On Arbitron…
Arbitron is forcing PPM down the throats of hundreds of broadcasters, jacking up rates 60% during a recession, and apparently that's ok as long as the government stays out of the matter
Morris selling some Arbitron stock
Now that’s he’s left the board of Arbitron, former CEO Steve Morris is also selling some of his stock. He’s established a stock selling plan under SEC Rule 10b5-1. “Morris established this plan in order to
Moody’s sees newspaper biz as out of whack
The ratings agency sees more shutdowns or recapitalizations if newspapers can’t cut overhead and monetize digital outlets. However, Moody’s doesn’t think very many newspapers
Sotomayor reigns Supreme
The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, who if confirmed would be the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court, managed to oust the economic crisis...
FCC Diversity Advisory Committee
The FCC Diversity Advisory Committee should begin its work by first determining how many radio station licenses have been issued to women and minorities and what happened to those stations
Citadel hires Lazard for clean-up duty
Having already said it faces a financial restructuring which may wipe-out current stockholders, Citadel Broadcasting has now hired Lazard Freres & Co. LLC as...
Hearst Corp. completes tender for Hearst-Argyle
All but about 4% of the shares of Hearst-Argyle Television are now owned by Hearst Corporation, which will shortly take it private. The offer...
To find Answers, the FCC should rethink the Question
The recently initiated FCC Diversity Advisory Committee is charged with finding solutions to the perceived lack of women and minorities in broadcast ownership. I believe...
Worst quarter ever for newspapers
Figures posted quietly by the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) show that print and online revenues combined fell 28.3% in Q1 for US newspapers....
Clear Channel Outdoor looking to refi
Not that there are any difficulties in relations with its current lender, Clear Channel Communications. However, Clear Channel Outdoor says it is looking at alternatives as the due date for its $2.5B
Radio and TV rights blocking Cubs closing
The Chicago Tribune reports details on why its parent company, Tribune Company, is having difficulties getting to the closing table on selling the Chicago...
Poll finds lack of support for minority broadcast bailout
A study from Zogby/O’Leary Report suggests that even supporters of President Barack Obama do not support a government bailout of minority broadcasters
Dealers get a day on the Hill
In some cases, car dealerships that have been in the family for generations are threatened with extinction as the trouble automaker works its way...
Cashing out at Cox Radio
Lawsuits are pending from disgruntled former shareholders who think $4.80 per share was not enough for Cox Enterprises to take Cox Radio private. Of course, Cox Radio employees were also cashed out
Analyst: Business is “stagnant”
Wachovia Capital Markets analyst Marci Ryvicker doesn’t see much impact on broadcast and outdoor revenues from the Chrysler and GM dealer closing, since most weren’t doing much advertising anyway