Radio+Television Business Report

MIAMI — In 2015, after working in Washington, D.C., for several years, she joined iHeartMedia. Most recently, this radio industry pro served as Region SVP of Sales for the company once known as Clear Channel Communications in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood market.

Now, she’s been promoted to Market President.

Taking the top slot for the cluster is Shari Gonzalez.

She’ll now oversee over a group of radio brands comprised of WHYI-FM “Y-100,” WBGG-FM “Big 105.9,” WZTU-FM “Tú 94.9,” WIOD-AM 610, WMIA-FM “Totally 93.9,” WMIB-FM 103.5 “The Beat, FM translators “The Bull” and “Throwback Miami,” Black Information Network (BIN)-affiliated WXBN-AM 880, and Sports WINZ-AM.

Gonzalez will report to Linda Byrd, Division President for iHeartMedia.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to promote Shari into her first Market President role,” Byrd said. “In the short time that we have worked together, I have seen her competitiveness, work ethic and ability to move her team in the direction we need to go. Shari has the experience and smarts to make a great Market President of iHeartMedia Miami/Fort Lauderdale. She will be a great leader in one of our most important markets.”

Gonzalez first rose to prominence in the radio industry as a General Sales Manager and Director of Sales for CBS Radio’s former Washington, D.C., radio stations, now a part of Audacy (formerly Entercom).

Previously, she spent 15 years in sales and leadership at WMAL-AM 630 in Washington, D.C., today a Cumulus Media station that was once a ABC Radio O&O. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Gonzalez was an account executive for WJZE-FM “Jazzy 100,” which morphed from WDJY-FM “DJ 100,” an early prototype of the rhythmic Top 40 format. She began her career at DJ 100; WJZE was sold by Colfax to an iHeart predecessor, becoming Oldies WBIG-FM.

“I am honored and thrilled for this opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “To continue to work with and now lead this incredible portfolio of brands and this ‘best-in-class’ team of talented, passionate colleagues is a dream come true. Miami/Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a boom like no other market in the country and the South Florida market is filled with a culture and uniqueness that is second to none. As our market continues to grow as a multi-cultural, global economic and entertainment destination, we at iHeartMedia Miami/Fort Lauderdale remain committed to being the largest and most meaningful connection to millions in South Florida.”

If the name Searchlight Capital Partners sounds familiar to you, it is because the private investment firm founded by Wade Davis in January 2021 — through its Searchlight III UTD and ForgeLight units — grabbed a majority stake of Univision Holdings.

The purchase placed Davis in the CEO slot, some seven months after Searchlight completed its acquisition of Frontier Communications‘ operations and assets in the Pacific Northwest, creating Ziply Fiber.

Now, Searchlight, led by Davis associate Eric Zinterhofer, has selected a new Partner who also become a prospective board member of “a number of Searchlight’s existing investments in the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors.”

It puts a former FCC Chairman in the slot.

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KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY — A Munich-based digital technology firm with a regional office in the U.S. that works with such companies as ViacomCBS and Discovery has forged a collaboration agreement with a company controlled by one of the busiest buyers in broadcast TV today: Byron Allen.

Allen-controlled Weather Group Television LLC, parent of The Weather Channel and OTT subscription service Local now, will now see tech support in digital product development from intive.

Specifically, intive will support the media group with digital services including consulting, design, product strategy, development, and quality assurance. “The collaboration will help bring the Weather Group in a position to advance their digital portfolio, tap into their OTT potential and drive further digital growth,” intive says.

Local Now SVP/GM Michael Senzon comments, “Going forward, it was crucial for us to find a trustworthy technology partner who would help us make the most of our digital portfolio. In intive we’ve found the perfect mix of domain-specific expertise and design and engineering excellence.”

— Additional reporting from the RBR+TVBR European News Desk

Shulins Solutions, known for its monitor, control and protection products for use at transmission sites and its broadcast consulting services, has completed the installation of its Stellar Eclipse broadcast site monitor and protection system.

It includes VSWR Sentinel to protect four FM radio stations and their shared antenna and combining systems.

Shared common antenna sites often with complex combining networks demand monitoring and protection beyond a simple remote control. To protect these significant investments, broadcasters need a proactive solution to not only provide next level of monitoring, logging and control, but a comprehensive VSWR system for maximum protection.

