Radio+Television Business Report

The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has presented the Mark Richer Industry Leadership Medal to the former Oregon Senator who will be retiring as President/CEO of the NAB at the end of 2021.

Sen. Gordon Smith earned the honor for his “outstanding leadership” of the National Association of Broadcasters, where he has served as a “steady advocate for the broadcasting industry who has taken every available opportunity to promote ATSC 3.0 since we first started this important work on next-generation broadcast standards,” ATSC President Madeleine Noland said.

Named for the former ATSC president who led the organization for two decades spanning both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0, the Mark Richer Industry Leadership Medal recognizes an individual or team “that demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing the mission of ATSC and epitomizes the vision, tenacity and leadership qualities that were the hallmark of his leadership.”

Richer, who retired two years ago, presented the award on August 26. However, Smith was in Wisconsin, meeting with broadcasters at the state broadcasters association’s annual conference. As such, his appointed successor, NAB Chief Operating Officer Curtis LeGeyt, accepted the honor for Smith.

Smith became the NAB’s leader in 2009, “just before the technology we later termed ATSC 3.0 became a major focus of our organization,” Noland said. “Smith understood the value that next-generation television could bring to the broadcasting industry and he was instrumental in promoting the potential to NAB’s board and membership.”

The ATSC on Thursday also awarded its highest technical honor, the 2021 Bernard J. Lechner Outstanding Contributor Award, to Alan Stein, Vice President of Technology at InterDigital.

Stein currently heads InterDigital’s Visual Standards Team, where he manages a global team of senior technology experts who participate in major video standards organizations.

By Brian Galante

The recent FCC spectrum repack moved nearly 1,200 U.S. TV stations to new UHF and VHF frequencies, freeing spectrum for wireless broadband while leaving less for broadcasters to share.

Despite limited transmission resources — and new challenges that come with these changes —  CP Communications continues to successfully deliver RF coordination for major sporting events and other live programming.

It was business as usual this summer for ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals in Milwaukee and Phoenix, but the MLB All-Star Game in Denver was more challenging because there were multiple events and networks. “Every time you add a network, you add more RF,” said Loren Sherman, a RF coordinator and field technician. “That made the All-Star Game a little more difficult to coordinate.”

When tasked with RF coordination of wireless transmission of video and audio for an event, CP assigns various entities to specific frequencies within the spectrum for the duration of an event. The purpose is to avoid interference with established spectrum users in the area, such as broadcast stations, as well as other temporary spectrum users that cover the event.

“I think what makes us unique, unlike most frequency coordinators, is that we also operate the gear,” Sherman explained. “We’re not just passing out a number and giving it to people. We understand how the gear operates, so we provide frequencies where the gear can work harmoniously with other pieces of gear. We’re one of the few that do both and we do both well.”

CP technicians coordinate RF frequencies with specialized software while working closely with venue and local SBE coordinators. CP’s biggest challenge is finding enough spectrum for everyone when there’s simply less spectrum available. To accommodate all media clients during high-profile events, CP relies on receiving special temporary authority, or STA, from the FCC to use parts of the spectrum that are not normally available.

“If we’re going to use STAs, then we need time,” Sherman said. “We might start planning for something like the Super Bowl a month or two in advance, depending on how many two-way radios we need to coordinate everything.”

While RF coordination is similar for indoor and outdoor events, Sherman said he can usually get more frequency options in an indoor venue. “The venue will often provide protection from digital television stations,” he said. “Maybe they’ll attenuate that signal enough that it becomes a usable piece of spectrum inside that building. But outside, it is what it is.”

Different outdoor locations yield different results. Denver was “fairly difficult” to coordinate, Sherman said, based on the amount of DTV signals in the region. In contrast, Milwaukee has fewer DTV stations and limited interference with signals from nearby cities. However, CP’s message is that they have the experience, crew and technology to handle even the most challenging RF coordination jobs.

“We were nowhere near the amount of frequencies we coordinated in the 2019 NBA Finals, though some of that goes to the cities you’re in,” Sherman recalled. “Phoenix and Milwaukee are not the same as Toronto and Oakland. It depends on the area. Go to New York City – there is a lot of DTV filling the spectrum, and New Jersey’s right there, too. So now you have two large communities with DTV, and that’s going to fill the spectrum more.”

