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Longtime radio engineering executive Norm Philips is among the industry leaders who will be honored this year by the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

TAB also introduced the inaugural class of its Hightower Award winners, named in honor of the late Jason Hightower, who was a TAB chairman and owner/operator of KMOO(FM) in Mineola, Texas.

 Its Annual Awards Gala will be held in August as part of the TABShow in Austin. The recipients were announced by TAB President Oscar Rodriguez.

[Read: TAB Is Ready for an In-Person Show in 12 Weeks]

“Texas broadcasting is nothing without the passionate and dedicated leadership of individual men and women who take to heart the federal license to do good for the communities they serve, and no one embodies that spirit greater than the six radio and TV broadcasters we’re honoring this year,” he said.

Norm Philips will receive the George Marti Award for Engineering Excellence.

“Texas radio engineering and the name Norm Philips go hand in hand,” TAB wrote in its announcement. “He spent the bulk of his career directing engineering operations for Susquehanna, Cumulus, GAP and Townsquare Media stations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Denver and several other markets.”

As one of two engineering VPs for Townsquare, Philips managed nearly 200 stations. TAB said he “has inspired a legion of broadcast engineers who are sustaining radio stations throughout Texas today.” Philips retired in 2016.

Here are the names and bios of the other recipients:

Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year: Mark Grubbs, Ranch Radio Group, Kerrville — “Since 1993, Mark Grubbs has been owner/operator of the Ranch Radio Group stations in the Texas Hill Country,” TAB wrote. “As a ‘consummate radio guy,’ he is always looking for opportunities to serve his community, either with new promotion, programming, and marketing strategies to better serve listeners and local businesses, or a soulful solution to a pressing need. Whether it’s serving as the official radio station for the Gillespie County Fair or raising money for 4-H and FFA scholarships, Grubbs’ passion for serving his community is woven seamlessly into everything he and the Ranch Staff do.”

Broadcaster of the Year: Marty Wind, KLUX(FM), Corpus Christi — “After 38 years, Marty Wind recently retired from managing KLUX, a station he helped start for the Diocesan Telecommunications Corp. He introduced digital radio broadcasting to the Coastal Bend area in 2006 and today, noncommercial station KLUX is a market leader in public service, with a long list of achievements highlighted by courageous endeavors to stay on-air even in the worst of hurricanes. Wind’s heartfelt commitment to his fellow broadcasters and listeners is unmatched. Whether it be technical advice, emergency news and information, education or inspiration and relaxation, Wind is there to serve and protect the people of the Coastal Bend.”

Jason Hightower Awards for Broadcast Excellence — This award recognizes those with at least 10 years in the broadcast industry who have demonstrated a proficiency for enterprise and innovation in servicing their stations’ audience, advertisers and communities. The recipients are Melissa Rivera, digital sales manager for Townsquare Media Victoria; Joe Ellis, executive investigative reporter at KVUE(TV) in Austin; and Josh Gorbutt, news director for KBTX(TV) in Bryan-College Station.

The post TAB Will Honor Norm Philips appeared first on Radio World.

What’s your favorite mic and why? Which models do you use for remote work, news or live sound?

We’ve been asking radio professionals to share their preferences. Here are four more as we celebrate Microphone Month at Radio World.

Director of engineering/IT, Leighton Broadcasting 

Abfalter goes with the proven quality of the Electro-Voice models RE20, RE27 and RE320. Same with specialty applications.

As far as he’s concerned, “No sense in trading quality outside the studio.”

He’s a believer in doing your research and talking to the air staff, and then ultimately making your own call. “There’s no right answer.”

Chief engineer, Salem Media New York, and chief engineer, WRHU Radio Hofstra University

“The Shure SM7B packs a great punch at a reasonable cost,” Gladding says when asked for his choice in a radio studio.

“I really like how the pattern and dynamic response lends itself to both experienced and novice users.”

