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 Beasley Media Group has named Kyra Ringer as its chief engineer at the company’s Boston-based radio properties.

According to a company press release, Ringer most recently worked as an independent contract engineer in New England. Previously, she served as the chief engineer for Cumulus Media in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola, Fla.

In her new role, Beasley said Ringer will be responsible for transmitter and studio maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of the market’s RF systems. She will also maintain Wheatstone and WheatNet for audio routing and broadcasting, among other duties.

Mary Menna, vice president and market manager of Beasley Boston, said in the release: “Kyra brings deep radio engineering expertise and a can-do attitude to complete our Boston Engineering and IT team. We are thrilled to have her.”

In the announcement, Ringer said she feels that “broadcast engineering is in my DNA,” having been raised in studios and at transmitter sites.

“My father has been a broadcast engineer for more than 40 years and has taught me most of what I know,” said Ringer. “I credit him with instilling an unwavering work ethic in me as I watched him work tirelessly through my childhood years. I have been working in radio for more than 25 years and love every aspect of what I do.”

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“Strategic changes” are underway at the broadcast and cable media company owned by Byron Allen, resulting in a reduction-in-force initiative, RBR+TVBR has confirmed.

According to a company spokesperson, Allen Media Group is engaging in the employee roster redo “to better position the company for growth.”

And, these changes, the AMG representative says, “will result in expense and workforce reductions across all divisions of the company.”

AMG business units include a syndication group, with a roster of reality series; digital multicast network This; and African American-focused offering TheGrio, where the Managing Editor has apparently been dismissed.

Then, there is the network group, which includes The Weather Channel, and seven specialty offerings with free ad-supported television (FAST) channel deliverability under the Entertainment Studios banner.

The broadcast group AMG operates under the Allen Media Broadcasting banner is comprised of 27 stations in 22 markets including Tucson; Honolulu; Madison, Wisc.; Eugene, Ore.; and Montgomery, Ala.

Reduction-in-force initiatives has already impacted the over-the-air television stations. According to the Acadian, KADN-15 in Lafayette, La., said goodbye to five part-time production staff members. At WTHI-10 in Terre Haute, Ind., a 15-year sports director is out, among others.

The company representative added that, despite the layoffs, ” Allen Media Group’s brands continue to perform well and in many areas our revenue growth has greatly outpaced the market.”

So why the reduction-in-force? “We are aligning these changes to drive future business opportunities and support our growth strategies in our rapidly evolving industry,” the company spokesperson says.

Applying for a set of broadcast call letters comes with several different considerations. Typically, the process involves checking if another radio or TV station is using the desired call sign. But did you know that could also mean ruling out a marine vessel?

John Broomall, veteran broadcast consultant who operates Christian Community Broadcasters, recently encountered this situation while assisting Faith Baptist Church of Defiance, Ohio. The church sought the call sign WOWR, meaning “Without Walls Radio,” for their LPFM that was granted a CP during the 2023 filing window. But WOWR was licensed to the merchant vessel Minx.

Broomall has encountered this scenario before when filing for LPFM call signs and contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, which he says acts in a research capacity in determining situations where a vessel is still active. In cases where a vessel no longer is active, the Coast Guard does not object to having the call sign reassigned. That was the case with WOWR, and so the FCC was notified, making the calls available to Faith Baptist.

The practice of assigning merchant vessels call letters dates back to 1912, when the U.S. government began licensing radio stations. According to Thomas H. White’s United States Early Radio History, ship stations were assigned three and four-letter call signs with the prefix “W” in the Pacific Ocean and “K” in the Atlantic Ocean, the reverse of how they were soon to be assigned to broadcast stations, with the Mississippi River becoming the dividing boundary in 1923.

This practice actually remains in place today. Like broadcast stations, three-letter call signs are no longer assigned to vessels, but, according to the FCC rulebook, “ships with transmitter-equipped survival craft shall be assigned four-letter call signs.” This allows a license for a ship to operate a marine-band VHF radio, radar or an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon.

If you conduct a call sign search through the FCC LMS database, for a call sign like WNJL, for example, it comes back to a petroleum tanker known as Point Vail. That means, without contacting the Coast Guard first, the calls are not available for an AM, FM or TV broadcaster.

