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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015
FCC dramatically scales back field office closures. The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday announced an agreement with FCC chairman Tom Wheeler to abandon FCC plans to dramatically decrease the number of field offices across the country. The settlement will keep 15 of the 24 offices open. According to a statement from the committee, the new covenant will “ensure better rapid response capabilities for the West, provide a mechanism for escalating interference complaints, improve enforcement of the FCC’s rules against pirate radio operators” and prevent the FCC from transferring field office jobs to its Washington, DC headquarters. “Communities across America will continue to be served even as the Commission becomes more efficient,” full committee chairman Fred Upton (R- MI) said. “It’s a win-win.” In a statement, the National Association of Broadcasters thanked “the many members of Congress who expressed concern over proposed cuts in FCC field offices” and applauded Wheeler for resolving the red-hot issue “in a manner that better protects against airwave interference.” The NAB also thanked Wheeler for pledging to take action to curb the proliferation of pirate radio. This might have been that rare case when local broadcasters were begging for more oversight. The FCC originally proposed keeping only eight of the 24 regional offices. Jordan Walton, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Broadcasters, said the agreement keeps two “Tiger teams,” the name for the quick response units the FCC can dispatch if there is an interference crises. “Our main concern was that we didn’t want there to be just one, so that if there was a problem in Boise, they couldn’t get to a problem in Boston,” Walton said.
Wheeler calls new field office blueprint ‘the best of both worlds.’ FCC chairman Tom Wheeler’s original plan would have closed two-thirds of the FCC’s field offices and left eight major market hubs around the country, along with a single rapid response team based in Maryland. In a May letter to Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-WA), Wheeler said reducing the regional offices was proposed after the FCC hired consultants to assess the field offices – and found a bloated bureaucracy. Many field offices receive only one interference complaint per agent per month, Wheeler said, yet the FCC has more $100,000 mobile direction-finding (MDF) vehicles than field agents. “Our employees and stakeholders agree that radio frequency interference complaints should be the field offices’ top priority,” Wheeler said in May. “Less than half of the field offices’ total personnel time is spent on spectrum enforcement activity.” But yesterday, Wheeler sounded a more conciliatory tone. “This updated plan represents the best of both worlds: rigorous management analysis combined with extensive stakeholder and Congressional input,” he said as part of a longer statement.
Lawmakers urge FCC to crack down on pirate radio. With pirate radio running rampant in radio’s largest market, 33 members of Congress from New York and New Jersey are petitioning the FCC to step up enforcement efforts. Based
[email protected] | 800.275.2840 PG 1 NEWS insideradio.com WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 on complaints filed at the FCC in January, there were 34 pirate radio stations operating in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and the Bronx alone. In a letter to FCC chair Tom Wheeler, the lawmakers say the number of pirate FMs in New York City could outnumber the number of licensed operations. The problem goes beyond interfering with the ability to listen to legitimately licensed stations, the letter says. During an emergency, interference from pirate outlets could prevent millions of people from hearing Emergency Alert Systems warnings. “This problem may disrupt the entire alert system in New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson valley and northern New Jersey,” the lawmakers say. They also note how the illegal stations subject “some of the most vulnerable populations in New York” to broadcasts that ignore basic consumer protection laws. “Pirate radio operations are threatening public safety and negatively impacting radio listeners and legitimate radio broadcasters,” Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) said in a statement. The lawmakers want the FCC to go beyond issuing fines and begin seizing pirate operators’ transmission equipment. At a time when Wheeler wants to downsize field offices, they’re asking him to increase the number of personnel in the New York office and to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to step up enforcement. The letter also asks Wheeler to come up with an action plan for resolving the problem.
Across America, ratings homeruns for baseball. When it comes to live play-by-play moving the radio ratings needle, it’s all about football and baseball. But football is mainly a Sunday affair and doesn’t often impact total week ratings the way baseball can with 162 regular season games a year. That impact is being profoundly felt once again in May PPM results released yesterday by Nielsen. Take St. Louis, where the Cardinals have won more games than any MLB club so far this season. Their radio flagship, CBS Radio’s “News Talk 1120” KMOX, hit one out of the park in May, with a market-topping 9.2 among listeners aged 6+, up from a 6.9 in April and a 7.9 one year ago. To find a higher 6+ share for KMOX, you have to go all the way back to October and November of 2013, the year the Cardinals made it to the World Series. Baseball is putting the ratings mojo back in CBS sports sister “97.1 The Ticket” WXYT-FM, home of the Detroit Tigers. “The Ticket” ripped 6.4-8.5-8.4 in May. Despite a lackluster season, the Boston Red Sox have helped bring a ratings truce to what is arguably the most competitive sports radio market. Entercom’s WEEI-FM (93.7), the Red Sox flagship, tied CBS Radio’s “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM, after beating it in April. The two tied for seventh with a 4.6 in May. Baseball helped make San Diego’s “The Mighty 1090” XPRS, well, mightier. It sprinted 3.8-4.2-4.6 in May, for a fifth place finish. No other AM in the market even comes close to the top 10. XPRS has more than triple the share it had three years ago. And in Seattle, the Mariners helped move Bonneville sports “710 ESPN” KIRO-AM 3.0-3.2-4.0.
