What the Merger Means As Expected, the $2.4 Billion Cumulus-Citadel “Deal of the Century” Was Made Official Last Week (CAT 3/10)
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March 14, 2011 Issue 234 Cumulus-Citadel: What The Merger Means As expected, the $2.4 billion Cumulus-Citadel “deal of the century” was made official last week (CAT 3/10). For those of you not paying attention in class, this mega-merger will grow Cumulus’ station portfolio to almost 600 outlets, making it the second-largest operator of radio stations in America behind Clear Channel, which boasts approximately 1,200. Even without the merger, Cumulus already has a formidable Country profile, with 52 stations. Add Citadel’s 36 properties and Country will make up a considerable portion (15%) of the total station count for Cumulus. Among the Citadel/soon-to-be Cumulus Country stations are several powerhouses: WKHX/Atlanta has a 30+-year history in the Is There A Draft In Here? It’s big-check season at Country radio, otherwise format and has continued to win, despite an known as Country Cares radiothonery, as this group from WBYT/South aggressive challenge from Clear Channel’s Bend, IN can attest. Pictured (l-r) are staffers Keith Moody, Deb Mills, Cody Austin, Brad King, Jesse Garcia and Kristine Moore with the $178k WUBL, which jumped into the race in 2007. total for St. Jude. WIVK/Knoxville is a legendary Country outlet programmed by Country Radio Hall of Famer Mike Hammond and CO5’s Roberts To Lytle Management perennially ranked No. 1. The station has averaged an 18 share (12+) As reported via Twitter and Facebook earlier this for the last two years. For many years, ‘IVK posted shares in the low- evening (3/14), CO5/Nashville VP/Promotion Denise to-mid 20’s. Roberts is leaving the company for a position with KATM/Modesto, CA is still in the midst of a years-long undefeated Lytle Management Group. She will focus on radio streak of No. 1 ranked Arbitron books. Its sister station, KUBL/Salt and tour promotion for Lytle client Gary Allan and Lake consistently wins that market’s three-station battle. Other notable other LMG clients. Roberts will be coordinating call letters Cumulus will soon absorb include KIIM/Tucson, KHKI & efforts on behalf of Allan with UMG/Nashville. KJJY/Des Moines and WITL/Lansing, MI. “Gary Allan and I are honored to have a music Denise Roberts (continued on page 8) professional the caliber of Denise Roberts join our ©2011 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 14, 2011 Country Aircheck Weekly Page 3 team,” Lytle Management Group President John Lytle says. “Her THE PAGE THREE PIC experience across the record and radio worlds makes her a great fit for this job.” Roberts can be reached at 615-770-2688, 818-679-5479 (cell) or at [email protected]. More From Cumulus Call Today’s quarterly conference call (3/14) also found Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey reporting that he envisions $50 million in synergies, which will occur in the first six months once the merger occurs. Personnel, programming or other details were not discussed. Cumulus reported total 2010 broadcast revenues of $259.2 million, up 2.8% from 2009, with net income of Lew Dickey RLG ... And We Don’t Mean “Record Label Group”: The late Dene $29.4 million. Hallam, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Bill Catino ([email protected]) and Jeff Garrison ([email protected]) (l-r) circa 1994. Got a great vintage photo? Send it to [email protected]. Country: A Class Act The CMA has launched CMA EDU, an education-based, national college initiative geared to students seeking knowledge about country its work on project Leapfrog, an experimental approach featuring a music marketing, promotion and entrepreneurship. The effort was week-long Web/mobile-based survey methodology. Arbitron commented, announced at a press event tonight in Nashville (3/14). Workshops, “We appreciate the Council’s suggestions to share more about our work panels, networking and leadership training are among the endeavors, to enhance the diary and PPM service, and we are planning a series of with Nashville’s Belmont University serving as the pilot program. communications about our initiatives as soon as possible.” More than 100 students have been enrolled, with other schools and universities throughout the Southeast expressing interest. CMA Board member Bradley Gaskin: CRS Phenom Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town said, This story has no photo because, well, there’s been no photo shoot. In “The networking possibilities are endless. fact, there’s been little in the way of standard artist-launch preparation I would have jumped at the opportunity as a student to be part of because Columbia and Sony Music/Nashville weren’t expecting the something this closely tied to the actual music business