Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Newsroom: (800) 290-6301

www.InsideRadio.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Page 1 of 6
Newsroom: (800) 290-6301
CEA survey suggests more consumers are tuning out all forms of audio. The Consumer Electronics Association’s
annual study of audio consumption finds the number of people who aren’t listening to any form of audio entertainment has
tripled in the past year. The CEA survey finds 13% of respondents report not listening to anything, up from 4% a year ago
and 2% in 2005. It’s not just the iPod that’s having an impact either. Two years ago, the percentage of people who said
they listened to talk radio in the past year was 54%. It’s now about four in ten. CEA analyst-turned-consumer electronics
consultant Sean Wargo says “It’s harder for consumers to decide where to allocate their time, so in some cases they’re
just turning off the sound.” While noteworthy, the overall report has several potentially positive trends for radio. A majority
of people (54%) say they spend about the same amount of time listening to audio content as they did a year ago, while
32% listened to even more. Wargo explains, “People are taking-in music in a much more portable, headphone-driven
experience than in the past. That’s a real big indicator in how we experience our audio content.” What he sees as a
larger shift in the way people are consuming audio-based media has implications not only for radio but for the electronics
manufacturers who funded the CEA study.
Radio-centric in-car listening is under the most pressure. Blame the cell phone and fewer miles logged, but the
number of consumers who listen to any form of audio while behind the wheel continues to drop. The CEA’s annual survey
finds 83% listened to the radio, a CD or MP3. That’s down from 92% three years ago. Electronics consultant Sean Wargo
says “In the car [listening] is down, perhaps as a result of high gas prices over the past several years.” The number of
people listening at home has held steady in recent years; in the latest report 87% say they listen to some form of audio
at home. At-home listening is dominated by music (81%) followed by news (74%), sports (47%) and talk radio (35%).
Perhaps as a sign of the busy lifestyle people are leading, the survey finds more people are listening to audio content in
their kitchens (54%) and bathrooms (23%). Workplace listening continues its decline with about one in three listening to
something while on the job. Even so, nearly half of survey respondents (48%) say they’re always listening to something.
Electronics report shows the door’s open to HD Radio. The high cost of HD Radio receivers has been attributed, in
part, to slower than expected sales. But the CEA survey shows people are willing to spend money to upgrade their audio
experience. The average amount respondents planned to spend on audio devices in the coming year is $242 -- although
the figure is considerably higher for 24-34s ($432) and African Americans ($400). Contrary to stereotypes, women are
budgeting more for audio then men. Consumer electronics consultant Sean Wargo tells Inside Radio “The challenge for
HD Radio is competing against the multitude of sources we now have. Any given type of content and device really has
to position itself well against the alternatives.” The survey shows most consumers plan to buy portable media players,
something HD Radio currently doesn’t offer. Satellite radio is on the wish list for about one in 20 respondents (4%), the
same number as those planning to buy a standalone CD player. But there’s hope for radio’s digital quest. Wargo says “HD
Radio as a free, high quality experience certainly has an edge there that’s worthy of promoting to the marketplace.”
Emmis turns to its CFO for some new ideas. “Competing in today’s radio environment requires fresh perspectives,”
says Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan. That’s led the company’s board of directors to name CFO Patrick Walsh to lead Emmis
Radio. The former consultant for McKinsey & Company will continue to serve as Emmis’ chief financial officer, but he’ll
also take the title of chief operating officer. That may be a useful redeployment if the company is forced to rework its
www.InsideRadio.com
NEWS
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Page 2 of 6
debt structure. Smulyan says “Pat will bring to our radio division what he’s learned about Emmis as CFO, but also his
experience as an executive and consultant building growth businesses.” It’s no secret these are challenging times for
radio, but Walsh says Emmis stations still matter to advertisers and millions of listeners. “I plan to work closely with our
teams to find creative ways to develop and monetize our brands in a multiplatform universe,” says Walsh, who joined
Emmis two years ago from iBiquity where he was CFO. The new position boosts his pay from $460,000 to $540,000. Sixyear Radio Division president Rick Cummings will remain with Emmis. The company says he’ll focus once again on his
“passion” as president of programming.