For remote podcasting, he recommends the EV RE20. “It seems to handle room noise fairly well and is fairly easy to use. Plus it can sound really fabulous when paired with a decent mic processor or preamp.”

When working with student engineers, he encourages them to start with the basics.

“Higher cost doesn’t always equal better quality. Knowledge of good mic placement and usage is more important than specs.”

Broadcast Engineer, Radio Mozambique

For on-air work, count him as a fan of the Electro-Voice RE20 and its effective management of proximity effect. 

“Normally the dynamic mics are susceptible to external inductions, a problem that I faced for a long time with the AKG D3800 and only was overcome with the RE20,” he said.

Out in the field, he turns to the Sennheiser MD46, a dynamic cardioid with clear voice pickup.

“The metallic envelope provides good robustness, especially for a reporter in the field; it can fall and resist the impact without damage. Excellent response for reporting on the go.”

94.7 and The Mighty 790 KGHL

Josh Rath is the programming manager and afternoon drive host on “94.7 and The Mighty 790 KGHL,” which is KGHL(AM) and its FM translator. He also oversees IT operations for Northern Broadcasting System with its 70 or so radio affiliates across four states. Both are based in Billings, Mont.

He too is a fan of the Shure SM7B for studio work. “I’m sure more than half the industry would say the same; but you simply cannot beat a legendary microphone with a build quality tougher than the Terminator.”

He adds that the company is beginning the process of a complete AOIP transition.

“If you have the ability, start with all-digital end to end. Provides you total control, all from a nice digital dashboard, of your mic EQ, gate and more.”

Chief Engineer-Portland for Alpha Media

The Sennheiser MD421-II and the Electro-Voice RE20 are his picks for on-air work. “Both are excellent for just about any type of voice, but the MD421 with the roll-off switch in the flat position, marked M for Music, is hard to beat.”

For specialty environments, it depends on the application, but the one he has found the most forgiving is the Shure SM7B. “In an ideal acoustical situation, add a Cloudlifter and it really comes to life.”

Waage puts the emphasis on proper mic technique. “If you’re making an investment to improve your sound quality, learn how to use that tool.”

Read more of our coverage:

Today’s Microphones Offer a Buffet of Choice

The post Pros Tell Us About Their Favorite Mics appeared first on Radio World.

He’s in charge of sales for a standalone station in Market No. 108, a city that is dominated by iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media and Southern Stone Communications.

How is Adult Contemporary “Mix 96.9” in Huntsville, Ala., able to survive and thrive, in particular today?

That’s just one question GM and GSM Nate Adams tackles in this new InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM — hosted by RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Nate Adams, WRSA/Huntsville” on Spreaker.

TEGNA has made a decision on what company to use to power its needs for “cross-platform, closed-loop measurement and attribution.”

That company is TVSquared, from which the broadcast TV station owner aims to achieve incremental reach and web, location and app outcomes for local data-driven linear television and CTV and OTT campaigns.

“TEGNA’s footprint of 64 stations in 51 markets, which serve 48 million TV households monthly, and Premion’s directly-sourced inventory from 125+ branded networks delivering premium CTV and OTT impressions, combined with TVSquared’s ability to process hundreds of millions of impressions monthly, make this one of the largest TV measurement and attribution initiatives for converged TV,” TVSquared claims.

“The TV ecosystem is in the midst of an evolution that demands cross-platform analytics,” said Jessica Daigle, vice president of sales intelligence at TEGNA. “TVSquared is the right partner to prove the value of our media and grow our advertiser’s local businesses.”

TVSquared President Jo Kinsella added, “TEGNA has always been a trailblazer in bringing transparent data and analytics to the TV marketplace. The scale of this cross-platform initiative is a huge signal to the market about the advancements happening to make TV more accountable. We are thrilled to partner with TEGNA and Premion on this game-changing solution and arm its diverse client base with the transparency and intel needed to leverage the power of cross-platform TV advertising.”

Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic had a big impact on local television revenues in 2020. But the 2020 elections ultimately kept the industry in a good position by year’s end.

That’s the conclusion from new data released today by BIA Advisory Services.

According to its 2021 Investing In Television Market Report, over-the-air (OTA) revenue reached $18.3 billion last year.

Add in $1.4 billion from digital revenue, and the grand total for 2020 is $19.7 billion. This reflects a rise from $18.3 billion in 2019.

Political advertising accounted for $4.4 billion in 2020 to deliver what BIA calls “a softer landing to an otherwise negatively impacted industry.”

What was the year-over-year dip for core advertising? It was bad. But, it could’ve been worse. OTA revenue minus political advertising drove industry revenues down negative 23.1%, similar to the COVID-19 impact on broadcast radio.

But, BIA predicts the rebound will “slightly begin” this year, with OTA advertising expected to rise 5.4% on revenue of $14.9 billion for 2021. In 2022 total local over the air station revenues are forecasted at $17.8 billion.

“This past year demonstrated that local television stations are doing the right thing by continuing to strengthen their digital and multi-media sales efforts,” said Dr. Mark Fratrik, SVP and chief economist at BIA Advisory Services. “They also need to continue to develop strategies that incorporate over-the-top (OTT) sales to reach specific audiences, while simultaneously reaching the broader local viewers. OTT increasingly is becoming a competitive and complementary advertising platform for local television station operators.”

While auto and general services dollars are expected to bounce back for TV, growth in core advertising this year will come from business verticals that are hyper-focused on market needs — such as consumer lending, clothiers, health insurance and auto insurers — and new entrants like Online Gambling, Fratrik added.

Here are the revenue numbers, in brief:

• OTA – $17b
• Digital – $1.3b

• OTA – $18.3b
• Digital – $1.4b

• OTA – $14.9b
• Digital – $1.5b

• OTA – $17.8b
• Digital – $1.6b

On August 17, 2017, WAY Media‘s board chairman announced that, after “an extensive national search,” it has found its new Chief Executive Officer. This individual was selected to succeed Bob Augsburg, who founded the Christian broadcast ministry in 1987 with his wife, Felice.

WAY Media today is now faced with a renewed need to find a CEO, as the person chosen to fill Augsburg’s shoes has departed.

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In the June 9 issue of Radio World there is a nifty free poster from Rohde & Schwarz. The top story looks at how automotive OEMs are expanding their use of the Android Automotive operating system. Several major broadcast organizations have joined with NAB PILOT and Xperi, hoping to ensure that radio is appropriately represented.

There’s the story on an all-digital AM station in the suburbs near the Big Apple.

Plus, a chat with Oliver Berliner, grandson of Emile.

Don’t miss the Buyer’s Guide — Apps for Radio Technology, with helpful apps from Burk Technology, Cloud Cast Systems, Comrex, ENCO, Nautel, Telos Alliance, Tieline, Wheatstone and Xperi.

Read the issue.

The post Inside the June 9, 2021 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

The National Association of Broadcasters is among several organizations pledging to strengthen “diversity, equity and inclusion” in government relations.

“NAB is proud to be one of four early adopters of the DGR pledge, along with America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Signal Group and Women’s Global Impact Initiative,” wrote Vice President of Government Relations Charlyn Stanberry, who joined NAB in April.

“As we continue to advocate before members of Congress and the administration, we will continue to recruit, hire and promote talent that represents the richness of our nation and broadcasting ecosystem.”

The pledge is an initiative of the DGR Coalition. Stanberry wrote about NAB’s perspective on the issue in a blog post about the pledge.

“While there is still much work to be done, one of the unique aspects local broadcasters have is their ability to reflect the diverse communities they serve,” she wrote. “This effort extends to the work we do within NAB.”

The post NAB Supports “DGR Pledge” appeared first on Radio World.

