Thursday, December 19, 2013

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THE MOST TRUSTED NEWS IN RADIO
Radio’s sports blackout bonus may become a thing of the past. The FCC has formally advanced its proposal to eliminate
the sports blackout rule. With its roots dating back to 1953, the blackout rule prevents cable and satellite companies from
carrying a game if it’s blacked out on broadcast TV due to insufficient ticket sales. Despised by sports fans, it’s been a windfall
for radio. The data suggests a direct correlation between blackouts and game-time radio ratings, especially in NFL cities like
Tampa, Cincinnati, San Diego and Buffalo where blackouts are more likely to occur. “They see dramatically inflated numbers
when their games are blacked out locally,” Nielsen Audio sports manager Chris Meinhardt told Inside Radio earlier this year.
During the 2011-2012 season in the three PPM-measured markets where 13 blackouts occurred during the season, the ratings
share for the flagship radio station nearly tripled. When it was on local broadcast TV the radio stations averaged an in-game
share of 2.3 among Men 25-54 according to Arbitron (now Nielsen). When it wasn’t shown on TV that share jumped to 6.0.
During the 2010 season, when the NFL had a record-setting 26 local blackouts, all five of the impacted teams experienced
their highest radio ratings when games weren’t televised. No radio group is likely to come out in favor of the blackout rule
since local fans may see it as unsportsmanlike conduct, so to speak. But the National Association of Broadcasters is fighting
to keep the rule in place on behalf of TV members. They fear that it will ultimately mean free local TV won’t carry games at
all and hasten the migration of play-by-play to pay TV platforms. NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton says that would undercut
the local TV business model and hurt local communities. “Sports blackouts are exceedingly rare,” he points out. In fact only a
single game has been blacked out so far this year, the lowest number since the rule was adopted. The FCC has launched a
formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and has begun accepting comments on its plan to eliminate the rule. Commissioner
Ajit Pai said he supports the change, saying on Twitter that would be “good news” for fans, noting teams could still strike private
agreements with broadcasters. (MB Docket No. 12-3)
Levingston promoted to president at YMF Media. After nine years managing New York’s urban AC
WBLS (107.5) and gospel WLIB (1190), Deon Levingston has been promoted to president of parent
company YMF Media. He’ll report to the company’s board of directors and continue in his current role
as market manager of the two New York stations. Current YMF president & COO Charles Warfield will
continue with the company in a consulting role. In addition to the New York stations, YMF owns a threestation cluster in Phoenix. With Levingston at the helm, WBLS made a remarkable turnaround that began
in April 2012 after longtime rival urban AC “Kiss 98.7” WRKS ceased to exist as a standalone brand.
WBLS integrated the best elements of the “Kiss” brand, including two if its primetime personalities, and
its ratings surged. But its revenue growth out-paced its ratings growth and it now stands as the country’s
top-ranked urban station in ratings and revenue and is ranked second in 6+ share in New York. Before
joining WBLS, Levingston held VP/market manager and director of sales positions at Radio One. He Deon Levingston
serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Broadcasters, New York State Broadcasters Association, New
Jersey Broadcasters Association, and the Nielson Audio Advisory Council. “Deon has earned this leadership position with
his vast knowledge, commitment to impeccable client service, and his ability to engage and empower a high-performing team
that will take YMF Media to the next level,” YMF principal Michael Cutchall said in a statement. “He is a leader not only to his
team, but the entire industry as well.”
