Radio+Television Business Report

The iHeartMedia owned radio network focused on news and insight for African American listeners has struck a content distribution and marketing agreement with a Detroit-based entity focused on Black consumer needs.

BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 network that launched in June 2020, will see Real Times Media (RTM) share and distribute news created by the iHeart entity under the direction of Tony Coles.

The deal also allows iHeartMedia to source and distribute news stories from RTM publications across BIN radio stations and sites.

In return, RTM will source and distribute BIN news, entertainment and sports stories and place BIN’s audio widget on their digital properties. Opportunities for iHeartMedia to convert RTM stories into audio reporting also will come from the agreement.

Real Times Media is the parent company to The Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, The Chicago Defender, The Michigan Chronicle, and The New Pittsburgh Courier, all of which focus on African American audiences.

BIN can be heard in 32 markets.

Private companies, communities and institutions of higher learning are rejoicing over the decision by a nation’s president to grant nearly 160 operating licenses for radio and television stations.

The new broadcast properties are coming to Nigeria.

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Following a V-shaped recovery in 2021, growth rates are bound to slow down somewhat in 2022.

That said, MAGNA on Monday revealed that it still anticipates double-digit growth, bringing the market above the $300 billion mark for the first time.

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A veteran local media executive has been named President and GM of CBS News and Stations’ local businesses in Los Angeles.

It’s a role that puts the person presently in charge of Hearst Television‘s NBC affiliate in New Orleans in the top position at two of ViacomCBS’s biggest owned-and-operated stations.

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LOS ANGELES — Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has signed off on a definitive agreement to acquire one of the world’s biggest entertainment and sports agencies, putting the wheels in motion on a major merger designed to “drive broader and more inclusive representation as their clients, their work, and their brands shape culture.”

Upon closing, ICM Partners will be absorbed by CAA — effectively eliminating a competitor in the world of artist management.

The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In a joint statement released Monday, CAA executives Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett said the strategic combination of CAA and ICM “bolsters our collective resources, expertise, and relationships to deliver even more opportunities for our world-class clients to build their careers and their brands across multiple disciplines and platforms in an evolving marketplace.”

The trio also pointed to CAA’s “strong financial position,” which enables it to continue to expand and diversify our businesses, “with service and representation remaining central to what we do and who we are.”

They said, “We’re fortunate to have a partner in ICM who shares our commitment to the widest and most inclusive vision possible for what our clients and company can accomplish together.”

ICM’s Chris Silbermann will join CAA’s shareholder board. He said, “Together, we will build upon our accomplishments and entrepreneurial spirit, and continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the best interests of our clients, as well as empowering new, diverse voices within the industry.”

ICM brings to CAA a global roster of artists in film, television, music, comedy, theater, games, politics, and podcasting. ICM’s books division “superbly complements” CAA’s content-driven motion pictures, television, and podcasting businesses, in addition to its speakers arm, and other divisions, CAA noted.

Further, ICM’s London-based ICM Stellar Sports, serves more than 800 clients around the globe and maintains offices in 10 countries, is seen as a key addition to CAA.

CAA is a leading entertainment, media, and sports enterprise, with global expertise in motion pictures, television, music, sports, theater, digital media, publishing, endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, podcasting, speaking, games, and philanthropy.

In fact, CAA was the first entertainment talent agency to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, and establish a business in China, among other industry innovations. A subsidiary of CAA, Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG) is a leader in corporate entertainment and travel, with more than 40,000 clients and 60 million users. Founded in 1975, CAA is headquartered in Los Angeles.

Originally founded in 1975 as International Creative Management, then rebranded as ICM Partners in 2012, ICM has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., and London.

Advisors Allen & Company LLC served as financial advisor for CAA, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as legal advisor. Lazard served as financial advisor for ICM, with Sheppard Mullin and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as legal advisors.

NEW YORK – Some 149 radio/audio spots and campaigns made it to the finals of the 30th anniversary Radio Mercury Awards.

This year marks the first time all categories were open to all languages. The submissions were created by advertising agencies, brands, production companies, radio stations and digital companies.

The 2021 finalists range from regional to large advertising agencies and radio stations, as well as national and local advertisers from categories including automotive, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, government services, healthcare, insurance, nonprofits, quick-serve restaurants, telecommunications, travel and hospitality. Entries were judged on their creativity, originality, execution and effective communication of a brand’s message.

