(PROGRAMMING) What I Learned Doing Stand-Up Comedy

4-27-2015

Even as a young boy, I was fascinated by stand-up comedy. My dad and I would sit in front of our huge floor console Zenith color TV and howl with laughter at comics like George Carlin and Don Rickles.

I've seen most of the big-name comics today. I recently saw Amy Schumer, and as I watch each performance I wonder, "How on earth do they do that?"

In 2009, I took a stand-up comedy class, partially to satisfy my curiosity, and to learn things that I could pass along as a talent coach (in articles like this one.) Throughout the 13-week class I prepared and practiced, and with my classmates I strode confidently into Harvey's Comedy Club in Portland for my first time on stage.

I bombed.

Actually, "bombed" is an understatement. I think I enraged the audience. I remember silence, scowling faces, and in a surreal moment noticed the night's headliner comic, a fat old veteran nursing a scotch, slapping the bar with laughter -- not sure if it was at my jokes or at the extent of my bombing.

It turns out that bombing is a badge of honor. My classmates gave me a standing ovation. If you don't bomb occasionally it is a sign that you are not experimenting enough, and being prepared to bomb requires bravery because everyone bombs sometime.

As a teacher of storytelling who emphasizes the importance of bringing your authentic point-of-view, I got a sharp lesson last month in my new stand-up class, taught by Alex Falcone, who writes for the Live! Wire public radio show.

I performed my material in the first class and was stunned when Alex told me, "We need to know more about you so the audience can have things in common with you." Apparently, I was not practicing what I preach! I thought that comics mostly made up their material, but no, the closer to true stories that you can get, the better.

Alex went on to give me one of the biggest eye-openers about spoken-word performance that I have heard in years: It is more important to be interesting than to be funny.

Wow. So much explained in one sentence. Alex said that the storytelling in the spaces between the jokes is what keeps the audience going until the next laugh. Laughs are easy, not being boring is hard.

Finally, the technique that separates good material from great material is how you put a twist on it. (In our media, when talent coaching, we call it "What else?") Alex teaches aspiring comics to take a good idea and then to look for these points of exaggeration:

1. Forward/Backward In Time
? "What if everybody was like that?"
? "Who was the first guy who came up with this?" Example Mitch Hedberg: "I want to get a job as someone who names kitchen appliances. Toaster, refrigerator, blender.... all you do is say what it does, and add 'er.' I wanna work for the Kitchen Appliance Naming Institute. 'Hey, what does that do?' 'It keeps stuff fresh.' 'Well, that's a fresher....I'm going on break.'"

2. World's Collide
? "That wouldn't work in business." "Things don't go that way in the dating world." Etc.

3. Analogy
? "That'd be like if..." or "That's like saying..."
? This is one of the most common. If you're having trouble thinking of a punchline, start with an analogy.

4. Overstatement / Understatement
? "That's the worst thing" / "Nazis were jerks." Example Chris Rock: "I was born a suspect. I can walk down any street in America and women will clutch their purses tighter, hold onto their mace, lock their car doors. If I look up into the windows of apartments I pass, I can see old ladies on the phone. They've already dialed 9-1 and are just waiting for me to do something wrong."

5. Bait & Switch
? "Big Foot is terrorizing the residents of Salem. That's so creepy, the idea of living in Salem."
Do any of these take-aways resonate with how you prepare your on-air material? I think that successful stand-up has so many things in common with what radio and television personalities do.

I have more classes, and more painful on-stage bombing ahead. Watch this space!

Jeff McHugh is a 30-year broadcaster with a background in marketing and talent coaching. Jeff works with radio and television personalities, public speakers and presenters to add storytelling, drama and character to their content. Visit his website at www.jeffmchugh.com

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Tom Nankival Takes Over Las Cruces

4-28-15

Adams Radio of Las Cruces has named Tom Nankival as Market Manager of the company's four-station cluster in New Mexico. He replaces Charles "Andy" Whatley, who exited the company last week after just four months with them.

Nankival most recently has been the Sales Manager for the La Crosse Radio Group in La Crosse, WI. He has previous radio experience as a program director, operations manager, and drive-time on-air personality in Midwestern markets such as Dubuque, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Saginaw, Madison, and Milwaukee.

Adams Radio CEO Ron Stone said: "Our search for the kind of sales leadership Tom brings has been extensive. Tom is all about results and not afraid to dig in and 'get busy with the troops' which is a rare asset these days. His hands-on approach and belief in traditional radio is what has been missing in Las Cruces. We have great products in Las Cruces... and Tom is a manager that knows how to sell them."

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Radio One Baltimore Launching Praise 106.1

4-28-15

Radio One will launch a new urban gospel station on Friday, branded as Praise 106.1. The station will be heard on translator W291BA, which is owned by Hope Christian Church of Marlton. Since October 2013, the translator has been simulcasting CBS-owned WLIF-HD2, branded as New Country 106.1. Radio One assumes the lease of the translator starting May 1.

Praise 106.1 will carry the Yolanda Adams Morning Show and The Nightly Spirit with Willie Moore, Jr., two shows from Radio One's syndication company Reach Media. Additionally, local talent is expected to be hired for other dayparts.

Radio One Baltimore VP/GM Howard Mazer said: "We are excited to expand our inspirational music footprint to the FM dial in Baltimore. The new Praise 106.1 FM fits nicely into our powerful cluster and we look forward to expanding our services to our listenership."

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KHTK & Sacramento Kings Extend Partnership

4-28-15

The Sacramento Kings announced a five-year extension with KHTK-AM to serve as the team's exclusive radio rights holder through the 2020-21 NBA season. The station has been the radio home for the Kings since 1994. The deal includes all pre-season and regular-season games, pre-game and post-game shows, plus the weekly call-in show, Kings Talk.

CBS Sacramento SVP/Market Manager Steve Cottingim said: "We're thrilled to continue our partnership with the Sacramento Kings. We pride ourselves on providing Kings fans with expert analysis, entertaining content, and a voice that represents both a franchise on the rise and the most passionate fan base in professional sports."

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Pandora Finds A Friend At The FCC

4-27-15

It was back in June of 2013 that Pandora announced it was purchasing KXMZ-FM, in Rapid City, South Dakota from Jeff Warshaw's Connoisseur Media for $600,000. That sale has been stuck at the FCC because Pandora could not prove it was within the FCC's 25 percent foreign ownership limits. Now, with all the talk about loosening up those foreign ownership regulations, Bloomberg is reporting that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler wants his colleagues to grant Pandora a special waiver to close on the station.

The reason Pandora wants to own a radio station is so it can say to companies such as ASCAP and BMI that it should be treated like radio when it comes to the fees it pays. Pandora has been fighting with music licensing companies over rates for years. At the time this was all going on , ASCAP EVP of Licensing Vincent Candilora told Radio Ink, "The RMLC license was designed for terrestrial radio stations and groups which earned the overwhelming share of their revenues from traditional radio, not an online streaming service that buys a radio station that ranks only 255th in the U.S. market as a ploy to undercut songwriters." And ASCAP Senior VP Richard Reimer told Bloomberg Pandora was simply trying to create a loophole.

(4/28/2015 12:38:36 PM)
You are right El Barto. Just so they can be just like radio and not pay a PENNY for the songs they air on radio. At Least Pandora actually pays artist.
(4/28/2015 9:10:43 AM)
Hey Pandora - if you're so much better than terrestrial radio, why do you want in? Oh, just to be slimeballs who rip off artists by trying to create legal loopholes? Hope it blows up in your face and artists pull all rights to stream their music for your slimeball tactics.

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Imus Ending Radio Show Simulcast On TV

4-28-15

New York radio icon Don Imus has announced he will no longer be simulcasting his WABC-AM radio show on Fox Business Network, with the final simulcasted show taking place on May 29. His radio show will continue, though. Imus has been seen on FBN on weekday mornings since 2009.

The New York Daily News reports that Imus would like to spend summers at his newly-purchased ranch in Texas, which does not have television studio facilities.

Imus' current radio contract with Cumulus Media/Westwood One runs through the end of this year.

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ATRN Adds Entertainment This Week

4-28-15

Starting this weekend, Entertainment This Week will be heard via America's Talk Radio Network. The show will be hosted by Shannon "Mr. Hollywood" Rose, with co-host James Lowe. The 60-minute program will look at Hollywood gossip, comics, movies, television, pro-wrestling, and more. Entertainment This Week will air Sundays at 2:00pm EST.

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G Media Becomes Aiir

4-28-15

UK-based radio technology company G Media has changed its name to Aiir, as of this week. The radio station content management platform Airwave is now also known as Aiir. Aiir Creative Director Luke Taylor said: "Bringing the company and platform together made complete sense and simplifies everything we do. Our new motto is Radio Made Simple, and the simplification of our branding is a big part of that."