Les Moonves’ first chessboard move is a swap with Clear Channel. The CBS chief says he’s in no rush to sell the 12
radio markets targeted. In fact his first move also helps Clear Channel resolve an outstanding Justice Department issue
with its go-private buyout. In a deal finalized late last week, CBS Radio picks up Houston’s Spanish “Mega 101” KLOL and
hot AC “Mix 96.5” KHMX. In exchange, Clear Channel adds five FMs including CHR “Kiss 106.1” KBKS, Seattle; adult hits
“102.7 Jack FM” WQSR, Baltimore; rhythmic CHR “Jammin 107.5” KXJM and classic hits “K-Hits 106.7” KLTH, Portland;
and adult hits “93.7 Jack FM” KQJK, Sacramento. Moonves says “This deal represents a financially advantageous
opportunity for us to shed some of our mid-size market stations while expanding in a top ten market, which is our focus.”
He’s still looking for buyers for the rest of the stations in those markets. CBS Radio will begin operating the stations under
a local marketing agreement. Closing is expected in the first half of next year. The cash-free deal still needs DOJ and
FCC approval. Programming changes sound unlikely in Houston as CEO Dan Mason calls both KHMX and KLOL “format
leaders.” Clear Channel made no mention of its plans for its new stations. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is also
requiring Clear Channel to sell four other stations in San Francisco-San Jose, Cincinnati and Las Vegas. Facing a tough
deal market, the DOJ last month gave the company more time to sell the stations.
Even Rush Limbaugh’s not immune from station cutbacks. Rush Limbaugh’s affiliate defections tend to be few and
far between. But Pittsburgh native and Westwood One host Dennis Miller displaces the Premiere Radio Networks talk
show host in Erie, PA on Connoisseur Media’s WJET (1400). Limbaugh had been part of WJET’s lineup since 1991. But
ops manager Joe Lang says the fee to carry Limbaugh’s program kept escalating every year. “It was a lot of money. We
had to make a decision on whether to cut someone locally or keep Rush Limbaugh — we felt it was more important to
keep someone on the local payroll.” The Connoissuer cluster recently laid off two employees and Lang tells the Erie
Times-News he didn’t want that number to climb to three. Lang says “We never really get any direct ad revenue from
Rush Limbaugh. I hope [fans] understand it came down to him or a local person.”
Arbitron speeds up its inclusion of cell phone-only households. The number of homes without a landline is rapidly
increasing, and some analysts believe it will accelerate even more with the economic downturn as people look to trim
expenses. In some markets the number of 18-34s with just a mobile phone tops 25%. Arbitron will step up the pace
of including cell phone-only households and begin including them in 151 diary markets in the Spring survey and grow
that coverage to all markets by next Fall. Arbitron’s Owen Charlebois says “By including cell-phone-only homes in the
sample frame we will be better able to improve young adult proportionality in diary markets.” It’s the second time in three
months Arbitron has sped-up plans. There is a caveat which will likely mean long hours for Arbitron’s software team. The
company warns the new schedule is dependent on development of software necessary to support the rollout. The rush
was urged by Arbitron’s Radio Advisory Council. Incoming chair, CBS Radio’s Lisa Decker, is pleased things are moving
faster and she tells Inside Radio “The acceleration of the plan to introduce cell-phone-only sampling will enhance the
sample quality in these dairy markets.” Arbitron says after all metros have cell phone sampling, it will look at non-metro
counties that are included in the RADAR, Nationwide and County Coverage reports. Cell phone-only households come at
a higher price because Arbitron is legally barred from using its random digital dial recruitment method on mobile phones.
www.InsideRadio.com
NEWS
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Page 3 of 6
A surprise Chicago PD realignment. It was more than just an icy cold wind blowing down Michigan Avenue yesterday.