The call sign bank NAA through NZZ, meanwhile, is assigned to the U.S. Navy. Pleasure crafts are not required to have an FCC license to operate a marine-band radio.

The resourceful Broomall, with more than 1,000 successful station filings on his ledger, uses his experience to deliver the desired call signs for his LPFM clients, including scenarios when another full-power FM has the same call sign. In those situations, according to the FCC rulebook, an applicant is required to certify that consent to use the secondary call sign has been obtained from the holder of the primary call sign. This allowed 104.3 WFOX(LP) Sandy Springs, S.C., for example, to coexist with 95.9 WFOX(FM) Southport, Ct. Sometimes this co-use can involve compensation exchanged between the license holders.

“I tell my new permittees that they need to name their baby,” Broomall quipped.

He encourages LPFM applicants to use the full capabilities of the LMS search, including wildcard searches.

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Radio World’s “Guest Commentaries” section provides a platform for industry thought leaders and other readers to share their perspective on radio news, technological trends and more. If you’d like to contribute a commentary, or reply to an already published piece, send a submission to radioworld@futurenet.com.

The writer is program lead at S M Sehgal Foundation.

Community media may actually do more for development than other social communications. According to the UNESCO studies in the late eighties, led by Frances J. Berrigan, a researcher at the Institute of Educational Technologies, media’s role in society is far more powerful than just supplying information. In a democratic society, media plays a crucial role by providing information to the public and serving as a mirror that describes various social, political and economic activities around us.

Sonia Chopra

In urban areas, numerous channels (TV, radio, social media, podcasts, posters) disseminate information, but rural areas often encounter significant challenges in accessing timely and accurate information.

This discrepancy highlights the need for targeted efforts to bridge the information gap and ensure that all citizens,  regardless of location, can stay informed and engaged. Community Radios (CRs) fill this information divide, in the local dialect by the local people, using the relatable content that reach listeners. 

The landmark 1995 Supreme Court judgment that declared airwaves as public property to be used to advance public good was instrumental in firmly establishing community radio in India. Since then, CRs have been playing a catalytic role in bringing rural India closer to the national mainstream and serving as a vital tool in strengthening rural development. 

Starting in 2002, the Government of India approved a policy for the grant of licenses for setting up of community radio stations to well-established, educational institutions including IITs/IIMs. Considering that community radio represents the voice of the community, the government broadened the policy by bringing nonprofit civil society and voluntary organizations, etc., under its ambit in order to allow greater participation on issues relating to development and  social change. 

In recent years, the government has taken further proactive steps to enable ease of access in the sector by developing a complete online process for the submission of applications for setting up a community radio station. Community radio stations are operated, owned and influenced by the communities they serve. This serves to play a significant role at the grassroots level for rural development, providing validation and playing a major role in the spread of information. Local voices provide a platform for grassroots communication, promote civic engagement and address local issues through information spread, education and the promotion of community-driven initiatives.  

The Power of Localized Content

The importance of community radio in rural development lies in its ability to  produce localized content that listeners can easily relate to. For instance, local radio programs are broadcast in regional languages, discussing topics pertinent to the socioeconomic development of the society, such as sustainable farming techniques, health care tips, local governance, government programs and subsidiaries on farming equipment. This information informs and empowers rural residents by providing knowledge that directly impacts their daily lives and livelihoods. 

Community radio helps to avail utilities and amenities for various development aspects of our society such as education, health, water and sanitation, protection from natural disasters, addressing social issues at the community level and connecting rural populations with the government. Further, these platforms  foster a two-way communication stream. They are not just about disseminating information; they provide a forum for community members to voice their concerns, share experiences and contribute to discussions. This interactive nature of communication encourages greater community involvement and ownership over local development issues that lead to the richer development of  society. 

The significance of community radio is underscored by programs such as “Mann Ki Baat,” where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on various important issues. Having broadcasted more than 110 episodes, this monthly radio show exemplifies the vital role of community radio in engaging with diverse audiences across the country, particularly in rural areas where they are instrumental in development processes.  

