|
Radio News ®
|
|
|
Headcount falling at CBS Radio
 CBS Radio is the latest major group to make staff cuts to get costs in line for what promises to be another tough year for the radio business, and likely the US economy as well. RBR received word yesterday of restructuring in several markets as CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason continued the streamlining process that he began a few months ago. The company confirmed that changes were made in multiple markets, but declined to say just how many positions were eliminated or what the cost savings would be. "With these actions, we continue to build on our strategy of deploying our assets to best grow our ratings and monetize the results. In the past months, CBS Radio has streamlined its corporate management staff, and installed Market Managers and Directors of Sales in all of our markets. This change in operating structure has improved the way we do business by simplifying buying and selling transactions, speeding up the decision-making process and importantly - allowing us to more effectively monetize the aggregate number of listeners who hear us on the radio and the Internet. CBS Radio also made significant programming improvements and considerably strengthened our digital assets in order to distribute our content on all available emerging platforms. As a result of our new focus, we've experienced substantial over-the-air ratings gains and sizable online-traffic growth. We believe the combination of a new senior management team, continued emphasis on strategic programming decisions, investments in interactive new media and continued attention to costs will best position CBS Radio for success in 2008 and beyond," the company said in a statement provided to RBR.
RBR observation: Dan Mason has been methodically reworking CBS Radio to boost ratings, drive sales and get costs in line with the new reality of the radio marketplace. He's been dumping formats that weren't working, bringing back some oldies but goodies and launching some newbies. That's starting to pay off in ratings and the focus is now on growing sales to reflect those higher ratings. Mason has also instituted a more cluster-focused structure, which meant that some markets had more GMs, GSMs or other management types than the new approach called for. We understand, though, that it is not a cookie-cutter program, so the staff cuts don't mean that everyone with a certain title was eliminated in every market. The word on the street was that a few hundred positions were eliminated, including managers, air talent and behind-the-scenes folk, but that's in a radio mega-group with thousands of employees. Given what's already taken place at Clear Channel and Emmis, the move was hardly surprising. Take a one-time charge in Q1 for severance costs and move ahead with the business plan to make CBS Radio once again a growing part of CBS Corporation.
Publisher note: To CBS, Emmis or any employee that has lost their position and wishes to continue to receive RBR, send your name, email address and phone to Jim Carnegie at [email protected] we will keep you reading as long as you wish.
Let it snow, let us know or let it go
Yet another license renewal challenge has worked its way through FCC channels. This time, Greenwich Broadcasting Corp.'s WGCH-AM Greenwich CT incited the wrath of several local citizens by failing to pay enough attention to snowfall events during the first two months of 2006. The station, a 24/7 News-Talker serving the Stamford-Norwalk CT market (in the large shadow of New York City), noted that it has "wide discretion in the area of news programming" according to ample FCC precedent, and it has ratings and advertiser support which indicates a significant portion of the population believes it is doing its job well. GBC also testified that at least three and a half hours of its daily programming in local news and information. The FCC found no violations of any kind at the station, and the citizens failed to demonstrate any actionable failings, so the license was renewed.
|
|
|
 McCain widely seen as victor
as Romney exits
Mitt Romney (R-MA) has ended his quest for the White House, leaving the Republican field to recently-crowned front runner John McCain (R-AZ), Mike Huckabee (R-AR) and Ron Paul (R-TX). Most observers are translating this as signifying a lock on the Republican nomination for McCain. McCain may still have some competition ahead with the two other candidates still standing, but in general, it means that he will be able to rebuild his warchest for the general election and concentrate in the meantime on mending relations with factions of the party which have been loudly proclaiming their dissatisfaction with his candidacy. Among the loudest have been the conservative talkers led by Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity. The situation is entirely different on the Democratic side, where Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Barack Obama (D-IL) are locked in a highly competitive duel which may run all the way to the convention. Both campaigns are pulling in cash and getting ready to spend it during the remains of the primary season.
