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www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcasligiCable August 21999 www.hroadcastingcable.com Volume 129 Number 32

TOP OF THE WEEK / 6

Allowing two TVs to a market? FCC proposal for NBC Entertainment President Garth Antier (I) and permitting duopolies, preserving LMAs headed for vote. / 6 NBC West Coast President Scott Sassa. Sinclair turns off radio Entercom wins bulk of stations with offer of nearly $822 million in a `win -win' scenario. / 12 Latinos set network boycott Groups plan to tune -out on Sept. 12 to protest the lack of Latino characters on TV. / 16 Wrangle over ENG reimbursement FCC is considering covering only equipment depreciation in plan to take back spectrum. / 19 CPB opposes donor list swap Hopes to avert legislation, seeks guarantees from brokers that no political groups get names from public stations. /19 Sassa seeks role models NBC's Hol- For more late-breaking news, see lywood chief says minority characters should "In Brief" on pages 68-69 have positive impact. / 10

XM's high hopes for ¡PO Satellite radio company hopes to raise $150 million for 100 -channel service in 2001. / 43 CABLE / 48 OpenNet courts grassroots ISP group hopes consumers will help them win access to high -speed cable pipes. / 46 AT &T retires TCI name Hindery says cable op is better than new brand. / 48 Health as an Internet play MSO sees e- commerce opportunities as an Internet play. / 49 Cox wins Gannett auction Discovery Cox's shopping spree appears over... Health Channel for the moment. / 49 TECHNOLOGY / 50 Broadcasters worry that the need for outdoor antennas NY Times' one -stop shop TV group offers to pro- will limit DTV reach and threaten a potentially lucrative vide master -control services at its Virginia operations business -broadcasting to computers. /22 center to other stations. / 50

BROADCASTING 141 AOL bolsters broadband bid GTE pact latest in Moonves says CBS is diverse sequence to advance faster Net access. / 52 Accepts NAACP's general criticism, but is quick to defend his network's efforts to Changing Hands 63 Editorials 70 In Brief 68 make programming more 41 diverse. / Classifieds 53 Fates & Fortunes 66 Nielsen Ratings 45.48 Doors open at ABC Network says it's Closed Circuit 16 Fifth Estater 65 Station Break 44 Moonves interested in shows from rival studios. / 41 Datebook 62 Get w /the Program 42 Washington Watch 20

4 BROADCASTING 8 CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcasfmgaCable TOP 0. ilia WEEK Two TVs to a market? FCC proposal for permitting duopolies, preserving LMAs headed for Aug. 5 vote

By Bill McConnell

The FCC this week is expected to Easing up relax its local broadcast owner- Highlights of the proposed ownership rules ship restrictions, but also will try to keep a lid on industry consolidation Duopolies -A company may own two TV stations in one market, if one is by confining the changes to markets financially troubled or if it is not among the market's four top -rated stations with plenty of competition. and the market has at least eight other separately owned TV stations. A Privately, most broadcasters are company may own single stations in adjacent markets -say, Baltimore thrilled with the plan, especially when and Washington -even though the stations' signals overlap. compared to the much more restrictive one FCC Chairman William Kennard Local marketing agreements- Existing agreements under which one sta- floated last fall. But, publicly, in tion operates another in the same market will be grandfathered for five advance of the vote, they are guarded. years. After five years, LMAs not meeting the new duopoly criteria (above) "We're pleased to see the item on the will be forced to prove they benefit the public interest. agenda," was National Association of Broadcasters President Eddie Fritts' Radio/TV crossownership- A company with only comment. one or two TVs may own to radio Public interest advocates, however, up six are outspoken, warning that the stations in a market, if the market has at least 20 other changes would only tighten the grip of separately owned TV corporate owners on the broadcast and industry. radio stations. Any company Although the five commissioners that now exceeds the new cap under an FCC waiver continued to debate details of the plan Friday (July 30), the major points may keep all the stations. appeared to have been agreed upon. Attrihutin For purposes of Still, the scheduled Aug. 5 vote is not the ownership rules, owner- guaranteed, because any one commis- ship is defined as an active sioner could yank the plan from the investment of 10% or a pas- agenda if there are last -minute snags. sive investment of 20 %. One of the biggest changes would (The existing levels are 5% allow one owner to control two TV sta- and 10 %, respectively.) tions in a market if one of the stations were financially troubled. Duopolies would also be permitted if the second miffed to hold six radio stations and up to lished after 1996-the year the FCC station were not among the four top - two TV outlets if the duopoly conditions began its latest local ownership rule - rated stations in the market and at least were also met. Current waiver policy making and Congress ordered the FCC eight unaffiliated TV stations remained allows a TV station to own up to eight to review all its ownership rules. in the market after the acquisition. stations under some conditions and own- Kennard is expected to have the Existing local marketing agree- ers with eight outlets would be allowed to three votes needed (including Republi- ments, which have allowed owners to keep all their holdings. cans Michael Powell and Harold circumvent the ban on duopolies, will Commission Democrats are said to be Furchtgott -Roth) to get the changes be grandfathered, but no new ones will pushing hard for tougher standards for approved, but with key details in flux, be permitted. The roughly 80 in- market permitting duopolies and crossowner- there is no guarantee that his fellow TV LMAs will be allowed to continue ship and for grandfathering LMAs. For Democrats will support the final plan. unhampered for at least five years, after instance, sources said they want 10 Some observers question whether Ken- which their owners must meet the unaffiliated TV stations to remain in any nard wants to be put in the awkward duopoly criteria and show that they market where a duopoly is permitted position of being the only Democrat to serve the public interest. and would like to bump the number of support a largely deregulatory meas- Another key change would permit remaining broadcast voices to greater ure. If Democrats Susan Ness and Glo- radio/TV crossownership if 20 unaffiliat- than 20 when permitting radio /TV ria Tristan oppose the package, some ed full-power broadcast outlets remained crossownership. They are also said to predict Kennard will pull the issue in the market. One owner would be per- want LMAs divested if they were estab- from the Aug. 5 agenda.

G BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1Bee

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK The Clinton administration and Capitol Hill have been strangely silent on the proposed changes. Officially, Minority initiatives advance the National Telecommunications and Efforts to help minorities, women and small business owners enter broad- Information Administration, which casting and other parts of the telecommunications industry are heatinç up represents the White House on commu- on Capitol Hill just as the FCC is set to loosen broadcast ownership nications policy, has not backed away rules -a move many fear could further tighten big corporations' control of from its February recommendation that the airwaves. duopolies and LMAs be prohibited. Last week, Senators John McCain (R- Ariz.) and Conrad Burns (R- Nevertheless, NTIA has said it is not Mont.) said they plan to introduce a bill in September that would defer cap- planning to weigh in on the latest pro- ital gains taxes for owners who sell their telecommunications business to posal. Capitol Hill Republicans, who "historically disadvantaged individuals." The bill also would give tax breaks excoriated Kennard for pushing a more to any seller who invests tie proceeds of such a sale in a telecommuni- restrictive plan last fall, have apparent- cations business owned by a minority or "under- represented" interest ly decided not to rock the boat. Sen. To ensure that big companies do not take advantage of the new tax-cer - Ernest Hollings (D- S.C.), long an tificate program, McCain and Burns would restrict buyers to those wih a opponent of LMAs, two weeks ago limited amount of assets aid would forbid quick turnover of the property. sent a disapproving but mildly worded In the House, Reps. Cha-lie Rangel (D -N.Y.) and Eliot Engel (D -N.Y.) said letter to Kennard about relaxing the they also plan to introduce similar legislation. A Rangel spokesman said rules, apparently making him the only Rangel and Engel plan to work with McCain and Burns to craft a bill. Rangel's public lawmaker to express opposition. support is key because he s the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Public advocates urged the FCC to Means Committee, the traditional launching pad for tax legislation. take a tougher line against grandfather - One broadcast source said the broadcast industry is supporting the tax ing LMAs. "It would be profoundly certificate legislation as well as a privately created minority investment disturbing for the FCC to send a mes- fund in exchange for relaxed ownership rules. The source said broadcast- sage that crime pays," said Andrew ers are working on raising "hundreds of millions of dollars" and that details Schwartzman, president of Media of the private- sector plan should be ready by September. Access Project. "The final measure for A Kennard staffer, however, said there was "absolutely no" trade -off with me is the degree to which the commis- broadcasters between looser ownership rules and congressional and private sion ends all of the games and phony minority initiatives. Throughout his term, Kennard has pushed heavi y for ownership arrangements" cooperation from broadcasters to get minorities into the broadcast business. The commission is also expected to Just last week, Kennard promoted reinstating the tax -certificate program make some key changes to the way it during a speech to Latino Americans in Houston. "Building a stronç and counts minority investments toward prosperous future also means using a tax -certificate program," Kennard local and national ownership caps. For said. "lt must be designed to entice owners to sell all types of commLnica- instance, the thresholds for counting tions licenses -from TV to cable to wireless -to small businesses and equity investments would be raised especially small business run by Latinos, women and other minorities." from 5% of total assets to 10% for Congress repealed the tax -certificate program in 1995, after several active investors and from 10% to 20% instances of corporate abuse. -Paige Albiniak and Bill McConnell for passive investors. Telenoticias files Chapter 11 Move follows major layoffs, late paychecks and phone disconnects at troubled network

By Dan Trigoboff its bureaus (B &C, July 12). Sources say sible deal with Brazilian TV interests CBS Telenoticias President Manuel prior to the bankruptcy filing. CBS main- CBS Telenoticias, the financially Abud tried to rally the remaining troops tains that as a passive investor, it would plagued Spanish- and Por- at the announcement of the layoffs and be inappropriate for it to comment. tuguese- language news and the bankruptcy. The round -the -clock Latin American information network started by CBS "[Wie are sure that this action will network and programming service, but now controlled by Mexico -based help us in achieving our key goals of started by CBS, targeted Spanish -lan- Grupo Medcom, has filed for federal creating a powerful and successful guage Latin markets beginning in 1994, bankruptcy protection in Miami. action plan for the company, and in and later added a Portuguese - language The Chapter 11 reorganization peti- refocusing our business strategy and service targeting Brazil. In late 1998, tion came only days after CBS Telenoti- operations," said Abud. Strategies Medcom bought 70% of the network. cias laid off 77 people, nearly a quarter include trying to do more with less, and Current and former employees trace of its work force. Earlier reports of searching for new revenue streams. their problems to CBS' diminished role, financial trouble included late pay- The company said it might also look and some have told B &C they are plan- checks, unreimbursed expenses and for a new partner, presumably one with ning or considering lawsuits for money disconnected phones in at least one of cash. And there had been reports of a pos- they say they are owed.

AUGUST 2, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 7

www.americanradiohistory.com Thank You, ATAS, For J J 16 NOMINATIONS! 11 NOMINATIONS! 7 NOMINATIONS! Outstanding Drama Series Outstanding Made for Television Movie Outstanding Made for Television Movie David Chase, Brad Grey, Robin Green & Neal H. Moritz, Ellen M. Krass, Joel Stillerman, Mitchell Burgess, Frank Renzulli, Fred Caruso Ted Demme, Robert Benedetti Ilene S. Landress, Allen Coulter Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series Miniseries or a Movie Joseph Sargent David Chase Pilot Don Cheadle Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Don Cheadle James Gandolfini Miniseries or a Movie Joe Mantegna Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Miniseries or a Movie Lorraine Bracco Outstanding Writing for a Cicely Tyson Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Kario Salem Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or a Movie Edie Falco Ann Peacock Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries or a Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Made for Television Movie Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries or a Movie Nancy Marchand Nancy Foy Robi Reed- Humes, Shay Bentley -Griffin Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Outstanding Sound Mixing for a John Heard Miniseries or a Movie Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Felipe Borrero, Shirley Libby, Rick Ash, David Chase Pilot Michael Casper, Dan Leahy, Gary Alexander, Scott Ganary Chris Welch Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series ,, n Frank Renzulli Nobody Knows Anything Outstanding Music Direction Mark Adler -- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series 2 NOMINATIONS! Robin Green, Mitchell Burgess Isabella Outstanding Makeup for a Miniseries. Movie or a Special Outstanding Performance in a Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Kandace Westmore, Variety or Music Program James Manos, Jr., David Chase College Judy Lovell, Marvin G. Westmore, Chris Rock Kevin Haney Outstanding Casting for a Series Outstanding Writing for a Georgianne Walken, Sheila Jaffe Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Variety or Music Program Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series Movie or a Special Tom Agna, Vernon Chatman, Louis CK, A Hit Is a Hit Audrey Futterman -Stern, Lance Crouther, Gregory Greenberg, Mathew Price, Todd Orr, Gail Ryan, Kelvin R. Trahan Ali LeRoi, Steve O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Ron Evans, Adam Sawelson Outstanding Single -Camera Picture Editing Frank Sebastiano, Chuck Sklar, Jeff Stitson, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series for a Miniseries or a Movie Wanda Sykes -Hall, Mike Upchurch 1 Dream of Jeannie Cusamano Eric Sears Ray Spiess, Jr., William Angarola, Outstanding Art Direction for a Robert Guastini, Benjamin Beardwood, Miniseries or a Movie Anna MacKenzie, Hilda Stark Manos, Mike Marchain, Rick Hinson, 4 NOMINATIONS! Bruce Swanson, Mark Cleary, Cindy Rabideau, Kathleen M. McKernin, Linda Spheeris Outstanding Choreography Kathryn Dayak, Zane Bruce, Joe Sabella Choreography: Tina Landon Outstanding Single- Camera Picture Editing Additional Choreography: Michael Andrews, for a Series Teresa Espinosa, Robert Vinson Joanna Cappuccilli Pilot Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Drama Series, Outstanding Art Direction for a Series Pilot Variety Series, Miniseries, Movie or a Special Edward Pisoni, Diann Duthie, Jerry Watson Jessica Lanier 2 NOMINATIONS! Outstanding Music Direction Outstanding Writing for a Rex Salas Variety or Music Program Outstanding Technical Direction /CameraNideo Dr/J Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, for a Special Scott Aukerman, Jerry Collins, Keith Winikoff, Matthew Allwork, Ted Ashton, 2 NOMINATIONS! Jay Johnston, Bill Odenkirk, Rocky Danielson, Barrie Dodd, Sam Drummy, Outstanding Guest Actor in a B.J. Porter, Brian Posehn, David Eastwood, Tom "Scoop" Geren, Drama Series Dino Stamatopoulos Ian Hembury, Jay Kulick, Kenneth Patterson, Charles S. Dutton Outstanding Lighting Direction Bill Philbin, Phil Piotrowsky, David Plakos, Outstanding Casting for a Series (Electronic) for a Comedy Series James Ramsay, Ron Tufnell, Dave Swann, Alexa L. Fogel Simon Miles Like Chickens...Delicious Chickens Chuck Reilly, Matty Randazzo

www.americanradiohistory.com 74 Nominations!

c r(r,l,i rI rl r l," rl 1 rr 1' r I r I[ii`rI rA ,JJ, _\ I (D (J (_ (1 I_1JSJ _U,(i( r,j I, / 2 NOMINATIONS! 8 NOMINATIONS! 3 NOMINATIONS! Outstanding Comedy Series Outstanding Variety, Music or Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series Darren Star, Michael Patrick King, Comedy Series Dennis Miller, Kevin C. Slattery, Barry Jossen Allan McKeown, Tracey Ullman, Eddie Feldmann, David Feldman, Stephanie Cone, Belson, Leah Krinsky, Colleen Grillo Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Jerry George McGrath, Dick Clement, Sarah Jessica Parker Outstanding Performance in a Ian LaFrenais, Gail Parent, Jenji Kohan Variety or Music Program Outstanding Performance Dennis Miller /Y(I`((11-Íil;(,Í in a Variety or Music Program Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program Tracey Ullman 4 NOMINATIONS! Eddie Feldmann, Dennis Miller, Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or David Feldman, Leah Krinsky, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Music Program Jim Hanna, David Weiss, Jose Arroyo Stanley Tucci Toby Corbett, Suzuki Ingerslev, Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries or a Evette Frances Knight Obsession Movie ¡ 1 fr Made for Television Outstanding Art Direction for a Juel Bestrop Variety or Music Program Outstanding Cinematography for a Chez Cherry, Suzuki Ingerslev, Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Movie Evette Frances Knight Scandal Miniseries or a Movie John A. Alonzo Robbie Greenberg Outstanding Choreography Outstanding Art Direction for a Joe Malone Drugs Miniseries or a Movie (J 1" Marcia Outstanding Costume Design (1.1) J! (1(J Hinds -Johnson, a Program ( fcr Variety or Music riff, Bo Johnson, Cindy Coburn ¡I III Jane Ruhm America 1):J % Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series Outstanding Children's Program Audrey Futterman -Stern Hair Rosie O'Donnell, Sheila Nevins, Carole Rosen, Amy Schatz, Diane Kolyer

I Outstanding Makeup for a Series u Pry( rl'j_ThJ `/IJIJ Ron Berkeley, Kathleen Berkeley, lrl Thomas R. Burman, r r 'flll Í l Ir i rl IIl I I I Bari Dreiband- Burman I jj, J_ J J r1 I J Outstanding Non- Fiction Special ( ( OA_J WAY Sheila Nevins, Marc Levin, 2 NOMINATIONS! i(j_fr.ÍI( Daphne Pinkerson, Nancy Abraham Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Jerry Seinfeld, Marty Canner, Jeff Thorsen I1IIJ\ / 2 NOMINATIONS! (1Ir\\ Outstanding Technical Direction/Camera/Video i()_1_)J I)1fr\I I [1,ifJri for a Special Outstanding Variety, Music or Keith Winikoff, Rob Balton, Comedy Special `/`/! David Eastwood, Tom "Scoop" Geren, 1\ John Leguizamo, Robert Morton, Outstanding Animated Program Robert L. Highton, Charlie Huntley, David Bar Katz, Denis Biggs, Krysia Plonka Leekley, Kulick, Lynn Noland, Todd McFarlane, John Ernie Jew, Jay Rader, Yuh, Kenneth Patterson, Manny Rodriguez, Outstanding Performance in a Randall J. White, Brad Jennifer Ron Washburn, Mark Sanford Variety or Music Program Tom Nelson, Chuck Patton, John Leguizamo Mike Vosburg, Rebekah Bradford

f\ f) ( (1r1/I l) r rv I f__I( (' I l 1/Í) r1 (`F1 `r) f (I I Dr I( ( (( ; rIJ_1 ._ïJ'J jr _ i I rl r1 i 1 ( !_! _ / 1,., r_\ : Outstanding Choreography C1 1 `J( f1 r I !I r r r; r 1J _1J ..-)Jr\,J (flr, rrI Jean Claude Belmat I 2 NOMINATIONS! 2 NOMINATIONS! Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special Outstanding Non -Fiction Special George Carlin, Jerry Hamza, Sheila Nevins, Robert B. Weide, Kimber Rickabaugh, Rocco Urbisci Anthony Radziwill Outstanding Performance in a Outstanding Achievement in Non -Fiction Variety or Music Program Programming -Picture Editing George Carlin Geof Bartz, Robert B. Weide

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK illr Sassa seeks role models NBC's Hollywood chief says minority characters should have positive impact By Joe Schlosser

NBC West Coast President Scott Sassa doesn't believe minorities should be added to network programs solely in the name of diversity. Speaking at the annual summer Tele- vision Critics Association (TCA) meetings in Los Angeles last week, Sassa said minorities should be cast for acting parts in which they are seen as role models, not just faces on the screen. At the TCA tour, Sassa (r) Sassa, an Asian American, admitted discussed 'meaningful diversity,' while Garth Ancier that NBC has not done "as good a job briefed the press on the net's as possible" on the diversity front. deals with new talent and Speaking from personal experience, some new shows, Sassa told the media, "I don't know that I'm qualified to tell you how African Americans feel about how they're portrayed or what they see on television, and I don't think I'm capable of telling you how Latinos feel about how they're portrayed or what they see on television," Sassa said. Freaks and Geeks, Law & Order: Spe- no time getting NBC up to speed. "We "But I can tell you how I feel about see- cial Victims Unit and Third Watch. are making many, many talent deals ing Asian Americans portrayed on tele- On the issue of sex, Sassa said, "We right now, probably more than NBC vision. And I've got to tell you, grow- have obviously gotten the word out to has made in many years, with both new ing up, seeing David Carradine as a producers that sex for sex's sake is not and established talent," he said. Chinese guy pissed you off. going to be a good thing. Because we Ancier said NBC did a good job "I think we get lost in this issue of deal with adult -themed programming, developing dramas for the upcoming diversity... There is diversity and there there will be sexual content [on NBC], season, as well as one -hour comedies is meaningful diversity. You not only but it's going to have to be germane to such as Freaks and Geeks, but on the want to see someone that looks like you the story line and not gratuitous." half -hour comedy front, the network on TV, you want to see someone that is Sassa also reiterated NBC Televi- needs help. At the meetings, Ancier a role model, someone that you want to sion President Bob Wright's threat to unveiled three new half -hour comedy be with, someone that you want to drop out of the National Association pilots, including a sitcom called Not aspire to be." of Broadcasters, as Fox has done. the Bradys that will be produced and Sassa's remarks came two weeks "We are just in favor of our trade created by actor /comedian Keenen after NAACP President Kweisi Mfume organization supporting our view of Ivory Wayans. The potential midseason said the Big Four broadcast networks' deregulation," Sassa said. "We think replacement series mocks The Brady upcoming fall schedules are a "virtual deregulation of the telecommunica- Bunch and will star an interracial cou- whitewash." Sassa told reporters that tions business is very important to the ple with interracial children. Wayans is he plans to meet with Mfume and any- growth and the success of this busi- committed to two seasons with the one who has a `good agenda' on the ness and the fact that ABC, NBC, series and will not likely be involved on issue of ethnic diversity. CBS and Fox are all for deregulation the acting side of the show. Ancier also At the TCA meetings in January, and the trade organization doesn't has given pilot commitments to Yvette Sassa made headlines when he told want to support us...we have not offi- Lee Bowser (Living Single, For Your reporters that NBC would have more cially pulled out, but we are looking Love) and the former producers of family programs and less sexual con- at that as an option." ABC sitcom Ellen for a pair of poten- tent. At the time, NBC only had one The TCA meetings mark just the tial midseason series. series, Mad About You, that was based second time that Sassa and new NBC NBC will roll out its new fall pro- on what Sassa called a nuclear family. Entertainment President Garth Ancier grams in the week beginning Sept. 20. Now, he says, the network will have four have appeared together before the The only twist that week will be drama programs based on such families when national media since Ancier's arrival Third Watch debuting in ER's regular NBC's fall lineup rolls out next month. earlier this year. Ancier, who helped Thursday night slot. The following Sassa included last year's late addition, The WB and Fox move up in the pro- week, ER will debut in its regular time Providence, along with the upcoming gramming ranks, appears to be wasting slot on Sept. 30.

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www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Sinclair turns off radio Entercom wins bulk of stations with offer of nearly $822 million in a `win-win' scenario By Elizabeth A. Rathbun Wall Street for more than a year, partly ownership cap (see chart). because of its $2.5 billion debt. The "The radio industry is booming The radio business may be boom- proceeds of the Entercom deal, which right now," Field said. The more sta- ing, but Sinclair Broadcast Group amount to $650 million, will be used to tions Bala Cynwyd, Pa. -based Enter - Inc. would rather amplify its TV pay that down. Entercom also has com owns, "the better we'll be able to holdings and, hopefully, its stock price. pledged to spend $5 million for adver- take advantage" of the increasing ad Last Monday, about seven weeks tising on Sinclair TV stations and pay dollars being devoted to the medium. after saying it was considering selling $2 million for capital improvements to The deal moves Entercom "into a dif- its 52 radio stations or spinning them which Sinclair has committed. ferent league of broadcasters," said off into a publicly traded company Both the FCC and the Justice Frank Bodenchak, media analyst with (B &C, June 14), Baltimore -based Sin- Department must approve the deal. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. "They now clair said it will sell 43 of them to Assuming that occurs, closing is have a much larger plate of assets that Entercom Communications for $821.5 expected by year -end. they can grow revenue and margins on" million cash. "The addition of the Sinclair plat- For example, Entercom should find Three AMs in South Carolina are form is a very compelling enhancement some upside in Sinclair's stations, being sold to another, undisclosed of our platform," Field said. The com- according to Bodenchak. Sinclair has buyer, while Emmis Communications panies' holdings overlap only in been operating its stations with 37% has the rights to Sinclair's five FMs and Kansas City, Kan./Mo., where Enter - broadcast -cash -flow margins, but that one AM in St. Louis. com will have to divest two FMs and should be up around 50% where Sin - The deals get Sinclair out of the one AM to comply with the FCC's clair's TV stations operate, he noted. radio business and give it more leverage. Once the radio deals close, "we would certainly be in the market to buy The more television stations," Chief Execu- futurists meet at Interface XIII tive David Smith said last Thursday broadcast. corn's Mark Cuban during a conference call about Sin - will keynote annual conference. clair's second -quarter earnings. The company is also considering a stock buyback to boost its stock price. "The deal is a tremendous win -win for both companies," Entercom Presi- dent David J. Field said. His company more than doubles its radio holdings, from 42 to 85, and boosts its revenue 56.1 %, to $311.8 million, according to 1998 estimates by BIA Research. Enter- corn thus displaces Cox Radio Inc., which bid for Sinclair's stations, as the nation's fifth -largest radio group, BIA says. Infinity and Emmis had also been Mark Cuban, whose broadcast.com made Internet history when it was in the running to purchase these stations. sold to Yahoo for $5.7 billion, will keynote the 1999 Interface XIII telecommunications Sinclair is "very pleased" with the 20- conference hosted by BROADCASTING & CABLE in Washington Sept. 27. will times-broadcast -cash -flow multiple it He set the pace for a day -long program tracking the got from Entercom, Treasurer Patrick evolution /revolution /convergence of television and the Internet as all three approach the Talamantes said. However, it 21st century. wasn't so Also on the program are two pleased with Wall Street's reaction. "superpanels," one in the morning on cable featuring Leo Hindery of AT &T, Tom Rogers of NBC While Entercom's stock price rose Cable, the Weather 7.1% Channel's Decker Anstrom (former last Tuesday, to $39.75, Sinclair's president of the National Cable Televi- sion Association), Lee Masters of Liberty Media Interactive moved up a scant 0.7 %, to $17.50. and Judith McHale of Discovery. A second in the afternoon on broadcasting, "The Street...does not understand the will feature Phil Guarascio of General Motors, Chase Carey of Fox, ultimate value of the pipeline that we Eddy Harten- stein of DirecTV, Dick Robertson of Warner Bros. Domestic Television have...the value of what we can potential- Dis- tribution and Eddie Fritts of the National Association of Broadcasters. ly do above and beyond delivering pic- Still other superpanelists will be announced in the weeks to tures to the marketplace," Smith noted, come. Sam Donald- son and Cokie Roberts, anchors of ABC's Sunday morning This referring to Sinclair's digital -TV plans (for Week, appearing after lunch, will review the state of the art of TV journalism. more on those plans, see story, page 22). For information and reservations contact Steve Labunski at 212 -337 -7158. Sinclair has been taking a beating on

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www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Charter plans mega -IPO Cable consolidator expects to raise $3.5 billion to finance pending acquisitions By John M. Higgins billion, including debt. Shnnning So far, Allen's buying spree aul Allen is testing snree has been primarily funded out of whether investors are as How Paul Allen built the fourth -largest MSO his own immense pockets. A impressed by his man- partner of Microsoft Corp. agement skill as the size of the Chairman Bill Gates since the Company (in millions) Subs $ checks he writes. Last week, /sub first days of the software giant, the Microsoft co- Corp. Charter $4,500 1,200,000 3,750 he has primarily borrowed founder's Charter Communi- Falcon $3,600 1,000,000 3,600 against his $28 billion worth of cations Inc. cable unit filed for Microsoft Bresnan $3,200 656,000 4,878 shares to pump one of the largest initial public money into Charter. Starting Marcus $2,800 1,200,000 2,333 offerings ever. from nothing in March 1998, he Fanch $2,400 519,000 Proposing to sell $3.5 bil- 4,624 has committed $11 billion of his lion worth of stock, Charter Rifkin $1,460 463,000 3,153 own money for deals totaling asked investors to join Allen's Intermedia $1,300 266,000 4,887 $21.8 billion (see chart). quest to use the cable systems Avalon $845 260,000 3,250 Wall Street and system as the foundation of what he Helicon $550 174,000 3,161 owners love a big spender, so sees as a "wired world" mesh- Greater Media $500 174,000 2,874 Allen has so far wowed both ing computing, communica- Renaissance $459 132,000 3,477 camps since his Vulcan Ven- tions and video. The money American Cable $240 68,000 3,529 tures first agreed to buy Mar- will be used to finance pending cus Cable last year. But in an Total $21,854 acquisitions in Allen's giant 6,112,000 3,626 IPO as immense as Charter's, cable system shopping spree. Source: company reports Wall Street analysts said Allen If the IPO goes as planned, needs to instill confidence in according to Securities Data his ability to actually operate a Inc., it will rank as the third -largest tems Corp. went public in 1986. Insight company rather than spend freely. U.S. IPO ever, behind the $4.4 billion Communications Inc. broke the cable mar- "Can he do more than just buy com- sale by oil company Conoco Inc. last ket for Charter, successfully selling $500 panies?" asked Curt Alexander, a part- year and the $3.7 billion sale by invest- million worth of stock two weeks ago. ner in Media Group Research, who is ment banker Goldman Sachs Group Wall Street executives expect public generally bullish on cable. "We don't Inc. in May. shareholders to be offered about 25% have any idea what the track record is of The deal would be only the second of the company's equity. If so, that Vulcan's investments. He's made some cable system IPO since Cablevision Sys- would value all of Charter around $24 good ones, he's made some lousy ones" "He's done a hell of a job amassing assets," said one media portfolio man- AT&T cable cash ager. "This will show whether he can flow slowing monetize it." After posting a decline for the second quarter, AT &T Corp. said it won't Charter executives wouldn't com- meet its already- modest goals for cash -flow growth from its cable systems ment on the deal. this year. Executives blamed the slowdown in part on personnel costs. The IPO filing omits critical details The company had been telling analysts to expect "mid -to- high" single - that must be disclosed later, such as digit percentage cash flow growth for 1999, with the biggest bump coming precisely how many shares are being during the second half. But AT &T Broadband & Internet Services cau- sold and what Allen's investment tioned that actual results will be a couple of points lower. bankers believe the company is actual- Leo Hindery, president of AT &T's cable arm, blamed the slower growth ly worth. on increased hiring to improve customer service of AT &T's systems and However many shares Charter sells to upgrading the benefits packages of TCI employees to match those given the public, Allen will remain firmly in con- AT &T workers. Further, the company accelerated the switchover from the trol. He will hold Class B shares that have old TCI brand to AT &T, Hindery said. around 10 times the voting power of the At the same time, Hindery and AT &T Chairman Mike Armstrong said Class As available to outside shareholders. they are enthusiastic about the cable unit's progress, particularly high ini- Allen has lined up a big team of tial sales of cable telephone service in Fremont, Calif. investment bankers to pitch the deal, AT &T said the cable systems' revenue increased 8% to $1.4 billion. Core with Goldman, Sachs & Co.; Bear, operations grew 6% with the rest coming from new services. But cash flow Stearns & Co.; and Morgan Stanley dropped 3 %, even excluding start-up costs from new businesses. With those Dean Witter co- managing the offering. costs included, cash flow dropped 11% to $469 million. -John M. Higgins The deal won't come to market for another two months.