“This year’s Radio Mercury Awards is celebrating the work that came through in 2021 and acknowledging the Awards’ 30-year history,” said BBDO Atlanta Chief Creative Officer Robin Fitzgerald and chief judge for the 2021 Radio Mercury Awards. “It was great to hear the amazing work, and I can’t wait to celebrate the winners in November.”

In addition to Chief Judge Fitzgerald, the final round judging panel included John Berman, executive creative director, R/GA NY; Nathalie Brown, executive creative director, VMLY&R NY, Bianca Guimaraes, partner and executive creative director, Mischief NY; Paul Johnson, freelance copywriter and creative director, NY; Derrick Ogilvie, vice president and creative director, BBDO Atlanta; Alejandro Ortiz, executive creative director, Campbell Ewald Detroit/NY and Sherman Winfield, executive creative director, VMLY&R Atlanta.

Event sponsors for this year’s awards include Audacy, iHeartMedia, Nielsen Audio, Sound and Fury and World Wide Wadio. Dedicated sponsors are Cherry Creek Media, Oink Ink Radio, Triton Digital, and Xperi along with general sponsors CBS News Radio, Forcht Broadcasting, Miller Kaplan and Neuhoff Media.

The Radio Mercury Awards winners will be presented at 6 p.m. ET on November 17 during a virtual ceremony. For more information about the event, log onto www.radiomercuryawards.com.

 

Creative Radio Campaign: Agency/Production Company/Advertiser/Radio Station or Group

How to Quit (Podcasts)
Tobacco Free Florida
Alma

NOT Like Lutefisk, Premium Cocktails, Discover Lunch
Norseman Brewing Company
Alpha Media

Barbershop Quartet
Progressive Insurance
Arnold Worldwide

Self Empowerment for Pets
Progressive Insurance
Arnold Worldwide

The Thing About
Progressive Insurance
Arnold Worldwide

Truckless Ads
Progressive Insurance
Arnold Worldwide

“For You:” Meemaw + Dog Years +Homebody
Motel 6
Barkley

DAYS OF OUR EYES
Urban Optics
Bryan Broadcasting

Finger Lakes Top 10 Campaign
Cayuga Radio Group/Finger Lakes Top 10
Cayuga Radio Group

Eat A Hotdog
Kayem Foods, Inc.
Connelly Partners

Ward and Mabel Series
Joey’s Auto Shop
Des Moines Radio Group

Deserve Radio
Dr. Pepper
Deutsch LA

Talkin’ Trees
Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce
Eagle Creative

Boston Lager/Wicked Hazy
Samuel Adams
Goodby Silverstein & Partners

Smith’s Liquor_Uncommonly Good Campaign-3 Spots 7-30-21
Smith’s Liquor Gallery
Haugo Broadcasting

When All You Can Food Is Think About
Postmates
Mother in LA

Apts.com Radio Renters Campaign
Apartments.com
RPA

DIY Dave
One Choice Mechanical
SummitMedia

Ask Your Neighbors: Look Around, Ice Breakers, Hints
GEICO
The Martin Agency

Obvious News: Babies, Clothes, Soft Talkers
GEICO
The Martin Agency

Home is Where the Bugs Aren’t
Orkin
The Richards Group

Motel 6 2020 Radio Campaign
Motel 6
The Richards Group

Speed Campaign
iHeartRadio
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Creative Radio Spot for a Cause: Agency/Production Company/Advertiser

Absurd Reality
Change the Ref
Alma

How to Quit (80s Music)
Tobacco Free Florida
Alma

How to Quit (Podcasts)
Tobacco Free Florida
Alma

How to Play Soccer
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play
Arnold Worldwide

How to Play Tennis
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play
Arnold Worldwide

Fireman
Commence Sense Media
Goodby Silverstein & Partners

SH*T
Colon Cancer Coalition
LERMA/

Tiger Bone Wine Truth
Big Cat Rescue
PPK

Worst Shark Attack Ever
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)
PPK

Whatever Gets You Talking
Seize the Awkward
The Ad Council and Droga5

Curiosity
The Ad Council
Wordsworth+Booth

Creative Radio Spot: Agency/Production Company/Advertiser

Old McDonald
BOGS Footwear
AMBH

Daa Tadaa: Birthdaaa
Progressive Insurance
Arnold Worldwide

Dog Years
Motel 6
Barkley

Easy
GA Lottery
BBDO Atlanta

Snicker Satisfies: Autotune
Mars Chocolate North America
BBDO NY

Snicker Satisfies: Commercial Free
Mars Chocolate North America
BBDO NY

Rapid Reconsideration
Ways 2 Go – Denver Regional Council of Governments
Cactus

Meditations
PetSafe
Chemistry

Mindfulness
PetSafe
Chemistry

Sorry about 2020
PetSafe
Chemistry

Thanks But No Thanks
Kayem Foods, Inc.
Connelly Partners

Minimalist Home
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Copper Giants

