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Volume 24, Issue 61, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Wednesday Morning March 28th, 2007
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Radio News ®
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 Univision deal is a go
Jerrold Perenchio is letting go, and Haim Saban is taking over, now that the FCC has approved the sale of Univision in a stock deal that will move the USA's largest Hispanic broadcaster over to an ownership groups comprised largely of private equity companies. As reported, the FCC granted the transaction with the condition that the company pay an extraordinarily high fine of 24M for failing to meet its children's educational programming obligation. However, the 24M figure pales in comparison with the 13.7B in estimated value for the transaction. RBR/TVBR attributed 10.4B of that to the television properties and 3.3B to the radio side. The acquiring group, paying $36.25 per share, identified under the umbrella Broadcasting Media Partners Inc. and includes Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Thomas H. Lee Partners, and Saban Capital Group. Joe Uva, who will become CEO at closing (expected by month's end), said, "Univision is the fastest growing media company in the country. I am very excited to begin working with the Company's strong leadership team, talented employees, and partners to build on the great success for which Univision is so well known. Following the transaction, Univision will remain committed to providing the absolute best in Spanish-language information and entertainment while building on Univision's unique connection with its audience and continuing to serve the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic community."
| Station list here |
 Cancer is back for Tony Snow
White House press secretary Tony Snow is suffering a recurrence of his previous battle with colon cancer, and this time it has spread to his liver. Snow had been a Fox News Channel commentator and gave up his daily radio talk show to join the Bush Administration in April 2006. "I'm gonna beat it again," Snow declared, in a message relayed to the White House press corps by deputy press secretary Dana Perino, who broke down in tears. "His attitude is one that he is not going to let this whip him. And he's upbeat. My attitude is we need to pray for him and for his family," said President George W. Bush of his chief spokesman. The President added that he looked forward to welcoming Snow back to the White House. Snow, age 51, had surgery on Monday to remove a small growth from his lower pelvic area. The growth was discovered during one of the follow-up CAT scans he had undergone regularly since his colon cancer surgery in 2005 (2/16/05 RBR #33). Tests on the small growth, which was removed, confirmed that it was cancerous. He will now undergo another round of chemotherapy.
RBR observation: Regardless of your political affiliation, Tony Snow is one of us. He is a broadcaster. We hope and pray that he will beat this, finish out the finals months of the Bush Administration and come back to our world, radio and/or TV.
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Panel urges stakeholders to play ball
John Kerry (D-MA) manned the gavel at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the exclusive deal struck between Major League Baseball and satellite service DirecTV for Extra Innings, with left-behind services EchoStar and iN DEMAND there to air their gripes. All parties were advised to the preferability of resolving the problem without government intervention. Major League Baseball's Robert DuPay said that his sport gets plenty of exposure, all games are available at mlb.com (for a fee), and a big part of its DirecTV exclusive was a guaranteed 2009 launch of a year-round, 24/7 baseball channel. DirecTV's Chase Carey said they want to differentiate themselves and won the rights fair and square on the open market. However, EchoStar's Carl Vogel and iN DEMAND's Rob Jacobson both claimed to have made offers similar to DirecTV's but unlike the latter are not being offered an equity stake, so there is no level playing field available to them. Law professor Stephen F. Ross said there is cause for concern on antitrust grounds since normal market power available to an average citizen has to strike a deal with, say, Sears, is not available when dealing with MLB. The assembled senators indicated as a group that they did not particularly want to intervene in this matter, but to protect the rights of citizens who are losing access to Extra Innings, they had the power and were willing to consider such intervention. (EchoStar and iN DEMAND said they would welcome a broad-based intervention.) The parties agreed to meet within the next 48 hours. Kerry offered the possibility of an interim deal of some sort for further in-depth negotiation until the 2009 launch of MLB's new channel.
RBR observation: Freshman Claire McCaskill (D-MO) perhaps got off the best lines of the session, noting that sports programming and MVPD service decisions are not only hot topics in the average household, but are "the stuff divorces are made of." And it's not easy to switch services for those not subscribed to DirecTV. And watching games on a computer screen was not an option. Kerry also said that the hearing was called not because the Senators simply felt like it, but because they're getting an earful from constituents. But for now, the stakeholders will have the field to themselves.