Aiir also unveiled their an 'instant access' offering, which will allow the technology and tools from Aiir to be made available for the first time to small start-up internet broadcasters, community, hospital and public stations along with commercial stations and larger radio groups.

The company's new website is Aiir.com.

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Baltimore Radio Responds To Violent Protests

4-27-15

A 26-year-old man, Freddie Gray mysteriously died recently due to spinal cord injuries while handcuffed and in Baltimore police custody. After Gray's funeral Monday morning, protests, which had been peaceful for the past week, turned violent. Baltimore police say three of the city's gangs conspired together to take out law enforcement officials and cause damage. Police officers have been injured, cars and buildings have been set on fire and stores looted. Keeping Baltimore informed through it all has been its local radio stations.

Among the radio stations keeping listeners well-briefed is Hearst Radio's WBAL-AM. The station has been covering the violence non-stop since the trouble's start Monday afternoon. The radio station has partnered with its television sister-station, WBAL-TV/NBC 11 for the coverage. The two have been pooling their resources, including sharing the news copter, which has been flying above some of the worst areas of violence, delivering details from a safe distance.

During rare periods of calm, WBAL-AM was allowing its hosts to open up phone lines and let listeners voice their opinions, although as the fluid situation would worsen, the station went with wall-to-wall coverage.

WBAL-AM/WIYY-FM President and General Manager Cary Pahigian told Radio Ink: "Our goal is to keep the community up to the minute and provide an opportunity to discuss and analyze the situation with WBAL talk hosts in a responsible manner."

The station itself, located not far from the riots, was locked behind gates. Concerned staffers were allowed to go home if they chose to do so. Most others have been going above and beyond the call of duty to keep listeners aware of what is taking place in their city's streets.

Pahigian said that online streaming of the station was up over six times normal.

WBAL-AM's FM sister-station, WIYY/98 Rock had been breaking from its normal music programming to deliver frequent reports on the violence to its listeners. Pahigian had considered ending the music and flipping to a temporary simulcast of WBAL-AM, but a decision was made to stick with the music programming with the added news updates. WIYY's morning show with Justin Scott and Spiegel will forgo its usual laughs and become more of a serious news/talk format for Tuesday morning.

Along with its on-air coverage, WBAL continually updated its Twitter feed every few minutes with fresh information.

CBS Radio's Baltimore area news radio station WNEW-FM also kept listeners informed, up until the station had to switch to the broadcast of the Washington Nationals vs the Atlanta Braves night game. News updates were given between innings and via the radio station's Twitter feed.

WNEW reporter Steve Dorsey ventured a little too close to the violence on Monday and paid a price for it. Dorsey wrote on Twitter that he went near a burning car, but was then punched in the face by a rioter and had his iPhone stolen. He claims that bystanders shielded him from getting attacked worse, so he could leave.

iHeartMedia Baltimore's stations would provide frequent news updates for its listeners during the afternoon. iHeartMedia Washington/Baltimore President Dennis Lamme told Radio Ink: "Radio plays a critical role as a main source for news and information for our community.  We are gathering and distributing the latest facts and information providing 24/7 coverage to our listeners on air, online and via social across iHeartMedia stations WPOC, WZFT, WQSR and WCAO. Lee Michaels, host of WCAO-AM Heaven 600 is conducting interviews and working with local community leaders, ministers and other organizations to solicit important and pertinent information."

WYPR-FM, Baltimore's NPR affiliate featured news updates during its NPR programming, as well as frequently updating its Twitter feed.

Nearby WTOP/Washington, D.C. also covered the Baltimore situation carefully since it started Monday afternoon. Joel Oxley, SVP/GM of newsradio WTOP said "we are all over it."

The incredible reaction of listeners, tuning to their radio stations and streaming them online goes to show the power and importance of radio, especially in times of important news.

(4/28/2015 7:35:21 PM)
Teen age punks with their pants off their ass, their fingers in their nose, cellphone in their ear, filthy mouths, lazy, worthless scourge of the earth.
(4/28/2015 6:23:26 PM)
I've been listening to WBAL this afternoon on TuneIn. I think they are doing a great job covering the story.

The stream would sound better if they just ran a simulcast with their broadcast rather than inserting PSA's in place of commercials on the stream.

I find it hard to believe that stations still can't cover stop sets without pauses, psa's and overlapping audio.

Gary Burns

(4/28/2015 12:27:58 PM)
After EVERY "Breaking News" story radio rags always do a "RADIO RESPONDS", and it's always the same 'we opened up the phone lines'.... the fact is that every radio station watched this on TV or periscope yesterday and just reiterated what they saw! There wasn't one innovation yesterday among radio stations in Baltimore, all you heard was "Let's go LIVE downtown to XXXXX and get the latest".
(4/28/2015 11:30:27 AM)
What the police did to Freddie Gray is 100% wrong. However the looting and violence that took place Monday night shows you what the city would be like without the protection of the police. In a minority based police department and city government - let's not accuse and damn all police for the inexcusable behavior of a few.
(4/28/2015 9:27:27 AM)
Cassie - you've obviously never heard of breach of contract? Stations carrying those games are under some pretty hefty contracts to get broadcast rights. Turning it off isn't an option, short of something apocalyptic.

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(TALENT) The Sensory Deprivation Medium

4-27-2015

Clear skies on a blistering, Africa-hot, summer afternoon ? a perfect time for another six-hour remote at one of the local appliance stores. That the turntables and mic stand were squashed into a tilted, rickety corner of one of the front display windows guaranteed another sweltering shift of natural and panic sweat. Plus, melting in public can be such a gripping learning experience.

Two hours into the remote, the sun was angled such that it could beat down on me with cruel intention and no remorse. There was no escaping it, either. For two reasons. 1. This was in the days when we threw the mic open after every record, and we had to get ready for the next stop-set. Unlike today's endless music sweeps and long, grinding spot clusters, there was hardly enough time to leave for a quick whiz, never mind an invigorating rub and a dip in the cool pool. 2. The slightest movement, like getting up from the chair, would shake the turntables and the needle would start skipping and scratching its way across the 45 like a Thompson's gazelle pronking over the veldt. Potting down and grabbing the tone arm to drop the needle back on the record was the only alternative. Not pro.

We were required to dress for remotes back then ? white shirt and tie and, I must say, a pretty spiffy, light tan, camel hair sports jacket with the station's calls stitched into the breast pocket. No jeans. There were some conversations about length of hair, but the station PD reluctantly backed off as the times, after all, were a' changin'. Soft "Beatle boots" were in vogue by then and quite acceptable. (This was well before the platform shoes of the "Disco Scare of the '70s" took their crippling toll.)

Between squinting because of the intense, direct sunlight and the irritating rivulets of sweat burning my eyes, reading "live" spots became a serious challenge. Indeed, I was soaked through to my shorts. I don't believe anyone heard me squish. Plus, I was constantly worried that the record I had slip-cued previously had already jumped the groove.

Meanwhile, as this was an appliance store, the station's sales rep, the GSM, PD, and store management were clustered in front of the fan display ? all of the devices operating at full blast ? drinking old black coffees that had the odor of ancient cooking grease and were poured into plastic cups. Still, everybody was getting along famously. I was knocking back the same oil-slicked swill that had to be stirred in a frenzy because of the powdered, chunky creamer. I perched the cup precariously on the board right beside my ashtray. To be sure, it was a pleased and jovial clutch as the all-day remote was pulling in some serious shoppers. There were "atta boys" and "wayta go's" all around, including for me.

Exhausted and, by then, somewhat gamey, I finally made it to 6 p.m. and signed off. I packed up the logs, copy binder, and the case of 45s, bid my farewells and thanks to the client and, casually and confidently, strolled up the few blocks to the station. Even under those less-than-ideal circumstances, it was still a thrill to be on the radio ? talkin' nasty and playin' the hits.

So. It is highly unlikely that any readers would notice the previous (absolutely true) story was cobbled together with attention being paid to the sensory elements that are available in experience and in the language. I suspect that somebody has already said, "English is too special a language to waste." Radio, however, hasn't heard the news, seen the writing on the wall, felt the impact, picked up on the odors in the air (or on the air), or tasted the fruits of extra attention.

People experience the external world through their senses. We see. We hear. We touch. We smell the environments. We taste. We also have representations of all the senses in our internal experiences. And we process pure, so-called "digital" information. When we speak, we tend to limit those representations in our speech. But, when we do offer sensory representations, we are likely to depend on one sensory expression as a primary modality. Some of us talk about visuals more than any others. Some refer to "feelings" almost exclusively. A few others favor auditory examples in their speech patterns. The reason they do that is because that is exactly how they are experiencing their world.

Obviously, radio, unlike other media, has only one output modality ? sound. Yet, even with that (seemingly) limiting circumstance, we still have the potential to engage in our listeners all of the sensory modalities. Unfortunately, this potential has never been expressed or exploited. "Theatre-of-the-mind" is just an expression that AEs use to impress clients. It is hardly ever demonstrated.

