Drive Time Metrics Granted Patent For Measurement

Drive Time Metrics, Inc has announced the issuance of US Patent No. 10165070, relating to the collection, measurement and analysis of in-vehicle media usage data.

The invention provides a novel system and unique method for anonymous, holistic, multi-source, in-vehicle media consumption measurement and analytics. Real-time measurement and analysis of all applicable forms of media that a driver or passenger may consume while in a vehicle can be achieved, including AM/FM/HD/DAB radio, satellite radio, stored media such as MP3 & CD/DVD, streaming media, internet radio, audio books, podcasts, audio/video ads, and other forms of audio/video content. Content from the In-Vehicle Entertainment (IVE) system, and also from integration with a smartphone or media player via wired or wireless connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is included.

“DTM delivers valuable new analytics both to its Automotive OEM partners, providing them with new insights into their customers tastes and preferences, and to its media clients, providing them with new tools to optimize their programming.” said Roderick MacKenzie DTM’s CEO.

“We believe that the large data set derived from vehicles will have a tremendous impact on the quality of audio measurement and ad attribution services, allowing audio to prove its effectiveness. This is a giant step for the automotive, media and advertising industries.” said Bob Maccini one of DTM’s Founders and CFO.

“The radio industry will now have measurement at scale allowing more accuracy and deeper insights.” stated Rob Favre, DTM’s Director and Product Manager.

Boston Radio: NFL Patriots, The Sports Hub Extend Broadcast Deal

The New England Patriots announced a multi-year broadcast extension with Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM/98.5 The Sports Hub today during the Zolak and Bertrand Show. \

Since its inception in 2009, 98.5 The Sports Hub has been the official radio flagship station of the New England Patriots. With today’s announcement, every Patriots game will continue to be broadcast throughout New England on Boston’s #1 sports station, 98.5 The Sports Hub, as well as online at 985thesportshub.com or by using the The Sports Hub app.

“For the past 10 seasons, 98.5 The Sports Hub has delivered the play-by-play description of every Patriots game to our fans on one of Boston’s most powerful radio signals,” said Patriots Vice President of Sales Murray Kohl. “Since partnering with 98.5, our flagship station has broadcast the Patriots’ run of 10 consecutive division titles, which has led to the Patriots appearing in seven consecutive conference championship games and four Super Bowls. We hope that success continues for years to come.”

“The Patriots are a religion in New England,” said Beasley Media Group Boston Vice President and Market Manager, Mary Menna. “We are thrilled that our talented team of Bob Socci and former Patriots quarterback, Scott Zolak, will continue to broadcast the games to our fans and that 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Patriots will be partners for many, many years to come.”

Hour 3 of @ZoandBertrand: Jonathan Kraft joins the show, announces a multi-year deal to keep the @Patriots on the Hub. Plus more from @Dan_Shaughnessy and @JDebrusk joins.https://t.co/2Z338T9RYS@scottzolak @Marc_Bertrand @hardy985 @JimLouth

— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) January 3, 2019

The Game Day Patriots action starts three hours before each game with Patriots Preview, hosted by Marc Bertrand, co-host of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak and Bertrand” midday show. Bertrand’s co-host for Patriots Preview is Chris Gasper, Boston Globe and Boston.com columnist as well as Sports Hub commentator. Bertrand also hosts the Patriots Post Game show for three hours following the broadcast with Co-host Big Jim Murray from the “Felger and Mazz” afternoon show.

L-A Radio: News/Talk KABC Unveils New Line-Up

Jillian Barberie and John Phillips

Cumulus Media has  announced that it will unveil a new weekday programming lineup on Los Angeles Talk Radio station 790 KABC, starting Monday, January 7, 2019.

Westwood One nationally syndicated talk radio program The Ben Shapiro Show will join KABC’s lineup, airing in Afternoon Drive Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm.

Moving from Afternoon Drive to Morning Drive is the popular KABC team of John Phillips and Jillian Barberie, whose new show, The Morning Drive, will be heard mornings from 6am-10am.

Larry O’Connor joins KABC for the 10am-12Noon show, and Leeann Tweeden joins Dr. Drew weekdays from 12Noon-3pm on Dr. Drew Midday Live. Rounding out the weekday lineup is KABC favorite Peter Tilden, who returns to his early evening slot from 6pm-9pm.

