Radio+Television Business Report

ATLANTA – Gray Television has expanded its National Investigative Team, known as InvestigateTV.

This saw a series of promotions and additions to the team.

• Lee Zurik rises from Director of Investigations to Vice President of Investigations. Lee oversees the National Investigative Team in addition to anchoring and reporting at WVUE-TV in New Orleans.
• Executive Producer of Investigations Jamie Grey is promoted to Managing Editor of
  Investigations. Jamie has been with the team since 2018 producing stories, coordinating coverage and leading training events.
• Greg Phillips, News Director at WMC-5 in Memphis, is now Executive Producer of Investigations. In this position, Phillips returns to his investigative background, which
  includes eight years as Assistant News Director/Special Projects Director with the investigative team at WVUE.
• Gray has hired Daniela Molina as Investigative Producer. She is a recent graduate of the Arnolt Center for Journalism at Indiana University. This past year, she worked with InvestigateTV on its “Bridging The Great Health Divide” initiative.

The National Investigative Team intends to add an additional reporter and a photographer early next year.

“The expansion of our National Investigative Unit reinforces our commitment to strong
investigative journalism,” Gray Television Senior Vice President Sandy Breland said. “We’re proud of the work of this unit that is having a real impact in the communities we serve.”

The National Investigative Team/InvestigateTV produces stories for Gray’s 113 television stations and the InvestigateTV OTT App on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV. Early
this year, the team debuted a weekly InvestigateTV show that airs on all Gray stations.

InvestigateTV launched in 2018 and provides innovative, original journalism from a
dedicated investigative team and partners, including ProPublica, News21 at Arizona State
University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, and NerdWallet. It is available on Roku, Amazon
Fire, at InvestigateTV.com and across Gray’s broadcast and digital media properties.

He has more than 30 years of experience in radio, television and small business ownership and has most recently served as VP of Sales for iHeartMedia in Milwaukee.

Now, this longtime ad sales pro has been tapped as SVP of Sales for both Milwaukee and Madison by the nation’s No. 1 licensee of radio stations.

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It’s long-term outlook looks good. But, the next nine months aren’t so rosy for Cumulus Media, say Wall Street analysts.

Yet, as soon as Jessica Rosenworcel scored the approval of Congress and officially took the role as Chairwoman of the FCC, Cumulus shares went from sour to sweet on Wall Street.

Almost as if on cue, CMLS reversed its downward activity seen at the Opening Bell and propelled forward, reaching $12.24 with just 1 minute remaining in Tuesday’s trading.

That’s a 5.6% gain from Monday, and puts Cumulus back on track to get a bit closer to its year-to-date high of $14.75, seen in late June. Meanwhile, CMLS has clawed back from a $9.89 finish seen on September 20.

CMLS bears a 1-year target price of $23.67. To say that is a bit aggressive is an understatement. In the past five years, $20.90 is the highest Cumulus shares have ever been. And, that closing price was seen in August 2018, just days after the company emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization and began trading as CMLS on Nasdaq.

One decade ago, RBR+TVBR was sharing kind words from then-FCC Chairman Jules Genachowski for the Democrat and Republican, respectively, who had their names put forth by the Obama Administration as the next two commissioners at the FCC.

The GOP nominee was Ajit Pai, who would go on to become Chairman. Now, Obama’s other selection has become Chairwoman — Jessica Rosenworcel. 

As she looks ahead to her new role, how she got to the highest post at the FCC wasn’t an easy ride.

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Jim Bohannon, who hosts a nationally syndicated eponymous talk show distributed to radio stations by Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One, has been selected as the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame 2022 radio inductee.

The induction will take place at the Achievement in Broadcasting event at NAB Show, scheduled for April 23–27, 2022 in Las Vegas.

