AM/FM Radio Continues to Make Waves in the In-Car Environment

A recent survey by Ipsos once again shows that in the car, Americans prefer radio to CDs or streaming services – and that while countless studies claim that music engagement has evolved as the media landscape has changed, research shows that this definitively does not hold true in the car.

The survey showed that in an in-car environment, 84% of Americans use AM/FM radio as their audio entertainment over new technology options. And they’re tuning in frequently – 62% say that they listen to the radio at least once a day in their cars and 67% say they turn on their AM/FM radio as soon as they put on audio in the car.

Similarly, in the car, the majority (64%) of Americans still use a CD player, keeping an average of 10.5 CDs in their vehicle. While consumers do seem averse to purchasing new CDs (68% say they have not purchased any new CDs in the last year), only 22% of those who aren’t buying new CDs say it’s because they are replacing the discs with digital streaming services. Most either don’t want any new CDs (27%) or find CDs to be too much money (23%).

Cost seems to be a common thread when it comes to in-car entertainment. While there is only a small population of Americans that stream their in-car audio, less than one-third of those are paying for these services. Of those that use streaming digital audio services but do not pay, 80% say they would not be willing to pay in the future.

Thomas Spinelli

“The in-car environment is unlike any other when it comes to media behavior,” says Thomas Spinelli, Vice President with Ipsos MediaCT. “Our studies show that despite all the technological advances we’ve made when it comes to digital listening, the vast majority of Americans still prefer AM/FM radio overall and especially expect it to be a part of their cars – in fact, virtually all said they wouldn’t buy a car without a radio.”

“We’re certainly seeing reluctance amongst Americans to pay for music in the in-car environment,” continues Spinelli. “The ability to listen to free music is important to Americans, as is their comfort with their current AM/FM setup. However, as new vehicles roll out, many of which are equipped with built in digital music services, we may see a shift in how Americans are thinking about listening in their cars. That being said, the overwhelming current popularity of radio illustrates that advertisers and marketers may want to think more buttons and knobs than bells and whistles – at least when it comes to the in-car environment.”

This data incorporates results from a previous Ipsos/iHeartMedia online study fielded in January 2015 (sample size of N=1036; US 18+ representative to Census) with new findings from an independent Ipsos Online Omnibus conducted March 18-19, 2015 (sample size of N=1005; US 18+ representative to Census).

Orlando Radio: WOTW The Wolf To Add NASH's AMS

NASH, a multi-platform entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle, announces that it has partnered with JVC Broadcasting to bring NASH Country programming to Orlando.

Beginning April 13, 2015, NASH’s America's Morning Show with Blair Garner will join WOTW 103.1 FM The Wolf to anchor weekday mornings from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.. 103.1

The Wolf will also air Kickin’ it with Kix and American Country Countdown from the NASH suite of Country radio programs originating from Cumulus Media’s NASH campus in Nashville.

Hunter Hayes visits America's Morning Show

America’s Morning Show with Blair Garner features a daily mix of Country hits, in-studio interviews with Country music’s biggest stars and news about the Country lifestyle. Host Blair Garner is joined daily by co-hosts Terri Clark and Chuck Wicks, with HLN anchor Robin Meade providing news updates and Erika Grace Powell sharing the latest on Country music news.

John Caracciolo, President and CEO of JVC Broadcasting said: “This is going to be Central Florida’s direct connection to Nashville and the only station that will give listeners complete access to the artists that are making Country history.”

John Dickey, Executive Vice President, Content and Programming for Cumulus said: “We are excited to partner with JVC to help John and his team build a great brand serving the Country audience in Orlando. Together, we will deliver the very best Country programming to Orlando’s passionate Country fans. It’s a thrill to kick off our partnership with the launch of America’s Morning Show on The Wolf 103.1.”

WOTW 103.1 FM (22 Kw) Red=60dBu Local Coverage Area

Blair Garner, Host of America’s Morning Show said: "Hands down, this is one of the biggest moments in our show's young life. We're so grateful for this opportunity, and will work hard for our new family, The Wolf, in Orlando. We love our Country!"

Programmatic Buyers Demand Placement Transparency

Programmatic spending is set for huge growth in 2015. According to US media buyers surveyed in March 2015 by Digiday in association with Sonobi, nearly nine in 10 said increasing programmatic ad spend would be a focus of their future digital ad strategy.

However, according to eMarketer, the industry still faces several hurdles before programmatic becomes universal, and quality control is one of the top areas for improvement.