From our “Who’s Buying What” page: OmniPlayer said that Flemish broadcaster VRT will use OmniPlayer 3 Radio Automation software in Flanders to support several radio stations.

“Flemish public broadcast corporation VRT will start using the Dutch OmniPlayer system for their stations Radio 1, Radio 2, Klara, MNM, Studio Brussel, streaming, DAB+ channels, VRT Nieuwsdienst and Sporza,” the manufacturer stated.

[See More Equipment Sales News at Our Who’s Buying What Page]

“This investment is partially inspired by the technological changes that are coming soon, in perspective of the new office building.”

It said the system will connect with the iNews editorial system via MOS and integrate with MusicMaster and with Radiomanager by Pluxbox.

Wim Ermens is project manager technology at VRT.

Submit announcements for Who’s Buying What to radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post VRT to Use OmniPlayer in Flanders appeared first on Radio World.

Perhaps the greatest negative impact that COVID has had on radio, according to Jacob Media’s TechSurvey 2021, has been on AM/FM listening in the automotive mediascape. The short answer as to why might be more time spent at home, and less in cars. It’s more complicated than that, though. Information provided in the recent survey focuses on that. Some of the information seems to contradict. Fasten your seat belt, this could be a rough ride.

Of the leading 71% who said they spent less time listening to radio, spending less time in the car was the main reason they gave. This documents a well-established trend, AM/FM has been losing ground in the home to smart speakers and streaming media for some time. The last bastion is the car, and now that is under siege.

Advances in automotive entertainment system technology is also having an impact, according to TS 2021. Newer vehicles make it easy to connect smartphones into the system, and younger drivers especially, seem to be doing so. The spread ranges from the Greatest Generation’s 67% to Gen Z and Millennials’ 85%.

Get ready for a sudden lane change. TS 2021 says that the most important feature for those buying or leasing new cars is FM radio, with 74%, followed closely by Bluetooth, with 73%. AM radio ranks 6th with 34% overall, with a callout noting it is 59% for news/talk listeners, and 44% for sports radio fans. An interesting note is that the CD player now follows AM radio in the 7th position with a distant 29%.

All of that being said, when asked what percentage of time in the car they spent with each entertainment source, AM/FM is the clear winner with 58%. SiriusXM is a distant second with 18% of respondents. The data suggests that while people are spending less time in the car than they used to, they still prefer radio when they are behind the wheel.

When the survey factors in those who own “connected cars,” AM/FM still leads, but the number has slipped to less than half, with 49%. SiriusXM is still number two, with 24%.

It’s hard to get an exact fix on radio usage in the car, there are so many factors and different ways of looking at the data that is presented. Perhaps the 10,000-foot view is that all analog media is slowly losing ground to digital. One constant that this data seems to demonstrate is that localism still matters, and while AM/FM may be slipping in some categories, there seems to be a commensurate gain in listening to the hometown stream.

The post Radio Hits a Bumpy Road in the Car Mediascape appeared first on Radio World.

The Digital Division of Nexstar Media Group has promoted its Connecticut-based VP of Strategy and Business Intelligence to the role of Chief Strategy Officer and EVP/Strategy & Data for the digital segment of the broadcast TV station owner.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW RBR+TVBR ON FACEBOOK!

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A key voice for Sooner Nation sports fans is heading to a new owner.

It is the result of the death of this AM’s licensee, and the transaction includes an FM translator.

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Advertising intelligence company Standard Media Index (SMI) has brought to the marketplace a “Pricing Intelligence Suite,” which includes Digital CPM for streaming video as well as Traditional and Advanced Audience eCPM (effective CPM) for Linear TV.

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Comscore has secured its first national programmer to agree to formal participation in its National Addressable TV programmer trials.

But, it’s a delayed announcement, as this owner and operator of cable TV channels, which is merging with Discovery Inc., began the effort more than six months ago.

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