Classic hits: Made in the shade in May. The Eagles, Elton John and Michael Jackson killed it in the May ratings. Those and other core classic hits artists – combined with big spring and summer promotions, concerts and other events – helped deliver another seasonal boost to the format that seems to offer something for everyone. Classic hits was No. 1 among listeners aged 6+ in Los Angeles (CBS Radio’s “K-Earth 101” KRTH), Philly (CBS Radio’s WOGL) and Boston (Greater Media’s WROR-FM). CBS Radio parked three classic hits stations in second place in their markets in May: New York’s WCBS-FM, Detroit’s WOMC, and KOOL in Phoenix. The format also finished second in St. Louis on iHeartMedia’s KLOU. And in Tampa, where two classic hits stations are tied for second place: Cox Media Group’s “107.3 The Eagle” WXGL and Beasley Media Group’s WRBQ-FM . The format placed third in Minneapolis (iHeart’s “Kool 108” KQQL) and Dallas (CBS Radio’s KLUV). Summertime has been good to classic hits in years past. It quietly and consistently grew its audience and finished the summer of 2014 with the largest percentage increase in listening shares of any major format last summer.
Study: Advertising’s biggest impact occurs long after the campaign ends. Impatient advertisers that want a quick bang for their buck might get it in the short-term. But a study from Nielsen Catalina Solutions based on the results of 23 packaged goods campaigns confirms that with effective advertising, much more impressive results can pile up later. And that’s probably good news for the radio business and advertisers that buy in for the long haul. Leslie Wood, chief research officer at Nielsen, says she suspects that many radio listeners are deeply engaged,
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“and that has to rub off on advertisers.” While radio may sell the immediacy of the message, its long-term effect may be even more significant. She creates an interesting hypothetical: “If you asked people to draw a picture of themselves, some would draw themselves wearing a t-shirt with a Nike swoosh, and some would draw themselves wearing a t-shirt with their radio station logo.” Wood believes people think what radio station they listen to says something about who they are. “That’s valuable to advertisers,” she says, and something Nielsen wants to study. The Nielsen study on short and long-term effect basically says that consumers are affected by advertising long after the campaigns is over, and that the long-term effect is double the more immediate lift from an ad campaign. A Special K campaign received a 2.8 times long-term lift. But Wood says long-term effect varies largely on what the product is (condiments don’t get much residual effect, but soft drinks do) and the general health of the brand. Advertisers that don’t see a very robust multiplier should be concerned, she said, that not only is the advertising not working but possibly something more.
Female artists lag in country sales, airplay. As the debate rages over women’s role in country music, a recent analysis of sales shows female artists struggling for parity with their male counterparts. With sales informing radio programming, that imbalance is reflected on-air. Most programmers look to draw the highest possible ratings — even if that means forsaking some airtime for female artists or sprinkling them between male musicians. According to analysis by Billboard, female artists represent a fraction of sales of country music singles and albums, particularly in recent years. The percentage of women with charting singles, ranked by sales, was just under 10% in 2014, the lowest level since 2007. Sales of singles by female artists peaked in 2011, but still only represented about 15%, comparable to levels in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. In album sales, women’s low representation is even more pronounced, dropping from a recent high of 15% in 2011 to just 5% in the last three years. Since 2000, sales of albums by women have fluctuated, with nothing nearing the high in 1999, when women represented a quarter of sales. While some insiders suggest female artists aren’t producing the popular sounds or just not prolific enough, others don’t see those as impediments. Veteran country radio programmer Johnny Chiang, operations manager for Cox Media Group country “93 Q”KKBQ and “Country Legends 97.1” KTHT, Houston, says radio stations can help set the tone for Nashville, including more pop-sounding and traditional country. “If radio is a little more open-minded in terms of the sound of our format, the Nashville machine will follow,” he told Billboard. More air-time for those female artists could spell higher sales.
