Thursday Morning February 16th, 2012, Volume 29, Issue 33
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 FCC station fines keep on coming
The licensees of radio stations could better adhere to their supply of cash if they make sure they also adhere to basic FCC rules and regulations. Yet the parade of stations that fall short of complying with two of most basic rules - public file maintenance and timely license renewal filing - continues unabated.
RBR-TVBR observation: It is hard enough to make ends meet in the broadcasting business these days. That makes it more important than ever to avoid these kinds of utterly unnecessary expenses. More...
NZ radio divorce stunt backfires
A Valentines Day competition at MediaWorks' "The Rock" FM in New Zealand was supposed to have a woman being told her husband is divorcing her live on air. This time, the stunt backfired on Robert Taylor and Jono Pryor, hosts of The Rock FM's Drive. The 'the Valentine's Day divorce' was to have a listener's divorce paid for by the station on the condition the news is broken to the unsuspecting spouse live on air. But a lesbian couple sabotaged the competition.
RBR-TVBR observation: Bottom line, it's good entertainment. When the listeners get one over on the show hosts, everyone laughs. More...
Radio Award winners for ACM Awards
The Academy of Country Music announced the full list of radio award winners for this year's ACM Awards. The radio winners will not be televised during the CBS live broadcast of the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards "due to time constraints," the Academy said. More...
Light Media Q4 revenues rose 52%
Penny stock company Light Media Holdings saw its Q4 revenues jump 52% to $64,756. The company, formerly focused on recorded music and Internet sites, had acquired its first radio station in mid-2011, so there were no revenues from WZBN-FM Albany, GA the previous Q4. More...
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Payroll tax deal may include spectrum auctions
Democrats and Republicans are said to have the broad outlines of a deal in place to handle an extension of payroll tax cuts and other items. And part of the deal, included to help fund the cut, is a plank to authorize the FCC to conduct incentive auctions of spectrum in the television space.
RBR-TVBR observation: Apparently, despite the fact that the two parties do not yet see eye-to-eye on the matter, spectrum auctions cannot afford their own legislative vehicle, and are forced to hitchhike on other bills. If this isn't the magic moment for auctions to get through, what's next? Will it be a rider on a resolution celebrating National Bean Sprout Week? More...
Comcast reworking of NBCU still in early stages (audio)
NBCUniversal was a contributor to Q4 growth for Comcast, [LINK] but company officials are making it clear that much remains to be done at NBCU. The early focus has been on integrating the two companies, with a new management structure at NBCU, headed by Comcast veteran Steve Burke as CEO, merging the former Comcast cable nets into NBCU and trying to jump-start the ratings engine at NBC. More...
NAB working to keep political ad info off line
The National Association of Broadcasters does not have a problem with the concept of online public files. However, it does have a problem with posting sensitive ratecard information there as part of its disclosure on political advertising activity. At least one watchdog thinks this is a "bizarre claim," since anyone - including competitors - could go to the station and get the info.
RBR-TVBR observation: In our opinion, this isn't about broadcaster v. broadcaster; it's about broadcast v. all competing advertising venues. The argument should not be whether this sensitive information should be posted online as well as in the file cabinet, the argument is that absent a blanket disclosure rule that applies to all media, this sensitive information shouldn't be filed anywhere. More...
NBCUniversal revenues up slightly in Q4
Comcast reported that Q4 revenues shot up 54.7% to $15.04 billion, including the addition of NBCUniversal. On a pro forma basis that was a 3.1% gain, but still pretty good. NBCU, though, was up only 0.8% to $5.74 billion.
RBR-TVBR observation: There's no denying that Comcast has made good on its pledge to invest on the broadcasting side. The payoff will take time, but NBC has lately had some ratings success with something besides Sunday Night Football - notably "The Voice" and "Smash." More...
StorerTV signs The Weather Channel for program management
The Weather Channel has chosen the Storer Information Management System (SIMS) to manage the scheduling of their weather related content. SIMS will provide TWC streamlined functionality to manage the availability of their content and prevent scheduling conflicts. More...
Aereo to let users watch network shows on mobile devices
Backed by media mogul Barry Diller's web empire, IAC, Aereo is a new online television service that streams local TV shows to paying subscribers using dime-sized antennas stored in a remote data center. Aereo will cost $12 a month after a 30-day free trial and be available to NYC residents on 3/14.