14 BROADCASTING 8 CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1888

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www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK

Latinos set CLOSED CIRCUIT BEHIND THE SCENES, BEFORE THE FACT net WASHINGTON Republicans inappropriately took boycott the squabble to the press. "There is Keeping the First first no fight or argument over 'author- By Dan Trigoboff Whitney Radio President and NAB izing levels,' " Tauzin wrote. "We District 2 Director Bill O'Shaugh- can and will agree upon them. nessy Leaders of several Latino groups, has found an important ally in Attempts to create such an argu- his angered over what they say is a crusade to keep First Amend- ment for public consumption is a ment issues atop NAB's near -total absence of Latino agenda. In reflection of a separate agenda that characters and actors in network TV, response to a letter he sent to the has no place in our subcommittee's NAB executive are calling for a boycott of the Big committee calling work or our efforts as a team." Four. for a major campaign promoting the "There has never been a Latina lead First Amendment, Paramount Sta- DENVER in a dramatic series, never a miniseries tions Group President Tony Cassara with a Latino theme, maybe one penned one of his own to the com- Source vs. TV Guide movie of the week with a Latino mittee. O'Shaughnessy's letter had Interactive program guide developer theme ... never in the history of televi- talked of the "First Amendment Source Media faces new legal bat- sion has there been a fully integrated rock and regulatory hard place" that tles following the meltdown of its and fully functional Latino family," media companies and trade associa- joint venture with TV Guide Inc. said Felix Sanchez, president of the tions now find themselves between. TV Guide disclosed last week that National Hispanic Foundation for the Cassara agreed, saying that "to the Source allegedly violated Canadian Arts and coordinator of a number of extent that some of us feel con- intellectual property laws and that groups promoting the "brownout." strained by the `regulatory hard the joint venture was on hold until Even I Love Lucy, which starred place' ...we need NAB to do the the issue could be resolved. Source Cuban -born actor -musician Desi heavy lifting that we may not fired back, saying it was pulling out Arnaz, always offered comedy from always be able to do for ourselves. of the deal with TV Guide to do a the viewpoint of Ricky Ricardo's We all understand that more often similar deal with cable operator American wife, said Sanchez. than not, compromise is the way of Insight Communications. In the The boycott planned for the week life in Washington. When it comes ensuing press release battle, TV of Sept. 12 could be the first of many, to the First Amendment, there can Guide accused Source of breach of and Sanchez said it's gone past the be no compromise." contract and hinted strongly it will point where scheduled meetings with sue and Source countered that TV network heads will suffice. Tauzin's take Guide's allegations are baseless. For his part, NBC West Coast Pres- Rep. Billy Tauzin (R -La.) last Fri- Whew! For Source, however, the ident Scott Sassa said last week that day sent a letter to Republicans on problems go beyond the TV Guide he had not heard from the Latino the House Commerce Commit- situation. It faces a slew of share- groups. NBC Entertainment President tee-who sources say unanimously holder lawsuits from 1998 over Garth Ancier told reporters he would opposed a Tauzin proposal to fund alleged failure to disclose loss of love to see a Hispanic family drama public broadcasting at high lev- contracts and other material events. on network TV. "It's obviously a huge els-asking them to support a new It has a heavy debt load of about opportunity for someone to go into," bill. The letter addresses multiple $120 million and a cash -bum rate Ancier said. press reports saying Tauzin post- estimated at $2 million a month. The groups want more Latinos poned a scheduled July 14 commit- Insight's joint -venture investment of hired and promoted behind the cam- tee vote on the bill because he was $13 million buys Source time, but eras as well, and their concerns reach going to lose. Rep. Mike Oxley (R- the company would run out of cash into the cable industry. Ohio), Tauzin's chief rival for by about June 2000. Moreover, Sanchez, a lawyer, said they might chairmanship of the House Com- Source acknowledges it would have seek some regulatory solution and merce Committee in 2000, and to pay TV Guide liquidated dam- plan to ask the President to expand a Rep. Steve Largent (R- Okla.) had ages of $10 million -essentially a Federal Trade Commission media vio- sponsored a substitute measure break -up fee-if Source goes with a lence probe to include the impact of with lower funding. Tauzin company other than TV Guide. the dearth of Latino images on chil- spokesman Ken Johnson denies Finally, there are questions about dren and their development. Republican bickering and says the Insight CEO Michael Willner's role The National Hispanic Media vote was delayed because members as an insider. Willner, who has Coalition also said Latino leaders will discovered the day before that pub- invested privately in Source, has meet with the National Association lic TV station wGBH-TV Boston had been on the company's board for for the Advancement of Colored Peo- swapped donor lists with the more than a year. As such, Willner ple and other minority groups to pur- Democratic National Committee. would have had access to terms of sue a collective strategy to achieve In his letter, Tauzin also implies the deal with TV Guide. better representation in the media.

1 Ó BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Wrangle over ENG reimbursement FCC is considering covering only equipment depreciation in plan to take back spectrum

By Bill McConnell ing the size of the seven ENG frequencies enough compensation to leave the from 18 mhz to 12 mhz. Because of the broadcasters no better or worse off than V stations are still waiting to smaller channel size, today's equipment they are today. "The proper value for learn how much they will be paid cannot simply be retuned to the new fre- `comparability' is the economic value T for giving up a big chunk of elec- quencies, broadcasters say, but must be of the equipment -i.e. its remaining tronic newsgathering spectrum. completely replaced. useful life," CRA notes in its study. The FCC was expected to decide by Broadcasters thought they had won the What's more, CRA says, market stud- June how the industry will be reim- battle and expected the FCC soon to rule ies show that wireless operators' rates will bursed for ENG spectrum slated to be that the new users must cover all reloca- be too low to cover all of the broadcasters' reassigned for a global wireless tele- tion costs, which would include funds relocation costs. If MSS companies are phone system, but agency staffers say a needed to replace all of their ENG equip- required to fund full relocation, the FCC decision won't come until fall. ment plus as much as another 45% or so will doom the government's goal of intro- The new users are required to pro- to cover taxes, legal, engineering and ducing the new service, the study found. vide sufficient compensation to pur- installation costs. The mobile satellite The National Association of Broad- chase "comparable facilities," accord- service (MSS) operators have long casters is incensed that the wireless ing to government rules. But they are argued that broadcasters were due only operators' argument is getting another fighting with broadcast executives over enough to cover the depreciated value of look from regulators. "The commission exactly how much money that means. their existing equipment. has [already] determined that compen- TV reporting crews now use the spec- The FCC is reconsidering the depre- sating licensees merely for the depreci- trum to beam coverage of news, sports ciation -only idea, thanks to a study pre- ated value of their equipment is insuffi- and other live events back to their stations. pared on behalf of ICO Global Commu- cient to enable incumbents to construct Currently the ENG spectrum covers 120 nications, one of the ENG band's poten- comparable facilities," the NAB wrote mhz on the 1990 mhz -2110 mhz band. tial new users. The study, conducted by in a July 12 letter to the agency. "MSS After the take-back, the band will shrink Charles River Associates, argues that entities clearly do not want to pay the to 85 mhz and begin at 2025, thus slash- FCC rules and federal law require only price of entry."

examine public broadcasting's fundraising policies. CPB opposes Meanwhile, House Commerce Com- mittee Chairman Tom Bliley (R -Va.) last week sent letters to CPB President Robert Coonrod, PBS President Ervin Duggan, NPR President Kevin Klose donor list swaps and Association for Public Television Stations President David Brugger asking them to respond in writing to a Hopes to avert legislation, seeks guarantees from brokers series of questions by Aug. 4. that no political groups get names from public stations "Given that at least four stations have admitted to exchanging donor By Paige Albiniak justified and promptly restored." lists with political organizations since By adopting the policy, CPB hopes the 1980s, I am concerned that CPB did In the face of mounting criticism to avoid legislation that would make not know about this practice, or more from Washington, the Corporation such activities illegal. troubling, if CPB did know, that CPB for Public Broadcasting's board has Last month, House Telecommunica- apparently did nothing to halt this prac- come out against member stations' tions Subcommittee Chairman Billy tice," Bliley wrote to Coonrod. swapping their donor lists with partisan Tauzin's (R-La.) subcommittee learned At the hearing, Coonrod said CPB political organizations. that public TV station WGBH -TV Boston would require all stations receiving "The CPB board will not condone had exchanged its donor lists with the federal grants to certify that they had any activities by stations that raise Democratic National Committee. not swapped donor lists with any polit- doubts about the integrity and objectiv- Later, WETA -TV Washington, wtNET -TV ical group. Coonrod, Duggan, Klose ity of public broadcasting," said Diane New York, KQED-Tv San Francisco and and Brugger all were quick to condemn Blair, chairman of CPB's board. "This KCET-TV Los Angeles all said they had the stations' actions and agreed with resolution expresses our determination traded their lists with political organi- members of Congress to work to to do whatever is within our power to zations, albeit always through list bro- ensure no such swaps happened again. insure that the trust of the American kers and never directly. Discovery of CPB's Inspector General is survey- people, which is the most precious the swaps set off Republican rebukes, ing public broadcasting stations' list- asset of public broadcasting, is fully and Tauzin quickly held a hearing to swapping activities.

AUGUST 2, 1999 / BROADCASTING B1 CABLE 19

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK

for WNED-TV. The action does not remove or add any commercial channel in Buffalo, the FCC said. Sinclair Broadcasting has a contract to buy WNEQ-TV. By Paige Albiniak and Bill McConnell David Honig, attorney for the Coalition for Noncom- Phone regulation mates that building a hub ly to ensure that it would mercial Media, called the stifling Internet, costs approximately have the ability to commu- decision "plainly wrong" $200,000. The Competitive nicate effectively with the and said the group may coalition says Broadband Coalition - voters," Clinton said. "I Telecommunications regu- appeal the ruling to the which includes AT &T, will always remember the full commission. lations are hindering the MCI WorldCom, Qwest, boundless energy and deployment of Internet Sprint, Cable & Wireless enthusiasm he brought to CFA attacks services in rural states, and the Association for every task and challenge, AT according to a study com- Local Telecommunications inspiring others to do the &T's `arrogant' missioned by a coalition Services -rebutted the same," Gore said. He is cable rules ploy that includes regional study, saying it is intended survived by his wife, Deb- AT &T's pitch for more phone companies by the regional phone com- orah Jospin, director of lenient cable ownership Ameritech and SBC. IAd- panies "to seek regulatory AmeriCorps, and two rules is an "arrogant" ploy Vance, a group put togeth- shortcuts to maintain their sons, Jonathan, 6, and to fool regulators into er by former Rep. Susan advantage in their markets Matthew, 5. allowing industry monop- Molinari and former rather than simply follow- oly, says Mark Cooper, White House press secre- ing the rules that are clear- Buffalo stations research director at the tary Mike McCurry, wants ly set out in the Telecom win public Consumer Federation of Congress to deregulate the Act, and are proven to be America. "There's no jus- regional phone companies channel switch working." tification for changing the so those companies can Western New York Public rules," he said after send data across state In fond memory Broadcasting, which oper- reviewing the company's lines. The 1996 Telecom- ates two noncommercial of Democratic fund- application to acquire munications Act forbids TV stations in Buffalo, MediaOne. AT is the phone companies from raiser Dutko N.Y., will be allowed to &T asking the FCC not transmitting traffic out of Lobbyist and Democratic sell the weakest of its two to count minority holdings state until the FCC certi- fund -raiser Dan Dutko, stations, WNEQ -TV, even in cable fies that they have opened 54, died last week after though the outlet operates systems toward national their local markets to com- sustaining head injuries in on a channel reserved for ownership caps unless the petition. Several bills that a bicycle accident in public TV. The FCC last investor controls or sup- would allow the phone Aspen, Colo. Dutko ran week agreed to move the plies programming. The companies to send data his own lobbying firm, noncommercial reserva- FCC doesn't enforce its out -of-state have been The Dutko Group, which tion from WNEQ's ch. 23 to 30% household pass-by introduced in Congress, represents telecommunica- ch. 17, on which WNYPB cap, but the commission is including one package tions interests such as operates co-owned station revising its rules and plans from Reps. Rick Boucher AT &T, the Satellite WNED-TV. Selling WNEQ -TV to reissue them before rul- (D -Va.) and Bob Goodlat- Broadcasting and Com- will allow WNYPB to ing on the MediaOne deal. te (R-Va.) and another munications Association, fund wNED -Tv's conver- Unless the new rules are from Reps. Billy Tauzin Cumulus Media, Cable & sion to digital transmis- more lenient than those (R -La.) and John Dingell Wireless and TV Guide. sion, the organization said. currently on the books, (D- Mich.). Dutko also was an active WNED -TV has the strongest AT &T would need a waiv- The study says phone Democratic fund -raiser, signal of WNYPB's two er to win FCC approval of companies are deciding not heading the Democratic Buffalo stations, offers the acquisition because it to build Internet backbone National Committee's more programming and has several minority hubs outside major urban Leadership 2000 effort has the largest audience. investments in large sys- areas because there is not and playing a key role in Although a sale was tems that would count enough population with President Clinton's 1996 opposed by advocacy toward the limit. "AT &T enough income to support re- election campaign. groups seeking to keep claims their ownership in investment in those places. Clinton and Vice President two noncommercial sta- these companies is not Regulation also is stifling Gore issued statements tions in the city, FCC's effective," Cooper says. the regional phone compa- regarding Dutko's passing. Mass Media Bureau ruled "But...one corporation nies, who have the most "He deeply believed in the that a deal would be in the could own the entire capital, from investing in cause of the Democratic public interest because it industry and still claim to rural states. The study esti- Party, and worked tireless- would improve funding have no control."

20 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER TOßY

pean COFDM system. Broadcasters who witnessed the Bal- timore demonstrations give the same account: 8 -VSB was barely receivable on simple antennas indoors in high Back to the multipath environments, even after extensive antenna adjustments, while COFDM worked all the time, regardless of antenna orientation. "I simply observed that the COFDM signal was remarkably superior to the 8- VSB as far as ease of reception," says Mike DeClue, director of engineering for Clear Channel Communications. "Simply stated, it just worked better. It was difficult or impossible to get 8 -VSB Future in some cases, and it was not that way Broadcasters worry that need for outdoor with COFDM. We were never able not to get it; 8 -VSB was very difficult. The antennas limit DTV reception, potential antenna had to be very, very precisely placed, and there could not be any move- After you buy your digital ment around the antenna. In a very real TV set, be sure to swing By Glen Dickson and practical sense, it was unusable." by Radio Shack on the "It's impossible not to be impressed way home. To pick up by the demonstration Sinclair provided," digital signals off the broadcasting of data to computers, par- adds Lee Carpenter, corporate chief air, you're going to need ticularly laptops and other portable engineer for Pegasus Broadcast Televi- an outdoor antenna and devices. sion. "It raises a number of concerns you're probably going to need to mount "Today, it does not work," says Sin- regarding DTV's signal propagation, or it on a rotor to make sure it's pointed in clair President and CEO David Smith lack of it, in a multipath environment" the right direction. In the world of of DTV. "Period and end of sentence." While Carpenter says it's impossible DTV, rabbit ears and bow -tie antennas (For more from Smith, see the inter- to draw any conclusions from the Sinclair just won't do. view that begins on page 24.) test, he would like to see more research For all the high -tech hype, says a According to Smith, the model used into the merits of 8 -VSB and COFDM- growing number of critics, DTV isn't for the U.S. DTV transmission stan- sooner rather than later. much of an over - the -air service. The dard, one based on outdoor measure- "We do not have all the answers we first generations of costly DTV sets ments made with directional antennas need to ensure that the implementation of now sitting in showrooms do a far mounted on 30 -foot masts, is outdated. DTV will work as originally projected," worse job receiving pictures than that "That's wrong in terms of the real says Carpenter. `And if it doesn't work $79 black- and -white sitting on the world," he says. "The real world does- that way, broadcasters are in trouble." kitchen counter. n't have, necessarily, outdoor antennas Within the next 60 days, Sinclair And the poor indoor reception capa- and there's a staggering part of society plans to petition the FCC to either bility is causing increasing concern that has loop antennas, or bow -tie impose DTV receiver standards to among some broadcasters. Led by Bal- antennas, sitting on their sets. Well, improve reception or reconsider 8 -VSB timore -based Sinclair Broadcast Group, nobody cared about those people when as the U.S. standard. Smith says he which owns or operates 59 stations, the initial conditions were laid down to expects other broadcasters to join him they fear the loss of millions of poten- create the standard." in signing the petition. tial viewers -those unwilling or unable To make its point, Sinclair has con- What broadcast engineers don't to mount an outdoor antenna or sub- ducted side -by -side tests in Baltimore agree on is what the relatively unscien- scribe to cable (or hook up second or of the indoor reception performance of tific Sinclair demonstration actually third sets to cable). They also believe the U.S. modulation scheme -the means. Most aren't sure if the 8 -VSB the reception problem threatens a American Television Systems Commit- standard is actually inadequate for potentially lucr ive business -the tee's 8- SB system -and the Euro- indoor reception, or whether the Sin-

www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY clair demonstrations simply reflect the next few months, when we and other the outer reaches of the Grade B area, shortcomings of first generation DTV people will start to see how much not interested in going that far out. receivers that were rushed to market progress is really being made." That's Sinclair's view. However, they last fall. Zenith, the patent holder on the 8- have an inordinately high interest in "The question was why can't 8 -VSB VSB system, is currently working on achieving reception indoors in the cen- receivers be as good as COFDM its third- generation 8 -VSB tuner -chip. ter of the city, which is the most diffi- receivers ?" says PBS DTV Project Its second -generation chip set is cult reception there is -and one, coin- Engineer Ed Williams. "I think that's a already in the receivers it will ship this cidentally, that COFDM is suited for." fair question to find out, until we know fall. Richard Lewis, Zenith's senior VP Sinclair's argument is that the viewer whether the difference is in the system of technology and research, says he 80 miles away is either watching anoth- or the difference is in the receivers. All isn't surprised by Sinclair's demonstra- er market, or already has an outdoor we know is we saw a difference. We tion since he knows DTV manufactur- antenna with a preamplifier to receive can't draw any conclusions on the sys- ers still have work to do in fighting broadcast signals. What's important to tem at this moment until doing an ade- multipath. But he says there is nothing Sinclair is reaching viewers close to a quate scientific analysis of the capabil- wrong with the 8 -VSB standard. station's transmitter, particularly those ities of receiving 8- VSB," he says. "It's a receiver issue; it's not a sys- viewers who are used to good NTSC Williams would also like to see a com- tem issue," says Lewis. "We happen to reception with an indoor antenna and parison of COFDM with NTSC cover- know some of the issues with these less apt to have cable. And Sinclair's age, such as the Advanced Television boxes, and it's a solvable issue." Exec- stance seems to resonate with some Test Center did with 8 -VSB. utives from Samsung and Sharp voiced smaller station groups that aren't sure if Fox executives weren't surprised by similar opinions. they'll get digital must carry, or "will what they saw at the Sinclair demo, Most manufacturers and broadcast- carry;' from cable operators. says Andrew G. Setos, executive VP ers are also quick to point out that "In the cities, where the major popu- for News Corp.'s News Technology COFDM's multipath performance lation is-that's our bread -and- butter," Group. "We didn't learn much new. We comes with an inherent trade -off-its says Dale Kelly, director of engineer- know the first generation [tuner] chips carrier -to -noise threshold is lower than ing for Pappas Telecasting. "That's don't work well with indoor aerials but 8- VSB's. That means that for a given where the viewers are. And the people do work well with outdoor aerials. We power level, COFDM doesn't reach as who live in cities can't be guaranteed know chips are being developed to far out into a station's analog coverage must carry." address those matters. area as 8 -VSB. "The concept we were sold was "From a mathematical standpoint, "With the issue of multipath robust- broadcast replication, and that's based COFDM and 8 -VSB should perform ness and sensitivity are trade -offs," on signal strength," adds LeBon Aber- equally well in a multipath environ- says Fox's Setos. "The viewer who crombie, Pappas' senior executive VP ment," Setos says. lives 80 miles from the transmitter of planning and development. "But it Simon Wegerif, product marketing would be out of luck with COFDM but appears you don't have replication if and business development manager for not with VSB." you can't receive the signal at the same Philips Semiconductors, says that Engineers say that to achieve the locations as you receive an NTSC sig- Philips' second -generation 8 -VSB same reach as 8 -VSB, COFDM would nal you'd be willing to watch." tuner chip has several new features require broadcasters to transmit at Sinclair points out that COFDM can designed to fight multipath interfer- more than twice the power required for also support mobile reception -some- ence, which Philips identified as a prob- 8 -VSB. That would mean bigger trans- thing 8 -VSB wasn't designed for, lem when testing indoor DTV reception mitters, bigger electric bills and -per- although Zenith says it is investigating in New York. Wegerif says one of the haps most importantly -a complete how 8 -VSB could support it. But challenges is modeling indoor recep- overhaul of the DTV frequency alloca- ATSC's Craig Tanner, a vigorous tion in a lab, since each location has a tion plan devised by the FCC. defender of the standard, says mobile different dynamic interference pattern. "The fundamental thing not showing reception wasn't one of the original But he is optimistic Philips' new 8 -VSB up there is the trade -off with COFDM's requirements for the standard, a point tuner, which should make its way into ability to reject strong multipath, which seconded by set manufacturers. DTV sets in 2000, will offer a signifi- is a five [decibels] worse carrier-to-noise "I understand there are some inter- cant improvement. threshold in the receiver," adds ATSC ests in changing the requirement of "One of the key questions of whether Executive Director Craig Tanner. "For what the broadcast system should do," or not VSB can perform as well indoors most stations, huge areas in the Grade B says Gary Feather, Sharp senior man- in a heavy multipath environment as contour will no longer be reached by ager of business development for digi- COFDM still has to be answered;" says DTV. Sinclair is not telling people that. tal video. "I hear some things that are Wegerif. "It may be answered in the "Sinclair says it is not interested in real, and some things that are not. If it's -t+

www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY a real point that they want mobile platforms receiving the signal, then by very definition COFDM is a better solution since 8 -VSB is not designed for reception on the move. But not many people watch TV while driving along." With the exception of Fox, the major A better way networks have been quiet on the DTV debate Sinclair has started. CBS is con- Sinclair's David ducting indoor DTV 8 -VSB reception tests in Philadelphia, but hasn't Smith says DTV is released results. NBC isn't talking either, but is launching its own tests of broken, but there 8 -VSB and COFDM, according to a may be a source. And ABC has made no public fix comment on the Sinclair test. "All the engineers believe COFDM is a better solution domestically," says one network source. "The problem is, nobody wants to deal with the political fallout. [Sinclair] is on the right side of the technical issue here. You can throw away their motivations." Although COFDM is a better technical solution, revisiting the ATSC standard wouldn't be pretty, says the source. "The risk of reopening the issue and losing the spectrum is huge. The problem is, to change the standard is to bring it to a screaming halt. There's no way to do this gracefully. There are too many stakeholders who will want to be heard." Others suggest the networks have less to lose if 8 -VSB won't support indoor reception, since they have more leverage to negotiate cable carriage for avid Smith isn't happy with the current state of DTV, and their owned stations than small station he's not afraid to talk about it. Since early 1998, the groups. CBS and NBC have already president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast has struck DTV carriage deals with Time Group Warner and AT &T, respectively. been raising questions about the ability of the current "The networks have already made crop of DTV sets to receive pictures using simple indoor deals with major cable companies for antennas -an ability he feels is crucial to the future of carriage, and when they've got the top broadcasting. To convince the broadcasting world that DTV is broken (and 20 markets, that's where their money that there might be a fix), Sinclairfor the past month has conducted side -by- is," says one broadcast source. "I know side demonstrations of the current U.S. transmission standard (8 -VSB) and and understand Sinclair's position. the European standard (COFDM). They have no allegiance to a major network, and their business is in broad- More than 100 broadcasters, manufacturers and policymakers have wit- casting only. They clearly see whatever nessed the tests. While all may not agree with Smith, he won many converts is coming on the horizon that will and few doubt his sincerity in wanting digital TV to work. Associate Edi- impede their ability to get program- tor Glen Dickson spoke with Smith about the tests and what they mean. An ming out to viewers as a threat, and edited transcript follows. they want to make sure they have robust delivery and that does not neces- What's wrong with the A-SC transmis- watch digital television with the same sarily involve cable." sion standard we have right now? ease. What our tests have concluded- "What Sinclair is doing fundamen- The promise of DTV was to be able to very definitively, at this point in time - tally is communicating to the world provide crystal -clear, high -resolution is that the existing receivers that are in that they believe in a different set of pictures in place of today's analog, the marketplace are not capable of pro- requirements for digital broadcasting," ghosty, noisy pictures. There was sup- viding that coverage. In other words, says the ATSC's Tanner. "It remains to posed to be a clear replication of cover- the transmitter delivers the energy into be seen whether anyone agrees with age. That means simply that when I go the household, but the receiver does not them and whether the industry as a into somebody's house and I can watch receive the picture and display it in any whole can come to a consensus." analog television, I have to be able to kind of format or manner that would be 24 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1989

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY considered acceptable to the masses. As a practical matter, we made the fundamental assumption Today, it does not work. Period and end of sentence. that somebody's working on the problem. And that's not irrational. If industry organizations were engaged and hired What are the receiver manufacturers telling you? to create the standard, and make sure it does what it's sup- We have not been led to believe, by one receiver manufac- posed to do, then we relied on them to do that. But it appears turer, that they can solve the problem and we've been asking as though they didn't. ATSC's role in life was to provide a and asking and asking. Nobody has come forward-not one standard to the U.S. broadcaster and to the consumer that chip manufacturer, not one TV set manufacturer -and said, provides ubiquitous coverage and ease of reception. And, by "We are going to solve the problem, no matter what it costs, the way, the fact that we weren't involved then is no basis to no matter how long it takes." And that disturbs us, as an disqualify us now. industry that has a responsibility to invest tens of billions of dollars in equipment, to transmit a picture that nobody's Why are you taking the lead now in questioning 8 -VSB? going to be able to receive. And it only begs an obvious I would only tell you that the thing that really piqued our question from us as an industry. If we have to build it so that interest in this was when we conducted the multichannel test the public can receive it, who's going to make sure that the in Baltimore over a year ago. We set up an antenna, line of public can receive it? I can't, as a broadcaster, because I sight to the tower, and we couldn't receive a picture. don't build television sets. And it simply begged a large question on our part: Why So it stands to reason that if all I can do is transmit a picture, doesn't it work? We went to Zenith, the manufacturer-the somebody's got to build a receiver guys who hold the patent. We went through the whole that works and nobody's done that to process with them and, frankly, we didn't like what we date. We have an obligation -for our heard. And I think, as a function of our not liking what we heard from them, we went one step further and started doing some homework and studying the issue.

