Radio News

Here's something few thought they'd see to start the first full trading week of 2019: Townsquare Media's shares are on a clear rebound, thanks to a big change in its executive ranks. In fact, TSQ has a much higher price at the moment than Beasley Media Group, a company in some of the nation's biggest markets that's mired in a big stock slump.

Has SiriusXM Satellite Radio stolen a great opportunity for digitally savvy radio companies to make a bit more money? Visa and subisidiary SiriusXM Connected Vehicles Services Inc., announced today onstage at the Consumer Telematics Show their plan to revolutionize the driving experience with a new in-vehicle payment solution.

Entravision Communications has abandoned its nationally distributed classic regional Mexican "Suavecita" brand in Southern California. Instead, it has opted to simulcast its programming found on an Inland Empire signal across a trimulcast with coverage from Santa Barbara to San Diego County.

In February 2016, Entercom hired a marketing head with a lengthy career in Hispanic media to direct all of the radio broadcasting company's strategic marketing and communications functions. With this individual's three-year anniversary approaching, the company led by David Field has made a change. 

As of today, Lori Burgess is now Chief Digital Content Officer at Beasley, a role that sees her take responsibility for designing and overseeing the digital content strategy for the company.

This is a tale of two South Dakota-based broadcasters. One has recently been in the news for its desire to refocus its efforts on markets closer to home. The other is now making headlines for opting to exit radio ownership by parting ways with all of its Rapid City-based properties in a deal brokered by Jason James and Susan Patrick at Patrick Communications.

Established in 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards bring national recognition to radio stations for their year-round commitment to serving communities. A panel of judges with backgrounds in broadcasting and community service select 50 finalists and 10 winners.

Ahead of a unpaid, unwelcome vacation for most staff, the FCC on Thursday released the tentative agenda for its January 2019 Open Meeting. On the docket is the consideration of a NPRM that provides revisions to the FCC's noncommercial FM and low-power FM comparative processing and license rules.

The FCC on Thursday released its Broadcast Station Totals for the fourth quarter of 2018. The biggest headline from the new totals: MHz matters. Commercially licensed FM radio stations rose in number, as did translators and boosters. UHF stations climbed in number thanks, in part, to the post-spectrum auction repack process.

With Townsquare Media preparing to make Bill Wilson is sole CEO, investors reacted positively to the surprising announcement made prior to Wednesday's opening bell on NYSE. TSQ shares surged across the trading day, ending up 23.3% to move past the $5 mark.

To say the last 15 months have been "transformational" for Townsquare Media is likely an understatement. Now, one of those co-CEOs is set to exit. Why now? Is one Lew Dickey Jr. perhaps in the mix? A source close to the matter is talking.

If you didn't think a May 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allows states to decide if sports gaming is legal or prohibited would be highly impactful for radio stations, think again. NBC Sports Radio, in conjunction with Westwood One, just launched a weekday afternoon drive show devoted to sports betting.

Seven years ago radio industry veteran Lee Abrams, co-founder and CEO of V-Satcast (described as “a hybrid broadcast/broadband OTT multicast streaming platform with original highly differentiated branded programming channel”) penned a highly received RBR + TVBR Intelligence Brief. In this Classic installment, Abrams discusses how “traditional” media companies may wish to better attract talent.

On November 14, media broker Michael J. Bergner of Bergner & Co., shared details of a plan for his client, Steel City Media, to emerge from debtor-in-possession status. A restructuring plan has just been filed with the FCC. Who's gaining minority control, and obtaining the debt?

Carolyn Becker's Riverfront Broadcasting is the majority owner of two AMs, an FM and an FM translator in Iowa. These facilities are run under "Riverfront Broadcasting of Iowa," a 60/40 partnership. The Iowa partner is sailing off with these signals, with Becker waving goodbye to debt.