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Issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $4,500 to Autaugaville Radio, Inc., for failure to timely file license renewal applications for WXKD(AM), Brantley, Alabama, and W292HL, Troy, Alabama

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Magic Air Communications Co. enters into consent decree to resolve political file investigation

Red Beacon Communications, LLC enters into consent decree to resolve political file investigation

Effective immediately, she’s the new Station Manager of Chattanooga’s NBC affiliate.

In early 2022, she’ll further climb the latter of this Sarkes Tarzian station, taking the position of General Manager.

Consider it great job security for Callie Starnes.

The bump set to come is the result of President/GM Pam Teague’s pending rise to COO of Sarkes Tarzian, which the company previously announced.

She’ll continue in her role as News Director for WRCB-3, while assisting in overseeing the station’s operations across broadcasting, digital and mobile platforms.

“Callie truly deserves the opportunity to lead Channel 3 as its General Manager,” said Tom Tolar, Sarkes Tarzian’s Chief Operating Officer. “She is passionate about providing outstanding service to our viewers, community, and advertisers.  Her leadership and focus have produced impressive results for the Eyewitness News Team.  I am confident she will use those same leadership and decision-making skills to continue the strong performance of WRCB.”

Teague agreed, “Callie’s commitment to excellence in news and strategic thinking make her a natural for this new role. She is highly respected in the industry and by her peers. She will lead the talented staff of Channel 3 for years to come.”

Starnes first joined WRCB in 2008. After serving as an anchor and investigative reporter for several years, Starnes was named Assistant News Director. She has led the news department since being named News Director in 2016.

If there ever was a man true to his words, Byron Allen is perhaps the best example of one who turns bold statements into big deals.

He’s stated that his Allen Media Group intends to invest impressive amounts of cash on broadcast TV station purchases. The first deal struck: 10 spinoff sales tied to Gray Television‘s blockbuster $950 million merger with Quincy Media, Inc.

AMG’s deal for those spins has just closed, coinciding with the completion of the Gray/Quincy deal.

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On January 7, Illinois-based broadcast media operation Quincy Media Inc., owner of 24 over-the-air TV stations, confirmed that it was “considering” a sale of all of its assets. Less than one month later, a buyer emerged.

With today’s closing bell on Wall Street, the mega-deal was officially done. Gray Television is now the owner of the QMI stations not spun to Allen Media Group. 

And, it formally marks the end of an era — and the leadership of Ralph Oakley.

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If there’s a silver lining to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Florida, California and parts of Ohio and Georgia, it is this: Lysol has your back, broadcast TV.

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When the year started, influential Wall Street financial house MoffettNathanson was optimistic that the first half of 2021 was going to be “all blue skies” for broad patches of the traditional media and digital ecosystems.

After taking a close look at domestic digital advertising growth, Senior Analyst Michael Nathanson uses the word “only” to describe the acceleration in dollars for the GAFAN group.

What does this mean for broadcast media companies set to release their Q2 earnings reports?

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A Bay Area entrepreneur who once appeared on-camera at KGO-7 in San Francisco has been an active buyer of late of low-power TV stations across the U.S.

He’s at it again. Ravi Kapur has just snagged a pair of LPTVs serving two of the Sunshine State’s biggest markets.

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Black Lion Audio has launched its PG-P Portable Power Conditioner, built around its proprietary PG-P portable filtering technology.

It says the aim is to provide the same level of noise filtering as found in rack-mount power conditioners.

Black Lion says that the power conditioner is built using Panasonic capacitors, selected to help eliminate high-frequency noise. As a result, the unit provides studio-grade power-on-the-go via six wall-wart-spaced outlets, as well as Ground OK, Protection On and Clean Power On LEDs.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

PG-P is available to purchase through Black Lion Audio’s global network of dealers/distributors with a MAP of $69.

The unit comes on the heels of the new PG-2, a pro power conditioner that Black Lion recently introduced, offering a 120 V Power Grid of 14 outlets in a 2U rack-mountable chassis.