There was also the wind of change. WGN (720) programmer Bob Shomper leaves the Tribune-owned station for Citadel’s
crosstown rival WLS (890). The move leaves WLS programmer Kipper McGee the odd man out. WGN didn’t waste
anytime naming a replacement. GM Tom Langmyer announces he’s hired Clear Channel’s Cleveland VP of programming
Kevin Metheny as WGN’s new PD. Langmyer says “Metheny is a true radio guy that has a great understanding and
respect for WGN. He knows what WGN Radio means to Chicago.” Metheny’s resume includes both programming and
GM experience — he also was a VP for MTV and VH1. In a memo to staff, Langmyer says Shomper will be missed, noting
he’d been “instrumental in implementing a solid formatic structure and building a strong bridge between programming and
the sales and marketing teams.” In the November PPM ratings, WLS beat WGN (4.8-4.2).
Radio is former pizza magnate’s growing investment. At one point Kansas entrepreneur Gene Bicknell was the
country’s largest Pizza Hut franchisee with nearly 900 restaurants. Those deep pockets made getting a deal done in the
current frozen credit market possible. Bicknell grows his American Media Investments by 11 stations after writing a $5.249
million check to Textron’s FFD Holdings. In Texarkana it buys “103.9 Country Legends” KPGG, oldies “Kool 95.1” KEWL
and “K-Talk” KKTK (1400) KEWL. In nearby Clarksville, TX it buys KGAP — which simulcasts KEWL’s oldies format —
and classic country KCAR (1350). And in Joplin, MO it buys CHR “Q-105.3” KMOQ, “Classic Country 99.7” KBTN-FM,
oldies KCAR-FM (104.3), “Rock 107.1” KJML, “Country Leader 1420” KBTN and “Newstalk 1450” KQYX. FFD Holdings
ended up with the stations after Petracom Media defaulted on its 2005 loan. Bicknell already owns three stations in his
hometown of Pittsburg, KS: Hot AC “B-100.7” KBZI, country “96.9 The Kow” KKOW-FM and classic country KKOW (860).
Veteran talk host and Talk America president Paul Lyle is American Media Investments’ COO. He tells Inside Radio the
area is home to a growing number of Hispanics so he’s looking to put a Spanish format on in both areas, explaining, “It’s a
totally underserved population. There’s no print or electronic outlet in either market.” Broker: Dick Kozacko.
“When Radio Was” gets a new syndication team. Syndication Networks Corp signs-on to handle ad sales, marketing,
affiliate sales and distribution of the popular show that features digitally-restored episodes of classic old-time radio. They
had previously been handled in-house by producer Radio Spirits. “This is a fun, family-friendly show that has proven itself
with over 18 years of enduring popularity in syndication,” says SNC chief Chris Witting. Radio historian Greg Bell hosts
“When Radio Was” which airs on about 200 affiliates.
Inside Radio’s Deal Digest —
Oregon — Richard Frasch’s Wallowa Valley Radio buys Enterprise-licensed country KWVR-FM (92.1) and talk KWVR-AM
(1340) from Lee Perkins for $650,000. KWVR AM & FM are Frasch’s first stations.
People Moves, News & Notes —
Tribune Broadcasting president Ed Wilson doubles up by adding chief revenue officer duties for the Tribune Company…
Westwood One’s Metro Networks appoints Kim Bryant regional VP-Western Region Ad Sales. Bryant previously was
Clear Channel’s RVP for San Francisco, San Jose and Monterey…CBS Radio makes a number of personnel cuts: KNX,
Los Angeles morning newscaster Dave Williams. In Dallas, AC KVIL middayer Terry King; classic hits KLUV’s Debi
Diaz; KRLD morning anchor Carla Marion; and rhythmic Hot AC KMVK APD Scooter, night talent Kaden and midday
personality Kendall Taylor all depart. Meanwhile in Phoenix, Country KMLE afternoon driver Stu Evans exits and, in the
same daypart, Camelback Jack departs oldies KOOL…Former KDKA, Pittsburgh host Mike Pintek returns to the CBS
Radio talk station for evening duties...Former GLR West Coast NSM Livinio Stuyck joins Miami-based Fútbol de Primera
in a similar role...Lisa Allen is named PD of Monticello Media, Charlottesville, VA’s country WCYK…WJON, St. Cloud, MN
host Toby Horst is forced to retire after 29 years due to advanced stages of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). December 28th
will mark his last program. There are many more People Moves and the latest news headlines at www.InsideRadio.com.
www.InsideRadio.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fall Ph II ARBITRENDS/STOCKS Boston, MA (#10)
Clear Channel CHR “Kiss” (+0.9)
displaces AC “Magic” at #1 but sibling
rhythmic “Jamin’” is down a half-share.