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Odds against XM-Sirius
Back when Sirius and XM agreed to merge, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin insisted that the chance of winning regulatory approval was better than 50% (2/21/07 RBR #36). Even after a round of generally negative hearings on Capitol Hill, there has been no word of the Zen Master changing his math. But stock traders are losing faith. XM's stock jumped to 15.21 after the deal was announced, but is now around two bucks lower. Sirius was at 3.92 and is now around three and a quarter. A report by CNNMoney.com says the Wall Street consensus for the deal winning approval is now only 30%, with many analysts concerned that the FCC will not greenlight the merger.
RBR observation: We think even that 30% view is pretty optimistic. Everyone seems to focus on the FCC and somehow forget that the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice also has to give its consent. That looks even less likely than putting together a 3-2 FCC majority vote. The Antitrust Division of the DOJ exists for the sole purpose of preventing monopolies. It will be extraordinarily difficult to convince its lawyers to allow the merger of the only two companies in an industry, clearly direct competitors, on the grounds that they face lots of competition from indirect competitors. We have believed, and continue to believe, that the chance of getting this merger approved is in the 10% area.
 Consolidation scammers slammed
No, this isn't a potshot at big media. A company operating variously as Debt Set, Resolve Credit Counseling and other names was using advertising on radio, television and on web sites to get clients for its debt reduction services. However, neither the companies nor their principles apparently made any attempt to make good on deducing client interest rates to "between zero and 9%," or to win lump-sum settlements on the order of "half a buck on the dollar," or "50%-60%." In fact, most of the clients ended up further in debt due to late fees accumulated while the scammers failed to follow through on their promises. The companies have been shut down and their assets frozen.
RBR observation: The old if-it-sounds-too-good-to-be-true rule holds yet again. We never hear that broadcasters are held accountable for making their airwaves available to scammers. Indeed, there are legitimate debt counseling services out there, and broadcasters do not necessarily have the expertise to differentiate the good from the bad, nor have they been deputized to police the airwaves. However, if you can nip the scammers in the bud, wouldn't it make a nice promotion spot, the one where you can detail all the ads your listeners did NOT hear thanks to your watchfulness, diligence and street smarts?
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Leverage Your Station's Brand
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Advertisement
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 The Fast Track to HD at NAB
Free seminars on how to meet and defeat the competition with ready-today strategies for HD Radio, Multicasting, Messagecasting and Internet Broadcasting.
| More info on www.bdcast.com |
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| Wall Street Media Business Report TM |
SWMX transaction volume up 52% in Q4
SWMX, a leading electronic ad marketplace for radio and television, announced results for Q4 and full year ended 12/31/06. For the quarter, transaction volume, (gross billings), increased 52% to 7 million from 4.6 million in Q3 '06. Revenue increased 58% to 1.0 million from 633,000 in Q3. The company posted an operating loss for the quarter of 2.5 million compared to a loss of 2.8 million in Q3. The net loss for Q4 was 2.5 million, or (0.01) per share, compared to 2.8 million, or (0.01) per share for Q3. Premium, flighted campaigns represented 86% of total transaction volume-moving the company away from remnant. The company expanded its national daily radio audience to over 12 Million listeners in Q4, up from 9 Million in Q3, representing over 40% of the total U.S. radio market. Also in Q4, SWMX began beta testing SWMX Television 2.0 which, in addition to serving the local spot cable market, delivers enhanced functionality and access to the local broadcast television marketplace. For the year, transaction volume increased to 15.5 million from less than 1.0 million during the partial year 2005. Revenues increased to 2.5 million from 190,000 during the partial year 2005. SWMX reported net revenue of 2.5 million, an operating loss of 8.7 million and a net loss of 9.0 million, or (0.04) per share. Also FY, SWMX added 1,400 radio stations to the SWMX marketplace, ended the year with approximately 1,600, currently over 1,800, representing all of the top 15 radio broadcast groups and 40 of the top 50 radio stations. Flighted campaigns represented 78% of total transaction volume, compared to 100% remnant in 2005. SWMX ended the year with more than 200 advertisers including 43 ad agencies, up from 23 advertisers at the beginning of the year and no advertising agencies. On March 23, 2007 SWMX entered into a 9 million credit facility from BlueCrest Capital Finance, consisting of a 6 million revolving line of credit and a 3 million term loan. The revolving line of credit has a term of two years, provides for borrowings based on an advance rate of 80% of eligible receivables and bears interest at the Prime Rate plus 1.65%.