Inovonics has moved forward with a new firmware update for its remote monitoring
receivers for FM & HD Radio.

Those encompass the company’s INOmini SiteStreamers, models 635 & 638.

The latest firmware update adds RDS Radio Text Alarm features and modifies LED Header displays to the Web Interface.

Inovonics recommends that users download and install the new firmware updates at their earliest convenience.

It is recommended to Download the Hardware Profile before updating.

The new firmware can be downloaded by finding each relevant product page at www.inovonicsbroadcast.com.

Logitek Electronic Systems has moved its manufacturing facility to a new location in Houston.

The company is now located at 5403 Bissonnet Street, Suite B, Houston TX 77081.

Logitek’s prior location, a short distance away in Houston, “was showing its age,” said Logitek President Tag Borland. “We had been there for over 20 years and it was an ‘analog-age’ facility. With our more efficient manufacturing methods and space-saving console designs that take up less room on the floor, combined with the fact that we haven’t been making VU meters for quite some time, we found that we could work just as well in a more streamlined space.”

Logitek has been in the broadcast audio space since 1979. It is first company in North America to offer a router-based digital console for Radio. Today, Logitek makes Networked Audio Consoles that run on Audio over IP technologies. Logitek’s  mixIT and Helix touchscreen-controlled consoles, as well as the virtual console Helix Studio, offer  networking options including AES67, Livewire, Ravenna, Logitek JetNet and optional Dante.

Logitek’s phone numbers remain the same as before: 713-664-4470 or toll-free at 1-800-231-5870.

Newly launched digital audio boutique Price Brothers has been tapped for creative and production services by voice dialogue platform Instreamatic.

A spinoff of long-time radio ad shop Oink Ink, Price Brothers was formed to meet the need for creative solutions for brands growing increasingly interested in new digital tools such as interactive audio.

“We’d been developing campaigns in the digital space for four years now and decided to carve-off a new entity that would focus solely on initiatives like dynamic audio &
interactive, as well as podcasting,” says Price Brothers co-founder Dan Price. “We wanted to position ourselves as the guys already doing great creative by the time brands would
eventually become comfortable implementing the new technologies.”

One of those new technologies is interactive voice ads from Instreamatic served on voice-activated devices. It enables listeners to personally engage with audio ads in an interactive dialog. And it was Price Brothers’ early work with the platform that caught the eye of the developers of the technology. Simon Dunlop, CMO at Instreamatic says, “In approaching the creative for this innovative new audio advertising format, Price Brothers was able to quickly grasp its storytelling power and deliver outstanding ideas and production for us and really bring the format to life.”

As creative partner to the platform, Price Brothers will be called-upon when brands wish to elevate their interactive concepts. It’s all about the experience, says Price. “I think a lot of early users aren’t used to testing the limits of the tool. They set up their ads to react in a certain way based on a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response from the listener. We look for ways to involve the listener; we make him or her a participant in the dialog and even drive how the experience unfolds. That’s true engagement.”

Not only has Price Brothers already created several campaigns for Instreamatic using voice technology, they’re currently developing work promoting the platform itself, set to be
served on iHeartMedia digital channels later this summer. Price is particularly excited by that assignment. “This is the exact type of work we’d hoped to be enlisted for back when we first had the idea for the new shop,” he says.

Stas Tushinskiy, CEO & Co-Founder at Instreamatic, echoes the sentiment. “The Price Brothers were among the very few producing really smart Interactive ads right from the beginning.”

Since May Price Brothers has also completed an ambitious dynamic audio effort for long time client Staples and continues to produce the podcast “The Pod Spotter.”

#GALSNGEAR, in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will host the Emerging Leaders Women’s Career Accelerator program at the 2021 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The one-day program will take place Tuesday, October 12 and include multiple networking opportunities and two leadership workshops.

#GALSNGEAR works to ensure women in media tech gain visibility at industry events, access to the latest technology, and high-level networking and educational opportunities.

“We’re excited to partner with NAB to bring our Women’s Career Accelerator to NAB Show, empowering emerging leaders ready to advance their careers in screen media,” said director/producer and #GALSNGEAR founder Amy DeLouise.

The first leadership workshop, titled “Elevate Your Leadership Effectiveness,” will use a personalized leadership assessment and breakout sessions to help participants identify their natural leadership style, strengths, challenges and priorities. A second workshop, “Propel Your Leadership Brand,” will explore how to engage and align a personal leadership brand in-person and across digital channels.

