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Gordon Smith was true to his reputation as a pragmatist in his final State of the Industry remarks Wednesday. His talk also provide some insight into why he is regarded as one of NAB’s most effective leaders.

Among the lessons he imparted: “Never be afraid to negotiate.” … “NAB should never register Republican or Democrat, but as human, local and American. …  We need friends on both sides of the aisle.” … “Treat others well. This is a key ingredient to strong advocacy.” … “Reflect the values that underpin an FCC license – civic engagement, relief, rescue, community decency, local focus, fair, diverse, journalism.” … “Some things have to ripen, and you want to calibrate your punch when it’s most impactful.”

Smith, a Republican former U.S. senator, will leave his position as president/CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters at the end of the year. He gave his talk online, given that the NAB Show and Radio Show were both cancelled this fall.

Here is Smith’s text:

While this is not how I had hoped to share my final state of the industry address with all of you, know that we are building towards a strong NAB Show in April, and I look forward to seeing all of you there where we can continue focusing on building a thriving and vibrant industry.

There’s never been a more important time to be a broadcaster… in the past 20 months, perhaps more than any other time that I can recall, your role has been invaluable. You have been there for your communities… keeping them informed, connected and safe during this time of uncertainty. And your advocacy team at NAB has been committed to ensuring local stations have the support you need to carry out your vital mission of serving your communities during this critical time.

From delivering on critical pandemic relief and paycheck protection to standing up to the Big Tech giants, we are sending a strong message to Congress and the FCC that the vital role of broadcasters and the local journalism they provide must be upheld.

In thinking about what I wanted to say to you today, I couldn’t help but reflect on my journey to Washington, D.C., how I built a career in politics, and how I found myself at NAB.

Many of you know that I was born in Pendleton, Oregon, to a father who processed peas and who worked for President Dwight Eisenhower, and a mother whose maiden name was Udall. So, in some sense, I was born to the battle of peas, policies and politics – and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve loved my life and I’ve loved my time in this great city.

I remember vividly when I was eight years old attending the 1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy. Our cousin Stewart Udall was becoming the president’s secretary of Interior, so it was an especially exciting day for my family.

That day reached deep into my soul…and it wasn’t just the president’s clarion call to a new generation of Americans to ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. The whole occasion struck me as something to aspire to and value.

You could say I caught Potomac Fever right then and there as an eight-year-old boy. From that day on, my professional ambition in life was to become a U.S. senator. I feel blessed and humbled to have achieve that dream. And I will admit to you that I was extraordinarily disappointed when the voters of Oregon did not elect me to a new term in 2008. It was not long thereafter that I was hired by NAB. It was a time in my life I was somewhat lost. But in a divine turn of events, broadcasting once again gave me an anchor in public service.

During my childhood, I had served as a paper boy for two Washington papers – the Washington Star and the Washington Daily News. I became a news addict and read all the headlines and stories. I would come home and ask my mom if she had seen the same stories. And, she’d often say, “Remember, Gordy, the best way to ruin a good story is to hear the other side.”

I never lost my passion for politics and hearing the other side. As I reflect on my time in politics and at NAB, a movie from the 1960s called, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” comes to mind. This humorous movie has several themes – but the ones I remember most are how unexpected life can be and sometimes it’s the journey of discovery that matters most. Well, finding my way to NAB – the forum – was unexpected. But it has enriched my life in ways that I could not have imagined.

So, if you can humor me for just a few minutes…I’d like to tell you my side of the story…what I’ve learned on the way to the forum so to speak. And, how these lessons have led to many of our successes as an association.

1 — Never be afraid to negotiate. President John F. Kennedy once said, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” Negotiating is important — it’s engagement. If you’re going to lose something, get something. This has been our winning strategy behind the performance tax issue. Our engagement on the Hill is to talk, negotiate and deal to be in the game — stopping legislation that we deem harmful to our listeners and viewers, and shaping other legislation to advance and protect the interests of broadcasters.