I urge any broadcaster reading this piece to monitor their own outfits and determine how little of these sensory modalities are being expressed on the air and in the commercial content.

Radio has been ignoring all of the available communicative aspects that would make of it an incredibly powerful, informative, entertaining, and influential advertising medium. It has been doing so for decades. The irony lies in the fact that, by improving the communicative elements, radio will be doing itself, its audiences and its advertisers a tremendous service. Win/Win/Win.

Alas, radio continues to limit itself and the results advertisers might otherwise enjoy by making of itself a sensory-deprivation medium. Radio does this by relying ? almost exclusively ? on pure content-information. When people are deprived of their senses, they tend to go inside themselves ? for a while. After longer periods, they go ape-snake nuts. Has radio already arrived at that state? Audiences, if they are expected to participate, must be reached at levels to which they can relate. The sensory modalities is one of those categories.

Ronald T. Robinson has been involved in Canadian radio since the '60s as a performer, writer and coach, and has trained and certified as a personal counsellor. Ron makes the assertion that the most important communicative aspects of broadcasting, as they relate to talent and creative, have yet to be addressed. Check out his website www.voicetalentguy.com

(4/27/2015 12:32:00 PM)
From the same dictionary-
modalities-the ceremonial forms, protocols or conditions that surround formal agreements.
In Ron's constant striving to command new and unusual language (wow 'em with BS), he will occasionally fart one. Miss Havisham at the bar, waiting for a free one.
I'm a cluster owner, Ron. Ever dream of being one?
(4/27/2015 9:49:49 AM)
"radio-vet" seems to have his head permanently embedded. There was no lamenting about any good ol'days. the story was told to demonstrate the lack of sensory modalities in radio.Further, the lack of sensory language is pervasive in radio.
There are many, many elements to radio that require criticism and satire. Alternates are continuously being either offered directly or implied.

Crapping on the messenger has no value.Come up with legitimate, contrary arguments - if you can. (And you won't be able to.)
At least the guy could have read the article before barfing in the comments section. If he is in management, his career and his outfit is doomed.

(4/27/2015 8:08:31 AM)
Obsess- To preoccupy the mind excessively.
To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic. Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.

-The American Heritage Dictionary of The English Language.
Ron..to dwell on remotes you did in the 1960s and lament the state of radio as you compare it to then, week after week, is sick. You resemble 'Miss Havisham' in 'Great Expectations'. Get help.

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Kelly Crowned Imaging King

4-28-15

Dan Kelly, Creative Services Director of WPLJ and NASH-FM New York, took home the title of World's Best Imager for the third consecutive year at the 2015 Iron Imager Finals on Friday, April 24. Iron Imager is a head-to-head live audio imaging competition presented annually by radio imaging company Benztown.

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New Leader For Cumulus Colorado Springs

4-28-15

Rob Quinn has been named as Vice President/Market Manager for the Cumulus Colorado Springs six-station cluster. Although his most recent job was outside radio, Quinn has 30 years' experience in sales management positions in Denver and San Diego. Quinn replaces Kent Hildebrand, who exited in March for a position outside of radio.

Cumulus SVP Dave Milner said: "Rob is a creative and dynamic leader with a solid track record of building strong, successful teams. We are excited to be adding Rob to our talented team in Colorado Springs." Quinn added: "Radio has always been my first love. When I was able to return to the industry with Cumulus I jumped at the chance. Leading six solid stations in a market like Colorado Springs is an exciting opportunity. The region is on a strong upswing and I look forward to helping provide solid solutions for our clients and advertisers."

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Musician Gets Weekend Show On TheBlaze

4-28-15

Rocker Andrew W.K. has been given his own 2-hour weekend radio show, entitled America W.K., heard via TheBlaze Radio Network. The show will make its debut on Saturday. The new show is described as "a raw and penetrating discussion of what it is to be alive -- meaning, motivation, mindset, and making dreams come true, all included in a celebration of life itself -- and all with a positive and honest outlook."

Andrew W.K. said: "When Glenn asked me to do my own radio show on TheBlaze, I was shocked but excited, as I knew he would allow me the unrestrained freedom to say exactly what I wanted. I'm very dedicated to exploring and learning from different people in different places, and always with an open heart. If people never went outside their own box, life would be boring. After all, why would I only want to talk with people who already think exactly like me?"
TheBlaze founder Glenn Beck added: "My relationship with Andrew W.K. is a perfect example of how two people can come together on what unites us, and become strange bedfellows. He is open minded, honest, loves his fellow man even though he may disagree with him, and is a natural entertainer. Our mutual audiences have already begun to find commonalities. I think he is the perfect fit for TheBlaze Radio Network."

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KLBJ Anchor Honored By TX AP Broadcasters

4-28-15

Diann Hodges, news anchor with KLBJ-AM/Austin, was recognized by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters for "Best Newscast Division A" at an event held this past weekend. Hodge's award-winning newscast, which occurred on September 12, 2014, beat all other entries from major radio markets including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

More information and a recording of the winning newscast can be found here.

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WTMJ Raises Over $50,00 For Playground

4-24-15

After WTMJ/Milwaukee morning news anchor Jodi Becker told the story of Ben Nelson, an eight-year-old who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and couldn't use his school's playground due to his wheelchair, the station and its "WTMJ Cares" started a fundraising campaign to help create a playground that can also be enjoyed by special needs children. WTMJ and Ben Nelson's family had a goal of raising $38,000 to create this accessible playground. WTMJ listeners and station sponsors rallied by raising over $50,000 in donations. 

WTMJ-AM VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer said: "WTMJ firmly believes we do well by doing good. We serve Wisconsin -- and we're getting behind our air personalities by giving them a month where we use our resources to give back to our community. Jodi Becker is first on our team to lead in this new community betterment initiative. We are pleased to help -- and we thank our listeners and great businesses for helping to build this wonderful playground."

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98.9 Radio Now Connects Separated Siblings

4-24-15

WNRW/Louisville helped a local listener reconnect with her half-brother, who she had never met and had been searching after for 17 years. As part of the station's RAKE campaign (Random Acts of Kindness Everyday), the station aired the listener's story and pushed it via social media until the half-brother was found in another state and they were connected by phone. Next week, the half-brother will fly from San Diego to Louisville to meet his half-sister for the first time, live on the station's airwaves.

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Shawn Reed Named WWHX PD

4-24-15

Connoisseur Media has named Shawn Reed (Shawn Kozlowski) as the new Program Director for WWHX/Bloomington, IL. Most recently, he served as APD and afternoon host at WXCL/Peoria. He also has programming and on-air experience from stations in Missoula and Fargo. Reed replaces Chris Ryan, who is now PD of sister-station WRTS/Erie, PA.

General Manager Carol Floyd said of Reed: "We are pleased to have Shawn join our team and look forward to his leadership. He brings a wealth of music knowledge along with his great passion for community service."

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What Does The Norwegian FM Shutdown Mean For The U.S.?

4-24-15

Last week, the Norwegian Ministry of Culture announced its plans to shut down the FM radio band in its country in 2017, choosing to instead only use the better-quality DAB+ digital broadcasts. The proposal is up for a vote soon. There is now growing opposition to the Norway FM shutdown, but even if it takes place, there are major differences between the situation there and the state of radio in America.

While it appears the 2017 FM shutdown will be approved in the Norwegian parliament Stortinget later this spring, two political parties in Norway, the Progress Party and the Green Party are said to be aligning against it. It appears that the Ministry of Culture's goal of 50 percent digital listening has not yet been achieved and that number is actually closer to 19 percent in Norway. The 50 percent number was gained by combining other forms of audio entertainment, including Internet streaming.

The FM band in Norway is operated by the government. The band has only five radio stations in four cities -- all of which are government owned. The shutting down of the FM band will save Norway an estimated $26 million per year. 200 lower-powered local commercial radio and community radio stations outside of Norway's four largest cities may still be able to continue broadcasting on FM for at least five years beyond the shutoff.

Radio is not ending in Norway by any stretch of the imagination. Only how radio is delivered to listeners there is evolving slightly.

When the Norway FM announcement made headlines, many quickly heralded it as the beginning of the end for radio as we know it. That is far from the case, however. This is especially true in the U.S.

The NAB points out that among the key differences between Norwegian radio and American radio are...

- Norway, like much of Europe, began using the all-digital DAB broadcast spectrum in the last decade, switching over to the even better DAB+ a few years later. The U.S. uses a different digital in-band, on-channel (IBOC, or HDRadio) spectrum, as well as traditional AM and FM transmissions.

- Norway's broadcast system is primarily government-run, while the U.S. system of broadcasting is primarily privately-run by commercial companies.

- All of Norway has a population of only a little over 5 million people, compared to over 320 million people in the U.S.

Additionally, the U.S. radio industry continues to migrate toward all-digital broadcasting, but stations and companies may do so on a strictly voluntary basis. There are currently 2,300 FM radio stations in the U.S. that are operating in the digital HDRadio format -- or about 21 percent of all American FM radio stations.

