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Radio stations in areas where natural disasters routinely occur need to make a note of this. The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has launched a new version of its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS).

The FCC says the legacy DIRS system was decommissioned on Dec. 4 in favor of the new platform, which will be accessible online. The new DIRS system has been modernized to enhance security and network features to better ensure the integrity of the system, according to the commission. It will also feature an Application Programming Interface.

The FCC typically activates DIRS to allow broadcasters to report communications infrastructure status and collect situational awareness information during emergencies.

Current DIRS users without an existing account in the FCC’s Commission Registration System (CORES) will need to create a CORES account prior to accessing DIRS. Users with an existing CORES account will not need to create a new DIRS account.

Detailed information on creating DIRS accounts, as well as using the system, can be found in the user’s guide.

The commission says, in order to facilitate a smooth transition for users, the agency will conduct a DIRS exercise Jan. 16–18. The focus of the exercise will include the operation of DIRS and the mechanics of navigating the application.

DIRS has been voluntary since it was established in 2007. However, the FCC in 2021 considered a proposal that would have possibly mandated broadcasters to submit status reports following hurricanes and other natural disasters. DIRS is a web-based system for communications providers, including wireless, wireline, broadcast, cable, interconnected VoIP and broadband service providers.

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The post FCC Announces New Version of Its Disaster Information Reporting System appeared first on Radio World.

WARC’s annual survey of 1,400+ marketers across the world, which explores broader marketing thinking on budgets, media channels, measurement and investment plans, has yielded a key insight that could encourage broadcast media leaders.

Some 61% of marketers expect business to be better in 2024.

 

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One year ago, Dan Bongino — fresh from a controversy over a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for anyone associated with Cumulus Media — told his audience that he had no interest in trying to fill the conservative Talk void left by the late Rush Limbaugh by moving into the noon-3pm time slot.

Bongino also said that he would not signing a new contract with Cumulus once its current term ends in mid-2024.

So much for all of that chatter. Bongino just inked a new deal.

In a Wednesday announcement, Cumulus confirmed that the host extended his contract to host both his syndicated radio program, “The Dan Bongino Show,” on Westwood One and his podcasts on the Cumulus Podcast Network “for multiple years.”

“The Dan Bongino Show” launched in syndicated in May 2021, with 115 stations. Today, some 356 affiliates air the show — in Limbaugh’s one-time three-hour time slot.

The Dan Bongino Show podcast is a perennial Top 10 in Apple’s News category ranking and has seen well over 200 million downloads so far this year. In addition, the show has been downloaded more than 350 million times on Rumble and was one of the most requested podcasts on Alexa devices this year.

“It’s been a fascinating couple years of ups and downs both personally and in the political space,” said Bongino. “I love what I do, and I’m ecstatic that we’ve agreed to move forward with the show after changes were made. I want to thank all the shows’ supporters, the stations, and program directors for their continued support. I promise to keep my foot on the gas pedal.”

Speaking ahead of her departure from the role at year’s end, Westwood One President Suzanne Grimes said, “‘The Dan Bongino Show’ is one of the greatest growth stories in network syndication, with Dan delivering programming unlike anyone else. As we head into what will surely be an unpredictable election cycle, we know Dan will be always insightful, sometimes provocative, and never disappointing, which is why our listeners are wildly engaged, and our advertisers have flocked to the show.”

Gregg Skall lays out what radio managers should know about political issue advertising.

Mark Bohach talks about the ongoing appeal of FM translators.

Buc Fitch has pondered the implications of artificial intelligence in radio, and finds himself underwhelmed.

And a new hotel in Detroit embraces the history of WWJ.

Read the issue.

The post Read the Dec. 6, 2023 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

It positions itself as an R&B radio station targeting the Black community in Flint, Mich., using a 3kw Class A signal licensed to Vassar, Mich., that scrapes the city and nearby Saginaw.

Pending FCC approval, this station, known as “98.9 The Beat,” will be under new ownership.

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On August 7, iHeartMedia announced that it had agreed to purchase four FM radio stations serving Atlantic City, N.J., and surrounding communities along the Jersey Shore, from Gary Fisher-led Equity Communications.