See more in Ad Business Report.
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Ad Business Report TM
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Russo on the hiring of Dan Mason
Rich Russo, JL Media's SVP/Director of Broadcast Services, voiced his opinion with us on the hiring of Dan Mason to replace Joel Hollander ad CBS Radio CEO (3/27/07 RBR #60). Said Russo: "This will be a cakewalk for him-he's a programming guy. A big chunk of their difficulties have been programming issues and personnel. In one wave of his hand, he'll probably turn one of the NY FMs to Rock, one of the other NY FMs to Oldies, and in 30 seconds he can reverse the fortunes and perception of his company. He'll clear up some of the other markets and do similar things as needed. As we have said all along, it's always about programming and content, so at least now there is someone who is an expert in that. Hopefully he will bring in a top level sales manager to get it all on track. This will be a no-brainer for Dan Mason, it will be as easy as hitting a pinata without a blindfold."
 SWMX's Wexler, Figenshu proud
of Q4 and FY performance
SWMX, a leading electronic ad marketplace for radio and television, announced results for Q4 and full year ended 12/31/06. (See financial details in Wall Street Media Business Report) Josh Wexler, SWMX CEO, noted in yesterday's conference that in 2006, they made great strides in advancing the company's objectives of becoming the industry standard in the electronic media buying market. "SWMX is currently the only organization adhering to the standards across the lifecycle of the media buying process," he said. "Today we are the only platform that serves broadcasters and advertisers equally, the only platform that is transacting the buying and selling of premium inventory for both radio and TV-not just remnant inventory." Added SWMX COO Bill Figenshu (pictured): "Our stations now reach 97% of the U.S. population, and visionary broadcasters like Clear Channel, CBS, ABC, Entercom, Cox, Bonneville and Cumulus-all of the top broadcasters-are on board with our platform. And among the registered stations, we now boast participants from the Top 15 broadcast groups and 41 of the Top 50 US radio stations are registered with SWMX Radio. This is a significant advantage over all of our competitors." Figenshu also mentioned SWMX Television is currently serving major interconnects in cable markets such as NY and LA and continue to do business with MSOs across the country. Wexler concluded, "We have set our sights firmly on crossing over into profitability. To do this, we will continue to build on the growth we have achieved in Q4 and throughout 2006. Key pieces of our strategy into 2007 include continuing to build our organization internally, which will fuel our organic growth. We will also continue to enhance our platform, keeping us ahead of the industry...We are also seeking unique ways to strengthen and build upon our relationships with advertisers, agencies and media owners and exploring potential relationships and alliances with industry service providers."