Five radio stations in four cities in Norway may not be heard on analog FM radios starting in as soon as two years from now. Many thousands of American radio stations will continue to be heard on analog and HD Radios for many years to come, with no shutoff date in sight or even being considered.

(4/24/2015 9:51:36 PM)
"No FM Switch-Off in Norway"

"No success yet for DAB radio in the Nordic countries. The Norwegian Minister of Culture says that the FM switch-off goal of 50% 'Digital listening' has been reached. However, this figure includes listenership of DVB-T and Internet radio. Last week, the Government Statistical Bureau reported that listening to DAB radio is presently limited to 19% on a daily basis, says the Norwegian Local Radio Association in a press-release. This FM switch-off proposal is up for decision in Stortinget, the Norwegian parliament, later this spring. While there is still a majority in favor of the proposal, opposition is growing. The government coalition partner, the Progress Party, has been against switching off FM since the first proposal for DAB came up in Stortinget 2011. Now, the Green Party, is also aligning against the switch-off."

http://digitalradioinsider.blogspot.com/2015/04/no-fm-switch-off-in-norway.html

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Pandora Revenue Up 19% In Q1

4-23-15

For the first quarter of 2015 Pandora reported total revenue of $230.8 million, up 19 percent from 2014. Advertising revenue made up $178.7 million of that total: $181.1 million came from moble, up 23 percent, and local advertising revenue was $43.3 million, up 67 percent. There are now 3.8 million paid Pandora subscribers. The company did report a loss of $48.3 million in Q1, widening from $28.9 million a year earlier. The company expects to cross the billion-dollar revenue mark in 2015, forecasting a total of between $1.16 to $1.18 billion. The company also gave guidance of $280 to $285 million for Q2.

(4/24/2015 12:06:57 PM)
Go Pandora! Fuck radio!

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Cornbread Exits WIL With Party & Proclamation

4-24-15

Earlier this week, Hubbard Radio's WIL/St. Louis announced its longtime morning show host Cornbread was exiting the station as of Friday. His last day on the air was turned into a fun celebration and a live remote, called "Cornbread's World's Largest Farewell Pajama Party," held at Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis. Cornbread also received a proclamation designating Friday, April 24, 2015 as the official "Cornbread Day" in the City of St. Louis, citing his tremendous contributions to the area.

Numerous local celebrities and VIPs visited or called in to Cornbread's remote, including: St. Louis Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny; KSDK-TV's Pat McGonigle, Scott Connell, Kay Quinn and Sara Daley; sports mascots "Louie" of the St. Louis Blues and "Fredbird" from the St. Louis Cardinals; and Fox Sports Midwest's David Pokorney.

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Ben Davis Upped In Louisville

4-24-15

Alpha Media Louisville has promoted Ben Davis to Operations Manager for the company's five-station cluster. He has been serving as Program Director and morning show co-host for WDJX. He will retain his morning show, but is now searching for his own replacement as PD. Davis replaces George Lindsey, who exited in March for a radio opportunity in Houston.

Senior VP/Market Manager Dale Schaefer commented: "Ben Davis has been an incredible leader for our cluster for many years as our Program Director and morning show host for WDJX. With this promotion, he will be able to expand his leadership role to all five of our stations and help each one reach their full potential. Our entire staff is thrilled about Ben's promotion and look forward to working with him to make each station a greater success than what it has already achieved."

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Pandora Now Has 138 Salespeople

4-23-15

And that's just the sellers in the local markets where they compete against you for radio dollars. The company actually has hundreds more selling the product and is also ramping up its efforts to implement programmatic buying in the very near future. In addition to all the sellers, the company also reported it now has 194 software engineers working at the company, an increase of 50 percent, doing product development.

(4/24/2015 12:08:17 PM)
Go Pandora! Fuck radio!

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Morning Man Will Not Face Charges in Boating Accident

4-23-15

According to The Miami Herald, prosecutors will not charge Miami morning man Lazaro ?DJ Laz? Mendez in the boating accident that killed 23-year old Ernest Hernandez in March 2014. The boat got stuck in a sandbar and Hernandez and others were helping push it when he was fatally sliced by the engine?s propellers. Prosecutors concluded there was no evidence that Mendez was drunk or acted with the ?reckless disregard for human life? needed to prove manslaughter. Mendez hosts mornings for Cox's HITS 97-3, WFLC-FM. 

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WKOS Flips From NASH to NASH Icon

4-24-15

Cumulus Media has announced that WKOS in Tri-Cities, TN (Johnson City/Bristol/Kingsport) has changed from the new-Country NASH to the classic-Country NASH Icon format. Although the station now has a new line-up, J.B. Stone remeains as WKOS Program Director.

Cumulus Corporate Program Director Greg Frey said: "NASH Icon continues to grow as an extension of our NASH Country music brand. We?re excited to bring this unique Country listening experience to the Tri-Cities on 104.9 NASH Icon."

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Austin Radio Host Secures $2 Mill For App

4-24-15

J.B. Hager, morning show host of Classic 105.3 (K287FG/KTXX-HD4) in Austin, is part of a development group that has created the video-sharing app Ferris. Hager and his team have now secured $2 million in funding from Upfront Ventures and Allen DeBevoise, according to the Austin Business Journal. The app can be used to merge different videos from the same occasion into one video.

Hager was part of Austin's famous J.B. & Sandy morning show, a partnership that lasted 20 years, before dissolving earlier this year. The Ferris app was developed in 2014, when Hager and on-air partner Sandy McIlree were between radio jobs.

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"We Now Have 10% of All Radio Listening."

4-23-15

As we've stated many times before, there's no real way to prove the number Pandora states every month is accurate. In fact, Pandora CEO Brian McAndrews, on the company earnings call Thursday, started his statement out with, "By our own estimates..." McAndrews went on to say Pandora now has 10 percent of all listening in the United States, which is up from 9.1 percent one year ago. McAndrews also said, "Third-party measurement confirms the scale of the Pandora audience. As measured by ComScore, Pandora had 87.8 million total unique visitors in March."

(4/24/2015 4:07:45 PM)
Spotify, Pandora, Sirrius and all the other audio upstarts must love sending news releases to Ed at RadioInk. They always get top billing and Ed never checks their wild claims of success.
They get to demoralize the giant-terrestrial radio-free of charge and are assured good daily exposure that no real media would give them. Eric and Ed-our friends in the business.
(4/24/2015 1:17:00 PM)
Earth to El Barto- Pandora, Spotify, etc. are taking some of your listeners some of the time. It doesn't mean you don't still have your listeners, but certainly you have some of them less often then you used to.

To claim otherwise just makes you look like denialist.

(4/24/2015 12:47:13 PM)
It's called Triton... they measure all of the radio station's streams as well. It's like Arbitron, only it is actually MRC accredited in major markets (in fact 270 something markets). Triton measures about 12,000 different streams, so Pandora is hardly the only one. comScore is also not owned by Pandora.
(4/24/2015 12:05:17 PM)
DC - But El has iBiquity's HD Radio scam going for him! LOL!
(4/24/2015 11:26:49 AM)
EL - you must still be working in the declining radio world. Good Luck.

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iHeartRadio Available On Apple Watch

4-24-15
 
iHeartMedia announced that its streaming music service iHeartRadio is now an app available for the new Apple Watch. The iHeartRadio for Apple Watch integration will allow users access to all of the service's live radio streams, on-demand programming, and custom stations.

iHeartMedia's President of Business Development and Partnerships Michele Laven said: "iHeartRadio is proud to be a first-mover in the wearables space and we are pleased to now also be available on the Apple Watch -- one of Apple's most promising new products. The Apple Watch is sure to create even more momentum for the wearables category and is the perfect platform to reach new iHeartRadio listeners across connected devices."

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Cumulus Media Sued Over WLUP Promo

4-24-15

Cumulus Media is being sued by a company called CMI Films, owned by Remark, LLC and Celestial Mechanix Inc., which is claiming copyright infringement. Cumulus' WLUP/Chicago created a promo for a vacation giveaway in 2014 that used the familiar elements of the "remarkable mouth" commercials, with the camera zooming in on the model's mouth while she lip-synchs the voices of the station personalities. Remark owns the rights to that style of advertisement. CMI Films' complaint filed in the Buffalo office of the New York Western District Court this week seeks financial damages and more.

These "remarkable mouth" commercials originated in Chicago in 1979 for WLUP, when it was just starting out as a rock station. Chicagoland Radio and Media has look at the history of the commercials, the reasons behind the current lawsuit, and even a copy of the complaint, all of which can be seen HERE.

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(WIZARD) Did You Feel That?

4/22/2015

The ground moved beneath our feet.

There. It did it again.

That first tremor was the growing reality of gender equality. The second was the shrinking of mass media. These trends aren't connected, but they're both significant.

