Plenty Of Primary Money Remains For Radio...
(Wednesday, February 29, 2012)
The Michigan and Arizona primaries may be over but the primary season continues until the end of June. There's plenty of time for radio to take a healthy bite out of the multi-millions to be spent over the next 4 months. As of Friday, Republicans have spent a combined total of $77.8 million on broadcast, cable and radio advertising for the GOP presidential primary, according to Smart Media Group. Michigan alone got over $7 million with Arizona coming in with about $1 million. And many big buck states will hold their primaries right through the end of June...
The next big primary date is March 6 - Super Tuesday. On that date, contests will be held in Ohio, Massachusetts, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Alaska, Idaho and North Dakota. New York doesn't hold its primary until April and California in June. Smart Media Group's ad tracking goes back to last summer when the first round of GOP primary spending started. That was followed by the Iowa Straw Poll in August. The first primary of 2012 was held in New Hampshire, followed by South Carolina, Florida and the rest - leading up to nearly $80 million spent through yesterday's primaries in Michigan and Arizona...
Radio stations in the remaining primary states are lining up for their share of the booty now - or should be. If you're not sure when your state holds its primary - you better find out. There are lots of dollars in the balance...
Timeline Memories:
1940] Favorable Wind for Hattie: Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Academy Award, one of 8 Oscars for "Gone With The Wind"...
1960] The Windy City Bunnies: The first Playboy Club opens in Chicago. This is the Hollywood opening...
1968] Grammy Gold: "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" LP wins 4 Grammy's for the Beatles...
1988] Koch proclaims: New York City Mayor Ed Koch calls Ronald Reagan a wimp in the war on drugs. Koch comments on Sarah Palin more recently...
1988] Waldheim named: Former Secretary-General of the U.N., Kurt Waldheim shows up in a Nazi document on WWII deportations...
2000] Sparky is in: Sparky Anderson, the only manager to win World Series titles in both leagues, is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2006, Tony La Russa (Oakland & St. Louis) joins him...
2004] Oscar gold: Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" wins 11 Academy Awards tieing the record held by "Ben-Hur" ('59) & "Titanic" ('97)...
LearningSpring Blooms: LearningSpring School for children on the Autism Spectrum, invites you to their Annual Benefit, "LearningSpring Blooms". Celebrate the start of their second decade with MC Jim Watkins and Honorees Tim Page and Carol Gray. The benefit will be held Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at 2 West Street in Manhattan...
General Managers: It's time for a reality check for your radio station. That includes getting a professional critique of your station from this veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Ja Rule (36), Motivational Speaker Tony Robbins (52), Dennis Farina (68), Henri Richard (76), Tempest Storm (84) & Al Rosen (88)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (11), St. Patrick's Day (17), Spring (20) & MLB Opening Day (35)...
Nielsen Seeks Leadership Role In Online Measurement...(Tuesday, February 28, 2012)
Both Arbitron and Nielsen are fighting to become the standard for online measurement as the internet continues its phenomenal growth. Both research firms are capable of doing so but Nielsen may have just taken the lead in a race that promises to be a marathon rather than a sprint. According to Media Post, Nielsen just scored an important endorsement in its quest to make its new Nielsen Online Campaign Ratings (NOCR), the same kind of marketplace currency for the online advertising marketplace that its TV ratings are for television's, signing Unilever to an agreement to use them for all its internet advertising buys in the U.S. Nielsen owns the TV ratings business while Arbitron is the standard for radio measurement. It's radio vs. TV once again. Who will win this battle? ...
NOCR may stand for campaign ratings, but Nielsen has been waging an aggressive campaign to establish themselves as the online industry's ad currency even before they officially launched in August 2011. The NOCR ratings represent the first time Nielsen has worked so closely with its various stakeholders upfront and before their launch to sell a product through. This brought industry ratings watchdog the Media Rating Council in at the earliest stages of development to ensure that it received accrediation, which it did in record time, even as other Nielsen and comScore online audience measurement products have been mired in long auditing and accreditation processes. It's well known that Arbitron has had its well documented problems with MRC accreditation itself...
Nielsen and Arbitron are not alone in the race for online measurement supremacy. Ando Media also measures internet radio audience, using data collected from streaming server data...
Timeline Memories:
1854] A grand old time: The Republican Party is organized in Ripon (WI) when 50 opponents of slavery start the new political party...
1960] Olympic Gold: The U.S. wins its first Olympic gold medal in hockey with a 9-4 win over Czechoslovakia at the Squaw Valley (CA) games...2010] Fifty-one years later the U.S. wins a record total of 37 medals as the Vancouver Olympics end...
1962] New calls: WMGM in New York changes call letters to WHN...
1967] Number One on this date: "Ruby Tuesday" - Rolling Stones. The "B" side was the controversial "Let's Spend The Night Together", banned by most stations in Boston except for WRKO-FM...1974] "Seasons In The Sun" - Terry Jacks...
1968] A voice is stilled: Frankie Lymon, lead singer of the Teenagers overdoses on heroin at 25. This was a tremendous loss. Had Frankie lived he would be headlining today...
1983] Mashing the competition: The final episode of "M*A*S*H" draws a household rating of 60.2%. Seen in over 50 million homes it was the highest rated show of all time for nearly 27 years until Super Bowl XLIV drew a TV audience of 106.5 million on February 7, 2010. "M*A*S*H" debuted in September of '72...
1984] Grammy Gold: Michael Jackson wins a record 8 Grammy's for the LP "Thriller"...
1993] Wacko in Waco: U.S. Federal agents raid the compound of the Branch Davidians, lead by David Koresh in Waco (TX). The fifty-one day standoff will result in the killing of 4 agents and 6 Davidians, including Koresh in April...
Dave Maynard Tribute: The family of longtime WBZ radio and television personality Dave Maynard is inviting the public to a celebration of his life tomorrow at a celebratory mass at St. Cecilia's Parish of Belvidere Street in the Back Bay at 11am. Listeners, co-workers and well-wishers are all welcome to pay their last respects. The veteran Boston broadcaster and member of the Massachusetts Broadcast Hall of Fame, passed away February 9 in Citrus Hills (FLA) after a long fight with Parkinson's Disease...
General Managers: Get the lowdown on my critique service. You'll get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Ali Larter (36), Robert ("House") Sean Leonard (43), Gilbert Gottfried (57), Bernadette Peters (64), Joe South (72), Mario Andretti (72), Tommy Tune (73), Dean Smith (81), Gavin MacLeod (81) & Charles Durning (89)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (12), St. Patrick's Day (18), Spring (21) & MLB Opening Day (36)...
How Rising Gas Prices Will Affect Radio Listening...(Monday, February 27, 2012)
It make perfect sense to imagine people driving their cars less as prices at the pump climb as high as $5 a gallon. Less driving - less time spent listening to radio. The Philadelphia-based NPR show Radio Times, tries to make sense of it all. "Gas prices are soaring again and could bite into consumer spending and the recovering economy. High prices at the pump could also hurt President Obamas's chances at re-election. Experts think that prices, now averaging around $3.58 a gallon, will reach $4 by summer." Prices have already gone to $4 and higher at some service stations in California and in the northeast...
The rising gas prices have also become a presidential campaign issue with Republicans using them to attack the president, placing blame on his energy policies that they say have suppressed domestic oil production. "But what is behind the rising prices and can the president do anything about it?" That's a question that can only be answered by economic experts and those that deal with the OPEC countries that are playing with our budgets and sanity...
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the more gas prices continue to climb, the more our economy will be affected. It's a far reaching crisis that needs to be answered and fixed by the people we voted into office to do just that. Consider the radio industry a victim too - at least when it comes to in-car listening...
Timeline Memories:
1951] Two & you're through: The 22nd amendment to the Constitution, limiting a president to two terms in office, is ratified...
1956] Released on this date: "Slippin' & Slidin" - Little Richard...
1980] Grammy gold: "What A Fool Believes" - Doobie Brothers...2002] Alicia Keys wins 5 Grammy's for her debut LP, "Songs In A Minor"...
1982] Guilty as charged: Wayne B. Williamsis found guilty of murdering 2 of the 28 bodies discovered in the Atlanta area in a 2-year period...
2009] Pulling us out: President Barack Obama says he will end combat operations in Iraq within 18 months. The last U.S. troops were pulled out of Iraq on December 18, 2011..
2011] Oscar buzz: At the 83rd Academy Awards: "The King's Speech" is Best Picture, Colin Firth is Best Actor & Natalie Portman is Best Actress for "Black Swan"...
2011] Death in the Hall: Hall of Fame Brooklyn/LA Dodgers great centerfielder Duke Snider dies of an undisclosed illness at 84...