There is also a saying that comes to mind that Eddie Fritts used a lot… there are no permanent victories and no permanent defeats in democracy. When you have to win something, you also have to lose something.

2 — NAB should never register Republican or Democrat, but as human, local and American. We uphold and defend American values, such as factual journalism and the First Amendment. Neither party satisfies 100% of our issues. We need friends on both sides of the aisle.

3 — Spend money on the possible – prioritize our issues. Focus on likely outcomes. When I first came here, I was handed a book of legislative issues that was about 50 pages long. I was asked what I thought about the book. I said I thought it was all very interesting, but you’re not telling me what’s important and what isn’t. There were probably only three main issues. My point is to prioritize – be a rifle, not a shotgun.

4 — Invest to thrive, not just to survive. Invest in our future. Investing in new technologies, such as Next Gen TV and hybrid radio, not only provides audiences with more choices and a better viewing and listening experience, it also underpins the values we hold so dearly as broadcasters — keeping our citizens connected and informed with the news they can trust – anywhere they are, and always for free.

5 — No matter how many conflicting interests we have (cable, satellite, terrestrial vs. streaming) NAB must always speak for free over-the-air, local broadcasting. If NAB doesn’t, nobody else will.

This mission unifies our industry. Whether you’re in radio or TV, a network or affiliate, urban or rural, large or small, we have more in common than in difference. And, we will always be stronger with a unified message on Capitol Hill.

6 — Our PAC and grassroots are vital advocacy tools that we should continually tap into. We have many other tools in our toolbox. Broadcasters’ nuclear bomb is our airwaves, but it must be used judiciously as should our other tools.

Consider your tools, tone and timing. Tools – we must use all our tools at our disposal. Tone – needs to be calibrated. Timing – has to be at the right moment

7– Hire the best, not the most. Good people equal good policy, which equals winning in politics.

Treat others well. This is a key ingredient to strong advocacy. If you’re likable, a good person and have strong policy arguments, you’re going to win. Good business equals good policy on Capitol Hill.

8 — Reflect the values that underpin an FCC license – civic engagement, relief, rescue, community decency, local focus, fair, diverse, journalism.

Edmund Burke was an English parliamentarian who supported the American revolutionaries. Upon looking up from the Westminster floor where he was giving a speech, he remarked, “there were three Estates…but in the Reporters Gallery yonder, there sat a fourth Estate more important far than they all.”

At the time, the first two estates were the clergy and the nobility. The third was commoners, or the people. For us, it’s the presidency, the Congress and the courts. The Fourth Estate is still the press.

As the Fourth Estate, we reflect the values and integrity of our communities. We foster civic engagement and root out corruption through our factual journalism. That will never change.

9 — Before you take a punch, anticipate the counterpunch. This will tell you whether it’s worth it. Some things have to ripen, and you want to calibrate your punch when it’s most impactful.

These are just nine lessons learned, and there is more I’d like to share with you, but I’m reminded of a story of former President Woodrow Wilson. In 1918, Wilson had put forth his Fourteen Points proposal outlining his vision for ending World War I. It was a peace plan intended to ensure that no such conflict occurred again. America’s allies, however, did not think much of the fourteen points. Upon hearing of Wilson’s Fourteen Points, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau stated, “Mr. Wilson bores me with his Fourteen Points; why God Almighty has only 10!”

Lest I surpass God Almighty himself, it behooves me to end at nine points.

I want to thank all of you for listening to my perspective throughout the years. You are not only trusted colleagues, but have also become dear friends. I have learned so much from being in the trenches with all of you. And, I know that NAB will continue to achieve great success under Curtis’ strong leadership. He is the right person at the right time for this job.

Like you, my heart will always beat as a broadcaster….as a public servant.

NAB gave me a new way to serve, a way to be in public service, still…a way to utilize all the experience and training of those Senate years in the noble, public cause of broadcasting.

To look back too often at any of life’s chapters, with nostalgia or lament, neither than looking forward to the future with vigor and purpose, is to surrender to old age and regret. Together, we have not surrendered. We have won. Thank you.

