Radio+Television Business Report

Susie Hedrick, the Chief Executive Officer at vCreative, last appeared on the InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, in August 2020.

She’s returned today to discuss CES 2022 and Radio industry interest in this massive tech-focused event. Why is attendance important? Is this a learning experience for Radio, rather than an opportunity to show off Radio’s strengths to the tech universe?

Hedrick answers these questions in this 10-minute audio interview conducted by RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Susie Hedrick” on Spreaker.

She’s a 28-year Hearst Television veteran who since October 2017 has served as General Sales Manager for the company’s NBC affiliate serving Pennsylvania communities from Lancaster through Harrisburg and down to York.

Now, this longtime local TV sales pro is he station’s President/GM.

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The independent TV measurement and analytics firm founded by CEO Kristin Dolan has turned to a former M&A banker at Goldman Sachs in selecting its new President.

Most recently, he held principal roles at several fast-growing firms — including 605-owned ad tech, measurement and services firm Adscribe.

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It’s been talked about for weeks. Now, it is official. With Howard University-owned PBS Member station WHUT-32 as the “lighthouse” station, NEXTGEN TV is now available in the National Capital Region.

To help usher in the new era of broadcast TV in the Washington, D.C., market, LTN Global was brought in as a partner.

The media technology and video transport product maker “worked closely” with NEXTGEN TV rollout group Pearl TV, led by Anne Schelle, and WHUT to fuel the NEXTGEN TV rollout in Washington D.C. Specifically, it helped in “harnessing ATSC 3.0 technology to unlock immersive 4k viewing experiences.”

Working in collaboration with Howard University, LTN enabled the aggregation of HD-quality ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 feeds over its multicast network to support the NEXTGEN TV launch.

With WHUT as the ATSC 3.0 home, stations in the market now offering NEXTGEN signals include Sinclair Broadcast Group’s WJLA-7, TEGNA flagship WUSA-9, FOX O&O WTTG-5 and NBC O&O WRC-4.

We’re excited to be part of a truly revolutionary initiative in our hometown that brings the future of television today”, said Malik Khan, co-Founder and Executive Chairman of LTN Global. “We are committed to delivering the best and most reliable technology that shapes the broadcasting industry and we look to the incredible talent at Howard University to help us in our mission. The ATSC 3.0 and NEXTGEN TV revolution is in full swing with LTN having delivered ATSC 3.0 projects in just under 30 markets to date. We’re thrilled to see Washington D.C. joining other big cities in harnessing the benefits of this new era in television.”

Sean D. Plater, GM of WHUT and commercially licensed Adult R&B leader WHUR-FM 96.3, added, “By connecting the IP and broadcast television infrastructures together, we’re able to give viewers a better and more engaging content experience. Viewers across the Washington, D.C., region will be excited to not just watch, but also lean in and be
more engaged with their content.”

The owner of television stations in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania and in the company’s home market of Erie, Pa., has just signed a fresh multi-year agreement for local TV measurement with Nielsen.

The deal signed by Lilly Broadcasting includes Nielsen Scarborough, and incorporates not only the Erie and Elmira-Corning, N.Y. stations Lilly owns but also “WSEE-CBS,” the satellite-delivered CBS affiliate serving Puerto Rico.

“In this new agreement, Nielsen’s data will support Lilly Broadcasting’s ability to identify growth opportunities for audiences and revenue in their local markets,” Nielsen says, noting that its data helps companies like Lilly to “optimize their news, programming, and promotion efforts to serve their communities and exceed advertiser expectations.”

Catherine Herkovic, EVP/Managing Director at Nielsen Local TV, commented, “Lilly is a valued client, and we are thrilled that they have chosen us to be their audience data and insights provider. We are looking forward to empowering Lilly to showcase their value to advertisers, as they inspire and inform the communities that they serve.”

Why did Lilly choose Nielsen as the provider of local research over Comscore or another audience measurement and data analytics company? COO John Christianson cites Nielsen’s “ability to account for the entire marketplace.”

With Nielsen under Media Rating Council review following the suspension of its accreditations on September 1, that’s a strong endorsement.

As part of MRC’s “commitment to provide enhanced visibility into the state of various ongoing audit processes,” the group led by George Ivie on Monday (12/14) updated the current Council status of Nielsen’s Digital Ad Ratings (DAR) service. DAR, which had been in an accreditation hiatus period from September 2020 to September 2021, is currently undergoing a new MRC audit.

At this time, the official MRC status of DAR is “Not Accredited, In Process.”