Lawmakers warn against changes to ad taxes. A proposal to change how businesses can write-off advertising expenses is meeting stiff pre-emptive opposition in Congress. A group of 87 lawmakers have signed a bipartisan letter that combats efforts to change ad tax deductibility as part of any broader tax reform. Sent to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the letter warns of the negative consequences to the U.S. economy of changes to current ad tax regulations. “Changes that will make advertising more expensive cannot be justified as a matter of tax policy,” the letter states. “Such changes would be severely detrimental to local advertisers, broadcasters, print media, online service providers, national media companies, news- gathering organizations, and other businesses that rely on advertising as their primary source of income.” The letter references a study by economic consulting firm HIS Global Insight Advertising that found advertising supported 21.7 million jobs in 2013 and $5.8 trillion in U.S. sales. Under current law, advertising receives the same tax treatment as any other normal business expense – it is deductible in the year it is incurred. Coming as the 114th Congress begins, the letter is part of an effort to head off any changes to ad taxes at the pass. In the last Congress, a proposal to change ad tax deductibility appeared in tax reform drafts by the chairmen of both the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. In a statement, The National Association of Broadcasters applauded the letter and said the trade group looks forward to “working with lawmakers to preserve the advertising tax deduction.”
Stations step up after natural disasters. After a spate of natural disasters devastated communities last month in Texas and Oklahoma, local radio responded with intense news coverage and fundraising efforts. In Texas, record rainfall caused
[email protected] | 800.275.2840 PG 3 NEWS insideradio.com WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 flooding, loss of property and power outages resulting in more than 20 deaths, and stranding motorists in cars and away from home. Radio stations pulled out wall-to-wall news coverage, including CBS Radio’s country “The Bull @100.3” KILT; iHeartMedia modern rock “94-5 The Buzz” KTBZ and country KASE-FM, Austin (100.7); Tyler Media Group’s country “93.3 Jake FM” KJKE Oklahoma City; and Cumulus Media’s “News Talk 820 AM” WBAP Houston and urban “Hot 93.3” KLIF- FM, Dallas. In Austin, iHeartMedia’s country powerhouse KASE, the no. 2 station in the market, hosted an event featuring nationally syndicated radio talent Bobby Bones — an Austin native — and his Raging Idiots band to benefit the Central Texas Chapter of the Red Cross. After a May 10 tornado hit Van, TX, Alpha Media’s four stations in Tyler served as a drop-off point for food, clothing and monetary donations and, on-air, urged listeners to contribute to the effort. The NAB’s June License to Serve newsletter highlighted these efforts, as well as similar actions by local TV stations.
More than 120 iHeart stations will simulcast tonight’s CMT Music Awards telecast. It’s TV on the radio tonight as more than 120 iHeartMedia country stations simulcast the audio of the CMT Music Awards from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. It’s the first time the high-profile awards show has broadcast on radio. But just the programming from the Viacom-owned cable TV channel will air on radio, not the commercials. The TV spots will be replaced locally by the radio stations. Hosted by Erin Andrews and Brittany Snow, the simulcast is part of an expanded alliance between the two media outlets that makes iHeart the official radio partner of this year’s awards show. The deal also involved a handful of Premiere Networks- syndicated shows broadcasting live from Nashville on Monday, interviewing award nominees, performers and celebs. “The Bobby Bones Show,” “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan,” “The Michael J Show,” “The Boxer Show” and “The Crook & Chase Countdown” were part of Monday’s radio remote. Last year the two companies worked together to launch a one- hour country music and entertainment weekend show hosted by CMT host Cody Alan. Tonight’s show airs at 8pm eastern/ pacific, featuring performances by Eric Church, Jake Owen, Sam Hunt, Zac Brown Band, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean and a slew of other marquee country acts.
ESPN locks up Lakers for two more years. While hoops fans were taking in the excitement of the NBA playoffs, ESPN was busy locking up exclusive local radio rights for the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2021-2022 season. The new deal adds two more years to the NBA team’s current contract with “ESPNLA 710 AM” KSPN, which was set to expire with the 2019-2020 season. John Ireland will continue as play-by-play commentator for the iconic team’s radio broadcasts, with Laker great Mychal Thompson remaining as color analyst. Ireland is co-host of “The Mason and Ireland Show,” which airs on “ESPNLA 710 AM” weekdays from noon-3pm Pacific. Thompson co-hosts “Thompson and Trudell,” which runs from 10am-noon. Calling the Lakers “one of the premier franchises in all of sports,” KSPN VP/GM Scott McCarthy said in a statement that the two parties “have enjoyed a terrific and mutually-beneficial relationship” since 2009.