BOAT :45
Dr. Pepper
Deutsch LA

Evenin’ With Steven
California Milk Processor Board
Gallegos United

Locked it In
Liberty Mutual
Goodby Silverstein & Partners

It’s Not Weird
Milton Sleep Company
Greatest Common Factory

Jeep Earth Odyssey
Stellantis
Highdive Advertising

Sewer Clog
Same Day
Love Communications

Car Dealership
Postmates
Mother in LA

Dating App
Postmates
Mother in LA

Home Improvement
Postmates
Mother in LA

Promo Radio Show
Postmates
Mother in LA

Competitive Couple
Jeopardy!
Oink Ink Radio

Pat’s Other Jobs
Wheel of Fortune
Oink Ink Radio

Game for Excitement – Nebraska
Minnesota Lottery
Periscope

Excited Mom
Witte Museum
Plot Twist Creativity

Finnish Lessons
NoDoz
Preston Spire

Super50X Big Squeeze
New Jersey Lottery
PureRED

Unusual Voice
Doody Calls
Push Button Creative Audio

Switch & Save Radio: Burgers
Farmers Insurance
RPA

Pop
North Texas Tollway Authority
The Integer Group

Ask Your Neighbors: Look Around
GEICO
The Martin Agency

Obvious News: Soft Talkers
GEICO
The Martin Agency

Family Table
Orkin
The Richards Group

Motel 6 Feet Apart
Motel 6
The Richards Group

Pets Welcome
Motel 6
The Richards Group

Creative Radio Spot: Insightful Voice

Dog Years
Motel 6
Barkley

Homebody
Motel 6
Barkley

Meemaw
Motel 6
Barkley

More Lines
Comcast NBCUniversal
Burrell Communications

Muleta
Covered California
Casanova//McCann

Car Dealership
Postmates
Mother in LA

Car Repair
Postmates
Mother in LA

Promo Radio Show
Postmates
Mother in LA

Creative Radio Spot: Radio Station or Group

Disco Colonoscopy
Kansas Medical Clinic
Alpha Media

Billionaires in Space
Cooper Systems
Audacy

Budweiser Select
Anheuser-Busch
Audacy

A Man & His Dog
Stark Brewery
Binnie Media

Dry Eyes
Urban Optics
Bryan Broadcasting

The Legend of Hidden River Cave
Hidden River Cave
Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation

Disc Replay
Disc Replay
CUMULUS MEDIA

BALLWASH.COM VALENTINE’S DAY 2020
Ballsy
CUMULUS MEDIA Atlanta

The B Word
Oxendine Law Firm
CUMULUS MEDIA Atlanta

Taste Buds
Chocolate Boutique
Forever Media, Inc.

Barn Dance
Dr. Anne Aesthetics
Hubbard Broadcasting-myTalk 107.1

Horror House Haunt
Party at Trav’s
Hubbard Radio Cincinnati

Throwback Caffeine Attack
Mr. Coffee Bean
Magic Broadcasting

POS
Golden Rule
Majestic Communications

Gluten Free
Primo’s Pizza
River Radio

Hearing Loss
Merit Hearing
SummitMedia

Avocado
Schweid & Sons
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Bones
iHeartRadio
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Chinchilla
Absolute Roofing
The Studio at iHeartMedia

The Chair
Absolute Roofing
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Creative Spot for a Cause: Radio Station or Group

Roofs for Vets
Lon Smith Roofing
Audacy

Adventures of Lifeguard
Jacksonville Radio
Jacksonville Radio

Live, Laugh, Love
Yellow Medicine County Human Services
Lakeland Broadcasting

Black Voices of Humboldt County #2
In-House PSA
Lost Coast Communications, Inc.