That transaction, which sees Kalil & Co. serve as the exclusive broker, has now closed.

According to an asset purchase agreement submitted to the FCC for regulatory approval, iHeartMedia paid $2 million for the following stations in the Atlantic City radio market, an extension of the Philadelphia DMA:

• Class B WAYV-FM 95.1 in Atlantic City, N.J., a Hot Adult Contemporary station
• Class B WZXL-FM 100.7 in Wildwood, a Classic Rocker
• Class A WZBZ-FM 99.3 “The Buzz,” in Pleasantville, a Top 40
• Class A WTTH-FM 96.1 in Margate City, an Adult R&B

Equity acquired WAYV in June 1996 for $3.1 million in cash from Frank Osborn, pairing the station with WZXL, acquired from Ragan Henry.

WZBZ (formerly WMID-FM, and WSAX-FM from 1998-2000) and WTTH were added in February 2002 as part of a larger transaction.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new initiative designed to strengthen and formalize the cooperation between the FCC and its state partners on privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity enforcement matters has been launched.

As part of the work of the FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force, the agency’s Enforcement Bureau has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania.

 

 

This gives the FCC access from the four states’ AGs “to share expertise, resources, and coordinated efforts in conducting privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity-related investigations to protect consumers.”

The MOU, announced on Wednesday by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, affirms that the FCC and state attorneys general  “share close and common legal interests in working cooperatively to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute or otherwise take enforcement action in relation to privacy, data protection, or cybersecurity issues” under sections 201 and 222 of the Communications Act. Coordinated action and information sharing will take place under all applicable Federal and State laws and privacy protections.

Rosenworcel commented, “Defending consumer privacy is an all-of-government responsibility and a shared challenge. Today we take on evolving consumer threats with new formal partnerships with state law enforcement leaders, which have already been successful in obtaining record-breaking results in combatting illegal robocalls. I am thankful to these four partners for prioritizing interagency cooperation, and we welcome other state leaders to join us in this effort to ensure we work together to protect consumers and their data.”

FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal added, “Use of information and communications technology and services have significantly enhanced our lives while at the same time increasing vulnerabilities to our privacy and sensitive data. These strategic partnerships with the Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania Attorneys General Offices will allow us to maximize our efforts to address risks arising from the misuse or mishandling of sensitive data we entrust with service providers and the continued threats posed by cybercriminals and foreign adversaries.”

The AGs signing the MOU are Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, co-chair of the National Association of Attorneys General’s (NAAG) Internet Safety/Cyber Privacy and Security Committee; Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, co-chair of the NAAG’s Consumer Protection Committee; New York Attorney General Letitia James and Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle A. Henry.

 

During investigations, both the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau and state investigators seek records, talk to witnesses, interview targets, examine consumer complaints, and take other critical steps to build a record against possible bad actors. These new partnerships can provide critical resources for building cases and coordinating efforts to protect consumers and businesses nationwide, the Commission explained.

The FCC offers partner states not only the expertise of its enforcement staff but also important resources and remedies to support state investigations. For example, the MOUs may facilitate relationships with other authorities in this space including other federal agencies, and support for and expertise with critical investigative tools including subpoenas and confidential response letters from suspected targets. The FCC’s unique position and authorities have allowed the Commission to work with State partners to obtain measurable results in the robocalling space to scale efforts to protect consumers.

FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force To lead and coordinate this important work, Chairwoman Rosenworcel created the Privacy and Data Protection Task Force to work on privacy and data protection issues subject to the Commission’s authority under the Communications Act. The Task Force coordinates across the agency on the rulemaking, enforcement, and public awareness needs regarding privacy and data protection activities, including threats like SIM swapping scams, port-out fraud, and data breaches, which can increase the risk posed by these scams by exposing consumers’ information that can make it easier for scammers to steal consumers cell phone accounts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When it comes to Capitol Hill political maneuvering, getting legislation to pass by unanimous consent is not an everyday feat — even when a majority of leaders are onboard for a bill’s approval.

Such is the case with the NAB-supported AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, thanks to a Kentucky libertarian who refused to allow that to happen. That said, the bill is far from dead and will now follow the typical route for gaining U.S. Senate passage.

