Radio+Television Business Report

It’s been in the news across the last year for its stated desire to own up to nearly 50% of iHeartMedia.

Now, the British media and entertainment group that owns such U.K. radio brands as Heart has purchased a next-generation digital audio content and technology start-up that will be added to the digital audio advertising and programmatic OOH advertising platform DAX.

With the acquisition, Remixd technology will be added to Global’s Digital Ad Exchange, or DAX.

Remixd automatically converts text articles into audio files with naturalized language,
allowing publishers to provide “premium short form audio content” to their users, DAX notes.

It’s a technology Tribune Publishing and the USA TODAY Sports department is already using. It could present opportunities for broadcast TV and radio station websites and other online platforms.

Les Hollander, who serves as CEO at DAX North America, elaborated, “This technology means digital publishers can meet the growing consumer demand for audio and publisher need for improved ad monetization. It’s the perfect pathway to reaching consumers with
customized marketing messages in the burgeoning smart speaker space. Adding text to audio conversion is a further enhancement of the tech Global has developed for DAX. Publishers, who have rafts of written content, can now use the power of audio to open up audience opportunities and revenue streams.”

According to Global-owned DAX, Remixd offers “plug and play” direct sales and programmatic ad sales. “Pre-roll bumpers, interstitials and sonic branding can
be easily added to text-to-audio,” the company noted.

DAX has a footprint of publishers in the U.S., Canada and across Great Britain.

Two weeks ago, the PR team working with Pearl TV distributed literature indicating that consumers are purchasing approximately 10,000 NEXTGEN TV sets per day.

If that’s not breathtaking enough, Pearl TV reports that more than three million total sets are anticipated to be sold by the end of 2021.

Given the average price of a TV equipped with NEXTGEN TV capabilities, we just had to catch up with Pearl TV Managing Director Anne Schelle. Are chip shortages and supply chain issues a factor? Are consumers really coughing up more than $1,000 for a new set?

Schelle shares all, along with what TV viewers in big Canadian markets with access to U.S. TV stations, can expect, in this fresh InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Anne Schelle” on Spreaker.

The broadcast media inventory and revenue workflow management company known as WideOrbit has just released a “Total Radio Solution” it believes can bring radio station groups improved efficiencies, cost reductions and, ultimately, higher revenue across the entire ecosystem.

Those are the promises of the new product, launched October 5 by the San Francisco-based tech company.

“As listening patterns continue to shift, today’s radio broadcasters require tools to both streamline traditional AM/FM operations as well as generate additional revenue,” WideOrbit says. “Radio station automation, remote access, and digital delivery and monetization are no longer just nice-to-haves; they’re critical for stations to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.”

So, what exactly does WideOrbit’s Total Radio Solution offer? The company’s marketing literature highlights “streamlining workflows across the radio ecosystem; increased opportunities for revenue generation through digital audio (streaming and podcasting); improved advertising customer satisfaction and retention through simplified cross-channel transactions, from order to invoice to cash; and simplified access to in-depth performance insights to make smarter, data-driven decisions.”

To be more precise, WideOrbit’s Total Radio Solution incorporates digital management and monetization, business intelligence, and A/R automation and payment tools, in addition to  integration with a variety of third-party systems.

“The products that make up our Total Radio Solution were specifically designed to build upon and enhance each other,” said WideOrbit VP of Radio Sales Danny Tankersley. “Radio organizations of all sizes, from independent local stations to mid-sized regional station groups, to national radio brands, will benefit from our end-to-end solution’s ability to help deliver compelling programming to engage listeners, all while improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing revenue.”

WideOrbit Founder and CEO Eric R. Mathewson added, “WideOrbit has a longstanding commitment to continuous innovation and investment in improving our core products. We’re proud to continue that tradition with the launch of our Total Radio Solution, bringing radio workflows together in a single, unified platform to help our customers maximize revenue.”