The Ben Shapiro Show is a high-energy, action-packed program as host and podcast-to-broadcast innovator Ben Shapiro, editor-in-chief of the Sherman Oaks-based website DailyWire.com, covers America’s most powerful political personalities, brutally breaking down the culture, while never giving an inch. An L.A.-born and raised young conservative firebrand, Shapiro hosts the top conservative podcast in the nation, and brings his common sense, pro-America views to Angelenos’ drive home.

John Phillips and Jillian Barberie will wake up Angelenos in their new morning timeslot on KABC.

Ben Shapiro

The dynamic on-air personalities have hosted The Drive Home With John Phillips and Jillian Barberie on 790 since 2014. Phillips is a native of Garden Grove, a regular political commentator on CNN and a weekly columnist for the Orange County Register. He has been heard on KABC for over a decade. Barberie spent nearly 20 years as co-host of Good Day, LA on Fox 11, alongside Steve Edwards and Dorothy Lucey. Her always candid, say-whatever-she’s-thinking style has endeared her to TV and radio fans alike. The mother of two’s battle with and recovery from breast cancer in 2018 has been an inspiration to many.

Larry O’Connor hosts a wildly popular afternoon show on sister station WMAL in Washington, D.C., and now joins KABC in his own backyard, making him radio’s first bi-coastal personality. He will continue to host his show on WMAL. O’Connor attended Corona Del Mar High School in Newport and served as GM of the Schubert Theatre in Century City. He not only has deep SoCal roots, he has first-hand involvement in the issues effecting families- his kids are in high school in L.A. County. O’Connor’s common sense approach, his relationships with political influencers and his infectious laugh have made him a fast favorite.

Golden Mic Award-winning news personality Leeann Tweeden joins Dr. Drew in Middays from the KABC morning show, where the former sports talk show host, model, mother of two and nationally recognized supporter of the U.S. military has provided news and analysis since 2017. Tweeden has been a regular guest on Dr. Drew’s HLN television show and on FOX News Channel.

Peter Tilden’s offbeat take on the news and pop culture, his gift of humor and his unique interview style have entertained KABC listeners for years. In this early-evening incarnation, Tilden’s show will dig into the hottest issues and biggest personalities of the day, making his listeners’ evening commutes that much easier.

Dawn Girocco, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Los Angeles, said: “Ben Shapiro brings a fresh, bold perspective and highly engaging style to KABC Afternoons, and will have L.A. commuters tuning in every weekday, while KABC listeners will love waking up to two of their favorite talk personalities, John Phillips and Jillian Barberie. Leeann Tweeden and Dr. Drew are an inspired pairing, and Larry O’Connor’s local voice and D.C. insight will offer listeners something different. KABC’s popular Peter Tilden will bring us all home at the end of the day.”

Drew Hayes, Operations Director, KABC, said: “Ben Shapiro has become the voice of his generation, delivering fact-based, fearless analysis of the issues challenging America. We are thrilled to welcome Ben to afternoon drive on KABC, in his hometown. He will fit right in with our reloaded lineup: John and Jillian now waking up SoCal, Leeann teaming with Dr. Drew, Peter Tilden for the extended commute home, and Larry O’Connor, who will energize middays.”

Shapiro said: “I couldn't be more thrilled to speak to my fellow Los Angelenos every single day. I grew up listening to 790, and it's an honor and a pleasure to be coming to its hallowed airwaves. I can't wait to bring my brand of hard-hitting, pull-no-punches, information-first talk to the best station in my hometown!"

Baltimore Radio: WBAL Line-Up Adds Weekend Talker

Newsradio WBAL 1090 AM / 101.5 FM has announced its adding local talk with weekend host Yuripzy Morgan joining the weekday line-up from 1-3pm.

Yuripzy Morgan

The "Brett Hollander Show" moves to 3-6pm. Hollander, a 10-year WBAL veteran and Baltimore native, has previously hosted both evening and daytime shows and as a WBAL weekend host and regular commentator.

WBAL Radio President/General Manager Cary L. Pahigian commented, "Insightful talk and analysis, aggressive news coverage, and a staff that understands Baltimore and Maryland has been WBAL's calling card for 93 years."

Morgan added, "This is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to engaging with the WBAL Audience in 2019."