Radio host RJ broadcasts his program at a community radio station in India. (Credit: Sonia Chopra)

CRs also have permission to rebroadcast this program for their communities. Recognizing this potential, the Indian government has strengthened their reach. On World Radio Day, February 13, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced revised policy guidelines to facilitate the expansion and effectiveness of Community Radio stations (CRs) across India. These updates permit an eligible organization operating in multiple districts to establish up to six CRs in different districts, provided they meet specific criteria. Additionally, the term for the Grant of Permission Agreement has been extended to ten years, reflecting a commitment to ensuring the sustainability and impact of community radios in enhancing grassroots communication and development. 

More than 450 community radios are operating currently in India with stations that are the voice of their communities. CR stations such as Connect FM 107.8 (an initiative of S M Sehgal Foundation) amplify the voices of local communities across more than 300 villages, spanning three districts in two states — Alwar and  Deeg in Rajasthan and Nuh (Mewat) in Haryana, providing information to farmers with climate-resilient agriculture practices, weather updates, and market  information, leading to improved agricultural productivity and income generation. Since most of the listeners are farmers who have not been to school,  community radio acts as a substitute for timely agriculture and allied activities information. 

CR serves as an informational hub on crucial topics aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as water management, gender issues, health and hygiene, mental health awareness, financial literacy, education and local cultural nuances. The station plays a pivotal role in community development.  

Radio has proven to be an effective medium that emerged as a savior during tough times. In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics, community media serves as an essential communication tool that disseminates critical information quickly and efficiently, aiding in disaster management and relief efforts. In Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, community radio “Mandakani Ki Awaaz” extend the primary focus of their regular radio programming to make listeners aware of the handling of natural disasters. 

Rural schoolchildren tune in to the radio for education. The Radio School program, created by community radio “Connect,” is a valuable source of  information for children in the villages of three districts. The program episodes covered the subjects including math, English and science for primary and secondary classes. Government school teachers also made recordings as part of a campaign facilitated by the State Education Department. Nawed, a Class IX  student from village Dhadoli, says he listens to the Radio School program and also makes his younger siblings hear episodes on different subjects. 

Overall, community media leverages its grassroots presence to improve lives, contributing effectively to the broader development agenda of the country. Continuing to support and invest in community media creates substantial social transformation in India’s rural landscapes. 

Moving forward, radio continues to adapt and survive in new forms, through internet radio stations, live streaming of radios through Radio Garden, podcasts and more. The essence of radio — the voices, music, information and stories — will continue to bring a sense of comfort, connecting generations of listeners like an old friend. Radio celebrates humanity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. Globally, radio remains the most widely-consumed medium. Across the planet, radio stations serve distinct communities, offering a wide variety of  programs, viewpoints, and content that reflect the diversity of audiences. 

[Read More Guest Commentaries Here]

The post Radio Helps Bridge the Information Gap in Rural India appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World’s “Guest Commentaries” section provides a platform for industry thought leaders and other readers to share their perspective on radio news, technological trends and more. If you’d like to contribute a commentary, or reply to an already published piece, send a submission to radioworld@futurenet.com.

Michael Baldauf wrote in Radio World recently about “The Thorny World of Contracts for Consulting Engineers.” 

I am one of those guys out here in “fly-over” country who is relied upon to keep all sizes of radio stations on the air. I do this full-time for more than 40 stations under at least 12 ownerships, all competing with one another.

So, what is the best type of contract? Absolutely none whatsoever. 

I am proof that a good engineer can do a professional job for whoever requires my services. I don’t pick favorites, and I don’t sign contracts or agreements of any kind with any corporation.

I don’t even like the term “contract engineer.” I do not work for ANY radio station; I work for myself, providing service as any professional services “contractor” would, just like a plumber or HVAC technician. 

Any independent engineer should be considered a free agent, available to any station in need of service. We are valuable — and very hard to find these days. Many of us are also a bit grouchy (well I am, anyway), so don’t get pushy. Don’t upset us.

Baldauf mentioned that one large group is attempting in a multi-page contract to address issues that may be logical for full-time employees but don’t in any way apply to an independent who works with multiple stations and groups.

• • Requiring the contract engineer to not disclose proprietary information — We engineers all talk freely with one another anyway, you can’t stop it. Besides, you have NOTHING secret in the engineering world. Everybody has the same black boxes hooked up the same way, and we’re all waiting for the next super-black box to come out. If I happen to overhear something that would be considered proprietary, I would keep it to myself as a matter of being professional. I’m not going out blabbing “Station Q is going Z-Rock in 2 weeks!” because that’s not my business, and I don’t care.