Station A/S/O S/O/N Format
Owner/LMA
WXKS-F 5.8 6.7 CHR
Clear Channel
WBZ
5.9 6.2 news/talk
CBS Radio
WMJX
6.1 5.6 AC
Greater Media
WRKO
5.1 5.4 talk
Entercom
WJMN
5.6 5.1 rhy. CHR
Clear Channel
WODS
4.9 4.8 oldies
CBS Radio
WEEI
4.5 4.7 sports
Entercom
WKLB-F 4.3 4.1 country
Greater Media
WTKK
3.5 4.1 talk
Greater Media
WROR-F 3.4 3.1 classic hits
Greater Media
WZLX
3.1 2.9 classic rock CBS Radio
WCRB
2.7 2.7 classical
Nassau
WBMX
2.8 2.6 hot AC
CBS Radio
WAAF* 2.3 2.6 rock
Entercom
WBCN
2.4 2.3 talk/mod rock CBS Radio
WMKK
2.0 2.0 adult hits
Entercom
WBOS
1.6 1.7 modern rock Greater Media
WPLM-F 1.2 1.5 soft AC
Plymouth Rock
WJIB
1.2 1.2 standards
Bob Bittner
WXLO
1.0 1.1 hot AC
Citadel
WILD
0.8 1.0 talk
Radio One
WFNX
1.0 0.8 modern rock Phoenix
WXRV
0.9 0.8 adult altern. Northeast
WZID
0.7 0.8 AC
Saga
WCTK
0.7 0.6 country
Hall
WNNW 0.6 0.6 tropical
Costa-Eagle
WGIR-F 0.6 0.6 rock
Clear Channel
WFNQ
0.5 0.6 classic hits
Nassau
WBOQ
0.4 0.6 oldies
Westport
WKOX* 0.5 0.5 tropical
Clear Channel
WUNR
0.4 0.5 Spanish/ethnicChampion
WEEI-F 0.6 0.4 sports
Entercom
WSRS
0.6 0.4 AC
Clear Channel
WAMG*
** 0.4 sports
J Sports Boston
*Simulcasts: WAAF/WKAF. WKOX/WXKS.
WAMG/WLLH.
12+ AQH Shares, Mon-Sun, 6 am to midnight.
May not be quoted or reproduced without prior
written permission from Arbitron. Copyright 2008.
Formats of stations listed reflect the analysis and
groupings of M Street Corp. and may differ from the
station’s opinions or interpretations.
Page 4 of 6
Bakersfield, CA (#77)
Monterey, CA (#81)
American General’s KEBT (+1.7) zooms
from seventh to third; similarly-formatted
KMQA gains eight-tenths.
Three regional Mexicans including KSOL
(-1.3 compared to Phase One) finish fifth
and sixth; KCDU is up eight-tenths.
Station A/S/O S
/O/N Format
Owner/LMA
KISV
7.0 7.4 rhy. CHR
Amer. General
KUZZ-F* 7.6 7.3 country
Owens Bcstg.
KEBT
4.0 5.7 reg’l Mex.
Amer. General
KBFP-F* 5.3 5.1 Span. adlt/hits Clear Channel
KIWI
4.8 5.1 reg’l Mex.
Lotus
KNZR
4.1 4.1 talk
Buckley
KBDS+ 4.0 4.0 rhy. CHR
Farmworker Ed.