Political ads come early in some states, driven by competitive Senate races. The 2014 mid-term election may seem a
distant date on the calendar, but in some states political ad dollars are already rolling in. The spending is fairly small, but it may
offer a hint of what’s to come. It shows North Carolina and Kentucky stations could see the biggest political lift in the coming
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NEWS
Thursday, December 19, 2013
year. An analysis of spending by media consultants shows candidates and Republican-aligned groups have been the biggest
early spenders. “Given the president’s plummeting job approval ratings, there is growing optimism that Republicans can win
back the Senate, and that’s why you’re seeing some very early spending in key U.S. Senate races,” GOP media consultant
Erik Potholm tells the congressional newspaper Roll Call, which collected the data. It shows that outside groups have already
spent $8.3 million in North Carolina. Kentucky is second with $5.75 million in spending with GOP-aligned groups accounting
for 80% of the advertising. Louisiana ranks third with $2.32 million. Next is Arkansas where $3.45 million has been spent. The
early spending by Republicans may help spur Democrats into action, too. Incumbent Alaska Senator Mark Begich’s campaign
placed a $100,000 ad buy to defend against early attacks. “Honestly we weren’t planning to come out this early,” his campaign
treasurer tells Alaska Public Radio.
Larry Lujack, Hall of Fame personality, dead at 73. Chicago radio is remembering longtime air
personality Larry Lujack, who died yesterday after a battle with cancer. He was 73. The Quasqueton,
Iowa-born broadcaster, whose real name was Larry Blankenburg, changed his name to Lujack in
honor of his football idol, Johnny Lujack. His radio career began at the age of 18 when we went
to work for KCID, Caldwell, ID. For the next decade he spent time at several radio stations in the
Pacific Northwest, most notably at KJR, Seattle. He was then recruited for a job at top 40 WCFL,
Chicago in 1967 and it was in the Windy City where Lujack made his mark on radio. It’s also where
his understated sarcasm, quirky characters and deadpan humor was honed and rewarded. Lujack
jumped to WLS four months after arriving in Chicago, but later returned to WCFL in 1972. By 1976
he headed back to WLS. It was then that he was partnered with Tommy Edwards, and they created the popular “Uncle Lar and
Li’l Tommy” segment. Lujack remained at WLS for 11 years, retiring from radio in 1987. In 2000, Lujack came out of retirement
and spent six more years on the Chicago airwaves before retiring for good in New Mexico. Lujack was inducted into the Illinois
Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame (2002) and the Radio Hall of Fame (2004). Five years ago he was inducted into the
NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Hear classic Larry Lujack airchecks HERE.
Fairness Doctrine study doesn’t appear to have made it to the field. Congressional Republicans have sounded the Fairness
Doctrine alarm bells over a proposed FCC study contending that a plan to quiz media outlets in the test market of Columbia, SC
is potentially unconstitutional. FCC chair Tom Wheeler says a Critical Information Needs (CIN) survey isn’t meant to “influence
the media.” And so far it doesn’t appear any media outlets have been contacted by the FCC or its contractor, Social Solutions
International. The Daily Caller surveyed multiple media outlets in the Columbia market and most said that while they’ve read
about the controversy they so far have not been quizzed by regulators. South Carolina Broadcasters Association executive
director Shani White says she’s also not heard of any members that have been contacted. Wheeler told Congress last week
that the goal of the survey was to gather information for a review of media ownership rules, not to revive the Fairness Doctrine.
“We have to have facts,” he said. House Republicans have asked Wheeler to immediately suspend the study and start over
with a new methodology. He hasn’t said whether the FCC will do that. As much as $918,000 has been spent on the project.
Tech trendsetter says FM on a smartphone deserves a year-end innovation award. For anyone who attended NYMRAD’s
FM on smartphone panel at this year’s Advertising Week in New York, the moment that moderator and influential tech writer
David Pogue came to full grasp with the idea of having free radio on a smartphone was on full display. He was so taken with
the idea that afternoon and now at year’s end that he’s given FM on cell phones a Pogie Award. It’s his listing of, as he puts
it, “the year’s best ideas in consumer technology.” While Pogue concedes to his techie following that they already have lots of
web radio mobile apps to choose from, FM gives users “real radio” and it has a “towering advantage” in the fact that it doesn’t
use any data. “In an age when using Internet services on your cellphone can be very expensive, a feature that reduces the
amount of data you use is a big, big deal,” Pogue writes. He also points out FM causes one-third the battery drain compared
to streaming. Yet Pogue points out that most consumers don’t even know about the new FM feature, saying there’s been
“surprising little fanfare” with the Sprint release of Next Radio-enabled handsets.