• If the engineer develops new solutions or improvements, they are intellectual property of the station group. Bull! This makes me angry. If I come up with a new way of doing something, it is MY intellectual property, and I will share it with whomever I wish to sell it to or share it with. If anyone must sign that kind of contract, they’re not a contractor, they’re an employee.

• Insurance coverage, liability, etc., are the responsibility of the engineer — Of course. That’s just good business practice. I hold a $2 million policy on my engineering business, and if a client requires more for any specific project, I tell them to pay for the extra coverage.
• Limits — I make sure to have the “money man” for each station on speed dial. I don’t play games with corporate ladders. If I go into a transmitter site that is off the air, I will evaluate it, make a quick estimate, and call “The Man.” My rule of thumb is $1,000. If it is 1K or less and I have the parts in stock to fix it, I’ll fix it.

Those “legal minds” who are attempting to refine an “engineering contractor’s contract” are wasting time and money trying to fix problems that don’t exist (…what they do best…) 

The HVAC contractor doesn’t sign an NDA to fix the heat. The plumbing contractor doesn’t sign any contract to fix a leaking toilet. I don’t sign contracts to come fix your transmitter, or even install a new studio. 

The BEST contract is NONE at all. Do the work requested, bill by the hour, plus mileage. Send an invoice upon completion of the work. If the station is a “known problem,” demand cash up front. The station will send you a Form 1099-NEC at the end of the year. If you sign any kind of contract for guaranteed money such as a monthly retainer, you are an employee, not a contractor, and they can control you.

Here’s how you know if you’re an independent contractor, or an employee:

Do you rely on the station’s van and use company tools and test equipment? Then you are an employee.

Do you have your own transportation, tools, test equipment, and perhaps an inventory of parts? Then you are an independent contractor. Don’t sign contracts. Send invoices.

And in answer to the question: “If there is a hole in the roof of the transmitter building, shouldn’t it be possible to get it fixed without permission?”

That’s not my problem. I’m a broadcast engineer, not a roofing contractor. Call “The Man,” let him know, take photos and send them to him, then leave. 

Come back when the roof stops leaking.

[Read More Guest Commentaries Here]

The post The Best Contract Is None at All appeared first on Radio World.

The FCC Media Bureau has denied another petition appealing its rejection of an application for a low-power FM station, this one in Tacoma, Wash.

It has been issuing a string of such rulings as applicants appeal decisions the FCC made after the filing window for new LPFMs closed late last year.

This one involves the Tacoma Hilltop Foundation, which hoped to build a station to serve the Hilltop neighborhood in Tacoma. 

In January the Media Bureau dismissed its application for failure to meet minimum distance spacing requirements with respect to second-adjacent KNKX(FM) in Tacoma as well as low-power TV Channel 6 station KYMU(LD) in Seattle.

A view of the Hilltop neighborhood. Credit: Jacob Rose/CC BY-SA 4.0

Tacoma Hilltop then asked the bureau to reconsider. President Donald Brown told the FCC that in filing its application, the organization had thought that the FCC’s Licensing and Management System automatically took into account second-adjacent stations and low-power TV licenses when determining the power of its proposed LPFM station and adjusted the proposed station’s parameters based on any short-spacings. 

For that reason, he told the FCC, it thought that no second-adjacent waiver request or TV Channel 6 agreement was required.

The bureau now has upheld its decision.

It said that according to its rules, an LPFM application that fails to meet spacing requirements is to be “dismissed with no opportunity to correct the deficiency,” something also made clear in the public procedures notice of the filing window.

“Although … the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 authorizes the commission to waive second-adjacent channel spacing requirements,” it continued, “an LPFM applicant must specifically request the waiver and demonstrate that its proposed LPFM facilities ‘will not result in interference to any authorized radio service,’” it continued.

“The bureau explicitly cautioned LPFM applicants that it will dismiss any application that fails to comply with the second-adjacent channel spacing requirements without requesting a waiver, supported by the requisite engineering exhibit” and that a dismissed applicant cannot seek reinstatement.

“Finally, we reject petitioner’s claim that it was unaware it was required to file a request for a second-adjacent channel waiver or a TV Channel 6 agreement. Applicants are required to comply with the commission’s rules and procedures, which were clearly outlined by the Procedures Public Notice.”