[Related: Read the Radio World interview with incoming President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt.]

The post Read Gordon Smith’s Final State of the Industry Talk appeared first on Radio World.

It’s a bit of a blemish for the Mouse House, and investors aren’t pleased.

Linear Networks revenues at The Walt Disney Co. decreased 4% in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2021, moving to $6.698 billion from $7.012 billion.

At the same time, operating income decreased 11% to $1.6 billion.

That’s just part of the woes at Disney in its final three months of its 2021 fiscal year, as Disney+ subscription slowdowns were the focal point of investor concerns and those of analysts that had forecast bigger revenue for the company overall.

While international channels improved year-over-year, the domestic story is one that will be questioned.

Domestic Channels revenues for the quarter decreased 5% to $5.4 billion as operating income decreased 14% to $1.4 billion.

The decrease in operating income was due to decreases at Broadcasting and, in particular, to lower results at ABC and the owned television stations.

The decrease at ABC was due to an increase in marketing costs and higher programming and production costs, partially offset by higher affiliate revenue.

And, Disney explains that the increase in programming and production costs was driven by higher average cost of acquired programming in the current quarter, partially offset by the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

Affiliate revenue growth was due to an increase in contractual rates, partially offset by the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

ABC advertising revenue was comparable to the prior-year quarter as the comparison to the additional week of operations and the broadcast of the Emmy Awards show in the prior-year quarter was offset by higher impressions in the current quarter, reflecting more units delivered, and increased rates.

The decrease at the owned television stations was due to lower political advertising in the current quarter and the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

Overall, Disney missed the consensus estimates as compiled by Bloomberg. Revenue came in at $18.53 billion, up from $14.71 billion but shy of the $18.78 billion expected by analysts. Adjusted EPS of $0.37 was seen, rising from -$0.20. However, analysts forecasts put Disney’s fiscal Q4 EPS at $0.49.

Disney+ subscriber forecasts were also off. Disney reported 118.1 million. Analysts expected 119.6 million.

This triggered an after-hours decline for Disney shares. As of 4:54pm Eastern, DIS was off 3.33% to $168.57, following a 66-cent dip in regular trading to $174.45.

Don’t miss Debra OConnell, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, on Tuesday as she co-chairs Forecast 2022. 

For full details and to register, click here!

Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson and CFO Stu Rosenstein are confirmed as attendees of the upcoming “Q4 Virtual Investor Summit.”

For Wilson, the event comes just 24 hours after the conclusion of Forecast 2022, for which he is a co-chair.

Wilson and Rosenstein will highlight the company’s transformation into what Townsquare calls a “Digital First” enterprise. While radio stations are a key part of Townsquare Media, the company generates nearly 50% of its total revenue from its Digital Platform and Solutions.

They include Townsquare Ignite, and Townsquare Interactive.

The company’s presentation is scheduled for 10:15am Eastern on Wednesday, November 17.

A live webcast and replay of the presentation will be available on the investor relations page of Townsquare’s website at www.townsquaremedia.com.

On June 1, RBR+TVBR first reported on the proposed sale of WTMD-FM 89.7 in Towson, Md., an eclectic Adult Alternative noncommercial operation within the Baltimore market, to Your Public Radio Corporation.

On November 10, “Public Radio Music Day” across the U.S., the transaction closed.

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On December 1, leadership changes at stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., Univision Communications is gaining control of from Entravision will transpire.

At the same time, Univision is giving a promotion to local leader Roberto Yañez.

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Should Cox Media Group be granted additional time to fully divest itself of two FM radio stations in the state of Florida, needed transactions contingent on the FCC’s approval of the company’s transition to majority ownership by Apollo Global Management?

The Commission wants your input on the matter, so it can make its best informed decision on a request with a short expiration date.

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On Tuesday, November 16, attendees of Forecast 2022 will likely enjoy the last-ever public appearance as NAB President/CEO of former Oregon Senator Gordon Smith.