The current schedule of events is available here.

“#GALSNGEAR educational and networking events at NAB Show have consistently supported and amplified women in media, entertainment and technology. The #GALSNGEAR Career Accelerator brings together a new generation of leaders gaining valuable professional skills to advance in their chosen careers,” said April Carty-Sipp, executive vice president, Industry Affairs at NAB, “I’m even more thrilled to participate in the program this year and do my part to help empower and encourage women in this business.”

With a big splash and public relations blitz, H.R. 4130 was introduced June 24 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Six House Members signed on to the bill.

Since then, the “American Music Fairness Act” has completed stalled out. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it awaits further support or its eventual death, handing another defeat to House Members Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

At the same time, the non-binding resolution opposing “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations has gained even more support. As of August 30, 12 Members have added their support.

Among those supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA): the Ranking Republican on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — She has worked in private practice representing entertainment, banking and technology clients on copyright, trademark and patent matters. Most recently, she served as Associate General counsel of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Now, this American University Washington College of Jaw graduate is the VP of Public Policy at the NAB.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW RBR+TVBR ON TWITTER!

Taking the role is Anna Chauvet. She reports to EVP/Government Relations Shawn Donilon.

“Anna enjoys sterling credentials as an expert in copyright law, including deep knowledge of the music licensing regime,” said soon-to-retire NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith. “Broadcasters will benefit from her experience as the industry navigates a range of critical policy issues affecting radio and television. We are excited to welcome her to the NAB team.”

During her time with the Copyright Office, Chauvet worked on a wide range of legal and policy matters, including spearheading four rulemakings to implement provisions of the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (MMA). She also helped formulate litigation strategy and inform the U.S. government’s views in copyright litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court and district courts.

Gainesville – We are thrilled that you are interested in The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (CJC) as your next potential employer! Below we have  detailed information about the position that you are applying for, as well as information about the CJC, UF and Gainesville.

The Opportunity
WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM, the PBS and NPR affiliates for the Gainesville-Ocala, Florida market and region, are recruiting an experienced programming and production professional to work alongside our team in the production of television and radio programming that truly makes a difference in the communities we serve. The programming and production coordinator will play a key role in the day to day operations of both the 24-hour public television service but also the NPR news/talk radio station and associated online and mobile platforms at WUFT.org and in the WUFT mobile app. Experience working with television and/or radio automation systems and on air hosting is a real plus in addition to having experience producing high quality audio production. Come join an exciting and engaging team at the University of Florida’s media properties!

Specific Duties Include:
•       Daily log coordination and maintenance for radio station platforms.
•       Coordination with the underwriting department in executing daily log maintenance including setting underwriters and daily promos for the public radio stations.
•       Locating and validating radio programming in coordination with the radio program director and operations director to assist in making programming scheduling decisions.
•       Ensures programming airs correctly and sequentially using Wide Orbit Playlist Editor, Adobe Audition and Wide Orbit Automation for Radio.
•       Quality check locally produced programming and maintain the digital library of locally produced programming.
•       Locate and assign special coverage programming to cover holidays and other special periods when alternate programming is suitable.
•       Build and implement automation formats as necessary.
•       Serve as an on-air host of WUFT-FM between 12 noon-3 pm Monday through Friday.
•       Maintain flexibility to host WUFT-FM programming shifts as needed including Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Special Coverage (nights, weekends and holidays).
•       Diagnosis and troubleshooting of any issues related to the ongoing operation of all of the radio stations.
•       Oversee the coordination of public television promos/ID’s, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
•       A High School diploma and five years of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
•       College degree in a related field
•       A minimum of three years of experience in the areas of broadcast programming, production and/or operations
•       On air hosting and production experience makes you an even more qualified candidate.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
•       In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
•       This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran’s Preference Page for more specific information.

EXPECTED SALARY:
•       $16.76 – $20.35; commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date, September 10, 2021.

For details and to apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/517877/tvradio-programming-and-production-coordinator

The College of Journalism and Communications (www.jou.ufl.edu) offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates, both online and on campus. CJC students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the Innovation News Center, which generates content across multiple platforms, and The Agency, an integrated strategic communication and consumer research agency focused on marketing to young adults. The College includes seven broadcast and digital media properties, the Joseph L. Brechner Center for Freedom of Information and the nation’s only STEM Translational Communication Center and Center for Public Interest Communications.