Among respondents, 40.7% said there was a significant or very significant loss of control when purchasing ad inventory programmatically vs. direct, and an additional 43.3% said there was at least a moderate loss of control. Just 16% felt little to no control was lost. With quality concerns such as viewability haunting programmatic buyers, it makes sense that placement is critical too.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) polled by Digiday said placement transparency was essential in their decision to move more ad spend from direct to programmatic—the second-highest response, behind only audience targeting (86%) and well ahead of third-place inventory availability forecasting (44%).

Candidate Rand Paul Spars With Media

Rand Paul, Sean Hannity

Newly announced Presidential Candidate Rand Paul has never been one to shy away from confrontation.

The Republican launched his political career on an anti-establishment message. He’s gained renown for trolling his political opponents on social media. Even the first half of the slogan for his presidential campaign skews combative: “Defeat the Washington machine.”

But, according to The Washington Post,  the rocky media rollout of his presidential effort highlighted a key question facing him now: whether the same tough approach that has made him a favorite among tea party activists and libertarians might be limiting in a national campaign, as he looks to build a broader coalition rich with voters from beyond his base.

On Tuesday, hours after his campaign launch, Paul bristled at a question from Fox News host Sean Hannity about a 2007 comment in which he’d dubbed the idea that Iran posed a threat to U.S. security a “ridiculous” one. Paul was one of 47 Republican senators who recently signed a letter aimed at derailing a deal to contain Iran’s nuclear program, drawing scrutiny over his hawkish turn.

“You know, things do change over time,” Paul said. “I also wasn’t campaigning for myself [in 2007], I was campaigning to help my father at the time.”

Hours later, he pushed back even harder amid similar foreign policy questions from “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.

“Before we go through a litany of things you say I’ve changed on, why don’t you ask me a question: ‘Have I changed my opinion?’ That would sort of be a better way to approach an interview,” Paul told the NBC journalist.



"There is a certain amount of control in an interview," he said in an interview Wed after the NBC News episode. "I think that there's more editorializing going on than questioning sometimes. And I, frankly, sometimes get annoyed with that. And I don't hide it very well."

Also Wednesday, Paul's patience grew short again in an interview with Philip Eliot of AP on his opposition to abortion rights. When pressed about exceptions if abortion were banned, Paul instead said: "I gave you about a five-minute answer. Put in my five-minute answer."

Twin Cities Radio: Stalker Forces Mary Lucia Off-Air

Mary Lucia

One of the most familiar voices on the Twin Cities radio dial, Mary Lucia announced on air Wednesday afternoon that she is taking a leave of absence from 89.3 The Current.

A candid open letter posted on the station’s website says she’s making the hard decision after she was harassed by a stalker at both her work and home, according to the Star-Tribune.

“My life over the last year has involved a series of restraining orders, seemingly endless calls to 911, the installation of security cameras at home, and police photo ID line-ups,” Lucia wrote in the blunt, descriptive manner that has made her a favorite of Twin Cities rock listeners going back to her '90s stint at REV-105.

“I've been constantly looking over my shoulder, dead-bolting doors, and jumping when someone rings my doorbell or my motion lights go off.”

It’s unclear how long Lucia will be out of pocket. In the interim, her afternoon shift will be covered by a rotation cast of Bill DeVille, David Campbell and Jim McGuinn.

CBS' Bob Schieffer To Retire This Summer

Bob Schieffer

Bob Schieffer, the anchor of CBS News' "Face the Nation," announced Wednesday that he will retire this summer after more than 50 years of working in journalism.

Schieffer, who is 78, has been with CBS News for 46 years. 2015 marked his 24th year anchoring "Face the Nation," which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

"Because that was where it all started for me, I wanted this to be the place, and I wanted you all to be the first to know that this summer I'm going to retire," he said at the annual Schieffer Symposium at Texas Christian University, his alma mater.

"It's been a great adventure," Schieffer said. "You know, I'm one of the luckiest people in the world because as a little boy, as a young reporter, I always wanted to be a journalist, and I got to do that. And not many people get to do that, and I couldn't have asked for a better life or something that was more fun and more fulfilling."

Prior to joining CBS in 1969, Schieffer was a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram where he was the first reporter from a Texas newspaper to report from Vietnam.

He was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in Fort Worth where he graduated from North Side High School and Texas Christian University. He served three years in the U.S. Air Force.