RBR-TVBR observation: If this offered cable networks, we think it would be a hit and people would pay a monthly fee for it. More...
Comcast boosts dividend and authorizes stock buyback
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TDGA's Larry Keene on posting political rate info
Here's some timely data on the NAB trying to keep political rate info offline, from Traffic Director's Guild of America's (TDGA) President Larry Keene: "Our recent survey finds 11.5% of radio traffic personnel are charged by management with updating and inserting political order data in the station public files. For Television, the percentage is 9.9%.
RBR-TVBR observation: Yes, adding political rate info online will make a lot more work for everyone-traffic personnel obviously included. With staffs already stretched beyond the breaking point, do they need more work to do? More...
Les "The Genius" Moonves sees growth at CBS (audio)
For several quarterly conference calls now CBS Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone has introduced company President and CEO Les Moonves as a "genius," much to the embarrassment of Moonves. But the CEO isn’t shy about predicting continued growth across the company’s various units. More...
Honest CEOs are better CEOs
It's not hard to find corporate leaders who are willing and able to discuss strengths and successes. However, a survey of business bloggers places a premium on corporate leaders who are also willing to discuss shortcomings and failures as well. It demonstrates honesty and authenticity, they say. This is especially true when they are asked to discuss corporate excess. More...
Hamish McLennan joins News Corporation executive suite
News Corporation named former Young and Rubicam CEO Hamish McLennan to the position of Executive Vice President, Office of the Chairman. McLennan, who will divide his time between New York and Sydney, will report to News Corporation's Chairman & CEO Rupert Murdoch as well as to President & COO Chase Carey. More...
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Featured Listing
Sales Manager
Mendota Broadcasting in LaSalle-Peru, IL is looking for a general sales manager for our six stations in LaSalle-Peru, IL. Top three rated stations in the market, no TV or out-of-market radio competitors. GM has served as part-time SM for recent years, but with more to sell and additional sellers, full-time SM is needed. More information at www.rbr.com
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Radio's Hiring Hot List
 On Air/Production, NY
Financial Analyst, NY
Marketing Consultants, OH/MS/AL
View all Radio jobs
New Listings
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TV's Hiring Hot List
Ad Sales Analysis, MD
PT Production Assistant, VA
Local Sales Manager, FL
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New Listings
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FCC backs down on LightSquared, Grassley digs in
The FCC had cleared the way for LightSquared to offer a new mobile broadband service pending resolution of interference problems, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has been questioning the process. Now NTIA has reported the problems unresolved, FCC has blocked initiation of LightSquared service, and Grassley is even more adamant about his request for FCC documentation.
RBR-TVBR observation: It looks like FCC commissioner nominees Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai should plan on hanging on to their current jobs for the time being. More...
Review all Washington News at RBR.com |
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Apple led the market lower on Wednesday - 2/15/12
Worries about a legal dispute threatening Apple iPad sales in China sent the tech giant's stock lower on Wednesday and weighed on the broader market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 97 points, or 0.8%, to 12,781. Broadcasting stocks did not escape. The RBR Radio Index was down 4.622, or 1.3%, to 356.740. The TVBR Television Index was down 4.887, or 1.8%, to 261.511. More...
Review all Broadcast Stocks News at RBR.com
Winners |
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Losers |
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| SBS |
+4.5% |
Arbitron |
-7.2% |
| Emmis |
+2.3% |
Gray |
-5.1% |
Radio One |
+0.9% |
Entercom |
-4.7% |
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For additional reports, ideas, analysis, interviews, and
RBR/TVBR Observations...visit and bookmark www.RBR.com
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Internet Business Report
NBCU finds in-house partners
For new Spanish-English venture
Ad Business Report
TV advertising
It's more effective than ever
Washington
Business Report
FCC nominees still hostages
As Sen. Grassley is madder than ever |
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Interactive guy
Journal Broadcast Group has named Michael J. Gay as VP of Interactive Media. He spent five years at Hearst Television as Corporate Executive Producer of Digital Media.
Upped at LIN
30-year broadcast veteran Michael Kelly has been promoted to Vice President Sales at LIN Media, where he has been Director of Interactive/New Media Sales since 2008.
