It’s a tastemaker Adult Alternative noncommercial FM that since 2007 has done what stations such as KCRW in Santa Monica, Calif., and WXPN in Philadelphia have brought to local radio listeners.
Now, ’88Nine’ is seeking a new Executive Director, as Kevin Sucher has stepped down “to pursue other opportunities.”
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In the final days of 2020, the FCC approved a request by Univision to accept foreign investment in excess of the 25% benchmark set forth in its regulations. Then, in summer 2021, the company that is today majority controlled by Searchlight III UTD and ForgeLight and led by CEO Wade Davis requested the Commission’s OK for two specific non-U.S. based entities to grab a share of Univision ownership.
A Declaratory Ruling was released by the Commission on Friday.
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Que pena … The end is near for “Qué Buena” listeners across the New York Tri-State Area.
For those who have wanted WFME back on a FM signal heard in Gotham, it is almost time to rejoice.
Family Stations has closed on its acquisition of what will soon be the former WQBU-FM 92.7, licensed to the Nassau County municipality of Garden City, N.Y.
According to the asset purchase agreement, finalized on December 2, 2021 and subsequently filed with the FCC, Univision is selling WQBU and its two boosters, giving it coverage in Manhattan and Queens, for $9 million.
A 10% escrow deposit was placed with Kalil & Co., as escrow agent. Kalil & Co. represented Univision in the transaction, as the exclusive broker. As previously reported, Univision months ago retained the Tucson-based brokerage to help it spin non-essential radio stations.
With the deal’s completion, after 18 years Family Stations will regain much of its lost FM signal coverage from the sale of the original WFME-FM (today WXBK-FM 94.7) to Cumulus Media in late 2012. At the time, WFME “moved” to 106.3 MHz, a facility from 1964-1993 known as WVIP-FM. As locals can attest to, it is hardly a New York-market facility, with a 980-watt Class A signal covering northern Westchester and Fairfield County, Conn.
Even with WQBU, WFME still will lack a Northern New Jersey FM signal. However, there is an AM option. WFME-AM 1560 uses a two-tower daytime signal and three-tower nighttime signal pushing out 50kw watts of Christian talk and teaching fare; it sold its Maspeth, Queens, tower site and uses a new site based in New Jersey.
In the 18 years since Univision purchased what is today WQBU, it is being sold for $51 million less.
The deal value crossed what Hoffman Schutz Media Capital’s David Schutz in December told RBR+TVBR is a “psychologically significant valuation metric” — one dollar.
Based on the new 2020 Census, the 60 dbu “service area” contour of WQBU reaches 9,396,000 people. “At a $9 million announced selling price, that represents a population metric of $0.96 per person,” Schutz concludes, adding that the twin synchronous on-channel boosters in Manhattan and Brooklyn didn’t exist when Univision bought the facility.
Representing Family Stations, best known for its association with the late Harold Camping, as its FCC legal counsel is Matthew McCormick with Fletcher Heald & Hildreth.
Eric Wotila has gained notice across the U.S. for his role as President of digital multicast network NewsNet.
Now, he’s in the news as Wotila has agreed to an asset purchase agreement that will adjust the ownership in the station branded as “NewsNet Michigan.”
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For fans of Denver-based pro and collegiate sports teams that have rights agreements with Altitude Sports, watching play-by-play while at home has been a frustration for those who are Comcast subscribers for more than two years. The two parties have been sparring over a carriage agreement, and on December 17 mediation was agreed to. Meanwhile, DISH has also been unable to secure a new rights agreement with Altitude.
As such, DirecTV is today the lone home in the Denver DMA for Altitude Sports, as Charter’s Spectrum service, which Altitude has a deal with, is not available.
A “revolutionary” NextGen television service could bring Altitude for those who don’t wish to wait for a possible deal with Comcast.
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Nexstar Media Group and ViacomCBS have reached comprehensive multi-year agreements to renew the existing CBS Television Network affiliations in 39 markets across the country.