And you think COFDM is clearly superior? Today there is no comparison between the receiver that receives COFDM and a receiver that receives 8 -VSB. If you were in Circuit City, you'd say, "Let me have the COFDM receiver, please." You wouldn't waste two seconds with the 8 -VSB receiver. It's that black and white. Not gray, it's absolutely black and white.

Do you think that due to the penetration of cable, that TV set manufacturers may have gotten a little blasé about over -the -air reception? Sinclair's comparison test of 8 -VSB and COFDM used indoor antennas and American and European set-top boxes. The tests wrap up this week, That's a legitimate question. And the thing that con- as the European COFDM gear is needed for DTV trials in Brazil. cerns us is that the TV manufacturers will simply look at the over -the -air broadcast industry and say, benefit, and for the consumers' benefit-to revisit the issue "We don't care about it." They will simply build junk 8 -VSB and see if there is a better way. And we already know there's a receivers and say, "Don't worry about over-the -air televi- better way, because we've been displaying it. sion. Just go to cable." That, obviously, doesn't serve the They're going to have to prove it, especially now, given public interest. And the broadcast industry will stand up, and that there is legitimate side -by -side comparison with a mag- it will fight on that fundamental issue. We're going to do nificent standard that the rest of the world is using. what we have to do to cause the receiver manufacturers to either build sets that will allow very simple, basic reception Why do you think that is? Why in your opinion are they so for the consumer, or we'll argue to change the standard. far off the mark on their products' ability receive to the But there's a bigger issue here: Suppose there is no must DTV signal? carry for digital television. What happens then? And even if They're off the mark because nobody really provided them there is must carry, what happens to the 35% or 40% of the the right set of conditions under which to design a standard. people who don't have cable? I mean, there's a lot of issues at In other words, the initial conditions for digital television in stake here. Cable isn't the end -all, be -all in terms of delivery. this country were predicated on an outdoor antenna. Well, the receiver manufacturer would arguably tell you that, if The ATSC says that your position is "unwarranted and irre- you attach an outdoor antenna 30 feet above the ground and sponsible" and that there is no clear evidence that COFDM it has a certain amount of directivity to it, my receiver works. is better. How do you respond? Unfortunately, that's wrong in terms of the real world. The Frankly, the executive director of the ATSC was in here last real world doesn't have, necessarily, outdoor antennas and week to see the tests. And he was essentially laughed at by there's a staggering part of society that has loop antennas, or numerous broadcasters witnessing the tests because he bow -tie antennas, sitting on their sets. Well, nobody cared couldn't find a place to demonstrate 8 -VSB without extreme about those people when the initial conditions were laid difficulty in receiving the picture. down to create the standard. You must appreciate that ATSC has birthed the standard and has wed itself to it. And if I could encourage ATSC to do Why didn't Sinclair bring up this point when the conditions for anything, it's to stand back. Look at what's going on in the the standard were being discussed three, four, five years ago? television industry today: recognize that there is clearly,

28 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY demonstrably, a better way in COFDM. And that if they whether it succeeds or fails from the consumers' perspective. don't feel compelled to cause and assist the TV- receiver manufacturers to build a receiver that will, at the very least, Another concern of the ATSC is that a shift to COFDM would do what COFDM does in terms of ease of reception, then I require the FCC to redo the whole channel- allocation plan. would suggest that ATSC, as an organization, runs the risk of We don't know that that's the case. In fact, I will tell you that being set aside as not really looking out for what's in the best we're attempting to engage, right now, the same organization interests of the broadcasters and the American consumer. that did all the power studies for us a couple years ago. You may remember the power issue we raised a couple years ago, The ATSC isn't the only one you, to criticize or to question about how a certain number of broadcasters were short- motivation. your Some broadcasters I've spoken to have changed in terms of their coverage. We're talking to that same suggested that you are delaying, that you don't want to organization now about running the same tests -the same spend the money on doing digital right now. Others say It's type of tests -to determine what the interference issues are. because of your investment in Aerodyne, a transmitter It may come to pass that the changes necessary are immate- manufacturer may be a that little behind the digital curve. rial and irrelevant as it relates to the overall industry. But I In the final analysis, the notion that Sinclair doesn't want to can't tell you that with any degree of certainty. I'm just specu- do DTV because it can't afford to is just naïve. And people lating. But we'll know, because we're going to make the that make those statements are people that have, really, other investment to find out. The same people who said 8 -VSB is agendas. We have a singular agenda: We want to make sure wonderful, that 8 -VSB is perfect, that you can receive it every- that, when we turn on our DTV stations, that the consuming where are now saying, "Well, you can't change it, because of public can receive the picture with no difficulty. That's all all these other issues." And I, frankly, can't rely on what they we've ever wanted. And I honestly believe that everybody in say. And I'm not going to. I'm going to go find out for myself. the industry thought that's what they were getting. Well, I Some broadcasters fear that revisiting the transmission standard reopens the whole question of whether broadcasters should have gotten the spectrum in the first place. The people who are arguing that are the same people that are arguing that COFDM can't handle HDTV, that it can't do this, it can't do that. I come at it from the perspective that Congress will insist on over - the-air free television that's ubiquitous. Period. That's what they're going to ask for and that's what they Sinclair also has made a few outdoor measurements of 8 -VSB and COFDM think they're getting from the organizations. signals, using its indoor antenna setup. The station group hoped to document And they're not. And when they find out results at 50 to 75 sites around Baltimore. about it, my sense is they're really going to be upset. And I can only tell you that the peo- can only tell you they were misled into believing that. ple -the Congress people and Congressmen's representa- And I can now only suggest to you that there's no longer a tives-that have been here and seen the tests are in shock. reason to have faith about what it's supposed to do. We now They had no- absolutely no-reason to believe anything know what it does. It's absolute; it's on the table; it's clearly other than what had been promised them by the standard -bear- visible. You can go by Circuit City, get a receiver, take it er. And I think the difficulty that the standard creator is going home, plug it in. It doesn't work. to have in this process is, if they get called before Congress, to respond to the following question: Why doesn't it work? If you're not looking for a delay, then how come your corpo- We've asked that question for two years: Why doesn't it work? rate-engineering department can't promise that any of your And there's not going be an answer to it that's going to be top-30 stations are going to be on with digital come Nov acceptable. Because, today, unlike two years ago, you can 1 FCC -mandated -the deadline? walk right into a Senate Commerce Committee hearing room, The FCC, to my knowledge, hasn't even approved any of our and you can put an 8 -VSB receiver on the table and a COFDM applications yet. So I don't even know what power I'm oper- receiver on the table, and the evidence will speak for itself. ating at. So I can't very well go buy a transmitter unless I You couldn't do that two years ago. All you could do was pon- know what my power is. There's been kind of a breakdown in tificate about how wonderful it was going to be. Or tell every- the regulatory process in terms of approval of all this stuff. body what you thought it might be. That day's gone. But we will meet every one of our obligations. What's the government role in this? So, regardless of whatever you're saying about COFDM, you If I, as a broadcaster, have an obligation to spend millions of guys are moving ahead to put up digital stations right now? dollars to put transmitters out so I can transmit an 8 -VSB stan- Absolutely. We're going to do whatever we're required to do. dard and if the public can't receive it, it stands to reason that the There's no confusion about that. Remember, this is not about government's got to come in and say to the receiver manufac- the entire standard. This is only about a very small piece of turers, "You're going to have to build a receiver that works. the entire ATSC standard -the rest of which is fine. This only And here's the fundamental basis that it has to work under. And represents a couple of percent of the whole equation. The dif- if you can't do that, then we'll change the standard" I don't ficulty, of course, is it's the couple of percent that determines know how it doesn't go anywhere other than that.

28 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY mount Station Group's television properties to go digital, along with wi nD(Tv) in Detroit, according to sources, who says the group had hoped to launch first in Up Boston but and running got sidelined by zoning issues. Boston WB affiliate wLVI -Tv has set a target date of fall 2000, area broadcast sources say. All major network affiliates in Boston have made it on the in the top 10 air with digital, though at least two are still at low power. Technical progress is good, but where's the programming? CBS Station Group's waz -TV is at low power but completing a $10 million con- By Andrew Bowser struction project including an antenna hiladelphia tower rebuild and a new transmitter tation WTXF, At least 41 stations in the top 10 wned and building that will house DTV equipment markets were on the air with a perated by for at least four Boston area stations. digital channel as of mid -July, up ox, put its "Our hope right now, barring any from 28 some five months earlier. Most ower in place unforeseen conditions, is to be on full st year and of the new entrants were major net- ipped the power by Nov. 1," says waz Director of work affiliates spurred along by the witch on Broadcast Operations and Engineering FCC -mandated May 1 digital deadline. Oct. 27. Bob Hess. Fox's O &O WAGA -DT in Atlanta scram- Digital stations in the top 10 markets bled and made it on air a week early, are still coping with a dearth of pro- but is using only a portion of its allotted gramming and lack of retailer aware- power via a temporary antenna on the ness. NBC ch. 5 in Dallas/Fort Worth existing tower. WAGA will transfer both (KXAS -DT), which aired the first live channels to a new $3 million tower in a HDTV sportscast (a 1998 Texas few months and bump up the digital Rangers game), has been broadcasting broadcast to full power. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno since "We have only talked to a handful of day one of the show's digital premiere. [WAGA -DT] viewers, but the common That may surprise a salesman for one thread is that all of them would like to find retailer, who insisted that the station out when anybody is going to be doing was merely upconverting the show. true high- definition," says Operations and In Philadelphia, American Tower Corp. Engineering Director David Jones. and Philcom are vying to build a new Almost all of the major network tower that will accommodate digital tele- affiliates in the top 10 markets are now vision antennas. American officials testi- at least upconverting standard -def fare. fied before the city's zoning board and The exceptions include mainly a few hope to hear some news in August, but affiliates in Chicago and New York, Philcom's proposal, which was recom- where tower space is limited, and pro- Dennis Wharton. mended by the Philadelphia City Planning tracted negotiations are forcing some In Dallas, the next station likely to go Commission, hasn't yet had a hearing. broadcasters to defer DTV plans. digital is UPN affiliate KTxA(TV). Meanwhile, a consortium of Chica- Yet progress is being made. In New There's no official deadline yet, but the go broadcasters seeking a permanent York, WABC -TV continues to negotiate station may broadcast a digital signal on location for DTV antennas have signed for a digital television antenna deal. channel 18 by the end of 1999. "From a nonbinding agreement to negotiate And on July 15 WNBC-TV announced an an engineering level, we are anxious to for antenna placement space with agreement with the Port Authority of get on with it," KTXA Chief Engineer European American Realty, the would - New York and New Jersey to mount an George DeLacerda says. "From a busi- be developers of a 112 - story, 1,537 - HDTV antenna atop the World Trade ness standpoint, it's neither here nor foot skyscraper topped with two 463 - Center tower. WNBC may begin broad- there. There's obviously no money to be foot towers. However, the deal is con- casting a digital signal as early as next made from it right now." tingent on if and when the project is spring. Currently on order are a Comark For NTSC, KTXA uses a 2- year-old, approved and completed. digital transmitter and a Dielectric digi- four -tube Comark UHF transmitter; on "It's hard to say what will happen," tal antenna and combiner, according to order for the 220 kw digital channel is a says Fran Preston, WLS -TV program- an WNBC representative. two -tube Comark transmitter, according ming director and spokeswoman for Word on the WB and UPN front is to DeLacerda. The station has yet to work the consortium. "[The developer] is mixed. The NAB projects over 100 sta- out a leasing deal for antenna space. Con- right at the beginning process of get- tions will broadcast digital by the end tenders include two new towers built on ting all sorts of zoning cleared through of 1999, but many will not be in the speculation recently and a third under city councils and things like that." largest metro areas. "It's become sort construction that will be capable of hold- Chicago's WBBM -TV, the CBS O &O, of a competitive race in a number of ing five or six TV antennas. is gearing up to carry network HDTV local markets," says NAB spokesman KTxA will be one of the first of Para- feeds in the fall, using its Jampro auxil- 80 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY iary antenna, which has been modified top 10 markets. To date, Philadelphia WDIV -DT multicast three channels using for DTV broadcasts. The antenna sits and Dallas PBS affiliates have not for- its General Instrument encoder. atop the Hancock Building. On July 15, mally announced rollout schedules, but "For the TV set resellers, that's a CBS Corp. and Panasonic Consumer will be on air no later than 2001, huge advantage to show multicasting to Electronics Co. conducted the city's first according to Ed Caleca, PBS senior VP potential purchasers," says wD1v Chief high -def demo, which included 12 hours of technology and operations. Engineer Marcus Williams. of prerecorded 1080i HD material. "TV In Detroit, NBC affiliate WDIV -DT Detroit CBS affiliate WWI-DT, which dealers as far away as 30 miles were has been multicasting DTV channels missed the May 1 deadline due to tuned in and watching," says Dave Hey - since going on air full -time May 1. weather -related tower construction worth, WBBM'S assistant chief engineer. When not broadcasting The Tonight delays, flipped on the switch for its dig- To date, the only Chicago station Show in HDTV, it is upconverting ital in July, rounding out the DTV roll- delivering a digital signal is Fox O &O NTSC and airing real -time Doppler out among the major network affiliates WFLD -DT, but others are considering radar. For the entire month of May, in that market. potential deals. `As soon as I can get negotiations for an interim site concluded, we'll get on the air," says Mark Drazin, chief engineer for Tribune Bumpy digital ride for KBHK DT Broadcasting station WGN -TV. It wasn't Friday the 13th, but the supersti- All of San Francisco's NTSC and digi- Mount Sutro tious might believe that going live with a Tower hosts all tal antennas are located on a 977 -foot digital channel on April 15 -Tax Day - five San I tower atop Mt. Sutro, much to the chagrin was a recipe for disaster for San Francis- Francisco of the leaders of resident associations co URN affiliate KBHK -DT. digital below, who have complained loudly The power supply failed on Friday, May channels. about DTV antenna deployment. A pend- 7, and Harris sent the replacement board ing lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in a by overnight delivery that same day. It California Superior Court in December. arrived the next morning, but transmitter The five San Francisco digital sta- supervisor Bob Thompson wasn't able to tions currently broadcasting full time fix it until Monday, when he could talk to should be joined by two more in 2000. Harris technicians who walked him Granite Broadcasting's KBWB, a WB through the installation. affiliate, plans to use a Harris transmit- Although the broadcaster's digital chan- ter and be up and running by the first of nel 45 is humming along smoothly now, the year, according to a station source. within the first month of going on the air, a San Francisco PBS station KQED, power supply board on its brand new Har- meanwhile, is expected to broadcast in ris Sigma transmitter blew, taking the chan- 2000. By then, PBS digital channels nel down for an entire weekend. Soon after will be available in at least eight of the that was fixed, a transmission line snafu forced the digital transmitter offline again. Fox O&O WFLD -DT iS Then, in the early morning hours of May 15, the transmitter line failed. still the only Chicago "The inner conductor had a hole in it the size of a 50 -cent piece," Thomp- station delivering a son said. digital signal from its KBHK -DT antenna atop the That affected both and Chronicle Broadcasting's KRON -DT, Sears Tower. which share a bay (and therefore a transmission line) on the community digital antenna on Mount Sutro that accommodates all five of San Fran- cisco's digital channels currently on the air. The community antenna is installed underneath the tower's existing NTSC antennas. The RF system and its combining network belong to Sutro Tower Inc., which itself is owned by a consortium of stations. Dielectric rounded up technicians and flew them to San Francisco to fix the transmission line. "Throughout this whole job, the vendors filled the role of firemen really well," said Ed Karl, KBHK -TV chief engineer. "They got on their hook and lad- der and came down and put the fires out." Since then, station engineers have recorded signal transmission without any propagation anomalies in recent field- strength tests conducted on flat terrain 26 miles from the tower. KBHK -TV currently broadcasts at 206.3 kw, which is the upper limit of its licensed ERP. It is simulcasting its NTSC ch. 44 in 480p, though it has conversion equipment on hand to transmit in any of the accepted formats, including 1080i. Despite problems early on, KBHK -TV sources said they are now ready for the fall when San Francisco broadcasters are expected to gear up with promotions tied to the new network -originated high -def programming. "The vendors have all done yeoman service to see that this all gets done," said Karl. - Andrew Bowser

32 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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The next stations slated nsmission on Nov. 1 are facing major hurdles By Karen Anderson sites and are currently in the size of the [DTV] antennas." the midst of difficult fights Rattlesnake Mountain is also home Most network affiliates in the to win local zoning to a broadcast and communications top 10 markets /have approval. tower owned by Chase Enterprises, a already./ Hartford -based tower management launched digital Tower trouble firm that has a competing proposal to broadcasts, in At least one Hartford sta- build a new tower. In January the town some cases e - n tion will miss the Nov. 1 FCC of Farmington struck down Chase's before the M. deadline. Now affil- mandated DTV deadline plan to construct a 1,700 -foot tower iates in tju next largest mar- because of setbacks in get- that would replace its existing one. kets-4'1 through 30 -are ting its DTV tower plans Chase has submitted a new proposal to preparing to launch DTV as the approved. WvIT -Tv, NBC's the town for a 1,300 -foot tower. FCC -mandated Nov. 1 deadline O &O in Hartford, is taking its According to Chase Enterprises draws near. According to the FCC, appeal to the state level after President Arnold Chase, its newly pro- stations in the following 20 the initial proposal to build a posed tower could accommodate DTV DMAs are expected to begin new tower in Farmington, antennas for area television stations broadcasting digital signals: Hous- Conn., where WVIT's tower is including wvrr. Chase says he has tried ton; Seattle-Tacoma; Cleveland; located, was denied by the local to negotiate with wvrr, offering the sta- Minneapolis -St. Paul; Tampa -St. zoning board in January. How- tion the opportunity to rent or buy Petersburg, Fla.; Miami - ever, the Connecticut Siting space on the tower, "but has been Fort Lauderdale; Phoenix; Council, which is now review- rebuffed continually." Denver; Pittsburgh; Sacra- ing the proposal, has jurisdiction to Bondanza says the station has dis- mento- Stockton -Modesto, override the board's decision. cussed those options with Chase. "We Calif.; St. Louis; Orlando -Day- The station proposes disassem- can't seem to swallow the numbers he's tona Beach -Melbourne, Fla.; bling its two towers on Rat- offering," he says. Baltimore; Portland, tlesnake Mountain in Farm- According to Bondanza, the sta- Ore.; Indianapolis; San !NNINNI ington, Conn., a few miles out- tion's main tower has been in place for Diego; Hartford -New side of Hartford -a 1,060 -foot more than 20 years, and the station has

Haven, Conn.; Charlotte,. tower and a 100 -foot tower-and had a tower on the present site since N.C.; Raleigh- Durham, in their place putting up a 1,005 - 1953, well before the surrounding N.C.; and Cincinnati. foot tower that would house its neighborhood was established. Of the 80 stations in this NTSC and DTV antennas. The "The tower has a long history," Bon - next round, 15 have new tower could also house danza says. "The whole site does." begun broadcasting DTV antennas for the local CBS Wvrr's 10 -acre site was originally zoned at least some digital and PBS affiliates. for a 500 -foot tower but the company signals. While most of the "This is a significant issue," says raised it in 1977 to its current height. The remaining stations report wvrr Director of Engineering Dave town has since added a zoning variance a smooth progression Bondanza. "Our tower is structural- that stipulates that the radius of the toward DTV, some are ly loaded to the max so there is owner's property around any tower must facing major hurdles nothing else we can hang on at least equal the height of the tower. and will not meet the there. And it's not like people Chase's property is 400 feet away. Nov. 1 deadline. have tower space available with Both Chase's and wvrr's plans have The biggest porm. A Dielectric antenna (at left and below) come up against opposition from problem is a lack broadcasts digital signals for KHOU-DT local residents. "They see this as of tower space -an Houston, which spent nearly $6 million the opportunity to get rid of issue that has also on the conversion. these towers," Bondanza says. plagued stations WvIT expects a hearing before in some top 10 the siting council this month. markets. Denver stations have also seen In Denver their share of similar problems and Hartford, over the past year. Local resi- Conn., sta- dents have opposed the broad- tions are casters' plan to build a tower that facing could accommodate their DTV communi- antennas and consolidate the sta- ty opposition to tions tower operations. proposed tower NBC affiliate xusA -TV, CBS 34 BROADCASTING &

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY O &O KCNC -TV and ABC affiliate and does not require modifications to KMGH -TV, which organized as a consor- hold a new antenna. "We just have to tium called Lake Cedar Group, expect- KMGH -DT is the only get our ducks in a row in terms of ed the local zoning board to approve Denver station on -air encoder and transmitter," says WPGH with DTV. It is rezoning that would allow the Bill Hanson. consor- broadcasting a low - Chief Engineer tium to build the tower. So it came as a power signal from a side - According to Parks, all stations will be shock when the local zoning board last mounted antenna on its using Acrodyne transmitters and Dielec- month denied the rezoning proposal. downtown Denver tric antennas and transmission line. "They've done everything imagina- rooftop. ble to keep us from going into digital The trouble with VHF television," says Myron Oliner, chief Stations that have begun broadcasting engineer at KUSA. DTV are finding out that once you get So what's next? Oliner says the con- past the first hurdle of getting the tower sortium may appeal, but if they do, it built and the transmission equipment in will be a very long process. place, handling the digital signal can create new challenges. Missing the mark The Indianapolis CBS affiliate wisH- While most stations in the other mar- DT began broadcasting last December kets are modifying their towers and on its digital ch. 9. By January, the LIN- ramping up on transmission equipment owned station had noticed problems to begin broadcasting by the Nov. 1 with cable ingress. Its digital ch. 9 was deadline, a handful of stations say they leaking into Time Warner Cable's ch. 9, will not meet that date. which carries wisH's analog signal. According to FCC Video Services "The scenario here was that cable division spokesman John Morgan, sta- channel that we were interfering with tions that are going to miss the Nov. 1 just happened to be us," says WISH -DT deadline need to file requests for exten- Chief Engineer Terry Van Bibber. sions at least 30 days in advance. The According to Shary Johnston, Time FCC reviews requests on a case -by- Warner Indianapolis vice president of case basis and is generally lenient the public affairs, the cable system gener- first time around if there are extenuat- ates about 3,000 -4,000 service calls ing circumstances. per month. Service calls increased by In Minneapolis, Fox affiliate 300 -400 a month since the problem wFrc(Tv) is looking for tower space began. "The vast majority [of the calls] because its existing tower is loaded and is working with consultants and hopes were not a problem with the actual cannot support an additional antenna to gain FAA approval later this year. cable but with the consumer's elec- for DTV. Some Sinclair Broadcast Group sta- tronics," she says. "We're waiting for tower space to tions may also miss the mark. Five of Van Bibber says the problem open and hopefully any day we'll see its stations are mandated to begin occurred in homes where people had some contracts on that," says wFTc broadcasting in November: Fox affili- video games, VCRs and other electron- Chief Engineer David Bird. "It looks ates WPGH -TV Pittsburgh and wr.Ft.(TV) ic devices hooked up to the television like there's enough space on the Tele- Raleigh- Durham; wBFF(Tv) Baltimore; that can "open up the system to prob- farm tower." CBS affiliate KVOR (TV) Sacramento, lems." To minimize interference, wisH The Telefarm tower is a jointly Calif., and ABC affiliate iu»m -TV ST. was broadcasting its digital ch.9 at owned property of the local CBS, ABC Louis. According to Sinclair Vice Pres- "very low power," he adds. and NBC affiliates, and is being modi- ident of Engineering Del Parks, most of "It was the worst combination of cir- fied to hold additional DTV antennas. the towers need modifications, which cumstances that affected us," he "What kind of antenna and transmis- may prevent the stations from meeting explains. "Our antenna system is close sion line I'm going to order will the deadline. to a high -population -density area, so depend on what tower I'm on," Bird "All tower studies are completed and we were affecting a lot of people with- says. As the deadline draws near, "We we're just waiting to get in queue to get in a mile or two of the transmitter." will try everything we can [to make the work done," Parks says. "There is a Time Warner Cable agreed to shuffle Nov. 1]," he says. "But if I don't have a lot of work being done and tower crews its channels and carry WISH-TV on ch. 3 home, I can't get on." are in demand." as of Aug. 1. In Seattle, xcPQ(TV), a Tribune - WBFF Baltimore is doing extensive "I would suspect that any place that owned Fox affiliate, is fighting a battle work to its tower. Once it is complete, they're adding a VHF channel as a dig- with the Federal Aviation Administra- the tower will be able to support both ital channel, they're going to experi- tion and will not make the deadline. The the NTSC and DTV antennas as well as ence some [interference problems]," station wants to extend its 500 -foot antennas for its LMA station wNUv(TV) Van Bibber adds. tower by 50 feet, but the FAA says the Baltimore and Maryland Public Televi- His suspicions may be correct. In extension would interfere with landing sion outlet WMPT-TV, says WBFF Chief June, the Cleveland NBC affiliate patterns at the nearby Seattle- Tacoma Engineer Dennis Winters. WKYC -DT began broadcasting on digital International Airport. According to KCPQ Pittsburgh's WPGH should meet the ch. 2. Cox Communications' local cable Chief Engineer Larry Brandt, the station deadline. Its tower is only 3 years old converter channel also is on ch. 2. Ever

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www.americanradiohistory.com COVER STORY since it began broadcasting DTV, there Stations in Portland, Ore. would have Dausman. has been interference on Cox's signal. welcomed VHF channel assignments. He says the station also is replacing its The station has "been running at an All of Portland's stations were ch. 8 analog antenna. "We believe NTSC extremely reduced operating schedule assigned UHF channels. will be here beyond 2006," he adds. and forgoing testing in a cooperative UHF signals transmit at higher fre- effort for [Cox] to change its cable quencies, so the signals do not stand up Success stories boxes," says wKYc -Tv Chief Engineer to physical obstacles as well as VHF sig- Amidst the horror stories, there have Rex Rickley. It is broadcasting six nals. KGW(TV) Engineering Director Eric been some successes. In Indianapolis, hours a day of NBC HDTV network Dausman says because of Portland's WTHR -DT Director of Engineering and programming and upconverted local hilly terrain, "there are going to be huge Operations Al Grossnildaus feels victo- programming. According to Rickley, pockets of the population within 20 rious. The Dispatch -owned NBC affili- when the problem surfaced last month, miles of the transmitter that will not be ate has been broadcasting HDTV pro- WKYC -DT agreed to reorganize its oper- able to receive digital television without gramming since Sept. 26, 1998, when ating schedule for about four weeks a repeater or translator. UHF just doesn't it debuted with a 1080i broadcast of until the cable company could work out go over those hills well," he says. The Tonight Show. a solution. Even high-band VHF channels are at "We did quite well getting on -air Only a handful of DTV stations in the a disadvantage there. "Our signal [on [with DTV] and have the option to put 11 -30 markets were assigned VHF analog ch. 8] just does not go where 2 facilities up to full power," Grossnildaus channels, which may be a mixed bless- or 6 goes" He believes all Portland sta- says. 'We met the deadline and exceeding. While carrying a VHF DTV signal tions will eventually look to add signal ed it." has some advantages -viewers are gen- boosters or translators to extend the The station is pumping out a erally familiar with the lower- numbered reach of their digital signals. 250,000 -watt signal from a side - VHF broadcast channels, mounted Dielectric antenna. and many engineers are The station has submitted an familiar with VHF RF-it application for a construc- can also be a disaster. Not tion permit to refurbish its only can it cause interfer- 1,390 -foot tower and plans ence with local cable to eventually install a top - channels, but it can also mounted antenna. Gross - affect medical centers that niklaus says the station will operate equipment on either use the side -mounted VHF frequencies. antenna as a backup or resell In one case, top 10 it when the new antenna market station WFAA -TV goes up. Dallas went through a "We took somewhat of a series of stops and starts hit but also knew it would when it began broadcast- have taken us much longer if ing on digital ch. 9 in we had to do the extensive February 1998 because modifications," he says. its digital signal was Despite ongoing problems interfering with cardiac in Denver, KMGH -DT, the monitoring equipment at McGraw -Hill -owned ABC nearby Baylor Medical Le Blanc Broadcast is building a new tower for Kcw(TV) Portland, affiliate, is broadcasting a Ore., that will also house KOBP's NTSC and DTV 1. Center. antennas: Inside low -power DTV tower's guy anchor. 2. KGw's new Dielectric antennas. 3. A concrete signal from Tampa -St. Petersburg, base. 4. A steel base that will be mounted atop the concrete base. its downtown Denver rooftop Fla., NBC affiliate wFLA- under temporary FCC Tv is trying to avoid interference prob- For now the station is focusing on authority. Fox affiliate KDVR is not a lems by "stopping them before they building a new 826 -foot mountain top member of the Denver consortium and start," says David Peek, a WFLA -TV tower that will replace its 30- year-old is expecting to meet the Nov. 1 dead- maintenance engineer. "We've got tower. It is installing a Harris IOT trans- line. someone contacting every hospital and mitter and will add a Dielectric DTV In Hartford, Conn., LIN -owned ABC medical center in the area, so they can antenna when the tower is complete. affiliate WTHN -DT also is broadcasting prepare" "We do not see a problem with Nov. 1 DTV despite troubles in the market. The station expects to begin broad- unless the sky falls," Dausman says. Other stations in markets 11 through casting on digital ch. 7 by Nov. 1 KGw will share the tower with Ore- 30 currently broadcasting digital sig- through a stacked Dielectric antenna gon Public Television station KOBP -TV, nals are: KHOU -DT in Houston; KoMO- mounted on the 1,649 -foot tower it which will put both its NTSC and DTV DT and KING -DT in Seattle; WOIO -DT in shares with ABC affiliate WTSP(TV). antennas on the tower. The stations will Cleveland; WTAE -DT in Pittsburgh; "Very few [VHF stations] have been split the $2.5 million cost for the new KCRA -DT in Sacramento, Calif.; wBTV- able to stay VHF," Peek says. "I guess tower. Including all transmission and DT in Charlotte, N.C.; WRAL -DT in it makes a difference because we are studio equipment, the total bill for Raleigh, N.C.; and wKRC -DT and WLWT- familiar with VHF RF." Kew's transition will be about $6 mil- DT in Cincinnati. lion. "A nice little chunk of change The VHF advantage considering there's no revenue," says

