the HOT List

Sheltering at home led many radio consumers to use their smart speaker, or phone, to tune in to a radio station they'd normally listen to while in the car. As the nation begins its "reopening," Entercom Chief Digital Officer JD Crowley finds that as listening on an actual radio returns, streaming levels are staying put. Learn more in this RBR+TVBR podcast! LISTEN HERE

The GCI arm known as Denali Media Holdings is selling its low-power NBC affiliates serving the Alaskan cities of Sitka and Juneau, the state capital. The buyer? The owner of NBC-affiliated KTUU-2 in Anchorage and NBC-affiliated KTVF-11 in Fairbanks.

While the novel coronavirus slammed the company's radio properties, Urban One's digital segment and its TV One MVPD-distributed cable channel "are not as impacted to the same extent as radio." Nevertheless, the carnage of COVID-19 on Urban One's quarterly financial statement is as plain as day.

On April 13, RBR+TVBR was first to report the intended license transfer of a Class D AM with an FM translator serving a small Ohio town known for its two universities, a glass museum paying homage to the town's history, and the historic Ritz Theater. It seems there was a bit more to the story than a simple transaction: An authorized assignment of the facilities had taken place.

In February 2018, Gray Television submitted a Form 314 application to the FCC signaling its intention to purchase a television station within the Fargo, N.D., DMA. On Friday, Media Bureau Chief Michelle Carey formally put an end to the proposed deal. NOTE: This story has been updated with corrected information regarding the party that attempted to sell this station.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a truly unprecedented situation for broadcast media. Impairment charges are being seen for some publicly traded companies. For mom and pop broadcasters, keeping the station on the air could be a day-to-day struggle. In this podcast, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith shares what's happening in Washington to help local media. LISTEN HERE

Paul Rotella, as always, is actively working hard to bring New Jersey's broadcasters an arsenal of support from Washington. He's got his ear on Capitol Hill and actively engages with the FCC on key issues seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, and others that are bigger than ever due to the crisis. Get the scoop from Rotella in this latest Coronavirus INFOCUS podcast. LISTEN HERE

Marci Daniels literally just departed Nexstar Media Group’s WETM-18 in Corning and Elmira, N.Y. after three years. She's now leading Nexstar's WLNS-6 in Lansing, Mich., while overseeing its JOA for WLAJ-53 and The CW Network affiliate here. Learn more about her transition, and what she experienced in New York in this fresh podcast. LISTEN HERE

An Amicus Brief has been filed with the Supreme Court that sees the broadcast TV company that merged with Raycom Media urging the justices to accept the petitions for writs of ceritiori — and to reverse the Third Circuit Decision that nixed the Commission's "modest" 2017 relaxation of local broadcast ownership rules.

Michael Carr has seen a lot during his time at KFSN-30 in Fresno. He began as an intern and this week was appointed President/GM of the station. What insights can he share about the evolution of TV news during his tenure at the ABC-owned station, in particular in the last eight weeks? This former Fresno State Bulldog tells all in the latest podcast. LISTEN HERE

On April 10, it became known that Beasley Media Group VP/Corporate Sales Bob McCurdy was departing the company. Officially, he announced his retirement. What wasn't publicly known was that McCurdy was battling cancer. Now, McCurdy and his wife have filed a lawsuit alleging the radio industry veteran failed to receive his full dosage of anti-cancer drugs.

The company, which is formally known as Beasley Broadcast Group, notified the SEC last week that it intends to file its 10-Q quarterly report no later than June 29 — precisely 45 days after the original due date, and the latest possible day Beasley may do so without running afoul of SEC regulations.

The FCC's Media Bureau has denied a petition from a Southwestern Colorado county board to bring TEGNA's NBC affiliate in Denver to local Dish customers. Is it a victory for Hubbard Broadcasting? Perhaps, as they filed a Limited Opposition to the petition. Why? The county is officially within the Albuquerque DMA, where Hubbard owns the NBC affiliate.

A ripple effect was seen with respect to year-over-year spending trends, and impressions, for restaurant advertisers. But, some interesting insights can be seen with respect to ad impressions. The SVP of Media Partnerships at iSpot.tv shares his company's latest research in this RBR+TVBR Coronavirus INFOCUS podcast hosted by Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson. LISTEN HERE

The House, fueled by Democratic votes, late Friday approved $3 trillion legislation that includes provisions to expand eligibility for U.S. Small Business Administration loan access to local newspapers and radio and television stations economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It's not predicted to win Senate approval, however, and Greg Walden panned it.