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‘CBS News Confirmed’ Selects Exec. Editor
NEW YORK — A woman with Irish media experience who a decade ago spent a year at New York’s NPR Member station has been selected for the role of Executive Editor of a new unit focused on misinformation within CBS News and Standards.
Taking the role at CBS News Confirmed is Rhona Tarrant. She starts on April 1 and will report to CBS News and Stations SVP Claudia Milne, who heads standards and practices.
CBS News Confirmed is a new initiative that brings together a team of journalists who use data and technology to verify and fact-check questionable videos and reports and explain CBS News’ verification process. “CBS News Confirmed represents an investment in several key areas: hiring forensic journalists, new training, state-of-the-art technology and other tools, all focused on ensuring that CBS News combats misinformation and ensures the accuracy of its reporting,” CBS says.
Tarrant has trained journalists worldwide to verify, debunk and track online misinformation and disinformation through her work with the Google News Initiative and Storyful, where she has been head of editorial for the U.S. marketplace since 2019. Earlier, Tarrant served as EMEA deputy editor at Storyful, where she led daily coverage of international news events from Dublin.
“Rhona is one of the leading journalists and editors working in and breaking new ground in the area of verifying information,” said Milne. “She has developed new tools to uncover misinformation and disinformation and has worked across multiple platforms. Her experience and leadership will be an asset to CBS News Confirmed.”
Tarrant commented, “The rise of generative AI and online misinformation has made the role of journalists more critical than ever. I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at CBS News to lead this new unit dedicated to visual verification and fact-checking. Together, we’ll support CBS News’ unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and empower our audience to sort fact from fiction.”
Tarrant worked from 2014 to 2015 at WNYC Radio in New York, where, as an assistant producer, she focused on a year-long investigative series that uncovered inaccurate reporting of road traffic deaths in New York City.
From 2011 to 2017, Tarrant served as a producer and reporter for RTÉ Radio and Television in Dublin.
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50th Small-Scale DAB Multiplex Launches in U.K.
On March 11, 2024, the 50th small-scale DAB multiplex in the United Kingdom went on air from Clee Hill in Shropshire, England.
British broadcast regulator Ofcom began its first round of small-scale DAB licensing in April 2020; since then it has conducted five rounds of tenders with a sixth round planned for April 2024.
Muxnet UK, which works with local broadcasters and community groups to help them launch small-scale DAB multiplexes, marked the milestone 50th multiplex launch by noting the rapid pace of deployment of small-scale DAB over the past two years.
“I’m pleased that we’re realizing a belief and a commitment that digital radio could be done better, and more cost-effectively, without compromising existing services or technical quality,” stated Muxnet Technology Lead Nick Piggott. “Small-scale DAB has delivered more innovation in two years than the legacy approach has in the preceding 20. It really is a platform that is accessible to every kind of radio service.”
The Shropshire multiplex license was awarded in January 2023 to Murfin Media (Digital) Ltd. during Ofcom’s fourth round of small-scale DAB licensing. At launch, the multiplex is carrying Sunshine Radio Ludlow; however, other radio stations may join the multiplex. Murfin Media and Sunshine Radio have a common ownership. According to Sunshine Radio, the DAB signal serves listeners in Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer in southeastern Shropshire, as well as in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.
Muxnet UK noted that the first small-scale DAB multiplex went on air in December 2021. Since then, new DAB multiplexes have been licensed across the country, ranging from large city-based multiplexes bringing tens of new radio stations to listeners to more rural multiplexes, like the one in Shropshire.
“The rate of licensing and build has exceeded the speed of previous licensing initiatives, meaning community and small stations can start their migration from analog to digital at a time where RAJAR shows analog listening decline is accelerating,” the organization stated.
Cakes and ‘Nozeco’ (transmitter sites are alcohol-free zones) helped mark the launch of the 50th small-scale DAB service in the U.K. (Photo courtesy Muxnet UK)[Sign Up for Radio World’s SmartBrief Newsletter]
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FCC Localism Proposal Scrutinizes Decision to Eliminate Main Studio Rule
A new FCC proposal, which is meant to incentivize broadcast localism, also casts doubt on an earlier decision by the agency to do away with the “main studio rule.”
The FCC said the newly-proposed rule aims to boost local broadcast journalism by providing priority for staff to review processes like renewals, transfer, and assignment applications to licensees that certify their station provides an average of at least three hours of locally-originated programming each week.
“There’s something special about when you hear a local voice on the airwaves or see a familiar face on your television set in the evening,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Over time we’ve come to trust those voices and they provide an important service to these communities. We want to recognize that dedication when it comes time for license renewals and transactions and this proposal does just that.”