40 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com haingipme BROADCA$TIN4 Moonves says CBS is diverse Concedes NAACP's general criticism, but is quick to defend his network's efforts

By Joe Schlosser said the show was ming announcements during the TCA ordered well in meetings, including an upcoming Ricky CBS Television CEO advance of Mfume's Martin one -hour music special and a Leslie Moonves last remarks last month and possible sitcom with Ellen DeGeneres. week defended his that the show was CBS executives said the DeGeneres network against charges ordered based on its sitcom, which would have the former that its programming is subject matter, not in an ABC star playing a fictional variety not racially diverse. effort to boost the show host à la HBO's former The Larry Moonves, addressing minority count on Sanders Show, is in the early stages of 200 or so television writ- CBS' prime time. development. The show would be a co- ers and reporters gathered Three months after production of CBS and Artists Televi- for semiannual meetings pulling the Mafia sion Group, Michael Ovitz's new TV in Los Angeles, distanced drama Falcone from studio. Executives say the sitcom might CBS from NAACP accu- the fall lineup because be ready for a midseason pickup or sations that the Big Four it "wasn't the right could hold until fall 2000. broadcast networks' fall time for people to be On the music front, CBS' first net- lineups were "virtual Moonves: Twelve of the Eye's 19 getting whacked on work special with Latin singing sensa- whitewashes." Moonves entertainment series prominently Coney Island," tion Martin will air in November. The said CBS' track record feature minority actors. Moonves defended the network has also lined up music specials and its soon -to- launch network's decision to for the upcoming season with Celine 1999 -2000 schedule stand out from bring the series on as a midseason Dion and Shania Twain. Both had simi- ABC, NBC and Fox and that he didn't replacement show. lar specials on CBS last year. Air dates want to be "lumped" with them. CBS also made a number of program- have not been set. "We agree with [the NAACP's] position that the racial composition of prime time television needs to reflect the population as a whole," Moonves said in his Doors open at ABC opening remarks. "However, I just want to make the point that CBS has racial Network says it's interested in shows from rival studios diversity in our lineup. In fact, the composition of our prime time television By Joe Schlosser programs on ABC. programming is greater than the compo- "The proof will be in what sition of minorities in America." ABC executives defend- you see at the end of ;his sea- Moonves pointed out that 12 of the ed their studio's con- son. But I don't believe we network's 19 entertainment series for solidation plan to the can have a schedule that is fall have minority characters in "pri- national media corps last composed of 100% Disney mary roles," including two series with week, saying it would save product," Bloomberg said. Bill Cosby as the lead (Kids Say The money and would not turn "We would be crazy to not Darndest Things and Cosby). the company into a closed have tried to get the best work Moonves, like executives at the other shop. They also pledged from Fox or Warner Bros. three networks, said he is planning to casting changes to address You will not see a schedule meet with NAACP President Kweisi charges that their 1999 -2000 that is 100% Disney.' Mfume in the coming weeks. prime time season is diversi- On the flip side, they will "We can and will do more," Moonves ty-challenged. Fili- Krushel: `This is a be selling their product to said. "We are conscious of the problem. Stu Bloomberg and Lloyd personal commitment other studios through a We're working every day to correct it. Braun, the co- chairmen of the that I have [to program new, separate division. diversity]. I think you will undoubtedly be But as I said, I think CBS stands alone newly formed ABC Enter- will see change.' "There as the No. 1 network aware of their tainment Television Group, some tricky waters now and responsibility in this area." said that the merger does not mean ABC then as we [figure] out how this is all Moonves also pointed to the upcoming and Disney will produce shows only for going to go," said Braun. midseason drama from Steven Bochco, ABC and that the network will not take sit- On the diversity issue, ABC Televi- City ofAngels. The series is set in a hospi- coms and or dramas from rival studios sion Network President Pat Fili- tal in Los Angeles' tough South Central such as Warner Bros. or Fox. The execu- Krushel said she will be meeting with neighborhood and will feature an almost tives said the consolidation of the studios NAACP President Kweisi Mfume in all- minority cast. Bochco, speaking at the is designed to save "a lot of money" and to the coming weeks. Television Critics Association meetings, streamline the process of getting Disney "A lot has been written about the

AUGUST 2, 1988 / BROADCASTING R CABLE 41

www.americanradiohistory.com BROADCASTING major disappointment this spring with the lack of diversity on our new shows :' MGM restructures Fili- Krushel said. "This is not just a prime time entertainment issue, it's a MGM continued to remake its television division last week, promoting a problem at different levels for different pair of top- ranked executives to jointly run the studios' international and parts of the network. And at a certain domestic TV businesses and moving former MGM domestic syndication point, talk, I know, becomes cheap. So president Sid Cohen into a consulting role. this is a personal commitment that I Hank Cohen is the new president of MGM Television Entertainment and have. I think you will see change. I Jim Griffiths is the president of the studio's newly created worldwide tele- applaud the NAACP for speaking out vision distribution division. and keeping the issue front and center." "We're looking to do a couple of things together. First, we are going to The network has added minority cast look toward some strategic alliances with different companies in the busi- members to a number of returning and ness to really enhance our ability to distribute the programming that Hank new shows, including Wasteland, Once [Cohen] is going to produce," Griffiths said. "Second, now that we have and Again and Sabrina, The Teenage married the international and domestic groups in a way that we haven't Witch. In May, after announcing the done in the past, it's going to allow us to create some co- production network's fall schedule, ABC's Tarses arrangements that we haven't taken advantage of to this point." told reporters that she would be adding Both executives say their push will be more on the first -run syndication minorities to a number of shows. front than for the networks. Hank Cohen says the studio is looking to stay "We will continue to add minorities with the sci -fi and action -hour genres that have proven successful for to shows throughout the season," Tars - MGM in recent years. -Joe Schlosser es said. "It is an ongoing thing."

resolved and Russell is back to work on the show. She was reportedly earn- GET WITH THE PROGRAM ing $30,000 per episode, roughly the same salary earned by some other lead- By Joe Schlosser ing actors. Kissinger crew of comedy programming by giving the teen star a Moves at NBC News New Studios USA pro- at The Jim Henson Com- raise. Russell, who won a John Seigenthaler, co- gramming president, pany and Pasternack was Golden Globe for her role anchor of MSNBC's Morn- David Kissinger, made his formerly vice president of on The WB drama, did not ing Line newscast (Mon- first staff moves last week, creative affairs at Granada show up for work late last day- Friday, 9 -11 a.m.), has naming Marcy Ross senior Entertainment USA. month in an effort to play been named weekend vice president of comedy hardball for a new con- anchor of the NBC Nightly programming and Dan Felicitous resolution tract, studio executives News. He replaces Brian Pasternack senior vice WB and Touchstone/Imag - confirmed. A spokes- Williams, who anchors a president of drama pro- ine TV executives have woman for nightly newscast on gramming. Ross was for- resolved Felicity star Keri Touchstone/Imagine said MSNBC and who will con- merly senior vice president Russell's contract troubles that the matter was tinue as the permanent substitute anchor for the weekday edition of the NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. Seigenthaler The Clarion- Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi joined MSNBC in 1996 Investigative Reporter and has subbed for the weekend editions of Night- Jerry Mitchell ly and Today, as well for Williams on MSNBC. Sep- is the winner of arately, the network The can announced that Soledad Ion O'Brien has been named co -anchor of the weekend 1999 Fourth Estate Award edition of Today, replacing for outstanding achievement in the Field ofJournalism Jodi Applegate, who is Visit The American Legion at http: //www.legion.org shifting to Later Today, a new magazine that will follow Today, which bows in September.

42 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1998

www.americanradiohistory.com 81111ADCASTIN6 XM's high hopes for IPO Satellite radio company hopes to raise $150 million for 100 -channel service in 2001

By Elizabeth A. Rathbun Let's do launch XM Satellite Radio Holdings expects to spend nearly $265 mil- XM Satellite Radio says it expects to spend $1.1 billion to build and launch a satellite digital -radio service. In its recent IPO filing, the company outlines pre - lion to plug holes on Earth for its and post -launch costs that add up to more than $1.4 billion: planned satellite-to -car radio service. "Terrestrial repeaters" will be needed Up to $541.3 million for two satellites and a spare. in some 70 cities to guarantee uninterrupt- About $400 million to General Motors for installing XM radios in GM cars ed reception of up to 100 digital-quality and trucks. GM also gets an undisclosed amount of money for program- channels, which will be broadcast via two ming subscriptions sold for XM radios, covering up to 8 million vehicles. satellites, according to a July 23 XM fil- $263.3 million for terrestrial repeaters. ing with the Securities & Exchange Com- $90 million for the FCC license. mission. The filing, which outlines plans $65.9 million for programming production studios, satellite -control facili- for a $150 million initial public offering, ties and other ground facilities and equipment. also details the would -be broadcaster's $50 million for satellite launch insurance. business strategy and the high costs of Source: SEC filings creating a new technology (see chart). Washington -based XM says it needs about $1.1 billion to build its vision to Since new technology first finds and Asian- Americans and Hispanics. the point of launch. Nearly $331 mil- acceptance among young people, XM While most AM and FM stations in t lion of that has already been raised says it initially will market the service - many markets try to appeal to a wide (investors include General Motors to be priced at $9.95 per month-to ages audience, XM will serve underserved Corp. and its DirecTV, along with Clear 16 -34. "We will...focus a significant and "niche" listeners with tailored for- Channel [B &C, June 14]). However, portion of our programming and mar- mats and more extensive playlists than according to the filing, XM already has keting efforts to appeal to" these so- offered on traditional radio, the filing spent or plans to spend more than $1.41 called early adopters, as well as GM car says. Programming providers, includ- billion, including post-launch costs. buyers, the filing says. Others to be tar- ing the BBC World Service, announced A company spokeswoman said she geted are Baby Boomers ages 35 -53, last Monday, have already signed on to couldn't comment on the filing because senior citizens 55 and older, African- fill 25 slots. of SEC rules. The offering, which will likely by made this fall, is expected to net $138.7 Radio revenue on rise million. That should get XM, which Radio companies reported strong second -quarter gains last week, with currently is owned by wireless -data Clear Channel Communications posting nearly 282% earnings grow:h, to service provider American Mobile $106.5 million, after its May merger with Jacor Communications. Satellite Corp., through the first quarter The $6.5 billion tax -free deal, which added 228 radio stations and a sin- of 2000. That's more than a year short gle TV station to Clear Channel's portfolio of 248 radio and 18 TV stations, of the planned commercial launch of also boosted Clear Channel's net revenue by 93 %, to $617.7 million. Clear XM Radio (second quarter, 2001). XM Channel, based in San Antonio, also owns more than 425,000 ou:door plans to trade on the Nasdaq National advertising displays in 32 countries. Market under the symbol XMSR. Clear Channel's stock price rose after it announced its numbers last Mon- The repeaters, to avoid sound "dead day, closing last Wednesday at $72.875, up 6.2% from Monday's close. zones" caused by tall buildings and tun- Shares of Infinity Broadcasting Corp. dropped 3.25% to $27.875 last nels, will cost $263.3 million, the filing Wednesday despite that day's news that earnings were up 49.2 %, to $100 says. More than 100 repeaters may be million, in the second quarter when compared with the same period a year required in each of the nation's largest ago. Revenue was up nearly 31 %, to $587 million. Ad revenue was strong at markets. But first, "roof rights [must be both the New York -based company's 163 radio stations and its transit adver- secured] in suitable locations and on tising segment. Growth came in virtually all markets and was fueled partic- acceptable terms." That shouldn't be a ularly by Internet -related advertising, the company said. Infinity went public "serious problem," the filing says. last December. However, the satellite /repeater system Significant revenue increases in Atlanta and Orlando, Fla., helped cre- is "untested and may not provide the ate 13.6% 2Q revenue growth for Cox Radio Inc., to $78.6 million, the expected transmission quality." In fact, Atlanta -based company said last Wednesday. Net income jumped 41.5 %, the entire system "depends on develop- to $32.7 million, mostly because of a $23.8 million gain on the sale of five ment and integration of complex tech- radio stations in Syracuse, N.Y. Meanwhile, broadcast cash flow rose nologies in a novel configuration that 20.4% in the quarter, to $27.8 million. -Elizabeth A. Rathbun might not work," the filing says.

AUGUST 2, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 43

www.americanradiohistory.com 111AICA$TINC

& CABLE -which ran a satirical editorial criticiz- ing Pegasus -that attacks in the media as well as over the phones and e- mail were full of inaccura- By Dan Trigoholl cies as well as vitriol, and

failed to acknowledge that 1 Shuttle diplomacy e- mails. "This hurts," said where, years ago, recently the group had corrected the veteran newsman. "I departed WJLA -TV anchor the situation before all the snafu in Orlando had fully hoped and expect- Paul Berry had appeared WFrv(Tv) Orlando anchor - negative publicity. "We're ed that this would die, and and went in front of the Steve Rondinaro did not not hiding from this," go away. But it has not. I've cameras on AMC. enjoy his moment in the Janacek said. "We don't taught a lot of college class- Her motivation as an national spotlight. In a deny that it happened. Was es," he said, "and I tell the actress, she said, was a moment he says was never it embarrassing? Of course students to treat the micro- story the Washington ABC intended to air, he insulted it was." But, he added, phone like a loaded gun. I affiliate is running on soap First Lady and New York "There's a lot of gray violated my own adage " operas. Matthews is not senatorial hopeful Hillary areas that come up every Rondinaro issued a second, herself a soap watcher, but Rodham Clinton. As cam- day. Our business is about more formal apology after she has frequently eras filmed the entry of vis- journalism, and we try to meeting with management. observed the traffic -stop- iting dignitaries for a space be ethical, but we're told The station did not disci- ping effect of the pro- Rondinaro we have to work every day shuttle launch, pline Rondinaro, who will grams' sometimes torrid commented, "There she with the sales department. be leaving television later content when aired over comes, the old battle -ax. Those interests can run this summer to run two station monitors. "Two There she is with Chelsea in contrary to one another." radio stations in North Car- million people watch these tow," at Clinton's entry. It Journalists in both print olina. "The station has been programs every day. A lot was just a casual remark and broadcast, he said, very supportive," Rondinaro of them stay tuned to our without real malice said in need to "take a second said. "They would have news," she said. "They're an informal backstage chat, look" and consider their been within their rights to tremendously popular, and he said, and the audio was own positions along the do any number of things" in in We not supposed to accompany they're never reruns. ethical line. penalizing him, he said. wanted to see how they're the airing of the video. Ron - Janacek also responded put together." As an dinaro said he was as to the charge that the com- Susan Lucci gets five," shocked as any viewer to "under- the designa- pany used its general sales hear the remark broadcast, some competition tion given actors with manager-apparently fewer than five lines, and immediately apolo- WJLA -TV anchor Kathleen fired over the incident-as gized. "I would never say Matthews put her AFTRA Matthews received $150, a scapegoat. According to which she said she will that on live television," said membership to another the Chattanooga Times & donate to charity. Her solo Rondinaro, who later dis- use, doing a walk -on as a Free Press, General Man- line response covered his comment had nurse on long- running was in to a ager Jim Wright told the been reviled and celebrated ABC soap All My request for directions: paper "he had personally "You go the hall, in the media -including Children. Matthews had just down promoted the program and conservative radio talker spent time behind the make a left, and you'll see called businesses about Rush Limbaugh's show - scenes at another ABC the sign, doctor." the offer." The paper was and through many calls and soap, One Life to Live- Steam rises in standing by the story last week. Janacek said his Chattanooga investigation did not reach Pegasus Broadcasting the conclusion that top sta- fired back last week, after tion management was numerous missives this involved. He would not month blasting the group comment further on any and station WDSI -TV for a personnel issues. The promotion promising posi- company has said that it tive news coverage in "had taken steps to ensure exchange for a $15,000 such a situation never fee (Broadcasting & occurred again." Cable, July 19). David Janacek, Pegasus' VP, All news is local. Contact news, said in a letter to Dan Trigoboff at (301) -0923, Even when acting on a soap opera, Washington anchor industry Internet newslet- 260 e -mail Kathleen Matthews (I) can't escape her role as information ter Shoptalk and an inter- dtrig @erols.com, or fax provider. view With BROADCASTING (202) 463 -3742.

44 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com BROADCASTING PEOPLE'S CHOICE JULY 19-25 Broadcast network prime lime relines CBS dominated Week 44 by winning five nights, starting with a according to Nielsen Media Research strong Monday lineup highlighted by `Everybody Loves Raymond.' 44Week abc 0o/4 6.4/11 7.7/13 5.6/10 5.4/9 1.5/3 2.8/5

8:00 27. King of Queens 6.6/12 62. That '70s Show 4.8/9 38.20/20 5.7/10 27. Dateline NBC 6.6/12 111. The Sentinel 1.6/3 89. 7th Heaven 2.9/5 Q 8:30 22. Becker 6.7/12 49. That '70s Show 5.2/9 Stars 2.7/5 Z 9:00 4. Ev Lvs Raymd 8.5/14 92. Movie 38. Ally McBeal 5.7/10 114.7 Days 1.3/2 19. ABC Monday Night 53. NBC Movie of the O 9:30 7. Becker 8.1/13 Movie -Seduction in Week -Witness to the 2 10:00 a Small Town 6.8/11 5.48 Hours 8.2/14 Mob, Part 2 5.1/9 10:30 5.2/9 6.8/12 6.3/11 3.8/7 2.0/4 1.9/4

>. 8:00 37. Spin City 5.8/11 49. Just Shoot Me 5.2/10 75. Guinness World 98. Moesha 2.1/4 102. Buffy the Vampire 22. JAG 6.7/12 Records 10.5/20 Slayer 2.0/4 8:30 58. It's Like, Y Know 5.0/9 58.3rd Rock fr /Sun 5.0/9 102. Clueless 2.0/4 C ¡A 9:00 27. Dharma & Greg 6.6/12 53. Just Shoot Me 5.1/9 106. Malcolm & Eddie 1.9/3 14.60 Minutes I I 7.6/13 81. Fox Files 3.5/6 108. Felicity 1.8/4 9:30 66. Sports Night 4.4/7 27. Will & Grace 6.6/11 106. Between Brothrs 1.9/3

10:00 60. NYPD Blue 4.9/9 32.48 Hours 6.3/11 9. Dateline NBC 7.9/14 10:30 6.9/12 4.5/8 7.5/13 3.8/7 1.8/3 2.9/5

8:00 42. Two Guys, A Girl 5.6/11 66. Cosby 4.4/9 Q Days 1.6/3 94. Dawson's Creek 2.5/5 10. Dateline NBC 7.8/15 78. Fox Summer Movie 111.7 8:30 53. The Norm Show 5.1/9 62. Cosby 4.8/9 yC Special -To Die For Z 9:00 36. Drew Carey 6.0/11 18. World's Most Amazing 102. Star Trek: Voyager 66 CBS Wednesday 3.8/7 85. Charmed 3.3/6 Videos 7.1/12 2.0/3 9:30 32. Whose Line Is It 6.3/11 Movie -The Almost

10:00 Perfect Bank Robbery 2.20/20 9.3/16 6.8/13 14. Law & Order 7.6/13 10:30 4.8/9 6.3/12 7.8/15 4.1/8 1.2/2 2.3/5 )- 8:00 42. Diagnosis Murder 10. Friends 7.8/16 60. World's Wildest Police 113. Moesha 1.4/3 98. Wayans Bros 2.1/4 5.6/11 Videos 4.9/10 8:30 69. ABC Original - 19. Jesse 6.8/13 115. Clueless 12/2 92. Jamie Foxx 2.6/5 Radiant 4.3/8 g 9:00 City 22. Diagnosis Murder 3. Frasier 8.1/15 81. The Family Guy 3.5/6 118. Moesha 1.1/2 96. Steve Harvey 2.4/5 6.7/12 2.2/5 7 9:30 9. Will & Grace 8.7/15 86. The PJs 3.0/5 118. Clueless 1,1/2 97. For Your Love 10:00 38. Vanished 5.7/10 22.48 Hours 6.7/12 13 ER 7.7/14 10:30 6.2/13 5.6/12 5.3/11 3.2/7 1.2/2

8:00 44. Home Imprvmnt 5.5/12 53.48 Hours 5.1/11 53. Providence 5.1/11 80. World's Funniest! 3.6/8 115. Legacy 1.2/3 8:30 49. The Hughleys 5.2/11 Q C 9:00 44. Sabrina/Witch 5.5/11 46. Unsolved Mysteries 90. Mad TV Primetime 115. Love Boat The Next 27. Dateline NBC 6.6/13 2.8/6 Wave 12/2 E 9:30 46. Boy Meets Wrld 5.4/11 5.4/11

10:00 72. Homicide: Life on the 10.20/20 7.8/16 32. Nash Bridges 6.3/13 10:30 Streets 4.2/9 3.8/8 5.7/12 4.0/9 4.7/10 KEY: RANKING /SHOW TITLE /PROGRAM RATING /SHARE >. 8:00 81. America's Funniest 76. Cops 3.9/9 TOP TEN SHOWS OF THE WEEK ARE NUMBERED IN RED 72. Early Edition 4.2/10 81. The Pretender 3.5/8 MILLION 8:30 Home Videos 3.5/8 65. Cops 4.5/10 TELEVISION UNIVERSE ESTIMATED AT 99.4 HOUSEHOLDS; ONE RATINGS POINT IS EQUAL TO 994,000 TV 9:00 48. AMW: America Fights 38. Martial Law 5.7/12 HOMES YELLOW TINT IS WINNER OF TIME SLOT 76. ABC Saturday Night 69. NBC Saturday Night Back 5.3/11 9:30 (NR) =NOT RANKED; RATING /SHARE ESTIMATED FOR PERI- Movie -Tremors 2: Movie-Her Costly OD SHOWN *PREMIERE SOURCES: NIELSEN MEDIA U)10:00 Aftershock 3.9/8 16. Walker, Texas Ranger Affair 4.3/9 RESEARCH, CBS RESEARCH GRAPHIC BY KENNETH RAY 10:30 7.2/15 6.1/12 7.9/15 5.1/10 3.7/7

7:00 86. World's Funniest! 3.0/6 108. The Parent 'Flood 1.8/4 49. Wonderful World of 1.60 Minutes 10.1/21 72. Confirmation: 7:30 86. King of the Hill 3.0/6/ 110. Smart Guy 1.7/4 Disney -Angels in the Evidence of Aliens 64. The Simpsons 4.6/9 102. Sister, Sister 2.0/4 Q 8:00 Outfield 5.2/10 5. Touched by an Angel 4.2/9 Z 8 30 8.2/16 69. Futurama 4.3/8 94. Sister, Sister 2.6/5 D 9:00 90. Movie Stars 2.8/5 79. The X-Files 3.7/7 N 16.20/20 7.2/13 35. NBC Sunday Night 9:30 22. CBS Sunday Movie 98. Unhap Ever After 2.1/4 - Movie -The Arrival Passion's Way 6.7/12 10:00 6.1/11 19. The Practice 6.8/12 10:30

WEM AVG 5.6/11 6.4/12 5.9/11 4.1/8 1.5/3 2.4/5

STD AVG 7.6/13 8.6/15 8.4/14 6.5/11 1.9/3 3.0/5

AUGUST 2, 1899 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 45

www.americanradiohistory.com kalasligaYk CABLE OpenNet courts grassroots ISP group hopes consumers will help them win access to high -speed cable pipes

By Price Colman Where the action is The OpenNet Coalition, a group of Internet service providers and local telephone companies, is now trying to rally voters as part of its campaign to pry open cable networks. The new tactic comes as OpenNet saw momentum generated through recent victories in Portland, Ore., and Broward County, Fla., dwindle last week in San Francisco. The city's Board of Supervisors, in a carefully worded compromise, protected AT &T's cable network from encroachment while endorsing the "open- access" concept. OpenNet's tack is signaled in Denver,

where it's now seeking to put the cable - Source: Broadcasting & Cable access issue on the November general racy: have passea open access measures GREEN: Monitoring open access debate election ballot. "We're not looking to go Portland, Ore. 130,000 subs Miami, Dade County, Fla. 518,000 subs out and spend millions on public initia- (and surrounding Multnomah County) Oakland, Calif. 72,000 subs tives if a city council has the authority" Broward County, Fla. 100,000 subs Seattle, Wash. 140,000 subs to require cable access, says OpenNet King County, Wash. 100,000 subs BLUE: Considering open access measures Co-director Greg "But the city Simon. if San Francisco 190,000 subs council doesn't [have the authority] and Los Angeles 601,397 subs Michigan Legislation introduced enough of the citizenry want [access], a California Legislation introduced, died ballot initiative is always an option." OpenNet's primary focus will continue to be on grassroots campaigns Communications Inc. to transfer its said one. "The fact is, they refused to directed at elected officials in markets 160,000- customer cable operation in create a forced access environment." where MediaOne franchise transfers to the city to AT &T without burdensome After failing to persuade elected offi- AT &T must be approved. conditions. At the same time, amend- cials in Denver to impose an access "We're going to challenge AT&T- ments in the resolution and to the fran- requirement on AT &T earlier this year, MediaOne license transfers in every chise itself make it clear the city OpenNet filed petitions with about city where we have the resources to intends to revisit the issue. 4,000 signatures calling for a vote on the challenge them," vows Simon. "We "It's important to see what technolo- issue in the November general election. feel consumers want us to challenge gies do emerge before we start imposing Denver is unusual in that it is one of them...but we have limited resources." specific requirements on a particular relatively few cities that requires voter With the FCC taking a hands -off technology," says Supervisor Leslie approval of a franchise renewal. San approach to Internet regulation, Open - Katz, whose language was adopted in the Francisco does not, but Katz and fellow Net's best chance may be the grass- resolution. "We're in the driver's seat" San Francisco Supervisor Michael Yaki roots, says Mark Riely of Media Group AT &T General Counsel Jim Cicconi say a ballot initiative is a possibility. "I Research, a New York research and called the city's decision "a fair out- would not be surprised if they went to investment firm. But it's hardly a sure- come" that "doesn't get in the way of the ballot simply because of the enor- fire approach. rapid deployment of exciting new serv- mous amount of money they believe is "I suspect the open access people are ices." OpenNet characterized San Fran- at stake," says Yaki. going to tote up cities one by one, take cisco's action as "a very positive devel- There are signs that OpenNet's argu- that to Congress and say, `See, this is how opment," comparing it to votes in Port- ments may be wearing thin. Some city the local constituencies feel. And regard- land, Ore., and Broward County, Fla., officials and regulators are openly crit- less of how courts interpret the law, you where officials mandated that cable ical of OpenNet co- founder and key can change the law.' But it's not a topic operators open their networks. But backer AOL, noting that AOL doesn't most people have on the top of their cable executives weren't buying the apply the same stance on openness to minds when they get up in the morning:' OpenNet spin. "The gimme net people its own instant messaging system. AOL The 9 -2 vote by San Francisco's have clearly misread what the San has repeatedly blocked Microsoft, board of supervisors permits Tele- Francisco Board of Supervisors did," Yahoo!, and Prodigy's efforts to route

46 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com presents... TERFA

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www.americanradiohistory.com CABLE e -mail messages to AOL users. Critics regulators familiar with the complexifies subscriber line penetration and no also note that AOL once owned its own of the fast changing telecommunications cable modem service. And while it's proprietary transport system, but sold it world appear increasingly skeptical of the "fun watching these people throw to MCI WorldCom, now a member of easily invoked negative imagery. "I still money around to obscure the issue," the OpenNet Coalition. fail to see how we can say we're prevent- says Yaki, of both OpenNet and AT &T. OpenNet has consistently played up ing a monopoly that doesn't yet exist," "The only winners are political con- the desirability of "open access" and used says Yaki, whose amendment endorsing sultants and media outlets.... At some cable monopoly rhetoric that strikes a cable access is part of the cable franchise. point the FCC might have to make a populist chord. But elected officials and San Francisco has about 80% digital real decision."

