Wednesday, April 3, 2013

| April 3, 2013

infinitedial logoArbitron/Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2013 Indicates Radio Still Dominates In-Car Listening; the Smartphone Is the Hot Delivery Tool.  Tuesday’s webinar from Arbitron and Edison Research provided a treasure trove of data for radio execs and sales personnel wishing to prove that radio is still a relevant medium in today’s world.  But much of the data also showed that over the course of the past 15 years, it’s been easy to see the leaps and bounds by which digital media is gaining on the traditionals – AM/FM and broadcast television.  Some of the key takeaways for talk stations:

  • Of those surveyed (18+) who’ve ridden/driven a car in the past month, 84% used AM/FM radio; 63% used the CD player; 29% an iPod or mp3 player; and 12% used online radio.

Obviously, the online radio usage (defined as AM/FM stations over the internet as well as pure plays) will continue to rise as that technology becomes more available and easier to use.

  • 58% of those surveyed report AM/FM radio as the medium used “almost all of the time” or “most of the time.”
  • 72% of respondents do not have a Bluetooth connection in their car.  A technology that would aid online usage in the vehicle.  That will change quickly as manufacturers make them standard in new cars.

The Smartphone.  Reaching potential listeners via smartphone technology is crucial to the future of content providers.  Fifty-three percent of Americans (estimated to be 139 million) own a smartphone – up from 44% just last year.

  • About 75% of persons 18-34 own smartphones
  • Of all people (12+) who own smartphones, 44% have ever listened to online radio.  Expect that number to grow rapidly.
  • Although just 18% of smartphone owners listen to online radio daily, that’s still a big number – more than 25 million Americans (12+) – and that is also likely to grow exponentially.

Podcasting.  Although podcasting listening has leveled out over the past two or three years – about 12% or 32 million Americans have listened to an audio podcast in the last month – more than 25% of weekly podcast users have listened to six or more during that period.  The takeaway for stations/talk hosts/content providers producing podcasts is that loyal podcast users consume a lot of them.  That’s good for sales to know.  Also, the goal of converting P1s into podcast users is a worthwhile one since it appears they often become hooked on the format.

Some of the key observations by Arbitron’s Bill Rose and Edison’s Tom Webster from this year’s Infinite Dial research project include:

  • Over the population, digital platforms do not appear to replace traditional media usage, they tend to enhance them;
  • The smartphone is the most important device media businesses are dealing with and the smartphone is functioning as a “two-way” radio today;
  • Online radio reaches 86 million people per week for an average of 12 hours, with so many choices it is imperative to have a strategy that cuts through the clutter;
  • 66% of those surveyed who wake up to a smartphone use the alarm sound, not music to talk content, convince them to do otherwise!

hunnicuttclayClay Hunnicutt to Receive 2013 “Humanitarian of the Year” Award at Talkers New York 2013.  The 2013 recipient of the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Broadcaster (also referred to as “Humanitarian of the Year”) has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board.  This year’s recipient is Clear Channel Media & Entertainment EVP of programming, Clay Hunnicutt.  The 25-year veteran of radio broadcasting has been selected for this important honor in recognition of the key role he has played in paving the way for the Fisher House Foundation to become one of the radio industry’s most actively spotlighted charities, thus providing invaluable support in the form of free housing to the families of service men and women injured in combat during their visits to them at the hospital.  To learn more about Fisher House Foundation visit www.fisherhouse.org.  While serving as CC’s SCP/Community Engagement he arranged for a company-wide 2010 Veterans Day initiative in support of Fisher House.  Every CC station spotlighted Fisher House on that day and urged listeners to donate online or via text.  That event was repeated in 2011.  These campaigns alone (2010 and 2011) raised a total of $1.2 million for Fisher House.  In addition, the company donated $3 million in PSA airtime around Veterans Day 2012.  Fisher House representatives inform TALKERS that Hunnicutt has also helped them make vital connections at the local level.  Hunnicutt tells TALKERS, “If you’ve never been to a Fisher House – you must go!  Just one visit will change your life because they are making the lives of so many soldiers and sailors better.  They took the challenge of helping the men and women that put their lives on the line for our freedom every day to a whole new level.  It is a world class organization that delivers on everything they say they will do, and that always puts the needs of other first.  This is something we should all aspire to do, and make a priority with our individual time and our stations.”  Hunnicutt will be presented the award on Thursday, June 6 at Talkers New York 2013 during the afternoon “Freedom of Speech Award Ceremony.”  The event, which is nearing a sellout, is open to members of the working media.  Registrations can only be booked over the phone at 413-565-5413.

millerdennisDennis Miller Celebrates 6th Radio Anniversary.  It’s been six years since comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Dennis Miller began a daily radio talk show on the old Westwood One radio network.  On Friday, March 29, Miller celebrated his 6th anniversary on the Dial Global network hosting some friends from the old days.  Fellow SNL cast members Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon, along with Seth Meyers appeared on the program as did fellow television star Tim Allen.

duemigsteveWDAE, Tampa’s Steve Duemig Returns to Air with New Deal.  Tampa sports talk host Steve Duemig was taken off the air at Clear Channel’s WDAE, Tampa last week after the two sides hit some sort of snag in their contract negotiations.  According to the Tampa Bay TimesEric Deggans, Duemig said he was asked to sign a new contract before the window that would allow him to speak with other companies opened.  When he refused, he was taken off the air.  Now, Duemig says he’s back with a three-year deal that, according to the paper, includes no new money.  He tells the Times, “But am I happy? I won’t answer that.”