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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
Brian Eick/Dave Meier/John Weller; Gladstone Capital; Bellagio Hotel;
Brian cell 847-612-3002, Dave cell 847-650-1735, John cell 509-496-3254; [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
BROKERS
Todd Fowler/David Reeder; American Media Services; Bellagio Hotel; 843-972-2200; [email protected], [email protected]
Brian Cobb/ Denis LeClair /Dan Graves/Jack Higgins; Cobb Corp; Bellagio Hotel; 212-812-5020; [email protected]
Andy McClure/Erick Steinberg, The Exline Company, Bellagio Hotel, office 415-479-3484, cell 415-497-3855, [email protected]. [email protected]
Frank Boyle; Frank Boyle & Co.;
Bellagio Hotel; 203-969-2020; cell 203-249-7818; [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, Bellagio Hotel; [email protected]; [email protected]
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Gordon Rice; Gordon Rice Associates;
843-884-3590; Bellagio Hotel; [email protected]
Dick Kozacko/George Kimble;
Kozacko Media Services; office 607-733-7138; cell 607-738-1219; Bellagio Hotel; [email protected], [email protected]
Media Services Group; Bellagio Hotel; www.mediaservicesgroup.com
Elliot Evers/Greg Widroe/Brian Pryor/Patricia Carberry-Harris;
Media Venture Partners;
415-391-4877; Bellagio Hotel;
pcarberryharris@
mediaventurepartners.com
Brian Byrnes; Paramount Media
Advisors, Inc.; 312-396-4043;
cell 312-933-7559; Bellagio Hotel; bbyrnes@[email protected]
Glenn Serafin; Serafin Bros., Inc.;
office 813-885-6060; cell 813-494-6875; Aladdin Hotel; [email protected]
Bill Schutz; Schutz & Company; Bellagio Hotel; 757-258-8740, cell 757-880-9251; [email protected]
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| Media Business Report TM |
Prosecutor firing story stays on top
The saga of eight fired US attorneys remained on top of the chart, arcing from 2% overall coverage two weeks ago, to 16% and now to 18%, according to the Project for Excellence in Journalism. During the week of 3/18-23/07, the continuing controversy thrust the story to the top of four of the five media charts, and it still grabbed 16% of the online hole, where it was second to stories about Iraq events. Cable managed not only to finally shed its Anna Nicole habit, but became the first medium to mirror the overall top ten stories, so far as we're aware (although not in precisely the same order). There were also a minimum of one-timer stories. The boy scout rescued from the North Carolina woods being the biggest this week. Of the two biggest stories to drop off the charts, one was actually a two-timer, reflecting the duration of President Bush's visit to Latin America, and the other was an ongoing issue propelled to the top by a general's comments about gays in the military.
| Top ten lists here |
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| Media Markets & Money TM |
For sale sign goes up in Rochester
 Entercom knew all along it had moves to make after it filed its 42M acquisition of WCMF-FM, WPXY-FM, WRMM-FM & WZNE-FM from CBS 9/6/06. It already had WBEE-FM, WFKL-FM, WBZA-FM & WROC-AM, putting it three FMs over the limit. According to the local newspaper, the Democrat and Chronicle, Entercom has decided to spin newcomers WRMM-FM and WZNE-FM, along with incumbent WFKL-FM, adding the two remaining CBS stations, WCMF-FM and WPXY-FM to its ongoing operation. The paper said consultant David Pearlman is advising on the spin.
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| Washington Media Business Report TM |
Digital transition, meet Mr. Markey
This time, communications executives and watchdogs will have the digital television transition in mind as they continue wearing out the path leading into Room 2123 in the Rayburn House Office Building. That's where Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) is getting to know them all over again after many years of leaving the agenda setting to members of the other party. The most recent of those, Ranking Member Fred Upton (R-MI), figures to be on hand as well, and the Chairman and Ranking members of the parent Committee on Energy and Commerce, John Dingell (D-MI) and Joe Barton (R-TX), often drop in to make cameo appearances at the Telecom Subcom sessions. Appearing before the committee to represent, once again, the broadcasting community will be frequent-testifier Jim Yager of Barrington Broadcasting. Filling out the roster are Glenn A. Britt of Time Warner Cable; Mary Fetchet of Voices of September 11th; Alex Nogales of National Hispanic Media Coalition; John Taylor of LG Electronics USA; and Michael Vitelli of retailer Best Buy.
RBR observation: The 2/17/09 deadline for the transition doesn't seem to be much of an issue to any of the major stakeholders, but there remains skirmishing in Congress itself across the aisle. Look for Republicans to say they laid the groundwork for a smooth transition, and for Democrats to say there isn't enough money for set-top digital-to-analog converter boxes, nor to educate the public. However, an issue of concern to broadcasters which may come up may be the burden of additional public interest obligations. Cable will be worried about somehow finding that multicast must-carry becomes a tie-in.
