Radio+Television Business Report

New Media Optimism in the Traditional Video Landscape

That’s the theme for this year’s Kagan Media Summit, which participants will again be enjoying “from the comfort of your home,” due to the continuing concerns tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, the Kagan Media Summit will again be a virtual affair. Still, it intends to deliver at its fullest the latest industry trends, research and data from Kagan, industry overviews, and executive Q&As and panel discussions are already in the planning stages.

For the second consecutive year, registered Kagan Media Summit participants will also receive a PDF copy of the Summer 2021 RBR+TVBR Special Report — the exclusive home to the Broadcast’s Best Financial Leaders rankings for 2021.

What can attendees expect?

Spotlight on the U.S. Broadcast Station Industry

Despite record 2020 political ad revenue, the broadcast station industry faces a transitional year ahead. Gain important insights as we discuss major issues looking ahead.

• While core ad revenues are improving in 2021 coinciding with local businesses reopening’s and the vaccine rollout, it is not the snapback many had hoped for coming out of the pandemic. Retransmission fee revenue growth has slowed over the past year from traditional subscriber churn, however, renewal rate increases and virtual subscriber growth have mitigated a contraction in distribution fee revenue.
• But there are opportunities for broadcasters to boost revenues and relevance from increased scale through M&A, Next Gen TV, new diginets, broadcast over-the-top launches for TV and digital streaming to go along new advertising categories including sports betting.

 

Evolution of Television

Traditional and new media companies are battling to find their place in the video market, as consumers move toward non-traditional services and online viewing. Hear how the progression is impacting video strategies, competition, content distribution, and business models to help shape your own decision making.

From now through 4 June 2021, an Early Bird registration rate of $99 is available. To register, please click here to visit S&P Global Market Intelligence.

 

RBR+TVBR is a proud media partner of the Kagan Media Summit.

SHASTA LAKE, CALIF. — Travel down U.S. Highway 299 from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, east of Humboldt County, and you just may spot a broadcast tower on a peak overlooking the Redding, Calif., region.

It’s home to the transmitter of a Class A Classic Country station that’s just been sold.

Cal Hunter, the head of Independence Rock Media in Roseville, Calif., is agreeing to purchase KYCT-FM 92.7, licensed to Shasta Lake.

IRM is getting the station from the Estate of Richard S. Comras.

The transaction is valued at $60,000, and makes KYCT a forthcoming cousin to KRAC-AM & KBLF-FM, serving Red Bluff, due south of Redding along Interstate 5. That’s because Pennco Investment Group, which holds 51% interest in IRM, holds 49% equity interest in the licensee of the Red Bluff combo, Huth-Penney Broadcasting. And, that will soon change, with IRM gaining full control of those stations.

Furthermore, two other assignment of license applications are in the works, which will give IRM the following properties:

 

 

All are commercially licensed stations serving a portion of Northern California stretching from Williams, one hour north of Sacramento, to Lassen County, due east of Red Bluff.

 

— Reporting by Ethan Hunt

RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION

It’s a time-honored tradition. At 5pm Eastern, the 12+ “glamour numbers” reflecting the latest overall ratings — “meaningless data no one sells,” one esteemed radio programming consultant has uttered for years — can be published by the radio industry trade publications rushing to send out eBlasts with the data.

On April 19, with the release of the first batch of Nielsen Audio March 2021 reports, something was peculiar. Two huge stations were missing.

It wasn’t an anomaly. Thursday’s release of March 2021 data from one of the biggest non-PPM markets, Buffalo, immediately put the RBR+TVBR I-Team into overdrive. Several stations were missing from the report. They were subscribers.

What’s the problem?

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Select Live365 stations are now available to audio streamers via the iHeartRadio app, a move that significantly increases the visibility and discoverability of Live365 stations and the entire Live365 network of music enthusiasts who fork over a monthly fee to create their own radio stations.

“As we focus on growing the Live365 listening network, we are excited to announce we now have an agreement in place to list select Live365 stations on iHeartRadio’s distribution network,” Live365 General Manager Jason Stoddard said. “Being able to showcase some of our standout stations on iHeart is a testament to the hard work our broadcasters put in to programming quality stations that are not traditionally represented on the radio dial. We will continue to work with world-class distribution companies to help listeners discover the top-notch content available on Live365.”

This agreement is one of the first steps in Live365’s efforts to expand its listening network. Listeners can tune in now to such niche offerings Flood FM, ShaqFu Radio, Smooth Jazz Florida, Amazing Hope Radio, Jack Sonni Guitar Radio and DopeRadioFM.com through the iHeartRadio app.

Live365 stations run minus an algorithm, with automation randomly selecting songs for its members. Running a station on the platform costs some $65 per month.

The ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; along with the lead Republican member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband; and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security; have teamed for the introduction of legislation that would require the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to update a memorandum of understanding that governs biannual meetings between the agencies to conduct joint spectrum planning.