According to Shulins, Stellar Eclipse with VSWR Sentinel technology was installed to protect and monitor transmission system operations by constantly monitoring the VSWR on all inputs and outputs to the combiner system and refreshing these values many times every second. Anytime a VSWR is detected that exceeds a preset threshold, hard relay interlock
relays are controlled that can open interlocks on connected transmitters. RF power is then removed from the system when an unsafe condition exists, thereby saving the systems from costly damage.

Stellar Ellipse also provides unique cloud-based monitoring of many shared systems often overlooked in an individual stations remote control, Shulins adds.

Visit www.shulinssolutions.com for more information.

LOS ANGELES — A company known for its broadcast and video production audio monitoring productions has brought to market a second-generation headphone designed for monitoring dialogue on production sets.

As broadcast TV increases its own self-produced offerings, it’s a piece of technology perhaps worthy of an acquisition.

Introducing the Scene Monitor headphone from Halter Technical LLC.

The newly released Scene Monitor (HTSM2) boasts a single-sided cable, speakers that, and compatibility with all radios and listening devices with a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.

Other new features include a headband that is now reinforced throughout to provide long-lasting durability. The cable is dual-shielded to prevent breakage. The upgraded earpads provide everybody on set with a luxury feel. And, the Stereo drivers are improved to equip all listeners with the fidelity and clarity that production demands.

For additional information, visit the company online at www.haltertechnical.com.

The NAB Leadership Foundation announced the 2021 Technology Ambassador Program (TAP) cohort’s graduation from the six-month education and training series. TAP provides training and education on the technological advancements that are growing the broadcast media industry. The list of graduates is available on NABFoundation.org.

During the program, Ambassadors earned Amazon AWS and SBE certifications and learned directly from experts on topics such as NextGen TV, voice demand and radio programming, cloud computing in broadcast and IP networking fundamentals. They also provided insight and participated in focus groups to help develop the next engineering and technology education programs.

“We are excited to present this year’s diverse class to the broadcasting industry,” says NAB Leadership Foundation president Michelle Duke. “We are confident that their great talents will continue to bring innovation and new ideas to our industry.”

Sponsors of this year’s program include Amazon AWS, Sinclair, TVNewsCheck and others.

The 2021 Technology Ambassador Program graduates are:

• Rucha Athavale, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Asheeta Bothra, University of Virginia
• Chase Browning, University of Virginia
• Allison Burns, Appalachian State University
• Mario Chapa, University of Texas – San Antonio
• Maria Depasquale, George Washington University
• Alma Duderija, Loyola University Chicago
• Rebecca Hamilton, Bates Technical College
• Roniecia Harris, Arizona State University
• Krystal Holland, New York University
• Selah Konur, Omega Studios School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences
• Joshua Li, University of California, Los Angeles
• Maria Marmora, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Zachary Neace, Western Kentucky University
• Wynter Pero, Omega Studios School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences
• Angelina Plaza, New Mexico State University
• Jon Sanelli, Hofstra University
• Andrew Saturnino, Union County College
• James Shonubi, Morgan State University
• Rachel Stapholz, Arizona State University

The next class of the Technology Ambassador Program will launch in October 2021, at NAB Show in Las Vegas. Those pursuing a degree or attending technical school focused on a related subject are encouraged to apply.

Instreamatic, known for its voice AI platform designed to manage, measure and monetize the “conversations between brand and consumer,” has successfully concluded a Series A funding fundraising effort.

Progress Ventures led the round, joined by Accomplice and Google Assistant Investments.

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The owner of a Class A FM radio station serving a rural portion of the Rocky Mountains has agreed to assign this property, along with its four FM translators, to one of Colorado’s largest non-commercial licensees.

To make it happen, this non-comm operator is trading an AM serving the city of Pueblo, along with its FM translator.

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In 1959, a 23-year-old up-and-coming disc jockey from Haverhill, Mass., took on the role of morning co-host for a legendary Top 40 radio station owned by Gordon McLendon serving North Texas. He’d go by the name “Irv Harrigan” — a name used by other air personalities over the next 25 years as part of other incarnations of the Charlie & Harrigan program.

This voice, however, would go on to a notable career at KVIL and, later, at KLUV before retiring in June 2005.

Now, the Radio industry has lost one of its most beloved air personalities for all time, as Ron Chapman has died. He was 85, the Dallas Morning News reports.

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On April 13, Univision Communications revealed that, after years of rumors, it had reached an agreement with Mexico media pioneer Televisa that will result in the combination of the two multimedia conglomerates.