The PG-2 sports proprietary PG-99 Filtering Technology, alongside a suite of status and alert capabilities, all of which Black Lion says helps the unit provide an average of 99.7% of noise filtering.

The power conditioner features Panasonic and Wimi capacitors, and offers filtration with a reported power absorption rating of 2,775 joules. Also, the PG-2 features a bank of 12 switched, filtered, and surge-protected outlets on its back panel arranged as three groups — four digital audio outlets, four analog audio outlets and four high current outlets.

Send your new equipment news to radioworld@futurenet.com.

Info: www.blacklionaudio.com

 

The post Black Lion Audio Launches PG-P Portable Power Conditioner appeared first on Radio World.

An Alabama broadcaster faces a $4,500 fine for not filing for license renewal on time.

The Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission issued the notice of apparent liability to Autaugaville Radio Inc., saying the broadcaster failed to file by the deadline required for seeking renewal of licenses for its AM station WXKD in Brantley, Ala., and its FM translator W292HL in Troy.

The applications for renewal should have been filed by April 1, the first day of the fourth full calendar month prior to the expiration dates for the licenses. The commission said the broadcaster eventually filed prior to license expiration, but that it did not explain its failure to meet the earlier deadline.

The company now has 30 days to pay, respond or appeal. The proposed fine consists of the full $3,000 base forfeiture amount for the AM and a reduced forfeiture of $1,500 for translator.

The Media Bureau found no other issues with the license renewal applications, which it indicated it plans to approve once the forfeiture proceeding is finalized.

 

The post Alabama Station Faces Fine for Late License Renewal appeared first on Radio World.

DAYTON, OHIO — With little fanfare, two FM radio stations serving the Miami Valley officially ended their respective formats, with a change transpiring just past 12:01am Monday.

The stations, which had been operated by iHeartMedia as part of its Dayton cluster, are now licensed to a different operator.

They weren’t sold, however. The FM pair were given away as a donation by the trust that had served as its licensee for 14 years.

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RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION

As the month of July 2021 came to an end, an important anniversary in the history of rock ‘n’ roll music was observed by at least one terrestrial radio station. It was also observed on the Sirius XM channel that’s home to three of the four personalities that helped make it an institution. Just past midnight on August 1, 1981, MTV officially signed on the air, available to a lucky few in New Jersey.

By February 1983, however, MTV was growing. It was Channel G on Manhattan Cable systems in New York City. And, it was shaping popular music for a new generation of radio listeners. Among those who perhaps looked to MTV to determine what local listeners wanted was the owner of a Mercedes 450 SL convertible getting attention for an unconventional morning “Zoo” at a radio station in Tampa owned by Gary Edens.

Twenty-four months and one day after MTV’s midnight splash, Scott Shannon signed WHTZ on the air from 333 Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus, N.J.

Today, MTV is remembered for what it was. Shannon, and the station he built, are still going strong and very much part of today’s consumer choices.

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Thirteen months ago, iHeartMedia officially launched BIN: Black Information Network under the leadership of company veteran Tony Coles and Director of News Operations Tanita Myers. 

As of this week, KBLA-AM 1500 in Los Angeles has signed on the air under the ownership of Tavis Smiley. Its mission: to be a home for Black Lives Matter.

Now, Bloomberg Radio is responding to the thirst for African American-focused insight and information by launching “a daily look at the intersection of culture and commerce affecting Black American audiences.”

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August 5 will certainly be an active day for Wall Street analysts and investors who care about the financial results of publicly traded broadcast media companies.

No less than six earnings calls are on the calendar, with the latest addition to the slate of Q2 2021 releases just announcing their conference call time.

Their earnings call will be held opposite that of Gray Television.

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The Calrec Type R compact console at Athens, Greece’s Pepper 96.6 FM.

Pepper 96.6 FM in Greece’s capital city of Athens has chosen to install a Calrec Type R compact console.

Station Technical Director Anastasios Labropoulos cited the console’s compatibility and flexibility with IP technology as one of the deciding factors, along with “ease of utilization; ease of upgrading software; and last but not least, the number of I/Os and faders.” He singled out the onboard mic preamps as being of “great quality.”