Clinton open to Fox debate
Finally, after being forced to cancel Democratic debates throughout 2007 due to a boycott staged by most of the candidates and all of those pulling significant poll numbers, a serious candidate has agreed to debate on Fox News Channel, along with four other media venues. But Hillary Clinton's (D-NY) offer is not being welcomed by top rival Barack Obama (D-IL). According to political blog Talkingpointsmemo.com, Clinton would like to stage five one-on-one debates with Obama between now and 3/4/08, hosted by CNN, MSNBC, Allbritton Communications' ABC-affiliated WJLA-TV Washington, ABC Network and Fox News. Obama said he doesn't think there is any great demand for more debates, with 18 completed already, and has said he would agree to one more (venue unspecified). He said he thinks it more important to spend time with voters.
RBR observation: The revolt against Fox was led by John Edwards (D-NC), and was followed by most of the campaigns, with the exception of longshot publicity-starved candidates like Joe Biden (D-DE) and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). It prevented a debate over the summer in Nevada and another that would have been co-hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. The boycott has been labeled as self-defeating by some observers, who point out that the Democratic candidates were denying themselves a chance to reach Fox loyalists who otherwise might not happen across their messages. It is possible that Clinton is prepared to make herself available to this audience in preparation for the final run to November 4, should she earn the nomination. However, if one views the election as a 50+1 game (earn half of all votes, plus one), then it is acceptable strategy to avoid expending energy and/or resources on voters who you have almost no chance of swaying to your cause. We suspect that if Obama does eventually agree to one and only one more debate, Fox is not going to be the venue of choice.
 No resolution in Rochester
Entercom Communications announced that it has been unable to come to terms with former WCMF-FM Rochester, NY morning personality Brother Wease and has terminated contract negotiations. The long-time Rochester morning fixture has been off the air since late December, shortly after Entercom acquired WCMF and some other stations from CBS. "We did our best to try and bring Wease back to WCMF, but in the end, were not able to reach an agreement. We understand that he intends to pursue other opportunities," said Entercom Regional Vice President, Michael Doyle. Effective immediately, mornings on WCMF will kick off with "The Men's Room," featuring an ensemble cast of what Entercom says are some of Rochester's best radio personalities.
RBR observation: Might Brother Wease try to go national in syndication? Some folks who are already syndicated worked with him when they were just getting started - Gregg "Opie" Hughes of "The Opie & Anthony Show" and syndicated talk host Stephanie Miller. The website for the Brother Wease show is still active, but doesn't appear to have been updated recently.
|
|
|
|
| Media Business Report TM |
Burying the lead
You have to go down to the 11th paragraph of a news release from the Washington Post Company to learn that the company will be offering voluntary early retirement buyouts next month as its flagship newspaper prepares to consolidate DC area printing at a single plant. The company did not specify how many positions will be eliminated "in light of the current economic environment" and to prepare for the closing of the plant in College park, MD as printing is consolidated in 2010 in Springfield, VA. The lead of the news release is that Katharine Weymouth has been named CEO of Washington Post Media and Boisfeuillet Jones Jr. has been named Vice Chairman of The Washington Post Company and Chairman of The Post newspaper. Weymouth is the great-granddaughter of Eugene Mayer, who bought The Washington Post in 1933, granddaughter of Katharine and Phillip Graham and, thus, a niece of current Chairman and CEO Donald Graham. "Katharine is ready for this. She is Kay Graham's granddaughter, but that is not why she's getting this job. She's had a rare combination of big jobs at both the newspaper and the digital company. In all those jobs, she has shown herself to be smart, decisive, modest and a great manager of people," said Donald Graham. Bo Jones succeeds Donald Graham as Chairman of the company's flagship property. He has been publisher of the Washington Post since 2000.
