Radio News

A group of radio stations serving Boise, Idaho, announced a new initiative designed to help local businesses get the word out that they are open. Ten hours later, the stations closed the program: All of the spots made available were claimed.

Due to its operations being impacted by COVID-19, Urban One is unable to finalize and file its annual report on Form 10-K on a timely basis to meet its annual report filing deadline. That was Monday (3/30). A SEC order made March 25 allows a 45-day extension, and Urban One is taking it. When will the company likely file the annual report?

With furloughs and layoffs clouding the efforts of media companies who continue to excel during one of the most difficult eras for the U.S. since World War II, thanks to the novel coronavirus pandemic, some good financial news is most certainly welcomed. Look no further than the Q4 and full-year 2019 results released late Tuesday by Spanish Broadcasting System.

With physical distancing the "new normal," it was only a matter of time before an annual shareholders' meeting for a broadcast media company took a virtual turn. The first company to publicly make the move: the Camarillo, Calif.-based entity known for Christian-themed and conservative talk audio programming.

On Thursday, iHeartMedia disclosed that it was taking a big chunk of money out of a credit line established with its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while withdrawing its full-year 2020 guidance. The reason is directly tied to the extreme impact to media of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours later, Salem Media Group moved forward with a coronavirus-fueled move of its own.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has received "a flurry of requests' for assistance from broadcasters who find themselves in need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The non-profit organization is "currently looking into the best way" it can provide assistance to these broadcasters.

Every solid marketing campaign targets specifics that define prospects and probabilities. That includes time and circumstance. Staying in front of customers doesn’t always mean pitching a product or service. Letting them know you share their situation and will be there when they need you – that’s relatable marketing. And it resonates and will be remembered when things get back to normal.

What would your group of radio stations do if necessary news and information regarding the coronavirus pandemic was absolutely necessary for your listeners, but your resources were highly limited? In Seattle, stations known for entertainment programming and music linked up with another broadcasting company's News/Talker.

In February 2019, Dick Gleason was remembered for his five decades as an owner of radio stations in Maine, following his death from ALS at the age of 71. Now, the radio stations licensed to Gleason Media Services are saying goodbye -- and the coronavirus pandemic is one of the reasons why they are shutting down on March 29.

If one were to look at Entercom shares right now, they may express extreme concern. What's the outlook for ETM? Look no further than Kippington Capital Management, an investment adviser whose objective is the most effective compounding of client capital over multi-year timeframes. They've analyzed Entercom, and here's what they have to say.

"Something is in the works ... seriously ... it is ... so stay tuned ... we're not dead yet," the proprietors of "The Talk of Atlanta" promise on their website. However, one in-the-know local media observer reports the station has suffered from investors who have pulled out their dollars due to COVID-19 pandemic worries, in addition to a lack of any new ad dollars.

On March 17, venerable Talker KFMB-AM in San Diego effectively became an iHeartMedia station thanks to an LMA with the company that had literally just obtained it from TEGNA. It is now confirmed that iHeart is purchasing the station. Kalil & Co. represented the seller. How much is it paying for the property?

In this RBR+TVBR Observation, our Editor-in-Chief hails a show of unity among radio stations in Europe and Great Britain seen Friday morning — a move designed to lift listener morale as millions of radio consumers have shifted their usual routines, and social lives -- to help combat the further spread of the coronavirus. He also asks why U.S. radio broadcasters haven't done the same.

As part of Beasley Media Group’s ongoing We Are All in This Together "Community of Caring" initiative, the radio station owner, eSports franchisee and podcast producer is teaming up with Borrell Associates to present five complimentary 30-minute webinars on Tuesday and Wednesday focused on crisis marketing for local businesses impacted by the current coronavirus situation. 

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.