Hollander said, "It is a special privilege to have the opportunity for daily conversation on the issues of the day impacting my hometown with the savvy, intelligent and well-informed listeners of WBAL Radio."

Asbury Park NJ Radio: Marianne Levy EXITS WOBM

Bob and Marianne Levy

Longtime Jersey Shore radio personality Marianne Levy was let go from Townsquare Media this week, she confirmed to the Asbury Park Press on Thursday.

Levy has been a voice on local radio shows spanning back to April 1997, when she joined her husband and fellow radio personality Bob Levy on their show, "Bob and  Marianne in the Morning." The showed ended in December 2015, as Bob Levy entered semi-retirement.

Bob Levy died last March at age 86, after spending about five decades on the Ocean County airwaves at Townsquare Media's WOBM 92.7 FM. A portion of Robbins Street in Toms River was renamed in his honor.

Marianne Levy continued to work for Townsquare Media.

Levy declined to comment about being let go from the company, other than to say she is unsure of what motivated the decision.

"I'll miss what I love doing," she said. "I truly believe that when God closes one door, he opens another."

Dennis Lamme, president of the local Townsquare Media market and the Ocean County-based radio station WOBM-FM, declined to comment.

NFL's Regular Season TV Ratings Rise 5 Percent

Ratings for the NFL finished up 5 percent for the season when compared to last year, according to The Hill citing Nielsen Media Research.

Overall, the NFL averaged 15.76 million viewers per game across CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN for the 2018 regular season, an increase from 2017's 14.96 million.

The improved ratings come over a season when player protests during the national anthem, and the media attention surrounding the actions, greatly subsided.

Most players this season stood for the anthem, and only a handful of players chose to kneel, a stark contrast from 2017.

This season also saw an increase in offensive production across the league. Three teams — Kansas City, the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans — finished the regular season with more points per game than the highest-scoring team the previous year, according to statistics from NFL.com.

ESPN's "Monday Night Football" saw the biggest year-over-year growth with increased viewership of 8 percent, while NBC's "Sunday Night Football" finished up 6 percent for the season from last year.

NBC's recently concluded 13th season of "Sunday Night Football" averaged 19.3 million viewers and is projected to finish as the most-watched program on television across all key metrics for the eighth consecutive year.

In its first year of owning Thursday Night Football rights, Fox saw an increase of 4 percent over 2017's numbers.

CBS and Fox on Sunday afternoons also saw an uptick of 6 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

The first round of the NFL playoffs begin this Saturday, with the Super Bowl set for Feb. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Report: NYTimes Story Upset China

In her new book Merchants of Truth, former New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson claims that the news outlet’s publisher drafted a letter “all but apologizing” to the Chinese government for a tough investigative story about corruption in the country. The story went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. She claims that the publisher’s letter was drafted “with input from the Chinese embassy.”

According to Fast Company, when she first read a draft of the letter that had been leaked to her, “my blood pressure rose,” she writes, and she confronted publisher Arthur Sulzberger, who she claims eventually agreed to reword it with input from her and then managing editor Dean Baquet. But for Abramson, the letter was “still objectionable,” since it included language about being sorry for the “perception” the story created, and the episode “strained” her relationship with Sulzberger. Two years later, she was fired.

According to Abramson, Sulzberger was eager to appease the Chinese government because its operation in China was at stake. The paper had just launched a Chinese-language news site that included original reporting by a staff of 30 Chinese journalists, as well as translations of Times stories. But when reporter David Barboza, who was working on a deeply reported story about how family members of China’s ruling elite had accumulated vast wealth, contacted government officials for comment, they were enraged. The Chinese ambassador requested to meet with Sulzberger to “stop its publication.” Though he offered no evidence to rebut the claims in the story, the ambassador threatened “serious consequences” if the story ran, Abramson writes.

Sulzberger bucked the pressure and decided to let the story run. The publisher later told the paper’s then public editor, Margaret Sullivan, “I’m very proud of this work.” He added: “Our business is to publish great journalism. Does this have a business impact? Of course.”

Within an hour of publication, the story was pulled offline in China. In addition, the website was blocked, no new visas were issued to Times reporters, and some of their Chinese staffers were detained. To this day, the New York Times remains blocked in China.