ST Engineering iDirect’s broadcast technology has been selected by USSI Global, the provider of customized network, broadcast and digital signage systems and services worldwide, to enable the modernization and compression of satellite programmers’ distribution uplinks to comply with the FCC’s C-band spectrum transition.

ST Engineering iDirect is a key technology partner in the upgrade and will be providing broadcast equipment including M1600 modulators, USS02012 redundancy switches and FR0730 up and down converters, enabling USSI Global to ensure a smooth transition and high-efficiency, future-proof infrastructure.

The modernized compression systems will serve extensive sports distribution encompassing MLB, NHL and NBA teams, as well as several major programmer distribution systems in the USA.

The upgrade is expected to be completed by August 2023.

The upgrade work is part of the FCC’s initiative to clear 300MHz of the C-band’s 500MHz bandwidth frequency for 5G mobile services and relocate service providers within that spectrum to the remaining 200MHz. As the C-band spectrum is mostly used for TV and radio operations, many providers will vacate the 300MHz targeted for 5G services. These transitions will require affected providers to navigate complex technical changes including installation of new and existing antennas and the repointing and filtering required for the antenna upgrades.

— Brian Galante

On October 15, three FEMA representatives will be on hand to help commemorate the launch of “an all-hazards upgrade” to what is considered to be a “Primary Entry Point” facility at the heritage home for News and Talk in New England — iHeartMedia-owned WBZ-AM 1030 in Boston.

FEMA and iHeartMedia Boston are teaming for the event, scheduled for 11am on that Friday in mid-October. It will be held at the WBZ transmitter and “PEP” site, in Hull, Mass.

According to iHeartMedia, the modernization to the emergency studio increases WBZ Radio’s resiliency to continue broadcasting under all conditions, including natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

The facility is one of 77 across the country that serve as a National Public Warning System Primary Entry Point (PEP) station, participating with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.

This makes WBZ Radio the 13th station in the nation to work with FEMA to complete the all-hazards upgrade, which includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events.

A ribbon cutting, official remarks, a Q&A session for local media, a tour of the facility, and a live demonstration at the WBZ PEP station emergency studio are scheduled.

Speakers include Antwane Johnson, Director of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System; FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo; IPAWS Program Manager Manny Centeno; iHeartMedia EVP of Engineering & Systems Integration Jeff Littlejohn; and iHeartMedia Boston Market President Alan Chartrand.

Politicians set to appear include Sen. Ed Markey, State Senator Patrick O’Connor, State Representative Joan Meschino, and Hull Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Jennifer Constable.

WBZ on-air host Dan Rea will also be in attendance.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FCC has announced the winners of the agency’s Excellence in Engineering Awards, which recognize Commission staff who have made outstanding engineering, scientific or technical contributions.

Julia Tu and Ryan Hedgpeth from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau share the 2021 Excellence in Engineering award for their work on the Commission’s technical investigation into the nationwide outage of a major wireless network.

“Their efforts will help ensure that rapid, efficient, nationwide radio communications service is available to all the people of the United States,” the Commission said. Their work on the project will help to avoid similar outages in the future, including through recommendations to service providers regarding periodic improvements to network diversity, validation of software upgrades in a lab environment, and active monitoring of 911 network components, the FCC added.

“Every day, the FCC benefits from the immense source of talent working within the agency,” acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at the September Open Meeting, held last week. “I’m proud to recognize Julia and Ryan for their commitment to using their creativity and ingenuity in service of the public.”

The pro-MVPD American Television Alliance (ATVA) on Friday filed brief reply comments in response to the FCC’s quadrennial review.

To perhaps little surprise, the group, which counts ACA Connects as a member, blasted broadcasters for having “largely repeated” old arguments in support of their desire to relax or eliminate the duopoly prohibition.

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The latest quarterly broadcast station totals have been released from the FCC.

And, when one compares the numbers to the end of the second quarter of 2021, one big takeaway is obvious: There are more than 150 fewer radio and TV stations licensed in the U.S. than on June 30.

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The company getting notice for its technology that empowers “dynamic visuals” to radio broadcasts has just signed up Cox Media Group as its latest clients.

