Media Info Bureau

The following column, in the opinion of Radio+Television Business Report featured columnist Ken Benner, is "absolute must reading for every broadcast licensee from which you can learn all you don't want to know about in a 10-minute perusal." He adds that his "FCC FY 2018 Budget In Brief" report "clearly documents" what he's been ranting about over the past 10 years, much to the chagrin of his adversaries.

More than two decades ago, RBR+TVBR featured columnist Ken Benner was invited to the office of the president of a state broadcasters' association. He was told that a new means of compliance certification was being considered. It sounded like a good idea to Ken. Was it?

Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner is back with an essay that recalls his inspection of a tiny noncommercial radio station that aired a resounding rendition of The Star Spangled Banner every day at Noon. The reason why raised some questions regarding station funding, and thus the station's Public File. Here's the story, which might apply to your own station or one in your market.

Despite all of the political theater, a "brief recess due to security concerns" as Chairman Ajit Pai delivered his statement, and dramatic dissents from Democratic FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel, the Commission today in a 3-2 vote approved an Order that in the GOP majority's view "restores Internet Freedom" by removing Title II classification of broadband internet access service after two years. What's next, assuming there is no roadblock for the removal of Title II classification? Here's what Boston College Law School professor Daniel Lyons has to say on the subject.

In this Media Information Bureau column from expert sales coach Barrett Riddleberger, seven qualities he's experienced and observed of great sales coaches are outlined. "Coaching your reps is the primary function of your job," he implores. "It’s the best pathway to achieving the sales quota."

Nielsen on Monday released its April 2018 cable network Universe Estimates, and there's one thing in particular that sticks out for Pivotal Research Group Senior Research Analyst/Advertising Brian Wieser. The "bottom line" on the new UEs: there's an ongoing decline in traditional pay TV network penetration rates, led by lower traditional MVPD subscription levels.

Do you know your strengths? If so, are you confident in them? Do you utilize your strengths in your business and relationships? These are some of the questions Media Information Bureau columnist Kelly Orchard addresses in her latest exclusive-to-RBR+TVBR column.

The latest installment from featured Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner is all about the money. Specifically, Benner has combed through all of the Alternative FCC Compliance Certification Inspections he and his wife conducted over a 15-year period. The amount of dollars that broadcasters didn't have to pay to the Federal Communications Commission, as a result of a forfeiture, is staggering.

As the world digested the news of the death of the "Queen of Soul," RBR+TVBR opted to play the music of Aretha Franklin in tribute to her astounding contributions to music over six decades of recording industry prowess. It took an Urban One station based in Detroit and its iHeartRadio competitor to satisfy our needs.

The sales manager’s goal is to have 100% of their sales team consistently at or above quota. If there is a gap and one or more sales reps are not hitting their quota, then the source of the problem must be identified and fixed. Here are eight questions expert sales trainer Barrett Riddleberger offers to find out why your sales rep is not achieving their sales goal. 

Pass the turkey ... and the credit card. PwC’s 2018 Holiday Outlook suggests that a steady shift in attitudes about Thanksgiving Day shopping is underway: more than 70% of respondents saying they plan to shop on the actual holiday, rather than on Black Friday.

While there’s a limit to how many SVOD services users are ready to pay for, it is far from being reached. This is one key finding from Ooyala’s just-released State of the Broadcast Industry 2019 report, which maps out the challenges for content creators and distributors as they strive to maintain and grow audiences.

"Welcome to the world of trade-offs," writes James Pethokoukis. "Facebook is the imperfect creation of one group of imperfect humans used by other imperfect humans -- lots of them." But, the American Enterprise Institute columnist and policy analyst writes, that doesn’t have to be the end of story.

"There appears to be a 'false dichotomy' that online advertising growth will have to come at the expense of TV and other media channels," says financial analyst Michael Nathanson. Why? TV advertising grew in 2018, suggesting dollars are not being sucked away by digital.

Believe it or not, radio will soon be celebrating its Centennial. In November 1920, KDKA-AM became the first station in the U.S. to receive a broadcast license. Many remembrances will likely be seen over the next 12 months. Today, we turn to Clark Smidt, who waxes nostalgic.