Cycling For Charity: The annual Miles for Miracles Cycle for Children's Hospital in Boston indoor relay-style cycling fundraiser will take place at Equinox Boston. Cycle individually or create a team of 2-4 individuals. Donations enable Children's Hospital to provide basic needs to patient families and fund promising research initiatives. Each team has a minimum fundraising goal of $1,000 with a $25 per person registration fee. The Cycle will take place at Equinox, 225 Franklin Street in Boston on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 12:30pm...
General Managers: Find out about my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Josh Groban (31), Chelsea Clinton (32), Howard (WKRP) Hesseman (72), Ralph Nader (78), Joanne Woodward (82) & Ariel Sharon (living in a vegetative state) (84)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (13), St. Patrick's Day (19), Spring (22) & MLB Opening Day (37)...
Radio To Gain From U.S. Ad Recovery...(Friday - Sunday, February 24 - 26, 2012)
America may have created ad recession to begin with so it's ironic that the U.S. is boosting global ad spending and helping to sustain momentum across the globe, even in Europe. "Marketing spend in the Americas increased sharply in February" according to Media Daily News and the World Advertising Research Center (WARC). Dentsu - the parent of U.S. agencies, said traditional media fell 2.6% for the year. It was not a great year for radio while TV was "relatively steady" and internet ad spending rose 4.1% in what historically has been one of the world's biggest advertising marketplaces.
Noting that the index shows marketers at their "most positive" point since WARC began publishing it five months ago, WARC Data Editor Suzy Young attributed much of the momentum to the U.S., where the index jumped to 62.9% in February from 56.5 in January. Young adds "The region has seen confidence rise across the board" citing improving conditions in media training, marketing budgets and agency staffing, and noting "this suggests that macro conditions in the U.S. are markedly improving." This is the surest sign yet that the global region is beginning to rebound following the protracted uncertainty surrounding sovereign debt crises in the Eurozone, according to global market experts...
Any advertising boost in the U.S. bodes well for radio and our economy. If nothing else, there's the old trickle down theory which always, somehow manages to work. Sure there are lots of obstacles out there - rising gas prices, for one, that can slow it down but let's go with the good news in advertising spend in February...
Timeline Memories:
1930] Go at the green - not in between: New York City installs traffic lights. Prior to that New Yorkers followed the common practice of "flipping the bird" (2/26)...
1955] The 45 rules: Billboard Magazine reports that the 45 rpm single is outselling 78s for the first time (2/26)...
1964] Eat your words: That's what Cassius Clay tells Sonny Liston after upsetting Liston to win the heavyweight crown. Liston failed to answer the bell for round 7 (2/25)...
1965] Recorded on this date: "Help Me Rhonda" - Beach Boys (2/24)...
1966] Released on this date: "19th Nervous Breakdown" - Rolling Stones (2/26)...1977] "Hotel California" - Eagles (2/26)...1979] "Roxanne" - Police (2/24)...
1989] Is that plant moving?: Stalker Margaret Ray is found in David Letterman's home in Connecticut claiming to be his wife. Letterman is not amused (2/24)...
1992] Wayne's World: The movie starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey opens in U.S. theaters. Schhwiiiing! (2/24)...
1993] The first WTC bombing: Six are killed and more than one thousand injured when a van explodes in the World Trade Center parking garage. An act of terrorism by Islamic extremists and a precursor to something far worse to come in 2001 (2/26)......
Year of the Dragon Banquet: The Chinese New Year will be celebrated for a worthy cause on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Empire Garden Restaurant, 690 Washington Street in Boston. BCNC will hold its largest annual celebration that should attract 600 guests and raise over $200,000 in essential funds for the community's children, youth and families. Festivities will begin at 5:30pm...
General Managers: It's time to get your radio station in shape. Give your station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view. You can do that by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (2/24) Amy Miranda Phillips (3), Bob Sherwood (39?), Paula Zahn (56), Rupert Holmes (65), Barry Bostwick (67), Joe Lieberman (70), Dominic Chianese (81) & Abe Vigoda (91)...(2/25) Rashida Jones (36), Chelsea Handler (37), Sean Astin (41), Nancy O'Dell (46), Tea Leoni (46), Scott Thompson aka Carrot Top (47), Sportscaster James Brown (61), Billy Packer (72), Diane Baker (74), Bob Schieffer (75), Sally Jessy Raphael (77) & MLB HOFer Monte Irvin (93)...(2/26) James Brady (28), Michael Vettor (54), Michael Bolton (59) & Mitch Ryder (67) & Fats Domino (84)...
Timeline Countdown: Daylight Saving Time (3/11), St. Patrick's Day (3/17), Spring (3/20) & MLB Opening Day (4/4)...
Most Country Music Listeners Have Abandoned Radio...(Thursday, February 23, 2012)
There was some positive research presented on country music listening at the Country Radio Seminar yesterday but radio took a back seat as a vehical delivering that music. One in five country music fans never tune in to country radio stations. Self-described country music listeners get their music from websites, their own collections stored on iPods or listening to other types of radio stations, the annual report on industry trends found. Larry Rosin, Edison Research president says "We run the risk that we just are more and more pleasing to fewer and fewer people until all we are is ecstatically pleasing a tiny, unsustainable number of people." Edison Research presented the study...
The Tennessean lists some other data points presented by Edison. Sixty-five percent of country music fans don't pick a country radio station as their favorite for music or they don't listen to radio at all. Casual country fans are twice as likely to have begun listening to country music in the last few years. Many casual fans still like older country tunes. One in six say that country music from the 60s and 70s is their favorite. These are the songs that aren't typically played on country radio today. Many fans are getting their music from Classic Oldies or Classic Rock stations. Still, the same qualities found in country music continue to attract both hard-core and casual fans. Rosin sums up his findings: "I believe that we as an industry have really made a mistake in our conception of our own stations. While many people don't want to listen to classic country music, some still do, and we've let them float away." ...
Edison conducted a two-part study of Country music fans 18-54. The first part was a national online survey of 1,024 Country fans. The second part of their research was a series of one-on-one interviews with 32 people in 3 markets: Hartford, Wichita and Phoenix. All participants reported listening to Country music. All interviews were conducted in the 4th quarter of 2011...
Timeline Memories:
1822] Boston, Inc: The city of Boston is incorporated...
1836] Remember the Alamo: The siege of the Alamo begins in San Antonio (TX)...
1896] Rockin' the Tootsie Roll: The Tootsie Roll is introduced by transplanted European Leo Hirshfield. The Tootsie Pop came along in 1931. They don't come in any better flavor than cherry. Speaking of Tootsie Rolls...
1927] Let the fun begin: President Calvin Coolidge signs a bill creating the Federal Radio Commission. On July 1, 1934 the name of the agency will be changed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)...
1954] Salkin' it to ya: The first mass inoculation of children against polio using the Salk vaccine begins in Pittsburgh...
1959] Number One on this date: "Stagger Lee" - Lloyd Price...1969] "Everyday People" - Sly & Family Stone...
1963] Released on this date: ""He's So Fine" - Chiffons...1974] "Piano Man" - Billy Joel...
1997] Madman goes berserk: A Palestinian madman opens fire on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, killing one person and wounding 6 before taking his own life. A classmate of my son Robert, Matt Gross was shot in the head and suffered permanent brain damage. Matt's brother Daniel started a successful anti-violence group...
Oscar Benefit: The Gold Standard Oscar Brunch benefitting the American Cancer Society of New York will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 25 Little West 12th Street in Manhattan from Noon to 7pm. Black tie is optional. Tickets are $150...
Let me be your ears, GMs: It's spring cleaning time - time to get your radio station in shape. Give your radio station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Dakota Fanning (18), Jerod Mayo (26), Kristin Davis (47), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (61), Johnny Winter (68) & Peter Fonda (72)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (18), St. Patrick's Day (23), Spring (26) & MLB Opening Day (41)...
FCC Commissioner Warns Of Internet Policing...(Wednesday, February 22, 2012)
If Robert McDowell is right, there will be wide-ranging implications for radio and all of us using the internet - none of them good. The FCC Commissioner, a champion of net neutrality, fears that a diplomatic process beginning in Geneva on February 27 could result in a new treaty giving the U.N. unprecedented powers over the internet. According to the Wall Street Journal dozens of countries, including Russia and China, are pushing hard to reach this goal by year's end. As Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said last June, his goal and that of his allies is to establish "international control over the internet" through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a treaty-based organization under U.N. auspices...
If successful, these new regulatory proposals would upend the internet's flourishing regime, which has been in place since 1988. This insulated the internet from economic and technical regulation and quickly became the greatest deregulatory success story of all time. McDowell believes his fears of internet control are real. He also believes the government is dragging its heels in meeting the threat. "While precious time ticks away, the U.S. has not named a leader for the treaty negotiation. McDowell says "We must awake from our slumber and engage before it is too late. Not only do these developments have the potential to affect the daily lives of all Americans, they also threaten freedom and prosperity across the globe." ...
As pro-electronic as Barack Obama is, he needs to answer McDowell's WSJ article and act accordingly to have the U.S. represented in Geneva...