Gender equality is changing the nature of romance. Don't believe me? Watch any romantic movie from 20 years ago and count the anachronisms, those interactions that belong to the past and do not seem to fit the present.

Gender equality also affects advertising and marketing in ways you might not expect.

Not many years ago, it was assumed that lovers would marry and buy a home and establish a life together. But then an entire generation of women were taught not to depend on men, but to establish careers and lives on their own.

That advice to young women changed the landscape in marketing. A study published by Pew Research Center indicates that in 1970, 84 percent of U.S.-born 30- to 44-yearolds were married. By 2007, that number had declined to just 60 percent, and if we extrapolate the trend into 2015, the percentage of married 30- to 44-year-olds is currently at 54.8 percent and falling. We went from 16 percent single to 46 percent single in just one generation.

A once-proud nation of families is evolving into a proud nation of individuals.

The motivations that drive husbands and fathers and wives and mothers are different from the motivations that drive individuals who have no one depending on them but themselves. Consequently, the language and logic of ad copy must be altered to connect with this altered audience.

The trend toward singleness is sociological.
The erosion of mass media is technological.
Each trend accelerates the other.

If the majority of a nation is watching the same TV shows at the same time, listening to the same hit songs at the same time, and receiving similar news from similar sources simultaneously, we can expect that nation to think and feel in similar ways.

Mass media ruled America in 1970. Radio was a Rock station, a Country station, a Talk station, an Easy Listening station, and an instrumental format called "Beautiful Music." Then you had ABC, CBS, and NBC TV. Ted Turner wouldn't create the first cable network until 1976, and Fox didn't appear until 1986. When a movie left the theaters, it would go to the drive-in theaters, where it would be shown for a reduced price, and then it would appear on network television for free about a year later. DVRs, DVDs, and home videotapes did not exist. You either had to be where a movie was showing at exactly the right time or you missed it. This forced us to gather together at specific times for entertainment, where we all heard the same commercials.

Mass media brought us together physically, and it united us psychologically. It also gave advertisers a platform for telling their stories.

Advertising was easy in those days.

Today's technology allows us to opt out of mass media. This is good for the individual, but it presents a significant challenge to the advertiser. The advertising opportunities created by new technology are highly targetable, but they're also shockingly expensive. The most efficient thing we've found so far costs four times as much per person as broadcast radio. And, although the digital product gives us the ability to pinpoint-target a specific audience, that advantage doesn't deliver anywhere near enough benefit to justify the inflated cost. This is not theoretical. We've learned these things through testing.

I'll bring this to a conclusion: We're approaching the end of a golden time when courageous advertisers can invest money in mass media and see their businesses grow as a result. My suspicion is that we've got perhaps five to seven more years before retail businesses and service businesses will be forced to begin playing by a whole new set of rules. No one yet knows what those new rules might be, but this we do know: The sharply rising costs of digital advertising are not being offset by a rise in efficiency.

Advertisers should buy mass media while the masses can still be reached. Reaching people one at a time doesn't offer nearly the return on investment.

There is no more efficient media in the world today than broadcast radio. Sell the people you care about a long-term schedule and make sure they have great radio ads.

Don't do it for yourself. Do it for them.

Roy H. Williams is president of Wizard of Ads Inc. E-mail: roy@wizardofads.com

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NPR's 1st President Don Quayle Passes

4-21-15

Donald R. Quayle, the man who helped found National Public Radio (now NPR) in 1970, passed away last week, at the age of 84, due to complications from brain surgery. In the 1960s, Quayle was director of the Educational Radio Network and executive director of the Eastern Educational Network. He joined the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 1968. Less than three years later, he helped create National Public Radio and was named its president. After leaving NPR in 1973, Quayle was named SVP of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and later administration VP for WETA radio and television in Washington, before retiring in 1989. Quayle is survived by his five children, a sister, and 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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(SALES) DWYSYWD -- Do you?

4-22-15

Chris and I were recently on a conference call with an executive team that is considering purchasing our training. We asked the conference organizer what we had done to make it to the short list of people who were presenting. She said, "You followed through with information when you said you would, and you followed up when you said you would. You'd be surprised at how many of your competitors don't do that." I thought it was interesting she mentioned those things before she mentioned anything about our training solutions.

People buy the way you sell, before they buy what you sell. Of course you have to have a great product and/or solution to the problems your prospects are facing. Equally important is the process you follow when working with your clients.

In our pre-meeting planning, the organizer told us that the executives wanted to hear first about our philosophy of training, and why we do what we do, before they hear how we are going to do it.

Simon Sinek in his best seller, Start With Why shares a concept called the Golden Circle:

What (comprising the outermost band of the circle): Every organization on the planet knows WHAT they do. These are products they sell or the services they offer.How (the middle band of the circle): Some organizations know HOW they do it. These are the things that make them special or set them apart from the competition.Why (the center "bullseye" of the circle): Very few organizations know WHY they do what they do. "Why" is not about making money. That's the result. It's a purpose, cause, or belief. It's the very reason your organization exists.

Sinek suggests that most of the time we have it backwards. We start with What, then How, and sometimes we get to Why. Reversing that order, even if you don't change the information, can make a huge difference on the impact of the information you share: Start with WHY, then HOW, then WHAT you will do.

There were two key lessons reinforced in our recent presentation:

1. DWYSYWD: Do What You Said You Would Do. Whether it's a phone call, sending information, or some other assignment, if you commit to it, make sure you do it. On time. Each time you "forget" or are late with an assignment you've committed to, you are damaging your credibility and causing the prospect to question how a "service" experience with you might be. If you don't live up to your commitment in the sales process, there's little to no chance you'll live up to commitments if you get the business. At least that's the message you're sending.

2. People buy the way you sell and why, before they buy what you sell. There is a great deal of competition for what you sell. Oftentimes the difference between competitive products can be very minimal. Why you do what you do, and the way you sell, can be key differentiators.

We teach sellers the value of having a personal mission statement and a "This is how I work" statement. When you start with your personal mission statement, you're sharing with your clients and prospects WHY you do what you do, besides the money. When you share with them "This is how I work," you're telling them the process you follow -- the way you sell.

Do you have a personal mission statement? Do you know why you're doing this job, besides the money? Do you know the purpose, cause, or belief of the company you're working for?

Here is my personal mission statement?my WHY:
When a sale is made, jobs are created, businesses thrive, and dreams are achieved. We are on the front lines of economic growth and prosperity in our market. By challenging the status quo, I can make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of those around me.

This is HOW we work at Sparque:

Chris and Jeff were fortunate to have mentors who showed them the pathways to become successful in sales. Driven by passion for helping new sellers find those same pathways -- and an internal desire to make a positive and lasting impact on the sales profession in general -- Chris and Jeff have found a way to pay it forward by providing the education, information, and tools to help successful people become more successful ? sooner.

Try it during your next presentation. Start with why -- share your personal mission statement. Then tell them how you work, what's your process, and how you will work to achieve the goals and objectives of your clients. If you do that, you will be pleasantly surprised at how well they respond. I'd love to hear from you about how it worked.

We don't know yet if we will have the privilege of working for the executives we met with recently. What we do know is how important it is to start with Why and follow through. Simon Sinek provided me with a brief PowerPoint about the Golden Circle and Why. Send me an email and I?ll follow his advice and share it with you.

Jeff Schmidt is EVP and Partner at Sparque, Inc. You can reach Jeff at Jeff.Schmidt@Sparque.biz

Twitter: @JeffreyASchmidt
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/schmidtjeffrey

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(SOCIAL) 5 Secrets Of Social & Radio

4-22-2015

There is a secret that is most difficult for some to learn when it comes to social media. It relates to consistency and prolonged effort, strategy and a willingness to learn to connect like no one else with listeners you want to attract and influence. In fact, here is a list of secrets.

1. Most people won't do the work. Everyone thinks they can do social media because?they're on Facebook. Just like other businesses, being there doesn't make you a winner. Being a winner makes you a winner and that takes work. Give your social media enough respect to dedicate part of your working day to cultivating relationships with listeners consistently.
2. Many won't be consistent. Once you decide what you want to accomplish with your social media (see strategy development below) being consistent will set you apart and this is the only thing that will bring you to the rarefied air of amazing results. Be consistent.
3. Rarely are most of the people you run into willing to have an actual content strategy and to consistently execute that strategy. If you don't have a content strategy, why are you doing this? It always reminds me of the 1950s when they let "Ed" come in with his record collection and play "his tunes." That wouldn't happen today on a major broadcast outlet, but all across the country you can find radio stations doing essentially that with their social media. Be different, develop a social media content strategy and stick to it.
4. Most won't even focus on the listener; they focus only on contesting and the station or national gossip or easy tricks. There are important things happening in your market and great connections to high passions. Are you doing that? Social media is a perfect place to dig in and win with this kind of engagement.
5. The secret is really caring about what you are putting into your social media. That means that the caring has to come from the top. If it isn't important to management, it isn?t important. It's not as professional. Make it professional and you will discover the secrets of social media and making your social media effective for your station, your cluster, your sales team and your company.