At the event, presented by RBR+TVBR and Radio Ink, Smith will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in a luncheon presentation from Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. 

Later in the day, Smith will engage in a roundtable conversation about the NAB’s leadership transition with his successor, Curtis LeGeyt, moderated by former NAB EVP for Industry Affairs and Strategic Planning Steve Newberry, today CEO of Quu.

Ahead of that discussion, Smith on Wednesday delivered his final State of the Industry Address.

We are pleased to offer Smith’s entire address here:

GORDON SMITH STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ADDRESS

2021 MARCONI AWARD WINNERS REVEALED

ROCK STATION OF THE YEAR: KLOS-FM/Los Angeles
SPANISH STATION OF THE YEAR: KLLI-FM “Cali 93.9″/Los Angeles
NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR: WTOP-FM/Washington, D.C.
MEDIUM MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Dan Potter — The KRMG Morning News with Dan Potter, KRMG-FM/Tulsa
COUNTRY STATION OF THE YEAR: WYCD-FM/Detroit
SPORTS STATION OF THE YEAR: KTCK-AM/Dallas
SMALL MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Frito & Katy, KNDE “Kandy 95” in Bryan-College Station, Tex.
CHR STATION OF THE YEAR: KNDE “Kandy 95” in Bryan-College Station, Tex.
SMALL MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: WTAW-AM/College Station, Tex.
MAJOR MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KYW-AM/Philadelphia
CLASSIC HITS STATION OF THE YEAR: WCBS-FM/New York
LARGE MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KTMY-FM/Minneapolis
AC STATION OF THE YEAR: WTMX-FM/Chicago
URBAN STATION OF THE YEAR: WEDR-FM “99 JAMZ”/Miami
COLLEGE STATION OF THE YEAR: WPSC-FM, William Patterson University, Wayne, N.J.
RELIGIOUS STATION OF THE YEAR: WGTS-FM/Washington, D.C.
MEDIUM MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KRMG-FM/Tulsa
MAJOR MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: The Musers, (George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith), KTCK-AM/Dallas
LARGE MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Ann Kelly, WDUV-FM “105.5 The Dove” in Tampa
NETWORK SYNDICATED PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Rickey Smiley, Reach Media, Urban One
LEGENDARY MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Ben Downs, Bryan Broadcasting
LEGENDARY STATION OF THE YEAR: WSB-AM/Atlanta

Promotional image of the TuneIn app.

The fight for dashboard visibility continues among audio content providers. Streaming service TuneIn is now collaborating with Harman International in a partnership that targets carmakers.

“Together, Harman and TuneIn will join forces to create a pre-integrated implementation of the TuneIn app, bringing on-demand live sports, news, music, podcasts and radio to the Harman Ignite Store,” they announced.

The Ignite Store is a connected vehicle platform that Harman says lets automakers develop and operate their own in-vehicle app stores.

“Automotive manufacturers can leverage the Harman Ignite Store digital ecosystem to enable drivers to download a TuneIn app tailored to the in-car environment,” the companies stated.

“Through the app, TuneIn listeners can access audio content from around the world, while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”

They said their scalable platform can be customized and added into an automaker’s development cycle, “allowing manufacturers to benefit from faster go-to-market timelines and gain the ability to tailor in-vehicle offerings to meet specific customer needs.”

Drivers will be offered a free trial subscription to TuneIn Premium and personalized content recommendations from the dashboard app.

The announcement was made by Harman Ignite Store VP Albert Jordan and TuneIn CEO Richard Stern.

The post TuneIn Collaborates With Harman appeared first on Radio World.

Rob Bertrand and Andy Gunn

Early in 2020, WAMU completed its new ERI 1183-series FM master antenna system, the largest in Washington, D.C. It serves WAMU, WTOP and WPFW, and is an aux for WETA. The tower also holds separate noncombined antennas for WMMJ(FM) and a backup to WPGC(FM).

