Legacy

One month ago, COVID-19 concerns were far from the Boston area. As such, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a brand-new $125 million media center for NBCUniversal attracted state, city and local officials. The new facilities include System T consoles, from Solid State Logic. The man in charge: Chris Wayland.

Marketing attribution software company LeadsRx, along with select partners, are offering a no-cost "Triage Assessment Program" designed to help businesses in a time of need as the nation faces the COVID-19 and economic crises.

Until recently, the mission of a 5kw facility serving the northern and western portions of the island of Hawai'i and the sparsely populated south-slope communities of Maui had been to "Keep Christ in Focus." The FM has been silent in recent weeks, and is now heading to a new owner. The forthcoming licensee will bring religious programming back to the station.

New York City has emerged as a global epicenter for the continued spread of the novel coronavirus. As such, life as normal has largely grounded to a halt. Now, iHeartRadio is literally beaming a ray of light to the Big Apple in a partnership with the Empire State Building. It involves a live light show, and Facebook Live streaming for those practicing social distancing.

U.S. financial markets rallied from early dips on word that a big federal stimulus package was finally moving forward on Capitol Hill. The Dow Industrials average climbed 2,112.98 points -- an 11.4% gain -- to 20,704.91. Nasdaq rose 8.1%, to 7,417.86. How did media stocks fare on Tuesday?

With talk of bids from Apollo Global Management, Byron Allen's group and even Trinity Broadcasting Network making headlines of late and Soohyung Kim's Standard General putting pressure on TEGNA for representation on its Board of Directors, John Janedis is exiting the company formerly known as Gannett. Janedis is returning to Wall Street to take a seat Marci Ryvicker once held.

In July 2017, a Chicago-based entity led by Richard Bonick quietly acquired a FM translator licensed to Mt. Holly, N.J., from Rowan College at Burlington County for $125,000. Now, Bonick's Spectrum Development Group is cashing out in a big way with the sale of the facility.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NBCUniversal's Telemundo network is presenting a first-of-its-kind all virtual music special scheduled to air Saturday at 7pm on both the network and on the Universo pay-TV network.

The author of the book "Leadership Endurance" is hosting a free video conference on Wednesday to help radio and other leaders cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, the Managing Partner of InTown Media is asking a select group of broadcasters to join him in a short beta of a new weekly online video meeting for broadcasters who are isolated and working from home.

Fox Corporation is offering unlimited access to FOX News Channel and FOX Television Stations "to ensure that every person in America can access the latest national and local news regarding Coronavirus."

The Commission on Wednesday (3/18) adopted an Order making revisions to parts 73 and 76 of the Commission's rules. This eliminates what the FCC has considered to be obsolete transitional public file requirement language in its regulations.

BIA Advisory Services has updated its estimates for the local advertising forecast in the U.S. and by market for 2020 and beyond, and in doing so has made "significant revisions" to its prior forecast. To little surprise, it has been done to incorporate considerations related to expanded political advertising, the impact of the COVID-19 virus, and, to a lesser extent, a drop in oil prices.

All Crown products sold between January 1 and December 31, 2020 will automatically receive an extended six-year warranty. This warranty extension applies to all markets globally, excluding Brazil, India, Russia and China.

The sell-off of stations licensed to High Plains Radio Network continues. This time, it involves three FMs acquired by the Monte Spearman-led broadcasting company in April 2016. Who is the buyer, and is he making a profit some four years later?

Set your alarm clock and a backup on your smartphone, and be sure to brew a strong cup of coffee. Early risers Bill Wilson and Claire Yenicay will once again host a rise-and-shine pre-market quarterly earnings call to discuss the performance of Townsquare Media.