To create the binational radio, TV and digital giant, investors were brought to the table. They include the SoftBank Latin America Fund, The Raine Group and Google, with a combined $1 billion infusion from these entities agreed to.

It appears Google’s involvement with what will become Televisa-Univision goes beyond a simple investment.

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The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group will conduct its 13th annual Rising Through the Ranks program as a virtual event.

The program will be split into five days and will be taking place each Tuesday of the month of August, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT beginning August 3, 2021. As in years past, BMI will offer 20 scholarships for this year’s program. These scholarships will cover the cost of the professional development course, which is designed to foster and educate current and emerging female radio managers within broadcast radio.

“BMI has been a proud supporter of ‘Rising Through the Ranks’ since its inception,” said Dan Spears, vice president, industry relations, BMI. “Working with our MIW and RAB partners over the years has shown how vital this initiative is in providing the future female leaders the tools they need to succeed in the radio industry. We look forward to when we can host the program at BMI’s Nashville office once again, but until then, we’re thrilled that it is back this year as a virtual event.”

“Once again, MIW is thrilled to participate in the Rising Through the Ranks program,” said Ruth Presslaff, board president of the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group. “We meet so many women who are passionate about radio, and who continue to pay it forward by supporting the network they’ve built with each other, programs to help other women, as well as contributing to the industry with their strong performance. This event may be virtual, but the results will be real!”

“Rising Through the Ranks is a priceless opportunity for our scholarship recipients and we are excited to be bringing the event back this year,” noted Erica Farber, president and CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau. “With the tools and experience we’ve all had with virtual events, we know that this year’s program will be as engaging and inspiring as our in-person event.”

This year’s agenda and speaker lineup will be announced at a later date.

Scholarship applications and registration are available on www.rab.com and will be accepted April 26, through 6:00 p.m. CT on May 28, 2021. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their selection by the week of July 1, 2021. To find out more information, go to the RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks page here.

The latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report is out, and it shows a big new entrant to the latest review of the top brands using AM and FM radio to reach consumers.

It’s a quick service restaurant chain, and it is the only one on the latest report.

And, it’s not the Golden Arches.

While McDonald’s has been an active user of broadcast media in recent months, it is Wendy’s that is alone in the QSR category in the latest report from iHeartMedia-owned Media Monitors.

It arrives with some 31,806 spot plays, landing Wendy’s at No. 9.

Meanwhile, Indeed rises to the top as Progressive continues its audio media dominance with the overachieving voiceover artist obsessed with the bulbous walrus.

The latest Media Monitors Spot Ten TV report is out, and it looks like a QSR that’s heating it up at spot radio is equally fond of reaching consumers via spot television.

It’s a key takeaway from a report that shows auto insurance giants dominating the top five.

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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has selected the person who will be responsible for the development and implementation of “a multi-faceted communications and messaging strategy to advance awareness of public media and its value to American society.”

Taking the VP/Communications position is Brendan Daly.

“Brendan is a strategic communications leader with a proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders,” CPB Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy said. “His skill set and experience will be valuable assets as we look to increase communication across the public media system and with the American people.”

Daly is widely known for his nine years (2002-2011) as Communications Director for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Most recently, he served as Chief Communications Officer for the Recording Industry Association of America. Prior to that, he served as Senior Director of Communications for Save the Children Action Network and as Executive VP for Ogilvy Public Relations.

Daly has a print journalism background, and began his career as a reporter for the Waterbury Republican-American in Waterbury, Conn.

She’s led diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for 16 years.

Now, she’s joining the owner of such stations as WCVB-5 in Boston and KCRA-3 in Sacramento to serve as its first-ever D&I director.

Yasmine Osborn is joining Hearst Television, for the newly created position of Director of Diversity & Inclusion.

In her new role, Osborn, in partnership with corporate and local-market leadership across Hearst Television’s station group, will build upon diversity & inclusion (D&I) efforts already underway throughout the group, developing and leading new programs to recruit, support and advance a diverse workforce that represents the company’s markets, audiences and society as a whole.

Particular areas of focus will include employee resource groups, mentorship and sponsorship programs, training and development programs, external partnerships, and employee engagement utilizing opportunities such as cultural/heritage months and company town halls.

Osborn will partner with D&I leaders across other businesses of Hearst Television parent company Hearst in order to benefit from corporate initiatives and to share best practices.