“The Jim Bohannon Show” airs from 10pm-1am Eastern weeknights and is distributed to more than 300 radio stations. A 50-year-plus broadcasting veteran, Bohannon spent over 31 years as host of the early morning weekday news magazine “America in the Morning,” for which he still provides interviews and his feature “The Offbeat.” He previously hosted the weekend news magazine “America This Week.”

“Jim encompasses the spirit of radio. His distinct voice, humor and engaging programs have informed and entertained listeners for 50 years, while addressing historic milestones affecting our nation,” NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith said. “I am grateful for his friendship and the opportunities I have had to be a guest on his show. We congratulate Jim on this befitting honor.”

Bohannon began his radio career in 1960 at KLWT-AM in his hometown of Lebanon, Missouri. Following college and military service during the Vietnam War, he returned to radio in the Washington, D.C. market, covering news at both WTOP-AM and WWRC-AM. He later worked as a morning anchor at WCFL in Chicago and as a freelance reporter for CNN.

Bohannon hosted his own Saturday night phone-in program starting in 1984 and served as the principal back-up for Larry King on the “Larry King Show.” In February of 1993, Bohannon took over the prestigious nighttime radio talk show slot formerly held by King.

Bohannon joined Westwood One in 1983 and has anchored newscasts, political conventions and election night coverage in addition to his weekday programs.

The NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognizes radio and television personalities or programs that have earned a place in broadcasting history. 

It positions itself as the TV channel “in constant evolution that brings the best of Latin America.”

Now, this unique offering is poised to welcome viewers in the Coachella Valley of California, thanks to a just-filed transaction awaiting FCC approval.

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The nation’s eight-ranked market has become the latest to gain access to ATSC 3.0-powered NEXTGEN TV.

And, its launch is thanks to the FOX Television Stations-owned duopoly as well as the Nexstar-owned affiliate of The CW Network.

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Its CEO says it will enjoy strong holiday season sales; it was the “Black Friday” winner on a day that has lost much of its past cultural and consumer significance.

It’s also searching for a new CFO, as Brett Biggs will step down at year’s end.

Walmart is a retailer in transition, as it seeks to nibble away at Amazon with more opportunities ahead in the online space. That said, its in-store magnetism remains high with key consumers, and it is using Spot Cable and Spot TV to attract the masses.

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Digital video technology firm Bitmovin has unveiled the results of its fifth annual Video Developer Report. The latest data reveal a maturing video/streaming/OTT industry overall, experiencing key areas of growth, innovation, and opportunity as consumption and pressures to personalize and deliver seamless experiences increase.

Conducted between July and August 2021, the Video Developer Report underscores the most relevant issues to the video developer community. As more devices come online each day, the pressures mount for industry professionals to continually innovate, increasing quality and engagement all while carefully controlling costs. This report illuminates the inter-connected and competing priorities developers are facing and how they’ve evolved over time. This year, low latency streaming topped the charts as both the biggest challenge and largest opportunity for innovation, primarily driven by demand for more interactive experiences and competition with traditional broadcast latency.

Key findings include: 

·         Increased consumption and variation in device preference.  

o    81% of respondents deliver streams via HTML5 in desktop browsers, followed by 57% via HTML5 on Android.

o    Smart TV brand preference varies by region, with Philips the preferred Smart TV brand in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Vizio in North America. 

o    Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) is the most popular console for streaming in North America, outranking many Smart TV brands. Console use in all other regions of the globe is much lower.

·         Regional shifts and the quest for compatibility.  

o    Streaming device usage differs significantly worldwide. While Apple TV is most popular in North America and Asia Pacific, it comes in at only #5 in Latin America (LATAM).  

o    Android TV is preferred in LATAM (44%) and EMEA (51%), with others, such as Chromecast TV, closely behind at 44% in LATAM and 38% in EMEA.  

o    These differences are largely due to variations in infrastructures, as devices like Apple TV require a powerful, consistently reliable Internet connection which is not available in all areas of the globe. 