Awkward Silence
NAMI of Southwest Missouri
SummitMedia

Creative Use of Nonbroadcast Audio

Pedigree Doghouse
Pedigree
BBDO NY

Bedtime Stories
Walmart
FCB Chicago

Beyond 28
Golden State Warriors
Goodby Silverstein & Partners

Podfast
BNY Mellon
Havas New York

The Lady Bod Podcast
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Hubbard Radio Cincinnati

Radio Recliner
Bridge Senior Living
Luckie

AHAttorneys at LAHAw
Coca-Cola
Preacher

Public RAHAdio
Coca-Cola
Preacher

Blanked Out
iHeartRadio
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Creative Use of Songs/Music (Original or Repurposed)

Le Period Weeks and Bladder Leaks
Poise
FCB Chicago

Red and Yellow Waltz
Poise
FCB Chicago

Sometimes
Pittsburgh Guitars
Garrison Hughes

Beyond 28
Golden State Warriors
Goodby Silverstein & Partners

Family Table
Orkin
The Richards Group

Chinchilla
Absolute Roofing
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Distracted
iHeartRadio
The Studio at iHeartMedia

Feels Like Home
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
VMLY&R/Six Course, Inc.

Integrated Brand Campaign with Radio/Audio

Grand Introduction
Motel 6
Barkley

Pedigree Doghouse
Pedigree
BBDO NY

Don’t Go Viral Campaign
Medical University of South Carolina
Chernoff Newman

We’re Calling the Shots, We’re Bedmakers, It’s Not Weird.
Milton Sleep Company
Greatest Common Factory

When All You Can Food Is Think About
Postmates
Mother in LA

Can I Get An AHA
Coca-Cola
Preacher

Puppets Campaign
North Texas Tollway Authority
The Integer Group

Purpose-Driven Spot or Campaign: Agency/Production Company/Advertiser/Radio Station or Group

Black History Month on WVKL
United Negro College Fund
Audacy

Coping 19
CDC and The Ad Council
Audacy

More Lines
Comcast NBCUniversal
Burrell Communications

Better
CUMULUS MEDIA, iHeartMedia and Audacy Radio Stations
CUMULUS MEDIA

Freedom Day Fun Facts
WTKS FM
CUMULUS MEDIA

More Than That with Gia Peppers
GM, Kroger and P&G
dentsu

Extra Dedications
Extra Gum, Mars Inc.
Energy BBDO

Widen the Screen
P&G
Katz Media Group

Widen the Screen
P&G
Katz Media Group

OT Solid Waste – Toilet Paper
Otter Tail County Solid Waste
Leighton Broadcasting

#StopGunViolence
RL
LERMA/

Bingo Recovery
Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance
Preston Spire

Giving a Voice to American Small Businesses
American Express
Studio Resonate

P&G Widen The Screen
Procter & Gamble
Townsquare Media/WKXW-FM

Radio Station or Group Promotional Spot or Campaign

Bring a Player to School
MECU Credit Union
Audacy

Thank a Teacher Giveaway
Kaiser Permanente
Audacy

Michael Ray Up Close and Personal
KKBQ
Cox Media Group

Rolling Stones Tickets
KGLK
Cox Media Group

We Don’t Want To See Your Face
CUMULUS MEDIA/KQRS
CUMULUS MEDIA

We Will Rock You Sing Along
WDRV FM Radio
Hubbard Radio Chicago

Black Excellence
iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia

Vote
Fieldview Broadcasting
KWBG

What is the biggest takeaway from the latest Spot Ten Cable report from Media Monitors?

There is very little fluctuation from last week, based on the play count of paid advertisements tracked by the iHeartMedia-owned company. And, that’s a good sign for spot cable that long-term activity is alive and well.

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There aren’t much week-to-week changes among the top paid advertisers using spot radio to reach consumers. That’s a sign of media commitment to AMs and FMs. But, given the high number of iHeartRadio promotional spots seen, it also points to more opportunities for brands to take advantage of radio’s hyped “reach” factor.

As seen below, DuckDuckGo is a new — and active — user of Spot Radio.

Indeed has also been a brand that has embraced radio of late.

But, compared to the promotional spot plays for iHeartRadio, and a podcast at No. 10 on the report, advertisers have a way to go.

On the bright side, Lowe’s surpassed rival The Home Depot in outreach via radio for the week ending September 26, entering the Spot Ten with a No. 6 finish.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A couple of senior staff changes have been made in the FCC’s Office of Managing Director and the Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO).

Now Deputy Managing Director in the Office of the Managing Director: the person that is presently Director of the Office of Communications Business Opportunities.

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Hybrid shopping, localized travel, a focus on health and wellness, the rise of challenger brands and an increase in e-commerce in areas of higher infection, are some of the buying behaviors in the U.S. that remain in a post-pandemic era.

Here’s what this may mean for your advertising trends in 2022, courtesy of Ascential-owned research firm WARC.