Timeline Memories:
1879] Five & Dime: Frank W. Woolworth opens his first "5 and 10 cent" store (in Utica, New York). By 1997 all of the U.S. stores closed - many were taken over by Footlocker...
1956] First & Ten: Elvis Presley has his first Pop Top 10 hit: "Heartbreak Hotel"...
1959] Gentlemen, start your engines: The inaugural Daytona 500 is won by Lee Petty, father of Richard Petty...
1965] Number One on this date: "Kind Of A Drag" - Buckinghams...1971] "One Bad Apple" - Osmonds...
1980] Olympic Gold: Al Michaels makes the classic call: "Do you believe in miracles?" as the U.S. hockey team beats the Russians in a semi-final game. Two nights later they beat Finland for the gold...
1994] Spy meat: The Justice Department charges 31-year CIA veteran Aldrich Ames and his wife Rosario, with selling national security secrets to the Soviet Union...
2009] No more slumming: "Slumdog Millionaire" wins 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Director (Danny Boyle). Sean Penn wins Best Actor for "Milk" and Kate Winslet wins Best Actress for "The Reader." ...
New York Mardi Gras: The intricate masks, the mystery, the costumes, the food - the charitable vegan masquerade will be an extraordinary night. Masks are a must, and costumes are highly encouraged. There will be a costume contest with a prize for the best costume. All part of a fundraiser for NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable & Safe Streets) to end the abuse of carriage horses. It takes place Friday night, February 24, 2012 from 8pm to 11:55pm at 56 Walker Street in Manhattan...
Critique Service: Now is the time for general managers to get their radio station in shape. Give your radio station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Rajon Rondo (26), Drew Barrymore (37), Julius "Dr. J" Erving (62), Paul ("Popeye" Movie) Dooley (84) & SNL Announcer Don Pardo (94)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (19), St. Patrick's Day (24), Spring (27) & MLB Opening Day (42)...
Campaign Spending Projections Are Up For Radio...(Tuesday, February 21, 2012)
The Radio Advertising Bureau's press release citing the 1% gain in yearly radio for 2011 was overshadowed by a more promising note. The ad bureau also reported projections from PQ Media, a research firm, that campaign spending in 2012 across all media will exceed $5.6 billion. During the 2010 midterm campaign, radio got 7% of the political pie and 2012's presidential run should give the medium an even higher percentage. The New York Times' Media Decoder reports that the second year (2011) of growth for radio brought in $17.4 billion in revenue. Automotive companies were the largest category of sponsors, supplying 26% of that spending...
While 2010 and 2011 showed modest growth, the market is still down 18% from 2007, when ad revenue was $21.3 billion, according to RAB, whose data was collected by the accounting firm Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Company. RAB chief executive Jeff Haley said radio's ad market has been helped by an aggressive pursuit of national ads by major broadcasters like Clear Channel Communications and CBS Radio. Haley adds "We all suffered some pretty drastic declines, but radio has jumped back pretty well. Like everyone else we'll benefit from the compression of inventory from the Olympics and political expenditures and it looks like we'll have an unprecedented growth streak for the radio business." ..
Radio should be rooting for a long Republican battle between presidential candidates. The longer that contest lasts, the greater the revenue spend. If the fight continues up to the convention - even better...
Timeline Memories:
1925] New York, New York: The New Yorker magazine debuts - 87 years later, it looks like this...
1931] Debuted on this date: Alka Seltzer "plop plops and fizz fizzes" into your stomach...1947] Edwin Land demonstrates the Polaroid Land Camera to take, develop and print a black and white print in 60 seconds. The camera goes on sale in 1948...
1965] In cold blood: Malcolm X is assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan at the age of 39. Three Black Muslims are charged and jailed for the murder...
1965] Number One on this date: "This Diamond Ring" - Gary Lewis & Playboys...1975] "Pick Up The Pieces" - Average White Band...
1972] China: next stop: President Richard M. Nixon begins his historic visit to China...
1988] Swaggart the Shagger: TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart tearfully confesses to his congregation that he was guilty of an unspecified sin and said he was leaving the pulpit temporarily (Reports linked Swaggart to a prostitute)...
2002] Officially Dead: The State Department declares Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl dead, one month after he was abducted by Islamic extremists in Pakistan...
Equal Awards: The MassEquality Icon Awards is the new signature fundraising event in Boston. The equality inspired dinner will celebrate four icons who have demonstrated a spirit of living social justice for the LGBT community. This year, MassEquality will honor Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Ron Ansin, Gladys Vega and Eastern Bank. For more information on the Wednesday, February 29 event, visit www.massequality.org/Icons ...
Critique Service: General Managers it's time to get your radio station in shape. Give your radio station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Allison Kate Crowe (2), Ellen ("Juno") Page (25), Charlotte Church (26), Jennifer Love Hewitt (33), William Baldwin (49), Kelsey Grammer (57), Tricia Nixon Cox (66), Tyne Daly (66) & David Geffen (69)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (20), St. Patrick's Day (25), Spring (28) & MLB Opening Day (43)...
Everything Old Is New Again - Even Radio...(Presidents Day - Monday, February 20, 2012)
How soon they forget that radio is the original and most enduring social medium. Warts and all, local talk radio is the greatest town hall meeting ever invented and music radio continues to entertain by offering what ever music you're looking for. As Media Daily News says "Video didn't kill the radio star. TV and Walkman didn't ring its death knell. Satellite radio didn't even dent it and Pandora and other playlist services won't dampen the reach and power of traditional radio, either. As a medium, radio is neither old or new. Radio is a forever media"...
According to Arbitron, 241 million Americans age 12 and up, or 93%, currently listen to radio every week - the largest number in radio's history. Even as media choices continue to grow, radio remains a top-of-mind choice for consumers. For advertisers, it is an ideal way to reach people in communities across America. Media Daily News offers these tidbits to confirm those statements: "More than twice as many people in the U.S. 12 and older will listen to radio on a typical day than will use any Google site (180 million vs. 85 million.) Americans listen to radio for a total of more than 14.6 billion hours each month. 70% of people nationwide tune in to radio each day for more than 2 1/2 hours, while fewer than 70% of people use the internet each day and use it for about 1 hour 15 minutes." As the economy continues to recover, many advertisers looking to pursue newly optimistic consumers are using radio as one of their primary vehicles. This optimism is shared by BIA/Kelsey's newest "Investing in Radio Market Report," which projects solid industry revenue growth over the next five years. Radio has always been and will always be an inventive, influential medium...
Alright, I'll quit sounding like the RAB and NAB on steroids, but it is Presidents Day - a time to be patriotic about America and radio too. Mark Twain's quote: "The report of my death was an exaggeration" can be applied to radio. ...
Timeline Memories:
1792] Say hello to the Post Office: President George Washington signs an act creating the U.S. Post Office. Disgruntled employees sign gun permit applications...
1962] Going in circles: John Glenn makes space history, orbiting the earth 3 times to become the first American to orbit the earth (aboard Friendship 7)...
1964] Recorded on this date: "Don't Worry Baby" - Beach Boys...
1970] Released on this date: "Instant Karma" - John Lennon...
1998] Solid Gold: American Tara Lipinski becomes at age 15 the youngest gold medalist in Winter Olympics history when she wins the ladies' figure skating title in Nagano, Japan...
2003] Deadly concert fire: Fire breaks out at a nightclub in West Warwick (RI) killing 100 and injuring another 200...
2006] Death of a legendary sportscaster: Curt Gowdy loses his long battle with leukemia at 86. Curt's funeral procession circles Fenway Park before he's interred. Curt was part of the WRKO morning team when we launched the station in 1967...
Next generation: The Hebrew Free Loan Society will hold its 7th Annual Next Generation Benefit celebrating 120 years of interest free lending in New York City. The event includes a top shelf open bar and prize raffle. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. The benefit will take place Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 44 West 63rd Street in Manhattan from 7:30pm to 10:00pm...
Critique Service: Spring Training is here and it's time to get your radio station in shape, General Managers. Give your radio station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Rihanna (24), Cindy Crawford (46), Charles Barkley (49), Patricia Hearst (58), Walter (Steely Dan) Becker (62), J. Geils (66), Sandy Duncan (66), Buffy Sainte-Marie (71), Jazz singer Nancy Wilson (75), Sidney Poitier (85) & Gloria Vanderbilt (88)...
Timeline Countdown: Today is Presidents Day, Days Until: Daylight Saving Time (21), St. Patrick's Day (26), Spring (29) & MLB Opening Day (44)...
In-Car Device Changes Recommended By Feds...(Friday - Sunday, February 17 - 19, 2012)
The days of talking on your cellphone while punching in GPS directions and looking for your favorite radio station may soon be over if the Department of Transportation has anything to do with it. The DOT has recommended in-car requirements that reduce device complexity and task length. The idea is to allow them to be operated by one hand, so the other is free to operate the steering wheel, limit off-road glances to operate the device to less than two seconds, limit unneccessary visual information in the field of view and limit the amount of manual input, according to PC Magazine...