[Related: “No New LPFM for Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee“]

The post No LPFM for Tacoma Hilltop Foundation appeared first on Radio World.

Cumulus Media has come under the microscope of late for a variety of reasons. One of the bigger issues has been a 2026 debt maturity wall, and the desire to swap new debt for old debt, push the due date out by three years, while increasing the interest rate by two percentage points.

Debtholders were resistant to Cumulus’ offers. As such, “Plan B” was put forth. That proved to be the charm.

Speaking on the Cumulus Q1 2024 earnings call, Cumulus President/CEO Mary Berner commented, “We are thrilled to have refinanced our capital structure to secure five-year maturities with favorable terms through a successful debt exchange and
ABL Facility upsize and extension.”

Late Thursday (5/2) Cumulus formally announced the expiration and final results of subsidiary Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc. plan to exchange its 6.750% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Old Notes”) for new 8% Senior Secured First-Lien Notes due 2029 (the “New Notes”) under amended terms codified on April 18, after the original February 27 offer was met with few takers.

This time, even with a condition that a minimum of 95% of all of the Old Notes be exchanged, 94% had been tendered by the expiry date of May 1. That was good enough for Cumulus, which waived the minimum participation condition to get the job done.

Berner did not directly note the contentious environment seen by Cumulus over the past two months, only noting, “This is an excellent outcome for the company, especially given the generally difficult financing environment for legacy media companies.”

Approximately $325.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes were exchanged by Cumulus’ debtholders. And, like trading Euros for U.S. dollars, the exchange rate from Old Notes to New Notes is the equivalent of trading $1 and getting 94 cents in return.

CUMULUS’ CAPITAL STRUCTURE REFINANCING SPECIFICS

• Maturities are extended to 2029
• The principal amount of outstanding debt is reduced by approximately $33 million
• Interest rates rise to 8%, from 6.75%, which Cumulus deems “attractive”
• A structure free of financial maintenance covenants is established
• Increased capacity of 25% for Cumulus’ ABL facility

 

When all is said and done, Cumulus now has until 2029 to repay the nearly $326 million it is borrowing from its lenders.

The refinancing of Cumulus’ capital structure comes after a late February decision by the company’s Board of Directors to sign off on a plan to prevent a hostile takeover of the audio content creation and distribution company led by Mary Berner.  This was prompted by the desire of 5-Hour Energy founder Manoj Bhargava, who has funded the growth of the NewsNet 24/7 digital multicast television network, to snap up Cumulus shares — and perhaps gain control of the radio station owner.

 

It’s been a bumpy ride for many of the nation’s largest publicly traded radio broadcasting companies for the last four years, with full pre-COVID 19 advertising revenue recovery hampered by “macroeconomic challenges” as marketers continue to direct their dollars to digital and social media on a global level.

For Cumulus Media, the first three months of 2024 brought some relief: Its net loss declined to $14.15 million, from $21.47 million. But the company’s adjusted EBITDA also fell, as its revenue also fell, coming in $300,000 shy of a consensus estimate based on the input of two analysts who track the audio content creation and distribution company which owns not only AMs and FMs but the Westwood One national radio group.

 

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It doesn’t happen very often, but the shareholders of Cumulus Media have successfully blocked an executive compensation plan at an annual general meeting convened by the company — another sign that the company has a mountain to climb as it fends off a potential hostile takeover bid and pushes more than $325 million in debt repayments to 2029 at a higher interest rate.

As first reported by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink, 64.87% of stockholders voted their disapproval of the current executive compensation.

Cumulus CEO Mary Berner’s total remuneration in 2023 was $4.5 million, down from $5.4 million in 2022. CFO Frank López-Balboa was compensated $2.4 million, down from $2.9 million. General Counsel Richard Denning was awarded $1.1 million, down from $1.3 million.

Notably, the “say on pay” compensation vote is something Cumulus is required to do, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

Importantly, it is an advisory vote, making it non-binding. Other companies have moved forward with executive compensation moves even with shareholder disapproval. That did not occur here, showing that Cumulus wants to work with its stock holders and its debt holders to fully move forward from its fiscal challenges.