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BOCA RATON, FLA. — To Newsmax viewers, he’s known as the host of a weekend cable news show. For podcast listeners, his “Newsmax Daily” offering provides a “humorous and entertaining analysis” of current news, with distribution on such platforms as iHeartRadio.

Now, Rob Carson is leveraging his podcast skills by becoming the latest individual who seeks to be heir to the Conservative Talk Radio Throne left empty by the late Rush Limbaugh.

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It’s code-name is “Project Guesthouse,” as documents filed with the FCC late last week indicate.

And, it involves the sale — rather than the surrendering of licenses to the Commission — of AM radio stations Cumulus Media no longer desires.

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TUDN Radio, the rebranded and retooled service formerly known as Univision Deportes Radio, is about to get a serious boost in one of America’s most important Hispanic media markets.

Univision Communications‘ Houston station group is flipping the switch on Monday to bring Houstonians “the market’s only Spanish-language sports radio station.”

With ESPN Deportes Radio now defunct, aside from a couple of podcasts; Fox Deportes Radio relatively quiet; and Unanimo Sports still seeking maximization of its offerings, sales could be a challenge for a Deportes-minded radio station.

For Univision, flipping KQBU-FM 93.3 to “TUDN 93.3 FM/1010 AM” is an opportunity for growth while maintaining the current programming in the market. As of today, KQBU is a simulcast partner of KAMA-FM 104.9, a Spanish Contemporary station branded as “Latino Mix.”

KAMA, a Class C2 FM licensed to Deer Park, Tex., will stay as “Latino Mix”; the station’s signal contour makes it a full Houston-market FM.

KQBU is really a Beaumont-Port Arthur station. Its 97kw Class C signal puts city-grade coverage over Houston’s east side. In the car, it’s audible across the metropolitan area.

As “TUDN,” KQBU will now simulcast Class B KLAT-AM 1010 in Houston. It’s already a TUDN-branded station. Hence, KQBU is switching simulcast partners.

For locals, programming will include Spanish-language coverage of the Astros (MLB), Houston Dynamo (MLS), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Texas A&M Aggie football. There are also simulcasts from TUDN Radio’s soccer portfolio.

Local programming includes a 10am-noon Central program hosted by Cesar Procel (pictured, top left), “Encanchados.”

KQBU-FM has been the home of “Latino Mix” since its December 2017 arrival in the market. Previously, it was “Qué Buena,” offering regional Mexican programming.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FCC on Friday confirmed that it will begin accepting applications from graduating law students and current judicial clerks for its Fall 2022 Attorney Honors Program.

The application window is now open, and it closes on November 1.

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In the Dallas-Fort Worth market, ViacomCBS owns and operates two broadcast TV stations, in addition to CBSN Dallas and CBSDFW.com.

As of Monday, these properties will have a new leader, and it is someone who is rejoining the stations after four years working across town — at TV stations broadcasting en español.

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Cumulus Media isn’t the only audio content and distribution company with a big stable of radio stations that enjoyed a strong week on Wall Street.

As Wall Street neared its closing bells, Audacy shares were on the rise, giving the company formerly known as Entercom its strongest stock price since early August.

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MIAMI — Tune to 99.1 MHz in morning drive, and you’ll suddenly find yourself asking if something isn’t right. Just weeks ago, a big billboard could be seen on Interstate 95 heading downtown promoting the Trina & Trick Daddy morning program.

As of today, the hosts are no longer a part of Cox Media Group. But, that’s just a small part of a Reduction in Force initiative that has claimed a host of programming and on-air positions. Meanwhile, another Miami FM owned by CMG has tweaked its format while apparently dismissing its entire air staff.

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With Monday’s Closing Bell on Wall Street, Cumulus Media shares officially erased five months of growth, negating a climb to $14.75 seen at the end of June — its highest value since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who knew that the rest of this week would see Cumulus crush it on the Nasdaq?

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With Meredith Local Media poised to become a part of Gray Television by the end of the year, parent Meredith Corp. is apparently in serious conversations with the digital media company owned by Barry Diller to engineer a deal that would spin the majority of its lifestyle and female-friendly assets in a multi-billion deal.

Investors reacted by snapping up Meredith shares, leading to a sharp rise in value in Friday’s trading.

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It’s no secret that available broadcast TV stations are few and far between for aspiring buyers.

As such, there could be some considerable interest in a low-power TV station being marketed by one veteran media broker that serves one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the Southeast U.S.

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