The City of Gainesville
Gainesville (http://cityofgainesville.org) is home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, and so is one of the state’s centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Gainesville is also the largest city in Alachua County and is the county seat, with approximately 269,000 residents county-wide. It serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the north central Florida region. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including cultural and nature services and necessary administrative services to support these activities. Additionally, the city owns a regional transit system, a regional airport, and a 72-par championship golf course. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville’s numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban “forest,” Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida. The city is in a central location to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access within a day’s drive to beaches, nature preserves, and water-based activities. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The College of Journalism and Communications and WUFT/WRUF embraces diversity as a shared responsibility among faculty, staff and students and strives for tangible expressions of this responsibility. We are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all races, genders, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, identities and abilities to express their culture and perspectives through the art and science of journalism and communication.

The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

Mark your calendars: Nexstar Media Group‘s third quarter earnings release and its quarterly earnings call for analysts and investors has been set.

The owner of NewsNation and the largest collection of over-the-air broadcast TV stations will report its third-quarter 2021 results on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

The results will be released prior to the Opening Bell on Wall Street.

A conference call for analysts and investors is scheduled for 9am Eastern.

NXST was trading at $149.18 as of 12:27pm Eastern on Monday.

To access the conference call, interested parties may dial 334-777-6978, conference ID 8107569.

She has more than 20 years of experience working in public media as a journalist, educator and station leader.

As of today, she’ll put her expertise to work in shaping the future of St. Louis Public Radio as its new CEO.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

There’s new activity from a big furniture retailer, and one of the “GAFAN” members is present.

At the same time, the top three Spot Ten TV slots for the week ending August 29 are in the auto insurance category.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

The latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report has been released by iHeartMedia, and it shows a lot of returning and continuing brands committing to AM and FM radio spots for the week ending August 29.

The big returnee this week? The Home Depot.

The DIY home improvement retailer is back in the Spot Ten, ranking No. 6.

At No. 7, climbing into the Spot Ten, is Mattress Firm.

Otherwise, Progressive, Indeed, Babbel and GEICO are still active users of spot radio as the month of August comes to a close.

At 1180 kHz, an AM radio station licensed to Humble, Tex., serves the Houston market with a booming Class B signal. During daylight hours, it has 50kw from 2 towers. After dark, it has 3kw from four towers, situated off the Grand Pkwy toll road in the far northern portion of the Houston metropolitan area.

Until recently, it has been a Spanish Adult Hits station under the branding “La Suavecita” and an affiliate of ESPN Deportes Radio. That’s about to change, with a different multicultural group the new target audience.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Among the many properties owned by Gray Television is WWBT, the NBC affiliate serving Richmond, a former Raycom Media station that was previously owned by Jefferson-Pilot Corp. Today, it uses VHF digital channel 10 for its PSIP of channel 12.

It is a sister station to WUPV-65 in Richmond, an affiliate of The CW Network. It has been in the family since 2006, and is a former Raycom property, too.

Soon, WUPV and WWBT will have an in-market sibling, thanks to Gray’s purchase of a low-power television station serving the Virginia capital city.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

DAYTON, OHIO — For the first time in two years, the Streamline Publishing Radio & TV team is congregating in-person to review what’s on the horizon for our industry brands, including RBR+TVBR, in 2022.

One of our participants brought along a most interesting accessory — a Sangean portable HD Radio that even has the ability to pick up an AM broadcasting in HD Radio. Who knew?

The better question may be “Who cares?”

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Until Friday, the possibility of fighting a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in Florida’s highest court was a very big one for Berkshire Hathaway’s television station offering ABC programming and a heavy dose of local news to South Florida.

Today, not only is the management at WPLG-10 in Miami breathing a sigh of relief, but its hefty legal fees are now poised to be paid for by the Miami Gardens, Fla., pastor that sued the station for $50 million.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has submitted its second quarter 2021 financial results to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

What does the company majority-controlled by Raúl Alarcón Jr. have to report for the three-month period ending June 30?

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

As Lou Grant, he was one of the more beloved television characters ever seen in prime-time. As a real-life leader, he served as President of the Screen Actors Guild, prior to its merger with AFTRA.