Senior Director of Technology Rob Bertrand had been part of the management group for a high-profile master antenna group in another major market, which had experienced some operational challenges over the course of its history that a modern monitoring system might have alleviated. When Director of Engineering Andy Gunn joined the WAMU team, the two set the goal of building the most robust system they could imagine.

Rob contributed his knowledge from managing the prior system and Andy brought his tenacity, creativity, and attention to detail to the project. The result was an implementation of Burk’s Arcturus system of which both engineers are very proud and is a showcase of the system’s capabilities.

[See Radio World’s 2020 Article About This Project]

The monitoring and control project sought to address multiple concerns from the start. Several of the stations have relatively high TPOs in the 20 to 30 kW range, so very solid VSWR monitoring is important. There are unique switching and monitoring considerations to meet some of the backup features incorporated into the antenna systems. There was also a strong desire to ensure the system would accommodate the addition of more stations in the future.

Prior experiences with esoteric failures made redundancy a significant design concern across the system. WAMU wanted dual interlock strings for each station operating in parallel so no single wire would cause an interlock issue for stations. They also added dual dehydrators, which automatically rotate duty cycle via Arcturus, and can be switched online in the event of failure.

Multiple safety features were incorporated: U-links on every transmitter input to the system as well as a key switch and controller lockout system to protect climbers on the tower. There is also a centrally located interlock bypass for when maintenance is required on the VSWR monitoring system itself.

The Burk Plus-X VSWR fit the bill for a self-contained VSWR monitoring unit that would be fast-acting, have three-strike capability, and operate even if it lost connection to the Arcturus controller. Additional Burk Plus-X 600 and Plus-X EM32 units provide the necessary I/O to operate additional functions and monitor critical temperatures, fire, and security statuses throughout the complex.

Burk engineers collaborated with WAMU to program many macros on the Arcturus system that gives it the extensive functionality required. The sheer quantity of monitoring and control points across the system necessitated relatively complex macros, which Burk designed. WAMU also requested the ability to view key system values over the course of a year, so that operating variables across seasons could be tracked. Burk delivered multiple custom pages of monitoring and control in AutoPilot to meet all these needs. Paul Shulins and David Wing of Shulins Solutions provided integration services for the installation of the system. They were vital in thinking through the installation and making sure there were no “gotchas” in this stage.

The Arcturus system has been running reliably for WAMU and its tenants for nearly 18 months. During the initial buildout there were several challenges in ironing out final configurations, but Burk support worked with WAMU as was necessary to get everything as they wanted it to be. The wiring for the system is very complex, and the labeling and documentation for the system is similarly complex. It took a while to determine the best method to label and document the system. The complex macros required extensive testing to ensure they didn’t have any unintended consequences — for instance, opening interlocks in the event of power loss to a single unit or loss of network connection between the devices. Thorough testing and final corrective action ensured the platform will be reliable and responsive to the needs of DC’s largest master FM system for years to come.

Info: Contact Matt Leland at Burk Technology at 1-978-486-0086 or https://www.burk.com.

Radio World User Reports are testimonial articles intended to help readers understand why a colleague chose a particular product to solve a technical situation.

 

The post User Report: Burk Arcturus Serves Washington’s WAMU appeared first on Radio World.

It’s that time of year when the predictions and prognostications start rolling off the presses. But there’s only one place where broadcasters will have a chance in 2021 to review, face to face, one of the most important and transformative years ever and examine the coming one when what we’ve learned and what has changed could alter and move business in the year to come. It’s Forecast 2022 — the one opportunity to discuss in person the impact of a new FCC, of a midterm election set to spend record dollars in advertising, of the future of cross-ownership, of diversity in marketing and branding and what that could mean for radio and television, and so much more. It’s your one chance to drill down and ask questions — questions that often come in response to answers to other questions. Spontaneous. Enlightening. Provocative. The way it is when you’re in the room together. The way it is at Forecast 2022. All wrapped up with the industry’s premiere networking event, the Broadcast Leadership Reception.