New anchor
Boston radio veteran Drew Dawson has joined Virtual News Center as an anchor.
CHR PD
Mike Klein has been named Program director of Entercom's legendary CHR WNVZ-F M "Z104" Norfolk, where he worked before stints in NCY, Tampa and DC. He was most recently PD of WLGX and WNRW Louisville, KY.
Rising at Starz
Glenn Curtis has been promoted from Exec. VP/CFO to President and CFO of Starz LLC. |
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Moby in hot water / Indecency complaints to FCC low
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Inner City vs. Inner City / Researching the Olympics
02/14/12 RBR-TVBR #31
Spectrum bill still disputed / Analyst ups Sinclair's 2012
02/13/12 RBR-TVBR #30
Broadcast stocks cheap / Get your bids in for Nassau
02/12/12 Sunday edition
Avoid the Kodak Moment / Focusing Your Marketing Message
02/11/12 Saturday edition
Dog bites anchor / Auction block for Nassau
02/10/12 RBR-TVBR #29
Arbitron committed to winning back MRC double-checks (audio)
Stung by the recent loss of Media Rating Council accreditation for five Portable People Meter markets, officials of Arbitron reaffirmed their commitment to PPM and MRC accreditation in Tuesday's quarterly conference call. COO Sean Creamer told Wall Street analysts that recruiting survey panels is a problem for all research organizations.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
PPM drove Q4 revenue growth for Arbitron
Arbitron ended 2011 with Q4 revenue up 7.6% to $120.1 million. Operating income increased 8.8% to $20.7 million.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Indecency complaints were up but not high in Q4 2011
During the final three months of 2011 the FCC registered an increase in the number of consumer complaints concerning broadcast licensees, including an increase in the most closely-watched category - indecency/obscenity. Still, the results further underscored the fact that such content is either a rarity broadcast airwaves, or few care enough to complain.
RBR-TVBR observation: We know there are watchdogs out there who are more than happy to complain to the FCC, so we have to conclude that the vast majority of broadcasters are playing by the rules when it comes to program content.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Moby suspended from WTSH-FM for expletive
Moby, the self-syndicated Country morning man for Country formats, has been suspended indefinitely from Woman's World Broadcasting' South 107 (WTSH-FM) in Rome, GA after he accidentally uttered "G-- damn" on 2/13. For now, Kevin Daniels will cover the shift from 6 to 10 a.m.
RBR-TVBR observation: You can't please all the listeners all the time, but we think Howard Toole and Randy Quick made the best decision on whether to keep him on the station or not-let the audience decide.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
WAY-FM selling WAYJ-FM
WAY Media announced that Classical South Florida (CSF), a nonprofit listener-supported public radio organization dedicated to broadcasting classical music, has agreed to acquire its WAYJ-FM (88.7) in Fort Myers, FL. In turn, Way has agreed to acquire "Praise FM" WSRX-FM (89.5) in Naples, FL from Family Christian Broadcast Network. The WAY-FM programming currently heard on WAYJ will still cover the Fort Myers airwaves after the move.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
January retail sales up 4%
Building on the momentum of a strong holiday shopping season, gift card redemptions and warm weather, retailers' January sales saw solid growth across the board. According to the National Retail Federation, January retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.9% seasonally adjusted from December and 4.0% unadjusted YOY.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Arbitron wants to buy
back some stock
The board of directors at Arbitron has given management the green light to buy back up to $100 million of the company's common stock. The authorization runs for two years.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Moody's points to downgrade for Media General
Moody's Investors Service has placed Media General's credit ratings on review for possible downgrade in connection with the company's pending negotiations with its bank group on an amendment to its senior secured credit facility. Approximately $300 million of rated debt is affected by the review.
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
Spot Monitoring: Capturing data is key to getting and keeping media buys-Part I
In this Spot Monitoring Systems update, we asked Natalie Swed Stone, US Director, National Radio Investment, OMD, to submit questions and issues for vendors in the spot monitoring biz to respond. We also asked a few of our own. Where is the business of data capturing in general headed? How have the spot monitoring providers expanded and improved their services for broadcasters, agencies and clients? Inquiring minds want to know. This time around, we spoke with:
02/15/12 RBR-TVBR #32
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