Broadcast Groups To FCC: EEO Paperwork Needs ‘Reallotment’
One month ago, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how the Commission can make improvements to equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance and enforcement. Late Thursday, no less than 82 broadcast groups submitted joint comments in response.
In Maps We Trust: City Change Allows iHeart To Reclaim An FM
To get FCC approval of its plan to emerge from Chapter 11, iHeartMedia agreed to divest two stations -- including one in Brunswick, Ga. A loss of its grandfathered status was to blame. Now, that Georgia FM is returning to iHeart. Here's how a clever move allows it.
A Last-Gasp Attempt To Thwart LRFA?
The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) continues to gain support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As such, performance rights group musicFIRST is pleading its supporters to write to their Member of Congress "and keep their name off of LRFA." Why? Support is strong for the Act.
Netflix: Subscriber Growth Slowdown Slams Shares
Regardless of whether or not you run radio or television stations, the juggernaut that is Netflix is worthy of your attention. That's because your audience's attention has been directed more and more toward the home of such exclusive hits as "Stranger Things." How was its Q2? Not great.
DISH, Meredith Can’t Agree On New Retrans Deal
An additional 24 hours of negotiations couldn't prevent what DISH Network was forced to do, by law, at 7pm Eastern on Tuesday. With the flick of a switch, local TV stations owned by Meredith Corp. in 12 DMAs including Phoenix, Nashville and Atlanta were blocked by DISH.
Bi-Partisan House Members Seek End To Nexstar-AT&T Stalemate
The Republican party's "enforcer" in the House of Representatives and a California Democrat have come together to jump into the fracas between AT&T-owned DirecTV and U-Verse and the broadcast TV company that hopes to soon complete its merger with Tribune Media — Nexstar.
Update: LPFM Coalition Slams FCC For FM Static Complaint Squelch
The LPFM Coalition is lashing out at the FCC for threatening to remove the individual right to complain about interference on the FM band. It's in response to MB Docket No. 18-119 — a 15-month-old docket pertaining to FM translator interference. Here's our updated report.
Another Distressing Wall Street Slide For Comscore
The losses on Nasdaq just can't stop for audience measurement company Comscore. On July 1, SCOR had fallen to $5.38. With Tuesday's close, Comscore stock is now $4.30 -- even as a broadcast TV company inks an exclusive ratings agreement in the three DMAs it operates in.
NASDAQ Debut Date Set For iHeart
In an SEC filing made late Monday, iHeartMedia revealed just when it will cease trading on the OTC as "IHTM" and shift to Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "IHRT." The news came as iHeart shared its Q2 2019 financial results, which were largely positive.
Who Are America’s Top Brokers and Attorneys?
RBR+TVBR, the publication dedicated to the business of broadcast media, is pleased to introduce our inaugural look at America's Top Brokers and Attorneys — a reader-generated honor roll saluting the individuals shaping the future of broadcast media. To make your nomination, click here.
Spotify: Streaming Royalty, Or Strained By Royalties?
In two weeks, Spotify will release its Q2 2019 results. Strong revenue growth is expected. There's just one problem: a hefty operating loss is expected, and the size of this loss could greatly vary. Could the music industry's royalty-hungry associations be its biggest problem? Or, is it pricey subscriptions?
FCC Media Bureau Wants Public Say On Cox/Apollo Deals
The FCC has established a pleading cycle for the transfer of control of Cox Media Group's radio stations, which has already been done for Cox's TV stations and Dayton holdings. Interestingly, it has also opened up a comment period on a petition seeking increased foreign ownership in the "new" Cox Media Group.
Bringing Sound, And Metrics, To Muted TVs
A New York-based company has developed a smartphone App that allows the user to get the audio tied to what's being seen on a muted TV screen within their immediate proximity. The big win for broadcast TV? User metrics, which could be a boon for AEs and the sales team.
FCC Moves Forward With ‘KidVid’ Rule Rewrite
Whatever your view, the nation's children's television programming rules have just been changed, a move set to bring more ad time -- and revenue -- to broadcast television in an era when public television, cable TV and, more importantly, digital video platforms are more apt in delivering this kid-friendly product to American audiences.
KidVid Rule ‘Modernization’: What Happens Now
With the approval of the Report and Order, several changes to the nation's "KidVid" rules are set to take place. RBR+TVBR has broken them down for you, along with providing details on a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.