Radio News

In late January 2016, Hubbard Radio brought traditional Oldies tunes back to the FM dial in Phoenix by bringing some FM revitalization to Class D KAZG-AM 1440 in Scottsdale. This came via an LMA arrangement with the owner of a 250-watt translator on the South Mountain antenna farm. Now, Hubbard is paying a near record-setting sum for a sub-top 10 DMA for this translator, ensuring that "Oldies 92.7" continues to reach nearly all of the Valley of the Sun.

There's a new "portafolio" for Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), and the company's Miami-market VP/Sales and GM is tacking on responsibilities to oversee what's being billed as a cross-platform content development division designed to create and expand brand strategies across all of the Hispanic-focused media operation's divisions.

In a move directly correlated to its tax-free, Reverse Morris Trust-fueled merger with CBS Radio, Entercom has hired the President/CEO of the San Diego Padres to serve as its brand-new President of what is to be called "Entercom Sports." Dee, who has been an executive with the Miami Dolphins and Boston Red Sox, is relocating to Philadelphia to take the job.

On June 13, Radio One will host its 2017 annual meeting of stockholders. No, it won't be at its glitzy new MGM National Harbor resort and casino. Rather, it will be at Radio One's Georgia Avenue headquarters, and the meeting is set to focus on board of director elections. What won't be voted on is the company's executive compensation, which we reviewed for you.

With two pieces of legislation circulating Capitol Hill that, if passed into law, would impose new royalty fees on AM and FM radio stations across the U.S., opposing legislation designed to prevent such a law continues to gain steam in both the House and Senate.

It's home remodeling and repair season, now that May has ushered in warmer weather for (most of) the U.S. The Home Depot and Lowe's are each using radio to help bring in consumers. At the same time, a mattress retailer is stepping up its use of AM and FM to introduce former Sleep Train patrons, following a merger with this category heavyweight. Get a look at the full Spot Ten right now!

Whatcha' doin' at the Courthouse? Protecting a trademark may be the answer, if mimicry and freely borrowing ideas from another radio station or a syndicated program is judged to have gone too far. What recourse does a radio station have if it feels a fun bit has been stolen by another party? It depends, says a Garvey Schubert Barer attorney who discussed a possible litigation situation in an exclusive interview with RBR+TVBR.

Entercom's Charlotte station group has selected the former GSM of Radio One's Atlanta cluster as its new Director of Sales.

Beasley Broadcast Group will report its 2017 first quarter financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, May 2. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 10am Eastern that morning to review the results.

In a blog post appearing at Medium and distributed by Pandora, the company's Music Insights and Analytics chief, Glenn Peoples, notes that with the streaming audio company's long-awaited rollout of its on-demand, subscription-based Pandora Premium, there are three tiers and, thus, three ways for artists and labels to connect with listeners and earn royalties. There are also a few different ways royalties get to artists and labels, and Peoples explains just how Sirius XM and AM and FM radio differ from Pandora.

The company says in a pre-Opening Bell announcement that the exchange offers and consent solicitations set to expire tomorrow (4/28) at 5pm Eastern will now expire in mid-May.

With AM and FM radio under a perceived threat of losing their dominant visual placement in the next-gen in-vehicle digital dashboard, Sirius XM is doing its part to keep its in-car and in-truck and on-motorcycle listening growth. For an undisclosed price, the satellite radio operator is acquiring San Francisco-based Automatic Labs, a provider of connected vehicle services for consumers and enterprises.

On April 19, the operator of a trio of experimental AM booster stations used in a long-running "test" to fill in coverage gaps was served notice by the FCC: The three boosters' licenses are to be deleted. Nevertheless, this veteran broadcaster in "la isla del encanto" has continued what some may consider a quixotic push to get the Commission to change its mind.

Emmis Communications Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan is one of the radio industry's most beloved leaders. In recognition of his company's benevolent efforts, in association with the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Smulyan this morning was honored with the foundation's Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award. Mays himself presented Smulyan with the honor.

One of the most recognizable women in radio broadcasting has been inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. We're not sure of her last name, but that's irrelevant. That's because Premiere Networks-syndicated host Delilah has been recognized for her efforts. It marks the first time a woman has been chosen in the last 35 years.