included in the capital expenses are the costs for national and local advertising. AT&T retires TCI name The rebranding effort has also generated some dicey questions about timing Hindery says cable op is better than new brand and what it took for TCI's myriad operations, which have suffered from a tar- By Price Colman For example: 15,500 TCI trucks will nished reputation, to qualify for be repainted with the well -known AT &T's seal of approval. So, should Come this Tuesday, it's so long AT &T globe logo. Overall, AT &T has AT &T have delayed its rebranding TCI, hello AT &T as Ma Bell budgeted about $30 million for the effort until every TCI operation passes officially becomes Ma Cable. transition phase of the rebranding cam- the consumer -satisfaction test? Clearly That's when any company item with paign, including $8 million for the no, says Howard Horowitz of Horowitz "TCI" emblazoned on it gets replaced trucks; $6 million for new uniforms; Associates Inc., a Larchmont, N.Y., by AT &T. and $8 million for new signs. Not firm that tracks marketing of products and services, consumer attitudes and usage and market segmentation. "It was very much expected, although no one CABLE'S TOP 25 knew the timing of it," says Horowitz. "There were some issues about bring- ing the cable business up to speed.... I CHOICE think they have come to the conclusion that they need to sell new subcribers USA's presentation of the Patrick Swayze - and new services, and they're not going starrer'Road House' was last week's highest - rated movie. The '80s film ranked No. 5 with a to tread water until the `i's' are dotted 3.8 rating/6.6 share. and 't's' crossed. They have big markets Following are the top 25 basic cable programs for the week of July 19 -25, ranked by rating. Cable to sell. They'll bring the others along. rating is coverage area rating within each basic cable network's universe; U.S. rating is of 98 million They'll take the risk. The AT &T brand TV households. Sources: Nielsen Media Research, Turner Entertainment. will sell trusted products." Rating HHs Cable Indeed, TCI has focused enormous Rank Program Network Day Time Duration Cable U.S. (000) Share time and energy on improving the com- 1 WWF Sports Entertainment USA Mon 10:OOP 68 6.5 5.0 4966 10.6 pany's oft -maligned customer service 2 WWF Sports Entertainment USA Mon 9:OOP 60 6.0 4.6 4532 9.3 and operations reputation since the 3 NASCAR /Pennsylvania 500 TBS Sun 1:05P 284 5.1 4.0 3947 13.3 in 4 WWF Sunday Night Heat USA Sun 7:00P 60 4.1 3.1 3107 8.2 AT &T-TCI merger was announced 5 Movie: 'Road House' USA Tue 9:00P 150 3.8 2.9 2915 6.6 June 1998, says Leo Hindery, president - 6 Bessette Bodies Found CNN Wed 3:49P 71 3.7 2.8 2822 10.3 CEO of AT &T Broadband & Internet 7 NTSB -Coast Guard PC /JFK CNN Wed 7:30P 40 3.6 2.7 2709 6.9 Services. Today, Hindery bristles at the 7 WCW Monday Nitro Live! TNT Mon 8:OOP 60 3.6 2.7 2708 6.1 notion that TCI operations might not be 9 Real World VIII MTV Tue 10:OOP 30 3.4 2.5 2468 5.7 up to AT &T standards: "Compare our 9 South Park CMDY Wed 10:OOP 30 3.4 2.0 2027 5.6 with the 11 Larry King Live CNN Wed 9:00P 60 3.3 2.5 2516 5.6 performance in every market 11 WCW Monday Nitro Live! TNT Mon 10:00P 69 3.3 2.5 2505 5.4 regional Bell company and without 11 Adm Larrabe Briefing -JFK CNN Mon 5:42P 18 3.3 2.5 2499 7.5 exception we're treating and handling 14 Rugrats NICK Mon 7:30P 30 3.2 2.4 2381 5.7 our customers better than the Bell alter- 15 WCW Monday Nitro Live! TNT Mon 9:00P 60 3.1 2.4 2358 4.9 native. That's a reality. We're as good as 15 Hey Arnold NICK Mon 8:00P 30 3.1 2.4 2347 5.5 anybody in the country, either in the 15 Rugrats NICK Sat 9:30A 30 3.1 2.4 2346 11.1 15 JFK Jr Dth /Search For Ans.. CNN Wed 8:10P 50 3.1 2.3 2335 5.6 cable or the telecom industry" 15 Clinton PC Budget Surplus CNN Wed 2:35P 70 3.1 2.3 2334 9.0 AT &T has been working on the 20 Rugrats NICK Mon 4:00P 30 3.0 2.2 2224 7.9 rebranding campaign since closing on 21 Movie: 'Road House' USA Sun 4:30P 150 2.9 2.2 2221 6.7 the TCI acquisition in March. "It's the 21 Inside Politics CNN Wed 5:OOP 60 2.9 2.2 2206 7.1 largest brand transition in our company's 21 Rugrats NICK Mon 4:30P 30 2.9 2.2 2195 7.4 history, maybe the largest in the history 21 Franklin NICK Mon 10:30A 30 2.9 2.2 2193 10.2 21 Rugrats NICK Mon 3:30P 30 2.9 2.2 2157 7.9 of the [telecommunications] industry," 21 Movie: 'Trial: Price of...' LIF Sun 6:00P 120 2.9 2.1 2128 6.0 adds Hindery. "It's the magnitude of this thing that's great fun to contemplate:'

48 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CABLE Health as an Internet play MSOs see e- commerce opportunities with launching of Discovery Health Channel

By Deborah D. McAdams as a digital play, but they're reshaping the net- In what arguably is the biggest con- work now, replacing vergence play to date, Discovery Knowledge TV with Communications this week launch- Health and treating it as es a television channel designed to analog," the programming drive Internet traffic. executive said. "We hadn't "This company is being built on the looked at it as analog. Our assumption that having a Web site is as corporate plan was digital. important, if not more important, than We haven't been pitched having a channel," said John Ford, pres- the package overall." ident of Discovery Health Media, refer- That said, he added, ring to the pairing of Discovery Health "Discovery is the No. 1 Channel and discoveryhealth.com. "We Discovery Health expects branded network in the talk about content, not TV or online, but to drive viewers to the industry. This genre is companion Web site: content," he said. discoveryhealth.com. compelling and it hasn't With a $350 million bankroll, Dis- really been served_ If Dis- covery Health Channel's 13 original until at least four years out. covery's motive is to take health, it's real- prime time series will range from a Discovery is capitalizing on Ford's ly going to be the only one in the genre." view of life inside a major Chicago turnaround experience. He took the Actually, Discovery is not the only hospital to explorations of the human Learning Channel from a 15 million - health player. Fox beat the Bethesda, body. Ultimately, Ford said, the goal is household also -ran to a profitable net- Md. -based network group to the punch to get viewers to move between Dis- work with 69 million households. by two weeks with The Health Net- covery Health Channel and discovery- As for how many subscribers will get work. Unlike Discovery Health, which health.com's 2.5 million pages - the channel on its first day, Ford said he is completely new, Fox has rolled something that cable operators launch- didn't have a count. "We have deals in the together its own floundering Fit TV ing broadband services find highly works with major MSOs and satellite with the barely breathing America's enticing. providers, but we're sticking by having 15 Health Network to create The Health "They've got a very in -depth Web million subscribers" by year's end. Network, which launched July 19 with site, and that Web site is attractive to "They were originally considered the live Cesarean birth of triplets. any operator that is providing multiple services, such as @Home," said a programming executive at a major MSO. "Any time you have a service you can Cox wins Gannett auction cross -collateralize, you can use it as a vehicle to drive the Internet service." By John M. Higgins million -$500 million worth of common Both MSO executives declined to be stock plus a blend of bonds, convertible identified for this article, citing ongoing Cox Communications Inc: s victory notes and preferred stock. contract negotiations with Discovery. in the auction of Gannett Corp.'s The deal, combined with other But one said that the health model cable systems completes the com- takeover agreements cut this year, gives will be readily adaptable for e-company's shopping spree -for now. But the Cox $11 billion worth of acquisitions, merce and even video on demand, such foray has Cox executives rushing to raise including a $4 billion takeover of TCA as ordering prescriptions or obtaining money to pay for all its pending deals. Cable TV, a $2.4 billion stock swap for a immediate access to detailed medical Cox last week agreed to pay $2.7 bil- chunk of AT &T Corp. systems. plus a information. Online prescription orders lion for Gannett's Multimedia Cable $1.4 billion buy of Media General Cable. already are a multimillion dollar unit, a near-record valuation of $5,200 The Atlanta -based MSO's portfolio bonanza, and MSOs stand to profit per subscriber and 21.5 times estimated will ultimately increase 50 %, from 4 from a cut of the e- commerce action as running -rate cash flow. The deal gives million to 6 million subscribers. well as the pay -per -view nature of the company 522,000 additional sub- Cox had been suffering from a cor- video on demand. This scenario, he scribers in Kansas and North Carolina, porate inferiority complex, with com- said, is attractive to any MSO. as well as Oklahoma, where Cox pany executives privately expressing Additionally, part of what makes already has operations. concern that with companies like Com- Discovery's venture into health Cox's immediate task is to raise cast Corp., Adelphia Communciations unprecedented is the company's sub- money to pay for all the deals. The Corp. (both losing bidders for Gannett) stantial $350 million upfront invest- company unveiled a plan to raise $2.8 and Charter Communications Inc. buy- ment to establish the brand. Ford said billion -$3.7 billion within the next 30 ing so aggressively that Cox would any potential profit won't be realized days by selling a combination of $300 become a small -time player.

AUGUST 2, 1999 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 49

www.americanradiohistory.com le iimmummi° TECHNOLOGY NY Times' one -stop shop TV group offers to provide master -control services at Va. op center to other stations By Karen Anderson dent of operations and engineering, Frank Chebalo, The New York Times designed the center. The sys- Broadcast Group is tem works in a "closed - taking station automa- loop" fashion, he says. A tion to a new level, saying traffic log started at the sta- last week that it will open up tion is electronically deliv- its centralized master control ered to the master control facility in Norfolk, Va., to center. It runs the broadcast other stations by the end of day, writes a file for the day's the year. activity and then sends it From the automated cen- back to the station for recon- ter, quartered at NYT's ciliation. All day -to -day WTKR -TV, Norfolk's NBC management and adminis- affiliate, the group remotely The Norfolk facility currently serves trative functions remain on controls five of its eight sta- five NYT stations. the station level. tions. It plans to bring three Computers at the facility others online by October. "The pricing structure varies [with] are networked to video servers, transmit- The $5 million center was developed the number of functions," Hale says. ters and satellite receivers at each station. four years ago in response to the onset "But it will be far less than what sta- The group uses Hewlett- Packard servers of digital television and the need to tions are spending to access the same and Columbine JDS automation soft- monitor signals in a multichannel envi- functions and with a higher level of ware. However, the operations center ronment, reliability and accuracy." can interface with any automation sys- "We started looking at digital," says New York Times Group vice presi- tem or video server, Hale says. Elden Hale, executive VP and COO for the group. "What are we going to do when digital becomes a reality? ...What A cheaper way to HD if we multicast, are we going to multiply by six the number of master control HD Vision and Capitol Broadcasting are teaming to build a cheaper HD pro- operators we have and equipment ?" duction truck. Consolidating its master control The unit is designed to be "big enough to do large network productions...in operations has allowed the company to a configuration that's affordable for local stations," says Capitol's Vice Presi- reduce its master control personnel by dent of Special Projects John Greene. almost half, Hale says. And most of the "I think [DTV broadcasters] will embrace it immediately, and I think there will people have been transferred to jobs in be a big push come November," says Greene. the center, he says. "We managed the Owner of CBS affiliate wRAL(Tv) Raleigh, N.C., Capitol has been a leader in program through attrition and retrain- HDTV. It put one of the nation's first DTV stations (wRAL -HD) on the air and has ing.... Most of us need more resources. been regularly producing HDTV programming for it. This allowed station managers to man- Based in Irving, Texas, HD Vision is another HD pioneer, leasing HD pro- age precious human resources on news duction trucks and equipment. and sales" Under the agreement, HD Vision would manage and lease the truck. Capi- The system has also reduced errors tol would finance the truck and get to use it free of charge on certain projects. in spot playback and increased poten- Lease rates for other stations and production companies will be determined tial revenue. "We have found that we on a case -by-case basis, the principals say. can operate at about 70% error reduc- According to HD Vision President Randall Dark, the 53 -foot unit should be tion rate," he says. Spots that had been on the road by late October. used for make -goods can now be sold, The truck will include Sony HD cameras and Panasonic and Sony VTRs, a he adds. Sony HD editing system and a Chyron Duet "or equivalent' character and The station group is now seeking to effects generator, says HD Vision Chief Operating Officer and Director of provide master -control services to other Engineering Charles Pantuso. An audio board will be capable of mixing two - stations. "The capacity is really not limit- channel digital audio or five -channel AC -3 audio. ed by anything," says Hale. "We can add A format converter will allow users to shoot in HD and downconvert for as many stations as want to come NTSC broadcast. Greene believes that more broadcasters will produce shows along.... It doesn't take much space to do in HD and downconvert as more equipment becomes available. "You start with what we're doing, and the more stations the highest form and from there go down," Greene says. -Karen Anderson we add the more efficient it becomes."

50 BROADCASTING & CABLE I AUGUST 2, 1989

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SITE OF THE WEEK AOL bolsters www.ktub.com bloom broadband bid V:, Idaho ....Orel7 laddaletuder MIME GTE pact latest in sequence to advance faster Net access Same Vallee Idaho's #1 News By Richard Tedesco ously announced it was accelerating its ONLINE LIVEI WW1 you cyloos ADSL deployments to reach 8 million America Online last week struck households by the end of 2001. AOL lean its fourth digital- subscriber -line already had deals in place with SBC imam deal with a telco, aggressively Communications and Bell Atlantic, pushing its broadband access strategy which will double up access to its and strengthening its bargaining posi- InfoSpeed DSL service with 17 million tion with cable companies. lines by year-end. Lameil se AOL's latest deal last week, a multi- AOL aims at charging subscribers year pact with GTE, gives the online $20 for DSL access on top of its stan- KTVB -TV service access to GTE's asymmetric dard $21.95 monthly fee. Boise, Idaho digital subscriber lines in 17 states, Those deals effectively give AOL a expected to pass 4 million households national base to begin building a broad- NBC, ch. 7 by year-end. band service. Bob Pittman, AOL presi- AOL struck a similar deal two weeks dent and COO, says the goal is to "help features: Live streaming o0 ago with Ameritech, which simultane- make broadband access a reality for the Site mass market consumer." weekday newscasts at 5:30 a.m.; Sources report AOL has had ongoing noon; 5, 6 and 10 p.m.; newscasts discussions with AT &T, as well as streamed at 8 and 9 a.m., and 5, 6 and 10 p.m. on Saturdays; 8 a.m., Will TV Survive Time Warner Cable, a primary partner with MediaOne in Road Runner. 5, 6, 10 and 10:30 p.m. on Sun- Tom Wolzien, analyst with Sanford days; links to local restaurant ana The Internet? weather fore- Bernstein & Co., says AOL has applied concert guides and casts; online store This timely book enables readers pressure on cable operators through its to peer into the future -at the likely DSL deals and its DirecTV deal for Site launched: 1995: relaunched effects of television and the Internet AOL TV carriage. "They've sort of cir- in March 1997 on each other and at the possibility cled cable in a way." of a convergence of the TV set, Wolzien posits a scenario with cable Site director: Conrad Jungmann, computer and telephone. operators unbundling the @Home and KTVB Internet account executive The Internet Challenge To Television Road services and selling AOL $29.95 cloth Runner Number of employees: 2 access for $35 monthly. He estimates Bruce M. Owen is president of Traffic generated: Averaging Economists Incorporated. cable could boost high -speed access revenues by 300% and gain a share of 500,000 page views from 300,000 Harvard University Press 800 -448 -2242 www.hup.harvard.edu AOL's advertising and e- commerce. visitors monthly "AOL's participation could serve to Streaming technology: RealVideo, accelerate overall [cable modem] pene- Windows Media THE tration, which would aid all partici- INTERNET pants," says Emily Meehan, analyst Advertising: Banner ads CHALLENGE TO with the Boston -based Yankee Group. Revenue: N/A TELEVISION Meehan foresees a possible deal with AT &T, which would provide an Highlights: Site hit record traffic BRUCE M. OWEN open access platform in a cross -mar- levels of 20,000 daily page views keting deal that AOL when it streamed the Boise River DAt ; 40 could give subscribers certain privileges or premi- Festival in early July to kick off its ü10/0 Q 0/0/iia Q ums. video streaming; satellite and "It always comes down to money. radar weather maps are big draw, along with live Skycam offering p'4 What will AT &T and the other cable . companies get ?" asks Gary Arlen, pres- constant vista of Boise. ident of Bethesda, Md. -based Arlen -Richard Tedesco Communications.

52 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

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RADIO TELEVISION HELP WANTED SALES

HELP WANTED MANAGEMENT HELP WANTED MARKETING GM/GSM - Fox affiliate in Topeka, KS has immediate opening for a take charge manager. Help Wanted: General Manager AM/FM station Marketing Manager in Miami Florida! WFOR Must have strong background in sales or sales management. Programming experience also de- combo in Sierra foothills of N. California. 20 FT. (CBS O&O) has a Marketing manager position Employees. Fax resume to: 530/477 -6473. Attn: available. This person will be responsible for all sired. Good salary, benefits and bonus plan. Scott. aspects of Marketing, Sales promotion, Corpo- We're looking for someone who can take us to rate Sponsorships and Special Events for the the next level. All inquiries confidential. Send re- Sales Department. Must have strong work ethic, sume to: Roland Waechter, PO Box 129, Junc- HELP WANTED SALES high energy and the ability to create promotional tion City, KS 66441. programs. Excellent communication skills and ex- Domestic & International Sales: A leading in- Radio, wanted Account Executive, Spanish tensive experience in dealing with clients and temational television distribution company with fluent with syndication experience. Contact: agencies is a must. If you want to be part of a win- $137,000,000 in sales last year is seeking addi- Radio Show, POB 46123, Los Angeles, CA ning team please send resume to: Contact: Hu- 90046. man Relations, Fax: 305 -639 -4448, tional experienced "independent contractor" Executives, Brand New Email: jacobsj @wfor.cbs.com M/F EOE. Sales to place 'Four Account Exec: ESPN Radio 1250, Pittsburgh, Series' on Broadcast stations. Company also has PA, is looking for self motivated, hard working, HELP WANTED SALES 27 feature films all new to TV (Cable & Broadcast goal oriented individuals. Must be able to work rights available). Proven Track Record a Must! pays monthly draw against 15% com- established business and cultivate new business. WFOR (CBS O &O) in beautiful Miami Florida is Company a Knowledge of basic computer programs pre- seeking Account Executives. We are looking for mission and expenses. (Avg. executive earned ferred. Contact: Station Manager, 400 Ardmore heavy weights, middle weights and entry level over $300,000 last year). Fax Resume to 703- you Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Equal Op- positions. If you have a solid track record in E.Coast VP 354 -5344, if desire an interview. portunity Employer. media sales, a strong work ethic, and a deep seeded desire to win, CBS4 is the team for you. Account Executive: WSOC -TV is seeking an HELP WANTED NEWS Contact: Human Relations, Fax: 305-639 -4448, energetic, highly motivated sales person to de- Email: [email protected] M/F EOE velop and sell television advertising and market- Full -time news person needed ...small market ing concepts to area businesses to create new operation...send tape and resume to David Local Sales Manager: One of the fastest grow- and traditional revenue for the station. A mini- Bradsher, WKRX -WRXO, Box 1176, Roxboro, ing top 30 markets in the southeast has an im- mum of two years of television, radio, or cable NC 27573. Equal Opportunity Employer. mediate opening for local sales manager. If sales experience is required. Proficiency in pro- you're a dynamic leader looking for growth op- posal writing and design, project organization, com- HELP WANTED portunities with a group broadcaster, send us puter skills, and prospecting is helpful. College degree preferred. Send resume to: Jean FINANCIAL & ACCOUNTING your information. We offer excellent benefits and compensation package. Reply to Box 01571 Humphrey, WSOC -TV, Dept. 95, 1901 North EOE. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. No phone Controller: Leading broadcasting company calls please. EOE M /F. seeks highly motivated accounting professional General Sales Manager for KTVX, the ABC af- to serve as Controller for its radio division. Ability filiate in Salt Lake City. Minimum 3 years televi- to manage and direct activities of station Busi- sion sales management experience. Knowledge HELP WANTED TECHNICAL ness Managers and effectively interact with of Scarborough, TV Scan. Must have a track re- senior level management personnel at both the cord of developing non -traditional revenue. Send divisional and corporate levels is essential. You resume to General Manager, KTVX, 1760 Fre- Chief Engineer will be responsible for financial analysis, budget- mont Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84104, or e -mail to [email protected] No phone calls please. ing, forecasting, and financial reporting. WPXN, PAX 31, NY, NY needs a Chief Engineer KTVX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No Bachelor's degree in Accounting with at least 5 with min. 3 yrs. full time broadcast TV exp.; years experience in the broadcasting industry, or phone calls. thorough knowledge of engineering operations the equivalent, is required. CPA a plus. The ideal and FCC reg. a must; FCC license or SBE cert. General Sales Manager: Grapevine Broadcast - candidate will have superior written and verbal desired. Motivated self- starter w/ extensive ing/GOCOM Communications is seeking dynamic communication skills, a thorough working knowl- technical & troubleshooting skills and hands-on leader to serve as GSM at ABC /FOX combo in edge of all accounting cycles, proficiency in PC UHF broadcast transmitter capabilities. For i beautiful Savannah Georgia. The position is for a and accounting system software, and strong or- confidential consideration, fax current resume w/ team player that will grow our stations to new ganizational abilities. We offer a competitive com- cover letter, references and salary requi-ements levels. If you're not afraid of success, please pensation and benefits package and are an to 212 -956 -0951. attn: Chief Engineer. EJE R send resume and salary history to: General Man- Equal Opportunity Employer. Send resume and ager, WJCUWTGS Television, 10001 Abercorn salary history to Broadcasting & Cable, Box Street, Savannah, Georgia 31406. EOE. 01585, 245 W. 17th St., 7th fl, NY NY 10011. Account Executive: WCTV6 CBS Tallahassee. LEASED PROGRAMMING Join with other pros selling one of the country's top rated, market dominant news leaders serving WE PLACE Engineers, Produce, host your own radio show, and gen- Florida's capitol and booming South Georgia re- Colorists & Mfg. Sales/Marketing erate hundreds of qualified Leads 50,000 watt gion. We are seeking a senior level Account Ex- Employer Paid Fees. NYC radio station. Call Ken Sperber 212 -760- ecutive, a proven pro, a team player with an eye Years & 1050. to the future. If you have a successful TV sales 20 personalized NZ background; college degree; strong verbal, writ- confidential service. STATION WANTED FOR LEASE ing, computer and organizational abilities and tru- All USA States & Canada ly enjoy new business development, vendor pro- MAIL & FAX: grams, even promotions and marketing major Station Wanted For Lease: AM /FM in NY /NJ/ sports products, tell us about your experience Conn. /PA. Contact: [email protected]. KEYSTONE INT'L., INC. and ambitions. Find out how you will gain pro-

, 49 S. Main St., Pittston, PA I:'.40 USA fessionally with the growing Gray communica- Dime Bank SUBCARRIER LEASE tions group. WCTV6 is an Equal Opportunity Phone (570) 655 -7143 Fax (570) 654 -5765 Employer. Pre-hire drug screen required. Cover website keystoneint com Subcarrier Available. WNYE -FM, New York. letter and resume to: Account Executive, We respond to all Employee 8 Employer Inquiries KW. Data/paging 91.5 Mhz. 20 Services only. WCTV6, PO Box 3048, Tallahassee, Florida Alan Cornish ! Mark Kelly ,. Contact: Frank Sobrino (718)250 -5829. 32315.

AUGUST 2,1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 53

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HELP WANTED TECHNICAL HELP WANTED TECHNICAL HELP WANTED NEWS

We're going digital!! And need some help with plant rewire and night -side engineering. FOX 4 Broadcast Engineers WFTX -TV in Ft. Myers/Naples market has an immediate opening for a full -time permanent sec-

ond shift Maintenance Engineer , 2 -11 pm Sun - STUDIO MAINTENANCE Thurs. Exp. with plant wiring and systems, schematics, tape machines and board level re- Managing Editor (Job #216 -200) ENGINEER- Must be able to per- pair a must. Exp. with computers, news depart- form the following duties: install and ment and UHF transmitter a plus. Please send re- WBNS -TV is seeking a Managing Editor to maintain studio transmission equipment sume and salary requirements to: Ryan Steward, oversee the editorial direction of 101V including video switchers, audio con- 621 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33991 or Eyewitness News. The successful candidate DVE, CG, SS cameras and robot- soles, e -mail to: [email protected] Emmis will be responsible for the news coverage and ics. Familiarity with automation systems Communications is an Equal Opportunity content of its' award -winning newscasts. and master control environment. Should Employer. Eyewitness News is the dominant news leader possess a general computer/networking in central Ohio producing more than 32 hours systems and master control environ- of news per week. The Managing Editor will ment. Must be able to work on a rotat- Television - Technical Director: Candidate reporters ing shift schedule. Position Code SME work with the assignment desk and must be able to efficiently perform switching to ensure aggressive coverage, enterprise IT ENGINEER- Must be able to duties for fast -paced newscasts and special pro- reporting, and compelling storytelling. Must install and maintain broadcast computer grams. Candidate must be familiar with operation have excellent news judgement and strong Valley 3000-3 Switcher, Abekas De- based equipment. Applicants should of Grass writing and storytelling skills. Desk and field veous, Pinnacle DVE & Still Store, Chyron Infinit have a basic knowledge of video /audio experience a plus. Minimum of three years and Sony 370 studio cameras. Must be able to systems in a television environment. prior experience as a manager. Experience working with Tektronix perform under pressure and meet deadlines. Profiles, Avid Media Composer and HP Creativity and communication skills required. rush cover Must be able to do some directing. Prefer a min- Qualified candidates should Mediastream systems is essential. Must letter, resume, and news philosophy to: be proficient with PC hardware, server imum of three years experience in a major market as a Technical Director doing newscasts. and network architecture. Possess WBNS 101V, Newsroom computer sys- Degree in Communications or related field de- knowledge of Human Resources, Job#216 -200 tems and non -linear editing. Expertise in sired. Qualified applicants must be motivated, 770 Twin Rivers Drive various operating systems for MAC and creative and able to meet strict deadlines. Please Columbus Ohio 43215 PC based platforms. Please include send resume and cover letters to: Jeff salary history/requirements. Jeandheur, Production Manager, KPRC-TV, PO Position Code ITE Box 2222, Houston, Texas 77252. Equal Opportunity Employer We Are A Smoke And Drug Free Workplace. RF MAINTENANCE ENGINEER- Must be able to per- Sparling, Inc. Job Opening: AudioNideo De- form the following duties: install and signer, Open Date: 7/15/99 - Close Date: 8/20/ Western New York's #1 morning show is look- maintain RF related equipment in a stu- 99. Growing audio /video and technology consulting for a male co- anchor to help its viewers wake dio, transmitter and remote site environ- ing and design group is looking for a designer to up! If you like a combination of hard news and ment. Must be able to work on work with us on commercial, retail, educational, fun this is the job for you. Candidate must have VHF/UHF solid state transmitters and all and telemedicine presentation environments. 2 -3 years TV news on -air experience, solid news associated transmitter equipment. Knowledge of current audio /video technologies judgement and an extensive reporting back- Ability to align and repair microwave and future trends, system layout, equipment ground. Successful candidate will also be called TX/RX and all wireless equipment such specification, room configurations, and infrastruc- upon to fill -in as anchor on the station's other as microphones and IFB. Knowledge of ture layout desired. Minimum two years experi- newscasts as needed. Send cover letter, resume, You must FCC rules and regulations. ence with Window/Word /Excel AutoCad R12 and tapes to Mark Preisler, Executive Producer, possess knowledge of analog /digital and R14 required. Excellent verbal and written WIVB -TV, 2077 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY of five years systems and a minimum communications skills required. Progressive firm 14207. WIVB is an EOE. broadcast television experience. with compensation package including bonus and Applicants must be able to do compo- profit sharing plans. Send your resume in con- Reporter: We're looking for an aggressive and nent level repair and work well under fidence by August 20, 1999 to Sperling, Inc., 720 enterprising hard news reporter who knows how { pressure. Position Code RFM Olive Way, Suite 1100 [D], Seattle, WA 98101. to write to pictures and use natural sound. Strong Refer to Position #1101. Equal Opportunity Candidates should have an engineering live skills a must. Send letter, resume and non- Employer. degree or equivalent technical training. returnable tape to WJW TV Human Resources, SBE/FCC certification is a plus. If you Atn: Reporter Opening, 5800 S. Marginal Road, want to be a part of the exciting transi- Cleveland OH 44103. EOE. No phone calls. tion to HDTV in the most exciting city in Assistant Director of Engineering: Engineering send resume and the world, please your professional - major market television group Promotion Producer/Writer: The award winning cover letter (with position code) to Kurt broadcaster, "Univision ", seeks a "hands -on" Creative Services Department at NBC6/WCNC- Hanson, WABC -TV, 7 Lincoln Square, Assistant Director of Engineering for the group. TV, the Belo station in Charlotte, NC, is looking New York, NY 10023. No telephone in Los Angeles but will work You will be based for a creative, aggressive Writer/Producer, who is calls or faxes please. We are an equal with and travel to all our major market "O &O's ". passionate about news. We are looking for a opportunity employer. will have 5 -10 The ideal candidate years experi- dynamic, self- motivated person, with a minimum ence as Chief or Assistant Chief Engineer work- of two years experience in news promotion and ing in UHF stations. Superior salary and benefits. who thrives under pressure. Ability to write and Fax resume to (310) 348-3659. EEO. edit compelling special report and topical promotions that sell our newscasts and excite our viewers. Please send your tape and resume with HELP WANTED PRODUCER salary history to: (No Phone Calls Please). NBC, Human Resources Department, RE: 99-33, 1001 Wood Ridge Center Drive, Charlotte, NC Fox 4 WFTX -TV in Ft. Myers /Naples market is Univision CH -23 is looking for a Producer/ 28217, EOE/M/FN/H.

seeking a full time Technical Director . Applicants Director that will be responsible for the produc- must have experience switching live newscasts tion of our local commercials. This position re- Promotion Director: WCYB is looking for so- and some directing experience is preferred. quires complete knowledge of Spanish. If you're meone to head our promotion effort, concentrat- Please send resume and non -returnable tape to: a talented, driven professional wishing to join our ing on news and events. Applicants should have Brian Culbreth, Production Manager, 621 SW growing dynamic network, please send your re- promotion producing experience at TV station Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33991. Emmis sume to: Human Resources 2323 Bryan Street, with a news department. College degree pre- Communications is an Equal Opportunity #1900 Dallas, Texas 75201, or fax it to (214) ferred. Resume and reel to Judy Baker, WCYB -TV, Employer. 758-2306. EOE. 101 Lee Street, Bristol, VA 24201. EOE/M /F/ HN.

