the HOT List

With Cox Media Group's TV stations being shifted to a new entity with Apollo Group getting majority interest, is The E.W. Scripps Co. in a position to grow its stable of stations? That was a question addressed to Scripps' CEO during the company's Q4 2018 call, which also revealed the end of 'Pickler & Ben.'

Gray Television on Thursday unveiled its Q4 and full-year 2018 results, and there's many positives to report -- once one gets beyond a $134.43 million income tax benefit that make net income comparisons a tad difficult for financial novices. Meanwhile, a longtime FOX News and former CNN face is joining Gray.

Steady as she goes. Most local advertisers will maintain their total ad total spend and media allocations in 2019, with no fluctuations. But, there is one ad category that is projected to grow. It's not Automotive, which is not in the discussion ... and could put a damper on BIA Advisory Services' findings for media.

Sinclair Broadcast Group has put its failed controversial bid for Tribune, heading to Nexstar Media Group pending regulatory approval, well into its past. How so? It's present and future look bright, based on the company's positive Q4 and full-year 2018 report. Investors responded in a big way on Wednesday.

A series of damaging claims from a group of second-lien noteholders displeased at actions taken by LBI Media were filed in mid-January in the Delaware bankruptcy court overseeing LBI’s Chapter 11 restructuring plan. Now, these junior noteholders are being thwarted by LBI in pursuing an adversary complaint.

The House of Representatives on Monday, by voice vote, passed the "PIRATE Act." But, the House in the 115th Congress did the same. It's the U.S. Senate that must act. If and when it does will be much more meaningful than Monday's actions, as one brazen pirate remains on the air in South Florida.

Ten years ago, the then-owner of KRON-4 in San Francisco declared bankruptcy. Today, it in the midst of a ratings comeback, thanks to new initiatives fueled by its current owner, Nexstar Media Group. Now, this Nexstar station is launching "a revolutionary local news and streaming video subscription service."

Can the sale of Revolution 93-5 to a group of Italian citizens led by a longtime star at Mediaset's Radio 105 Network, who aired a show his U.S. company is named after, proceed? An answer has come from Albert Shuldiner, more than a year after the question was put up for public comment.

"Audio is hotter than it has been in decades," says David Field. Entercom's leader believes the company is "well positioned to participate in the growth of the audio sector." Yet, Entercom's top revenue markets once again aren't the nation's top 3-ranked markets. Is this an Entercom issue, or an industry problem?

Entercom head David Field loves his company's Q4 earnings results. Adjusted net income grew significantly. But, that's the result of an impairment loss. There's a good reason why this loss was taken, CFO Rich Schmaeling tells RBR+TVBR in an exclusive conversation that also touches on Entercom's debt.

In Massachusetts, Cumulus will be left with three FMs licensed to Worcester, some 50 miles to the west of Boston Common, once its station swap with Entercom concludes. One of these stations has a signal that has come just shy of reaching all of the market. Thanks to MaxxCasting, full-market coverage now exists.

Sorensen Media cut its teeth by offering technology that "enables the future of television for broadcasters, advertisers, TV manufacturers, and most importantly, the viewers." By the end of 2018, Sorensen was bankrupt, with a court-approved asset sale on the way. Guess who now owns Sorensen? The audience measurement giant that also has a new alliance with The NPD Group -- a major development for marketers and advertisers.

Broker Larry Patrick was asked to respond to an idea floated by one of Cumulus Media's equity holders: Paring most, but not all, of the top 15 markets was better than selling off the lower 25% of its markets. Is this plan in play? Some say yes, and they also believe Cox wants to spin radio clusters.

With a declaration that radio is not dying anytime soon but is "merely evolving," Seeking Alpha says a reconstituted, post-bankruptcy Cumulus is printing dollars. How so? Here's its explanation of why the No. 3 licensee of radio stations is on solid footing, even as it pares down assets.

Following a recent change of residence, our editor-in-chief invested in a $21 digital TV antenna and hooked it up to a television set in his home office. What was the result? He says it's best to perhaps stick with a MVPD if you truly want the TV service everyone deserves -- or, at least an vMVPD.