being done in reaction they’ve gotten to 30-year-old Bradley Gaskin. Nashville.” CMA Sr. Coordinator/Partner Programs Sarah McGrady is “We scheduled Bradley on the Boat and in our suite as a tease for spearheading the project. For details, visit www.cmaworld.com/cmaedu. the CRS crowd,” Columbia VP/Promotion Jimmy Rector says. “It just blew up. He played our suite at the Renaissance Wednesday night and about 16 or 17 people showed up. Friday, after Thursday’s Boat show, Leapfrog, PPM360 Top Advisory about 60 or 70 showed up to hear him.” Council Issues Gaskin’s debut solo-penned single, “Mr. Bartender,” was set for release in May, but the CRS buzz drew multiple inquiries from radio Highlights from last week’s Arbitron Radio Advisory Council meeting programmers. The single was rushed to stations digitally, though in Annapolis, MD include progress on expanding in-person PPM panelist physical shipment didn’t happen until last Friday (3/11). recruiting, address-based sampling and a finer level of geographic control. “We don’t even have images,” Rector admits. “The photo shoot is The Council encouraged the ratings firm to move aggressively in rolling scheduled for [this] week, so we’re sending everything with a white label.” out its “PPM360” initiative, a mobile platform-enabled meter that can The Duck Springs, AL native was discovered through MySpace by John continuously upload data, rather than night-time docking. On the diary Rich and Charlie Pennachio, who are co-managing. Rich is producing. side, the Council encouraged Arbitron to furnish more details regarding ©2011 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 14, 2011 Country Aircheck Weekly Page 4 Industry News MY TUNES : MUSIC THA T SHA P ED MY LIFE Singer/songwriter and musician JT Hodges has been signed by Paradigm Talent Agency. Hodges will release his debut album on KFRG/Riverside MD Scott Ward Show Dog-Universal later this year. discusses his most influential songs, FUNL Music’s Amber Hayes has entered into an exclusive booking albums or concerts: deal with Brand N Music Partnerships. VP/Operations Greg Burns will 1. The Clash, Austin, June 1982: It handle Hayes’ U.S. dates and can be reached here or at 615-562-3726. got kind of scary when I got trapped Pheromone/MegaForce/Sony RED recording artist Greg Hanna inside the middle of a massive slam has enlisted radio promotion veterans Rick Kelly, Sarah Matlock, dance. That moment of fear also Lisa Smoot, Jen Trail, Jerry Duncan, Sam Cerami, Jack Pride and taught me a lot about the power of Jay Taylor for support of his newest single “Makin’ Love Real.” Craig Scott Ward music. It can empower, teach, heal Bann of Marco Promotions is tapped for video promotion and Webster & Associates will handle publicity. and even turn some into homicidal maniacs. The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) and CAA have joined 2. George Strait, Lubbock, TX, December 1985: My to organize the 3rd Annual Music Row Madness Showdown Tuesday first country concert taught me more about the power (3/15). The bowl-a-rama competition, consisting of 16 teams of employees of music. I was amazed at how George could hold the from Nashville’s music community, is expected to raise more than $10,000 undivided attention of thousands of people while they for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Details here. were two-stepping around the Civic Center floor! 3. Led Zeppelin/Whole Lotta Love: It was burned on my Artist News brain at the tender age of five when I watched a group The Toby Keith Foundation’s Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic of hippies going nuts as this song blared out of their car will be held May 20-21. The event will have a “Denim & Diamonds” stereo. At the time, I had no idea who the band was or theme and benefit theOK Kids Korral. Details here. anything about the song but I don’t think I’ll ever forget Darius Rucker will perform May 11 as part that moment. of Military Appreciation Day during The Players 4. Charley Pride/Kiss An Angel Good Morning: The first Championship. All active duty, reserve and retired song I ever owned and still have on my iPod. military personnel and their dependents will be 5. Big & Rich, Horse Of A Different Color: I am still blown admitted free during tournament week in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Details here. away by the production, the songs and the utter disregard Andy Griggs and Tennessee Titan Cortland for format constraints. Finnegan will co-host the Waddell & Reed Charity Toby Keith • A highly regarded song or album you’ve never heard: Golf Tournament April 7 at the Hermitage Golf Course Anything by the Strokes. to benefit Christmas 4 Kids. Details here. • An “important” piece of music you just don’t get: Bri Bagwell, Adrienne Beasley, Courtney Cole, Danielle Lauderdale, Opera.