked at one from Jammett & Edison, and found it chock full of dense technical issues well beyond the grasp of this lowly scribe. At any rate, the petitions will be published in the Federal Register, setting off a 15 day clock for rebuttal. Other entities weighing in on this issue in addition to Hammett & Edison as Paxson Communications, Consumer Electronics Association, Nexstar Broadcasting, Cohen, Dippell and Everist, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Ramar Communications, Cox Broadcasting, Liberty Corporation, Television Communications Capital of Portland and ACME Communications.

Programming

Michael Medved reups with Salem
Salem Radio Network President Greg Anderson announced that Michael Medved, has agreed to terms of a new five-year agreement with SRN. Anderson says, "Michael Medved has been one of the key building blocks for our talk programming. His ratings in his home base of Seattle have been absolutely dominant. Ratings growth at nearly all 180 affiliates across the country is very strong. We are looking forward to working with Michael for years to come." The Michael Medved Show can be heard Monday-Friday 3-6p ET (12n-3p PT). Medved is a film critic and best selling author with a new book set for release in late December, "Right Turns: Unconventional Lessons from a Controversial Life." Additionally, Medved writes a column regularly for USA Today and in 2005 will launch a new public affairs show on PBS TV to be produced by WETA in DC.

Another Chill format launches...in Santa Fe
The Chill format is not only for New Yorkers (11/23 RBR #229): From the KLBU-FM Santa Fe website (http://www.blu1029.com): "There is a fresh new sound gaining popularity across the US and it made its debut in Santa Fe on radio blu 102.9 FM. The music format on blu 102.9 FM has never before been heard as a full-time radio format in the US. Originating on the beaches in Café del Mar on the Spanish island of Ibiza, the musical genre we call blu, sometimes referred to as Chill, has been a European phenomenon in the adult club scene." blu has its roots in pop, dance, electronica, smooth jazz and world music. General Manager Karen Sanchez said, "In making our selection for this totally new format, Santa Fe was chosen because of its eclectic mix of people and its unique creative energy that radiates outwardly across the US. We are thrilled to be able to bring Santa Feans something that no other station has done in the country." Artists such as Moby, Zero Seven, Praful, Chris Coco and Bebel Gilberto all have elements of the Chill vibe, which has been termed by listeners as cool, sexy, hypnotic and less formulated. This station has been designed and built specifically for the Santa Fe listener who is dissatisfied with radio stations that all sound the same and are programmed by the big media conglomerates with pre-packaged playlists."

KHRO-FM flips to Super Estrella
Entravision Radio's KHRO-FM has begun airing the company's Super Estrella format. Previously a rocker, KHRO-FM becomes the only station in the El Paso market to air today's hottest Spanish-language pop music format. Super Estrella appeals to young 18-34 Latinos, who make up the majority of the fast-growing US Hispanic population.

ABCRN to syndicate
"Love, Lust and Lies"
ABC Radio Networks has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with talker Michael Baisden to syndicate the "Love, Lust and Lies" Show. The program is among the highest-rated afternoon drive shows in NYC, on Emmis' WRKS-FM. The five-year agreement will significantly expand ABC Radio Networks' multicultural broadcasting presence in communities throughout the United States. With this agreement, Baisden joins Tom Joyner (for ad sales) and Doug Banks as leading urban radio personalities represented by ABCRN, along with top Hispanic radio talent recently added to ABC's growing multicultural radio portfolio. "Love, Lust, and Lies," a blend of music, interactive conversation, and inspiration with a heavy dose of self help and empowerment. The program debuted in New York during the spring of 2003 and saw listening in its time period grow 65% in its first 12 months among Adults 25-54.