|
|
|
|
|
Ad Business Report TM
|
More on 7-Eleven's radio campaign
We spoke to 7-Eleven spokesperson Margaret Chabris on the details of 7-Eleven's new multi-million-dollar "freshness guaranteed" ad blitz this month ( 2/6/08 RBR #25). Chabris says most of the media that 7-Eleven buys is in radio. Much of this particular effort is done via a virtual, dedicated agency--Omnicom's Freshworks--driven by Tracy Locke/Dallas. Freshworks is actually a consortium of Omnicom advertising/marketing and promotional agencies that work exclusively for 7-Eleven and its general manager offices at 7-Eleven's HQ. The media liaison in Dallas is Paul Solomons. The actual buy is via Omnicom's PHD Chicago (Camelot Comm. used to be their media agency). So part of this buy includes an agreement for extending the buy via 7-Eleven's PR consultants that work with the stations to develop fun, excitement, contests, merchandising/POP/storefront banners. That also includes on-air reads and DJ chatter, promotions, remotes, van hits, coffee delivery to the DJs. Some of this promotional activity will happen in all markets, but with a concentration in five markets. 30 second spots are in 40 markets except for the above promotional markets. They run three weeks in February. Market sizes range from Eugene, OR to LA and include traffic radio in six markets. Billboards, and bus signs and rail signs are part of the mix in certain focus markets.
| Listen to one of the spots here |
|
|
|
|
| Media Markets & Money TM |
Cohen takes stock of Phoenix AM
Ronald E. Cohen was the low man on the CRC Broadcasting totem pole, holding 25% of the company which owns and operates KFNN-AM Mesa AZ, serving the Phoenix AZ market. But it'll be a totem pole built for one once he's through acquiring the stock of two partners. Cohen will pay 1.3M for the 40% share of Michael Ragins, and will add to that a 1.1375M payment for the 35% share of David Lloyd. That brings the total value of the transaction to 2.4375M, while the total value of the station extrapolates to 3.25M.
|
|
|
|
| Washington Business Report TM |
 Chief beef: Ferree weighs in
on PSA mandates
Ken Ferree is President of the Progress & Freedom Foundation, but he was a key exec at the FCC under Michael Powell as Chief of the Media Bureau. He is concerned that the FCC is about to require broadcasters to obey PSA dictates concerning the DTV transition. "I am disturbed by reports that the FCC will soon mandate that each and every local broadcaster air the exact same, state-sponsored, bureaucratically-crafted message about the digital television transition. The FCC would, if these reports are true, be pressing the panic button and trampling core Constitutional values in an effort that is wholly unnecessary in light of the voluntary consumer education initiative that has been offered by the broadcast industry." Ferree noted that the NAB plan to address the transition is a "comprehensive multi-platform approach" which should be up to the job. "At the very least, broadcasters adhering to the NAB plan should be given 'safe harbor' from an unnecessary, government-mandated, one-size-fits-all approach."
RBR observation: Ferree also noted that the constitutionally-guaranteed right to speak is also the right not to speak. He may be correct in this, but we would suggest that he his carrying his argument a good bit farther than is necessary in the current instance. Sure, broadcasters could choose to keep the DTV transition under their hat, but they have absolutely no earthly reason to do so. So please save that particular argument for some other occasion when its applicability is more to the point.
|
|
|
|
| Entertainment Business Report TM |
Liu bags agreement with NBC
Niche broadcaster Arthur Liu and his MultiCultural Radio Broadcasting have parlayed their expertise in Asian languages into a deal with NBC for coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. MultiCultural, which has multimedia interests beyond radio, including print and television outlets, will produce Chinese and Korean language coverage of the events for broadcast in the US. "We are very excited about working with NBC to provide Olympic coverage in Chinese and Korean since these programs will allow Chinese and Korean Americans in the United States to watch appealing Olympic sports, such as Table Tennis for our Chinese American audience and Tae Kwon Do for Korean Americans, in their native languages," said Liu. "MultiCultural Broadcasting and NBC plan to focus heavily on team sports, such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and baseball games, which appeal to Chinese and Korean American viewers and listeners in the U.S."
|
|
|
|
| Transactions |
N/A KNEK-FM Lafayette LA (Washington LA) from The Last Bastion Station Trust LLC as Trustee (Elliot B. Evers) to Citadel Broadcasting Company (Farid Suleman). Releasing station from trust in exchange for KRDJ-FM New Iberia LA. [File date 1/7/08.]