That’s not prevented an affiliation switch from transpiring in the biggest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to the benefit of Lilly Broadcasting.
Effective Friday (1/21), WJMN “Local 3” in Marquette, Mich., became an independent news station serving the city and nearby Escanaba, which comprise DMA No. 182. It is now a MyNetwork TV affiliate, and “will continue to provide the news, weather, sports and entertainment that we have for over 50 years across the Upper Peninsula,” WJMN noted on its website.
The new CBS affiliate for Marquette is WZMQ-19, DT2. It is owned by Lilly, which will retain its MeTV affiliation on Channel 19.1, at least for right now. The station is available on Charter’s Spectrum lineup as Channel 3, on DISH on Channel 5, and on DirecTV as Channel 20. A new logo is already in place.
“All of your favorite CBS programming and shows will continue with no disruption, along with CBS Sports coverage of the NFL and NCAA College Basketball including March Madness,” WZMQ said.
Lilly Broadcasting has CBS affiliates in Erie, Pa.; Elmira-Corning, N.Y.; the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. It agreed to purchase WZMQ in October 2017 for $103,475.
A Nexstar spokesperson contacted by RBR+TVBR declined to comment on why a new affiliation deal with CBS in Marquette did not come to fruition. All of the other CBS agreements were renewed.
The affiliation switch comes as Nexstar secured a fourth and final agreement that the company says completes “all of ViacomCBS and Nexstar’s affiliation renewals.” Some 39 markets retained their CBS affiliation, and this deal follows three affiliation deals renewed in early 2021.
The new Nexstar/ViacomCBS agreement gives the latter permission to place Nexstar’s CBS affiliates on Paramount+ and on vMVPD platforms.
ViacomCBS President of U.S. Networks Distribution Ray Hopkins commented, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Nexstar that includes several early renewals of our CBS network affiliations. This deal demonstrates the power of our collective partnership and our commitment to maintaining strong relationships in order to best serve audiences across the country with leading content.”
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The agreement includes renewals for the following CBS affiliates:The warning signs were there, with influential Wall Street observer Michael Nathanson one week ago cutting his price target as increased OTT competition and slowing growth made Netflix a little less rosy of an investment.
It turns out Nathanson was right on the money with respect to Netflix’s overall health. Disappointing earnings and subscriber forecast misses were seen by the visual entertainment giant, leading to a Friday sell-off that saw NFLX down by more than 21% in the 1pm Eastern hour.
Yet, there’s dissent among just how poorly Netflix is performing. According to one industry observer, “Netflix’s performance is superb when you consider the crushing competition encroaching on what used to be a fast growing, greenfield market.”
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Chances are that if you live in a multi-unit residential tower or community with a homeowners’ association or spend time in an office building, your choices for broadband services are, well, none — there’s one provider, thanks to contractual arrangements and legacy wiring and provider limitations that in many cases are a thing of the past.
The Chairwoman of the FCC wants to do something about that, and on Friday shared with her colleagues a Report and Order and Declaratory Ruling that she argues would promote competition and increase choice for broadband services for people living and working in multiple tenant environments (MTEs).
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Addressable Advertising. It’s a desire of practically every marketer and advertiser, with media buyers and planners seeking out every form of communication to deliver what the client wants — personalized messaging.
That puts radio in an odd position. Yes, it has audio streaming opportunities. But, radio broadcasting’s broad reach — long its selling point and biggest positive for an advertiser — is now a detriment. What’s an owner of a FM radio station to do?
GeoBroadcast Solutions has an answer, and in autumn 2021 successfully tested technology that literally localizes an FM signal, offering advertisers more options by geo-targeting audiences. It’s asked the FCC to amend its booster rules to allow for program origination — key to the voluntary use of “ZoneCasting” by FM station owners.
The FCC obliged in November 2020 by adopting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, now under consideration.