The proposed guidelines would also recommend the disabling of certain operations by in-car electronic devices while driving, unless the devices are intended for use by passengers and cannot reasonably be accessed or seen by the driver, or unless the vehicle is stopped and the transmission shift lever is in park, says the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). That would include visual and manual text messaging, presumably covering someone who could text without actually looking at the screen. It would also cover visual-internet browsing, social media browsing, entering a navigation/GPS address, 10-digit phone dialing, and displaying more than 30 characters of text unrelated to the driving task. The latter could have huge implications on the GPS or navigation industry...
In the future, what drivers and passengers can do in a car with a connected device could become even more restrictive. Speaking as someone who absolutely loves electronic devices - they don't belong in a car unless they can be safely used. Let's remember the purpose of driving a car is to get from point A to point B. And safely...
R.I.P. MLB Hall Of Fame Catcher Gary Carter (1954-2012)...
Timeline Memories:
1878] Home entertainment will never be the same : Thomas Edison patents a music player. The phonograph is born (2/19)...
1885] Never the Twain until this day: Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is published in the U.S. (2/18)...
1933] TIME is not on their side: Newsweek is published in the U.S. (2/17)...
1947] VOA is born: The Voice of America begins broadcasting to the Soviet Union (2/17)...
1956] Recorded on this date: "The Magic Touch" - Platters (2/19)...1959] "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles (2/18)...
1974] TV debuts: Kiss make their TV debut on "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" (2/19). This is from a previous appearance on the show..1974] Dick Clark's "American Music Awards" is launched (2/19)...
1976] Released on this date: "Greatest Hits" LP - Eagles (2/17) and it hasn't stopped selling yet...
1981] Sound familiar?: George Harrison is ordered to pay ABKCO Music $587,000 for "subconscious plagiarism" which surpasses "temporary insanity" as a defense, between his song, "My Sweet Lord" & "He's So Fine" (2/19)...
1986] Oh Howard: Howard Stern moves from afternoon drive to mornings on K-Rock in New York (2/17)...
1996] Deeply blue: World Chess champion Garry Kasparov beats Deep Blue, the IBM supercomputer on what would have been IBM founder Thomas Watson's 122nd birthday. Deep Blue gets revenge when it beats Kasparov in 1997 (2/17)...
2008] Adios Fidel: Fidel Castro announces his resignation as president of Cuba. Brother Raul succeeds him (2/19)...
School benefit: P.S. 183 in Manhattan will hold a benefit auction, which supports the essential academic, science, art and other critical programs, as well as other essentials that are not funded by the Board of Education, such as libraries and basic school supplies. The auction takes place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 8pm to 11pm...
General Managers: Spring Training is just around the corner. Give your radio station a thorough spring cleaning with a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (2/17) Paris Hilton (31), Jason Ritter (32), Denise Richards (41), Baseball reporter Buster Olney (48), Michael Jordan (49), Pro Football HOFer Jim Brown (76) & Hal Holbrook (87)...(2/18) Jillian Michaels (38), Molly Ringwald (44), Vanna White (55), John Travolta (58), Cybil Shepherd (62), Herman (Teenagers) Santiago (71), Yoko Ono (79), Toni Morrison (81) & Helen Gurley Brown (90)...(2/19) Justine Bateman (46), Seal (49), Prince Andrew (52), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (53), Jeff Daniels (57), Lou Christie (69), Bobby Rogers (Miracles) (72) & Smokey Robinson (Miracles) (72)...
Timeline Countdown: Pitchers & Catchers begin reporting this weekend, Presidents Day is Monday, Daylight Saving Time (3/11), St. Patrick's Day (3/17), Spring (3/20) & MLB Opening Day (4/4)...
Radio Streaming Measurement Comes To Arbitron...(Thursday, February 16, 2012)
Arbitron, the standard bearer of ratings companies, will begin measuring radio streaming. That announcement comes from Arbitron COO Sean Cramer who says that the company has developed a "high-level framework" for its product measuring digital radio streaming, although getting the industry to accept it remains a challenge, according to Media Daily News. Arbitron continues to suffer from accreditation problems after the Media Rating Council revoked accreditation for its portable people meters (PPMs) in five markets. Nine PPM markets continue to be accredited, while 39 are not. Cramer says the company will do what it can to "achieve accreditation in the markets we don't have and now achieve accreditation in the ones we've lost." ...
Cramer notes the importance of measuring radio streaming by saying "Navigating the rapidly evolving digital marketplace requires an appreciation and focus on the interests of our existing radio clients and an understanding of the emerging role of the so-called pure-play providers." On an earnings call, Cramer added "This has not been without its complexities. We will continue to listen to the marketplace and look for ways to reconcile what are potentially conflicting points of view." Arbitron has a deal with AdsWizz to help gather the streaming radio data as it seeks to sign clients. They've already signed an agreement with ESPN to use their cross-platform measurement service that includes TV and radio broadcasts of the "Mike & Mike In The Morning" radio show, which is simulcast on both platforms. Arbitron has been looking to use its PPM technology to build new businesses, such as in the cross-platform and out-of-home TV space...
Company CEO Bill Kerr says "We intend to take advantage of opportunities to leverage our existing PPM and diary platforms to enter new markets with the goal of increasing revenue and driving bottom-line growth. Arbitron also has to do a better job in getting MRC accreditation and keeping it...
Timeline Memories:
1868] Benevolent & Protective: The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is formed in New York City. Does anyone know what they are benevolent & protective of???
1883] Ladies Day: The Ladies Home Journal begins publication. Their first issue is a shocker: ARE HEMS ON BATHING SUITS BEING RAISED ABOVE THE ANKLES? Say it isn't so LHJ...
1948] A new career for Lowell Thomas: NBC-TV begins airing its first nightly newscast featuring Fox & Movietone newsreels...
1964] Beatles Return: The Beatles return for their second appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show". They debuted one week earlier...
1968] 9-1-1 is born: The first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system is inaugurated in Haleyville (AL) where I started my radio career at WJBB at the age of 18...
2005] Hockey's gone, ay?:: The NHL cancels the remainder of its season after a round of last-gasp negotiations fail to resolve differences over a salary cap - the issue that led to the lockout...
2009] Mauling: A 200 pound chimpanzee severely mauls its owner's friend before being shot dead by Stamford (CT) police...
Autism benefit: LearningSpring School for children on the autism spectrum invites you to their annual benefit "LearningSpring Blooms." Everyone is welcome to celebrate the start of the school's second decade with MC Jim Watkins and Honorees Tim Page and Carol Gray. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at 2 West Street in Manhattan...
General Managers: Give your radio station a spring cleaning. You owe it to your staff to get a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Andy (Duran Duran) Taylor (51), Tracy Marrow aka Ice-T (54), LeVar ("Roots") Burton (55), James Ingram (60), William ("Perry Mason") Katt (61) & Patti (Andrew Sisters) Andrews (94)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Pitchers & Catchers: (3), Presidents Day (4), Daylight Saving Time (24), St. Patrick's Day (30) & Spring (33)...
Radio Listeners Continue To Look For Deals... (Wednesday, February 15, 2012) Consumers are not experiencing "deal fatigue" in looking for bargains on radio and other media forms. That's according to a new Triton Digital Daily Deal Survey. In the survey the general consensus was that consumers are taking a tentative approach toward daily deals but they're still looking. Although 39% have never subscribed to a deal program, 28.4% glance at a deal to decide on their interest, 19.6% read the entire deal email, less than 17% had given up on deals, 10.2% subscribe but delete deal spams and just 6.4% have completely unsubscribed from deal emails ... Jim Kerr, Triton VP of Business Strategy has a handle on the results of survey: "With all the media attention, a plethora of deal providers, and inboxes brimming with deals, the expectation that consumers would be tired of deals or that the category has reached maturity is clearly false." Kerr adds, "A large majority of consumers either haven't yet participated or are actively participating in deal programs." The survey dug deeper into those with negative attitudes and found that the largest issue was with the volume of email with 30.8% stating "I dislike them cluttering my email but that's the price you pay for the occasional chance to save money." The Triton survey included over 60,000 North American local media users... How does this survey relate to radio? What it proves is that the myth that groupons, coupons and other forms of available discount vouchers are dead is just that - a myth. People, including you and I, continue to search for bargains. Whether on-air or on websites, radio should continue to offer them... Timeline Memories: 1933] Dodging a bullet: President-Elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escapes an assassination attempt in Miami that claims the life of Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak... 1954] Recorded on this date: Big Joe Turner records the original version of "Shake, Rattle & Roll". Bill Haley & the Comets have the pop hit...1961] "Blue Moon" - Marcels... 1965] O Canada: Canada's new maple leaf flag is unfurled in ceremonies in Ottawa... 1979] Grammy Gold: Billy Joel ("Just The Way You Are") & Donna Summer ("Last Dance") are the big winners with 2 Grammy's a piece... 2002] Justice served: Canadian pairs figure skaters Jamie Sale & David Pelletier are awarded a gold medal to resolve a judging controversy at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City... 2005] YouTube sees the light: YouTube is launched in the U.S... Celebrate the Dragon: Celebrate the Chinese New Year for a worthy cause. 2012 is the year of the dragon, a sign of vitality and leadership. BCNC celebrates the Chinese New Year with its largest annual celebration that should attract 600 guests and promises to raise over $200,000 in essential funds for the community's children, youth and families. The event will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Empire Garden Restaurant, 690 Washington Street in Boston, starting at 5:30pm... General Managers: You owe it to your staff to get a fresh and impartial view of your station by taking advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered... "Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Jance Dickinson (57), Matt ("Simpsons") Groening (58), Jane Seymour (61), Melissa Manchester (61), Motown's Brian Holland (71) & Claire Bloom (81)... Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Pitchers & Catchers: (4), Presidents Day (5), Daylight Saving Time (25), St. Patrick's Day (31) & Spring (34)... Popularity Of P1 Radio Remains Strong...