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NEWS
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Broadcasters Foundation makes year-end appeal. Five years ago, before the recession, the Broadcasters Foundation of
America distributed $400,000 in financial assistance to broadcasters in need. This year, when the need is arguably even greater,
the group created to help radio and TV employees will distribute more than twice that amount. To help keep that mission moving
forward in 2014, and to help even more broadcasters, the Foundation is asking to the industry to remember it when doing yearend giving. The final weeks of December are a critical fundraising period for all charities, the Foundation included, as people
not only get into the holiday spirit but also look for tax deductions. In a letter to the industry, Foundation leadership says it’s now
helped more than 1,000 broadcasters over the years. They’re people who’ve fallen on hard times due to sudden illness, old
age, and general misfortune. “Next year we will distribute, on your behalf, close to a million dollars to the hurting and almost
forgotten,” the letter says. “And we need your urgent help to continue our mission.” While charity events held through the year
like the annual golf tournaments do help fund the Foundation, it says cash contributions remain the largest source of funding.
Birmingham stations respond to deadly explosion. After a deadly apartment building gas line
explosion in Birmingham, AL killed one and injured eight others, Summit Media responded with a
relief effort to aid the victims. Urban “95.7 Jamz” WBHJ and urban AC “Kiss FM” WBHK (98.7) set
up a live remote broadcast Tuesday and Wednesday, urging listeners to drop off toiletries, Christmas
toys, clothing items and other necessities for the displaced families. As of Wednesday afternoon,
more than $5,000 worth of items had been collected. “I can truly say that it is rewarding to work
for a company that is so deeply rooted in the community and believes that charity starts at home,”
promotions director Dee Reed says. “After all, this is what the holidays are about.”
Inside Radio News Ticker…Saga board grows by one…They’ll need an extra chair at the next meeting of the board of
directors at Saga Communications. Former Clarke Advertising & Public Relations owner/president Timothy Clarke is joining
the board, which will increase from six to seven directors. Clarke has done consulting work since selling his ad agency in 2005,
and he’ll continue that. He also sits on the boards of Florida’s Insignia Bank and the drinkware maker Tervis Tumbler…White
House goes to radio to pitch health care…First Lady Michelle Obama is on a radio blitz as part of an effort to spread the word
among African Americans about the Affordable Care Act. Last night she sat down for interviews with Reach Media syndicated
hosts Yolanda Adams and Al Sharpton, as well as SiriusXM host Joe Madison. A White House rep tells The Hill newspaper the
interviews are part of a broader effort to encourage African Americans to get covered…Satellite beams in a fine for Texas
FM...Houston contemporary Christian KSBJ (89.3) has agreed to pay what amounts to a $16,000 fine to the FCC and live under
a three-year consent decree to resolve a pending case against it for allegedly operating an unauthorized fixed earth station.
It turns out the license for the satellite dish expired in June 2004 but KSBJ didn’t realize that until 2012. KSBJ also agreed to
waive its statute of limitations rights to close the case…CBS Radio engineer joins SBE board…CBS Radio Washington, DC
engineer Kim Sacks has joined the Society for Broadcast Engineers (SBE) national board. Sacks fills the unexpired director’s
term of Andrea Cummis, whose term runs through October 2014. The appointment was made by the executive committee for
the 5,300 member trade group...People Moves...Clear Chanel EVP Gene Romano takes expanded roll. A Pittsburgh sports
station shakes up its staff. And a former Arbitron executive turns up at GfK. Read People Moves HERE.