Use these secrets and you will find success in engaging listeners and getting better ratings and more revenue from your efforts. It's more than that. It's really winning the hearts and minds of your market in a way that no competitor can "pull away." That's the real secret.

Loyd Ford is the digital revenue, direct marketing, ratings and social media strategist for Rainmaker Pathway and Americalist Direct Marketing. Loyd has programmed very successful radio brands in markets of all sizes, including KRMD AM & FM in Shreveport, and WSSL and WMYI in Greenville, WKKT in Charlotte and WBEE in Rochester, NY. Learn more about Loyd here:  http://about.me/loydford. Get his radio-social media content sent directly to your smart phone or email for free here:  www.rainmakerpathway.wordpress.com.

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DJ Wrekk 1 Races Out Of Indy

4-21-15

WHHH/Indianapolis Music Director and midday jock DJ Wrekk 1 announced his resignation from the station. He took over middays for the station two years ago after 10 years of working nights. Prior to his time in Indianapolis, DJ Wrekk 1 spent six years in St. Louis radio. No replacement for him at WHHH has yet been named.

On his Instagram account on Tuesday afternoon, DJ Wrekk 1 said: "Indianapolis. Thank you for allowing me to be a DJ for almost 15 years at Whhh Hot 96.3. I'm going to miss you all."

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Pittman & Hughes Inducted Into Ad HoF

4-21-15

Monday night was the 66th annual Advertising Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Of the seven new inductees, two came from the radio industry: iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and Radio One Founder and Chairperson Catherine Hughes. Both were honored for their major contributions to advertising.

Other inductees at the event included John Adams of The Martin Agency; Lee CLow of TBWA/Media Arts Lab; Spike Lee of Spike DDB; Charles Porter of Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Linda Kaplan Thaler of Publicis Kaplan Thaler. Additionally, actor/author/philanthropist Michael J. Fox was presented with the President's Award for Special Lifetime Contributions to Advertising.

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Reward Offered In KFPA Host's Death

4-21-15

KFPA host and producer Wesley Burton was driving home from the station on Saturday morning when his car was struck by a speeding hit-and-run driver, killing Burton. A $10,000 reward has now been offered for information leading to the arrest of the driver of the white Dodge Charger that killed the radio host. Those with information about the driver are asked to call Oakland's police at 510-777-8570 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.

The station continues to promote a GoFundMe account to help support Burton's wife and three small children. So far, the fundraising has brought in over $21,000.

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Linda Little Rises In Phoenix

4-21-15
 
iHeartMedia has promoted  Linda Little to president of its eight-station Phoenix cluster. Little has been in sales management roles with iHeartMedia since June 2000. Prior to that she worked in radio sales for Chancellor/AMFM and Sandusky. Little replaces Scott Hopek, who was promoted to president of the New York market.

Little will report to iHeartMedia EVP of Operations Hartley Adkins. Said Atkins in the announcement: "Linda has been on my team for several years and I have personally witnessed her transform iHeartMedia Phoenix into the digital leader it is today. This is a well-deserved promotion and I am confident in her ability to drive results by amplifying the success and momentum Phoenix has experienced in recent years."

Added Little: "I have had the privilege of building my media career in Phoenix and am very fortunate to have worked for a company that has given me many opportunities to grow while constantly evolving with the industry. Our team's history of creating custom designed campaigns, deeply integrated in digital, social, mobile, and broadcast has helped us earn the reputation for consistently delivering results for our clients. I am honored to take this next step to market president and know that working together with the fantastic team in Phoenix we will continue to achieve even higher levels of success."

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Cornbread Cookin' Up A Farewell Party

4-21-15

Hubbard Radio's WIL/St. Louis is making a change in morning show hosts. Current AM driver Cornbread (aka Jeff Law) has announced that Friday will be his last day at the station that he has been a part of since July 2004. He has chosen to "pursue other interests" and spend more time with his family. Cornbread plans on going out with a bang, though. On Friday, he and WIL will be hosting "Cornbread's World's Largest Farewell Pajama Party" from 6-10 a.m. at Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis.

Hubbard St. Louis VP/Market Manager John Kijowski said: "While we respect Cornbread's decision to put his family first, we really hate to see him go. The entire team at Hubbard Radio St. Louis wishes him well in his future endeavors."

Kijowski told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday that a replacement for Cornbread has already been hired, but that the station was not yet ready to make that announcement. "All we can say is that it will start sometime in May," added Kijowski.

In the interim, "Captain Mac" Douglas will work WIL's morning shift starting Monday until the new show begins next month.

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Clip Activates FM Chip On More Phones

4-21-15

Clip Interactive announced that the FM chip listening option has been expanded to four more mobile devices. In addition to the HTC One M8, consumers who own the HTC One M9, HTC Desire 610, Sharp Aquos Crystal, and LG G3 will now be able to listen to local FM radio via the FM chip and the Clip Interactive app, with no data streaming. Clip Interactive's ability to pick up radio stations will only work in the select markets that the company is monitoring. The FM chip is activated by the wireless carrier through support in the specific Android build for a phone.

Clip Interactive's Chief Technology Officer Peter Shoebridge said: "Activating the FM chip on more devices benefits the listener as they can reduce data usage and enjoy the real-time broadcast. The industry can expect more announcements about additional devices in the coming weeks as we continue our mission to provide interactive radio to the masses."

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iHeartRadio Now Streaming On Xbox One

4-21-15

The iHeartRadio streaming radio and digital music service is now available for Xbox One systems. The free iHeartRadio customized app can be downloaded from the Xbox Store. As part of the integration with Xbox, the iHeartRadio app can be controlled through Kinect, as well as added to Xbox One's Snap view, allowing users to stream music while another app or game is being played.
iHeartRadio President Darren Davis said: "Xbox is one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market and we are proud to offer these gamers seamless access to the iHeartRadio listening experience with our new native Xbox One integration. This beautifully designed app takes us one step further in our mission be everywhere our listeners are with the products and services they expect."

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Haley: Driving Auto Ad Revenue to Radio

4-22-15

Marketron President and CEO Jeff Haley looks at the issue of radio stations complaining about losing advertising revenue from auto dealerships to digital advertising. Haley says it is time to stop complaining and instead search for the proper solutions to regaining the auto dealership dollars. In a new blog, Haley offers those solutions. Read that blog exclusively below...

Driving More Radio In Auto

Jeff Haley, President and CEO of Marketron

Car dealers have long been a radio top-five advertiser. They rely on our community ties and leverage our brands to bring them closer to local customers. When you look across local community supporters it's often the car dealer and the radio station that are doing the most for local efforts. That partnership has been challenged recently by the changes in the media mix for Detroit and dealers. As Detroit has placed a bigger percentage of their tier-one dollars into digital, a trickle-down effect has created a new trend in dealer marketing -- "the all-digital dealer"

The all-digital dealer is at this point more of an anecdotal story than an actual statistic, but I have been hearing that story from a lot of broadcasters lately. It's one of those situations where I imagine sales managers and market managers feeling that they have no options when an all-digital dealer drops out of the category. In some respects this is where our share-based compensation works against us. If the dollars have left radio I don't have to worry about the station across town and I'll just wait till the dealer comes back to radio. That thinking will help us lose a lot of dollars and sell way less cars.

A staggering statistic that I came across from emarketer.com states that in 2013 adults spent as much time on desktops as they did their mobile device (2 hours 19 minutes), in 2014 mobile was expected to eclipse desktop usage with an estimated 2 hours 51 minutes, with desktop usage declining. The fact is, mobile usage will continue to grow and that is what is leading the surge in digital advertising.  It was estimated that nearly 30 percent of all digital spending in 2014 was aimed at mobile, but by 2018 that number is expected to be closer to 70 percent. These are the numbers that the decision-makers in Detroit are seeing and reacting to and can NOT be ignored. Radio combined with a mobile strategy WILL MOVE CARS!

I recommend selling the all-digital dealer what he/she wants. It's not digital, it's something new. The dealer sees Detroit cutting big deals with Google, Facebook, and others. The dealer gets pushed some of those packages down into tier-three programs. So for their own dollars they want to try a new way to market. Radio can serve this need. (And, in full disclosure, Marketron has products to help).

According to Marco Mottola, digital sales manager at  Digity, a local media, digital entertainment and event marketing company, "Geo-fencing is a very powerful product and has given us a great tool to offer our advertisers, making us more of a resource to our clients, and it rounds out our portfolio of products. It's important to have these kinds of products to compete for advertising dollars, the bottom line is that we have to deliver results to our clients and geo-fencing is doing that, and doing it well."