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Boston Radio: WBZ-AM's Anthony Silva Set To Retire

Anthony Silva (PCasey foto)

NewsRadio WBZ 1030 AM afternoon co-anchor Anthony Silva announced his retirementMonday, after almost 36 years of service at the station.

Silva, who anchors the afternoon newscasts with Diane Stern and is also the station’s business editor, said he will step down in June, when he turns 65.

“Anthony has been a significant player in WBZ’s success and awards over the years. He deserves (and has) our admiration and thanks for a job well done,” WBZ’s Director of News and Programming Peter Casey told his staff in a memo Monday.

“He sits comfortably with the other legendary voices/names we all think of when reminiscing about the people who greatly contributed to the well-earned reputation that WBZ has established in Boston Broadcasting.”

Casey said the loss of Silva’s “voice, experience, and his gentlemanly manner will be a challenge for us to replace.”

Silva produces 50 New England Business Reports each week which are heard weekday mornings and afternoons on WBZ. It’s the only broadcast series in Boston that exclusively focuses on business, technology, and medical developments in the region.

Chicago Radio: Jack Diamond Returns to WLS-FM

Jack Diamond

WLS 94.7 FM morning show host Jack Diamond has returned after medical leave.

Diamond departed back the Classic Hits station in December to deal with diverticulitis, a painful condition affecting the colon. Due to severe pain he had long been experiencing, he decided to have surgery to help repair his issue.

He returned home to Washington, D.C. for the holidays to undergo a  four and a half hour surgical procedure on January 20th.

Boston Radio: The TJ Show, CBS Radio Extend Contract

Apparently not much to some rumors floated last week that CBS Radio was about the resurrect Classic Hits on WODS 103.3 FM.

The station has announced morning show personalities TJ Taormina and Loren Ray have signed a new multi-year contract extension to stay at Top40 103.3 Amp Radio.

"TJ and Loren are two of the brightest stars in the radio industry and we are very fortunate to have them anchoring mornings on 103.3 AMP Radio Boston," said PD Steve Salhany. "I'm thrilled to continue hosting mornings at 103.3 AMP Radio," said Taormina. "It is a privilege to work at CBS Radio and even more of a privilege to connect with Boston radio listeners each and every morning."

Gen Media, M&A Partner On Cross-Platform Marketing

Just ten days after its launch, Gen Media Partners has established Gen Media Complete, a specialized unit formed in partnership with niche marketing company Maisano and Associates, LLC (M&A) to create customized cross-platform programs for advertisers.

Led by Dave Demer, Vice President Operations and Strategy, Gen Media Partners, and Beth Maisano, Partner and President, Maisano Associates, LLC, Gen Media Complete works directly with advertisers to find untapped pools of revenue from sources such as promotion and marketing budgets.

“Gen Media Complete adds the essential steps to transform consumers into fans, to put products in shopping carts and brands in backyards,” stated Demer. “Beth and her team are recognized for helping advertisers craft campaigns that influence consumer engagement and activation, and we look forward to further expanding our involvement with advertisers through our partnership.”

Gen Media Complete utilizes brand trial, in-venue engagement, experiential marketing, broadcast tune-ins, product activation, cause marketing, and more across broadcast, digital, mobile, and social media to connect brands with consumers.

“By leveraging Gen Media Partners’ assets and tapping into additional resources, Gen Media Complete has designed a unique one-stop experience for advertisers that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional advertising to build consumer engagement across platforms,” noted Kevin Garrity, Chief Executive Officer, Gen Media Partners.  “Radio’s attribute as a powerful engagement medium will play a prominent role in these marketing campaigns and bring new advertisers and more revenue to our radio clients.”

Little Rock Radio: Jeff Matthews Leaving Mornings At KURB

Jeff  Matthews

Little Rock radio personality Jeff Matthews has departed AC KURB 98.5 FM  for a PR position with Conway Corporation.

Matthews spent the last 14 years at B98.5 in Little Rock. Matthews’ last day at B98.5 will be this Friday.

Matthews worked at the radio station as morning show co-host with Lisa Fischer during the “Jeff and Lisa in the Morning” segment weekdays from 5-9 a.m., a title he held since August 2006.

“I am excited to begin a new challenge with Conway Corporation and look forward to being part of the team that tells the Conway Corp story in the community,” Matthews said.

In his coordinator role, Matthews will handle media inquiries, assist with press releases and lead development for public relations events and appearances.

“We are extremely pleased to have Jeff join our team,” said Crystal Kemp, manager of marketing and public relations with Conway Corporation. “He has been in Conway homes on the radio and with Wampus Cat sports for many years. We feel very fortunate to have him come on board in the area of public relations.”