Former NYTimes Editor: Fox Took Book Out Of Context

Jill Abramson

Jill Abramson, the former editor of The New York Times, said Thursday that Fox News took her criticism of the newspaper’s Trump coverage in her upcoming book “totally out of context” for a story that appeared this week.

The Fox story, headlined “Former NY Times editor rips Trump coverage as biased,” quotes from Abramson’s book, “Merchants of Truth.” She wrote that although current Times executive editor Dean Baquet publicly said he didn’t want the newspaper to be the opposition party, “his news pages were unmistakably anti-Trump.” With a mostly liberal audience, “there was an implicit financial reward for the Times in running lots of Trump stories, almost all of them negative,” she wrote in the book.

Abramson was executive editor of the Times from 2011 to 2014 before being fired following a dispute with Baquet, one of her deputies. She said in an email interview with The Associated Press that the Fox article’s author, “Media Buzz” host Howard Kurtz, had ignored compliments that she had for the Times and The Washington Post.

“His article is an attempt to Foxify my book, which is full of praise for The Times and The Washington Post and their coverage of Trump,” she wrote in the email.

Kurtz said in a phone interview with the AP that he was “sorry to see Jill back away from her own words” and that his report was accurate.

“I would have written this story the same way if I were working for any news organization,” said Kurtz, a former Washington Post media columnist. “Her sometimes harsh criticism of her former paper’s Trump coverage leaps off the page and is clearly the most newsworthy element in the book because of her standing as a former executive editor.”

NAB Opens Window For Crystal Radio Awards Noms

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is accepting entries for the NAB Crystal Radio Awards, honoring outstanding community service. Winners are announced at the We Are Broadcasters Celebration, held Tuesday, April 9 during the 2019 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Established in 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards bring national recognition to radio stations for their year-round commitment to serving communities. A panel of judges with backgrounds in broadcasting and community service select 50 finalists and 10 winners.

Stations must submit an online entry here describing their community service efforts for the 2018 calendar year.

Finalists will be announced in February. Entry submissions must be received by January 31. Entry information is available here or by contacting NAB Radio Recognition Programs Manager Tobi Hall (thall@nab.org).

Report: Hip-Hop Most-Streamed Genre Of Music

BuzzAngle's just released music-consumption report for 2018 found continued trends of increased streaming and falling sales and downloads, while Hip-Hop and Rap remain as the most popular music genre. For instance:

For the second year in a row, overall consumption growth was up double-digits. 2018 total consumption showed a 16.2% increase over 2017, which we showed last year to be up 12.8% over 2016.

On-demand audio stream consumption continued to fuel the overall growth, increasing 41.8% to 534.6B streams, up from 376.9B streams last year. Total on-demand streams, including both audio and video, topped 809B for the year. In the fourth quarter of 2018, a dominant 85% of all audio streams were subscription-based.

The # of unique titles audio-streamed in 2018 totaled 3M more than in 2017, a 9.2% increase.

Consumers are exercising their choice to explore new music, which is a terrific sign for the industry.
Album sales and song sales continued to decline, 18.2% and 28.8% respectively, and physical sales declined 15.3%. Vinyl sales continued to grow with an increase of 11.9% over 2016.

Highlights:

• Audio on-demand streams set a new record high of 534.6 billion, up 42% over the previous record of 376.9 billion streams in 2017. 
• Total on-demand streams of 809.5 billion streams, up 35% over the previous record of 598 billion streams in 2017.
• During the 4th quarter of 2018, subscription streams accounted for 85% of all on-demand audio streams (157.4 billion).
• Subscription streams grew 50% during the 4th quarter of 2018 and accounted for 85% of total audio streams for the quarter. In 2017, subscription streams were up 57% over 2016.
• Song consumption in 2018 reached a new high of 5.8 billion, up 27% over 2017.
• Vinyl album sales were up 12% in 2018 after seeing a 20% growth in 2017 over 2016. Vinyl album sales accounted for 13.7% of all physical album sales, up from 10% in 2017 and 8% in 2016.
• Only nine songs were streamed more than 500 million times in 2018, compared to 16 in 2017, six in 2016 and two in 2015.
• Not one song broke one million sales in 2018. Last year, two songs had more than two million song downloads, compared to five songs and 16 in 2015. In 2017, only 14 songs sold more than one million song downloads compared to 36 in 2016 and 60 songs in 2015.
• The Hip-Hop/Rap genre had the largest genre-share of total album consumption, 21.7% (up from 17.5% in 2017). Pop and Rock followed with 20.1% and 14% respectively. 
• For the third year in a row, Hip-Hop/Rap was the top genre in terms of total song consumption, 24.7% (up from 20.9% in 2017), followed by Pop (19%) and Rock (12%).
• In that same time, Urban songs (Hip-Hop/Rap and R&B) were the most-streamed songs among all genres, comprising 36% of all on-demand streams, up from 32% in 2017. Pop was second at 19.3%, up from 15.6% in 2017.
• Streaming of titles in the Rock genre (including Rock, Alternative, Metal, Indie Rock, Punk) went from 19% in 2017 down to 11% in 2018 -- the same percentage as Latin songs.
• Album titles from the Rock & Pop genres each accounted for 26% of all album sales in 2018, down from 29% and 19.7% respectively, in 2017. Country garnered 13% of all album sales, while Urban (Hip-Hop/Rap and R&B) had 12%.
• Three years ago more than 65% of all vinyl album sales fell into the Rock genre. Last year, it was 42% of vinyl albums and two years ago, it was 54%. Pop title sales rose from 14% in 2017 to 26% in 2018. Urban titles pulled a 14.4% share.26% of song sales in 2018 were titles from the Pop genre, 25% were Urban songs, and 15% were Rock and Country individually.

D-C Radio: WZHF Owner Must Register As Foreign Agent

The Department of Justice is pressing a federal judge to make a South Florida radio-broadcasting company register as a foreign agent for selling round-the-clock airtime to a Russian government-owned media outlet.

In Florida federal court, the Justice Department’s National Security Division is at odds with RM Broadcasting over the company’s refusal to register as a foreign agent in connection with the airing of radio shows from the Russia-owned Rossiya Segodnya.

The programs at issue are broadcast on Washington, D.C. station WZHF 1390 AM by Rossiya Segodnya’s branch Sputnik International, according to Courthouse News citing court documents. Sputnik announced its expansion to WZHF in late 2017, with a press release headlined, “All We Hear is Radio Sputnik: Russians Invade 1390 AM.”

RM Broadcasting claims it simply sold airtime to Rossiya Segodnya, and that it was never under the direction of the Russian media group. RM points to a clause in its contract with the Russian outlet that states: “Nothing in this agreement is intended to or shall operate to create a partnership between the parties or authorize either party to act as an agent for the other.”

RM initiated the federal court case in October, seeking relief from the Department of Justice’s demands that it register under FARA, the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938.

The company describes itself as a Florida broadcasting firm owned by a Bronx-raised broadcast industry veteran. It says its business model involves buying up and reselling airtime to clients.

But the Department of Justice said Monday that if companies like RM Broadcasting are not required to register, Russia and other countries would be able to sidestep federal law requiring disclosure statements to accompany foreign government-controlled broadcasts in the U.S. Moreover, the department claims, foreign countries would be able to quietly contract their way around U.S. restrictions on foreign ownership of broadcast licenses. 

If RM Broadcasting is found to be subject to the registration requirements, the company will have to make financial disclosures, release its service agreement with Rossiya Segodnya, and submit copies of material broadcast on behalf of Rossiya Segodnya, according to the court documents.

January 4 Radio History

Al 'Jazzbo' Collins

➦In 1919...radio personality Al ‘Jazzbo’ Collins was born in Rochester, N.Y. He is best known for creating the Purple Grotto program on WNEW New York, and on this coast for his talk shows at KGO San Francisco.  He died of pancreatic cancer September 30, 1997 at age 78.

➦In 1923...WEAF in NYC (now WFAN 660 AM) and WNAC in Boston (now WRKO 680 AM) conducted the first non-wired simulcast using a 100-foot antenna connected by a clothesline to the building's roof.

➦In 1923...Ft Worth radio station WBAP debuted a new country music show called the “barn dance.”

It featured a variety of performers, including an old-time fiddler named Captain M.J. Bonner who played square dance music. WBAP’s barn dance was so popular that a number of other radio stations began copying it. Soon, the barn dance variety show format could be heard across the country.

Bob Hope

One of the most successful imitators of WBAP’s barn dance was the Nashville radio station WSM, which launched its Grand Ole Opry in 1925.  Grand Ole Opry went on to become the best-known country music radio show in history.