raytomProof of Performance, Transmitter Control and Other Technical Stuff Radio Station Staffers Should Understand…at Least a Little.  In a page out of the Engineer’s Truth is Stranger than Fiction files, renown engineering wizard and TALKERS technical editor Tom Ray cites a couple of “strange but true” examples of how crazy things can get in to today’s radio station environment when it comes to “little” things like which buttons to press when the transmitter goes haywire and avoiding trouble with the FCC by staying within compliance.  In the process he sheds light on standard concepts like “proof of performance” and “turning a transmitter on and off” that programming-types really should know and in language that they can actually understand…we hope!  To read Tom Ray’s column, click here.

francesamikeMike Francesa Signs Long-Term Renewal with WFAN, New York.  American sports talk radio icon Mike Francesa inks a deal to remain the afternoon drive host on CBS Radio’s WFAN-AM/FM, New York for years to come.  The exact term of the contract is not being disclosed but CBS Radio president Dan Mason states, “Mike has earned his place inwfan logo radio history as a great broadcaster and we’re thrilled to continue our relationship with sports radio’s most celebrated host.  WFAN and Mike Francesa are synonymous with the absolute best in sports programming excellence.  These two powerful brands have endured the test of time, and remain a very relevant force in the industry nearly three decades after they first went on the air.”  As part of the deal, Francesa’s long-running Sunday morning “The NFL Now” show will be aired on the CBS Sports Radio Network beginning this fall.  Vice president, sports programming, CBS Radio Mark Chernoff states, “Mike represents the heart and soul of WFAN, and we’re proud he will continue to make the station his long-term broadcast home.  Like no one else, Mike can take a story to the next level and involve his listeners in thought provoking ways with topical and opinionated conversation.  He has set the standard for what represents an entertaining and informative radio program.”  Francesa says, “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished at WFAN.  I am also honored and thankful to CBS Radio for its continued commitment, and most of all to the listeners for their enduring loyalty.”  Mike Francesa will be the sports talk keynote speaker at Talkers New York 2013 on Thursday, June 6.  The event, which is nearing a sellout, is open to members of the working media.  Registrations can only be booked over the phone at 413-565-5413.

zpolitics logoOdds & Sods.  WGAU, Gainesville, Georgia-based talk show host Martha Zoller announces the coming debut of her Georgia politics website called Zpolitics.  Zoller states, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new website, Zpolitics.  We created this online hub to satisfy the desire for relevant news, smart political commentary, and sharp analysis from Georgia’s top pollsters, strategists, and grassroots activists.”….. The “Mo’Kelly Show” celebrates its one-yearokellymorris anniversary on Clear Channel’s KFI, Los Angeles this Saturday, April 6 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Show host Morris O’Kelly reports that over the past 12 months, guests have included NAACP president Ben Jealous, Pleasanton Tea Party president Dr. Bridget Melson, members of Congress, state leadership from both the Democratic and Republican parties and entertainment guests such as actresses Gabrielle Union and Tamara Tunie, comedian Cedric the Entertainer and musicians Joe Sample, Will Downing and Eric Benét.  O’Kelly also hosts various mornings on sister progressive talk station KTLK and serves as American political correspondent for the BBC…..Sunrise Broadcasting flips oldies WGNY-AM, Newburgh, New York to sports talk using ESPN Radio.  The company also plans to flip country WZAD, Wurtsboro, New York (Poughkeepsie market) as a simulcast soon.

GAcompositeThe Georgia Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Legacy Inductees.  The following Georgia broadcasters will be honored at the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame 7th Annual Induction Awards on October 19, 2013 at the Atlanta/Marietta Hilton Hotel and Conference Center.  The Class of 2013 includes (in alphabetical order): Palmyra Braswell, the first black female disc jockey in Macon, Georgia (WBML ) and educator; George Crumbley, sales manager at WSB, Atlanta and father of The Peach Bowl; Jimmy Dunaway, WSB, Atlanta farm director and news anchor; Al Evans, Jr., WVLD, Valdosta owner, on air known as Danny Dee; John Holliman,  WSB reporter and Peabody Award recipient; Don Kordecki, WKRW, Cartersville owner and civic leader; Royal Marshall, WSB, Atlanta talk show host and producer; Leonard Postero, creator and voice of weekly sports program “Leonard Losers”; and Annie Lee Small, WYTH, Madison co-owner and Atlanta’s first female announcer.  The Legacy inductees join other honorees: James “Alley Pat” Patrick, 2013 Founders and Directors Award and Jim Woodruff, Jr., 2013 Elmo Ellis Spirit Award.  Pictured here are: Top row (l-r): Palmyra Braswell, George Crumbley, Jimmy Dunaway, Al Evans, Jr., John Holliman. Bottom row (l-r): Don Kordecki, Royal Marshall, Annie Lee Small, Leonard Postero.

North Korea Threats, Gun Legislation, ObamaCare Effects, Illegal Immigration, and Rutgers Basketball Coach Fired Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/2).  The ongoing concern over North Korea’s threats of military action against South Korea and America; the myriad gun legislation proposals; the effects of the Affordable Care Act; chatter over illegal immigration and amnesty legislation; and the firing of Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice after a video goes viral were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

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Category: Front Page News, Industry News
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