Prior to its hiatus from accreditation, DAR was accredited by MRC for its measurement of desktop display and video Total Gross Rating Points, and for age/sex demographic breakouts for audiences age 13+. The current audit of DAR is being conducted in phases, and will include auditing not only of DAR’s previously accredited measurement of desktop activity, but also its measurement of activity from mobile devices and connected TVs (CTV).

The first of the new audit’s reports, focused on Nielsen’s “Snapshot” Identity graph solution, which is now integrated into the DAR product, was delivered in November for
the MRC’s DAR audit committee’s consideration. Reports for additional phases of the DAR audit are scheduled to be delivered throughout the first half of 2022 (and likely into Fall 2022, for certain of the DAR CTV integrations).

Nielsen initially requested a hiatus period for DAR because of changes it planned to make to DAR’s measurement methodology in late 2020 and into 2021. This request was granted by MRC. Accreditation hiatus is a formal MRC status designation in which a service is allowed to temporarily step away from audits for up to 12 months to permit certain actions or service improvements to be implemented outside the normal audit and accreditation process.

MRC plans to issue updates on the statuses of other significant in-process audits in which we are engaged over the coming weeks and months, and additional updates on Nielsen DAR as events warrant.

Allen Media Broadcasting has signed a purchase agreement that will see the company led by Byron Allen acquire the FOX affiliate serving Montgomery, Alabama.

In an announcement released late Tuesday, AMG confirmed that it intends to buy WCOV-20, which uses UHF digital channel 22, from David Woods and his Woods Communications Corporation.

AMG will pay $28.5 million in cash for the station. This acquisition is expected to close in 2022.

Upon closing, Allen’s acquisition of WCOV will increase the number of broadcast television stations owned and/or operated by his Allen Media Broadcasting to 36 stations across 21 U.S. broadcast television markets.

The WCOV-TV digital signal is multiplexed, with channel 20.2 designated as Antenna TV, and channel 20.3 designated as THIS TV—the digital multicast network acquired by Allen Media Group from MGM in October 2020.

Allen Media Broadcasting’s purchase agreement for WCOV-TV also includes these additional television station assets and their respective digital subchannel affiliates:

• Troy, Alabama-licensed Cozi TV affiliate WIYC/channel 48 (48.1: Cozi TV, 48.2:MyNetworkTV, 48.3: Heroes & Icons, 48.4: Court TV/Mystery, 48.5: TBD, 48.6: Comet, and 48.7: Charge!)
• Montgomery, Alabama-licensed WALE/channel 17 (17.1: True Crime Network, 17.2: Laff, 17.3: Court TV, 17.4: Jewelry Television, 17.5: Movies!, 17.6: Heroes & Icons, and 17.7: Comet)

The Montgomery deal follows AMG’s acquisition of Honolulu-based KIKU-TV in September.

In August, Allen Media Broadcasting completed its $380 million cash acquisition of 10 local television stations in seven markets divested from the Gray Television transaction with Quincy Media. In a separate deal in July, 2021, Allen purchased Flint, Michigan’s ABC affiliate —WJRT-12—from Gray Television for $70 million.

In February 2020, Allen closed the deal to acquire 11 broadcast television stations from USA Television Holdings and USA Television MidAmerica Holdings for $305 million.

Allen’s purchase of broadcast television assets began in July 2019 with his acquisition of Bayou City Broadcasting, which included 4 television stations in Evansville, Indiana and Lafayette, Louisiana for $165 million.

In March 2018, Allen acquired The Weather Channel, serving Americans for nearly four decades, and voted the most trusted news network for 11 consecutive years, and the fifth most-trusted brand overall. In addition to The Weather Channel, Allen also owns 11 additional television networks and the free-streaming services theGrio, Sports.TV, HBCUGo.TV, The Weather Channel en Español, and Local Now.

Allen Media Group was founded by Byron Allen in 1993.

“WCOV-TV is an excellent asset and has been extremely well-managed for decades by the Woods family, who I’ve known for over 35 years,” said Byron Allen. “Over the past two years, we’ve invested approximately $1 billion to acquire best-in-class, top-tier, Big 4 broadcast network affiliates and we plan to invest significantly more to acquire additional ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX television stations with the goal of being the largest broadcast television group in America. All of our media assets work in concert to amplify our free-streaming services theGrio.TV, Sports.TV, HBCUGo.TV, The Weather Channel en Español, and Local Now.”

Woods commented, “The acquisition by Allen Media Group will allow WCOV, WIYC and WALE to become even more competitive in the future and well-positioned for the advancing world of broadcast television.”