“We established the director of diversity & inclusion role with the intention of building upon and growing our programs to cultivate a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community for our employees,” Hearst Television SVP of Human Resources Katherine Barnett said. “We’ve already had encouraging initial success with efforts including town halls. Yasmine, who made a real difference at USTA, brings the right experience and vision to the important task of growing these programs and launching new efforts.”

Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb singled out Osborn’s “extensive experience, creativity and vision will clearly take our already strong efforts to the next level.”

Osborn has had a stellar career in collegiate tennis, leading her to a position at the USTA in Orlando.

For the second consecutive year, the readers of the Radio + Television Business Report have spoken. And, with their input, the 2021 ranking of Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders includes new names near the top of the list, and many shifts.

In a year that saw a great pause and, for some, a shift thanks to a pandemic, it’s perhaps fitting.

With the release of RBR+TVBR‘s Spring 2020 Special Report, radio and television industry leaders had been plunged deep into the Great Unknown, presented by Coronavirus. Falling share prices and ad cancellations – along with the postponement by one year of the Summer Olympic Games – began to devastate broadcast media.

Leaders commiserated. Plans of action were executed. And, in the television industry, swift recoveries — some, perhaps faster than others — came over the next several months. By the end of 2020, most broadcast TV companies were on solid footing, financially. There were even blockbuster deals to report, such as ION Media’s acquisition by The E.W. Scripps Co., which closed in early January 2021. Then, on February 2021, Quincy Media, Inc. revealed that Gray Television would be buying all of its television assets. The price: $950 million.

Thanks to record-setting political advertising and continued retransmission consent revenue cushioning dips in core advertising, broadcast television’s financial health is strong. On the air, reporters and anchors expertly adjusted to live newscasts from their homes, while covering COVID-19 testing and vaccination updates in their community. For some, social injustice protests thrust field reporters into emergency situations, putting them at high risk while delivering important news to local viewers.

Through it all, broadcast television shined — and the readers of RBR+TVBR have acknowledged this by saluting 15 exceptional leaders who have steered their ships through stormy waters that may still be a bit patchy, but today are relatively calm and full of hope.

Who are the Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders of 2021? You can find the rankings exclusively in the Spring 2021 RBR+TVBR Special Report!

Subscribers received a link to download the PDF of this report on Monday morning (4/26).

Not a subscriber? Become a RBR+TVBR Member today, and get access to our report while guaranteeing access to our three other quarterly Special Reports in 2021!

In many markets, vintage sitcoms and dramas can be seen on such digital multicast networks as Weigel Broadcasting’s Me TV and Nexstar Media Group‘s Antenna TV.

Now, Nexstar is doubling down on consumer thirst for classic fare by preparing to launch a more youthful companion to its 1960s and 1970s-focused existing offering.

FOLLOW RBR+TVBR ON TWITTER FOR INDUSTRY NEWS FIRST!

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“So much can get misinterpreted in a sales call, business meeting or even a casual hallway interaction,” says sales training expert Barrett Riddleberger. “To avoid this, successful performers develop the communication skill of understanding personality styles.”

They learn their own style … and the style of the person with whom they are speaking.

“As a result, they minimize conflict between their two personality styles,” he says. “For the unaware person, it can quickly disrupt the conversation.”

This, Riddleberger notes, can be easily avoided by following the steps in this column.

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A top Wall Street media sector analyst is apologizing for what some may consider to be an overly dramatic opening paragraph to a highly positive report on a multiplatform video content producer and distributor that sold its radio stations to Audacy, the former Entercom Communications.

In short, despite its recent surge and fizzle with its stock price, ViacomCBS deserves an upgrade, thanks to “a surprise comeback” giving renewed optimism even as “another life-threatening swoon” leaves the market on the edge of its seats.

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U.S. financial markets were largely in recovery mode on Friday, after concerns that the Biden Administration would increase capital gains taxes sent general indices down sharply on Thursday.

How did media stocks fare?

Townsquare Media gained 11 cents to finish at $9.88.

Also gaining ground: The E.W. Scripps Co., up 16 cents to $22.99.

Sinclair Broadcast Group also improved nicely, with a 26-cent rise to $32.62.

Heading downward on Friday was TEGNA, which is again fending off a quest by dissident shareholder Standard General for a greater presence on the company’s board of directors. At the closing bell, TGNA was at $20.97, off 19 cents.