N/A KRDJ-FM Lafayette LA (New Iberia LA) from Citadel Broadcasting Company (Farid Suleman) to The Last Bastion Station Trust LLC as Trustee (Elliot B. Evers). Putting station in trust in order to reclaim KNEK-FM Washington LA. [File date 1/7/08.]
|
|
|
|
| Stock Talk |
Stocks move higher
Despite disappointing sales reports from major retailers, traders decided that stocks were so cheap that they should do some buying. The Dow Industrials rose 47 points, or 0.4%, to 12,247.
Most radio stocks joined in the advance. The RBR Radio Index gained 0.929, or 1.1%, to 82.485. Westwood One gained 3.8%, Saga 3.2% and Cox Radio 3%.
|
|
|
|
| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Thursday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
|
Arbitron*
|
ARB
|
|
39.42
|
-0.18
|
Google
|
GOOG
|
|
504.95
|
+3.24
|
|
Beasley*
|
BBGI
|
|
5.42
|
-0.26
|
Hearst-Argyle
|
HTV
|
|
22.10
|
-0.12
|
| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
 |
24.43
|
+0.31
|
Journal Comm.
|
JRN
|
|
8.35
|
+0.16
|
| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
|
24.48
|
+0.33
|
Lincoln Natl.
|
LNC
|
|
52.76
|
+0.37
|
| Citadel* |
CDL |
|
1.43 |
+0.04 |
Radio One, Cl. A
|
ROIA
|
|
1.68
|
unch
|
|
Clear Channel*
|
CCU
|
|
29.26
|
+0.01
|
Radio One, Cl. D*
|
ROIAK
|
|
1.69
|
unch
|
|
Cox Radio*
|
CXR
|
|
12.34
|
+0.36
|
Regent*
|
RGCI
|
|
1.20
|
+0.01
|
|
Cumulus*
|
CMLS
|
|
6.35
|
+0.10
|
Saga Commun.*
|
SGA
|
|
5.86
|
+0.18
|
|
Debut Bcg.
|
DBTB
|
|
1.02
|
unch
|
Salem Comm.*
|
SALM
|
|
4.04
|
+0.03
|
|
Disney
|
DIS
|
|
31.72
|
+0.22
|
Sirius Sat. Radio
|
SIRI
|
|
3.13
|
unch
|
|
Emmis*
|
EMMS
|
|
2.93
|
+0.03
|
Spanish Bcg.*
|
SBSA
|
|
1.76
|
+0.05
|
|
Entercom*
|
ETM
|
|
11.75
|
+0.11
|
Westwood One*
|
WON
|
|
1.91
|
+0.07
|
|
Entravision
|
EVC
|
|
6.81
|
+0.16
|
XM Sat. Radio
|
XMSR
|
|
12.10
|
+0.10
|
|
Fisher
|
FSCI
|
|
31.69
|
-0.16
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
*Component of the RBR Radio Index
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bounceback
|
 We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to [email protected]
|
|
|
Below the Fold
|
|
Ad Business Report
More on 7-Eleven's
Radio campaign, Chabris says most of the media that buys is radio...
Media Business Report
Burying the lead
You have to go down to the 11th paragraph of Wash. Post will be offering voluntary early retirement buyouts...
Media Markets & Money
Cohen takes stock
Of Phoenix AM was the low man on the totem pole, holding 25%...
Washington Business Report
Chief beef: Ferree weighs in on PSA mandates...
Ratings & Research
Most important issues
For Hispanics -Education is the #1...
|
|
|
Stations for Sale
|
 Market your Stations For Sale
in our daily epapers.