(Tuesday, February 14, 2012)
A new study shows that nearly half of those questioned is 100% satisfied with their P1 station (the Arbitron designation for the radio station with most quarter hour shares). The study, conducted by Mark Kasoff & Co. asked listeners about their satisfaction with the station they "listen to most" (if they have one) and their satisfaction with radio overall. Forty-eight percent said they're "100% satisfied" with the station they listen to most. Another third gave it a "four" on Kasoff's five-point scale, meaning they're mostly satisfied. Surprising results considering all the choices today's radio listeners have...
Kasoff notes that some might argue that "Of course...it's the station they listen to most" but P1 stations can be the only station that plays country (or whatever) in their market, or an involuntary choice - like the station they're subjected to at work. Whatever the reason, dissatisfied listeners are a very small minority. As far as formats go, 61% of Public station P1s and 77% of Christian station P1s are 100% satisfied with that station, for average scores of 4.6 and 4.7 (out of the highest score of 5), respectively. On the below average side, 30% of A/C P1s and 35% of CHR P1's are 100% satisfied, and both formats average 4.0 on Kasoff's satisfaction scale. ...
The study included 649 telephone interviews with 18-64 radio listeners in the U.S. It was conducted from February 1 - 5. The respondent was asked about their satisfaction with the station "they listen to most" (if they have one) and with their satisfaction with radio overall. Kasoff & Co. will examine the results of the latter question in the days ahead...
Timeline Memories:
1929] Sealed with a kiss: The "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" in Chicago takes 7 lives. All of the mobsters killed were rivals of Al Capone...
1962] Hi, I'm Jackie your tour guide: First lady Jacqueline Kennedy gives us a televised tour of the White House...
1967] Recorded on this date: "Respect" - Aretha Franklin...
1977] Valent-Ian Day: Janis Ian receives hundreds of Valentine's Day cards after she reveals that she never received any in her teens, in the song, "At Seventeen"...
1983] Number One on this date: "Baby Come To Me" - Patti Austin & James Ingram. The song becomes a hit when it's featured on "General Hospital"...
1989] No green bananas for you: Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini calls on Muslims to kill Salman Rushie for writing "The Satanic Verses"...
1989] Blood money: Union Carbide agrees to pay $470 million to the government of India in a court-ordered settlement of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster...
2006] Dirty deeds done by Iran: Iran says it has resumed uranium enrichment, prompting Russia and France to call on Tehran to halt its work. This has become a bigger problem 6 years later...
Golden brunch: You're cordially invited to a day & night Gold Standard Oscar Brunch on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from noon to 7pm at 25 Little West 12th Street in Manhattan. This brunch will benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets are $100 in advance (pre-2/15), $150 after that date. Black Tie optional...
Memo: General Managers: If you're looking for a fresh and impartial view of your station, take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Donna Halper (39?), Drew Bledsoe (40), Rob Thomas (40), Meg Tilly (52), Teller (Penn & Teller) (64), Pat O'Brien (64), Carl Bernstein (68), Mike Bloomberg (70), Florence Henderson (78), Phyllis McGuire (81) & Hugh Downs (91)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Happy Valentine's Day, Pitchers & Catchers: (5), Presidents Day (6), Daylight Saving Time (26), St. Patrick's Day (32) & Spring (35)...
Radio Must Keep Pace With Expansion Of Social Universe...(Monday, February 13, 2012)
Radio started as a social medium but over time it got sidetracked and lost its way. Music stations became jukeboxes, talk radio started talking down to its listeners and all-news dissolved into quarter-hour dispensers of tacky tabloid snapshots. Radio is now playing catch-up with a social universe that continues to expand. A new wide-ranging report from comScore has found that while social leader Facebook continues its impressive growth - reaching three out of four U.S. users but relative newcomers like Tumbir, Pinterest and Google+ are evolving and growing at a steady clip. Click Z reports that Twitter held the number two spot in the category as of December...
Twitter has managed to place some distance between itself and Linkedin by about 4 million users after the two battled for second place throughout most of 2011. Google+, Tumblr and others continue to stay competitive with the rest of the pack and newcomer Pinterest has already drawn 8 million visitors - many of them female. The site had barely shown up as a blip on comScore's screen last summer. On the revenue end, comScore found that AT&T continued to hold the top spot in spending. Verizon was also a major revenue player with Scottrade and its parent Experian Inactive. Google was new to the list pushing Chrome, offers and Google+. 2011 saw a big bump in e-commerce spending. U.S. travel and retail online spending rose 12% to $256 billion. In the fourth quarter alone, retail e-commerce spending reached $50 billion...
One thing is fairly obvious - social websites have become a major form of communicating with others. The same people using those websites are listening to radio. Radio has to find a way to keep them there. Being more social is one way of doing it...
R.I.P. Whitney Houston (1963 - 2012)...
Timeline Memories:
1635] School bells ring and children sing : Boston Public Latin is founded. It is our nation's first public school. The school will open on April 23, 1635...
1914] Royalties to follow: The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is founded in New York City...
1967] Released on this date: "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever" - Beatles. Bringing back some fond memories of the WRKO startup...
1976] Gold Standard: Dorothy Hamill wins a gold medal at the Winter Olympics and captures the hearts of Americans with her youthful innocence, good looks and flawless style...
2005] Grammy Gold: Ray Charles' final album, "Genius Loves Company" wins 8 Grammy Awards...
2008] A rocket denial: Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens denies having taken performance-enhancing drugs in testimony before Congress. In a Federal Grand Jury trial on July 13, 2011, a mistrial is declared due to prosecutorial misconduct...
2011] Record of the year: At the 53rd Grammy Awards, it goes to Lady Antebellum for "Need You Now"...
Mardi Gras Masquerade: A fund raiser for NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable & Safe Streets) will be held Friday night, February 24, 2012 at 56 Walker Street in Manhattan from 8pm to 11:55pm. This charitable vegan masquerade promises to be an extraordinary night. Masks are a MUST and costumes are highly encouraged. There will be a costume contest with a prize for the best costume...
Be My Valentine, General Managers: If you're looking for a fresh and impartial view of your station, take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Harvey Mednick (39?), Clark Smidt (39?), Peter Gabriel (62), Donna Hanover (62), Mike (Coach K) Krzysewski (65), Jerry Springer (68), Stockard Channing (68), Peter Tork (70), Carol Lynley (70), George Segal (78), Kim Novak (79), Dorothy (oldest McGuire Sister) McGuire (84) & Chuck Yeager (89)...
Timeline Countdown: Days until: Valentines Day (1), Pitchers & Catchers: (6), Presidents Day (7), Daylight Saving Time (27), St. Patrick's Day (33) & Spring (36)...
Why Should FCC Waste Money By Paying For Unused Spectrum?...(Friday - Sunday, February 10 - 12, 2012)
Greg Walden, author of a key spectrum bill argues that the government should not pay to reclaim airwaves that it will then give away for free in the form of unlicensed spectrum. Walden (R-Ore) is chairman of the Energy and Commerce's telecom subcommittee and his bill also questions whether or not the FCC is wasting money in this and other projects. "Unlicensed spectrum has an important role to play, and we have worked hard to find the right balance on a policy that protects taxpayers and promotes innovation" says Walden, according to The Hill. ...