KDFO
4.2 3.7 classic rock Clear Channel
KGFM
3.6 3.5 soft AC
Amer. General
KLLY
3.5 3.2 hot AC
Buckley
KVMX
3.1 3.2 classic hits
Lotus
KKBB
3.8 3.1 rhythmic old. Buckley
KMYX-F 3.2 3.1 reg’l Mex.
Farmworker Ed.
KPSL-F 2.8 2.8 Span. CHR Lotus
KRAB
3.0 2.7 rock
Clear Channel
KERN
2.3 2.6 talk
Amer. General
KKXX-F 3.1 2.2 adult hits
Amer. General
KCHJ
1.7 2.2 Span. old
Lotus
KMQA* 1.3 2.1 reg’l Mex.
Moon
KCWR
1.4 2.0 country
Owens Bcstg.
KCNQ
1.7 1.3 country
R&B Bohn
KBOS-F 1.0 1.1 rhy. CHR
Clear Channel
KSMJ
0.8 0.8 AC
Buckley
KFSO-F 0.6 0.7 Span. adlt/hits Clear Channel
KMJ
0.4 0.7 news/talk
Peak Bcstg.
KGEO
0.6 0.6 sports
Amer. General
KERI
0.5 0.6 religious
Amer. General
KVLI-F
0.6 0.5 oldies
R&B Bohn
KWAC
0.4 0.5 Span. sports Lotus
KFI
0.4 0.5 talk
Clear Channel
KRDA
0.4 0.4 Span. adlt/hits Univision/BMP
*Simulcasts: KUZZ-AM/FM. KBFP-AM/FM. KMQA/
KMEN.
+Recent changes from the M-Street database:
KBDS went silent in November.
Station A/S/O S/O/N Format
Owner/LMA
KDON-F 7.1 7.4 rhy. CHR
Clear Channel
KGO
5.2 5.6 news/talk
Citadel
KPRC-F 4.8 5.3 Span. adlt/hits Clear Channel
KWAV
4.5 4.4 AC
Buckley
KSOL*
4.8 3.5 reg’l Mex.
Univision/BMP
KRAY-F 3.1 3.4 reg’l Mex.
Wolfhouse
KLOK-F 3.1 3.4 reg’l Mex.
Entravision
KOCN
3.1 3.2 urban oldies Clear Channel
KPIG-F 3.5 3.0 americana
Mapleton
KBOQ
2.4 2.9 classical
Mapleton
KBRG
2.7 2.7 Span. adlt/hits Univision/BMP
KTOM-F 2.3 2.6 country
Clear Channel
KIDD
2.4 2.5 standards
Buckley
KHIP
3.1 2.3 classic rock Mapleton
KSCO
2.2 2.3 talk
Zwerling
KCDU
1.5 2.3 hot AC
Mapleton
KXSM* 2.2 2.2 reg’l Mex.
Lazer
KYZZ
2.2 2.1 urban
Buckley
KMJV
1.9 1.8 reg’l Mex.
Wolfhouse
KSEA
1.2 1.7 reg’l Mex.
Farmworker Ed.
KSES-F 1.9 1.6 Span. CHR Entravision
KCBS
1.4 1.3 news
CBS Radio
KNBR
1.2 1.0 sports
Cumulus
KION
0.9 1.0 news/talk
Clear Channel
KMBX
0.9 1.0 Span. adlt/hits Entravision
KEXA
1.3 0.8 rhy. AC
Wolfhouse
KUFX
0.9 0.8 classic rock Clear Channel
KKHK
0.8 0.8 country
Mapleton
KTGE
0.8 0.8 ranchera
Wolfhouse
KRXA
0.5 0.8 talk
KRXA, LLC
KSFO
0.9 0.5 talk
Citadel
KOIT-F 0.5 0.5 AC
Entercom
KEZR
0.5 0.5 hot AC
NextMedia
KMJ
0.4 0.5 news/talk
Peak Bcstg.
*Simulcasts: KSOL/KSQL. KXSM/KXZM.