[See Our Who’s Buying What Page]

The small six-fader mixer and screen fit the station’s requirements. “Since we are primarily a music station, we had no need for a larger console; the current configuration of the Type R with specific I/O and faders fully covers our needs,” Labropoulos explained.

Calrec’s Greek partner Bon Studio S.A. provided key services.

Submit announcements for Who’s Buying What to radioworld@futurenet.com.

 

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Tanita Myers is the director of news operations for iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network. She discusses the inner workings and reason for the news and information source.

She was interviewed by Suzanne Gougherty, director of MMTC Media and Telecom Brokers at the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council. MMTC commentaries appear regularly in Radio World, which welcomes other points of view on industry issues.

Suzanne Gougherty: Soon to be BIN’s first anniversary, I imagine it has been a super exciting year – being part of historical launch of the FIRST Radio News outlet dedicated to serving the Black community, please tell us a few of your top highlights?
Tanita Myers: The Black Information Network’s first anniversary is such a wonderful milestone. In fact, it’s historic. It is such a privilege to be part of a network whose mission is to inform my community on issues that affect us every day and to have our stories told by people who look just like me.

The Black Information Network came along at just the right time as America and the world was dealing with a racial reckoning. It always seemed as if the mainstream media would only report the negativity within the Black community, therefore providing viewers with a slanted perspective on the experiences within the Black community.

At the Black Information Network we get to dive in deeper to expose the roots of some of the disparities that have plagued our community; but more importantly we also have the opportunity to highlight the incredible strides, accomplishments and sheer ingenuity of what makes Black people an incredible part of the world’s fabric.

[Read: Coles Takes a Bold Step]

There have been many highlights this past year including our coverage of the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris, BIN’s live coverage of the Derek Chauvin trial and of course the opportunity to pay homage to civil rights leaders who have helped paved the way for true progress for the African-American community.

I’m also proud of how BIN has covered international stories such as the fighting in Tigray region of Ethiopia, lack of COVID resources in Haiti and the strife of Black people around the world who have also started their own Black Lives Matter movements.

I beam with joy every day to lead an award-winning team of journalist who brings these stories to life, from our perspective in our voice.

Gougherty: You not only produce news content, you’re a host, along with an array of other responsibilities, how to you juggle day-to-day operations? And what takes priority?
Myers: Juggling day-to-day operations is easy because of the extraordinary talented team that surrounds me. They are all personally invested in making sure BIN highlights the most important stories that educate and inform our listeners. Our priority lies in finding and researching the stories about Black experiences — whether police brutality, systemic racism, oppressive laws, voting rights, opportunities for Blacks to prosper, build thriving communities and more. The old adage that “knowledge is power” is something we subscribe to.

Gougherty: When and how does your day start and end? How do you relax?
Myers: My day begins at 2:30 a.m. ET which allows me to prep for our first editorial pitch meeting at 3 a.m. ET. I also use that time to catch up on overnight emails and news to make sure we are always accurate in our reporting. The 3 a.m. pitch meeting is just one of several during the course of the day. During pitch/editorial our anchors and I discuss what stories should take priority for that day’s reporting and what angles are most relevant to the Black community. The last editorial of the day is at 7 p.m.; after which I spend a couple of hours catching up on emails and checking various wires. Somedays the news cycle moves pretty fast, so I like to make sure we’ve tapped all resources such as social media to ensure we are giving untold stories the exposure needed to invoke change or inspire our community to greatness.

Gougherty: That sounds like a busy, work-dominated schedule. Do you have time to relax or break away?
Myers: Wow, relaxation? What a great question. I really enjoy my job, so sometimes it’s hard for me to relax in the “traditional” sense. There is always news going on! With that being said, I do love to cook and listen to music, usually both as the same time. I’m a pescatarian/vegan, if that’s a real thing, so I love trying out new recipes while listening to some good music of all genres and tempos.