·         A ‘changing of the guard’ in codec usage. 

o    The AVC/H.264 video codec continues to dominate device reach, however newer and more efficient codecs, such as HEVC, VP9, and AV1 all saw increases in testing and production usage in 2021. HEVC is being deployed currently by nearly 50% of survey respondents.  

o    Increased AV1 usage on consumer platforms like YouTube and Netflix and support from affordable devices like Fire TV Stick 4K Max signals a potential shift toward broader AV1 adoption across the ecosystem. 

o    Reigning audio codec AAC continued its position at the top but did see some incremental decline over the past year while multiple Dolby audio formats rose in popularity and usage. 

o    The most popular streaming format, HLS, saw its first usage decline. With CMAF rising in adoption from 21% to 26%.  

·         Critical importance of video analytics platforms.  

o    Industry standards are essential in the video broadcasting space, and leveraging the power of an analytics platform is key to optimizing organizations for scalable growth. This year’s study found that for the first time in two years, in-house solutions took the top spot for analytics at 39% over Google at 37%, indicating more sophisticated usage and that basic traffic and completion rates are no longer sufficient.

o    As the market landscape becomes increasingly competitive, video analytics play an integral role in monitoring viewer experiences/engagement and gaining audience insights to improve future offerings and solutions.

 

 

Download the Bitmovin’s 2021 Video Developer Report 

Technical paper and panel proposals are now being accepted for the Broadcast Engineering and Information Technology (BEIT) track of the NAB Show Conference, held at the 2022 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

BEIT, held April 24 – 26, is designed for broadcast engineers and technicians, contract engineers, broadcast equipment manufacturers, distributors, engineering consultants, R&D engineers, IT professionals and related media technologists. The program features technical papers addressing the latest opportunities, challenges and solutions facing broadcast engineering and media industry IT professionals around the world.

NAB Show seeks presenters with fresh ideas and unique perspectives on key trends and technologies driving the future of radio, television and general media creation and delivery. All paper and panel proposals should be submitted online through the 2022 BEIT Call for Papers and Panels portal.

Proposals are subject to peer review, and those featuring original research or highly regarded speakers receive most favorable consideration. All content proposed should be presented in a tutorial, non-promotional form. Proposals overtly promoting company products or services will not be accepted, although proposals explaining the underlying technologies used in broadcast products or services may be considered.

The deadline for BEIT paper and panel proposals is January 14, 2022. Proposals selected for inclusion in the 2022 BEIT program will be announced in February 2022. Click here for additional information and to submit a proposal.

Audio specialist Sennheiser has brought to market a new pair of professional headphones for mixing, editing, and mastering.

The HD 400 PRO studio reference headphones are designed for creators seeking natural and precise sound reproduction to accurately assess their audio mixes. To ease long sessions, the HD 400 PRO features an open-back design fitted with soft velour ear pads. The unit includes both coiled and straight detachable cables, allowing the headphones to adapt to different use preferences.

“We are happy to introduce the first open studio headphones in Sennheiser’s PRO line,” commented Gunnar Dirks, Product Manager for Professional Audio at Sennheiser. “When editing and mixing, you need detail and honesty, and this is what the HD 400 PRO will give you. Thanks to their linear, high-resolution reproduction, these headphones are a reliable reference to create outstanding audio mixes.”

Designed for accuracy

The HD 400 PRO features a wide frequency response of 6 to 38,000 hertz to give music producers the full account of their mix. The Sennheiser-developed 120-ohm transducers include a diaphragm made from a special polymer blend, which together with powerful driver magnets yields deeper, yet totally clear and well-defined bass. Distortion is below 0.05% (measured at 1 kHz, 90 dB SPL).

The HD 400 PRO accurately reproduces audio beyond the audible frequency range, giving you unbridled access to nuanced harmonics and ambiance in your music, while at the same time revealing a bold, articulate low-end.