Woods added that he had known Byron Allen since 1980, when he was a co-host of the NBC program Real People. “We have followed Allen as he started a small production company and worked hard in order to build a massive, diversified global entertainment company involved with numerous divisions, all of which revolve around consuming content on various size screens,” Woods said. “Byron Allen has a reputation for hiring the best executives in each of the companies he owns. We have observed his growth for over 40 years and admire what he has achieved. Byron Allen is a true American entrepreneur. We feel blessed to become part of the Allen Media Group family.”

Allen Media Group will add its thirteenth network, THE WEATHER CHANNEL EN ESPANOL in 2021.

Roughly eight years ago, an FM facility seeking to serve African American consumers in the Gainesville, Fla., market, downgraded from a Class C3 facility to a Class A FM licensed to Cross City, Fla.

It was part of a plan put together by a licensee that in October 2012 agreed to purchase the station for $325,000. But, something went awry and the new facility was never built. As such, in April 2016 the station’s license was cancelled — something then-Commissioner Mignon Clyburn concurred with, as “spectrum squatting” is a no-no, even in cases where diversity of voices is at stake.

The licensee didn’t give up. But, it faces a losing battle in getting its station back from the dead. And, that fight may be at an end, thanks to the Audio Division Chief at the FCC.

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The audio content creation and distribution company that owns podcast companies Cadence13 and Pineapple Street and the eponymous streaming app formerly known as Radio.com received a much welcomed upgrade from a Wall Street financial house on Tuesday.

The move from B Riley Financial helped Audacy Inc. shares climb by more than 5%, sending volume to more than double its daily average.

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On January 8, 2018, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued a Maine permittee a construction permit for an FM translator. The owner of the facility had three years to submit an application for a license. But, it didn’t make that deadline date.

The FCC is accepting the tardiness, but it will come at a price.

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When historians look back at advertising trends and the COVID-19 era, one thing will likely stand out: digital media’s advertiser attraction barely cooled off during the pandemic’s most crushing blows to ad dollar activity.

Now, data from Standard Media Index only cement the oft-repeated stories that converged TV and digital video are must-buys for CMOs and aren’t slowing down for the foreseeable future.

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The nation’s No. 1 radio station owner, by count, and The CW have renewed their multi-year partnership.

What does this mean? The CW will remain the exclusive television broadcast and video streaming partner for both the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the annual holiday iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.

The CW and iHeartMedia have been partners on these events since 2012.

The timing is great for iHeartMedia, as the 2021 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball will air as a national television special on The CW Network this evening (12/15) at 8pm Eastern/Pacific. Performances from Ed Sheeran, BTS, Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Saweetie, and AJR are in the works, as is a special appearance from Jimmy Fallon.

“From the beginning, we have been attracted to The CW’s young audience reach, and this new agreement will extend our partnership with the Network into a second decade,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “Each year, the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour attract the biggest superstars in music, and this partnership extends the reach of these iconic events into to the homes of millions of viewers around the country.”

Mark Pedowitz, Chairman and CEO of The CW Network, commented, “As we enter into a new decade of collaboration, The CW is looking forward to serving as the exclusive TV broadcast and video streaming partner of both of these can’t-miss events for years to come.”

It is far and away the most valuable content company in the world. And, its executive team led by Reed Hastings has decided to drop its fourth quarter 2021 fiscal report card on the same day as the Matrix Solutions Media Ad Sales Summit — also the concluding day of NATPE Miami at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach.

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The NTA is no longer the National Translator Association. But, it is very much devoted to serving low-power broadcast TV stations as its largest advocacy group.

And, not much has changed in its mission as Jack Mills has been elected to replace the retiring John Terrill as NTA President.

As such, Mills will assume the leadership of an organization devoted to serving its members in the same way it always had. Only, it has a new name.

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NEW YORK — The co-CEO and Chairman of the Board of one of the fastest-growing broadcast television station ownership groups in the U.S. has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Golden Mike Award.

Hilton Howell Jr. will be presented with the honor at a black-tie gala on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Plaza Hotel, adjacent to Central Park.

This year’s event marks the return of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s biggest fundraiser, which did not take place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Howell, who leads Gray Television, began his career practicing law and spent several years in the insurance industry. He serves on the Broadcasters Foundation’s Board of Directors, and is a former member of the board of directors for the NAB, the Advisory Council of the Center for Leadership and Ethics for the University of Texas at Austin, and the Advisory Board of Curant Health Care. He is also a former member on the NBC Affiliate Board.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award dinner attracts a who’s who of broadcast media executives and celebrities. The presenters and performers for this year’s event will be announced shortly. Previous recipients include Dave Lougee, Perry Sook, Emily Barr, David Barrett, Michael Bloomberg, Bob Pittman, Gordon Smith, and Jeff Smulyan.