➦In 1928...the NBC Radio Network premiered "The Dodge Victory Hour", starring Al Jolson, Will Rogers, and Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra

➦In 1932..."The Carnation Contented Hour," a showcase for top singers and musicians, debuted on the NBC Red network. Sponsored by the Carnation Milk Company, the series continued until December 30, 1951.

➦In 1935...Bob Hope made his first appearance on network radio as part of the cast of "The Intimate Revue." The variety show, sponsored by Bromo Seltzer, lasted only fourteen weeks, but Hope’s association with NBC continued for more than half-a-century.





➦In 1936...the first sales-based pop music chart was published in Billboard. Big band violinist Joe Venuti's "Stop! Look! Listen!" was the first #1 record.

➦In 1950...Two years after Columbia Records introduced the long-playing record, RCA announced its intention to follow suit

➦In 1954..A young truck driver named Elvis Presley enters the Memphis Recording Service in Memphis, TN, ostensibly to record a song for his mother's birthday (which was, in reality, many months away). He records "Casual Love Affair" and "I’ll Never Stand in Your Way." It was this recording that would lead MRS head Sam Phillips to call Presley back to record for his Sun Records label.

➦In 1963...Actor/comedian Dave Foley was born. He played Dave Nelson on the sitcom "NewsRadio".

➦In 1970...'Music 'Til Dawn' ended airing on WCBS 880 AM in NYC. "Music 'Til Dawn" was an all night classical music radio program sponsored by American Airlines from 1953 to 1970.

In 1977...Mary Shane was hired by the Chicago White Sox to be the first full-time, female, play-by-play announcer for a major league baseball team.

By mid-season, however, it was apparent that her lack of experience and baseball knowledge was quickly turning it into a failed experiment. She was pulled from the broadcasts before the 1977 season ended and her contract was not renewed.

Shane later worked in Massachusetts, where she became a sportswriter for the Worcester Telegram in 1981. She died of a 1987 heart attack at age 42.

➦In 1982...The ABC Direction Network with 57 affiliates and the ABC Rock Network with 40 affiliates become the 5th and 6th ABC Radio networks.

➦In 2010…Baseball broadcaster (Los Angeles Angels) Rory Markas died after a heart attack at 54.

➦In 2015...Stuart Scott, for more than two decades one of the top sportscasters at ESPN,  lost his battle with cancer at age 49.

CBS Accuses Nielsen Of Using 'Market Power' To Raise Rates

CBS says Nielsen is using its “market power” to bundle services and raise prices. That is the network's explanation for its impasse in renewing its contract with the media and measurement company, according to Wayne Friedman at MediaPost.

On December 31, CBS' contract with Nielsen expired -- a deal estimated to cost the network $100 million a year.

CBS on Thursday stated: “The entire media industry is aware of the need for complete and accurate measurement across platforms. While Nielsen has made some strides in this area, progress has not been what we and many clients would like, and local TV measurement is particularly challenged.”

Nielsen continues to be the “currency” -- the basis of deals with TV advertisers, in terms of viewership data for virtually the entire industry.

CBS adds: “As a result, we are currently at a contractual impasse, although we continue to be open to negotiating a fair deal that makes strategic and financial sense for CBS. If we cannot come to an agreement with Nielsen, we will continue to employ the many viable alternatives available to us, including Comscore.”

Brian Wieser, senior research analyst at Pivotal Research Group, has said: “It is highly unlikely to end with anything other than a renewal in the next couple of weeks.”

He adds: “It remains a commercial near impossibility for any station group to go without Nielsen’s data in major markets for more than a short period of time. Their ability to negotiate and capture market share from advertisers would be severely hampered if they do so.”

iHM Names Hetal Patel EVP/Smart Audio

iHeartMedia announced today that Hetal Patel has been named Executive Vice President of SmartAudio® Intelligence Insights, effective immediately. Patel will report to Brian Kaminsky, President of SmartAudio and Analytics Group for iHeartMedia.

In her new role, Patel will lead the SmartAudio Intelligence Insights team to create research and insights that shape iHeartMedia’s value proposition. Her responsibilities will include providing critical consumer insights, market intelligence and industry trends to iHeartMedia teams, markets and executives by leveraging expertise in areas such as audience analysis, advertising sales metrics and media and digital consumer research. In addition, Patel will work closely with iHeartMedia’s partners on the development of next-generation analytics, techniques and products including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Sentiment Analysis and more.