RBR Stats

TV's big spenders
Ad spending on television was up strongly in Q3, as reported above. But it wasn't all because of political advertising. The quarterly list of TV's top 25 advertisers from the TVB shows that some of the big auto companies and dealer groups also made large increases in TV expenditures. | More... |

Legal Ease

Reminder - Tower Light
Extinguishment Obligations
The recent news brings a chilling reminder of a tower owner's obligation to ascertain and report any failure of required tower lighting. Apparently, an Army helicopter struck the guy wires of an unlit television tower in heavy fog, killing seven occupants. The report indicated that the lighting malfunction had been caused by severe rain storms. Significantly, it had been reported to the FAA which, in turn, had issued an official notice to pilots. Had the tower owner neglected its reporting obligation, it could have been faced with a massive lawsuit and a devastating liability. | More... |

Transactions

KAMD-FM, KMGC-FM & KCXY-FM Camden AR (Camden, East Camden) from Charles Shinn, Jade Communications, & Y-95 Radio to Radio Works Inc.

KGVL-AM Greenville TX from Susquehanna Radio Corporation to Dynamic Broadcasting LLC.

| More... |

Stock Talk

Oil down, stocks up - - it's that simple
A drop in oil prices, along with a couple of upbeat economic reports, brought cheer to Wall Street on Wednesday. The Dow Industrials rose 162 points, or 1.6%, to 10,590.

Radio stocks rose as well, though not as robustly. The Radio Index was up 1.979, or 0.9%, to 225.114. Westwood One led the way, gaining 3.3%. Disney gained 3% as it announced an increase in its dividend. Viacom Class B rose 2.5%. Heading the other way was Beasley, down 6%.

Radio Stocks

**Here's how stocks fared on Wednesday**
Company	Symbol	Close		Change	Company	Symbol	Close		Change
Arbitron	ARB		38.01	+0.59	Jeff-Pilot	JP		50.14	+0.95
Beasley	BBGI		16.50	-1.05	Journal Comm.	JRN		17.41	-0.13
Citadel	CDL		15.70	+0.28	Radio One, Cl. A	ROIA		14.13	+0.25
Clear Channel	CCU		33.81	+0.13	Radio One, Cl. D	ROIAK		14.14	+0.19
Cox Radio	CXR		16.19	+0.29	Regent	RGCI		5.79	+0.08
Cumulus	CMLS		15.25	-0.03	Saga Commun.	SGA		17.20	+0.21
Disney	DIS		27.68	+0.80	Salem Comm.	SALM		24.85	+0.29
Emmis	EMMS		18.73	+0.24	Sirius Sat. Radio	SIRI		6.98	+0.35
Entercom	ETM		36.75	+0.73	Spanish Bcg.	SBSA		10.93	+0.24
Entravision	EVC		8.15	-0.05	Univision	UVN		30.10	unch
Fisher	FSCI		46.46	-0.57	Viacom, Cl. A	VIA		36.20	+0.63
Gaylord	GET		35.60	+0.36	Viacom, Cl. B	VIAb		35.56	+0.86
Hearst-Argyle	HTV		25.81	+0.11	Westwood One	WON		23.16	+0.74
Interep	IREP		0.70	-0.10	XM Sat. Radio	XMSR		36.55	-0.36
International Bcg.	IBCS		0.01	unch	-	-	-	-	-

__UNSUB__ to this email service.

Bounceback

Send Us Your Opinions We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments to [email protected]

On Phoenix stations with no commercials or interruptions?
(11/30 RBR #232)

Could be the next big thing, and the ultimate less is more. Niche stations playing wall to wall music could go back to getting hour long sponsorship in exchange for top of the hour acknowledgements like non-coms do now. Would work well with formats that have a small but dedicated following. A return to programming to the client's taste as sponsors will probably be just as likely to buy the time based on supporting their own personal favorites as any expectation of expanding the customer base."

Cris Allen
Frontier Broadcasting
Lancaster, OH

Arbitrends

Upped & Tapped

USRN taps John Fabian
United Stations Radio Networks announced John Fabian, a 22-year vet of the radio and broadcasting biz, has been appointed SVP/Affiliate Marketing of United Stations Radio Networks. Fabian will be overseeing USRN's entire national Affiliate Relations group, which include offices in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington, DC.

