Radio News

One of the most legendary African American figures in broadcasting history has been selected to receive the 2018 Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Cathy Hughes, the founder of what is now Urban One, will receive the award April 11 in Las Vegas.

George S. Flinn Jr. is widely known across the media broadcasting industry for his ownership of radio and TV stations in Mississippi, the Memphis market, and in Arkansas. But, he's also had a presence in the Silver State, where he owns an AM and an FM. The AM, which serves the "biggest little city in the world" and the state capital, is now being sold.

The Hispanic consumer has emerged in recent years as one of the most vitally important for brands and businesses. Media companies are no different. A successful approach to welcoming — and keeping — U.S. Latinos through audio entertainment that is relevant and of high appeal can reap huge dividends for radio broadcasting companies. To help AMs and FMs on their path to success, the Radio + Television Business Report and Radio INK are pleased to present the first in a series of short podcasts focused on Hispanic radio — and its power — in advance of the 2018 Hispanic Radio Conference, March 13-14 in Miami. 

It's 64 degrees and sunny in Gaithersburg, Md., and spring is getting ever closer. So, it seems like a good day to announce a window opening. Only, this one is for the filing of FM translator new station Construction Permit applications for some 165 "Tech Box" proposals.

In decades past, a trip to Broward County, Fla., in early March meant sun and fun, and live bands on the sand. For media executives in 2018, it's all business, as two Emmis Communications executives have been selected to lead a discussion of the top legal and workplace issues currently facing broadcast TV and radio companies. 

To the northeast of Fort Wayne, Ind., a subsidiary of Federated Media has been operating a Class A FM as the market's ESPN Radio affiliate. This relationship began in June 2012, when the FM entered into a simulcast with a Class B AM licensed to the Indiana city. That relationship looks poised to change, thanks to a transaction announced by Patrick Communications, the exclusive broker in the deal.

When leadership comes together at one time and on one stage, whether you are in Hispanic radio or compete with Hispanic radio in your market, you’ll want to be there to hear what they have to say and to ask your questions. This was the inspiration for the first Hispanic Radio Conference and the 2018 Hispanic Radio Executive Leadership Roundtable promises to be one of the most powerful presentations being prepared for attendees.

Seeking balance is critical in today’s hectic and chaotic life. Media Information Bureau contributor Kelly Orchard, M.A. LMFT spent years in a cycle of chaos of her own making ... until she was forced to stop due to a health crisis. This led Orchard to find a new purpose in teaching and guiding others to slow down and enjoy the journey. In her latest column, Orchard shares her thoughts about the power of radio, and how one song from Huey Lewis + The News triggered a flood of inspiration.

Nearly one month ago, Emmis Communications revealed that it is exiting one of its most profitable markets. On Thursday, RBR+TVBR independently confirmed that Becky Domyan will succeed John Sheehan at the helm of Entercom’s St. Louis stations. It is now known how much Emmis will be pocketing from its departure from the Gateway City.

From 1982 until his retirement in 1999, Roger D. "Don" LeBrecht served as Executive Director of the Broadcast Industry Council, working with the NAB on various projects to improve American productivity and literacy. LeBrecht passed away on Thursday in the Sarasota suburb of Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

The NAB has revealed no less than 50 finalists for the 31st annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. The honors recognize radio stations for their "outstanding year-round commitment to community service," and among the AMs and FMs singled out are a Top 40 station in South Florida, a heritage News/Talker in the Twin Cities, and an Urban One hip-hop leader in Big D.

Entercom Communications will release its Q4 2017 financial results before the market opens on March 8. Comps could be interesting, as Entercom completed its Reverse Morris Trust-fueled merger with CBS Radio during the quarter. Meanwhile, the industry is very curious as to what iHeart's Q4 plans are as bankruptcy talk increases.

“Digital audio is on the verge of massive growth," says Pandora Media CEO Roger Lynch. "Music consumption is increasing, podcasts are gaining popularity and voice-activated devices are quickly becoming mainstream." For Pandora, seeing the benefits of this increased consumption may come at a slower pace than its peers. The streaming audio pioneer's total revenue increased 7% in Q4. It also has a lower net loss. But, is that good enough for investors? Based on post-Closing Bell activity on Wall Street, the answer may be "yes."

A Report and Order that could make your lives easier will no longer be up for debate and discussion at Thursday's February Open Meeting of the FCC's Commissioners. That's because there is nothing left to debate — all five Commission leaders no longer believe it is necessary for broadcast TV and radio stations to maintain paper copies of FCC rules.

From baseball to football, and from basketball to motor sports, Hispanic consumers are "major league" fans. They represent a huge opportunity for sports teams, their merchandise, their venues — and their broadcast media sponsors. Still, many radio stations are unsure as to how to connect with, or fully tap into, the growing Hispanic sports market and its vast potential. A Hispanic Radio Conference session will go a long way toward providing big answers on "deportes" delivery.