By focusing on where the programming is created, the FCC says its proposal avoids having them try to evaluate the content of a station’s broadcasts to determine their local nature.
While the intent of the FCC proposal is to promote local journalism and reward broadcasters who provide it, the commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) also openly questions the outcome of the commission’s 2017 decision to eliminate the main studio rule. In fact, the new proposal includes multiple references of the main studio rule and the role it played in preserving broadcast localism.
The main studio rule required stations to maintain the main studio in or near its community of license to facilitate interaction between the station and the local community it is licensed to serve, according to the FCC. The new FCC proposal on localism states: “We question whether the Main Studio Elimination Order’s predictive judgment — that the commission’s action there would foster creation of more and better local content — has actually come to pass.”
[Related: “FCC Eliminates Main Studio Rule“]
Now, the NPRM seeks comment on whether the elimination of the main studio rule did in fact lead to less local programming.
Washington attorney David Oxenford wrote in his Broadcast Law Blog that the notice suggests that the decision to drop the main studio rule may have been “wrongly made, and alleges that the 2017 decision did not serve what the majority said was its purpose — promoting more local programming.”
Oxenford says, despite questioning the decision to eliminate the main studio rule, the NPRM did recognize that the commission has held that local programming is not necessary to serve the public interest.
Several radio royalty groups say the commission is correct to question whether the predictive judgments in its “Main Studio Elimination Order” are still correct.
“(T)he commission at the time predicted that its action [i.e., eliminating the main studio rule] would foster creation of more and better local content,” wrote the musicFIRST coalition and Future of Music Coalition in joint comments as part of the proceeding. “Since the elimination of the rule, we have observed a trend in commercial FM radio of a general decrease in localism rather than an increase, both with respect to music programming as well as news and information.
“This apparent decrease in localism appears to have coincided with increases in local utilization of syndicated radio programming, remote voice-tracking and decentralization of music programming in commercial radio,” the radio royalty groups told the FCC.
The National Association of Broadcasters has not filed an official response, but in an ex-parte filing the group noted that broadcasters already have every incentive to produce locally-oriented content.
“Offering local content is a competitive advantage over the plethora of nationally-focused content throughout the marketplace,” NAB wrote in its comments, recapping a meeting with representatives of Commissioner Anna Gomez’s office. “Those radio and television stations able to provide locally-originated programming already do it. The barrier to initiating or expanding local content is that producing such content is generally very expensive.”
The NAB concluded that establishing a “carrot” in the form of change to how certain complex applications are processed for certain stations will not address the fundamental challenges affecting broadcasters who would like to expand local program production.
The NPRM also drew dissent from both of the FCC’s Republican commissioners. In fact, commissioner Brendan Carr says he asked that the NPRM cut back on the discussion of the main studio rule before its release. In a statement he wrote: “However, my colleagues were only interested in moving forward with the localism proposal if they could also cast aspersion on the separate main studio rule along the way.”
The FCC says it does not propose to offer priority application review to applications filed for radio translators or boosters. The commission says a station’s participation in certifying for prioritization would be voluntary. “A station may choose whether it wants to provide the additional information to qualify for prioritized review of its application and, should it decline to, would have its application processed pursuant to its normal procedures.”
Comment from broadcasters in the proceeding has been limited so far, without filings by any of the major broadcast groups. National Public Radio told the FCC it generally supports the commission’s proposal to promote locally originated programming.
“With the continued decline of local newspapers, broadcasters are seen more than ever as essential, trusted, local news providers,” NPR commented, “and no one can disagree that providing local communities with information about the events and issues that directly impact them is a public good that should be supported. However, as to public radio, the incentive offered in the NPRM is weak.”
Meanwhile, community radio advocate REC Networks says in its comments “the proposal is ambitious, but not practical.”
Reply comments on the FCC’s NPRM (MB Docket No. 24-14) on broadcast localism can be filed through April 8 online at the FCC’s website.
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Veritonic Integrates With Adjust On Mobile Audio Attribution
Audio research and analytics company Veritonic has a new integration in place — this time with a measurement and analytics company led by Director of Partnerships for the Americas Reggie Singh.
Through this integration with Adjust, Veritonic’s audio attribution solution will receive automated data about in-app conversion actions on mobile devices including installs, purchases, and subscriptions.
“This integration allows Veritonic to elevate the holistic, cross-channel audio campaign performance data they provide to clients around the world,” the company led and founded by CEO Scott Simonelli said.