54 BROADCASTING & CABLE /AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIfIEDS

HELP WANTED NEWS HELP WANTED NEWS HELP WANTED NEWS News Photojournalist: WNDU -TV is looking for SIBS SIBS a creative, energetic photojournalist who loves his- SINCLAIR BROADCASTGROUP SINCLAIR BROADCASTGROUP /her work. We need a photojournalist who likes SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP TV stations cover over 25.9% of doing packages with a reporter and alone. comes Springfield, IL - WECS (NBC) the U.S. and its top ten radio division operates in 10 separate Morning Show News Producer up with story ideas and wants to be part of an markets. If you are a motivated team player with a successful track Opening for a producer to bring news ideas and energy to record, an opportunity may await you at Sinclair. award winning team. One year experience shoot- our AM show. Ideal candidate will have 1 -2 year's experience, solid writing skills and good news judgement. ing news required. College degree preferred. Columbus, OH - WSYX /WITE (ABC/Fox) WICS -TV is one of the top NBC affiliates and the news leader Send resume and non -returnable tape to: Producer in our market. Please send tape and resume. Box #356 Immediate opening for a News Producer. This person must WNDU -TV, Position #00255, Attn: Human Re- have a minimum of one year producing experience and two Mail your resume in confidence immediately to: years of newsroom experience. You will be responsible for Broadcasting &Cable, 245 W. 17th Street, sources Manager, P.O. Box 1616, South Bend, putting together a well -written and visually compelling NY, NY 10011, Attn: Job # IN 46634. Or e-mail your resume to newscast that you can call your own. Send resume and non- JOBSOWNDU.COM No phone calls, please! returnable VHS tape. Box #345 Sinclair is mud to be an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WNDU -TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. News Photographer and a DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE Candidate would be experienced in shooting ENG tape, WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGEDTO APPLY editing news tape, and fact gathering. Live remote News Photographer /Editor: NBC 30 Con- broadcasts, using ENG microwave trucks and portable necticut News (O & O) is looking for someone microwave equipment. Must have valid driver's license. who can tell a story using audio and video. Must Please send resume and non -returnable VHS tape. Box #346 Photographer /Editor: ABC-41 in Battle Creek, be able to work under strict deadlines aid have Michigan is expanding its news product, and we Assignment Editor working knowledge with DVC -Pro. Must be famil- Looking for an aggressive Assignment Editor that loves need a professional to fill the newly created posi- spot news. Ideal candidate will run the desk, come up iar with non -linear editing systems. Requires min- with stories, thrive on sport news and remain cool tion. The right candidate will be working with imum of 1 -2 year's experience in broadcast tele- under pressure. Previous experience on assignment state of the art digital equipment. This job is for a or related broadcast news field required Box #347 vision news. Send tape and resume to Bill Nardi, desk self starting journalist with broadcast television Manager, News Operations and Production, Columbus, OH - WSYX (ABC) experience. This position is full time. Please send Weekend Anchor /Reporter WVIT/NBC 30, 1422 New Britain Avenue, West your resume and references to: Tim Malone, Responsibildies include anchoring weekend 6 p.m. and Hartford, CT 06110. EOE. I 1p.m. newscasts along with general assignment reporting News Director, WON 41, 5200 W. Dickman three per week. Applicants should have a minimum days Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. WON 41 is an two years newsroom and anchoring experience. Please News Director-Sunworshipper for USVI, de- send resume and non -returnable VHS tape. Box #348 Equal Opportunity Employer. greed in Broadcast Journalism or Communica- Dayton, OH - WRGT (FOX) VI news & en- Manager tions for development of /Carribean Local Sales WWTV(CBS) in Traverse Seeking a Local Sales Manager to lead the local sales force. Photojournalist: City/ tertainment channel. 5 yrs + exper. in broadcast Ideal candidate should be able to position an emerging Cadillac (Market #118) is aggressively searching television, live news style programming. Take prime time newscast, introduction of meters, and LMA for two passionate, hard -working, dedicated combo selling with our sister NBC station. Must charge management abilities, knowledge of Carib- demonstrate knowledge of traffic systems, qualitative storytellers who embrace N.P.P.A. fundamentals bean "lifestyles ", French and/or Spanish highly research, sales hiring, training and budgeting. Knowledge and techniques. Job expectations include live of Excel a p'us. Send resume and cover letter. Box #349 desired. Must be eligible to work in US and re- truck operation and daily editing. We will consider locate for min. 24-36 months. Full package/salary Dayton, OH - WHEF (NBC) / WRGT (FOX) Weather Anchor outstanding entry level candidates with prior Beta open. For consideration, fax to JRG Recruiters Immediate opening for our main Weather Anchor. A ENG experience and a hunger for spot news. If (954) 422 -1841 or email j.roberts- meteorology degree and seal is strongly preferred along you want one of these exciting positions, send with outsta tiding presentation skills. The ideal candidate gou ld @ worldnet. att. net. will be an enthusiastic presenter who can deliver a forecast - your resume, references and BetaNHS tape to driven weal hercast with graphics that are eye-catching and Sean Mahon, Chief Photojournalist, WWTV, Box easy to understand. We have a brand new WSI Weather News Director: WTOV9, one of the country's top Producer system ready to go on air. Send resume and non- 627, Cadillac, Michigan 49601. rated NBC affiliates is looking for a creative, ag- returnable ape. Box #350 gressive, leader for our newsroom. We produce 5 Nashville - WZTV (FOX) / WUXP (UPN) newscasts a day and need someone who knows Account Executives News Topical Producer: WIVB -TV, Buffalo, NY, Immediate openings for experienced Account Executives. A content, promotion, and has a vision for the college degree in broadcasting, marketing, or a related field seeks a skilled producer who knows how to sell a newsroom. You also need to be able to hire, and at least 3 years in television sales experience preferred. news story. Must have at least two years experi- We are looting for aggressive self- starters who know how to train, and motivate a young and aggressive staff. work agencies as well as develop new business. This is an ence in either the newsroom or TV promotion We look and act bigger than our market size, we to work in the 30th market and get on excellent opportunity department. Strong writing skills and an unit! board with great stations that are growing each year! The have the awards and ratings to prove Send re- ideal candidate will posses excellent communication and derstanding of the viewers needs and wants are sume and tape to: Tim McCoy, President and relationship-building skills, be a team player, and have a required. WIVB currently has all the momentum Manager, WTOV -TV, 9 Red Donley winning attitude. Please send resume Box #351 General in the Buffalo market. Join a staff that is Plaza, Box 9999, Steubenville, OH 43952. EOE. Web Master motivated and focused on winning. Send resume Absolutely no phone calls. Live In Music City and work for two growing television and non -returnable tape to Marketing Director, stations as Web Master. We are looking for a team player who is proactive and able to coordinate needs and WTVB-TV, 2077 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, News 12, the country's first, largest, and most - activities on the local level as well as with corporate staff. 14207. Equal Opportunity Employer. The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years experience watched regional news network, is seeking a Pro- actually maintaining and designing web pages using one or motion Manager to promote one of its five local more of the following; HTML, JAVA, Perl, CGI Script and have SQL. Must also be experienced with URL's, Browers, FTP Newscast Producer: WTVR -TV, a Raycom news channels. Candidates must at least and E -mail. Send resume. Box #352 Media station in Richmond, VA, is looking for an one year experience in television or cable market-

Portland, ME - WGAE (CBS) experienced Newscast Producer. Please send re- ing and/or promotions including hands -on pro- News Director sume to: Trina Lee, WTVR-TV, 3301 W. Broad duction experience. Avid experience a plus. Bil- We are looking for a leader who can create defining moments in television broadcasts, and who knows how to Street, Richmond, VA 23230. WTVR -TV is an ingual Spanish a big plus. Please rush resume create locally compelling newscasts. If you have a practical EOE M /F. Pre -employment drug screening re- and tape to KP, Human Resources, 1111 Stewart action plan to do it differently and can rally people both quired. No phone calls please. NY 11714. EOE. inside and outside the newsroom to achieve these goals, Avenue, Bethpage, then you may be a candidate for this rewarding opportunity at a heritage station in one of the more desirable locations Bi Lingual Meteorologist: Exciting opportunity in the country. Must have a desire to win ability to have fun. Send resume. Box #353 News Photographer: NBC6/WCNC -TV, the Belo for weathercaster that is fluent in Spanish/ station in Charlotte, NC has an immediate open- English. Very High -profile exposure in major San Antonio - RABB (FOX) Account Executive ing on its award winning photography staff. We markets and the internet. Recent Grads OK! Call Opening for a professional who is detail-oriented, looking for a self- motivated, creative (800) 353 -9177 x317. aggressive highly motivated with great negotiating and are listening skills. Send resume Box #354 storyteller with strong editing skills and a full un- Are you a small/medium market producer San Antonio - BABB (Fax) / BERT (WB) derstanding of live truck and helicopter opera- TV Research Director tions. We are a BetaSX shop with Avid editing. looking to break into one of the best news Seeking an individual experienced with Nielsen, TV Scan, Individual would be supplied with own take home markets in the country? WFOR in Miami is look- Scarborough, Market Manager, Microsoft Office as well as graphics presentation. Prior television or ad agency gear. Applicants must have at least two years ing for an Associate Producer/fill -in Producer. If experience desired. Send resume with cover Ietter.Box #355 experience and a college degree is preferred. you are smart, creative, aggressive, and a writer Mail your resume in confidence immediately to: Must have a current valid driver's license. If you who prides yourself in writing strong copy, quickly Broadcasting &Cable, 245 W. 17th Street, - this is the job for you. You will have the op- NY, NY 10011, Attn: Job # are the competitive, yet, creative photographer at your station send your resume and salary history portunity to fill -in produce on a regular basis, in a Sinclair is proud to be an to: (No Phone Calls Please), NBC 6, Hu- newsroom where promoting from within is en- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER couraged. Send a resume, tape and writing sam- and a DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE man Resources Department, Re: 97 -32, 1001 WOMEN AM) MNORItiES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY Wood Ridge Center Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217. ples to: Shannon High, News Director. WFOR- EOE/M/FN /H TV, 8900 N.W. 18th Terr. Miami, FL 33172 M/F EOE. AUGUST 2, 1809 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 55

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED NEWS HELP WANTED PROMOTION

Feature Reporter: An important member of our #1 rated morning show. We need a creative storyteller that can capture the essence of the people and places of Cleveland in daily live reports. Must be exceptional live with strong in- terviewing skills. If you're motivated, self- starting Ari?" Alri VArir and, of course, an early riser, send letter, resume and non -returnable tape to WJW TV Human Re- sources, Attn: Feature Reporter Opening, 5800 S. Marginal Road, Cleveland OH 44103. EOE. No phone calls. DAVID OR GOLIATH? Talented Producer: ABC -7, WJLA -TV has You're a creative talent. Which is better: big corporation or small immediate opening for a top -notch producer to join our team. 5 years of progressively responsible company? Clearly, each has strengths with great merit. At Paramount experience in a television newsroom, preferably in Stations Group, we combine the best of both worlds. We're PSG, a a Top 20 market required. Strong news judgement, close -knit group of television stations that foster team spirit, localism leadership abilities and communication skills a must. Resume and non -returnable reel to: Human and creative excellence in each of our respective markets. We're also Resources, WJLA -TV, 3007 Tilden Street, N.W., part of Pa-amount Pictures and Viacom, Inc., one of the greatest and Washington, DC, 20008. EOE. most dive-se entertainment and content companies on the planet. Weekend News Anchor /Reporter: KFSN -TV, Imagine: a focused, local team backed by resources that are global in Fresno, an ABC /Disney Owned Station is seeking scope. If you're a talented writer, producer, promotion manager or an experienced Co- Anchor /Reporter for its Number have a similar creative background, you really should consider One Rated Weekend Newscast. A minimum of 3 years fulltime anchoring and reporting experience having the best of both worlds. is required. Must be able to write clear and concise Send tape /resume to copy and have great live -shots skills. Four -year Journalism degree preferred. Resume and tape (Beta or VHS) to: Kevin Keeshan, ABC30, Dept. BC, G/rrrun.1rutf 4fallorti ÇIvllp 9W . 1777 G Street, Fresno CA 93706. KFSN -TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members Attn: Tom Zappala of minority groups are encouraged to apply. 5555 Melrose Avenue, GR 1009 Hollywood, CA 90038 TV News Reporter: KFSN -TV, Fresno, an ABC /Disney Owned Station is seeking an No phone calls, please. Viacom, Inc. and PSG are equal opportunity employers. experienced General Assignment Reporter. Minimum of two year's fulltime field reporting experience. Skills must include understanding of libel and slander laws, clear and concise writing and creative presentation. Good live -shot skills a must. Four -year degree required. Resume and tape (Beta or VHS) to: Kevin Keeshan, ABC30. Dept. BC, 1777 G Street, Fresno CA 93706. KFSN -TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Producer: ABC -41 in Battle Creek, Michigan is expanding its news product, and we need a professional to fill the newly created position. The right candidate will be working with state of the At WRAL -TV 5, we're in the business of enhancing people's lives -as art digital equipment. This job is for a self starting an entertainment provider, information source and proactive employer. journalist with broadcast television experience. We begin by building community relationships, which not only helps This position is full time. Please send your re- us build trust, but inevitably helps us build the future. sume and references to: Tim Malone, News Director, WOTV 41, 5200 W. Dickman Road, Bat- tle Creek, MI 49015. WOTV 41 is an Equal Op- portunity Employer.

HELP WANTED FINANCIAL & ACCOUNTING Person to promote the area's #1 late newscast and join a team of award winning producers and designers. If that's not exciting enough, you'll be Director of Finance: Fox O &O in Boston, MA is living just hours from the beach or mountains and working at the station looking for an experienced broadcast finance that put HD on the map. So, if you have at least two years of promotion manager to assist the VP of Finance and Pro- producing experience, can write copy full of viewer benefit and edit on a gramming with budgeting, forecasting, special non -linear system, get us your tape and resume. Job #99-127 projects, and various financial analyses. Position Here, you'll receive an excellent compensation package as well as pro- will oversee the daily operations of the account- fessional development. Please send non -returnable VHS tape and ing department, including general ledger, ac- resume, indicating job number, to: Corporate Human Resources, counts payable, fixed assets, and weekly and WRAL -TV, P.O. Box 12800, Raleigh, monthly financial reporting requirements. Degree NC 27605; FAX: (919) 890 -6011. EOE in Accounting and five years accounting management experience required. Must be detail oriented and have the ability to work in a fast paced Division of Capitol Broadcasting environment while adhering to strict deadlines. Company, Inc. Solid working knowledge of MS -Word and Excel required. Excellent communication, organiza- www.wral-tv.com tional, and analytical skills, a must. Send resume with cover letter to: Linda M. DiStefano, WFXT Fox 25, 25 Fox Drive, P.O. Box 9125, Dedham, MA 02027 -9125. No phone calls please. EOE /M/ F /DN.

56 BROADCASTING & CABLE /AUGUST 2, 1999

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HELP WANTED PROMOTION HELP WANTED ALL POSITIONS HELP WANTED CREATIVE SERVICES

On -Air Manager: WBDC -TV 50, Washington, WB33 /KWCV -TV WB33 is the exciting new WB Director of Creative Services, WSB -TV, DC's growing WB affiliate managed by Tribune affiliate in Wichita, Kansas that will sign on the air Atlanta: Lead the marketing efforts of one of the Broadcast ng Company is looking for a hands -on in August! We are looking for an aggressive and in- top ABC affiliates in America. The combination of On -Air Manager with at least 3 -5 years television novative staff committed to becoming the market a great station - WSB -TV. a great company - Cox promotion experience. Non -linear editing experi- leader in Wichita. The following positions are Broadcasting, and a great market - Atlan:a, make ence required! Qualifications include extensive available: General Manager Responsible for all this one of the finest opportunities of its kind in writing and production experience with an em- strategic and operational efforts of the station in- broadcasting. Depth of experience and a strong phasis on non -news programming. WB experi- cluding meeting or exceeding WB33's revenue news orientation are necessary. For the right ence is a strong plus. Familiarity with MS FrontPage. and cost objectives: acquisition and execution of candidate with the right background, there could Macromedia Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Adobe effective programming and promotion: prepara- be a programming component to this position as After Effects and Enterprise traffic system also a tion and management of all departmental well. Send resume and tape to Greg Stcne, Vice plus. Position requires hard work, creativity, strong budgets and goals and hiring and training of de- President & General Manager, WSB -TV. 1601 organizational skills and ability to work and think partment heads. The General Manager will also W. Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia independently. Rush non -returnable tape, resume be involved in all aspects of WB33's new studio, 30309 and salary history to: Human Resources Dept., office and transmitter site construction. Require- WBDC -TV, 2121 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 350. ments include 3 -5 years of media management Art Director /Designer: No news is good news. Washingtc n, DC 20007. Fax # 202- 965 -7304. EOE. experience with a proven track record of suc- Paramount O & O in Tampa is looking hr an in- cess. Sales and startup station experience a credibly creative individual with a good attitude and a great track record. You'll create and Assistant Promotion Manager, KCRA, plus. General Sales Manager Responsible for manage all on -air and out of house promotion. Sacramento: You're the top writer /producer in your the maximization of Local, National and Regional Must be proficient on Macintosh Graphic Norksta- market, and now you're looking to take the next step. station revenues. The GSM will hire. train and lion, utilizing software including, but nct limited We're the dominant station in the 20th market, and lead an innovative sales and support staff. 3 -5 to: Quark Express 3.3, Photoshop 5.0. Adobe Il- we're look ng for an Assistant Promotion Manager years of television or radio sales management lustrator 8.0. After Effects and basic Mac Utilities. who can tlend their talents with our winning team. preferred. Candidate must have a proven track re- Must have an Art/Design background Please Strong writing, a good eye. and working with a sense cord of developing new and non -traditional re- send resume and non -returnable tape of on -air of urgency a must. Interested applicants please send venues and creative sales promotions as well as and print samples to WTOG -TV, Attn: Art Dept., resume and non -returnable reel to: Gene Robinson, maximizing traditional revenues. Chief Engineer: 365 105th Terrace N.E.. St. Petersburg, FL Creative Services Director, KCRA. 3 Television Circle, Responsible for overseeing the buildout of 33716. No phone calls please. Sacremento, CA 95814. No phone calls please. WB33's new transmission, studio and office facilities. Other responsibilities include inspect, PROGRAMMING SERVICES HELP WANTED PRODUCTION direct and perform tests, maintenance and repairs of studio and broadcast equipment: maintain FCC compliance for the facility; prepare and RECAPTURE INTERNET EYEBALLS! 1)1 execute annual operational and capital budgets RECTOR OF and hire and manage all technical personnel. PRODUCTION Candidate should have FCC Radiotelephone General Class and /or SBE Certificate; strong RF THERAMA.COM and UHF transmitter background. Experience PGA TOUR Productions at the Word Golf with digital video and DTV integration a plus. 1 I IL i '' \uatherondenand" Village in St. Augustine. Florida, has an Candidate must also have a minimum 3 -5 years service in the world! outstanding career opportunity for a Director of television broadcast engineering experience. Over 50 local city forecast portal pages In of Production. This individual will assist with Assistant Chief Engineer: This part-time position the U.S. and growing weekly! creative development and implementation of will assist the Chief Engineer in all aspects of the Aggressive pursuit of Internet distribution that will significantly enhance broadcast programs, commercial vignettes and technical operation and management of the sta- Weatherama.com's partnership value. ancillary products, including syndication and tion including inspect, direct and perform tests, Can be promoted as "your own" in your home video. Duties include guiding the creative maintenance and repairs of studio and broadcast equipment: maintain FCC compliance for the fa- local market while recapturing the production staff, overseeing program development cility. Candidate should have FCC Internet audience via your station s opportunities and developing a freelance pool Radiotelephone General Class and /or SBE Certif- streamed video promo spot. of talent.. Must work with other departments icate: strong RF and UHF transmitter back- WHO ARE WE to prepare budgets, develop communication links ground. Candidate must also have a minimum 2- National Weather Networks has been prodding across departments, implement a Quality Control 4 years of television broadcast engineering expe- customized, local weather forecasts to TV system and develop new business opportunities. rience. Traffic Manager Primary responsibilities in- stations since 1991. Weatherama.corn is an VP, This por ition reports to the Production. clude preparing commercial logs; inventory man- extension of our weather operations and will agement; order clearances: programming format- quickly become the dominant provider of must have 10+ years production Candidates of ting and hiring and managing of support staff. local video weather in the new world of industry experience, including 3 years in a Candidate must have knowledge of CIDS. BIAS convergence. management role. Requires a working or VCI and excellent computer skills. Candidate HOW CAN WE HELP YOUR STATION? knowlecge of film and video, understanding of must also work well under deadline pressure. NWN is looking for promotional partners !leach production processes and knowledge of Three years experience in traffic supervision or TV market. Through your participation as a local directing and editing techniques. Must be able management preferred. High School diploma or promotional partner, your station can receive to budget and actualize projects and write some college preferred. For all positions, college prominent placement on your market's ocal detailed production proposals. Strong degree in related fields preferred. Replies will be held in confidence. Please send resume or in- Weatherama.com city page. direct links tack to attentioi to detail and interpersonal skills are quiries to the address below. No phone calls your station's website, or even stream, c" 10 essentia . Knowledge of golf required. please. WB33, KWCV -TV, Turner Communica- station promo! We ask that each partner rromote tions. Inc.. PO Box 1100, Wichita. Kansas 67202. usage of the service in their market throLgh an This challenging position offers professional Equal Opportunity Employer. on -air campaign consisting of billboaid growth opportunities, a competitive salary, placement, weather bumpers, or simi ar performance bonus, excellent health benefits, SITUATIONS WANTED TECHNICAL opportunities in news, movies, etc. pension 401(k). and family membership to the TPC at For consideration, please 7-800-353-9777 Sawgrass. Broadcast Engineering veteran with 29 years edwardcs nwnstudios.cor-, send your resume to: PGA TOUR, Inc., experience, and DTV, seeks opportunity with Attn: HR -DP, 100 PGA TOUR Blvd., group broadcaster as corporate DOE or GM. Re- & CABLE Ponte Vedra, FL 32082. No ply to Box 01583. EOE. BROADCASTING phone calls, please. CLASSIFIEDS TV RESUME TAPES www.pgatour.com Career Videos prepares your personalized demo. Unique format, excellent rates, coaching, THE #1 SOURCE FOR 10B EOE, MyF/DN job search assistance, tape critiques. Great track ADS IN THE INDUSTRY! record. 847-272-2917.

AUGUST 2, 1099 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 57

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INTERNET CABLE SERVICES HELP WANTED RESERACH

Parrot Media Network (www.parrotmedia.com) offers online databases of over 70,000 media executives with extensive up -to- We're looking for researchers date info on thousands of media outlets. U.S. and International TV who are cable - ready Stations, Networks, Groups, Reps, Cable Systems, MSOs, Cable ' Networks, Satellite Operators, Radio, Press /Publicity, Newspapers, Advertising Agencies, Movie Chains CBS Cable relies heavily on research to keep our finger on the pulse of and Movie Theatres. $49.95 /month. those who watch cable. To support this endeavor, we are seeking the Call for FREE one day password. All following research professional to join us in our NEW YORK CITY location. Information also available in directory and computer disk formats. 1- 800 -PARROTC SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST To perform audience performance tracking of all the major US basic cable networks, the selected candidate will maintain a research database to support management, ad sales group and public relations. This will be accomplished by tracking industry developments, identifying trends and anticipating changes in the cable industry. To qualify, you must have strong sales support and presentation writing skills, along with 4 -5 years' media or media -related experience and a college degree. Additional requirements including familiarity with Nielsen products (Galaxy Explorer, PNF, Program Names, ACR reports, etc.) Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word and PowerPoint is essential, as is experience working with MRI product usage data and CMR information. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Please forward your confidential resume, including salary history and requirements to: Human Resources Department, CBS Cable, 250 Harbor Drive, Stamford, CT 06904. Fax: 203/965 -6117. Equal Opportunity Employer.

MAXIMUM CBS CABLE EXPOSURE! HELP WANTED SALES LOW COST! ; ASfllllG When placing USA Broadcasting, a division' of USA Networks, Inc., and the 5th largest station group, is looking for key sales & business executives to help launch USAB's local stations in Dallas & Atlanta. This is a unique opportunity to help build truly local print ad, independent television stations, which are fully integrated with our original programming & Internet properties. We're seeking individuals to join our team: simply request Sales Managers: Seeking creative candidates with successful track records in to run on television sales management. Your goal will be to grow traditional billings and develop innovative new business opportunities, which will include packaging our Internet & original programming assets. Local sports will be your edge, as we have successful our website sports franchises in each of these markets. We're looking for team builders, capable of marketing a unique effort in a crowded marketplace. for an Account Executives: Successful candidates will be aggressive self- starters with media experience who know how to work with agencies and generate new business. extra$50 /wk. This will be a fast pace environment; where a person with excellent presentation skills and commitment to teamwork will excel. We encourage people with all forms of media background to apply.

Business Managers: This individual will be responsible for all accounting, financial reporting and human resource area of the station. Ideal background should include 3- 5 years of financial media management experience.

For immediate consideration, fax your resume and salary history indicating position desired to K. Featherstone (310) 360 -2517. EOE.

Women and minorities encouraged applying.

58 BROADCASTING & CABLE /AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED DIRECTOR NtLY WANI tiì I tLNNiCAa.

Chief Engineer: WSAH -TV, Bridgeport, CT. Technically skilled engineer to maintain transmit- Director, Library Systems ters, local insertion equipment, and automation. The Chief Engineer will maintain contact with ca- A &E Television Networks is seeking an experienced professional for a newly created position ble systems resolving carriage issues relating to overseeing all video library systems. The individual will be responsible for upper level budget signal quality and strength. Must be able to work and process control, development of enhanced library procedures, and ability to meet the in a self directed environment, be resourceful, and be able to work with outside contacts. Expe- demands of a robust and dynamic environment. The qualified candidate will have 7 -10 years rience with UHF transmitters, first phone, and experience conducting tape library traffic, edit session support, dubbing and conversion, and SBE certification is a plus! Send resume and technical quality control. 5 years experience in tape tracking and archive management and 3 -5 salary requirements by mail to Tracie Frank, years experience in new technologies, close- captioning, and hybrid information integration is Shop at Home Network, 5388 Hickory Hollow required, along with day -to -day management of a diverse staff spread throughout various facility Parkway, Antioch, TN 37013, by fax to (615) 263- locations in the tri -state area. 8910, or by e-mail to tfrank @sath.com. Please forward resume with SALARY REQUIREMENTS to: HELP WANTED NEWS A &E Television Networks Human Resources /DLS Producers: Seeking experienced Hard News, 235 East 45th Street Music News, and Celebrity Interview Producers for New York, NY 10017 growing entertainment and lifestyle cable network Fax: (212) 907 -9402 NETWORKS for full -time positions. Strong writing and management skills required. Must be willing to Email: recruiter aetn.com No phone calls please. EOE relocate. Please fax cover letter and resume to 800- 835-7445.