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The General Sales Manager for Beasley Media Group‘s Detroit radio station group has been elevated to the role of Director of Sales.

It’s a rise for a woman whose career has heavily involved Classic Rock WCSX, Rocker WRIF, and before that the Motor City stations now owned by Audacy.

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In November 2013, a veteran of Interep with time at Katz Radio Group and MacGavren Guild was promoted after 3 1/2 years as GSM, of a group of stations serving New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley.

Today, Bruce Feniger remains in command of the Pamal Broadcasting stations, including two 50kw heritage FMs that continue to command large audiences. In this exclusive conversation, Feniger shares on the latest InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, how Pamal has carved a niche within the nation’s No. 1 DMA — and attracts advertisers and consumers in ways New York City-based radio and TV stations can’t.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Bruce Feniger, Pamal Broadcasting” on Spreaker.

Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink and Podcast Business Journal this July are taking you to Podcasting School.

The first person anyone who is serious about making money podcasting calls is Podcasting Hall of Famer Dave Jackson. He created The School of Podcasting.

Jackson began podcasting in 2005, and his weekly School of Podcasting show now has over 2.8 million downloads.

He’s helped thousands of aspiring podcasters plan, launch, and grow their podcasts. If you’re serious about podcasting, you’ve either spent time with Jackson, taken his courses, or packed a room to see him speak.

Jackson is also the author of Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood. In July, during our three-day virtual podcast conference, Jackson is going to tell you how to turn listeners into a livelihood.

On Wednesday, July 14 Dave Jackson joins our virtual podcasting conference, How to Make Real Money Podcasting, where he’ll tell us everything he knows about how YOU can make REAL money podcasting.

 

REGISTER for our virtual podcasting conference July 13-15 HERE

TITLE SPONSOR PARTICIPATING SPONSORS

Subscribe to Dave Jackson’s podcasts HERE. Reach out to Dave Jackson at schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com

His Allen Media Broadcasting had been rumored to be a front-runner in the race to win ownership of 10 television stations Gray Television agreed to sell in order to receive regulatory approval of its merger with Quincy Media, Inc.

It’s now official: Allen Media is the buyer.

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LOS ANGELES — Cross-platform and connected TV advertising opportunities just got another boost, thanks to a “unique” strategic partnership that’s been forged between television set maker VIZIO and Verizon Media.

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Early in the pandemic, Comcast shares were “dragged down by NBCU’s cyclicality,” MoffettNathanson Senior Analyst Craig Moffett notes. When they began to rally last November, it wasn’t because the market began to focus on the cable assets.

Rather, Moffett concludes, “it was because the market was searching for more cyclical exposure and was playing the re-opening trade. It was all about the theme parks.”

What does Moffett say now? “Talk about the tail wagging the dog. Now it’s time for the Cable side’s star turn.”

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TORONTO — One of Canada’s biggest communications companies has forged a strategic alliance with an advanced ad tech company designed to leverage its platform, enabling it to deliver “a proprietary omni-channel demand-side platform (DSP)” for advertisers.

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MIAMI — In between songs from Wisin & Yandel, Prince Royce and J. Balvin, Enrique Santos was conversing with his local listeners on iHeartMedia‘s reggaetón-fueled Spanish Contemporary WZTU-FM “Tú 94.9.”

Among the topics shared on Wednesday’s program, “Do you tell your partner when someone flirts with you?” and “My co-worker asked me to be his lover.”

The bits are heard nationally, on a Spanish-language syndicated morning show originating from WZTU. That will continue, along with Santos’ other corporate duties for iHeartMedia, thanks to a new contract.

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The owner of NewsNation, former Tribune stations such as KTLA-5 in Los Angeles and WGN-9 in Chicago, and key legacy properties including KOIN-6 in Portland, Ore., is rewarding its shareholders with a hefty quarterly cash dividend.

Nexstar Media Group’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share of its Class A common stock.

The dividend is payable on Friday, May 28, to shareholders of record on Friday, May 14.

It’s a testament to the strong performance in 2021 for NXST, which opened Thursday’s trading on the Nasdaq GlobalSelect market at $150.56.

With a $160.37 finish on St. Patrick’s Day, Nexstar shares are in a range that’s higher than they’ve ever seen. As the year started, NXST was at $107.83. One year ago, with pandemic concerns plaguing media stocks, NXST was at $66.60.

Now, it bears a 1-year target price of $166.61.

You’re welcome, Georgia voters.

Meredith Local Media enjoyed a particularly strong fiscal Q3, with the first three months of 2021 yielding a healthy increase in core advertising, along with a surprising influx of political ad dollars resulting from two runoff races in the Peach State that received national recognition — and financial support.

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They include WTVJ-6 in Miami, KNBC-4 in Los Angeles and WRC-4 in Washington, D.C., among other stations. They have been, until now, among the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.