In a move D.C. insiders believe would not deliver the result he wanted, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), a key supporter of the Act, took to the Senate floor on Tuesday requesting the rare unanimous consent for S.1669, legislation that requires the Department of Transportation to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles manufactured and sold in the U.S. to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment.

Since its May 17 introduction by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), some 43 co-sponsors have put their name on the bill, with Democrats Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Robert Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania joining Republicans John Hoeven of North Dakota and Chuck Grassley of Iowa in signing on to the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Those Senators became co-sponsors on November 29.

As Cruz’s camp sees it, the bill, which was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year, “was on the verge of Senate passage” before being objected to by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.).  Paul, who is a medical doctor, proclaims himself as “one of the nation’s leading advocates for liberty.”

And, with two words — “I object” — Paul put the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act into the typical Senate cue of taking a bill to the floor, opening up to amendments, and then holding a vote that would either approve the legislation, incorporate it into an omnibus bill, or let it linger, wither and die.

The latter option is highly unlikely, as Paul wants to tinker with the legislation rather than squash it. As reported by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink, Paul is seeking to add his own modification to the bill to end electric vehicle subsidies under the American Vehicle Tax Credit, in lieu of mandating AM radio remain a standard feature in all vehicles manufactured and sold in the U.S. as a safety feature.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would, if passed, also direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge beyond the base price of the device.

Furthermore, the Act requires any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA regulation to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio; and would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies relative to other technologies.

Given the unlikely pairing of Cruz and Markey, getting the Act to the finish line is highly likely. In his remarks on the Senate floor, Cruz said, “I would note that Senator Markey is one of, if not the most liberal senator in this chamber, and I am one of, if not the most conservative Senator in this chamber. I don’t recall another bill where we have joined forces, and it speaks to the power of this issue that you see such deep agreement across ideological lines.”

Cruz also slammed the automotive companies that moved to remove AM radio as simply doing it for reasons beyond technology.

“I believe these automakers stood up to remove AM radio as part of a broader pattern we see of censoring views that are disfavored by Big Business,” Cruz remarked. “I think this is consistent with what Big Tech has done, silencing views they disagree with. And so this bill is all about preserving consumer choice—letting consumers decide. If you don’t want to listen to AM radio, turn it off. But you know what? If the automakers all come together and say, ‘you can’t turn it on because we’re not going to put it in your car, we’re not going to put it in your truck, you don’t have the right to choose what you will listen to.’ ”

Cruz concluded, “I think that’s profoundly harmful for our country and profoundly harmful for free speech. And so I hope this body can actually act in support of Americans in harm’s way in a disaster, and support of farmers and ranchers who rely on AM radio, and in support of a diversity of views speaking online, and in support of free speech for whatever your views whether they’re Right-wing, Left-wing, or no wings at all, AM radio lets people speak and make the case in John Stuart Mill’s marketplace of ideas.”

 

The Video Division, Media Bureau (Bureau), has before it a petition for rulemaking filed September 27, 2023, by Carolina Christian Broadcasting, Inc. (Petitioner), the licensee of WGGS-TV, channel 2, Greenville, South Carolina (Station or WGGS). The Petitioner requests the substitution of channel 29 for channel 2 at Greenville, South Carolina (Greenville) in the Table of TV Allotments.

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The Petitioner requests the allotment of reserved noncommercial educational channel *4 to Jacksonville, Oregon, in the Table of TV Allotments as the community's first local television service and its first noncommercial educational television service.

The woman who until today has served as Senior Vice President and Market Manager of Audacy Inc.’s Chicago radio stations is being promoted to a corporate-level role.

Her replacement in the Windy City has already been selected.

Now serving as President of Local Sales Strategy and Innovation is Rachel Williamson.

“I am looking forward to working with our incredibly talented leaders across Audacy to continue positioning the company as a premier partner for our advertisers,” Williamson said.

She has served as Regional President for Audacy since 2020, overseeing its Chicago; Madison and Milwaukee, Wisc.; and Minneapolis markets. Before joining the company, Williamson held leadership positions at Cox Media Group, Gamut and Cumulus Media.