Designed for spaciousness

The headphone transducers of the HD 400 PRO sit at a slight angle, carefully recreating the optimum triangular listening position you would place yourself in when listening to monitor loudspeakers in a recording studio. In addition, the open-back design of the HD 400 PRO ensures a natural propagation of sound, unimpeded by the acoustic structures required in closed-back designs. Both aspects create a wide and spacious soundstage, neutral and transparent, which enables audio producers to work confidently knowing that their final mix transfers accurately to listeners.

Designed for comfort

The HD 400 PRO headphones feature high comfort that prolongs creativity. A carefully engineered ultra-light frame positions the earcups in place, gently hugging the ears with minimal pressure. Soft velour earpads allow users to focus on projects for hours on end, while the open, circumaural design offers sufficient ventilation for ears to keep their cool, even during long mixing sessions.

The HD 400 PRO is available now and retails at $249 (MSRP). The headphones come with a 3-meter coiled cable and a 1.8-meter straight cable, both fitted with a 3.5 mm (1/8”) jack plug for portable sources. A 6.3 mm (1/4”) adapter is included, ensuring that the HD 400 PRO connects to your mixing desk or audio interface.

Technical data
Acoustic principle: dynamic, open
Ear coupling: circumaural
Frequency response: 6 – 38,000 Hz
THD: < 0.05% (at 1 kHz, 90 dB SPL)
Impedance: 120 Ω
Sound pressure level: 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8”) jack with adapter to 6.3 mm (1/4”) jack
Weight: 240 g (w/o cable)

Thanks to better-than-anticipated interest, Jacobs Media Strategies is adding a second tour of the Consumer Electronics Show for broadcasters this January in Las Vegas.

“Since CES was cancelled last year due to the pandemic we didn’t know what to expect, but broadcasters from commercial, public radio, and Christian radio have all expressed interest,” the consultancy notes.

In a communique to its clients, Jacobs Media adds, “Attending CES the past dozen years has been a game-changer for us. We’ve gotten outside of the “radio bubble” and gained important insight into the technology and trends that have – and will – impact our business in the coming years. And our tours have provided us with the ability to talk to leaders from companies like Google, Amazon Alexa Auto, Ford, LG, and other companies to gain even more insight into their thinking.”

Recent announcements about changes in car entertainment systems that will impact radio have drawn the attention of many industry leaders. CES is the place to learn about them first-hand. There will be over 185 automotive and auto-tech companies showcasing their offerings including OEMs (GM, Daimler, and Hyundai), the designers of the future of the dashboard (Qualcomm and Bosch), numerous autonomous offerings, and new-product introductions like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, featuring GM’s CEO Mary Barra in a keynote presentation.

IF YOU’D CARE TO JOIN THE JACOBS MEDIA TOUR AT CES 2022, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

WorldCast Systems, the supplier of advanced broadcast products, is bringing to market a new version of its Ecreso FM 5/10kW transmitter.

The Ecreso 5/10kW is a fully digital transmitter for analog FM which combines performance and high efficiency of up to 76%. The Ecreso 5/10kW is designed for cost efficiency, high audio quality, and user experience. The transmitter hosts a multitude of onboard features including an integrated digital modulator, 5-band sound processor, RDS encoder, MPX over AES compatibility, and SmartFM technology.

The Ecreso FM 5/10kW allows remote control by Web server with its advanced measurement interface in addition to SNMP management, RS232 or GPIOs.

“With the 2.3.0 version, users benefit from advanced features and improvements for additional reliability, efficiency, and control,” the company says.

These include:
SmartFM [V2] – This algorithm enables broadcasters to reduce their energy
consumption by up to 40%.
Automation – The company claims Ecreso FM is the only transmitter to automate a configuration change or send GPIO commands in case of specific alarms. Complementary to the scheduler features, the automation is part of the Communication Pack license.
RDS improvements – management of the UTF8 is now available.
Reinforced security from remote FTP through new access restrictions

 

Looking for that special holiday gift amid a supply chain slowdown that could make finding that item a bit difficult?