Hetal Patel

“With our groundbreaking tools like SmartAudio and SoundPoint, and our recent acquisition of Jelli, iHeartMedia products and new capabilities are transforming how advertisers reach their core audiences,” said Kaminsky. “We’re thrilled that someone with Hetal’s extensive research background and intimate knowledge of iHeartMedia will be playing such a key role in developing our next generation of data driven advertising, attribution and ad effectiveness products.”

Patel brings over a decade of consumer insights and research experience to her new role, most recently as Head of Sales Research & Insights for Vox Media. She previously spent four years as a key member of iHeartMedia’s research team, moving up the ranks to become Vice President of Research, Insights & Analytics. Patel’s background also includes positions at Radius GMR and KPMG Nunwood. She began her media career in 2006 as a research executive for The Nielsen Company based in Mumba, India. Patel is a graduate of the University of Mumbai.

“It really is the golden period of audio,” said Patel. “I am thrilled to be returning to iHeartMedia where data and consumer are genuinely front and center, which means working on truly disruptive and future ready research initiatives designed to address the client and marketplace needs. It’s truly humbling and an honor to be a story teller and voice for iHeartMedia.”

Radio Talker Michael Savage Goes Into Hiding

Michael Savage

Authorities reportedly are taking a look at a vicious, hateful email sent a restaurant frequented by talk radio icon Michael Savage that threatens to shoot up the establishment if he’s not denied future service.

Remember back in November when Fox News host Tucker Carlson and his family were targeted and threatened by protesters? This is worse, reports The Washington Times.

Portions of the email sent to the restaurant state, in all caps, “I DEMAND THAT YOU REFUSE TO ALLOW MICHAEL SAVAGE … IN YOUR F-ING RESTAURANT AGAIN. HE IS A RACIST WHITE SUPREMACIST PIECE OF SH— … DONT WANT TO LISTEN TO ME? WELL I GUESS YOURE ALL GONNA F—ING DIE THEN CUZ I AM WAITING FOR THE MOTHAF— AND I WILL WAIT AND WATCH YOUR F—ING BUSINESS AND WHEN I SEE HIM GO IN THERE IM GOING TO START SHOOTING EVERY BODY I CAN FIND.”

The suspect then gets very specific.

“I OWN 3 GUNS AND I CAN DO SOME SERIOUS F—ING DAMAGE,” the email went on. “I WILL KILL AS MANY OF YOU RACIST-SUPPORTING/ENABLING WHITE SUPREMACISTS AS I F—ING CAN.”

Savage, in a telephone interview, said he has “changed location,” but he didn’t elaborate to The Times.

Savage also said: “Over the years, I have received many threats and have chosen to ignore them. … However, given the violent, vile times we are living in and the specific nature of this threat, both I and some serious agencies are taking this threat very seriously.”

It was just a few weeks ago that Carlson was caught in the crossfires of angry protesters who stormed to his home in Northwest D.C. and smashed against the front door.

Atlanta Radio: WWWQ Rebrands As Q99.7

Cumulus Media has announced that Atlanta’s #1 Top 40 station Q100/WWWQ-FM, a radio powerhouse for the past 18 years, has rebranded to Q99.7.

The new station name, Q99.7, is now reflected on-air, online at www.q997atlanta.com and on Amazon Alexa.

WWWQ-FM signed on to the air as Q100 in 2001 on the 100.5 FM frequency.

By 2008, the station was moved to the stronger, 100,000-watt 99.7 FM frequency. Q99.7 will continue to play Atlanta’s best hit music and will continue to be home base for The Bert Show, syndicated nationally by Westwood One.

WWWQ 99.7 FM (100 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

Louie Diaz, Vice President of Top 40 and Rhythmic Top 40, Cumulus Media, said: “Q100 has been one of the most successful Top 40 radio stations in the country, but now is the right time to refresh and rebrand the station as Q99.7 for the current and new generation of listeners. Rebranding Q100 to Q99.7 reflects the simple fact that listeners find the station at 99.7 on the dial. Our transition from Q100 to Q99.7 is now complete.”