INSIDE RADIO STOCKS
Dow close from Monday 12/15/08: 8564.53 down 65.15
Nasdaq 1508.34 down 32.38 S&P 500 868.57 down 11.16
Close
Arbitron
Beasley
CBS
Citadel Clear Channel
Corus
Cox Radio
Cumulus
10.13
1.65
7.66
0.16
1.80
8.86
5.66
1.15
Change down
up
down
down
down
down
down
down
0.89
0.10
0.54
0.01
0.70
0.36
0.61
0.05
Close
Disney
22.77
Emmis
0.41
Entercom
0.95 Entravision
0.62
Fisher
19.22
Global Traffic 5.78
Journal
1.89
Lincoln Fin. 15.59
Change
up 0.16
up
down
down
down
down
down
down
0.01
0.09
0.17
2.04
0.62
0.13
1.75
Close
Change
Radio One
0.50 down
Regent
0.10 unchgd
Rogers 26.15 down
Saga
1.90 down
Salem
0.82 down
SBS
0.10 down
Sirius
0.14 unchgd
Westwood One 0.06 unchgd
0.19
0.30
0.13
0.08
0.02
www.InsideRadio.com
MEDIABASE CHARTS
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Page 5 of 6
www.InsideRadio.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
EMPLOYMENT
Page 6 of 6
INTERACTIVE SALES MANAGER
SALES MANAGER
Vibrant medium market is looking for a cutting edge Interactive
Sales Manager. This person will oversee 5 station websites that
includes mobile marketing platforms with proprietary content.
Third Generation Family Owned
Radio Group looking for GSM.
The ideal candidate will take over a successful revenue base and
manage it to the next level of billing performance. Web design and
graphics skills are critical for this position.
This person will report to the Director of Sales and work as a team
player with dynamic sales organization. Send cover letter and resume
to: [email protected]. EOE
TOP 100 MARKET CLUSTER-MIDWEST MARKET MANAGER
We have a full complement of FM’s and AM’s, all with solidly rated
formats. Additionally we have an excellent sales staff and DOS. We
need a general manager with tremendous vision and oversight
abilities. Candidates should be both business and financial savvy and
possess a strong history of the dynamics of the sales process. Great
physical facilities in this extremely attractive four-seasons market.
We are a career oriented company without a history of churning
and burning our managers. The fundamentals of classic radio are
practiced here. We promise absolute confidentiality and ask only for
“an expression of interest” on your part if you wish to learn more.
Please contact me at: [email protected]. EOE
DIRECTOR OF SALES/MARKET MANAGER
Wilks Broadcasting currently operates in five markets: Kansas City
MO(32) , Columbus OH(37), Fresno CA(66), Reno NV(124) and
Lubbock TX(184). As we continue to grow we are looking for proven
sales leaders. No desk jockeys need apply. Our Market Managers
and Sales Managers become our partners so you must be a dynamic
leader, a consummate salesperson, have a strong work ethic, believe
in honesty at all times, can handle tough criticism, and above all
else love to make sales calls while building a strong team.
If this sounds like you, then please send your resume to:
[email protected] EOE
DIRECTOR OF SALES - SAN FRANCISCO
Clear Channel San Francisco is seeking a Director of Sales to
accelerate revenue growth at five FM and two AM stations. This high
performing cluster is looking for a strategic sales leader with vision,
courage and a bias for speed. The successful candidate will possess
abilities to build intelligent revenue budgets, identify and grow
talent, maximize inventory yield, develop online revenue streams,
and work well in a collaborative environment.
Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirement to:
[email protected]
Clear Channel Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer
INSIDE RADIO, Copyright 2008. On the web: www.InsideRadio.com. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced, refaxed, or retransmitted in any form. Address: P.O. Box 442, Littleton,
NH 03561. To advertise, call 800-640-8852. Subscribe to INSIDE RADIO for 12 months with online
access: $499; Online version: $399. Monthly subscription $39.95 billed to your credit card. Call (800)
248-4242 to subscribe. Editor Frank Saxe 800-290-6301. General Manager Gene McKay, 800-640-8852.
Please respond with resume to:
[email protected]
EOE