ALLIED FIELDS HELP WANTED TECHNICAL HELP WANTED DIRE( Director of Engineering University Teleplex

Ball State University has a continuing contract position available immediately for an individual to perform and oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of audio The E.W. Scripps School of Journalise at Ohio and video equipment according to FCC specifications and regulations. Duties University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director. Appointment is to begin July 1, 2000. include but are not limited to: direct supervision of two chief engineers and indirect supervision of eight broadcast engineers; recommend equipment use and Position Description replacement; write and research equipment grant specifications; prepare and The director leads and administers undergraduate and monitor annual engineering budget. The Teleplex consists of the following areas: graduate programs, teaches, participates in fundraising WIPE-TV, Indiana Public Radio, University Media Services, Video Information and serves as an advocate for the School. Services, and Equipment Projectionist Services. The Teleplex provides support to the university through Broadcast Services; Ball State Sports Network; Video, Audio, Qualifications and Graphics Production; multimedia development, instructional design, and Qualifications suitable for appointment to the rank of distance learning. Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree in electronics tenured professor and successful administrative experience are expected. Candidates should have appropriate engineering or related broadcast field; at least five years of recent broadcast academic degrees and/or extensive professional engineering management experience. Salary is market based. experience. Additional information is available on the Send letter of application, resume, three letters of reference, and transcript to: School's Web page: http://www.scripps.ohiou.edu,/

Mr. Bill Cahoe Director, Application Process University Teleplex Initial screening of applicants will begin September 30, Ball State University 1999, and will continue until the position is filled Each Muncie, IN 47306. application should include a curriculum vita and names, addresses (including e -mail) and telephone numbers of three references who may be contacted. Nominations and Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue applications should be sent to: Professor Sandra until the position is filled. (www.bsu.edu) Haggerty, Chair of the Director Search Committee, College of Communication, 497 Radio-TV Building, Ohio University, Athens, OH Ball State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. 45701 (740.593.4883, FAX: 740.593.0459, e -mail: haggertyt ohio.edu)

equal opporaNty /aff rma ise action employer.

SEND BLIND BOX RESPONSES TO:

BROADCASTING & CABLE Box , 245 West 17th St. 7th FI. New York, New York 1001

AUGUST 2, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 59

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIFIERS

HELP WANTED SALES R SALE STATIONS COLLECTION AGENCY

Sales Executive: Can you sell? Have you seen bile /Pensacola 2X LPTV, priced to sell $500 MEDIA COLLECTION S. Florida C2 50kw resort market, cash flow $1.3M enough sales people across the desk to know Southeast 55 LPTV Network, seller motivated $4.0M DREAM TEAM you can do it yourself? Have you worked in radio Miami Market, LPTV, Network, cash flow $3 5M or television news? Do you have technical ap- Jacksonville AM, fulltime, cash flow, great signal$925K CCR Ft. AM fulltime, new titude? If you answered yes to at least three of Pierce /StuartNero equip $950K 2X AM Si 2 FM Group 9M Attorney (former broadcast/cable ad sales resume AL /FUGA $1 these questions, please send your and FL (Jax Market) C3, positive cash flow $2.7M manager NBC -TV, Katz, Petry, Lifetime) salary requirements to Broadcasting and Cable AM /FM St. Louis market, seller motivated $595K and staff handle the USA's top media Magazine Box 01584. We are a Washington, AM/FM N. Fla. small market, great assets $595K firm's collection accounts offering: D.C. based news technology company looking HADDEN & ASSOC. for the right sales professional to make sales and 1. Unequalled knowledge of media business. 407- (FAX) 407 -366 -8801 manage a large territory working with leading and (0) 365 -7832 2. Ten years of unequalled /documentable recovery rates. innovative broadcasters. You need to be highly For Sale: UHF Television Station CP. Medium 3. Customized reporting. organized, able to travel extensively and present million. Southeast market, network availability; $2 4. Competitive contingent fee schedule. a professional image to our most important Contact: Norman Fischer & Associates, Inc., 5. References available. customers. P.O. Box 5308, Austin, TX 78763. [email protected] (512) 476 -9457. When sending your ad -sales collection claims to CCR, please include your rate card and a list of avails. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES WANTED TO BUY STATIONS Because after we °sell° your over -due clients on the wisdom of paying the balance, Mid- America Broadcasting is looking to ac- we'll include a new order in the deal Of you like). Just For Starters: Entry-level jobs and "hands - quire the following stations or combos: FM, FM/ Call/Write: on" internships in TV and radio news. National AM, or FM C.P. in a rated market. Cash flow is CCR George Stella listings. For a sample lead sheet call: 800 -680- preferred but not required. Mid -America Broad- 1025 Old Country Road Suite 303S 7513. up to $3.5 million in cash and if casting will spend Westbury, NY 11590 necessary finance the balance. Brokers Tel: 516- 997 -2000.212- 766 -0851 Fax: 516-997-2071 WANTED TO BUY EQUIPMENT welcome. Please direct information to: Mid - E -Mail: CCRCollect @AOL.com America Broadcasting, Richard J. Doud, Presi- Used videotape: Cash for 3/4" SP, M2 -90's, dent, 423 Celebration Avenue, Celebration, FL Betacam SP's. Call Camel Video 301 -694 -3500. 34747. (407) 566 -0624 (Phone); (407) 566 -0625 (Fax); midamabroad @aol.com. FOR SALE EQUIPMENT BROADCASTING & CABLE'S CLASSIFIED RATES All orders to place classified ads & all correspondence pertaining to this section should be sent to BROADCASTING & CABLE, Classified Department, 245 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011. For

information call Brent Newmoyer at (212) 337 -6962 or Yuki Atsumi at (212)337 -6960 . STOCK Payable in advance. Check, money order or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Full and correct payment must be in writing by either letter or Fax (212) 206 -8327. If payment is made by credit card, indicate card number, expiration date and daytime phone number. Deadline is Monday at 5:00pm Eastern Time for the following Monday's issue. Earlier deadlines ANSWERS. apply for issues published during a week containing a legal holiday. A special notice announcing the For video duplication, demos, earlier deadline will be published. Orders, changes, and /or cancellations must be submitted in writ- audition reels, work tapes, our ing. NO TELEPHONE ORDERS, CHANGES, AND /OR CANCELLATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. recycled tapes are technically When placing an ad, indicate the EXACT category desired: Television, Radio, Cable or Allied Fields; up to any task and downright Help Wanted or Situations Wanted; Management, Sales, News, etc. If this information is omitted, we bargains. All formats, fully guar- will determine the appropriate category according to the copy. NO make goods will run if all infor- anteed. To order call: mation is not included. No personal ads. (800)238 -4300 CARPEL The publisher is not responsible for errors in printing due to illegible copy -all copy must be clear- VIDEO ly typed or printed. Any and all errors must be reported to the Classified Advertising Department within 7 days of publication date. No credits or make goods will be made on errors which do not mate- rially affect the advertisement. Publisher reserves the right to alter classified copy to conform with the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Publisher reserves the right to UHF TRANSMITTER AND ANTENNA abbreviate, alter or reject any copy. Rates: Classified listings (non -display). Per issue: Help Wanted: $2.50 per word, $50 weekly mini- FOR SALE mum. Situations Wanted: 1.350 per word, $27 weekly minimum. Optional formats: Bold Type: $2.90 word, Background: $3.00, Expanded Type: $3.70 Bold, Screened, Expanded Type: RCA TTU -66 UHF Transmitter, dual per Screened $4.20 per word. All other classifications: $2.50 per word, $50 weekly minimum. one ITS exciter, RCA TTUE -44 exciters, Word count: Count each abbreviation, initial, single figure or group of figures or letters as one word and RCA TFU -28 DAS channel 51 pylon each. Symbols such as 35mm, COD, PD etc., count as one word each. A phone number with area antenna. Great for service or parts, still code and the zip code count as one word each. Rates: Classified display (minimum 1 inch, upward in half inch increments). Per issue: Help Want- in operation at this time. ed: $218 per inch. Situations Wanted: $109 per inch. Public Notice & Business Opportunities adver- Contact: Richard Large 619 -505 -5150 tising require display space. Agency commission only on display space (when camera -ready art is provided). Frequency rates available. Color Classified Rates OSU Invitation To Bid: OSU offers for sale by Non -Display: Highlighted Position Title: $75. Display: Logo 4 /C: $250. All 4 /C: $500. sealed bid a 38 -foot mobile production truck in operational condition. Shook-built truck on Volvo Online Rates: $50 additional to cost of ad in magazine chassis with new (1998) stainless steel bays. Blind Box Service: (In addition to basic advertising costs) Situations Wanted: No charge. All other Equipment includes GVG300 -3AN switcher, iN- classifications: $35 per issue. The charge for the blind box service applies to advertisers running list- FiNiT! 060 with 3 frame buffers, 32 -input audio, ings and display ads. Each advertisement must have a separate box number. BROADCASTING & 4- hard/2 -HH cameras, 3 slo -mo VTR's, and much CABLE will now forward tapes, but will not forward transcripts, portfolios, writing samples, or other more. For more information, please contact Sam oversized materials; such are returned to sender. Do not use folders, binders or the like. Replies to Welch, Educational Television Services, 405- ads with Blind Box numbers should be addressed to: Box (number), c/o Broadcasting & Cable, 245 744 -5960, Stillwater, OK. Bid closes August 16, W. 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 1999 at 1:30pm. Confidential Service. To protect your identity seal your reply in an envelope addressed to the box number. In a separate note list the companies and subsidiaries you do not want your reply to reach. Lowest prices on videotape! Since 1979 we Then, enclose both in a second envelope addressed to CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE, Broadcasting & have been beating the high cost of videotape. Cable Magazine, at the address above. Call Carpel for a catalog. 800-238 -4300.

60 BROADCASTING & CABLE /AUGUST 2, 1998

www.americanradiohistory.com PROFESSIONAL CARDS

du Treil, Lundin & Rackley, Inc. CARL T. JONES LOHNES AND CULVER COHEN. DIPPER AN:D EVERIST, PC. Consulting Engineers CORPORATION CONSULTING RADIO ENGINEERS CONSULTING ENGINEERS 201 Fletcher Avenue Consulting Engineers 8309 Cheery Lane Domestic and Intemetional Cmrnunierilns Sarasota, Florida 34237 Sine 1937 7901 Yarnwood Ct. Laurel. MD 20707 4830 Phone: (941)329 -6000 1300 'L- STREET. M. e., ELITE 1100 Springfield , Virginia 22153 -\ (301) 776 -4488 08NINOTON, DC 20006 FAX: (941)329 -6030 PHONE: 12021 898 -0111 r o (2021 898 -0895 www.dlr.com (703)569 -7704 fax (703) 569 -6417 E-MAIL: cdepc@wo4dneten net Stowr í`v4444 Member AFCCE Member AFCCE MEMBER AFCCE Member AFCCE www.ctjc.com

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YOUR CARD HERE CALL: (212) 337 -6962

www.americanradiohistory.com DATEBOOK

Aug. 31 -Sept. 3- National Association of Broadcasters Association. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Radio Show. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Patti Hall (404) 255 -1608. Contact: (202) 429 -5419. Nov. 8 -9th annual Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame Recep- Sept. 27- Interface XIII. Ronald Reagan International Trade tion and Program. New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York. Con- Center, Washington. Contact: Steve Labunski (212) 337 -7158. tact: Steve Labunski (212) 337 -7158. Sept. 29 -Oct. 2- Radio- Television News Directors Associa- Dec. 14-17-The Western Show Conference and Exhibition present- tion Conference and Exhibition. Charlotte Convention Center, ed by the California Cable Television Association. Los Angeles Con- Charlotte, N. C. Contact: Rick Osmanski (202) 467 -5200. vention Center. Contact: (510) 428-2225. Oct. 3-6-Video Transport Services Annual Conference. Jan. 24-29, 2000 -36th annual National Association of Televi- Hilton Universal City and Towers, Los Angeles. Contact: Sunny sion Programming Executives Conference and Exhibition. Ernest Despain (212) 465 -6780. N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. Contact: (310) 453 -4440. Oct. 12 -14 -Mid-America Cable Telecommunications April 10-13, 2000 -National Association of Broadcasters Association Mid -America Show. Overland Park International Annual Convention. Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Con- Trade Center, Overland Park, Kan. Contact: Patty O'Connor, tact: (202) 429 -5300. (785) 841 -9241. May 7 -10, 2000 -Cable 2000, 49th annual National Cable Televi- Oct. 26-28-1998 Eastern Show, Cable Conference and Exhi- sion Association convention and exhibition. Ernest N. Morial Con- 1 bition presented by the Southern Cable Telecommunications vention Center, New Orleans. Contact: Bobbie Boyd (202) 775 -3669. Choo -Choo, Chattanooga, Tenn. Contact: Jill Green Oct. 14.16- National Religious Broadcasters THIS WEEK (615) 399 -3791. Midwestern Regional Conference. Lied Conference Newsmaker Luncheon Kids Day. Aug. 4-HRTS Sept. 20-23- National Association of Broadcast - Center, Nebraska City, Neb. Contact: Martin Jones Hills, Calif. Contact: Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly ers TV Hundred Plus Conference. Marriott Hotel, (402) 464 -6440. (818) 789 -1182. Nashville. Contact: Mike Steger (202) 775 -3527. Oct. 26 -28 -1998 Eastern Show, Cable Confer- Aug. 4-7-Association for Education in Jour- Sept- 20-Oct.2-Radio-Television News Direc- ence and Exhibition presented by theSouthern nalism and Mass Communication/Association tors Association International Conference and Cable Telecommunications Association. Orange of Journalism and Mass Communi- of Schools Exhibition. Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Contact: cation 82nd Annual Convention. Ernest N. Morial N. C. Contact: Carolyn Wilkins (202) 429-5366. Patti Hall (404) 255 -1608. Convention Center, New Orleans. Contact: (803) Sept. 22-HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Net- Oct. 28-HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Jupiter 777 -2005. work Entertainment Presidents. Century Plaza Communications. Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, (818) 789 -1182. AUGUST Hotel, Los Angeles. Contact: (818) 789 -1182. Calif. Contact: Aug. 18-New York Chapter of the National Sept. 26-28-National Religious Broadcasters NOVEMBER Eastern Regional Conference. Sandy Cove Bible Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association "The annual Broadcasting and Cable Hall Conference Center, Baltimore. Contact: Bill Blount Nov. 8 -9th Commercial Closet" Video Presentation. The Gay Fame Reception and Program. New York Marriott (401) 737 -0700. of and Lesbian Community Center, New York. Contact: Marquis Hotel, New York. Contact: Steve Labunski Sept. 28-The Carmel Group Convergence '99: Michael Collins (203) 281 -8984. (212) 337 -7158. The Five Burning Questions. The Westin Hotel, Aug. 19.21-American Women in Radio and Nov. Society of Motion Picture and Tele- Santa Clara, Calif. Contact: (831) 645 -1055. 19.20- Television Annual Convention. The Drake Hotel, vision Engineers 41st Technical Conference and 29-Oct. Radio -Television News Chicago. Contact: (703) 506 -3290. Sept. 2- Exhibition. Jacob Javits Convention Center, New Directors Association International Conference Aug. 25.27- National Association of Broad- York. Contact: (914) 761 -1100. and Exhibition. Charlotte Convention Center, Char- casters/ Latin America Annual Conference. Loews Nov. Cabletelevlsion Advertising Bureau lotte, N.C. Contact: Rick Osmanski (202) 467 -5200 30- Miami Beach, Miami Beach, Fla. Contact: Mark Traffic and Billing/Sales Automation business interest Sept. PricewaterhouseCoopers 1999 Glob- Rebholz (202) 775 -3527. 30- group regional workshop. Wyndham Los Angeles Air- al Convergence Summit. The Marriott Marquis Aug. 31 -Sept. 3- National Association of port Hotel, Los Angeles. Contact: (212) 508 -1229. Broadcasters Radio Show. Orange County Conven- Hotel, New York. Contact: Deborah Scruby (212) tion Center, Orlando, Fla. Contact (202) 429 -3191. 259 -4250. DECEMBER Sept. 30-Oct. 1 -Iowa Public Television Iowa Dec. 1- "DTV4;' Digital TV Forum and Conference DTV Symposium 1999. West Des Moines Marriott, 3- SEPTEMBER Presented by World Research Group. Hotel Inter West Des Moines, Iowa. Contact: Marcia Wych Sept. 8.10 -Women in Cable and Telecommu- Continental, Los Angeles. Contact: (800) 647 -7600. nications Executive Development Seminar. Hilton (515) 242 -4139. Dec. 1417 -The Western Show Conference and Hotel, Lovelan, Colo. Contact: Pamela Williams Sept. 30 -Oct. 2- National Religious Broad- Exhibition presented by the California Cable Televi- (312) 634-2330. casters Southeastern Regional Convention. Stone sion Association. Los Angeles Convention Center. Mountain Inn, Stone Mountain, Ga. Contact: Regina Sept. 9- Television Bureau of Advertising 1999 Contact: (510) 428 -2225. Annual Forecasting Conference. Time Life Building, McGraw (404) 728 -6727. New York. Contact: (212) 486 -1111. OCTOBER JANUARY 2000 Sept. 9.12- Michigan Association of Broadcasters annual National Associ- Oct. 3- 5- National Religious Broadcasters Jan. 24 -29, 2000 -36th Annual Conference. Mackinac Island Hotel, Mackinac ation of Television Programming Executives Con- -7444. Western Regional Convention. Antlers Adam's Mark Island, Mich. Contact: Mike Steger (517) 484 ference and Exhibition. Ernest N. Morial Convention Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colo. Contact: Gary Curtis Sept. 10.14- International Broadcasting Con- Contact: (310) 453 -4440. 779 Center, New Orleans. vention Annual Conference. Savoy House, Amster- (818) -8400. dam, Netherlands. Contact: Hilary Robinson 44- Oct. 3.6 -Video Transport Services Annual APRIL 2000 Conference. Hilton Universal City and Towers, Los 171- 240 -3839. Television Bureau Adver- Angeles. Contact: Sunny Despain (212) 465-6780. April 10.11, 2000 - of Sept. 13.14- National Association of Minorities tising Annual Marketing Conference. Las Vegas Oct. Southern Cable Telecommunications in Communications 13th Annual Urban Markets 4.6- Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas. Contact: (212) 486 -1111. Conference. The Millennium Broadway, New York. Association Eastern Show. Orange County Con- April 10 -13, 2000-National Association of Contact: Michael Sliver (212) 838 -2660, ext. 21. vention Center, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Patti Hall (404) 255 -1608. Broadcasters Annual Convention. Las Vegas Con- Sept. 16- SkyFORUMXI I, direct -to -home satellite vention Center, Las Vegas. Contact: (202) 429 -5300. TV business symposium presented by the Satellite Oct. 5 -13- Telecom '99 8th world telecommuni- Broadcasting and Communications Association cations exposition and forum. PALEXPO, Geneva, MAY 2000 Marquis Hotel, New York. Contact: Car- Switzerland. Contact: +41 22 730 5111. The Marriott May 7.10, 2000 -Cable 2000, 49th annual rie Cole, (703) 549 -6990. Oct. 12 -14- Atlantic Cable Show East Coast National Cable Television Association Convention Cable '99. Waterfront Convention Center, Baltimore. Sept. 16 -19- National Lesbian and Gay Jour- and Exhibition. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Contact: (609) 848 -1000. nalists Association 8th Annual Convention. Shera- New Orleans. Contact: Bobbie Boyd (202) 775 -3669 ton Hotel, Atlanta. Contact: (202) 588 -9888. Oct. 13.14- Television Bureau of Advertising Sept. 16.18- Tennessee Association of Broad- 7th Annual Research Conference. McGraw -Hill Con- -Compiled by Nolan Marchand casters 52nd Annual Convention. Holiday Inn ference Center, New York. Contact: (212) 486 -1111. (nmarchand @cah ners.com)

62 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1989

www.americanradiohistory.com CHANGING HANDS The week's tabulation of station sales

TVS Seller: Paul R. Brantner, Omak; no PROPOSED STATION TRADES other broadcast interests WRUA(TV) Fajardo, P.R. By dollar volume and number of sales; Facilities: KOMW: 680 khz, 5 kw day; Price: $335,000 does not include mergers or acquisitions KNOW: 92.7 mhz, 4.1 kw, ant. 941 ft.; Buyer: Eastern Television Corp., involving substantial non- station assets KZBE: 104.3 mhz, 3.5 kw, ant. 981 ft. Bayamon, P.R. (Consuelo Morales Formats: KOMW: AC; KNCW country; Rivera, president); no other KZBE: news broadcast interests TVs . $335,000 1 Seller: Demarys de Jesus, Cidra, Combos $826,786,000 5 KXAR-AM -FM Hope, Ark. P.R.; no other broadcast interests FMs i $22,095,000 11 Price: $481,000 ($51,000 for AM; Facilities: Ch. 34, 50.1 kw, ant. 2,877 AMs $1,233,000 2 $430,000 for FM) ft. Total $850,449,000 19 Buyers: AM: Newport Broadcasting Affiliation: Dark Co., Blytheville, Ark.; owns KHPA(FM) COMBOS Hope and KTPA(AM Prescott/Hope, TVs $2,458,369,005 47 KNBY(AM) -KOKR(FM) Newport and 12 AMs and 31 FMs in nine states Combos -, $1,740,260,435 104 KosE(AM) Osceola, Ark. FM: Arklatex (see story, "Top of the Week ") FMs $955,058,189 168 LLC, Blytheville (Harold L. Sudbury Price: $821.5 million AMs $127,248,689 117 Jr., principal of both); no other Buyer: Entercom Communications interests. Sudbury owns Total $5,280,936,318 1436 broadcast Corp., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. (David J. 88% of KLCN(AM)- KHLS(FM) Blytheville Field, president); owns 17 other AMs and 60% of KAMJ(FM) Gosnell and and 25 other FMs 55.9% of KOMWIAM)- KNCW(FM) and KOSE -FM Osceola, Ark. Seller: Sinclair Broadcasting Group KZBEIFM) Omak, Wash. Seller: KDB Inc., Hope (Bill Hoglund, Inc., Baltimore D. (David Smith, pres- Price: $680,000 for stock Dennis Niederer and Ken Sibley, ident/CEO); owns/operates 59 TVs, Buyer: North Cascades Broadcasting principals). Principals own KvMA(AM) four AMs and five FMs Inc., Omak (spouses John P. and Magnolia, Ark. WASP(AM) Brownsville and WASP -FM Rebecca L. Andrist, principals); no Facilities: AM:1490 khz, 690 w; FM: Oliver/Uniontown, Pa. other broadcast interests 101.7 mhz, 59 kw, ant. 492 ft. Price: $2.875 million Buyer: Keymarket Communications, Augusta, Ga. (Donald Alt, Kerby Confer and Lynn Deppen, principals). Principals own nine other AMs and 11 other FMs Seller: Humes Broadcasting Corp., NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP, L.P. Brownsville (spouses James and Perry A. Sook, President and Chief Executive Officer Beth Humes, owners); no other broadcast interests has agreed to acquire Facilities: AM: 1130 khz, 5 kw day; FM: 94.9 mhz, 25 kw, ant. 1,240 ft. WCIA -TV, WMBD -TV, WCFN -TV Formats: AM: news /talk; FM: country Champaign, Illinois Peoria, Illinois Springfield, Illinois Broker: William B. Schutz Jr. for KOWL(AM)- KRLTIFM) South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Price: $1.25 million $110,300,000 Buyer: Commonwealth Psroirt Communications LLC, San Diego (Dex Allen, principal); no other MIDWEST TELEVISION INC. broadcast interests. Allen also is August C. Meyer, Jr., President president of California Communica- tions /Commonwealth II, which Patrick Communications was proud to serve owns /is buying KKsc(AM)- KsIo(FM) El as the broker in this transaction. Centro, Calif., and KLMR(AM) Lamar/Pueblo /Colorado Springs, KsEc(FM) Lamar, Colo. Seller: Regent Communications Inc., PATRICK COMMUNICATIONS Covington, Ky. (William Stakelin, Id president); owns/is buying 11 AMs and 24 FMs Facilities: AM: 1490 khz, 1 kw; FM: (410) 740-0250, www.patcomm.com 93.9 mhz, 6 kw, ant. -190 ft. Formats: AM: news /talk; FM: classic rock

AUGUST 2, 1999 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 63

www.americanradiohistory.com CHANGING HANDS

Formats: AM: country; FM: urban con- Inc., Mystic, Conn. (David J. Quinn, Clinton and KWEY-AM -FM Weatherford, temporary president); no other broadcast Okla. interests FMS Seller: Dove Media Inc., Ardmore, Facilities: 102.3 mhz, 3 kw, ant. 328 Okla. (Bruce H. Campbell, vice presi- K001-FM New Iberia/Baton Rouge, La. ft. dent); owns KTUE(AM)- KLGD(FM) (for- Price: $9.5 million Format: Good -time oldies merly KJMx) Tulia, Texas, and con- Buyer: Citadel Communications permit to build FM in Win- WMHX(FM) Louisville, Ky. struction Corp., Las Vegas (Lawrence R. Wil- Price: $1.77 million ters, Texas son, president); owns /is buying 35 Buyer: Cox Broadcasting Inc., Atlanta Facilities: 99.3 mhz, 10.5 kw, ant. 505 AMs and 83 other FMs, including (Nicholas D. Trigony, president; ft. WIBR(AM) and wxoK(AM) Baton Robert F. Neil, president, Cox Radio Format: Real country Rouge, WCAC(FM) (formerly WKJN -FM) Inc.); owns /is buying 11 TVs, 17 AMs Hammond /Baton Rouge, WEMX(FM) WNXR(FM) Iron River, Wis. and 38 other FMs Kentwood /Baton Rouge and KQXL -FM Price: $300,000 Seller: Owen Co. Inc., Louisville New Roads /Baton Rouge, La. Buyer: Gerald J. Hackman, Ashland, (George Owen, president); no other Seller: KTBT Radio Broadcasting Wis.; owns WBSZ(FM) Ashland and broadcast interests Co., Baton Rouge (John Spain, pres- 66.7% of WATW(AM)- WJJH(FM) Ashland Facilities: 103.9 mhz, 1.35 kw, ant. ident); owns three AMs and three Seller: Capital Broadcast Services, 490 ft. FMs Iron River (Arthur E. Raymond, presi- Format: Smooth jazz Facilities: 93.7 mhz, 97 kw, ant. 997 dent); no other broadcast interests ft. KOEZ(FM) Newton/Wichita, Kan. Facilities: 107.3 mhz, 50 kw, ant. 380 Format: Urban Contemporary Price: $1.5 million ft.