Chicago pubcasters vote to unionize. By a wide margin employees at Chicago Public Media (CPM) voted yesterday to unionize
under SAG-AFTRA. The vote was 40 to 7 and was overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. The four-station parent
of “Chicago Public Radio” WBEZ/WBEQ (91.5/90.7) and variety “Vocalo Radio” WBEW/WRTE (89.5/90.5) will now negotiate
its first union contract with CPM. While union representation has fallen from its peak, Chicago is a stronghold for SAG-AFTRA,
which has contracts with more than 20 local radio and television stations. The union has also seen an uptick in membership at
public radio and TV stations in recent months. KPBS-FM (89.5) and KPBS-TV in San Diego, and “Southern California Public
Radio” KPCC, Pasadena-Los Angeles (89.3) both unionized since the start of 2013. SAG-AFTRA says WBEZ employees were
encouraged to embrace the union from staff at other unionized stations and National Public Radio.
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PAGE 3
DEAL DIGEST
Thursday, December 19, 2013
S A L E S
Long Island, NY — In New York’s Hampton’s region a
program director and midday personality becomes an
owner. Lauren Stone, along with her father Roger Stone,
files a $3.2 million deal to buy CHR “Beach 101.7” WBEA,
AC “Lite” WBAZ (102.5) and adult alternative “Progressive
Radio 92.9/96.9” WEHM/WEHN from Long Island Radio
Broadcasting. Lauren Stone has programmed WEHM/
WHEN since 2007. She’ll hold a controlling 69% interest in
the stations, and her father Roger will own the balance. He
is a CEO of the Kapstone Paper & Packaging Company in
Northbrook, IL. Broker: Berner & Co.
Atlanta — Tron Dinh Do’s Intelli LLC files to buy WAZX (1550)
from Tok Cha Stewart’s DTS Broadcasting for $1.55 million.
The Smyrna-licensed station has been mostly off the air since
September 2012. It has 50,000-watts day and 16-watts night.
Boise, ID — Darrell Calton-led FM Idaho of Boise strikes
a deal to add a new FM to its Boise cluster. It buys hot AC
“My 102.7” KZMG, Melba from the Montana Radio Company
for $800,000. Broker: Greg Merrill, Media Services Group
Sioux Falls, SD — South Dakota Public Radio files a
$420,000 deal to buy KCSD (90.9) from the University of
Sioux Falls. South Dakota Public Radio has been operating
the Class A FM under a local marketing agreement for many
years and it already airs a news-talk/classical format.
Idaho — Lee Family Broadcasting files to buy “News Radio
99.1” KINF-FM, Gooding, ID from FM Idaho for $300,000. FM
Idaho will still have five other stations in the Twin Falls/Sun
Valley market. Broker: Greg Merrill, Media Services Group
New Mexico — Katherine Spiers increases her stake in
ASKK Media with a $275,000 buy of the various interests in
the company held by Kate and Shannon Black. The deal will
give Spiers a 75% stake in the company with the remaining
ownership held by Aidan Bain. Kate Black is currently the
general manager and general sales manager for ASKK
Media’s Taos, NM stations, which include adult alternative
KTAO (101.9) and AC Luna “103.7” KLNN.
South Carolina — Dennis Fowler files to convert a local
marketing agreement into a purchase with a $225,000 deal
to buy country WZZQ, Gaffney (1500). Seller Richard Kinard
also has a pending deal to sell R&B oldies “Old School 105.3”
WOSF, Charlotte to Radio One for $7.75 million.
Michigan — West Central Michigan Media Ministries files to
buy talk WAVC, Mio (93.9) from Michigan Broadcasters for
ADVERTISE on the Deal Digest page. Call 800-248-4242 x 711 or EMAIL for information.
Get more transactions online at www.insideradio.com.