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| Entertainment Media Business Report TM |
 Savage honored with
Freedom of Speech Award
TRN's Michael Savage has been named this year's recipient of TALKERS Magazine's Freedom of Speech Award. The magazine's Talk Radio First Amendment Committee has selected Talk Radio Network's syndicated host of Savage Nation, to receive this prestigious honor at this year's New Media Seminar on 6/9. According to TALKERS, Savage is being honored, "For being the first major conservative radio talk show host to criticize President George W. Bush on his policies and encourage hosts of all political ideologies to remain independent of partisan loyalties." Previous recipients of the Freedom of Speech Award include Howard Stern (2006), Al Franken (2005), Rush Limbaugh (2004), Hannity & Colmes (2003), Norm Pattiz (2002), Bill O'Reilly (2001) and Brian Lamb (2000).
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| Internet Media Business Report TM |
ESPN unveils programming for ESPN Mobile TV
ESPN unveiled the program lineup for its new channel, ESPN Mobile TV, available on MediaFLO USA's FLO TV service, now being offered as V CAST Mobile TV from Verizon Wireless. ESPN Mobile TV -- ESPN's first 24/7 channel on a wireless service -- offers live game and event coverage; comprehensive and breaking sports news, commentary and analysis; and realtime sports scores and game updates. ESPN Mobile TV also offers new programs, including ESPN ReSet and ScoreCenter, available only on the wireless platform. ESPN Mobile TV features live events with upcoming programming including the Summer X Games, the NIT Championship, the Arena Football League, IndyCar racing and NCAA baseball, softball and lacrosse In the fall, ESPN Mobile TV will showcase live college football, including games from the Big Ten, Big East and the ACC. In addition to airing popular ESPN shows such as Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn, ESPN has also created new shows for ESPN Mobile TV: ESPN ReSet - This one hour show, hosted by ESPN talent, features the best segments from ESPN's popular morning programming, including Mike & Mike in the Morning and Cold Pizza. ScoreCenter - This half-hour sports news program combines elements of ESPN's flagship program, SportsCenter, with top interview segments from ESPNEWS' Hot List. Built around straightforward scoreboard segments, ScoreCenter recaps the day's news, scores and info.
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| Ratings & Research |
JWT survey busts myths about Boomer technology habits
The first online research study conducted by ThirdAge Inc. and the new "JWT BOOM: Boomers & Beyond," under their strategic partnership, was unveiled yesterday during the Beyond the Numbers: Boomer Marketing Summit in Vegas. The survey, conducted online at www.thirdage.com with over 1,210 adults 40+ years of age was designed to help marketers understand the current interests, preferences and habits of Boomers and their use of online media. Results of the survey reveal surprising new data, according to Lori Bitter, Senior Partner at JWT BOOM and Sharon Whiteley, CEO, ThirdAge Inc.
| Read More... |
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| Transactions |
80K WXJO-AM Gordon GA from Roberts Communications Inc. (Michael A. Roberts) to Exponenet Broadcasting Inc. (Randy D. Gravley, Byron L. Dobbs, Clifton G. Moor, William G. Brown). 28K down payment, balance in cash at closing. Holds CP to move city of license to Smyrna GA in the Atlanta market. [File date 3/5/07.]
10 WHJM-AM Anna OH from Friends of Radio Maria (Florinda M. Iannace) to Radio Maria Inc. (Joseph Fugolo, Florinda Innace, Joe Bertels, Mary Pyper, Carolyn Abdella, Emanuele Ferrario). Noncommercial station. [File date 3/5/07.]
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| Stock Talk |
Pessimism on Wall Street
A couple of bad reports on home sales and a drop in the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index but Wall Street traders in a gloomy mood. The Dow Industrials fell 72 points, or 0.6%, to 12,397.
Radio stocks followed the downward trend. The Radio Index was off 1.839, or 1.2%, to 154.136. Salem and Emmis led the retreat, each down 3.8%.
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| Radio Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Tuesday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Arbitron
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ARB
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47.14
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-0.59
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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12.92
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-0.15
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Beasley
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BBGI
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9.07
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+0.01
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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68.30
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-0.54
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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30.58
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+0.02
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Radio One, Cl. A
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ROIA
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6.63
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-0.13
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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30.61
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+0.05
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Radio One, Cl. D
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ROIAK
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6.59
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-0.14
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| Citadel |
CDL |
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9.59 |
-0.07 |
Regent
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RGCI
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2.99
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-0.01
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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35.17
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-0.27
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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9.71
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-0.06
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Cox Radio
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CXR
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13.62
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-0.11
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Salem Comm.