Gougherty: What do you feel are some of the most important issues that impact the Black community? And how do you and your team determine what content is given priority 
Myers: The most important issues affecting the Black community are varied, but usually boil down to the same buckets. Systemic racism, police brutality, economic and health disparities, creating generational wealth and education. Each is a priority and we try our best to make sure we cover the it all.

Gougherty: What were the steps you took to prepare your team for the Chauvin trail? Who was the lead reporter? Tell us about BIN’s live coverage on the ground in St. Paul?
Myers: The Chauvin trial was this generation’s “trial of the century.” We launched the Black Information Network a month after George Floyd’s murder, so we began investigating and reporting all aspects of the case from Day One. When it came time to prepare for the trial we made sure to encompass all facts so we could accurately inform our listeners of how we got to this point in this horrific crime. The Chauvin trial was more than just seeking justice for George Floyd’s murder, the Black community also saw this trial as an opportunity to gain justice for all the other cases of police brutality that were never prosecuted. Because of the magnitude of the trial, for the first time the Black Information Network went live with a daily wrap up special of the day’s court proceedings with legal analysis and reactions from civil rights leaders from around the country. Vanessa Tyler helmed our coverage with contributions from the whole entire staff to make sure we covered every angle of this story.

Gougherty: BIN is on many stations coast to coast, how is local news, weather coordinated and communicated to all the various platforms — from the iHeartRadio apps, smart TV, smart speakers, etc. and over the airwaves?
Myers: The Black Information Network is growing daily and we are absolutely excited to bring local coverage to each of those communities. We have a team of reporters who are dedicated to researching and telling the stories that impact residents in their neighborhoods. When curating the local segments, the Black Information Network homes in on state, city, municipal politics and laws that effect their everyday lives. We also make sure we provide resources that residents can use to benefit their quality of life and empower them to strengthen their communities to generate positive outcomes. We have a wonderful partnership with Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN) and they have a stellar team of reporters who accurately deliver traffic and weather updates to our markets.

Gougherty: Do you have a news assignment desk?
Myers: We definitely have an assignment desk, but our anchors are the real drivers of sourcing news content. Once our daily editorial meeting is completed, stories are assigned based on block type. We cover news, entertainment, sports, and money. We are also fortunate to air commentaries from Roland S. Martin and Mo Kelley that focus on the liberal perspective. Additionally, since Black folks are not monolithic, we are also air conservative commentaries from Black talk show host James T. Harris.

Gougherty: Can you tell us about feature stories? Especially the good news stories that happen often in Black communities that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Myers: There are so many “good news” stories that are overlooked and I’m so glad that we get the opportunity to showcase the Black community in such a positive light. My hope is that sharing these types of stories with our audience will inspire others to greatness and let them know that they too can succeed or become a positive leader in their communities. We also have a feature called “That’s A Fact” — where we applaud the accomplishments of Black people throughout history and those who are making history today. It’s important for our audience to know how wonderfully talented Black people are and the positive innovating things we have contributed to the world at large.

[See More Interviews With Suzanne Gougherty]

Gougherty: How do you assess the end of a news cycle day?
Myers: Ha! The news never ends. We are a 24/7 news network and the word operates on the same clock — news never sleeps.

Gougherty: What experience and understanding of the news industry did you have before joining BIN and how did it assist with the launch of BIN?
Myers: I’ve worked in traditional newsrooms before, but I think the most relevant experience of my career was the 16 years I spent with Tom Joyner. I’m originally from Phoenix, Ariz., and when growing up the Black population was below 10% so there weren’t very many opportunities to learn about our history — just the basics that was taught in school books.

I always tell people that my HBCU is Tom Joyner University. While there I learned so much about who we are as Black people, our history, and the importance of pride in all we do. He also taught me the importance of telling our stories and being unapologetically Black. Tom values education, civil rights, economic empowerment and closing the gap in our health disparities; these are the lessons I take with me every day into the BIN newsroom. I will be forever grateful for the life and broadcast “pearls of wisdom” I learned from The Fly Jock. Without the TJMS experience, I’m not too sure I would have been able to help guide this network into its true purpose of telling our stories, in our voice, from our perspective.

 

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