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PAGE 4
DEAL DIGEST
Thursday, December 19, 2013
$150,000. WAVC will become the religious broadcaster’s fifth the signals to simulcast two Blackfoot, ID stations. The two
full-power station in the state. Michigan Broadcasters still translators are K262CH at 100.3 FM which Riverbend will use
owns the Traverse City, MI market talk station WYPV (94.5). to simulcast modern rock “K-Bear 101” KCVI; and K290CE
at 105.9 FM which will be used to simulcast AC “Classy 97”
Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, NC — Curtis KLCE. The transfer is related to an agreement between the
Media Group keeps moving forward on its translator buying two companies that will see Riverbend pay Bonneville only
spree with another deal in the Tar Heel State. It’s agreed for the costs related to the translators.
to pay $100,000 for the High Point, NC-licensed translator
W285EU at 104.9 FM from Triad Family Network. The signal
C L O S I N G S
will be used to simulcast sports WMFR (1230) on the FM dial.
Broker: Bob Heymann, Media Services Group
Abilene, TX — David Klement’s First IV Media closes a $1.1
million deal to buy country “95.1 The Wolf” KABW and CHR
Arkansas & Tennessee — Saga Communications is “96-Q” KORQ from Doud Media Group. North of Dallas,
buying two FM translators from Clark Parrish’s Edgewater Klement also owns oldies “Hometown Radio 1580” KGAF,
Broadcasting. In a $35,000 deal in the Jonesboro, AR market Gainesville, TX. Broker: Hadden & Associates
Saga buys K253BQ at 98.5 FM for $35,000. Saga says it will
simulcast AC “Mix 106.3” KJBX. In the second deal Saga Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL — Some intra-family dealing
buys a translator in the Clarksville, TN market. It will pay as Hugh Hughes has closed on a deal to sell a majority
$30,000 for the translator W256CI at 99.1 FM. Saga tells 75% stake in R&B/gospel “Thunderbird 1330” WWAB to his
the FCC it’ll rebroadcast hot AC “Q-108” WCVQ.
grandson and daughter-in-law, Richard Allen Hughes (50%)
and Vicki Lyn Hughes (25%), for $200,000. That pegs the
Tennessee — Jose Rodriguez’s Iglesia Hispana de Nashville value of the station at $266,667. The late Jerry Hughes
files to buy WMRB, Columbia, TN (910) from Ogilvie Family bought the station in 1973 with partner David Blossman,
Ministries for $35,000. WMRB had been airing a sports flipping it from country to R&B in 1975. He later bought out
format until July when it went silent. Rodriguez already Blossman in 1985. Jerry Hughes died in June 2012.
owns Spanish Christian “Radio Vida” stations WYXE in the
Nashville market and WSBI, Static, TN (1210).
Boise, ID — Ambrocio and Irma Cruz’s Impacto Network
closes on a deal to buy Spanish Christian KYWN (890) from
Oklahoma — Todd Tidwell’s Texoma Broadcasting files to Terry Mathis for $82,000. KYWN has 50,000-watts day and
buy the Durant-licensed translator K231CE at 94.1 FM from 250-watts at night. Impacto had been running the station
Edgewater Broadcasting for $27,000. Texoma will use the under a time brokerage agreement since April.
translator to simulcast talk KSEO (750).
Texas — Educational Radio Foundation of East Texas
Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC — Michael Bland’s (ERFET) closes its deal to buy KHJA, Tatum (91.5) from
Down East Broadcasting Company files to buy the Pumpkin Fred Morton’s Grace Public Radio for $15,000. ERFET is
Center-licensed translator W252BO at 98.3 FM from asking the FCC to OK a move of the station’s studios in with
Educational Media Foundation for $17,000. Down East will its two other non-commercial stations in the nearby Tyler
use the translator to rebroadcast southern gospel WJCV market. Non-profit Grace owns a pair of southern gospel
(1290).
stations in Colorado and Kansas. Broker: Roger Rafson of
CMS Station Brokerage.
Michigan — Jackson Radio Works files to buy the Jackson,
MI translator W268CA at 101.5 FM from Clear Channel for Kentucky — North of Bowling Green, Bethel Fellowship
$16,000. It will use the translator for CHR “K-105.3” WKHM- closes a deal to buy WBFK, Smiths Grove (91.1) from Grace
FM, Brooklyn, MI or potentially an HD subchannel.