Contact
Jim Carnegie
[email protected]
|
|
|
Radio Media Moves
|
New boss in Vegas
 Beasley Broadcast Group announced the appointment of Chuck Maylin to the position of Vice President and Market Manager for its five Las Vegas radio stations. Maylin comes to Las Vegas from Seattle where, most recently, as owner of Bizop LLC, a Broadcast Advertising Sales and Marketing Consulting company, he planned and executed marketing campaigns across all media platforms in Seattle and Berlin. Previous to that, he was Director of International Relations for NRJ, managing 27 broadcast companies in Germany, Poland and Sweden.
NYC bound
Salem Communications has named Sean O'Neill General Manager of its New York stations, WMCA-AM and WWDJ-AM. O'Neill was previously General Sales Manager for CBS Radio's KFWB-AM LA and the Dodgers Radio Network.
Upped in Birmingham
Cox Radio announced that Kori White has been promoted to Operations Manager for WBHK "98.7 Kiss-FM," WBHJ "95.7 Jamz-FM," WAGG "Heaven 610 AM" and WPSB-AM 1320 Birmingham, AL. White also serves as the Director of Marketing and Promotions for WBHK and WAGG.
Tuna time in LA
Legendary DJ Charlie Tuna is back on the air, pulling regular weekend shifts at KRTH-FM Los Angeles and filling in when the regular DJs are on vacation. He'll be filling in next week 1-4 pm weekdays for Joshua Escandon. Charlie Tuna will be on K-Earth regularly on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm and Sundays 10 am to 3 pm.
Jasko to JonesTM
JonesTM, owned by Jones Media Group, announced the hiring of Michelle Jasko as Regional Sales Manager. Jasko comes to JonesTM from Radio-Info.com and the Taylor-On-Radio-Info newsletter where she served as DOS. In her new role, Jasko will handle all custom and syndicated jingle sales in the Southeast and Northeast.
|
|
|
More News Headlines
|
AWRT to honor Pearl
American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) is announced that journalist and author Mariane Pearl is the recipient of the 2008 AWRT International Outreach Award, which will be presented at a March 14th reception in Washington in conjunction with AWRT's 2008 Leadership Summit & Business Conference. Mariane Pearl was five months pregnant when her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, was kidnapped and brutally murdered by a militant Islamic fundamentalist group in Pakistan in 2002. Her book "A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Daniel Pearl" introduced the world to Daniel as he was when he was alive and also provided a heartbreaking, first-person account of his disappearance and death. She co-founded the Daniel Pearl Foundation to further the ideals that inspired her husband's life and work and to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music and innovative communications.
|
|
|
RBR Radar 2008
|
|
Radio News you won't read any where else. RBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
|
Obama used the most radio
for Super Tuesday
Media Monitors has compiled a special report, focusing on the National Political Spot Ten for the week leading up to Super Tuesday, then dissecting each Spot Light market to see the results and the radio spots involved in the contests. RCS- Media Monitors VP/Marketing Dwight Douglas tells RBR: "I hate to say anything bad about anybody working so ! hard to win an election to help America become a better place, but really, why not more radio? Radio is a powerful medium and the bang for your buck makes it a natural. When I see some of these candidates running 10 spots in a major city (a spot a day?), I have to ask, are you trying to get your word out, or are you just throwing some loose change our way? Radio can help you, why don't you use it right?" See the Super Tuesday report, state by state, on RBR.com
02/07/08 RBR #26
Primaries: What's left
With four Republican candidates still standing, despite the establishment of strong front runner status by John McCain (R-AZ), and with much heavy lifting ahead for two strong Democratic contenders, the states still in play in the 2008 presidential primary season figure to be money magnets. The good news is that the Democratic race is where the indecision is, because that also happens to be where most of the warchest cash is.
02/07/08 RBR #26
|
|
|
RBR Classifieds
|
Hard finding that key person
to fill the important position at your organization? RBR Classifieds, Results with Service. Contact April McLynn at [email protected]
|
 |
|
|
|
|