Already, the company’s radio stations are using the Steve Newberry-led company’s patented web-based software to publish synched messages on vehicle dashboards.

The capabilities provided to such stations as Hot Talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone” in Sarasota/Tampa is courtesy of Quu Inc.

It uses “Visual Quus” to bring artist information, local promotions and, importantly, ads to the in-dash audio entertainment system. “Radio stations with Visual Quus offer a better user experience in the car and generate immediate incremental revenue by adding text, logos, and images to on-air advertisements,” Quu claims.

Quu CEO Newberry says, ”The opportunity for radio to use Visual Quus as a sales and marketing tool is huge — 80% of the cars on the road today can display text on the dash. We’re delighted that the innovative team at Cox Media Group has signed on as a long-term partner and look forward to evolving the future of our industry together.”

The year 2020 was a year like no other. A pandemic of global proportions coupled with a summer of activism brought on by social unrest and renewed questioning of the “status quo” resulted in a call to action as never before seen, at least not in our lifetime.

Brands are paying attention. Consumers are watching and listening to see how brands are reacting. Creative directors and media buyers are shifting greater focus and budget to better reach a more diverse audience and engage the same in marketing partnerships.

That’s why Forecast 2022 is poised to present 2021’s most provocative in-person conversation on the course of advertising — and what broadcast media leaders need to know.

Deborah Wahl, Global Chief Marketing Officer of General Motors, sits down with American Urban Radio Networks CEO Chesley Maddox-Dorsey for an exclusive conversation on GM marketing — how broadcast fits into its strategy, and what the major automotive company looks for in marketing partnerships. Wahl and Maddox-Dorsey also plan to discuss GM’s commitment to increasing minority media expenditures over the next few years.

They will be joined by Doug Ray, Chief Product Officer for Global Media at dentsu Americas.

Ray has been instrumental in the creation and launch of Project Booker, an initiative focused on African American- developed and -owned content that is being distributed on African American-owned radio and is leading the way in how the global media agency community is doing business with that minority-owned media. Ray will offer his agency perspective on a topic that has all of Madison Avenue rethinking and recasting their role in marketing to American consumers — and who those consumers are today.

Register now for Forecast 2022 and take advantage of early bird pricing. Registration includes admittance to the Broadcast Leadership Reception honoring the 2021 Top Radio and Television Leaders.

Always a great networking event, this year’s is even more important!

The Radio and Television Industry’s Financial Summit: Forecast brings together the best and brightest talent in broadcasting and advertising to forecast the coming year, and to discuss the trends and momentums that will affect ratings and revenue. From Washington to Wall Street, Forecast focuses on what’s ahead in the broadcast community’s future and how to prepare for its opportunities and challenges. Join today’s industry leaders and be part of the discussions and debates about what’s ahead for radio in 2022 and beyond.

Register today for Forecast 2022. The venue is small – demand is higher than usual – don’t be left out due to a sellout!

NOTE: The Harvard Club adheres to City of New York rules and regulations pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination. Please make your plans accordingly.

An individual who has served as an in-house marketing expert for NBCUniversal Local‘s local business initiatives has been promoted to VP of Marketing for the NBCUniversal division.

She’ll be in charge of leading the creative marketing efforts for OTT spaces as NBC and Telemundo Owned Stations continue to expand originally produced programming across multiple platforms.

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Benjamin L. Homel has moved forward with the sale of another FM radio station serving a far northern portion of New York’s Adirondack Region.

For the majority of radio industry professionals, Mr. Homel is better known as one of the most colorful leaders of the last 25 years: Randy Michaels.

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Tom Troland has gained attention in recent years for his partnership with Michael Mallace and for his role as the head of RedRock Media Group, the entity that wished to spin an Oldies FM in Grand Junction, Colo., to the owner of a local daily newspaper.

Today, Troland is in the news for his decision to shed an FM translator serving the popular outdoor enthusiast hub of Moab, Utah.