Some 3,635,051 approved the current compensation for the top Cumulus leaders, while 6,742,340 voted against it; some 16,645 abstained.

In response to such a vote, Cumulus’ Board of Directors and Compensation Committee are expected to review and potentially reconsider their executive compensation policies.

From left: ABRANS Group Sales Manager Roshan Naik, OMB Vice President of Sales Manuel Sancho, ABRANS and Cable AML CEO Sunil Naik, and OMB and Comartel President Francisco Bernues

Three long-time wireless technology companies have launched a new strategic collaboration effort under the name ABRANS Group.

For more than 45 year, the three companies — OMB, Cable AML, and Comartel — have provided a range of wireless technology solutions to customers in use in more than 100 countries worldwide.

“It’s not a merger, but a strategic collaboration as Cable AML, OMB, and Comartel have united under the ABRANS Group umbrella,” said OMB and Comartel President Francisco Bernues. “This alliance aims to address new products, technologies, and sales and marketing operations.”

According to ABRANS, each of the companies brings a variety of strengths to the group. Cable AML offers a range of broadband wireless products from 50 MHz to 100 GHz; OMB produces a wide range of broadcast and communications solutions, including studio-to-transmitter links, transmitters, and antenna systems; and Comartel focuses on wireless systems engineering and value-added distribution networks.

At NAB Show 2024, OMB highlighted a new system for 5G broadcasting, something ABRANS Group and Cable AML CEO Sunil Naik described as “further solidifying our commitment to innovation and connectivity” in a video on the group’s website.

While each privately held company will remain an independent organization, by joining to form the ABRANS Group, the collective aims to open new avenues for growth and innovation. The group plans to collaborate on R&D and engineering, as well as sales and marketing.

The ABRANS Group, which collectively employs more than 80 people worldwide, has offices in Los Angeles and Miami, as well as in Spain and Dubai. A new office is planned for India, too.

[Read more industry business news here.]

The post ABRANS Group Forms Wireless Tech Alliance appeared first on Radio World.

Sports-first virtual MVPD Fubo successfully trimmed its massive debt in Q1 2024. However, even with a revenue beat, investors in the 10am Eastern hour began to sell off shares in droves after an early bump in value.

Could bigger concerns be at play for those with Fubo stock?

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The Video Division, Media Bureau (Bureau), has before it a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued in response to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by Sinclair Media Licensee, LLC (Petitioner or Sinclair), the licensee of KECI-TV (Station or KECI-TV), channel 13, Missoula, Montana (Missoula). The Station is currently operating on channel 13, and in 2021, the Bureau granted Sinclair's request to substitute UHF channel 20 for VHF channel 13 at Missoula in the Table of TV Allotments (Table). Sinclair currently holds a construction permit to modify its facility to operate on channel 20 and has petitioned for the substitution of channel 21 for channel 20 at Missoula in the Table. Sinclair filed comments in support of the petition, as required by the Commission's rules (rules), reaffirming its present intention to apply for a construction permit to build the Station's facilities on channel 21 and to promptly construct such facilities.

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopted a Fourth Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that reinstitutes the collection of workforce composition data for television and radio broadcasters on FCC Form 395- B, as statutorily required.

The Media Bureau affirms the dismissal of the application of Tacoma Hilltop Foundation for a new LPFM station at Tacoma, Washington

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Radio World’s “Guest Commentaries” section provides a platform for industry thought leaders and other readers to share their perspective on radio news, technological trends and more. If you’d like to contribute a commentary, or reply to an already published piece, send a submission to radioworld@futurenet.com.

The author is senior media analyst at European Broadcasting Union’s Media Intelligence Service.

Amidst increasing global uncertainties, including conflicts and rising natural disasters due to climate change, the importance of resilient communication networks has never been more evident. It is crucial to adopt a well-fitted strategy that anticipates increased instability. 

From 1970 to 2019, Europe faced a staggering 1,672 natural disasters (from weather, climate and water), a figure projected to increase due to the intensification of climate change. Floods, storms, fires and other calamities threaten lives and property and disrupt essential communication networks. In such critical moments, reliable communication stands as a bulwark against chaos and confusion, crucial in mitigating casualties and orchestrating emergency responses.