Radio sellers can now add the power of two-way communication on top of their broad reach broadcast. From Display, SMS, Geo-fencing, iHeartRadio, Rdio, and Next Radio there is not a single seller in our industry who does not have a tool to leverage, to sell to that dealer. In fact, radio has had these tools for nearly a decade now. My suspicion is that we have not sold much because the demand was not affecting us in our top categories. It is now. It's time to dust off those digital pitches and go back into the marketplace with refreshed ideas and new packages that serve our customers what they are shopping for.

This week I had a conversation with a small independent broadcaster in a 100+ Texas market. I asked him how his auto business was going. He said it was all up except for a Nissan/Chevrolet dealer who had left radio to go all-digital. "I would be up in auto if it wasn't for that one guy who left."

I told him about geo-fencing, which can conquer Toyota and Ford prospects with mobile display ads when they are actually on that dealer's competitors' lots. It's an amazing technology that complements but can't replace the broad reach of a radio campaign. Imagine if every radio seller could answer an all-digital dealer with a set of tools that gives them something new and keeps them in radio.

They can. The tools are there. And I know one broadcaster in Texas who is going to be up in auto this year. 

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Univision Picks WideOrbit For Digital

4-22-15

WideOrbit  says Univision will use its media management solutions to manage advertising and digital audio streaming operations across all of its properties. Univision will use WO Network, WideOrbit?s end-to-end solution for managing network ad sales and commercial operations, to manage sales and inventory at its national broadcast and cable networks; and WO Traffic, WideOrbit?s sales, traffic and billing solution.

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NABEF Sales Institute Registration Opens

4-21-15

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation's Media Sales Institute is a 10-day program that trains young professionals for entry into the media sales industry. This year's program will take place at four universities: Arizona State University, June 7-16; Florida A&M University, May 11-21; Howard University, May 31-June 11; and Ohio University, May 11-21. Recruiter registration for the institutes is now open.

NABEF President Marcellus Alexander said: "The NABEF Media Sales Institute continues to prepare tomorrow's leaders for successful careers in the broadcast industry. We are proud to partner with four strong universities to develop participants into multi-platform media professionals."

According to the NABEF, over 75 percent of participants are hired in a related position within two weeks to one month of completion of the program.

Broadcast and digital media companies interested in participating as recruiters can register online HERE.

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Radio Simulcasts Are Losing On Smartphones

4-21-15

On his latest blog for The Infinite Dial, Edison Research's Larry Rosin looks at how Pandora's growth has greatly increased in the past five years, while radio simulcasts have seen almost no growth in that same time. He also wrote about a study he participated in for Europe radio that showed consumers greatly preferred customizable radio apps than standard streams of commercial radio.

Rosin will dedicate his next few blog entries to answering the question "How competitive are radio station simulcasts in the smartphone environment?" He will also be looking at just what the radio industry has to do to stay viable in a mobile app world.

The latest Infinite Dial blog can be read HERE.

(4/21/2015 5:24:35 PM)
With respect, this 'study' appears to have a number of flaws. There were only 21 participants; they were all women and; there was no control group. I don't see how you can extrapolate anything from this. Or am I missing something?
(4/21/2015 2:20:44 PM)
Who's actually surprised by this? Earth to Radio: People don't buy $500 smartphones and pay $100 monthly service to stream radio stations. #DUH

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Bustos Picks Up Milwaukee FM

4-22-15

The station is WDDW-FM (104.7) in Milwaukee and Bustos Media will begin an immediate LMA while awaiting FCC approval of the sale. Bustos is purchasing the station from Adelante Media Group. John Bustos said, ?We are thrilled to have made one more acquisition of our former station group. Milwaukee is a phenomenal growth market and WDDW is the only significant FM serving the growing Hispanic community in the great state of Wisconsin.? Bill Fanning, Managing Director of Media Venture Partners, brokered the deal.

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WTOP's McConnell Receives Capitol Honor

4-21-15

WTOP's longtime Capitol Hill Correspondent Dave McConnell was honored Tuesday at the Capitol for his 50 years of service. McConnell was recognized by Congresswoman Eleanor Homes Norton by being entered into the Congressional Record. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (no relation) and Senator Mark Warner also delivered speeches in his honor.

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How Hard Work Pays Off In Radio

4-22-2015

We hear a lot of chatter about how kids these days really don't want to be in radio. Or if they do, they expect a $100,000-a-year job as soon as they graduate from college. But the fact is, that's not true for everyone. There are still young people out there who love radio and are willing to pay their dues to make it in this business. And 27-year-old Krystina Ramey is a perfect example of that. Despite a degree in graphic design, her true love was radio and being on the air. And she was willing to work as hard as she needed to work to get her foot in the door. Here's her story.

RI: Florida to Los Angeles to co-hosting mornings in your hometown. How did that all happen?
Ramey: I was working for a station in Florida, and I decided I wanted to go big in radio, so I set my sights on Los Angeles. I visited California for a week and set up as many job interviews as I could. In L.A., I went to see the company I was working for in Florida and met with the PR guy. I left my resume, I left my portfolio, and I said, "Call me if anything opens up."

I went back to Florida, and I knew, by the end of that summer, I was going to move to L.A. I waited three months and I hadn't heard anything, but I had my mind set on moving. I figured I would work in a restaurant or I would do something on the side until the radio thing came through. The week before I was set to get in the car and move, I got a call from Fox Sports Radio in Los Angeles, and they offered me a position working as a promotions assistant. I was ecstatic. I happily took that position.

RI: What made you think just getting in the car and going out to Los Angeles was a good idea?
Ramey: I don't think I necessarily thought it was a good idea, but I knew that it had to be done. I wasn't happy where I was in Florida. I loved the people I was working for, but the job opportunities weren't there. I wanted to go somewhere where there were more opportunities. I knew it was going to be tough, but I just know me, and I've always laughed in the face of danger, honestly, and I know how hard-working I am. I decided I could tough it out until something breaks, and then I'll work my butt off like I always do. I work to succeed.

RI: So you get to Fox Sports Radio as a promotions assistant. What were you doing?
Ramey: I was doing a lot of paperwork, handling the prizes, I would call contest winners, attending station events, setting up banners, driving the station vehicle. That was it. It was a lot of odd hours. Some days you would work at 5 a.m., some days you would start at night and work until 2 a.m. No set schedule. I didn't know how many hours I was going to get every week. It was tough, it was definitely tough. I'm lucky my supervisor really liked me, and he made my schedule a little more regular, and in the office more so than I was in the streets. I knew that it was an entry-level position into radio. I did what I had to do for as long as I had to do it.

RI: How long was it before your next step?
Ramey: I did that for just over two years. It's funny, because that's the longest I had been at one spot in my life. I had always moved up or moved on to something different or bigger before two years had passed. I was like, "Oh, my goodness, what's going on? I have got to get something else going." So I started putting together my resume and applying, and applying and applying, for stuff I didn't even think I was qualified for. I knew eventually something had to stick. At the same time, I was part of RAW at Fox Sports Radio for that entire time.

RI: Tell us about RAW.
Ramey: It is really ingenious. RAW is an experimental show on Fox Sports Radio. Our supervisor decided he was going to take the guys and the girls who worked behind the scenes during the day, the producers, promotions assistants, Web folks, the people who don't get to be on the air but really have a passion for radio and want to work toward being on the air. He threw them all in one room, gave them a show, and let them talk about sports. It's raw, it's unscripted. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

We talk about sports, like how you would talk about sports with your friends at the bar.

What I love about it is, everyone in radio always says you need experience, but no one is willing to give you that experience. Don Martin gave us that opportunity. The show is on Saturday night, and it's only on the Internet, not on terrestrial radio, but it was our shot.

RI: Did it help you get other jobs in radio?
Ramey: I was in promotions for the first year and a half of my time on RAW, and then I started applying for radio jobs. I got a job producing a late-night request and dedication show; I produced that for a year and a half. I was on RAW the entire time that I was doing that. I would work Monday through Friday from about 6 p.m. to midnight, then on Saturday nights go into RAW on Fox Sports Radio and do the radio show.

About a year and a half after producing the late-night show, I got an opportunity to produce a morning show. I did that for a couple of months, all while still doing my Saturday-night show. So, at this point, I'm working 3 a.m. until noon Monday through Friday and still going in on Saturday nights to do RAW. I never wanted to give it up. It didn't matter what level I was at; as cool as it was to be able to produce a morning show in Los Angeles, I knew how important RAW was at getting my own experience on the air.

RI: Where are you now, and how did working for Don and RAW get you to where you are today?
Ramey: I'm back in my hometown, in the Tri-Cities in northeastern Tennessee. If I had not spent time on RAW, I would've never been able to get this position. I'm co-hosting a morning show now [on KTFM-FM]. I literally went from zero on-air experience, outside of RAW, an experimental show, a streaming-only show, but as far as terrestrial radio, zero experience to co-hosting a morning show in my hometown. That's a dream for a lot of people.