Walden adds that his spectrum bill "simply says that the FCC cannot spend taxpayer funds to clear additional spectrum and then give away that billions of dollars worth of spectrum. Taxpayers deserve a return on their investment." In a letter to the conference committee, lawmakers said Congress should allow the FCC to set aside additional unlicensed spectrum including some of the most valuable frequencies in the broadcast television band. Lawmakers say that "exploring the use of beachfront spectrum, specifically in the television band, is vital given its ability to penetrate buildings, enhance rural coverage, and carry more data traffic than traditional Wi-Fi." They claim that setting aside additional unlicensed spectrum would "unlock billions of dollars in private investment, new innovations, job creation, and economic growth." Opening up more unlicensed spectrum is a top priority for many tech companies like Google and Microsoft...
While Walden is opposed to paying for unclicensed spectrum, there are many lawmakers who favor it. As usual, opinions are based on partisanship with Republicans opposed and Democrats favoring. It may be the public airwaves but it's still business as usual in Washington...
R.I.P. Veteran Boston Radio & TV Personality Dave Maynard (82)...
Timeline Memories:
1933] Hmmmmmm: The singing telegram is introduced by the Postal Telegram Company of New York. Roughly 53 trillion terrible versions of "Happy Birthday" will be sung (2/10)...
1956] Recorded on this date: "I Put A Spell On You" - Screamin' Jay Hawkins (2/12)...1966] "Bang Bang" - Cher (2/11)...
1961] Gold Standard: "Shop Around" - The Miracles become Motown's first act to sell a million units (2/12)...
1964] Fab Four-um: The Beatles play their first U.S. concert at the Washington (DC) Coliseum. Opening are The Chiffons and Tommy Roe. Almost 9,000 Beatlemaniacs scream their brains out (2/11)...
1968] Ice queens: Peggy Fleming wins a gold medal in women's figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Genoble (France) (2/10)...1992] Bonnie Blair wins gold in 500-meter speed skating at Albertville (France), becoming the first woman to win gold medals in consecutive Winter Olympics (2/10)...
1968] Adding MSG: The new Madison Square Garden officially opens. The 4th Garden holds nearly 20,000 and celebrates its 44th anniversary Saturday (2/11)...
1971] Released on this date: "Tapestry" LP - Carole King (2/10)...
1979] Ayatollyahso: Followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seize power in Iran 9 days after the religious leader returns after 15 years of exile (2/11)...
2006] Duck anyone? VP Dick Cheney accidentally shoots and wounds a companion during a weekend quail-hunting in Texas (2/11)...
2007] Vote for me: Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill) announces his bid for president (2/10)...
2011] The revolution works: The first wave of the Egyptian revolution culminates in the resignation of Hosni Mubarak. Power tranfers to the Supreme Military Council after 18 days of protests (2/11)...
Race to anyplace: RTA is a stationary cycling competition and fundraising event benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Teams of 3 - 6 members each will ride stationary bicycles for a total of 3 hours, with each member riding in 10-minute heats. The event will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 11am to 2pm at 386 Washington Street in Wellesley (MA). For additional information, CLICK HERE...
Be My Valentine, General Managers: If you're looking for a fresh and impartial view of your station, take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (2/10) Laura Dern (45), Glenn Beck (48), George Stephanopoulos (51), Jim Cramer (57), Mark Spitz (62), Roberta Flack (75), Robert Wagner (82) & Leontyne Price (85)...(2/11) Jennifer Aniston (43), Sarah Palin (48), Sheryl Crow (50), Burt Reynolds (76), Tina Louise (78) & Larry Merchant (81)...(2/12) Christina Ricci (32), Josh Brolin (44), Chynna Phillips (44), Arsenio Hall (56), Michael McDonald (60), Bill Russell (#6) (78), Joe Garagiola (86) & Charles Van Doren (86)...
Timeline Countdown: Valentines Day (2/14), Pitchers & Catchers: (2/19), Presidents Day (2/20) & Daylight Saving Time (3/11)...
Credit Rating Firm Says Clear Channel Can Recover...(Thursday, February 9, 2012)
It wasn't that long ago that Clear Channel announced that the company was facing bankruptcy. That declaration was made in early 2010. Two years and billions borrowed later, Clear Channel has just been given something to look forward to in 2014 and 2015. According to Fitch Ratings, that's the period that the largest terrestrial radio broadcaster will start recouping their multi-billion dollar debt. Fitch sees a rough period ahead and 1% to 2% annual declines "amid increasing competitive threats in the mobile and digital space." What will grow is CC's outdoor revenue. Fitch expects a 3% - 4% top line outdoor growth in 2012, reports Sun Herald...
Fitch's recovery expectation for Clear Channel is based on the broadcasting giant's ability to restructure, rather than liquidate. Fitch employs a 6x distressed enterprise value multiple reflecting the value of the company's radio broadcasting licenses in top U.S. markets. Fitch applies a 20% discount (approximately the level at which the company would breach its consolidated senior leverage covenant) to Radio EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.) Fitch assumes that Clear Channel has maximized the debt-funded dividends and used the proceeds to repay bank debt. Fitch estimates the adjusted enterprise valuation in restructuring to be approximately $6.7 billion...
Math was my worst subject in school but what I do understand is that in order to turn a profit you must have more money coming in, than going out. As big as Clear Channel is they have some rough days ahead. And all the competition they face will make it even rougher...
Timeline Memories:
1942] Time has come today: Daylight Saving "War Time" goes into effect. This year DST begins on March 11...
1955] Number One on this date: "Sincerely" - McGuire Sisters (the original version was done by the Moonglows)...1976] "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" - Paul Simon...
1962] Recorded on this date: "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" - Neil Sedaka...
1964] Debuted on this date: The Beatles make their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"...
1971] Don't look back, someone might be gaining on you: Satchel Paige becomes the first Negro League player elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame...
1983] Released on this date: "Little Red Corvette" - Prince...
1997] Homer the hero: "The Simpsons" passes "The Flintstones" as the longest running primetime animated series...
White Ribbon Night Gala: A fundraiser and gala will be centered on Male Awareness Against Domestic Violence. Male members of the media will be standing up to show their support for this cause. The gala will be held at the Phillips Old Colony House, 780 Morrissey Blvd in Boston. This event is on Friday, February 24, 2012 starting at 7pm. For additional information, call (617) 803-8357 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (617) 803-8357end_of_the_skype_highlighting...
Give yourself a Valentine: General Managers seeking a fresh and impartial view of their station should take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information on my station critique service, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Ian Eagle (43), Mookie Wilson (60), Judith Light (63), Mia Farrow (67), Joe Pesci (69), Carole King (70), Barry Mann (73) & Roger Mudd (84)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Valentines Day (5), Pitchers & Catchers: (10), Presidents Day (11) & Daylight Saving Time (31)...
Radio Scores In Big Game Coverage...(Wednesday, February 8, 2012)
Radio proved its relevancy when it comes to carrying major sports events by pulling in 23.1 million listeners for the Super Bowl. That audience heard the game on 680 stations nationwide, according to Dial Global, a radio programming and advertising sales company that provides content and services to more than 8,500 stations. A survey conducted by Edison Research found that listeners heard the game at home, in-car, at work and at other locations (wouldn't you love to find out what the other locations were?) The national survey was conducted via live telephone interviews following the game...
"We are again excited but not surprised to see that our research findings highlight the strength of the Dial Global brand and the ongoing demand for radio broadcast coverage of live sporting events" said David Landau, Co-President CEO of Dial Global. Larry Rosin, Edison Research President put it this way: "Given the popularity of the Super Bowl as 'television's ultimate event' where people actually look forward to the commercials and the halftime show, the number of radio listeners may come as a surprise to those who are not familiar with the significant reach of broadcast radio. We are excited that our ongoing research continues to highlight the power of radio."
While those listening rather than watching most likely were at work, driving their car, not having access to a television at home or in some other mysterious place, let's remember that radio is still a viable source for sports. You have to be a real fan to listen to sports coverage on radio. But it is the original source for sports and still a great alternative to watching the game...
Timeline Memories:
1910] On my honor: The Boy Scouts of America is incorporated...
1915] Giving birth: Director D.W. Griffith's civil war epic "Birth Of A Nation" premieres in Los Angeles. The three-hour silent movie epic cost $100,000 to film - a bloody fortune in 1915...
1922] On the radio: Warren G. Harding becomes the first president to have a radio installed in the White House. We like Harding...
1961] Number One on this date: "Calcutta" - Lawrence Welk...1981] "Celebration" - Kool & The Gang...
1974] Released on this date: "You're 16" - Ringo Starr...
1993] So sue me: GM sues NBC alleging that "Dateline NBC" had rigged two crashes to show the GM pickups were prone to fires. NBC settles the suit the following day...
2005] Happy Trails: Former Epic Records head of promotion, Al Gurewitz falls victim to cancer at 73...2007] Legendary singer Frankie Laine dies of heart failure at 93...2007] Anna Nicole Smith dies from "combined drug intoxication" at 39...
2010] Guilty as charged: Dr. Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson...