The Broadcasters Foundation is the only charity devoted exclusively to providing financial assistance to colleagues in broadcasting who are in dire need. Even with the loss of major fundraising events during COVID, more than $1.8 million in monthly and one-time emergency grants will be awarded this year.

“It’s been a challenging year-and-a-half, and we are thrilled to honor Hilton and once again present the Golden Mike Award live and in-person,” said Scott Herman, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Looking ahead, our goal remains to provide financial aid for every broadcaster who qualifies.”

Howell added, “I am honored to be recognized by the Broadcasters Foundation and ask everyone in our business who has made a good living from broadcasting, to consider donating any amount to help our colleagues who have been hit by shattering circumstances.”

Video SaaS platform Stringr has brought to market a new creator-focused video sourcing and production platform.

In the company’s view, marketers, brands, creatives, and entertainment companies can now source and produce original video content “with the same speed and ease” previously only available to broadcast news organizations.

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LOS ANGELES — A 26-year veteran of iHeartMedia who has most recently served as SVP of Programming for FOX Sports Radio and in the concurrent role of SVP of KLAC-AM 570 has been elevated to EVP/Programming for what is now being called “iHeartMedia Sports.”

Earning the promotion is Don Martin.

According to iHeartMedia, its sports audio network is among the largest in the U.S., with products across broadcast, streaming, digital, podcast and experiential. The portfolio includes the iHeartSports Network, which provides customized local, regional and national sports content and updates across more than 490 stations; the Fox Sports Network, home to veteran hosts Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd; and 78 dedicated sports radio stations.

Additionally, it features the iHeartPodcast Network, with more than 40 national and 100 local sports podcasts plus exclusive podcast agreements with the NFL and NBA.

In his new role, Martin will lead Sports radio operations and oversee recruiting for on-air talent, program directors and board operators for the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Premiere Networks. In addition, Martin will identify opportunities to expand iHeartMedia Sports partnerships – including leagues, teams, podcasting and broadcast. He will continue to oversee the programming, promotions, operations and sales for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA and others.

Martin will also continue his operational, programming and sales responsibilities for KLAC, the AM sports station serving Southern California that competes against KSPN-AM 710, which Good Karma Brands is agreeing to purchase from The Walt Disney Company.

 “The iHeartMedia Sports Network would not be what it is today without Don’s years of experience and innovation,” said Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Sports and iHeartMedia Los Angeles. “He is the perfect choice to lead our ever-expanding network, bringing us the most exciting new partnerships and team members.” 

Martin added, “In life, you are only as good as the family around you. I have had the privilege of working with three of the most incredible families in the business – from KOA in Denver to AM 570 and FOX Sports Radio in LA, and now the family just gets bigger! Thank you, Greg Ashlock, Kevin LeGrett, Julie Talbott, and Tom Poleman for your belief and trust in me. I am a blessed man!”

Before trekking up Interstate 5, straight in a line, Martin oversaw the 2013 merger of XTRA Sports (XETRA-AM 690 in San Diego and KXTA-AM 1150 in Los Angeles) and was responsible for moving XTRA Sports to KLAC. Martin has also served as Program Director of KOA-AM 850 in Denver.

As of today, real-time cross-platform TV ad measurement company iSpot has a 54-month licensing deal in hand for all smart TV data from the advertising and data platform from LG Electronics.

The deal gives iSpot access to LG on-the-glass program and ad data from more than 20 million opted-in smart TVs from a broad range of TV makers in addition to LG.

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One year ago, Beasley Media shares were priced at $1.45, and were on the rise from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic-fueled lows seen across Wall Street.

For Audacy Inc., its stock was at $2.24, and also on the rise.

Today, the stock for each of these radio station owners who seek to describe themselves as audio media content and distribution companies has retreated to prices that aren’t much better than they were in mid-December 2020.

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That’s what some began asking upon reading a filing with a Nevada Federal bankruptcy court overseeing the fate of three FM radio stations once licensed to Royce International Broadcasting, the company led by embattled radio station owner Ed Stolz.

The filing, made Monday (12/13) by the attorney for U.S. Trustee Tracy Hope Davis, contains language suggesting Stolz be given back control of three stations stripped from him by California Central District Court Judge Jesus Bernal.

The legal counsel representing the receiver Bernal handed control of the three FM properties to, Larry Patrick, says otherwise.

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In late November, RBR+TVBR reported about a group of plaintiffs that has sued four audio media companies in a Dallas Federal District Court, arguing that they should be held liable, in some way, for airing programming tied to “a known fraud recidivist.”

It turns out that RBR+TVBR‘s belief that one of the companies named in the suit shouldn’t have been there was accurate.

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