Not anymore, thanks to a rebrand made by parent Comcast on Thursday.

Introducing NBCUniversal Local, revealed in an internal memo obtained by RBR+TVBR.

“As we continue to transform together and to better represent all the local businesses that make up our division, we decided to rebrand our group,” the company explained to its employees April 29.

Driving the name change: NBCU owned stations and its regional sports networks “are collaborating” and reaching their local news and sports audiences.

This effectively unites 42 NBC and Telemundo owned stations, seven regional sports networks, regional cable news network NECN,  production company LXTV and the LX digital multicast network, in-house marketing and promotions company Skycastle, out-of-home business NBC Everywhere, graphics design team the Arthouse, and multicast networks COZI TV and TeleXitos.

“NBCUniversal Local celebrates all of our company’s local businesses coming together to strengthen their already strong teams so they can better serve their local audiences,” the company said.

The three main components of NBCUniversal Local —  NBC Owned Television Stations, the NBC Sports Regional Networks and the Telemundo Station Group — will not see any changes to their branding.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation has unveiled the finalists for the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards.

The honors recognize outstanding community service by local broadcasters. One winner from each category will be announced during the Celebration of Service to America Awards program, which will again be broadcast on television and radio stations across the country as a special one-hour awards ceremony featuring celebrity guests, past honorees and policymakers.

The awards will premiere on July 10 and run through August 14, 2021.

“America’s local broadcasters’ fundamental commitment to public service continues to shine brighter than ever, and this year’s finalists embody the close bond between stations and their communities,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “We look forward to celebrating these outstanding stations and honoring their critical work informing, supporting and strengthening the public in a year of unparalleled difficulties.”

The 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards finalists represent 20 states and 28 cities. During 2020, these 28 stations devoted a collective 3,528 hours of airtime to public service and provided more $43,440,000 in funds and donations.

Following is the list of finalists by category:

Service to Community Award for Radio – Ownership Group

• Summit Media The Power of Radio: Giving a Voice to Silent Victims  
• iHeartMedia (in partnership with Fox) Living Room Concert  
• Zimmer Radio Miracle for Kids Radiothon
• Alpha Media LLC United for Justice  

  Service to Community Award for Television – Ownership Group

• ABC Owned Television Stations Localish 
• Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Remarkable Women
• The E.W. Scripps Company The Rebound
• Hearst Television Inc. Takes on Systemic Racism 

  Service to Community Award for Radio – Large Market

• WBAL Kids Campaign 
• KYGO Wants to Talk 
• KTMY Rebuilds the Neighborhoods
• WALR Takes on 2020 Election 

  Service to Community Award for Television – Large Market

• KMGH-TV Takes on Public Safety 
• WKMG-TV Works to Make Ends Meet
• WISN-TV Feeds the Hungry
• WCVB-TV Responds to Two Pandemics 

  Service to Community Award for Radio – Medium Market

• WSGW-AM Provides Flood Relief
• WMHJ Community Clean Up
• WYCT-FM Offers Hurricane Sally Relief Efforts 

  Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market

• WKBW-TV Runs Buffalo Strong-Give 7
• WMC-TV puts School on TV
• WMTV-TV Makes Commitment to Feed the Hungry  

  Service to Community Award for Radio – Small Market

• KRIB-AM Lights up the Night
• KLQL Shares the LUV
• KNDE-FM 136 Charities, $794,573, One Day  

  Service to Community Award for Television – Small Market

• WTOK-TV One You. One Me. One Community.
• KSNT-TV We Together 
• KTVB-TV Idaho Shares

“SiriusXM turned in a great performance across the board,” company CEO Jennifer Witz said as she opened the satellite radio company’s first quarter earnings call on Wednesday. “Like many companies, we are benefiting from Americans getting back on the road, growing auto sales and consumer incomes bolstered by significant federal stimulus. These impressive results are also a strong testament to demand for great content, our resilient business model and once again, our teams flawlessly executing the strategies we laid out.”

How did SiriusXM perform in Q1?

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In the not-too-distant past, Channel 36 in Salem, Ore., and Channel 26 in Portland, Ore., were simulcast partners offering Christian-themed television programming to Oregon’s most populous areas.

Now, the facility serving the Pacific Northwest’s second-largest DMA is being spun.

Who it is going to begs the question of how Channel 26 will now be used.

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During the past year, the job of seeking and reporting the truth became increasingly dangerous. Journalists were threatened, assaulted and arrested at an alarming rate while on the job.

For the broadcast journalist in the field, serving both radio listeners and TV viewers, unprecedented levels of verbal and physical violence came courtesy of civilians, police and even, the RTDNA says, “leaders we are meant to hold accountable.”

With that portrait as a backdrop, the RTDNA on Wednesday released “2021 Newsrooms by the Numbers: Data From a Dangerous Year in Journalism.”

The report offers a sobering look at the threats to field reporters that have grown since 2019.

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