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The much anticipated Fall 2021 edition of the Radio + Television Business Report‘s quarterly magazine is being distributed Monday via digital PDF download to all subscribers.

It’s the exclusive home to this year’s Top Local TV Leaders rankings, based on reader nominations; important media technology company updates; and the only place readers will find the findings of the Media Staffing Network/RBR+TVBR annual TV Sales Salary Survey.

What else can you find inside the latest RBR+TVBR magazine?

• WHAT’S THE DEAL?
  Has COVID-19, and now the delta variant, crippled broadcast transaction values forever? It’s a tough question. For some, station valuations for radio were sliding before the coronavirus cratered the marketplace. For others, there’s green on the horizon for both radio and TV broadcasters.
• MOVING FORWARD
  An exclusive look at the 2021 TVB Forward conference, directly from
  TVB President/CEO Steve Lanzano.

Not a RBR+TVBR Member? Don’t wait! Click here to secure your access to all that the Radio + Television Business Report has to offer media business professionals every day.

Thanks to the efforts of Bryan Broadcasting in Texas and the ingenuity of Dave Kolesar, a Senior Broadcast Engineer at Hubbard Broadcasting, the future of the AM radio band is a bit brighter thanks to the technological innovations HD Radio-only broadcasts can bring.

Sadly, that hasn’t stopped licensees from turning in their licenses for forlorn stations in the kHz band. Cumulus Media did so one year ago; Beasley Media Group also opted to do so with one South Florida AM. Saga Communications did so last week. Now, another licensee has done so, in Portland, Ore.

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The Media Bureau of the FCC is reminding applicants about an upcoming filing window for applications for noncommercial educational (NCE) FM new station construction permits.

As previously announced, there’s an opportunity to file for one week, in early November.

The window will open at 12:01am Eastern on Tuesday, November 2. It will subsequently close at 6pm Eastern on Tuesday, November 9.

The window is available for FM reserved band (channels 201 –220) proposals.

All new NCE FM applications must be filed electronically on FCC Form 2100, Schedule 340
in the Bureau’s Licensing and Management System (LMS). Applicants should select the application “New NCE FM Construction Permit Application” in LMS.

The application deadline will be strictly enforced.

Applications submitted before or after the window will be dismissed, without further consideration, so please adhere to the window put in place by the Media Bureau.

In conjunction with this filing window, the Commission will not accept FM reserved band minor change applications or FM non-reserved band adjacent channels (channels 221 –223) and intermediate frequency (IF) (channels 254-274) minor change applications after
11:59pm Eastern on October 4.

The freeze will continue in effect until the close of the window.

The latest Media Monitors Spot Ten TV report shows that, like at Spot Radio, the cold and flu season has led to a sudden influx of commercials for one popular allergy, sinus and cold medicine brand.

At the same time, there is a flurry of new activity from a host of brands and a QSR at No. 1.

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When looking at the iHeartMedia-owned Media Monitors’ Spot Ten Radio report, one must discount all of the iHeart-related promotional spots and podcast ads to get an accurate account of what brands are actively spending on AM and FM commercial announcements.

This week, Vicks is back — in a big way — while Capital One is also back in the Spot Ten.

As shown below, the sinus and flu medicine brand is now seventh by play count, soaring from No. 39 last week.

Then, there is DuckDuckGo, a new fan of AMs and FMs. They are the big leader by paid play count.

Lastly, Capital One is No. 10 with its latest campaign as Indeed and Progressive are the only other advertisers meriting slots on the Spot Ten this week.

 

The FCC’s Media Bureau is reminding licensees that the window for the submission of 2021 broadcast biennial ownership reports is now open.

All licensees of commercial and non-commercial radio and TV stations must file biennial ownership reports with the Commission in odd-numbered years.

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Salem Media Group, the owner of Christian-themed and secular conservative Talk radio stations saw investors snapping up shares of the company’s stock across Friday’s trading session.

Volume was exceptionally high, pushing Salem’s shares to a price last seen in mid-July 2018.

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