AL Radio: Cumulus Extends Talker's Footprints

Matt Murphy

Two of Alabama's best-known talk radio personalities are getting a bigger stage.

Cumulus Media announced Tuesday that Matt Murphy, host of the "The Matt Murphy Show" on Birmingham's WAPI 1070 AM, is now also being heard in Montgomery and Huntsville.

Dale Jackson's Huntsville-based "Dale Jackson Show" is also being expanded and will air on both his current station, WVNN, plus WAPI in Birmingham.

The changes took effect Monday, according to al.com.

Cumulus said Murphy is bringing his "unique brand of humor and biting commentary" to WLWI 1440 AM in Montgomery and N/T WVNN 770 AM / 92.5 FM in Huntsville.

Dale Jackson

Murphy's show will be heard live in all markets from 9-11 a.m.; WAPI in Birmingham will keep Murphy on the air until 1 p.m.

Jackson will host an expanded morning talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and WAPI. Cumulus said the move will give both stations "more live, state-based programming than any other news/talk station in their respective markets."

RVP/Programming John Walker stated, "Cumulus is pleased to announce these changes to our News/Talk product in Alabama," which he said was timed "to give us an opportunity to expand our live and local footprint in all three markets and simultaneously expose these two great hosts to more News/Talk listeners was a no brainer. I’m excited not only for our informed listening audience, but also our terrific group of advertisers. Both made this a reality.”

Miami Radio: Thomas Johnson To Program WMIB-FM

Thomas Johnson

iHeartMedia/Miami has announced that Thomas 'DJ 33 1/3' Johnson as the new program director for Urban WMIB 103.5 FMThe Beat.

The move is effective April 27, 2015.

As Program Director Johnson will oversee all broadcast and digital operations of Miami’s new hip hop station.

He will join 103.5 The Beat from iHeartMedia Chicago, where he has been part of the programming team at Urban WGCI-FM for more than seven years. Johnson also mixes and hosts The Friday and Saturday Mixtape, that airs every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p. m. - 2 a.m.

“I’m excited to join the team at 103.5 The Beat! I’m extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Matt Scarano, Tommy Austin, Derrick Brown and the whole team in Chicago,” said Johnson. “I’m looking forward to my future with iHeartMedia Miami under the guidance of Lonny Anger and Alex Tear.”

"We’ve locked in our next superstar Programmer with DJ 33 1/3! His extensive format knowledge, passion and experience made him our ideal candidate,” said Alex Tear, Senior Vice President of Programming, iHeartMedia Miami. “We’re excited for his launch, and look forward to moving The Beat Team to the next level of innovation and format dominance!”

Houston Radio: Bo Money To Program iHM's KQBT

Bo Money

iHeartMedia/Houston has announced that Bo Money is the new Program Director at Urban KQBT-93.7 FM The Beat.

The move become effective beginning May 15.

Bo will join KQBT from Urban WBTP-FM in Tampa, where he served as Program Director and midday personality. With 20 years of radio experience, his career has taken him to programming stints in St. Louis, Savannah, Columbia and Detroit, prior to landing back with iHeartMedia Tampa in 2011.

"I have learned so much from my time and training in Tampa – let’s just say I’ve been living a dream. The Beat in Houston has such great potential and its launch last year was among the most admired and respected moves in the country," said Bo. "There is a synergy in the building at iHeartMedia Houston that I can't wait to be a part of."

"Bo’s track-record of success in the format speaks for itself," said Marc Sherman, Senior Vice President of Programming, iHeartMedia Houston. "He’s the leader our stellar on-air staff needs to bring the station to the next level in ratings and the partner our sales team needs to drive revenue. He’s going to be a huge asset for our team in Houston."

Streaming Reaches New High

Webcast listening rose 5% month-over-month in February, and 40% year-over-year, according to the Webcast Metrics Top 20 Ranker just released by Triton Digital. (Mon-Sun, 6am-midnight, domestic U.S. streaming. Our key metric of record is Average Active Sessions [AAS].)

Pandora crossed the 2-million AAS mark for the first time in February.

Looking at individual month-over-month activity in the top-20 group, Idobi was the big gainer, with 63% more Average Active Sessions (after a large reported dip in January). Slacker rose 9%, according to the RAIN Newsletter.

Compared to the month prior, the Top 40 (CHR) format showed the largest gains with an 11.5 percent increase in AAS (M-F 6A-8P).