Radio terrestrial distribution emerges as a lifeline in times of crisis. In several cases, such as:

• Floods in Germany and Belgium in 2021
• Storm Ophelia in Ireland in October 2017
• Bushfire 2019-2020 season in Australia
• Earthquake in Türkiye in February 2023
• War in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022

Terrestrial radio distribution proved to be crisis-proof. FM and DAB+ distribution continued to work during and after the disasters. In the meantime, in some cases, affected areas faced blackouts, no access to the internet and no mobile network. Often, the only way to receive vital information, such as emergency alerts and evacuation instructions, was via the radio.

Investment in terrestrial infrastructure becomes imperative as it forms a cornerstone of societal resilience during emergencies. Strengthening terrestrial networks ensures communities remain connected and informed even in the most challenging circumstances.

Credit: EBU (click to expand) Why is radio an essential medium in times of crisis?

When a crisis hits, messages must spread as widely and quickly as possible. Therefore, emergency procedures involve multiple delivery channels such as sirens, radio and the internet. Radio remains central in the strategy because it is immediate and uses resilient networks. 

Also, radios are devices that have many assets. They are widely-available, affordable portable, and easy to use. FM/DAB radio needs to remain standard and prominent in the car. In many cases of emergency, using the car can be the quickest way to reach a safe area, and drivers need information. Battery-operated radios are also key survival tools in the event of a blackout or for people on the run. Societies should make sure that there is broad awareness of the importance of emergency kits, which include battery radios.

Radio is part of people’s daily lives. It reaches more than eight in ten European citizens every week. It is the most trusted medium, and a top-of-mind source of information, also when news matters most. Moreover, it offers more than news. It provides a connection to the world and companionship in long-lasting crises such as war, pandemics and heatwaves. 

We need radio at each stage of a crisis.

Why is PSM radio essential?

EBU Public Service Media (PSM) radio offers 647 local services and uses 125 languages. This extensive network of regional services and coverage in multiple languages ensures that it reaches and addresses the needs of diverse communities, including those in localized disaster situations.

PSM radio emerges as a cornerstone during crises, with research showing that 90% of European countries surveyed viewed PSM news as the most trusted source for news. 

PSM radio’s vital role in crises is evident from its high trust ratings and public perception during disaster events. After the 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia, an evaluation study was conducted. Among Australian people, 54% used ABC Australia as their main source of information. Among people living in the affected areas, 59% acted on information from the ABC to ensure safety.

A similar study was conducted in France about the media perception during the COVID-19 lockdown. In this dark period of massive disinformation and mistrust, PSM radio and TV remained a lighthouse. Among French people, in the context of the pandemic, PSM radio and TV had the highest level of trust. Also, 84% of PSM radio users agreed PSM radio played their role in providing information on the COVID-19 crisis.

For all these reasons, societies need strong PSM radio.

The Media Intelligence Service (MIS) is the market research unit of the EBU. The team identifies issues that impact public service media and provides EBU Members with reliable data, trustworthy analysis and relevant arguments to build their case. 

[Read More Guest Commentaries]

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NEW YORK — On March 4, Entravision Communications received word from Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram parent Meta that it intends to wind down its authorized sales partner (ASP) program globally and end its relationship with all of its ASPs by July 1.

With a significant revenue loss pending, how did the company fare in Q1?

 

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NEW YORK — Paramount Global shares completed Thursday’s trading up 13% in value on unconfirmed reports that the controlling interest holder in Cox Media Group, Apollo Global Management, is teaming with SONY to acquire the company now led by three chief executives.

The bid, according to the confirmed reports, is valued at $26 billion.

Bloomberg cites “people with knowledge of the matter.” The Wall Street Journal says it is an all-cash offer.

However, if true, the offer is a non-binding expression of interest, which arrives as an alternative to a reported merger proposal from David Ellison-controlled Skydance that National Amusements, Inc., head Shari Redstone is apparently mulling.

With Bob Bakish unexpectedly resigning as CEO ahead of the company’s Q1 2024 earnings call — a brief session in which no questions or details about what’s to come under new leadership or if Skydance is indeed close to a deal — on Monday.

For CMG majority shareholder Apollo, it has been attempting to obtain at least Paramount Pictures but its efforts have been thwarted.

The bigger story now, however, is the possibility of SONY and Paramount merging studios, which would send tremors across Hollywood.