Next Generation: Join the Hebrew Free Loan Society's 7th Annual Next Generation Benefit celebrating 120 years of interest-free lending in New York City. The event, on Thursday night, February 23, 2012 will include a 2 1/2 hour top shelf open bar and a prize raffle. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. The benefit will start at 7:30 at 44 West 63rd Street in Manhattan...
Give yourself a Valentine: General Managers seeking a fresh and impartial view of their station should take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information on my station critique service, including rates by emailing me now at: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": John Grisham (57), Mary Steenburgen (59), Robert Klein (70), Tom Rush (71), Nick Nolte (71), Ted Koppel (72) & conductor John Williams (80)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Valentines Day (6), Pitchers & Catchers: (11), Presidents Day (12) & Daylight Saving Time (32)...
Radio Revenue Is Pacing Up in Q1...(Tuesday, February 7, 2012)
How high is up? According to Marci Ryvicker, the Wells Fargo security analyst reports that "first quarter sounds relatively healthy." Ryvicker says some of the key factors - fourth quarter money that was pushed into this year, automotive clients spending "heavily" and political spending. The security analyst says "outdoor has been steadier than broadcast." That business could be up low to mid single digits in the first quarter. Ryvicker looked back to Q4: "at this point it is pretty well known that Q4 was not a strong quarter" but she believes investors will be focusing on the first quarter "and the overall tone for the full year." ...
Ryvicker's analysis shows that like television, radio is "pacing positively" in February and March, reversing a dip in sales in the months leading up to the end of last year. It should be noted that while political is a factor, it's helping television stations more than radio. She still feels positive enough to say that "broadcast is healthy."
While Ryvicker is one of the most respected security analysts on the street, she tends to be more bullish on broadcast than most. Radio won't really know how good this or any quarter really is until it ends. But it is always promising to hear a positive forecast. Radio needs plenty of those, but more importantly it needs positive results....
Timeline Memories:
1961] Recorded on this date: "My True Story" - Jive Five...
1964] Premiered on this date: The Beatles land on American soil for the first time and the "British Invasion" begins...
1965] The name game: Cassius Clay becomes a Muslim and adopts the name Muhammad Ali...
1966] Who's your daddy?: Crawdaddy Magazine is published for the first time. It was designed to compete with Rolling Stone. It doesn't...
1979] Number One on this date: "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" - Rod Stewart...
1985] Swimsuit edition: Sports Illustrated releases its annual "Swimsuit" edition which somehow manages to be not only the largest regular edition but most read edition too...
1985] Start spreading the news: "New York, New York" becomes the official anthem of New York City...
1995] Gotcha: Ramzi Yousef, alleged mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing is arrested in Islamabad, Pakistan. Ramzi, in a high-security prison was sentenced to 240 years. He'll be eligible for parole - never...
High society benefit: The School of American Winter Ball, a black-tie dance will be held Monday night, March 5, 2012 at 6:30pm at Lincoln Center's Koch Theater...
I'll do the work for you: General Managers seeking a fresh and impartial view of their station should take advantage of my critique service. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information on my station critique service, including rates: mel@melphillipsradioviews.com All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Ashton Kutcher (35), Chris Rock (47), Garth Brooks (50), James Spader (52), Emo Philips (56), Gay Talese (80) & Oscar Brand (92)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Valentines Day (7), Pitchers & Catchers: (12), Presidents Day (13) & Daylight Saving Time (33)...
U.S. Reps Push For FCC Hearing On Cellphone Radio Chips...(Monday, February 6, 2012)
Most smartphone consumers watching the Super Bowl used their device to make comments to their friends about the game. Since they could watch the action, there probably wasn't a burning desire to listen to it but that won't stop a group of 16 Congressmen pressing the FCC for radio chips. The group of Congressional Black Caucus members sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski saying that having an active FM reception chip in mobile phones would save lives. They have requested a hearing on the subject, according to Radio Business Report...
The caucus said that radio is both a poplular, widely used medium and that "since the 1950s, broadcasters have been the backbone of the public warning system and remain so today." Both the wireless community and the music industry don't agree with the congressmen about the need for FM chips . The NAB is on board with the caucus's concern and has indicated its support for a solution. Here's part of the letter to the FCC: "Having widely available mobile devices that are broadcast ready is a critical component of any next-generation wireless alerting solution. Radio-enabled mobile phones would save lives, including the approximately 87% of African Americans who own a cell phone and consider it a vital part of their lives." The objection came from Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA, the Wireless Association and the MusicFIRST Coalition. That group sent a letter to members of the Congressional Black Caucus urging them to avoid signing the letter...
This is once again a case of each one of these groups having their own agenda for getting radio chips in cell or smart phones. I don't believe for a minute that it's about public safety. Convince me that it is, and I'll join the bandwagon for radio chips...
Timeline Memories:
1935] Pass "GO" and collect $200: The board game "Monopoly" goes on sale for the first time...
1977] Number One on this date: "Torn Between Two Lovers" - Mary MacGregor...1987] Open Your Heart" - Madonna...
1993] The tennis world mourns: Tennis Hall of Famer and human rights advocate Arthur Ashe dies of complications of AIDS, contracted during a blood transfusion. Ashe was just 49...
2000] Hillary launch: First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton launches her successful candidacy for the U.S. Senate in New York, the state she will represent. She even launched an unsuccessful campaign for president..
2011] Demonstrations continue: For the 13th consecutive day, Egyptians demonstrate against the Mubarak regime. The end of the regime will soon end...
2011] New Super Bowl Champ: The Green Bay Packers defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV 31-25. Packer QB Aaron Rodgers is chosen MVP...
Presenting Evidence: Evidence, a dance company will host its 8th Annual Gala on Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Manhattan Center at 6:30pm. The Center is located at 311 West 34th Street...
Radio General Managers: I don't want to program your radio station - just critique it. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. Feel free to request more information on my station critique service, including rates. All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Axl Rose (50), Natalie Cole (62), Fabian Forte (69), Tom Brokaw (72), Mike ("M*A*S*H) Farrell (73), Mamie Van Doren (81), Rip Torn (81), Patrick ("The Avengers") Macnee (90) & Zsa Zsa Gabor (95)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Valentines Day (8), Pitchers & Catchers: (13), Presidents Day (14) & Daylight Saving Time (34)...
Facebook Places Itself In Direct Competition With Radio...(Friday - Sunday, February 3 - 5, 2012)
The last thing radio considers Facebook is a competitor, yet the giant social network clearly sees itself a player in the radio business and a competitor with broadcast radio. It's right there in black and white on page 78 in Facebook's first Initial Public Offering S-1, as Radio Survivor points out. "Television, print, and radio accounted for $363 billion, or 62% of the total advertising market in 2010 according to an industry source. Historically, advertisers interested in generating awareness of and demand for their brands have heavily relied on these offline media to reach their audiences at scale. We believe that these brand advertisers will increasingly dedicate a portion of ther advertising dollars to Facebook because the broad audiences they are trying to reach are active on Facebook on a daily basis, because we can reach their desired audiences with precision, and because they can spark word of mouth marketing through Facebook." There's more, but you get the picture...
As early as page 3 of the IPO, Facebook takes on Pandora: "A Facebook user can visit the Pandora website and immediately begin listening to a personalized radio station that is customized based on the bands the user likes on Facebook." That claim follows Facebook mentioning that they "enable developers to create better products that are personalized and social and that offer new ways for their users to engage with friends and share experiences across the web and on mobile devices." Facebook also points out that in December 2011, an advertiser could reach an estimated audience of more than 65 million U.S. users in a typical day on Facebook. By comparison, the 2011 season finale of American Idol was viewed by an estimated U.S. audience of 29 million people.
I kept waiting for a section of the IPO to mention that Facebook will also start your coffee maker, pour the milk in your cereal and butter your toast while you find your favorite bands on their social network. That stuff must be beyond page 78...
Timeline Memories:
1789] And the winner is: Electors unanimously choose George Washington as the first President of the United States, making his election official (2/4)...
1913] The Taxman is coming: The 16th amendment to the Constitution is ratified authorizing the power to impose and collect income tax (2/3). When will we see an amendment raising the tax rates imposed on the 1%???
1955] Recorded on this date: "Please, Please, Please" - James Brown (2/4)...
1959] The day the music died: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) perish when their small plane goes down in Iowa (2/3)...
1973] Number One on this date: "Crocodile Rock" - Elton John (2/3)...1982] "Centerfold" - J. Geils Band (2/3)...
1977] Released on this date: "Rumours" LP - Fleetwood Mac (2/4)...
1997] Guilty as charged: A civil jury in California finds O.J. Simpson liable in the deaths of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Goldman's parents are awarded $8.5 million in damages (2/4)...
2002] I get a kick out of you: Britney Spears sings the national anthem and Adam Vinatieri kicks a 48-yard field goal, giving the underdog New England Patriots their first Super Bowl win over the St. Louis Rams, 20-17 in SB XXXVI. Tom Brady wins the first of two SB MVPs. Brady is appearing in his 5th SB this weekend (2/3)...
