TV up, radio down for Fisher
Fisher Communications noted that its TV stations (in 3 locked-down blue states and 1 locked-down red state) got virtually no presidential campaign spending, but other political spending helped boost Q4 TV revenues by 12% – a gain of 3.8% on a same station basis
LIN in the black for 2008
“Television is still the dominant media and still growing stronger,” said LIN honcho Vincent Sandusky. He was able to paint a picture of his...
S&P yanks GE’s AAA rating
Most company CFOs salivate over the prospect of a AA+ credit rating, but it’s a big disappointment for General Electric as Standard & Poor’s...
On performance royalties
NAB, RIAA and others are appearing before the House Judiciary Committee to testify over performance royalties for broadcasters. I also see where Pamal Broadcasting...
Regent under Moody’s microscope
Regent Communications is the latest broadcaster to face a credit rating review by Moody’s Investors Service, with an eye toward a downgrade. “Regent performed...
A Rush to coverage
During the previous administration, the situation in the Mideast was the week-in, week-out attention hog as far as the journalistic media was concerned, except...
Nexstar bond swap oversubscribed
Nexstar reports that nearly $187 million of its $191.5 million outstanding of 7% senior subordinated notes due 2014 were tendered in an offer to...
Dollars flowing into NY-20
There’s nothing like a hot political race to inject some unexpected cash into the broadcast cash register – and it’s especially cool when your...
FTC takes on not-so-free credit reports
There’s nothing illegal about advertising a service that helps you monitor your credit rating, and charging for such services, but the FTC
Thumbs up for localism
I must be one of the few broadcasters who think a citizen's advisory board would be a good idea. It would do a lot of station owners good to see who actually lives in the communities
Analyst applauds Saga’s numbers
Revenues were in line with expectations for Q4, but Wachovia Capital Markets analyst Marci Ryvicker was impressed that expenses at Saga Communications came in...
Saga boosts free cash flow in down quarter
Q4 revenues decreased 7% to $35 million for Saga Communications, with TV up and radio down. Operating income declined 21.2% to $6 million. But...
Chubb expands media insurance offering
Most media organizations with a journalism wing no longer limit the distribution of their material to the original platform – and now an insurance...
News execs seek info on Saberi
American reporter Roxana Saberi is still being held in Iran, where officials have refused to disclose what charges have been made against her. Executives of several major US news organizations
Broadcasters need accountability from reps
When Interep collapsed earlier this year, Clear Channel's Katz gained a near-monopoly in the national radio rep business. With that position comes