“We take pride in our collaborations with visionary leaders, amplifying the impact of our solutions and elevating the value delivered to our clients,” Simonelli commented. “This seamless integration empowers us to furnish our clients with even more comprehensive, insightful, and actionable data. It equips them to finely tune their audio campaigns, ensuring optimal results while instilling confidence in the allocation of their advertising budget across channels.”
Veritonic’s Attribution product enables users to glean actionable insights from top-of-the-funnel branding initiatives through bottom-of-the-funnel conversions & transactions. Through an intuitive and interactive dashboard, brands can determine which publisher and specific ads had the highest impact and use that data to optimize ad performance.
The InFOCUS Podcast: Caroline Beasley
From GenAI to monetizing original digital content, there’s much Caroline Beasley, the CEO of Beasley Media Group, is looking forward to at the 2024 NAB Show. In fact, there’s a lot of activity at this year’s show involving Ms. Beasley and Beasley Media Group executive leadership, including Caroline’s appearance on an April 15 panel devoted to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
In this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, Caroline offers her thoughts on what’s of keen interest to Beasley Media Group, and how those seeking to attend an invitation-only “Cocktails and Conversation” reception on April 14 during the NAB Show can be a part of the action.
Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Caroline Beasley” on Spreaker.
NAB Launches 2024 Election Toolkit for Broadcasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the launch of the 2024 Election Toolkit. The online resource provides local television and radio broadcasters with tips and resources to combat misinformation, drive get-out-the-vote efforts and cover local, state and federal elections.
The 2024 Election Toolkit assets help broadcasters serve their communities in the lead-up to Election Day on November 5. The toolkit includes information on identifying false statements online, examples of broadcasters’ work combating misinformation, voter registration resources and guides for finding local polling places.
Broadcast-ready public service announcements encouraging voter participation, produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters’ Vote411.org, are also available in both English and Spanish in the toolkit.
“Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open, and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome,” said NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.”
The NAB is encouraging broadcasters to share examples of fact-checking projects, civic news coverage and voter education public service efforts by emailing WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org.
Hartman Adds Audacy’s Memphis Properties To Leadership Mix
The woman who oversees Audacy Inc.‘s Chattanooga, Tenn., radio stations is adding similar duties for its four audio brands serving Memphis.
Nichole Hartman will now take on the duties of Market Manager for Sports duo WMFS-AM & FM, Sports Wagering-focused WMC-AM “The Bet,” Country WLFP “99.7 The Wolf,” and Adult Contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River.”
WLFP recently relocated to the facility formerly used by now-retired Hot Adult Contemporary WMC-FM.
Hartman succeeds Dan Barron, who was recently appointed SVP/Market Manager for Audacy’s New Orleans stations.
“Memphis and Chattanooga are lucky to have Nichole’s leadership as a vital building block to local market success,” said Audacy Regional President Claudia Menegus. “She continues on a path of consistent career growth and will elevate our Memphis market by delivering exceptional performance for our team, partners and audiences.”
Hartman added, “I am eager to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with this opportunity. I am energized and excited to contribute to the continued success of our team and organization.”
Hartman has been SVP/Market Manager of Audacy Chattanooga, comprised of WLND-FM, WUSY-FM “U.S. 101,” WKXJ “103.7 Kiss FM,” WRXR “Rock 105,” and FM translator “Real 97.7” (WUSY-HD2) since December 2017. She previously served as General Sales Manager of Cox Media Group’s Jacksonville radio stations.
TEGNA Selects Its Q1 Earnings Reveal Date
The television broadcasting company with WUSA9 in Washington, D.C., as its flagship property and more NBC affiliates than any other licensee has decided when to release, and discuss with investors, its fiscal report card for the first quarter of 2024.
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John Smith Sells His FM To ‘The Big Show’
For eight years, a Class A FM serving the Augusta, Ga., market has offered a blend of “beach music” and classic R&B music to listeners.
Now, a change in ownership is poised to take place.
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Linear TV: Trending Toward Radio and … Newspaper?
Decades from now, media executives and investors will likely look back at 2023 as the year when linear TV advertising “officially broke.”
That’s the ominous conclusion from MoffettNathanson Senior Analysts Michael Nathanson and Robert Fishman, who have released a new report that offers a sobering assessment of non-streaming television’s fiscal health.
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The Gauge: ‘Seasonal Downward Trend’ For February TV Usage
TV usage declined 6.4% versus January 2024, new data from Nielsen show. However, the nation’s dominant audience measurement company notes that the decrease “is more a testament to how massive viewing was” in a month that featured key NFL playoff match-ups.