Obstacles could prevent “ZoneCasting” from proliferation across the U.S., however. And, GeoBroadcast Solutions says in a letter submitted this week with the FCC, iHeartMedia is the biggest obstructer to making “ZoneCasting” happen.
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RBR+TVBR EXCLUSIVE
There was Aereo. More recently and perhaps more infamously, there was Locast.
Each of the now-defunct services provided broadcast TV channels via an IPTV service, and each were criticized by the nation’s “Big Four” networks and the NAB for skirting retransmission consent accords.
Now comes a new “virtual Over the Air” streaming service offering a “local broadcast bundle” based on one’s location. And, the company offering the service, says, it is the first and only legal platform seen yet in the United States.
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The division of Comcast Cable that provides media and entertainment technology to content providers, operators, and advertisers has launched a software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering designed to help companies understand and analyze video (live and on-demand), audio, and closed captions to create actionable metadata around content assets, generate and manage new content, improve advertising efficiency, and streamline operations.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Leadership Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2022 Celebration of Service to America Awards.
The Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, honors the impact and excellence in community service and philanthropy by local radio and television stations across the country.
The 2022 Celebration of Service to America Awards entry window will close on Tuesday, March 8 at 2:59am Eastern. All stations and broadcast ownership groups are encouraged to enter their best community service efforts from the past year.
Both NAB members and non-members are eligible to enter. Award categories are based on DMA rankings and market size:
Three finalists from each television and radio category will be notified in early April.
Winners will be announced at the in-person awards event in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 7, where finalists, celebrity guests, past honorees and policy makers will come together and celebrate the important work of broadcasters across the country. A special one-hour broadcast event will also air in summer 2022.
Additional information about the awards, including sponsorship opportunities, rules and event details, is available at ServiceToAmericaAwards.org.
NEW YORK — The only competition exclusively devoted to radio and audio, created 30 years ago “to encourage and reward the development of effective and creative radio commercials,” has selected its 2022 chief judge.
This sees the 31st annual Radio Mercury Awards turning to a Campbell Ewald creative leader.
Taking the seat as chief judge this year is Alejandro Ortiz, Executive Creative Director at the ad shop. In his role Ortiz leads the creative teams in New York, for a number of clients, including Empire State Development, INY, Port Authority of NY and NJ, a number of spirits and beverage brands at Constellation, and the New York Power Authority, as well as Shamrock Farms.
Before his time at Campbell Ewald, Ortiz spent 14 years in New York working at Casanova//McCann for clients such as UNICEF, Coca-Cola, Denny’s, U.S. Army, Microsoft and U.S. Postal Service, among others. His work has won over 140 creative awards, including three Radio Mercury Awards, Cannes, Clio, The One Show, LIA, Art Directors Club and New York Festivals, etc. He has also participated on juries for the Radio Mercury Awards, Addy’s, Ad Stars Festival, New York Festivals, Ojo de Iberoamérica and more.
The annual Radio Mercury Awards, produced by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), draws entries from advertising agencies, production houses, radio stations and educational institutions across the country.
“Ale is a multi-faceted creative leader who we have known for many years as he was building his creative reputation,” said RAB President/CEO and Radio Creative Fund Chair Erica Farber. “We have truly benefitted from his support of the Radio Mercury Awards, not only as a winner, but as a passionate judge.”
Call for Entry for the 2022 Radio Mercury Awards will open in a few weeks. To learn more information on this year’s Call for Entry guidelines and deadlines, go to https://www.radiomercuryawards.com/.The Hearst Television business unit that independently produces and distributes original programming for broadcast and cable TV, as well as streaming services, has promoted two individuals.
They’re taking “expanded sales, marketing and distribution roles” at the entity formed in September 2021 that has its roots in Litton Entertainment, rebranded at the start of 2022.
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It’s a broadcast technology, syndication and national network sales operation known for providing services to ABC Audio, CBS Audio, Local Radio Networks, Alpha Media USA, JackFM, The Weather Channel, The Associated Press, Hubbard Broadcasting, Cox Media Group, professional and collegiate sports organizations, and two state news networks.