Community Church of Amarillo for $3,500. The station will
simulcast WFBI, McDaniels (91.5), which airs a religious
Georgia — Howard Toole files a $15,000 deal to buy the format.
Rome-market translator W258CH at 99.3 FM from Alabama
Christian Radio. Toole plans to simulcast urban AC “Magic Inside Radio’s expanded Deal Digest section returns
1360” WGJK on the signal.
in January. The deal-making continues of course, so
watch for breaking deal news in Inside Radio and at
Idaho — Bonneville files to transfer two Pocatello, ID-licensed InsideRadio.com.
translators to Riverbend Communications which will use
ADVERTISE on the Deal Digest page. Call 800-248-4242 x 711 or EMAIL for information.
Get more transactions online at www.insideradio.com.
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PAGE 5
CLASSIFIEDS
Thursday, December 19, 2013
SALES MANAGER
MARKETING & PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR - SEATTLE
COASTAL FLORIDA
KCMS-FM (SPIRIT 105.3) & KCIS 630 AM are looking for
the next great Marketing and Promotions Director
Are you a sales leader held
back by corporate dictatorships?
Put the wind back into your
creativity and fly again with us.
Strong independent group of 4
radio stations in a fast growing
community. Must love local
events, be sharp with social
media and know how to have
fun making money. EOE.
Send confidential resume to
[email protected]
BUSINESS MANAGER
CONTROLLER,
ATLANTIC CITY
Immediate opening for handson Controller with leading
nine-station radio group. Current
Business Manager retiring after
15 years with the company.
Successful candidates should be
well- organized, detail-minded
& proficient in MS Office, Mas90, Excel & Marketron with
excellent accounting skills. Job
responsibilities include: basic P&L
& monthly closing preparation,
strong general ledger accounting,
billing, A/R, A/P, collections,
commissions & payroll with
a
demonstrated
history
of
preparing financial statements.
Accounting or finance degree
& 3-5 years media business
experience preferred but not
required. This is a long-term
position with a successful, private
company. Salary negotiable.
Please reply in confidence to:
Gary Fisher, President,
Equity Communications LP:
[email protected].
EOE.
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CRISTA Media brings Christian faith and vocation together; a
place where people with exceptional professional skills use radio
broadcasting and digital media to transform lives.
l Is marketing and promoting radio stations part of your DNA?
l Can you bring creativity and strategic thinking together?
l Are you a peson who leads by example and inspires others?
If this fits you, we are interested in hearing from you.
CRISTA Media is a leader in operating
Contemporary Christian Music stations.
To learn more about us or apply online,
visit: www.crista.org
E.O.E.
qual
VP SALES/MARKET MANAGER
Live and work in a city where millions pay to vacation!
Cumulus-Charleston has an immediate opportunity for
VP Sales/Market Manager. At your disposal, the most cutting
edge tools and resources to hire, train and develop a high
performance sales team. If you are looking to take that next step
in your career and build upon the current success of our 5 station
cluster, here it is - historic Charleston, SC! Our search will include
candidates with both Market Manager and successful upper sales
management experience. This is a fabulous opportunity to join the
fastest growing company in our industry – Cumulus Media!
Inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence:
[email protected] E.O.E.
VP OF PROGRAMMING - CINCINNATI, OH
Clear Channel Media & Entertainment seeks a VP Programming,
Cincinnati OH. The VP Programming is a senior leader role responsible
for managing the strategy and execution of the market’s brands and
increasing audience engagement for CCM+E’s broadcast (ratings
growth), digital (uniques / streaming TSL growth), and live entertainment
products (audience). The VPP supports the Market President and the
VP of Sales in driving revenue growth while developing & maintaining
a market’s stations brand identities. The VPP is expected to act as the
Program Director for one or more brands within a market. The VPP is
a senior member of the market’s management team, and role models
the values and operating principles of CCM+E with programming staff
and broader market employees.
CLICK HERE for more information or to apply now for this position.
CCM+E is an equal opportunity employer.
PAGE 6