the HOT List

A rather unusual noncommercial Oldies station on the AM dial in Grand Rapids will be ceasing its operations on Jan. 7, 2022, as will its Muskegon-based simulcast partner. It's the latest in a flurry of radio stations on the kHz band calling it quits.

Add a Class B 1kw AM facility at 1600 on the dial, serving the Beaumont-Port Arthur, Tex., since 1948, to the list of senior-band radio stations that will be calling it quits instead of carrying on into 2022 and beyond.

On December 23, Nielsen said it would move forward in January with its introduction of Broadband-Only (BBO) Homes in its local television market measurements. The Media Rating Council (MRC), which recently completed an audit of the BBO Homes, chimed in with several "perspectives" on the matter. Now, Nielsen has something to say about that.

On December 21, RBR+TVBR was first to share the news that Gray Television had agreed to purchase a low-power TV construction permit and five fully built LPTVs from the licensee led by Jeff Winemiller. Now, Gray has struck again — this time grabbing a half-dozen LPTV CPs across the South.

Come Monday, December 27, all employees and contractors working in the New York City offices of the nation's No. 1 audio content creation and distribution company will need to comply with mandates put in place on the local, state and federal level regarding COVID-19 workplace protection plans.

Martha Quinn first entertained a generation of cable TV viewers as one of the original MTV VJs. Chances are she won't be joining her former MTV colleagues at SiriusXM anytime soon. That's because she's just inked a major deal with iHeartMedia that puts her in middays across more than 35 markets where it owns radio stations. 

An effort by iHeartMedia to cap the FCC's advance approval of any investment in the audio content and distribution giant by Michael Tabor-controlled Global Media & Entertainment at just under 15% has proven successful.

Nearly two years later, COVID-19 is still a global threat, thanks largely to the Omicron variant. And, with days until CES 2022 commences in Las Vegas, COVID-19 is now placing that mega-conference's attendees on high alert — especially now that several high-profile companies have withdrawn. For iHeartMedia, a performance from a big Top 40 act has been scrubbed.

The Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) and the FCC's Media Bureau have confirmed the cancellation of bidding in "Auction 111," a closed auction of mutually exclusive applications for low power television and TV translator station construction permits. Why? It's quite simple.

Gray Television is closing out 2021 with another deal. While it is hardly the size of its Quincy Media, Inc., or Meredith Local Media transactions, it is certainly worth noting. The company co-led by Pat LaPlatney and Hilton Howell Jr. is scooping up five low-power TV stations and a single Construction Permit, in Maine. The seller: Jeff Winemiller.

How big could political advertising be for local advertising in 2022? It could very well make next year a banner one for linear and digital media focused on local consumers, newly revised data from BIA Advisory Services show. In fact, BIA believes its total estimate for 2022 will be $11.8 billion than its previous forecast.

The current CEO of Salem Media Group is stepping aside and will transition to the newly created role of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Who will succeed Ed Atsinger III as Salem’s Chief Executive Officer? Look no further than its President of Broadcast Media. There's also a new COO on the horizon at Salem.

If passed, which may not transpire given the days left in the current Congressional session, the "Low Power Protection Act" would open up a filing window qualifying LPTV stations to apply for and receive Class A status. The NAB is supportive of this bill.

Should a low-power TV station CP be able to relocate without any restrictions, making them as lucrative as ever to potential buyers? One licensee says yes, and has filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the Commission with the intent of undoing a special condition given to his LPTV's CP that must keep it in place for at least one year before any possible move can be made.

The Walt Disney Company had decided to spin three top-market AM radio stations that have served as the longtime homes of ESPN Radio. As part of the deal, the buyer would assume the long-term Local Marketing Agreement Disney has with Emmis Broadcasting for the operation of WEPN-FM in New York. Now, financial details regarding the transaction are known.