The only way I was able to get to this position was because I was able to spend three years on RAW on Fox Sports Radio, thanks to Don Martin. I learned how to create a show. I learned how to prep for a show. I learned what works and what doesn't work, how to intro content, how to get out of content, how to flip the subject, how to interview people. It was just amazing to learn to be a radio host. I was able to learn it right there on Fox Sports Los Angeles.

RI: How important do you think having something like RAW is to the radio industry?
Ramey: It is invaluable. I've gotten a lot of people on RAW, because they saw what I was doing and they were jealous, I say, and they all wanted a piece of it. Some people can hack it, and some people can't. It's not a joke. Granted, it's not going to be on your car stereo when you turn on Fox Sports, but that doesn't mean it's a joke. We put a lot into it. I spent my entire day putting together a rundown and prep.

If I had not been on RAW, I wouldn't have been on the air for another two, three, or four years, because I would still be at the producer level. While producing a morning show is huge, it is not the same thing as being on the air. If we take RAW out of the picture, I still wouldn't have had any on-air experience. I would just now be cracking the mic here and there, replying to the morning show hosts' comments as I'm producing the show. Little bits and pieces here and there.

RI: And you were also getting helpful feedback and critiques from Fox Sports executives.
Ramey: Of course. That was the great thing about Don Martin and my direct supervisor, Jay Blease. Any time you needed anything, those guys would sit down with you. They were such a great resource. They really cared about our being able to grow and develop. I have two friends on RAW, and they've been going into Don Martin and pitching a show for the actual station, for terrestrial radio. They have been pitching their show to other stations. They have been getting a ton of feedback.

RI: How's it going at your hometown station?
Ramey: It's amazing. The people here are so friendly. My co-host, Steve Mann, has been so open and accepting. He has basically said, "Look, I love your passion. I love the fact that you come in here with ideas. Whatever you want to do, we can do it. Let me know how I can help you. Whatever I need to do."

It has been such a fun, experimental process, because I have had these ideas floating around in my head for years. Some of them didn't work while I was on a Sports station. Some of them wouldn't work while I was producing a latenight request and dedication show. Now that I'm here, I'm able to figure out what does and doesn't work. I'm actually doing it, and I've gotten this far because of what I did on RAW.

Reach out to congratulate Ramey for a job well done at kr@krystinaramey.com

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Woman Arraigned For Driving Into Station

4-16-15
Thirty-year-old Crystal Glantz was arraigned Thursday on arson, criminal mischief, and drunken driving charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. The incident took place back on March 5 at the iHeartRadio stations in Williamsport. She's accused of driving a car into the building that houses five iHeartmedia radio stations and trying to set it on fire. Penn Live reports the woman frequently called one of the DJs who no longer works at the stations. Damage to the building and car was estimated at nearly $19,000.

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Megan Ryte Gets Hot

4-17-15

New York's WQHT/HOT 97 has announced Megan Ryte will take over the vacant midday shift effective Monday, April 20. She is relocating from Houston, where she has worked for several Radio One stations since 2013, including KMJQ and KBXX, as well as on television as an on-air contributor and digital producer. Ryte, who has worked in radio since 2010, replaces Big Dennis Rivera, who exited in January. MD/weekender TT Torrez had served as midday fill-in while the nationwide search for a new host was going on.

WHQT Director of Programming Pio Ferro said: "We're ecstatic to have Megan sign on to our mid-day slot! She's incredibly talented, highly motivated, and has that extra spark that's needed to be a superstar in such a highly competitive market like New York.  I know she'll shine at HOT 97 and we are thrilled to have her be part of the family!"

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(TALENT) Boss Radio

4-15-2015

For decades, the standard retinue of on-air and commercial phrases has included the likes of: "Do it today! Buy now! Come on down! Save 30 percent! Don't miss it! Check us out online! Call now! Wait!" An impressive list of others exists. The on-air usage of this approach to audiences is ubiquitous.

Advertising agency-type weenies call those audio nuggets "calls to action," and on the surface, most would agree that seems like a more than acceptable bit of labeling. I mean, has anybody in a radio audience got up and complained? Advertisers like the approach ? as if telling people what to do is agreeable to the audience's cranial parts as well as a persuasive advertising methodology.

Just off the top, if any broadcaster can explain how ordering people around like they were one of the family's K-9 chowder-hounds is a worthwhile exercise, I am willing to be corrected. Fair warning though: I have heard most of the justifications. The gem, however, is the one where a radio-type, when challenged, will say something along the lines of: "Our audiences are so stupid, we have to tell them what to do." Others have justified the approach as necessary because "Getting them [the audience] to do stuff is like herding cats."

I understand this authoritarian strategy has been around for like, forever. I also understand the masses have not risen up to storm the station's location, insulted and indignant about being prodded like so many cattle being lead down the final chute.

Most broadcasters have never given this situation any thought at all. That would include owners, managers, the on-air and commercial types, and the janitors who program the outfits. No surprise, this, as the majority of radio folk also still think they are dealing in a one-to-one medium. That broadcasters can't crack through to that reality may be a befuddlement to me for some time.

Meanwhile, there are a limited number of circumstances where someone can actually demand behaviors from someone else. I am thinking a cop could do it. A boss can do it. My mom could do it ? for a while. Some in the guv'ment might pull it off. A spouse probably has the best chance of all.

A fair question, then, would be: If nobody is complaining, why even make an issue of it?

While the dynamic reasons go a little deeper, I could start with the suggestion that telling people what to do on the radio is rude, bullying, insulting and does nothing to either gain rapport with them or make the speaker any more credible or personable. People spending time in the joint are constantly being told what to do. And if they don't there are consequences. One might be forgiven for thinking that those revelations alone would be enough for radio to consider other approaches. But, this is radio, after all ? where habits and dogma rule.

As to deeper rationale:
Language, especially when delivered through an electronic medium, is processed, first, by our unconscious minds. Individuals are unconsciously grinding up what has been presented on an ongoing basis, and making every attempt to derive meaning from what has been heard. But, and this is important, any meaning a person generates is strictly subjective. Their "meaning" may have little or nothing to do with the intentions of the speaker.

Since being told what to do over the radio is a pretty innocuous piece of business, the unconscious doesn't even bother to present that material to the conscious. Thus, minimal complaints are brought forward. But, over time, a resistance is building ? to such a degree that the unconscious begins to reject the spoken material altogether. Still, listeners do complain about how much they hate the spots and can only come up with generalizations about why ? if the topic ever comes up.

Since we are also listeners ourselves, we already know we talk back to the radio on semi-regular occasions. Our retorts hardly ever show us at our emotional or articulate best, either. I have, however, been known to shout out, "Consider my shorts as a source of fine dining, you dolt!" Mostly, though, I get rude and crude, especially in the car.

Language and its nuances are hardly ever considered as important by the vast majority of radio's presenters ? both on-air and out of the spot departments. In fact, most of the language presented on the radio can be described as base and brutal ? the lowest forms of human communication. Attaching all those ridiculous "demands for behavior" only provides more perfect opportunities for audience members to become indifferent to those communications or to reject them altogether.

While radio management is scrambling to squeeze more money from its advertisers, it seems to hardly ever occur to them that an upgrading in the services they are providing might be the real responsibility.

Radio is very fortunate that audience members don?t have the capacity to reach through the speakers, wrap their hands around the presenters' throats, and throttle the livin' bejezus out of these arrogant mutts.

"Boss Radio," some years ago, was an interesting positioning moniker, especially given the precision and intensity of the presentations of the format. But in this context (contemporary music radio), nobody, and I mean not one person on the air, holds such a position that they can claim authority over anybody in the audience. Yet, radio still operates as if ordering us around is a useful, appealing, and successful strategy. Radio is not my boss ? or anyone else's.

Ronald T. Robinson has been involved in Canadian radio since the '60s as a performer, writer, and coach and has trained and certified as a personal counsellor. Ron believes that the most important communicative aspects of broadcasting, as they relate to talent and creative, have yet to be addressed. Check out his website www.voicetalentguy.com.

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NPR Gives FM Chip Some Love

4-17-15

Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan was interviewed on NPR's All Tech Considered this week where he had another opportunity to promote is FM Chip project. NPR has joined the NAB lobbying effort to get the FM Chip turned on in every phone. Host Emma Bowman points out that most mobile makers have the FM capability switched off and discusses the reasons why it should turned on with Smulyan, including saving battery life, an emergency lifeline and giving the consumers that choice which is already available inside the phones.

The piece also includes a quote from Jot Carpenter, vice president of government affairs for CTIA-The Wireless Association, who said at the NAB this week, "What Americans really want is the ability to stream, download and customize music playlists to meet their personal preferences and that's not what the traditional FM radio offers."

You can read and listen to the NPR piece HERE

(4/17/2015 8:44:21 AM)
NextRadio is Jeff's trojan-horse to get that flawed iBiquity HD Radio chip onto cell phones, so Jeff can enjoy that fradulant iBiquity IPO.

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