Second-hand presents may be the answer, and eBay has stepped up its efforts to make that point known by investing in a Spot Radio effort.

According to the latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report, eBay is now the third-largest full paying advertiser on the stations tracked by the iHeartMedia-owned service. RBR+TVBR negates any iHeart-associated activity as it does not reflect fully paid advertising across all radio stations.

The latest report also shows a surge in activity from Indeed, while audio advertisements for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine rank No. 5.

 

Until now, opposition to President Biden’s choice to take the fifth seat on the Federal Communications Commission, Gigi Sohn, was expected to get vocal opposition from Republican members of the U.S. Senate.

Now, one key GOP leader in the upper body of Congress has voiced his opposition to the nomination of the acting Chairwoman to serve a new five-year term, setting the stage for a potentially unthinkable scenario — a 2-1 Republican majority at the FCC during a Democratic presidential term.

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A Class B FM once known for its rock ‘n’ roll programming and today offering South Asians an audio home as “Bolly 92.3” has become the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast geo-targeted advertising.

It’s perhaps the first step in convincing marketers that broad-casting isn’t so broad, after all, and can bring addressable advertising to the FM radio dial, in addition to streaming audio.

RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION: There’s a song that’s more than 40 years old called “Video Killed The Radio Star.” How about an update called “Marketers Killed The Radio Business.” Why? Broadcasters offer a broad array of consumers, putting one single message in the ears of thousands of potential buyers. Is that not worth anything in 2021?

 

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Is the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 a worry Wall Street need not push to much focus on? On Monday, that answer appeared to be a “yes,” as financial markets were up broadly.

Media stocks rode the wave upward. But, 3 notable decliners were seen.

Nexstar Media Group shares slipped by 1% on Monday, to $152.42, while Entravision shares declined by 2.6%, to $7.01. Also down: Cumulus Media, dipping by 1.4% to $11.83.

How did other stocks fare on Monday? Please visit the RBR.com homepage to view our Wall Street Report.

Recently, Good Karma Brands promoted Sam Pines to a corporate-level role of SVP. This left the top leadership spot open in Cleveland, where it operates the market’s ESPN Radio affiliate.

Pines’ successor in the market has now been named.

Rising to the post is Amy Crossman. She was previously the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Sports Talk station.

Pines said, “Amy embodies Good Karm Brands’ core values and takes a marketing first approach for our fans, advertising partners and teammates. She directly impacted our growth during a difficult and unique two years. I am excited for the future of ESPN Cleveland and our continued growth with Amy as Market Manager.”

Crossman added, “I appreciate the trust Sam Pines and the Good Karma Brands’ leadership team has put in me to lead and continue to grow a legacy brand. ESPN Cleveland has a passionate fanbase, loyal advertising partners and a dedicated team that we will continue to build in 2021 and beyond.”

Crossman joined ESPN Radio in Cleveland in October 2019, and for 19 months prior to that was Director of Partnership at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. A 25-year veteran of marketing, Crossman has worked at Men’s Health, Time, The New York Times, Crain’s New York Business, PARADE Group, and as a director for Momentum Worldwide’s top B2B account, American Express OPEN.

On Wednesday, December 1, the legal counsel representing the trustee for two FM radio stations in Florida Cox Media Group is required to sell in order to comply with FCC local ownership rules spoke by phone with the head of the Media Bureau.

Why? Media Bureau Chief Michelle Carey wants answers as to the necessary steps for the “CXR Radio Station Trust,” led by Houlihan Lokey broker Elliot Evers, to complete an “orderly process” of divesting the two radio stations.

Does this point to a capitulation with respect to Cox’s request that it get up to one year to sell the FMs, on the basis that the COVID-19 pandemic deflated their valuations and a rise in value could come in the next 12 months?

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