 

Register for this event, on Tuesday in New York, today!

 

 

Take it from Gordon Borrell … You’ve Got To Be There! Gordon Borrell, CEO, Borrell Associates Register today!

 

Colorado Public Radio logo

Colorado Public Radio and a local community college will exchange radio signals in Colorado Springs.

CPR and Pikes Peak Community College said that early next year, the college’s station KEPC will change call letters to KXRE and air on 102.1 FM and 1490 AM, while CPR’s “Indie 102.3” will air on 89.7 in Colorado Springs and 93.3 in Pueblo.

“Indie 102.3 began broadcasting in Colorado Springs in April 2020 and has seen steady audience growth in the region,” said CPR President/CEO Stewart Vanderwilt, who made the announcement with PPCC President Lance Bolton.

“We’re excited to expand its reach through this trade while also establishing a paid internship program for students from Pikes Peak Community College.”

PPCC students will have the opportunity to intern with KRCC, the news station operated by CPR in southern Colorado.

Bolton said CPR gets a stronger signal, and the students get new internship opportunities at KRCC.

“Meanwhile, the college’s station, now called Xtra Music 102.1, will continue to play the maximum variety of tunes that our campus community loves.” That station is run by faculty and operated by students. Its interns are enrolled in the Broadcast and Electronic Media Program at the school.

CPR and station KRCC will also provide engineering assistance to PPCC’s tower and infrastructure.

The post A Radio Station Swap in Colorado Springs appeared first on Radio World.

The seven-day filing window for applications for new noncommercial educational FM station construction permits closed Tuesday evening. Almost 1,300 applications were received.

The FCC’s Media Bureau now will look for mutually exclusive (MX) groups of applications – those that conflict with one another – as well as “singletons,” those that do not. Then the bureau will release public notices to identify MX groups of applications and explain the procedures for filing settlement agreements and technical amendments. MX applicants will have an opportunity to resolve conflicts through settlements or technical amendments.

The commission also placed a temporary freeze on the filing of any amendments to NCE FM new station applications submitted in this filing window until Nov. 29.

The window is only for proposals in the FM reserved band, Channels 201 to 220, which is 87.9 to 91.9 MHz, and individual entities could only apply for up to 10.

The post Almost 1,300 Applications Received in NCE FM Window appeared first on Radio World.

With the aim of providing financial assistance to those in broadcasting who need it most, the Broadcasters Foundation of America has launched its annual year-end giving campaign in which more than $1.8 million in aid will be awarded to broadcast colleagues. The 501(c)3 charity is dedicated exclusively to delivering financial aid to broadcasters and their families whose lives have been upended by illness, accident or catastrophe.

This year’s call for donations follows nearly two years of cancelled fundraising events, most caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organization, more broadcasters than ever have reached out for monthly or emergency relief.

[Read: Broadcasters Foundation Offers Aid for Texas Broadcasters]

“Requests for assistance have escalated at a significant rate over the past several years,” said Jim Thompson, co-president of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Combined with the cancellation of several fundraising events due to the pandemic, personal and corporate donations are vital to continuing our charitable mission of disbursing financial aid to those in your industry who need it most.”

Over the past 20 years, the Broadcasters Foundation has distributed more than $15 million to broadcasters in need. Since 2017, the organization has awarded more than 500 emergency grants and increased monthly grants 75%. Donations are made through several funds including the Guardian Fund, which handles individual donations, the Angel Initiative, which takes in corporate contributions, and the Legacy Society, which handles bequest request.

“Our grant recipients are hard-working broadcasters from across the country and from all size markets, who have been hit by challenging, often life-altering circumstances,” said Scott Herman, chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. “With the support and generosity of the people in our industry, we can help … colleagues and their families get through their toughest times.”

To donate or learn more, contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 1-212-373-8250, info@thebofa.org or at www.broadcastersfoundation.org.

 

The post Giving Campaign Aims to Distribute $1.8 million to Broadcasters appeared first on Radio World.