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SALM
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12.73
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-0.50
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Cumulus
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CMLS
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9.36
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unch
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Sirius Sat. Radio
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SIRI
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3.26
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-0.05
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Disney
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DIS
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34.66
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-0.56
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Spanish Bcg.
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SBSA
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4.02
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-0.10
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Emmis
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EMMS
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7.72
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-0.30
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SWMX
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SMWX
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0.75
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-0.10
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| Entercom |
ETM
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27.88
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-0.34
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Univision
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UVN
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36.21
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+0.06
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Entravision
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EVC
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9.18
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-0.06
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Westwood One
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WON
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6.70
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unch
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Fisher
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FSCI
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48.09
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-0.20
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XM Sat. Radio
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XMSR
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13.17
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-0.24
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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26.83
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-0.16
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-
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-
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-
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-
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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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Wall Street Media Business Report
SWMX transaction
Leading electronic ad marketplace does well with Volume up 52% in Q4...
Ad Business Report
On the hiring of Dan Mason
Rich Russo, JL Media: This will be a cakewalk for him...
Media Business Report
Prosecutor firing
Story stay on top as Cable managed to finally shed its Anna Nicole habit...
Media Markets & Money
For sale sign goes up
In Rochester as Entercom knew all along it had moves to make...
Washington Media Business Report
Digital transition, meet Mr. Markey
Watchdogs will have the digital television transition in mind...
Internet Media Business Report
ESPN unveils programming
For ESPN Mobile TV available on MediaFLO USA's FLO TV service. Anyone see a pattern here? Mobile......
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Stations for Sale
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10 TX, AZ, NC, and GA
FM radio stations at an exceptional value offered for sale. Broker cooperation encouraged. Please visit www.toweritrust.com for complete information including pricing.
Mississippi AM-FM
Recently Merged, Profitable Now
Significant Upside Remains
Gordon Rice Associates
(843) 884-3590
[email protected]
 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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Moving markets
Amy Griesheimer has been named Vice President and Market Manager of Entercom's cluster of three stations in Madison, WI - WOLX-FM, WMMM-FM and WCHY-FM. She was previously GM of two stations in the company's Seattle cluster, KISW-FM and KNDD-FM.
Upped in NYC
Clear Channel's WLTW-FM "106.7 Lite FM" New York announced the promotion of Morgan Prue to Assistant Program Director and the naming of Amanda Karman to the newly created position of Promotions Director for the station.
Network promotion
ABC Radio Networks has promoted Bob LaGrega to Director of Affiliate Relations. LaGrega has been with the company for 30 years in various roles, most recently as Manager of Affiliate Relations.
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More News Headlines
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RadioNews expands rollout of new sales program
RadioNews Corp announced the national rollout of a newly developed radio sales program. RadioNews Corp initially launched the program in August in a select number of markets. Partnerships were formed with individually owned stations or clusters in over 40 markets with each being given an exclusive opportunity to try out the program. Due to the success stations are currently experiencing, the program will now be made available, on an exclusive basis, in the top 300 Radio markets. Dan Sanders, President of RadioNews Corp, explained, "When we initially showed this program to station management teams around the country, we were often told that they had never seen a program quite like ours. Well, nothing affirms a program quite like success and it's great to be involved in the success our station partners are currently experiencing. Our industry is pretty much under siege from the onslaught of new media opportunities being presented to Radio advertising clients. To that end, we designed this program to give our station partners a competitive edge and ultimately improve results for their advertising clients." The program is a tool that empowers radio sales people with the ability to offer their advertisers a choice of 38 "On Demand" :30 weekly Features in categories covering Sports, Finance, Business, Health & Fitness, Entertainment, US & World News, Technology & Science and Lifestyles. Each :30 Feature is produced and updated every week with current news and information. Combining the :30 Feature with an advertiser's :30 message allows the station to insert the special creative into a regular schedule of :60's. To provide a complete, turn-key sales program, RadioNews Corp designed a custom website, granting exclusive access to authorized radio station partners, to be used as a presentation platform to advertisers.
