CCM+E sitting on monetary fault line
The acquisition of Clear Channel by Bain Capital Partners and Thomas H. Lee Partners took place on the wrong side of the financial crisis, turning the management of the balance sheet into a juggling act. The company is paying now to move some big obligations further into the future.
Huckabee to turn off his mic
His long-form mic, anyway. 200 radio stations are going to have three hours to fill in their schedule as former governor and presidential candidate and current Cumulus Talker Mike Huckabee focuses on alternate opportunities.
Prometheus looks at the next steps for LPFM
Activist public interest organization Prometheus Radio Project has been the driving force behind the expansion of the LPFM service in the US, and now that the filing window for new applicants is closed, it is looking at what comes next.
Pandora backs down from royalty equalizing bill
The Internet Radio Fairness Act was seen by Pandora as a bill that would put internet royalty rates on par with those paid by satellite and cable audio platforms, but it was seen by musicians as a massive pay cut. According to reports, Pandora has thrown in the towel.
NextRadio continues robust growth pattern
The numbers continue to grow for FM of cell – in two weeks, the service has attracted thousands of new downloads and listening hours while roping in hundreds of new accessed radio stations. And the service is also bringing home a good consumer report card.
One Direction partners with CCME for album launch
Demonstrating once again the power of cooperation between the radio and recording industries, contemporary act One Direction is making use of Clear Channel’s network of radio stations and its iHeart internet presence to kick off its latest release.
Rivera radio show reined in
The nation at large will cease to have access to Cumulus Media Networks program “Geraldo” at the beginning of 2014, but the nation’s loss with be New York’s gain, as Rivera uses 77 WABC to broadcast specifically to the Big Apple.
WASH-FM format takes a holiday
It’ll be all holiday music, all the time at Washington DC Clear Channel AC outlet WASH-FM. Crooner Andy Williams and his “It’s the Most...
Four more co-sponsors for LRFA
The Local Radio Freedom Act purports to head off any attempt to impose any kind of royalty for over-air performance of songs on AM and FM radio, and a quartet of Representatives have added their name to the bill.
Radio grows slightly in Q3
When it comes to adding revenues, up is better than down, and for radio Q3 2013 was an up quarter – even if it was only a 1% gain. The fly in the ointment was national, which dropped while digital was soaring.
Ron Ruth Memorial Fund established
Radio Advertising Bureau and the Broadcasters Foundation are celebrating the life of radio veteran Ron Ruth by setting up a fund with the latter organization to benefit broadcasters in need.
Eastlan using the web to boost young demo response
Radio ratings firm Eastman uses the telephone as its primary research tool. But now, after six months of testing, it is going to weave the internet into the methodology, primarily to get greater participation from young radio listeners.
Saga: Divide and prosper
As it did last year, Saga Communications is offering a special cash dividend to its shareholders as 2013 winds down. But this time the face value amount is higher, and if you take an earlier share manipulation into account, it’s significantly higher.
Rdio reduces staffing
Facing stiff competition with more on the way, audio streaming service and Cumulus partner Rdio is undergoing a reduction in force designed to better position itself for the long term.
AM revitalization docket open for comment
The FCC is looking for ways to improve the health of the AM broadcast fleet, and now is your chance to weigh in on the topic.
One of the last acts as the head of the FCC from former Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn was to open a proceeding looking at ways to infect new life into broadcast’s oldest platform