On November 5, it became known that audience measurement services in Orlando and Tampa, Fla., and in Washington, D.C., will be delivered to Univision Communications exclusively by a company that continues to fuel its desire to compete head-on with Nielsen in the U.S. broadcast TV marketplace.

With its stock stuck in the mid-$3 range across 2021, the thirst for providing an alternative to Nielsen is apparent for Comscore. And, it is slowly succeeding, as it has a new expanded agreement with the owner of television stations in eight small to mid-sized U.S. markets.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. — For 18 years, he was President/CEO of Buntin Out-of-Home Media. Since 2018, he has led his own consultancy, focused on business innovation.

As of December 31, this 1989 SUNY Albany graduate who has never worked inside a radio station will replace Area President Kristen Delaney at the nation’s largest audio content and distribution company — an appointment that speaks volumes of the type of leadership iHeartMedia seeks in 2021.

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John Bisset shares a clever use for toothpicks.

Joan Warner comments on the state of the digital radio rollout in Australia.

Audio company In:Quality offers codecs with a twist.

Debate over WMAS specifics heats up.

Mark Lapidus digs into a report about the state of audio, published by Audacy.

And Delilah talks with Radio World about her hopes for the radio station that she recently acquired in Oregon.

Read it here.

The post Inside the Nov. 10, 2021 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

He’s largely known across the radio industry as the former President/COO and equity investor and partner in the Dick Clark-founded United Stations Radio Networks (USRN). Most recently, he was President/CEO at national radio entity Key Networks.

Now he’s teaming up with the Managing Partner of Gen Media Partners for the launch of a new radio content and service provider and producer.

Introducing G Accelerate. It will see Friedland and Higgins each hold a stake in the operation, while Higgins will lead it as President/CEO.

“G Accelerate Networks will be laser-focused on bringing in new business from both existing and new radio content and service providers, producers, and programs that are looking to accelerate their revenue potential, as well as increase their affiliated stations and national footprint,” GMP says.

Explaining the creation of G Accelerate, Higgins said, “Too many radio content producers are getting lost and not getting the attention and dedicated sales and affiliate services required to keep them top-of-mind with stations and thriving financially. Warren and I are committed to changing that result for those clients that join us at G Accelerate. We welcome the opportunity to provide them with the effort, resources, and passion required to deliver growth and success.”

G Accelerate Networks will tap into and work with Gen Media Partners’ G Networks, Hispanic Radio Networks (HRN), Gen Media Partners Radio Reps, and other GMP offerings “to assist in growing their revenues and affiliations.”

With an eye towards its expansion, Friedland stated, “G Accelerate will also be looking for select equity investments and acquisitions in content and service provider companies whose vision and mission lines up with or complements Gen Media Partners. We’ve known Jim for many years, and he was always the shining star of the companies lucky enough to have worked with him. His vast executive experience and client relationships with both creatives, producers, agencies, and advertisers is unmatched in the network business. We are thrilled to be a part of his new venture.”

 

To learn more about G Accelerate Networks, content creators and radio stations may contact Jim Higgins at Jim.higgins@genmediapartners.com.

Following Tuesday’s closing bell on Wall Street, Des Moines-based Meredith Corporation shared that its Board of Directors has approved the distribution of one share of Meredith Holdings Corporation (“New Meredith”) common stock for each share of common stock of the company as it exists today, and one share of “New Meredith” Class B common stock for each share of soon-to-be “Old Meredith” class B stock held as of November 19.

This effectively put the Meredith/Gray Merger Marathon at Mile 26, with the finish line clearly in sight. In fact, Meredith has a date within the next month when it expects the closing to occur.

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Nexstar Media Group has appointed a 25-year broadcast management and sales veteran to the role of VP/GM of its operations in DMA No. 90 — Champaign-Urbana-Springfield, Ill.

He’s already on-site at the stations, reporting to Nexstar Broadcasting SVP/Regional Manager Traci Wilkinson.

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