“We are thrilled to move Rachel into this new, important assignment,” said Benedik. “Her leadership experience and expertise with linear and digital audio and video will be a tremendous asset to growing our local business across Audacy.”

Succeeding her on the local level is Kevin Cassidy. He’s relocating from New Orleans, where he’s been the Market Manager since November 2018 and for one year before that was General Sales Manager for the music stations owned by Audacy in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Cassidy is a former CBS Radio sales executive who has also served as President of D&R Radio Sales and for Interep. From 2004-2005 he was a Director of Sales for iHeartMedia predecessor Clear Channel Radio.

“It has been a remarkable experience representing our New Orleans brands over the last five years,” said Cassidy. “I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my career and look forward to leading Audacy Chicago’s exceptional portfolio of stations.”

Williamson will report to Chief Revenue Officer Brian Benedik, while Cassidy will report to Regional President Brian Purdy.

“With an impressive multiyear track record of success overseeing our New Orleans cluster, Kevin knows how to grow brands and deliver performance,” said Purdy. “We are confident that Chicago will continue to thrive under Kevin’s guidance.”

 

Across the globe, the name Tom Brady is well-known. Now, another man with the same name as the retired National Football League star quarterback is gaining notice in the radio sales realm.

AdLarge has announced the addition of this Tom Brady to its sales force, where he will work in lock-step with Audio Sales EVP Robin Sloan. Brady comes to AdLarge after most recently serving as Disney Advertising Sales’ Senior Director of East Coast Audio.

At Disney, he led a team responsible for audio sponsorships and ad campaigns across Disney’s podcast portfolio and ESPN Radio Network. This included overseeing sports talk programming and live broadcasts for MLB, College Football, and the NFL. Before joining Disney/ESPN, Brady sold advertising across ABC Radio’s Talk, Music, and News networks.

He also has extensive podcast ad knowledge, overseeing podcasts from ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, 538, and Disney Publishing.

Sloan commented, “I am thrilled to welcome Tom Brady to the AdLarge family. His extensive industry experience and proven track record working with massive brands align seamlessly with our commitment to excellence. Tom’s addition to our team is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled value to our partners. We are eager to witness the impactful contributions he will undoubtedly make as we continue to elevate the standards of success in the audio sales landscape.”

Brady added, “I’m delighted to be joining AdLarge Media. The AdLarge portfolio is extremely impressive and provides marketers an excellent opportunity to reach potential customers. The radio networks and NASCAR provide tremendous reach and the Podcast portfolio is extremely targeted and best in class. I feel AdLarge is in a terrific position and poised for success.”

— Reporting by Cameron Coats

MIAMI — In a somewhat surprising move, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has made a change at the top, with the man who has served as its Chairman “transitioning” to a role as a NBCUniversal senior advisor.

With Beau Ferrari no longer in the role, it is being given to the man whose resume includes a stint at the helm of Noticias Telemundo. He also has deep experience in Spain’s media scene, and “retired” two years ago.

 

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It’s a common move for media companies with the ability to do so — swap debt due in a few years for a new debt facility, at different terms, for a later date. That’s exactly what privately-held TelevisaUnivision Inc. just did with respect to millions of dollars in loans associated with its U.S. operations.

 

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It was due nearly five years ago but was neither finished by the Pai Commission nor the Wheeler Commission. Now, with work on the 2022 quadrennial review of the FCC’s rules underway, the agency is under a court order to get its long-overdue 2018 quadrennial review done in less than four weeks.

As the clock ticks, the NAB‘s three key legal and regulatory affairs leaders have called on the Commission to “carefully its prior determinations” regarding to its local TV ownership rules.

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POMPANO BEACH, FLA. — Of late, it has served as the originating station for “Oldies 95.3/96.9,” part of the True Oldies Channel-focused service run in Palm Beach County and northern Broward County by Vic Canales Media Group.

Soon, a change will be in the works for those two FM translators. The AM has been sold.

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TORONTO — A Canadian AM with 50kw on October 27 signed off the air, with its corporate parent submitting a voluntary license revocation request. While the CRTC said OK, concluding CIWW‘s broadcast life at 1310 kHz, now-former licensee Rogers Sports & Media slammed the regulatory body for not doing enough to save AM radio in Canada.

 

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