AWRT back in DC
American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) announced that it has re-launched a chapter in the Washington, DC area. The new chapter is being called the AWRT National Capital Area Chapter. AWRT recognized the work of Carole Dickert-Scherr, Vice President, PBS; Kathie Ross, Executive Vice President & Chief Administration Officer, Arbitron; and Deborah Salons, Associate Attorney, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in the re-launch. Salons will serve as the Chapter President.
Management fellowships awarded
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) have named Reva Squire and Dale Murray as recipients of the 2007 NABOB DaimlerChrysler Management Fellowship - a two-year initiative designed to foster the development of African-Americans and other minorities who have the talent and the desire to be radio or television station owners. Squire and Murray constitute the second class of NABOB DaimlerChrysler Management Fellows. The first two fellows, Alexis Snipe-Campbell and Bartt Horton, were chosen in 2005 and will complete their two- year program this year. DaimlerChrysler has committed a total of 75K to sponsor the fellowships through NABOB, intended to put minorities on the track to broadcast media ownership. "Media ownership has a direct affect on media content, from local news reporting to radio music programming. Minorities overall own a majority interest in only 3.6% of the total number of stations. Our partnership with the National Association of Black Owned broadcasters to sponsor the NABOB DaimlerChrysler Management Fellowship is our contribution to change the proportion of minority-owned stations within the landscape of all broadcast stations," said Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President - External Affairs and Public Policy.
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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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Hollander out,
Mason in at CBS Radio
Just days after rumors began to circulate that Joel Hollander was soon to depart as CEO of CBS Radio, that is fait accompli and Dan Mason is back at CBS Radio as President and CEO. It is a return engagement. Mason was President of CBS Radio from 1995 to 2002, during which time he merged together the operations of Group W Radio, which he had previously headed, CBS, Infinity and American Radio Systems. Mason begins CEO duties on April 16th and he told RBR that his priorities are easy. First goal is to get into the field and meet all managers. "I want to get inside all clusters and make sure our products are effective but more important managers needed to know I will give them control to run their operations with accountability." Mason emphasized to RBR that radio is a local business and feels strongly not taking control out of local managers and programmers hands. The second goal said Mason is "I will concentrate on technology and the use of the FM spectrum, namely digital radio." Mason will be based in NYC.
RBR observation: For those of you who do not know Mason his roots are deep as a PD and a damn good one. He is not your typical CEO in other words not a numbers cruncher. Also this is not a job that he needs to feed himself but more importantly a position that he desires as his goal is to make a strong difference for the radio medium especially in the world of HD. Mason is a stand up pro. Mason's return to controlling a major group of CBS will also be a breath of fresh air to the CEO roundtable. New workable ideas with a proactive strategy are needed and Mason is the radio guy to shake things up. Listen to this man as he will make a difference for our radio business.
03/27/07 RBR #60
DARS wars:
XM and Sirius return fire
The two satellite audio services are trying to merge over the objections of the much of the broadcasting community. They have now trotted out the argument that the advent of HD Radio makes broadcasters competitive with the multi-channel satellite platform, rendering their complaint about lack of a level playing field disingenuous.
RBR observation: This argument is nonsense. We have heard many broadcasters extolling the virtues of HD, but what else are they going to do? (There is more to the continuing DARS wars and the RBR observation in this report)
03/27/07 RBR #60
Clear Channel buyout
opponent makes its case
With less than a month to go, the shareholder vote on whether Clear Channel Communications will be taken private is too close to call. The indication that Highfields Capital Management, a hedge fund, was preparing to oppose the buyout (3/19/07 RBR #54) is now a certainty. Although hedge funds seldom speak publicly about anything to do with their investments, Highfields issued a public statement opposing the Clear Channel deal.
RBR observation: It appears quite certain that the 37.60 bid is not going to be raised, although some Wall Street analysts are still holding onto that as at least a slight possibility. (There is more detail in RBR)
03/26/07 RBR #59
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