Sirotka-Sonnenklar joins JVC in biz dev role. Former McGavren Guild Radio Sales founder & CEO Lisa Sirotka-Sonnenklar joins JVC Media as director of new business development. Based at JVC’s Long Island headquarters, she’ll work with the company’s national sales directors to drive new business for the expanding radio group. Sirotka-Sonnenklar founded McGavren Guild in 2008, helping grow the rep firm’s business to include 1,500 radio stations. JVC has been busy buying radio stations in Florida, expanding its footprint beyond its base on New York’s Long Island. In a statement JVC president & CEO John Caracciolo said Sirotka-Sonnenklar will use her advertising contacts “to help us open doors and tell the JVC story of live, local and the ability to make it happen for our clients.”
Rickey Smiley to host Marconi Awards. Rickey Smiley will get a chance to show off his stand-up comedy skills this fall – in front of a ballroom full of radio industry execs. The Reach Media-syndicated morning man will host this year’s NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show October 1 at the Radio Show in Atlanta. Smiley’s show is heard in 60 cities and featured on Fox Television’s “Dish Nation.”
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MARKET MANAGER RADIO ADVERTISING SALES - PORTLAND OR
DESI 1250 Oregon’s 2014 Radio Station of the Year, News Talk 860 KPAM, is coming to Seattle! and sister station Sunny 1550, are seeking Portland’s next great radio Account Executive. If you know how to build long-term relationships Universal Media Access with small to mid-size business owners, care about bringing results to seeks a manager to run those businesses, and can do it without ratings, then KPAM and Sunny operations and sell marketing could be your next home. The successful candidate will be motivated solutions. Candidates should with high integrity and a strong desire to win and make a good living. have a minimum three years Experience in broadcast media sales is necessary. KPAM and Sunny are broadcast experience, three two locally-owned radio stations offering excellent benefits and above years sales experience and a average compensation plans in an employee focused environment. strong knowledge of the local We are an equal opportunity employer. community.
Please send resume to our GSM: [email protected] No phone calls please. E.O.E.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, ALBANY NY iHeartMedia is seeking a dynamic sales and business development Resumes in confidence to: leader on the East Coast to take media and entertainment markets Bsaurer@ to the next level. MercuryCapitalPartners.com The SVP Sales is responsible for revenue growth for iHeartMedia LEASE MANAGEMENT broadcast, digital, and live entertainment products. The ideal candidate will drive and manage the short and long term strategy, OPPORTUNITY new business development and account service efforts via aggressive account development strategies and capabilities. WITK Wilkes Barre/ Scranton, PA 1550 AM The successful candidate will focus on short and long term strategy, 10,000 watts day/night communicating and executing the vision, forecasting trends, 500 watts. capitalizing on new and future opportunities, new business and revenue growth including leading and developing a strong sales and sales management Contact Bob Wilkins, team. 336-946-0197 — email: [email protected] Qualified candidates,CLICK HERE to apply. iHeartMedia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SALES OPPORTUNITIES - FLORIDA Live, play and work where millions PAY to visit every year -- the sunshine state of Florida. Are you a top performing sales professional looking to join a growing media company that offers career progression and is attracting some of the best talent in the business? Did you make a commitment to yourself that you wouldn’t spend another Winter shoveling snow? Or, do you desire to be in a market where the economy is thriving? Cumulus Media is currently searching for recognized performers to drive sales in our Florida markets…Melbourne, Fort Walton Beach/Destin, Tallahassee and Pensacola. As a sales person for Cumulus, we provide our teams with a great product to sell, superior training, and a “best in class” sales system that supports business development and rewards performance.
Please submit resume to: [email protected] All submissions will be kept in the strictest confidence. Equal Opportunity Employer.
INSIDE RADIO, Copyright 2015. www.insideradio.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication MORE OPPORTUNITIES may be copied, reproduced, or retransmitted in any form. This publication cannot be distributed @ INSIDERADIO.COM >> beyond the physical address of the named subscriber. Address: P.O. Box 567925, Atlanta, GA 31156. Subscribe to INSIDE RADIO monthly subscription $39.95 recurring payment. For information, visit www.insideradio.com. To advertise, call 1-800-248-4242 x711. Email: [email protected]. [email protected] | 800.275.2840 PG 5