Hotlanta gets Del Core
Jerry Del Core, formerly Regional Vice President in the Central Valley (Sacramento) of California, has been made Regional Vice President/Atlanta at Clear Channel Radio.

Sirius ups Steve Blatter to SVP/ Music Programming
Blatter joined Sirius in August '03 as VP/Music Programming. He's now responsible for all programming on Sirius' 65 commercial-free music channels.

dMarc Broadcasting taps Bob Griffith
dMarc Broadcasting, parent of Scott Studios and Computer Concepts, announced the appointment of Griffith to VP/Broadcaster Relations. Most recently, he served as SVP/Stations for the RAB.

BE hires Jon Foreman
As customer service engineer for the company's digital studio line, Foreman comes to BE with 20 years' experience in radio studio engineering, including a background with KSGN-FM Riverside, CA, and 10 years as a BE AudioVAULT customer.

Competing Media

ESPN and Sprint team for wireless service
ESPN will launch its own branded wireless phone service next year, the first in a series of branded cell phone services planned by Disney, which owns ESPN. The service, dubbed ESPN Mobile, will use the enhanced Sprint nationwide PCS network and will sell ESPN-branded handsets, accessories and applications, including access to sports headlines, photos, ring tones and streaming audio and video over Sprint's high-speed data network. ESPN already provides games, ringtones, and other content to wireless devices using various mobile networks. The new service will include the underlying phone service and customers will receive bills directly from ESPN Mobile, which will also handle customer relations, distribution and other operational aspects of the biz. "This enhances our mandate to serve fans anytime, anywhere, and Sprint's leadership in this medium will help lay the foundation for our success," ESPN President George Bodenheimer said in a statement.

November Digital
Solutions Magazine

Cutting inventory and the effects--GM Talkback
Larry Wert,
Pres/Gm NBC's - WMAQ-TV,
Tom Bender,
GM Greater Media/Detroit,
Mike Mazursky,
GM 4M Communications
page 6

IF your were in Radio
When it Worked
page 8

Laying the Hits down -
Boom Boom Boom
Listen to past great air checks of
George Michael
WFIL-AM
Fred Winston's classic
NewYears Day Hangover Club &
Bob DeCarlo with Tommy Turntable
page 12

November Zinio Solutions Magazine
Read RBR in 2 simple steps:
1.Create a simple account with Zinio and download the Zinio Reader.
2. You can then download the November Issue of RBR

RBR Radar 2004

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

PPM cost laid out...soon
Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) is going to cost clients more than its diary-based radio ratings currently cost - - but if you're looking for more specific numbers, you're not going to get them - yet.
RBR observation: Bottom line: Sources report that yes a meeting was held, believe on 11/16/04, and seven to nine group heads were in attendance. RBR will confirm before we name - names but you probably could assume who they are from our past reports on meetings of this nature. Since mum's the word the percentage of increase being tossed around is expected to be between 40% and 65% and the big but is depending on Nielsen's participation. Sources report these figures and Nielsen participation was met with a "Cool" reception. Now RBR is hearing 'Cool' is not the word but 'Frigged' 12/01/04 RBR #233

:60s vs. :30s: The pros and cons of "shortening the standard" - - Part 4
As a key element of its "Less is More" initiative, Clear Channel Radio is trying to migrate advertisers from 60-second spots to 30s. Is it fair play to ask radio advertisers to pay more money for less than what they've been getting in :60s? Will they pay? 12/01/04 RBR #233

