the HOT List

Broadcasters participating in the Phoenix Model Market launch of next-generation TV service have added the much-heralded Single Frequency Network to the DMA — a move that ATSC 3.0-backer Pearl TV says will give improved reception for viewers while broadening the reach of broadcasters transmitting to NEXTGEN TV sets.

Increased unlicensed wireless operations in so-called television "white spaces" has been given the green light by the FCC. The vote was applauded by the NAB, and received bipartisan support from the Commissioners.

It was a long October Open Meeting for the FCC, heavy on discussions tied to broadband internet and the use of TV white spaces to bring better, faster online connectivity to rural areas of the U.S. Yet, one of the most important advancements in the history of AM radio broadcasting took only minutes to get the Commission's approval.

Global digital ad tech platform LoopMe just surveyed nearly 2,400 Americans about what issues matter to them and their political advertising preferences. The results are particularly interesting for radio and TV station owners and managers, and its the main topic in this freshly produced RBR+TVBR InFOCUS Podcast, presented by Dot.FM. LISTEN HERE

The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, if approved, would establish rules requiring specific disclosure requirements for broadcast programming that is paid for, or provided by a foreign government or its representative. It comes following recent actions involving a Mandarin-language service targeting L.A., and Russia-sponsored Sputnik Radio.

Home & Auto insurance brands significantly decreased their TV spend in April and May of this year. Spending recovered by July. But, that's not enough to erase a year-over-year decline for Q2 and Q3 in these related ad categories, new findings from TV data and measurement company Alphonso show.

What is the right path to media ownership and sustainability for a female licensee, or one led by a person of color? That's a question that will be at the heart of an upcoming full-day symposium co-presented by the Access to Capital working group of the FCC's Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment and the Media Bureau. 

Do the sellers of a broadcast media property have an obligation to notify the FCC if they close a sale for a demonstrably lower, or different, price than what was listed in the original APA the FCC granted? It's a question presented to RBR+TVBR by a reader, and we shared it with several esteemed Washington, D.C. communications attorneys. Two responded.

In an internal consolidation move, Nexstar Media Group has confirmed that on November 1, it will combine its two primary operating subsidiaries, creating a new single operating subsidiary. This results in Nexstar Digital President's exit when his contract expires in March 2021.

What have the Chief Financial Officers at some of the nation's top owners of over-the-air stations been doing to help drive a ship that saw smooth sailing through early March and, since then, has been navigating the choppy waters of a COVID-19 pandemic? A NAB Show New York virtual roundtable session offered some insight.

Introducing a live 24/7 streaming network for gaming and entertainment, billed as the eSports community's answer to MTV. How successful could Venn possibly be? Just ask Perry Sook. Venn on Tuesday announced the close of a $26 million Series A financing, and the round was co-led by new investor Nexstar Media Group.

Arguably the best in-person affair for Chief Marketing Officers, brand stewards and media buying and planning leaders, the ANA's Masters of Marketing Conference -- like other major affairs across 2020 -- has shifted to three days of continuous virtual events. The affair kicked off Wednesday morning and included a notable presentation from GM's Global CMO.

In-depth and accurate farm news remains vitally important to a large segment of the nation. Why did Cherry Creek Radio embark on an effort to offer this programming to radio listeners, one that now involves sales representation by Gen Media Partners and J.L. Farmakis? The latest RBR+TVBR InFOCUS Podcast, presented by Dot.FM, has the answers. LISTEN HERE

A man considered by many to be “a pioneer broadcaster” died on February 11, 2018. Ray Moran, founder of Lubbock-based radio and TV station owner Ramar Communications, was 82.  Now, four Lubbock TV stations associated with Ramar have been sold -- and two are going to Gray Television in a transaction brokered by Kalil & Co.

In early July, The Wall Street Journal hinted that The E.W. Scripps Co. was nearing a deal to spin its Stitcher podcasting unit. On July 13, the rumors became reality, as Scripps entered into an agreement with SiriusXM to sell its podcast business for $325 million. On October 19, the multi-million deal was completed.