Now, Hollywood and the world are pausing to remember the life and achievements of Ed Asner.

Asner was 91 years old.

“There have been few actors of Ed Asner’s prominence who risked their status to fight for social causes the way Ed did,” said current SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, best known for her role on the original Beverly Hills 90210. “He fought passionately for his fellow actors, both before, during and after his SAG presidency. But his concern did not stop with performers. He fought for victims of poverty, violence, war, and legal and social injustice, both in the United States and around the globe.”

Asner created one of the most memorable roles in television history — the gruff but loveable newsman Lou Grant on two hit television series for CBS: the comedy Mary Tyler Moore from 1970–1977, and the drama Lou Grant from 1977–1982. His five Emmy Awards for that role, plus two additional Emmys, set a record for the most Emmys ever awarded to a male TV actor. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2001, Asner received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

Asner was born on Nov. 15, 1929 in Kansas City, Mo., as the son of Orthodox Jews who had emigrated from Russia. He moved to New York in 1955, where he appeared in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. In 1961, he packed his bags and went to Hollywood, where he worked on the films El Dorado (starring John Wayne) and They Call Me Mister Tibbs (starring Sidney Poitier).

Early TV credits include appearances on “The Fugitive,” “The Mod Squad,” and “Ironside.”

Despite a resume heavy with dramatic roles, in 1970 Asner was cast as Lou Grant. His fierce but funny persona was summed up in the pilot episode, with his perfect comedic reading of the line in which Grant informs Mary, “You got spunk … I hate spunk!”

The Mary Tyler Moore Show ran for seven seasons to high ratings and critical acclaim. When it went off the air, CBS took the unprecedented step of spinning off a drama from a comedy. Lou Grant premiered in 1977, and took the character from a Minneapolis TV station to a Los Angeles newspaper room. Despite the change in tone, Asner made the new format work. The show tackled social issues and earned Asner an additional Emmy for his portrayal, making him the first actor to win an Emmy for a comedy and a drama for the same role.

Asner was elected Screen Actors Guild president in 1981, and was a frequent presence on the picket lines during the joint Screen Actors Guild/AFTRA 1980 TV/Theatrical strike, which affected a multitude of productions, including his own Lou Grant. In September 1981, Asner addressed a crowd of 8,000 trade union members at Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park at a Solidarity Day event, and was elected Screen Actors Guild president six weeks later, winning 52% of the vote.

When CBS canceled Lou Grant, Asner claimed it was in retaliation for his political views.

Just weeks later, the Actors’ Equity Association honored Asner with its Paul Robeson Award, given in recognition of an individual or organization demonstrating “concern for and service to fellow humans, respect for the dignity of the individual, freedom of expression, universal brotherhood and the artist’s responsibility to the profession and greater society.”

In 1983, Screen Actors Guild members showed their approval of Asner by electing him to a second term as president, where he garnered 73% of the national vote.

Asner declined to seek a third term as Guild president, passing the gavel to his successor, Patty Duke, in 1985.

He continued to keep busy as both a performer and a political activist. In fact, he won over a whole new generation of fans by voicing “Carl Fredricksen” in the 2009 Pixar feature “Up.”  In 2013, at age 83, he was touring his one-man stage show, “FDR,” portraying President Franklin Roosevelt.

Asner was married twice, to Nancy Sykes and Cindy Gilmore, and had four children: Matthew, Liza, Kate and Charles.

U.S. financial markets were on the rise Friday, and so were most publicly traded radio and television companies.

Among the big gainers: Audacy, perhaps benefiting from a strong assessment from Wells Fargo Securities released Thursday.

At the closing bell, AUD was up 7.7% to $3.5850 — a sign that a much-needed rebound for the company formerly known as Entercom could finally be happening.

Also up: iHeartMedia, now at $24.76 with a 3.9% climb from Thursday.

Townsquare Media shares were also on the rise, increasing in value by 4.7% to finish at $13.06.

On the TV industry side, The E.W. Scripps Co. saw a 3.4% gain, to $18.69, and Nexstar Media Group was up 1.8% to $148.64.

Not every media company finished Friday’s trading in positive territory. Sinclair Broadcast Group was down 1.1% to $29.97 and Saga Communications declined by 2.2% to $23.45.