In fact, February had higher overall usage levels than the prior two Februarys, making year-over-year trends positive for television, Nielsen notes.
Just how massive was January 2024 TV consumption? The 6.4% decline compares to a 5.7% decline in 2023 and a 5.1% decline in 2022.
And, Nielsen says, the 6.4% drop was countered somewhat by the “extraordinary high” viewing levels of Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11. This date now holds the record for the most total viewing of any day since the start of “The Gauge” by Nielsen in May 2021, which offers a “total TV and streaming snapshot” for marketers and media executives.
Traditional TV (Broadcast + Cable) viewing accounted for 50.9% of overall TV usage, down from 54.1% in the year-ago period. This was its smallest combined share since August 2023 and likely reflects soft original programming, post-holiday, and lingering effects of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA East/WGA West work stoppages of last year.
Broadcast viewing comprised 23.3% of overall TV usage; cable viewing was 27.6% of overall TV consumption.
It is notable that cable exhibited its smallest share to date, Nielsen reports.
Comparatively, streaming accounted for its largest share of TV since August 2023, with 37.7% of TV usage.
Good Vibrations: Peachtree Sports Network Inks Pro Volleyball Pact
ATLANTA — The biggest city in the South is getting its newest professional sports team, and it has selected a Gray Television over-the-air broadcast brand — and not a MVPD-distributed specialty channel — as its inaugural local TV partner.
In this case, the winning point goes to Peachtree Sports Network.
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StreamGuys Launches Next-Gen RevenueStream Service
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF. — Streaming and podcasting SaaS provider StreamGuys is returning to the 2024 NAB Show with a modernized version of a tool designed to help broadcasters into the potential of audience subscription revenue.
StreamGuys will demonstrate the new version of the RevenueStream service at the industry gathering scheduled for April 14-17 at the ENCO booth (West Hall, No. 1743). StreamGuys will have a branded presence and dedicated station at its partner’s expo floor site.
RevenueStream was brought to market in 2008 to help radio and television broadcasters look outside the traditional advertising model for revenue generation. The goal: to monetize live streams and on-demand media.
The updated version of RevenueStream features new subscription management, branding and payment features, along with more flexible monetization options, StreamGuys says. The latter includes metered paywalls, freemium access, membership plans, and donation support, something of particular interest to public media stations. “It also supports everything from one-time events to recurring subscriptions that support ongoing revenue models,” StreamGuys says.
“RevenueStream was built to help broadcasters and content creators discover new ways to generate revenue while also igniting new creative avenues for their live productions,” Eduardo Martinez, Vice President of Technology, shares. “We are already seeing strong interest from both commercial and public broadcasters, the latter of which can now offer donors alternate content during their pledge drives. We are excited to bring customers in all verticals a modernized service to market that helps them offer more adaptable subscription models, drive audience loyalty and retention, and maintain a steady revenue flow. Furthermore, integration with our other tokenization and playout ensure our customers can enjoy a proven and reliable streaming ecosystem along with our exceptional customer support.”
The new subscriber management platform is powered by Pigeon.io.
Nautel Radio Technology Forum Returns to NAB 2024
Nautel, which is celebrating its 55th year as a transmitter manufacturer, is gearing up for its annual Radio Technology Forum. Known to many as “The NUG.” the event, which will take place at the Flamingo Las Vegas, will be hosted by broadcast educator Jeff Welton.
In a departure from prior years’ events, the first hour of the forum on April 14 will be comprised of an “Industry Briefing Breakfast.”
The event begins at 8:30am Pacific and includes a presentation titled “EAS at the Edge,” in addition to a session on what one journalist is watching for at the NAB Show.
Key Nautel product announcements and a “tips and tricks” session is also on the agenda. Separately, Nautel will conduct a “HD Radio 101” session, directed to anyone contemplating an HD radio deployment or just wanting a refresh on HD Radio transmission best practices.
Nautel Head of Marketing and Product Strategy John Whyte commented, “We work hard to
make sure the content in that first hour is of interest to all broadcasters, no matter what brand of transmitters they operate. For those who are able to stay until the end of the Forum, we will offer lunch as usual. And, because it’s Nautel’s 55th anniversary we’re celebrating with over 55 prizes to be awarded throughout the morning.”
The Radio Technology Forum is open to all broadcasters and is free to attend; it qualifies as ½ SBE Recertification credit as well. To register for the Radio Technology Forum, visit
nautel.com/nab/nug-registration/.
Más Flo: Progressive Propels Spot Cable Action
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