Broker: Bergner & Co. Buyer: Kansas Radio Assets I LLC, Format: AC East Lansing, Mich. (Michael H. KWIC(FM) Topeka and KQTP(FM) St. Construction permit for KBKH(FM) Oesterle, managing director); no Marys/Topeka, Kan. other broadcast interests llwaco Wash/Portland, Ore. Price: $3 million Seller: KJRG Inc., Newton (Gordon Price: $250,000 Buyer: Cumulus Media Inc., Milwau- Anderson, principal); owns KJRG(AM) Buyer: New Northwest Broadcasters kee (Richard W. Weening, chairman; Newton/Wichita Il Inc., Bellevue, Wash. (Michael W. Lew Dickey, vice chairman); owns /is Facilities: 92.3 mhz, 100 kw, ant. 650 O'Shea, chairman; Ivan E. Braiker, buying 70 AMs and 157 FMs ft. president) owns/is buying three AMs Seller: Shawnee Broadcasting Corp., Format: Easy music and seven FMs. O'Shea and Braiker Newburgh, N.Y. (Joerg G. Klebe, also own two AMs and six FMs principal). Klebe owns one AM and WEBZ(FM) Port St. Joe/Panama City, Seller: Richard M. Schafbuch, Port- two FMs Fla. land; no other broadcast interests Facilities: Kwic: 99.3 mhz, 6 kw, ant. Price: $1 million Facilities: 103.9 mhz, 25 kw, ant. 328 kw, 292 ft.; KQTP: 102.9 mhz, 50 ant. Buyer: Clear Channel Communica- ft. 320 ft. tions Inc., San Antonio, Texas (L. Broker: Montcalm Inc. Format: KWIC: AC; KQTP: oldies Lowry Mays, chairman); owns/is buy- Broker: McCoy Broadcast Brokerage ing 22 TVs, 158 AMs and 287 other AMS FMs WYCL(FM) Pensacola, Fla. WWON(AM) Fenton, Mich. Seller: DP Media Inc, Palm Beach, Price: $2 million Price: $708,000 Fla. (Roslyck Paxson, president); Buyer: Concord Media Group, Buyer: Birach Broadcasting owns /is buying nine TVs. Paxson, Corp., Odessa, Fla. (Mark W. Jorgenson, Mich. (Sima Birach, who is Bud Paxson's daughter -in- Southfield, president); owns three AMs and two law, owns two TVs president/owner); owns six other FMs. Jorgenson is a principal of ZGS Facilities: 93.5 mhz, 14.5 kw, ant. 659 AMs Broadcasting, which owns two AMs ft. Seller: GWC Inc., Fenton (Larry and three TVs Format: Classic rock Robinson, chief executive); no other Seller: Paxson Communications broadcast interests

Corp., West Palm Beach, Fla. (Lowell KMKZ(FM) Lahoma/Enid, Okla. Facilities: 1160 khz, 1 kw W. "Bud" Paxson, chairman /owner); Price: $525,000 Format: Urban owns /is buying 54 TVs. Note: Paxson Buyer: Champlin Broadcasting Inc., last year filed to sell station to Cap - Enid (Hiram H. Champlin, president). WTTN(AM) Watertown, Wis. Star Broadcasting Partners LP (B &C, Champlin owns KCRC(AM)- KNID(FM), Price: $525,000 April 6, 1998) KBFQ(AM) and KXLS -FM Enid Buyer: Good Karma Broadcasting Facilities: 107.3 mhz, 100 kw, ant. Seller: Donald W. McCoy, Enid; no LLC, Beaver Dam, Wis. (Craig 1,407 ft. other broadcast interests Karmazin, owner); owns wBEv(AM)- Format: Oldies Facilities: 95.7 mhz, 9.6 kw, ant. 502 wxRO(FM) Beaver Dam and WTLx(FM) ft. Columbus /Beaver Dam, Wis. WVVE(FM) Stonington/New London, Format: Classic rock Seller: Watertown Radio Inc., Water- Conn. Broker: Media Services Inc. town (Charles P. Mills, owner). Mills Price: $1.9 million owns wKrr(FM) Cleveland, Wis. Buyer: Spring Broadcasting LLC, KCDL(FM) Cordell, Okla. Facilities: 1580 khz, 1 kw day, 7.8 w New York (William Sherard, Price: $350,000 night president); owns three AMs and four Buyer: Wright Broadcasting Systems other FMs Inc., Weatherford, Okla. (G. Harold Format: Country Seller: Shoreline Communications Wright Jr., president); owns KQMx(FM) -Compiled by Alisa Holmes

64 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1998

www.americanradiohistory.com FIFTH (STAlER A style like no other The broadcast industry gave Gloria Born in Puerto Rico, Tristani has rich Tristani a seasonably chilly recep- political roots in New Mexico. Her grand- tion back in November 1997. The father, Dennis Chavez, was U.S. senator new FCC commissioner was aloof, some for 29 years. She also worked on the staff said. Another chorus labeled her inacces- of Sen. Jeff Bingaman during the mid - sible. It was an assessment based, in large 1980s. After completing her law degree at measure, on what they considered her sin- the University of New Mexico she won gled- minded focus on pro- consumer and her first political race in 1994, defeating rural telecommunications policy- initia- the Democratic incumbent to win a seat tives that only offered the industry more on the State Corporation Commission, regulation and expense. which regulates insurance, trucking and Tristani's advocacy remains. The broad- telephone companies. Her experience on casters' opinion of the New Mexico Demo- the panel and a recommendation from crat appears to be changing, however. Bingaman won her a nomination to the "We've met with her frequently and FCC post. have come to know her as someone who Tristani's independent streak extends will provide broadcasters a fair hearing," to her relations with other commission- says Eddie Fritts, president of the Nation- ers, including Kennard, who is probably al Association of Broadcasters. "If there ever were her closest ally. On several occasions she Although Tristani and broadcasters still a time for the has criticized him for what she considers disagree on many issues, her rocky rela- his mishandling of FCC policies and pro- tionship with the industry has U -turned commission to cedures. from her first year in office. Then, broad- ensure that For instance, she has urged Kennard to at casters were complaining that she often least stem the consolidation wave unleashed seemed to have made up her mind on con- consumers' interests by the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Just troversial issues -such as free airtime for don't take a back use the agency's flexibility to tweak owner- political candidates or broadcast -industry ship regulations, she has said. consolidation-before hearing their side seat to the interests Another campaign, with Commissioner of the story. Industry lobbyists also of telecom giants, it Susan Ness as an ally, is an effort to groused that Tristani was stingy with her reverse FCC policy that green- lights some time when meeting with them and, in a is now" radio station mergers -even when an perceived sign of disinterest, posed few unacceptable level of market concentra- questions to her corporate callers. tion appears evident. Now broadcasters may also have come Tristani has also complained that Ken - to realize that Tristani doles out her time nard's reluctance to take up the issue until just as carefully even to those who share a sweeping review of broadcast ownership her liberal views on telecommunications limits is completed is "a smokescreen for policy. "We don't get more than 15 min- inaction." On at least three occasions, utes with her, either," says Andrew Tristani has sided with the commission's Schwartzman, president of Media Access most conservative member, Republican Project. "She doesn't believe in long Maria Gloria Harold Furchtgott -Roth, after "extraordi- meetings. This is a perfectly acceptable nary" breaks from FCC procedure. administrative style." Tristani But on the most policy issues, Tristani True to character, Tristani refused sev- is an old- fashioned liberal, wary of the eral requests for interviews and declined Commissioner, Federal consolidation trend unleashed by the 1996 Communications Commission, to respond to written questions for this telcom act. "If there ever were a time for Washington; b. Dec. 20, 1953, article. Staffers blamed her unwillingness the commission to San Juan, P.R.; B.A., Columbia ensure that consumers' on a busy schedule. University, 1987; J.D., Univ. of interests don't take a back seat to the by Since being picked FCC Chairman New Mexico, 1990; aide, Sen. interests of telecom giants, it is now," she William Kennard to a over- lead task force Jeff Bingaman (D- N.M.), 1983- told the National Association of Regulato- seeing the rollout of the V-Chip TV rating 87; lawyer, Keleher & McLeod, ry Utility Commissioners last fall. system, she has slowly won over much of Albuquerque, N.M., 1990 - It's that kind of talk that prompted one the industry. In turn, she has praised most 1994; commissioner (elected), industry source to quip that "she's no Jim broadcast and cable networks for surpass- New Mexico State Corporation Quello," referring to the former commis- ing their voluntary guidelines for trans- Commission, 1995 -1997; m. sioner who was often an aggressive advo- mittal codes that allow the V -Chip- Gerard W. Thomson; children: cate for broadcasters. equipped TVs to switch off programs par- Vanesa, 18, Jorge, 6. Tristani, no doubt, would consider that ents don't want their children to see. comment a compliment. -Bill McConnell

AUGUST 2, 1888 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 85

www.americanradiohistory.com IrsIsastmgaCable FATES & IUÍÌIUNES

joins wrvz(Tv) there as sales account BROADCAST N executive. RADIO Lee Gaither, direc- Mark O'Brien, VP, general manager, tor, narrative PROGRAMMING WASH -FM Washington, joins WWDC- series, The Disney Appointments, Buena Vista Television, FM/AM there in same capacity. He will Channel, Bur- Burbank, Calif.: Howard Levy, VP, ad continue his current duties. bank, Calif., joins sales, New York, named executive VP. Richard Mack, VP, general manager, NBC Entertain- He is based in New York. Jim Engle - WWDC -FM/AM Washington, joins wFOx- ment there as VP, man, VP, ad sales, Midwest region, FM Atlanta in same capacity. Saturday morning named senior VP. He is based in programs. Chicago. Shawn Skramstad, manager, Starcom Inc., Fargo, N.D., joins KQDS -FM/AM Anne H. Egerton, Edward Kurpis, VP, finance and Duluth, Minn., as general manager. senior VP, NBC administration, NBC, New York, joins Law, Burbank, BNN, an independent television and Appointments, Mega Communica- Calif., named senior VP and general new media company there as senior tions, Boston: Maria Elena Verdugo, counsel, NBC West Coast. VP and chief financial officer. general sales manager, Hartford, Chris Stocking, international television Conn., named general manager; Jorge manager, North America, Associated JOURNALISM Mier, program director, woNQ(AM) News, Washington, Orlando, Fla., joins in same capacity. Press Television John Alston, named director, client operations. He Allyson Butler, media director, August, anchor, wPwn -Tv will relocate to London. Sacramento, Lang & Husak, Washington, joins Appointments, wABc -Tv New York: Calif., joins WJMO -FM there as director, marketing. Scott Dempsey, manager, national tele- WCAU -TV Philadel- Kippie Romero, sales manager, KEYN- vision sales, wDry -Tv Detroit, joins as phia as weekend FM/KFH(AM) /KQAM(AM) Wichita, Kan., national sales manager; Dan Donovan, anchor and joins Radio Advertising Bureau, New local account executive, named local reporter. York, as VP, training and director, sales manger. Angela Davis, sales training academy. Appointments, Fox Television Sales, anchor, wFAA -Tv Dallas: Sean Berndt, account execu- Alston Dallas, rejoins CABLE tive, named group sales manager; KSTP-TV Minneapo- Appointments, Showtime Networks Brian Davis, group sales manager, lis/Saint Paul in same capacity. Inc., New York: Jamie Padnos, direc- named VP and general sales manager. Nikki Egan, news producer, KMBC -TV tor, program planning, named VP; Michael Weiner, manager, planning Kansas City, Mo., joins WPBF -TV West Kent Sevener, counsel -entertainment, and analysis, Tribune Broadcasting, Palm Beach, Fla., as executive produc- named VP; Sharon Whitt, counsel, Chicago, joins affiliate KCPQ -TV Seat- er, EyewitnessNews 25. sales and marketing, Showtime Net- tle as director, finance. Andrea Parquet -Taylor, managing edi- works Inc., New York, named VP. Todd Anderson, tor, wxYZ-TV Detroit, joins WRAL -Tv Appointments, ESPN, Bristol, Conn.: general sales man- Raleigh, N.C., as assistant news director. Aaron Taylor, VP, account director, Young ager, KVRR(TV) Appointments, wDAF -TV Kansas City, and Rubicam, New York, joins as direc- Fargo, N.D., joins Mo.: Darin Nadler, producer /director, tor, advertising and program marketing. KQDS(TV) Duluth, WEEK -TV Peoria, Ill., joins as director; He is based in New York. Jon Landa, sen- Minn., as general Steve Kaut, reporter, Olathe Daily ior account executive, West Region, manager. News, Olathe, Mo., joins as news named director, affiliate sales and mar- Kimberly Steele, assignment editor; Brett Flood, assis- keting. He is based in Los Angeles. senior account tant producer, named producer. Appointments, Lifetime Television, executive, KSAZ -TV Appointments, KING -Tv Seattle: Greg New York: Dise Bromberg, manager, Phoenix, joins Anderson Thies, news operations manager, media relations and promotion, KNxv-Tv- there as KIRO -TV Seattle, joins as news opera- Television, Los national sales manager. Columbia TriStar tions manager; Dave Humphrey, pro- Angeles, joins as director, media rela- Patti St. Pierre, sales account execu- ducer, KIRO -TV Seattle, joins as execu- tions, West Coast. She will continue to tive, WPRI- TV /WNAC -TV Providence, tive producer. be based in Los Angeles. Alyssa R.I., named national sales manager. Amy Anderson, general assignment Ziegler, VP, Bender, Goldman & Sarah Smith, national sales manager, reporter, KODE-TV Joplin, Mo., named Helper, New York, joins as director, WFAA -TV Dallas, joins KVUE -TV Austin, co- anchor. public affairs. She will continue to be Texas, as director, sales and market- Troy Thomas, executive producer, based in New York. ing, and general sales manager. WDIV -TV Detroit, joins NorthWest 11m Megaw, head, broadcasting and Rosana Ruiz, sales representative, Nor- Cable News, Seattle, as assistant news TV sales, QVC -UK, West Chester, folk Tides Baseball Club, Norfolk, Va., director. Pa., named VP, broadcasting.

86 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com FATES & FORTUNES Daniel Rodgers, Javier Preelooker, dicated radio broadcasts advertisers creative director, account supervisor, and drew criticism that called him a Ark Multimedia Hispanic division, traitor and attacked him for being Jew- Publishing, Grey Advertising, ish. Agronsky had a career in journal- Hampton, Va., FOVA West, Los ism that dated back to1936, when he joins The Inspira- Angeles, joins Pit- was a reporter for what is now the tional Network, tard Sullivan, Cul- Jerusalem Post. During World War II, Charlotte, N.C., as ver City, Calif., as he was a radio news correspondent. At art director. account manager, various times he worked for all three Kymberly Nelson, Spanish-speaking broadcast networks and for PBS. Wid- Rodgers VP, division man- Preelooker markets. owed once and divorced once, Agron- ager, Pearson/All Jay Keay, director, sky is survived by five children and American Television, Chicago, joins new business development, w.anc(A.m) four grandchildren. The Box Music Network there as New York, joins Infinity Promotions Peter Bordes, 71, founder, chairman director, advertising sales, Midwest Group there as managing director. and chief executive officer, Greater region. David Paxton, chief financial officer, Pax- Media, died July 19 of cancer. Under Michael Ritz, executive publisher, ton Media Group, Paducah, Ky., named Bordes' leadership, the East - Coach & Athletic Director, Scholastic president and chief executive officer. Brunswick, N.J. -based company grew Inc., New York, joins Turner Learning to be one of the nation's larger private- there as director, business develop- INTERNET ly held media companies, as it current- ment. ly owns the 14th largest radio station Appointments, Yack!, a guide to live group (by revenue) and publishes Appointments, Internet events and chats, New York: community newspapers in Central BBC Worldwide Jeff Morris, senior VP, new media and New Jersey. After serving as a lieu- Americas, New technology, Showtime Networks Inc., tenant with the Coast Guard, Bordes York: Nancy New York, joins as chief executive entered the media business with the Gendimenico, VP, officer; Derek Reisfield, president, purchase of a small radio station in retail services, CBS New Media Group and chairman, Southbridge, Mass., in 1956. The United Media, Marketwatch.com, New York. joins as company's cable television business New York, joins as chairman of the board. began in that community in 1970. Last VP, licensing and month, Greater Media completed the merchandising; Philip Ivanier, VP, business development, Magnifi Inc., sale of its cable systems in Massachu- Luc LaFontan, Cupertino, Calif., Gendimenico joins NewsNet Central, which pro- setts to Charter Communications and project manager, its Philadelphia system to Comcast. information technologies, named duces and distributes personalized content for television and the Internet, Bordes is survived by his wife, Lee, director, information technologies, and four children. North America. San Francisco, as VP, strategic planning and development. Michael F. Maulano, 57, former nation- R. Paul Fry, VP al sales manager, KASA -TV Albu- and general man- Appointments, FasTV.com, Los Ange- les: Mark Goodstein, principal, Full querque, N.M., died July 12 in a car ager, KONG -TV Moon accident. Maulano's career began in Seattle, Wash., Interactive Group, Los Angeles, joins as VP and general manager; 1968 as a planner buyer/buying super- joins NorthWest visor for Benton and Bowles in New Cable News there Randy Freedman, chief executive officer, TransGlobal York. He moved into television sales in same capacity. Associates, Los Angeles, joins as VP, business and at Avco TV in 1973. He held various Lauren de la international affairs. sales positions in New York before Fuente, VP, off-air moving into television station sales Nicholas Schacht, creative, USA Net- group president, management as national sales manager IIR/ESI International, Arlington, Va., Fry work and The Sci- for wNvr--Tv in Jacksonville, Fla., in joins Global Learning Fi Channel, Los Systems, Vien- 1984. Four years later, Maulano na, Va., as executive VP. Angeles, joins Intertainer Inc., Culver became the national sales manager at City, Calif., as senior VP, marketing. KASA -TV and spent the next ten years DEATHS there. He recently completed the Bruce Raisner, sales manager, Nation- SEC exam and became a certified futures al Cable Communications, Boston, Martin Agronsky, 84, an early televi- trader. He is survived by his wife, named director, training. sion newsman and a pioneer the of Rhona, and his son, Michael. public affairs show featuring journal- ADVERTISING/MARKETING / ists as the principal guests, died July Correction: In the July 26 issue of PUBLIC RELATIONS 25 from heart failure. The longtime BROADCASTING & CABLE, the photo of journalist's Agronsky & Co. ran for 18 Larry Fleece, executive producer, Real Denise Rolfe, Fast Coast director, cre- years, until 1988. But Agronsky's fam- TV, Los Angeles, was misidentified. ative services, Warner Bros. Marketing ily told reporters that his proudest and Advertising, New York, joins Pegasus accomplishment was a 1952 ?eabody Communications Corp., Bala Cynwyd, Award won for reporting on Joseph -Compiled by Mara Reinstein Pa., as VP, marketing and promotion. McCarthy, reporting that cost his syn- mreinstein @cahners.com

AUGUST 2, 1999 / BROADCASTING Ira CABLE 67

www.americanradiohistory.com IN BRIEF

CNN says it held back and broadcast networks Jim Casserly, senior previously was a telecom- from breaking into relied heavily on Atlanta legal adviser to FCC munications lawyer for programming with affiliates, which were cited in Commissioner Susan Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He news of the shooting local reports as restrained in Ness, will be leaving has also worked as a rampage that left 12 terms of staying with long her office Aug. 6 to House and Senate staffer. dead within CNN's shots and not revealing join the Washington King World Productions home turf in Atlanta much of police maneuvers. law firm Mintz, Levin, last week said its last week because of Quieting speculation Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, stable of programs is conflicting reports that Leslie Moonves and Popeo. During his now encoded to be from affiliates. MSNBC would jump to Warner five years on Ness's staff, compatible with the V- was on the air first at 3:43 Bros., CBS last week Casserly advised her on Chip rating system. p.m. Thursday, followed by said he has signed on children's TV programming, The company's announce- Fox News Channel seven again as president -CEO spectrum auction rules and ment came roughly a week minutes later and CNN of CBS Television. a wide range of telephone - after Rep. Edward Markey seven minutes after that. A new long -term agreement related issues. Ness is still (D- Mass.) complained that Although this is the third supplants a five -year pact searching for a permanent syndicators were too slow news event from Atlanta for set to expire next year. Hav- senior adviser, but in the in making their shows V- which CNN has pre -empted ing taken the network to No. meantime, her wireless and Chip encoded. Four King Dan regular programming, the 1 in households, it's pre- international adviser World shows, The Oprah network was not first to sumed Moonves got a big Connors will add those Winfrey Show, Hollywood report any of them, and said raise, but terms were not duties. Linda Kinney will be Squares, The Roseanne that while fast reporting is a disclosed. He has earned oversee telephone issues. Show and The Martin priority, it does not override $4 million a year in salary White House Deputy Staff Short Show are rated TV- all priorities. "We are not in a and bonuses for the past Secretary David Good - PG. Rated TV -G are Wheel day -to -day horserace, even three years, according to a friend was picked to of Fortune and Jeopardy! in our own backyard," said a filing with the SEC. In 1997, become her mass media A news show, Inside Edi- CNN spokesman. "Some- he also received stock and cable adviser. He tion, is not covered by the times we are first. But the options for 500,000 shares replaces Anita Wallgren, voluntary rating system. decision, as always, is to be with an exercise price of who left in May for Silicon A House panel last rather than first." $21.75, 290,000 shares Valley. Goodfriend, who accurate and week passed a bill that Not surprisingly, cable news exercisable at $24.31. takes his new post Aug. 23, would give permanent licenses to low -power PBS seeks preschoolers on Saturdays TV stations. Currently, the FCC grants temporary PBS and Nelvana are getting into the Saturday morning children's programming licenses to low -power TV game -and they are going after preschoolers. stations, making it difficult for Nelvana Communications has struck a three -year deal with PBS to produce the owners to secure financing. network's first -ever Saturday morning children's programming block that will feature Low -power broadcasters animated series from some of the top names in children's literature. Nelvana execu- would have to air 18 hours tives say they will spend $40 million over the course of three years to produce six of programming per day and half -hour series that will fill the weekly three -hour Saturday morning block. The yet - three hours of local pro- to-be named children's block will debut in the fall of 2000. gramming per week to quali- As part of the deal, PBS has agreed to take two of the six series after the first year fy for a permanent, or Class and integrate them into the network's weekday children's lineup. PBS and Nelvana A, license. They would not executives say they are programming high -end children's series for preschoolers - be covered by a law that a virtually untapped weekend market. "There is no doubt that Saturday morning car- requires cable companies to toons seem to be dominated on the commercial networks by school -age program- carry all full -power local ming, programs for older kids, so we think there is a real opportunity here to provide broadcasters. The National quality preschool programming that parents can trust because it has the PBS name Association of Broadcasters on it," says John Wilson, PBS' senior vice president of programming. does not support the bill, The programming block will include series based on best -selling children's books, saying it could cause inter- including Maurice Sendak's Seven Little Monsters, William Joyce's George Shrinks ference with full -power and Don Freeman's Corduroy Bear. The other three series will be based on Rose- broadcasters' transition to mary Wells' Timothy Goes To School, Michael, Betty Paraskevas' Junior Kroll and digital television. Rep. Ron Andrea Beck's Elliot Moose. Klink (D -Pa.), a cosponsor of For Nelvana, the deal continues the Canada -based company's tradition of partnering the bill, says he will continue with top children's authors and turning their works into major TV and merchandising to negotiate with the NAB. brands. 'This is the culmination of arranging with important literary talent for some time An amendment offered by now," Nelvana Communications President Toper Taylor says. - Joe Schlosser Rep. Nathan Deal (R -Ga.), another cosponsor, would

68 BROADCASTING & CABLE / AUGUST 2, 1899

www.americanradiohistory.com IN BRIEF give the FCC the authority to require low -power broad- Stations report revenue shortfall casters to limit their signal Last week several major station groups reported dips in pro forma TV revenue and power or move it to another cash flow for the quarter. The decline ; were not unexpected, given earlier reports of frequency if it interferes with a soft second -quarter ad environmert-particularly for the national spot market. the digital signal of a full - Hearst Argyle Television said its )ro forma (same station) revenue was down power broadcaster. 6.9% to $186 million, while operating cash flow was down 14% to $85.4 million. Sin- Clear Channel clair Broadcast Group said its pro forma TV station revenue was down 3 %, while pro Communications Inc. forma TV station cash flow was dowr 2.5 %. says it is creating the A.H. Belo Corp. said its same -staion TV revenue was flat for the quarter, while first radio supersta- same -station cash flow dipped 2 %. Station executives reporting their numbers to analysts a tion. The company's top - said lackluster national spot market was a big part of the problem, while local sales showed fairly healthy resu ts. 40 powerhouse, KIIS -FM Los For example, Belo told analysts that its local Angeles (brought into the TV sales were up 10 %, while national spot sales were down 13 %. TV fold by merger partner executives told analysts that the third quarter ought to be better than the sec- Jacor Communications ond quarter. Analysts said that Hearst Argyle executives are circumspect about how much better. "All they would r is it will Inc.), and InXsys Broadcast sa that be a positive quarter," said one source who was briefed by the company last week. "They said September was, at Networks are building an this point, a wild card." McClellan audio and video network for -Steve the Internet. "KIISFMi" will offer new music and videos centage of dollars aimed at 18) came in lowest last year, restrial) for digital ter- that have not yet reached that segment of the popula- with 41% of total ad dollars restrial broadcasting in the top 40. Chats, celebrity tion in the nation's top 25 spent tarç eting 25- to 54- India. The DVB organiza- radio interviews and KIIS -FM per- markets dropped to year-olds. Pittsburgh (No. 21) tion also announced that sonalities including Rick 50.5% last year from 52.9% was first with 59.4 %. Argentina is reconsidering in 1997 and 54.4% in 1996, its selection of the U.S. Dees will be part of the mix. Digital Video Interep said in a recent study. ATSC standard for DTV and Radio advertisers In the top 10 cities, the share Broadcasting (DVB), will now take a second look continue to spend less of that spending dropped to got another shot in the at DVB -T. DVB -Ts COFDM on the medium's key 49% from 58% between last arm last week when modulation scheme is being demographic, listeners year and 1994. New York, the the Government of touted by Sinclair Broadcast ages 25-54, according to nation's largest radio market, India declared that it Group as being superior to Interep Research. The per- and Minneapolis/St. Paul (No. will adept DVB -T (ter- 8 -VSB, the modulation system used by the ATSC stan- PAX TV launches `ambitious' fall schedule dard (see cover story). PAX TV President and CEO Jeff Sagansky says the family- oriented r etwork will move High Speed Access from off -network programming to all- original series in prime time within the next three Corp. struck a five -year years. Sagansky, speaking at the annual summer Television Critics Association in Los deal for up to $25 Angeles last week, also unveiled the network's plan for a nightly "Fam ly Hour" at 8 p.m. million with Road Run- Monday through Friday, PAX TV will air an original, family- oriented series during the ner to give the Internet so- called Family Hour each week of the season. On Mondays, the iew Star Search service access to spin -off Destination Stardom will anchor the second -year network's p rime time lineup. HSAC's network inte- Destination Stardom is produced by Al Masini, the executive produce of former shows gration services. The such as Star Search and Solid Gold. Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., PAX TJ will lead off the two companies will share night with Chicken Soup for the Soul. The network ran Chicken Soup for the Soul as a subscription revenues with holiday special last year and it has turned the best -selling book/spe.:ial into a weekly the respective cable opera- series. On Wednesdays, Twice in a Lifetime will air during the family-pi ogramming hour. tors wherever Road Runner Sagansky says the one -hour drama is a combination of Touched zy an Angel and uses the services. Road Quantum Leap. On Thursday and Friday nights at 8 p.m., PAX TV will air new episodes Runner receives a warrant of returning series It's a Miracle and Little Men. to purchase HSAC com- "For a new network, it seems pretty ambitious to be launching a rew original show mon stock at $5 per share every weeknight," Sagansky says. "It is ambitious, but it's smart too." -Joe Schlosser for each home passed, up to five million shares.

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AUGUST 2, 1998 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 69

www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcasfmgiCahle EDIl 11111ALS COMMITTED TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND THE FIFTH ESTATE

new users of that reclaimed spectrum to compensate them Stop the swap for the new gear. But those new users -wireless telephone operators -are balking. They say they are willing to cover The Corporation for Public Broadcasting made the right only the depreciated value of the old equipment. decision last week when it decided that any station swap- Broadcasters and their news operations should not be penal- ping donor lists with a political group should henceforth be ized in this spectrum reallocation. To force them to give up ineligible for federal monies. The issue was raised after spectrum and then reimburse them only for the depreciated several big -name PBS stations conceded their list brokers price of the obsolete equipment is like telling them they must had made such swaps. buy a new Lexus (plus pay taxes, title, dealer prep, options and CPB's move should stop the swaps (no federal money is a delivery) with the blue -book price you'll give them for their 6- big disincentive) and obviate legislation. Although the lists year -old Accord. The depreciation-only plan gives broadcast- were traded through brokers and were, theoretically, avail- ers the short end of the dipstick. The FCC is expected to make able to any political organization of any stripe, the practice a decision by fall, which would clear the way for the spectrum is inappropriate in that it suggests a partisanship that is to be used for a global wireless telephone service. The right inconsistent with a charter to serve a diverse public. It also call is to make those new users pay the full price of relocation. ungraciously paid back contributors to noncommercial broadcasting with a phone call during dinner from a political party's version of an aluminum- siding salesman. Get real Still, the issue has been something of a tempest in a teapot, or perhaps that should be a hurricane in a pitcher Would it be socially responsible for TV networks to cast more since it may have been whipped up in part (or at the least minorities? Yes. Will TV be more diverse when more minori- capitalized on) by Rep. Billy Tauzin (R -La.). The contro- ties are making those casting decisions? Yes. Should anyone versy allows him to scale back a public broadcasting fund- be surprised that TV doesn't reflect reality? No. TV has rarely ing proposal that was too rich for some in his party and that been about reflecting reality. How many of us look or act like put him at odds with a political rival. the people on TV? There may not be enough blacks or Asians We have been advising public broadcasting for years to or Latinos on TV, but there are also not enough awkward wean itself from the government. Trading lists was one way teenagers with awkward complexions or frazzled moms with of doing that. As thé heads of PBS, CPB and NPR now bad hair days or middle -aged guys who look bad in shorts. concede, it was a wrong one. That said, our concern with the growing pressure on the networks from minority groups -the Latinos joined the NAACP push last week-is that programmers will feel compelled to Pay the price cast by formula and checklist and committee for fear of leaving out this group or offending that group. But to the extent Broadcasters are being required to give up some of their that the dream factory can better reflect the range of colors ENG spectrum and buy new equipment to operate within and textures of the real world, we're all for it, so long as that narrower bandwidth. And quite justifiably, they want the does not translate into a quota system.

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