Branding Honor Salute
RBR Observation-First
Close-up: "American Dreams" sponsorship included touching Ford Mustang film.
Ford sent consumers a heartfelt family message this holiday season with a special episode of NBC's hit drama "American Dreams." This is one great program with executive producer and radio pro Dick Clark. Just the technology of using Black & White footage of Clark, the real Bandstand and the script writing is excellent. If you did not view this episode then you missed one of the best events in TV this season. The biggest mark being missed is local radio and local NBC affiliates not working together to cross-market, promo and sell. The biggest mark being missed is local radio and local NBC affiliates not working together to cross-market, promo and sell but it is never to late this is the beginning of the new marketing approach of content into programming. Called get More viewers and More impact for the advertising dollar. Less stop sets with More content and a lasting impression impact. 11/24/04 RBR #230

RBR Observation-First
More from Ford's Rich Stoddart on "American Dreams" Mustang film
Q: What were Ford dealers' reactions after seeing this clip before it aired?
How might they capitalize on this on a local level? A: 'Well, I think the only way I can characterize the dealers' responses was 'speechless.' I think the reaction that most people had, and certainly the reaction I had--and I've seen this thing multiple times-actually, the first time the agency came in and presented the script to me, I melted. I don't know how you experience that concept without having an emotional reaction, and I have been unable to make it through a presentation or the film itself yet without a tear in my eye. And so, this was the dealer reaction-there was not a dry eye in the house. And that was the senior leadership of our dealer council who comes in on a quarterly basis to just review the state of the business and provide input on a number of issues. So they actually weren't brought in for that purpose, it just happened to be ready, so it was kind of a surprise for them. 11/30/04 RBR #232

RBR Observation-First
JWT/Detroit Co-President Tom Cordner speaks on "American Dreams"/Mustang film
Q: Tell us a bit about how JWT worked with Ford and "American Dreams" in getting this done. A: "We have a great relationship with Ford, whereby they encourage us to look for properties where we can have a dominant presence, where we can run our commercials, sometimes influence the content of a show (which we did) and pursue the opportunity of non-traditional media, which that film was, to reach consumers in a powerful way. Mostly, consumers are very jaded about advertising. They don't sit in front of a television waiting for the next commercial to come on-nobody does that. We're these unwelcomed guests in people's homes, and Ford recognizes that. And to find non-traditional ways to have them experience the Ford brand and some values that may be associated with that is an enormous opportunity-in a way that isn't in a traditional ad format. Full interview inside.
12/01/04 RBR #233

RBR exclusive
BTRN says give me Liberty
Just a little over a month after IDT Corp. indicated that it wanted to sell most of Liberty Broadcasting Network the transaction is done and the buyer is Business TalkRadio Network (BTRN). IDT will also become a minority shareholder in BTRN, which will launch a new 24/7 network, the Lifestyle TalkRadio Network. The list of talent includes such hosts as Bruce Williams, Mort Crim, Heloise and Doug Stephan, as well as all affiliate agreements. All affiliate contracts are included in the transaction and BTRN says affiliates of the Liberty shows will continue to receive the programs as in the past. Operations and studios will be moved to BTRN's broadcast facility and corporate offices in Greenwich, CT. RBR observation: Makes sense in today's already over crowded pack - stack - racked programming. Now two small suppliers get a little bigger and consolidation this time for the better. Shall we see more of this in 2005? Get the January debut issue of Radio & Television Business Report - The Real Business Magazine - as all Major Advertising Bureau CEO's go head to head with their punches and counter punches why their medium is the best. You be the judge- it is your business. 11/30/04 RBR #232

Senior Sales Executive
Sunshine, no snow here, plus the market leaders in Gainesville-Ocala at two of the leading radio stations in N. Central FL, WOGK-FM (K-Country) and WIND-FM (classic rocker). Two years sales experience a must. Please send resumes to [email protected] fax to R. Kassi 352-622-7822. No calls. EEO

GM & Equity
Tired of the rat race? New England radio group seeks self-starter to captain turnarounds. Community radio is still alive and well in this Central New England combo. Equity participation available Letter and Resume to: [email protected]

See Radio Careers for more info.

Other Links

State Associations
Contact Us