2003] Murder at the mansion: Record producer Phil Spector is arrested in the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion in California. Spector is serving 19 years-to-life for the second degree murder (2/3)...
2004] Social security: Facebook is launched. Just this week Facebook issued an IPO (2/4)...
Community Service: Teen Life Live presents a Community Service Fair & Expo on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 12pm to 4pm at the Chestnut Hill Mall in Chestnut Hill (MA). For additional information about the Fair and the Boston based Massachusetts Group, CLICK HERE...
Critique anyone?: I don't want to program your radio station - just critique it. Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer (WOR-FM, WXLO, WNBC, WRKO-AM/FM & KQV). Do it before your competition does. I've set up a Facebook page where you can request more information on my station critique service, including rates. CLICK HERE for more. All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (2/3) Maura Tierney (47), Ri & Phil Vettor (55th Anniversary), Nathan Lane (57), Fred Lynn (60), Morgan Fairchild (62), Melanie (Safka) (65), Dave (Kinks) Davies (65), Blythe Danner (69), Fran Tarkenton (72), Emile Griffith (74) & Shelley Berman (87)...(2/4) Oscar de la Hoya (39), Lawrence Taylor (53), Alice Cooper (64), Dan Quayle (65), David Brenner (76), Conrad ("Different Strokes") Bain (89) & legendary Pittsburgh radio great Porky Chedwick (94)...(2/5) Laura Linney (48), Jennifer Jason Leigh (50), Barbara Hershey (64), Christopher Guest (64), Al Kooper (68), Roger Staubach (70), Barrett Strong (71), Henry Aaron (78), Andrew M. Greeley (84) & Claude King (89)...
Timeline Countdown: Super Bowl XLVI (6:20pm kickoff Sunday), (Patriots vs. Giants), Valentines Day (Feb 14), Pitchers & Catchers: (Feb 19), Presidents Day (Feb 20) & Daylight Saving Time (Mar 11)...
Digital Investor Says Radio Should Sell Unique Content...(Thursday, February 2, 2012)
Former Ando Media (now Triton Digital) co-founder Bob Maccini started out his Angel Street Capital blog defending his statement on iHeartRadio but gave terrestrial radio some good advice too. Maccini says "Terrestrial radio can capitalize on its unique content such as sports, news, local information, music curation etc. so, it does have this advantage. Their challenge will be to continue to provide such content in an environment where ad revenues are declining and those dollars that are invested are increasingly going to digital media. My hope is that terrestrial radio will rise to the challenge."
Maccini wrote a post last week entitled "What do Broadcasters see in iHeartRadio." Maccini says his post was interpreted in a number of different ways and he wanted to set the record straight: "Let me first state that iHeartRadio is a great service and one that I have loaded on my iPhone. Clear Channel has markedly improved the user experience, especially on a mobile device." Maccini understands that "For smaller stations that can't afford to invest in a mobile platform iHeartRadio is a way to let their listener's access their streams on mobile devices. Also integration with Facebook may be beyond smaller broadcasters capabilities. Further, due to its larger scale, iHeartRadio's potential access to in-car systems would give smaller stations in-car presence. My intention with last week's post was to have readers take away that stations looking for monetization should not rely on iHeartRadio's platform to deliver meaningful revenue."...
Maccini offers more advice to terrestrial radio: "1) Reduce the number and length of ad breaks - iHeartRadio's decision to run no ads was a great decision. When ads are introduced hopefully the spot load will be low, 2) Customize: With its newly designed customized listening experience iHeartRadio is on the same playing field with other services such as Pandora and Spotify for the first time." Some sound advice from a person who consults and invests in digital media...
R.I.P. Don Cornelius ("Soul Train") 1936 - 2012
Timeline Memories:
1653] Start spreading the news: New Amsterdam, now known as New York City is incorporated...
1887] They say we're young and we don't know: The first "Groundhog Day" is celebrated in Punxsutawney (PA). The 1993 movie starring Bill Murray immortalizes the day and Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" wakes Murray up 33 times...
1959] Released on this date: "Venus" - Frankie Avalon...1959] "Charlie Brown" - Coasters...
1966] Number One on this date: "My Love" - Petula Clark...1983] "Africa" - Toto...
1979] Death by overdose: Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols dies from a drug overdose at 21, less than 4 months after fatally stabbing girlfriend Nancy Spungen at the Chelsea Hotel...
1990] Free Mandela: F.W. de Klerk, allows the African National Congress to legally function and promises to release Nelson Mandela...
2007] I told you so: The world's leading climate scientists and government officials say that global warming is so severe, it would "continue for centuries" and humans are to blame...
Fund raiser: A fundraising event commemorating the life of Lauren Colgan - a benefit for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is being held Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Tribeca Rooftop in Manhattan. The public is welcome to attend. Events get underway at 7:30pm...
Critique your radio station: Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer. Do it before your competition does. I've set up a Facebook page where you can request more information on my station critique service, including rates. CLICK HERE for more. All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Shakira (35), Christie Brinkley (58), Graham Nash (70), Tom Smothers (75), Elaine Stritch (87), Liz Smith (89) & Red Schoendienst (89)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Super Bowl XLVI (III) (Patriots vs. Giants), Valentines Day (12), Pitchers & Catchers: (17), Presidents Day (18) & Daylight Saving Time (38)...
Is There Be A Future For AM Radio?...(Wednesday, February 1, 2012)
While television spectrum issues are the main subject on the collective minds of the NAB this year, an AM engineering study was reported on at the association's Board of Directors meeting this week. The future of the AM dial has been a major topic for discussion lately and board members heard a report from Chief Technology Officer Kevin Gage. While the members review the study, some already see the writing on the wall regarding AM due to the sound quality and other technical issues...
In addition to presenting his study, Gage also briefed the Radio Board on FASTROAD initiatives related to the development of HD Radio technology. The future of the AM band has become a concern for many broadcasters. Gage presented a summary of an AM Engineering Study, conducted in collaboration by NAB and consulting firm Hammett & Edison, to cover the full gamut of future technical options for AM broadcasters. Board member Kelly Cole provided an update regarding efforts to educate lawmakers on the benefits of radio chips in cell phones. Cole also briefed the Radio Board on the now stalled indefinitely SOPA and "PROTECT IP" Act. She also provided updates on the status of issues related to performance tax and spectrum fees...
It was pretty much "business as usual" at this Radio Board meeting but the concern for the survival of AM radio is real and it's something that the National Association of Broadcasters should pay more attention to. If there are ways to improve the sound quality and clean up other technical problems, they should be addressed now, before it's too late...
Timeline Memories:
1958] Recorded on this date: "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", recorded just before Elvis Presley started basic training with the U.S. Army...
1968] The shot seen round the world: Saigon's police chief executes a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head...
1979] Patty departs: Newspaper heiress Patty Hearst leaves a federal prison near San Francisco after her sentence was commuted by Jimmy Carter...
1982] David arrives: David Letterman debuts on NBC-TV with his own late night show.
1988] Car Wreck: Boston rockers, The Cars, break up. They recorded 5 multi-platinum albums, including their 6X Platinum debut LP "The Cars"...
1999] A little bit of Monica: Monica Lewinsky gives a videotaped deposition to Senators weighing impeachment charges against Pres. Bill Clinton...
2003] Space tragedy: The space shuttle Columbia explodes during re-entry, killing all 7 astronauts on board...
2004] Wardrobe malfunction: Janet Jackson's breast is exposed briefly during a duet with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl halftime show. At the game, no one even noticed. They were taking a bathroom break. This spectator was more interested in the Patriots winning - which they did...2009] The Pittsburgh Steelers beat Arizona 27-23 to become the only NFL team to win 6 Super Bowls...
2010] Six-pack winner: Beyonce wins 6 of her 10 nominations at the Grammy Awards. She becomes the first woman to win 6 awards in the same night...
Brewski benefit: Enjoy a beer tasting to benefit the United South End Settlements. There will be a live band, food and drinks - all for a good cause. Admission is $40. The event will be held Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston...
Radio Station GMs: Get a professional critique of your station from a veteran radio programmer. Do it before your competition does. I've set up a Facebook page where you can request more information on my station critique service, including rates. CLICK HERE for more. All replies will be kept confidential and all emails will be answered...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Michael C. Hall (41), Pauly Shore (44), Lisa Marie Presley (44), Monaco's Princess Stephanie (47), Sherman ("The Jefferson's") Hemsley (74), Ray ("Dr. Hook") Sawyer (75), Garrett Morris (75) & Don Everly (75)...
Timeline Countdown: Days Until: Super Bowl XLVI (IV) (Patriots vs. Giants), Valentines Day (13), Pitchers & Catchers: (18), Presidents Day (19) & Daylight Saving Time (39)...
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