It also has a syndication portfolio for such programs as The Dana Cortez Show and Nick Cannon Radio, and enjoys ties to Quu’s ad-sync technology.
Skyview Networks has established itself as a radio industry leader. Now, one of its top C-Suite figures is being promoted to CEO.
Earning the promotion is COO Steve Jones.
In his new role, Jones will lead the sales, content, broadcast distribution and technology company “as it continues to build on a successful period of growth and innovation,” Skyview says.
Jones joined Skyview in 2019. Since then, the company says his efforts have helped Skyview in achieving an expanded and diversified business portfolio.
What does this mean for Ken Thiele, Founder and CEO? He’ll become Skyview’s Executive Chairman of the Board, and continue in a high-level advisory role for the company.
“Over the last 25 years, Skyview has evolved into a dynamic solutions leader in network audio, and through our enduring growth, we have always maintained a commitment to innovation and quality,” Thiele said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Steve both as a client and as a leader within our company—he embodies these characteristics, which are also matched with an unyielding drive for excellence, keen business sense, and distinguished experience. I am privileged to welcome him to the role of CEO.”
Prior to joining Skyview Networks, Jones spent many years at ABC under the ownership of The Walt Disney Company, leading business units at ABC News Audio and ABC News Digital. He was named Radio & Records “News Executive of the Year” in 2005 and 2007), among other industry accolades received across his career.
“Steve is the consummate leader with total dedication to our employees, the industry and most of all, the growth of Skyview. He guides each step with intelligent, strategic thinking and is sought after by industry leaders for counsel,” Jeanne-Marie Condo, EVP at Skyview Networks, added. “It has been a privilege for me to partner with Ken and I thank him for this insightful decision. I am excited to continue working alongside Steve taking Skyview to the next level.”
In August 2021, RBR+TVBR first shared the news that Larry Fuss was once again poised o become the owner of a 1,000-watt AM and its FM translator serving a small city in Mississippi. Why? A reversal of his 2011 sale of the properties was in the works, as the buyer couldn’t keep up with his payment schedule and was some $50,000 behind.
Now, Fuss has a buyer for the properties.
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Gray Television has been an active buyer in recent months. And, we’re not talking about its now-concluded deals with Quincy Media, Inc., or Meredith Corporation.
Gray is an investor in low-power television stations. It’s now asked the FCC for approval for another LPTV deal.
On January 13, Gray signed off on an asset purchase agreement that, pending Commission OK, will give it ownership of WMJN-LD in Huntsville, Ala.
The seller is James and Carol Henderson-led Emanuel Broadcasting Corp., which is earning $330,000, from the LPTV spin.
WMJN uses a PSIP of Channel 29 and is assigned to digital Channel 32. At present, it is a Heartland-affiliated station with Retro TV on DT2, and Rev’n on its DT4 multicast channels.
Will this continue? That’s what locals are likely asking as WMJN will become a sibling to NBC affiliate WAFF-48.
Asked what the company’s plans are, a source close to the situation replied, “We are just working on improving [over-the-air] reception where good opportunities present themselves.”
WAFF’s HD multicast channels are comprised of Bounce TV, Circle, Laff and Grit.
With 5,000 watts at 590 on your AM dial, this Northeastern Pennsylvania powerhouse cranked out the hits from 1959 through 1971. By 2011, it had become a Cumulus Media property, through its merger with Citadel Broadcasting. The next decade wasn’t kind to this former market leader, with a 2014 transmitter failure and power cut that continues to today.
Cumulus spun the AM in September 2021. Now, it is poised to change hands again.
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A 99-watt FM translator at 93.1 MHz that serves the southeastern portion of the Birmingham, Ala., metropolitan area is being spun.
The buyer? The company that has control of the originating station, WAYE-AM 1220 in Birmingham.
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