Emmis Reports 2Q Radio Revenue Was Flat

Emmis Communications Corporation (EMMS) today announced results for its second fiscal quarter ending August 31, 2015.

Emmis' radio net revenues for the second fiscal quarter were flat at $47.6 million. Per Miller Kaplan reporting, which excludes barter revenues and syndication revenues, Emmis' second quarter radio revenues were down 0.5% compared to local radio market revenues down 1.9%.  Our New York cluster performed much better in the second quarter (up 4.3% in a market down 3.4%).

Emmis' Publishing division had another solid quarter, with revenues up 3.4%, and up 4.6% year to date.  Texas Monthly has demonstrated particularly strong growth in the first half of the year.

Jeff Smulyan

Emmis grew station operating income for the second fiscal quarter to $15.3 million, compared to $15.2 million for the same quarter of the prior year.  For the second fiscal quarter, operating income was $9.8 million, compared to $12.5 million for the same quarter of the prior year.  This decline is nearly entirely attributable to a $2.5 million nonrecurring gain on contract settlement in the prior year.

"Despite our outperformance, the markets where we operate remain challenged. While we are outperforming in a difficult marketplace, the radio industry is clearly in need of a catalyst and we think we have it with NextRadio," Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis said. "The addition of AT&T and T-Mobile during the quarter continues the momentum for NextRadio, the Emmis-led industry initiative to make FM broadcast radio available on smartphones and tablets. I'm most pleased by the broad industry support we have garnered for the effort, which we believe will revolutionize radio."

Journal Media Deals To Gannett

Gannett Co. Inc. said Wednesday it plans to buy Journal Media Group — the parent company of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel — for about $280 million in cash.

The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016 if it receives regulatory and shareholder approval, adds Wisconsin's biggest newspaper to Gannett, which already owns newspapers in Green Bay, the Fox Valley and other important markets in the state.

The agreement is part of an era of further consolidation in the U.S. newspaper industry, as newly pure-play newspaper companies take steps to meet the competitive threat of scaled digital news and advertising businesses, the companies said in a statement.

When the deal is completed, Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, The Arizona Republic and The Indianapolis Star, will be in 106 U.S. markets and have a digital audience of more than 100 million unique visitors each month.

In addition to the Journal Sentinel, Journal Media Group owns papers in more than a dozen other markets, including in Memphis and Knoxville, Tenn., where Gannett owns the Nashville newspaper, and in Naples and Treasure Coast in Florida, where Gannett owns the Fort Myers paper.

The companies estimated in a joint news release that the deal will yield about $10 million in immediate savings and the potential for $25 million more over the next two years. That is anticipated through the consolidation of a variety of functions, including corporate operations, printing and distribution, the companies said.

Both companies underwent major transitions in the past year. Journal Media Group was created in April after The E.W. Scripps Co. and Journal Communications merged their local TV operations and spun off their respective newspaper assets into an independent, publicly traded company based in Milwaukee.

Nominees For Class of 2016 R&R HOF Announced

The nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 are:

• The Cars
• Chaka Khan
• Chicago
• Cheap Trick
• Chic
• Deep Purple
• The J.B.'s
• Janet Jackson
• Los Lobos
• Steve Miller
• N.W.A.
• Nine Inch Nails
• The Smiths
• The Spinners
• Yes

To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The 2016 Nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1990.

Ballots will be sent to an international voting body of more than 800 artists, historians and members of the music industry.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will again offer fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. Beginning October 8 and continuing through December 9, 2015 fans can visit rockhall.com to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2016 inductees.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2016 inductees will be announced in December.

St. Louis Radio: Spencer Graves To Join The Arch Morning Show

Spencer Graves..St. Louis?

Hubbard/St. Louis Radio  WARH 106.5 FM The Arch has announced the addition of Spencer Graves as morning host.

He officially joins The Arch's current personalities Ricki & Brando on the air beginning Monday, November 9. Graves comes to The Arch from CHR WSTW 93.7 FM in Wilmington, DE, where he hosted mornings for more than six years.

PD Kevin Robinson noted, "Hubbard Radio is a magnet for great talent, and adding Spencer to our Morning Show will elevate mornings on 106.5 The Arch into the next big thing in St. Louis."

Spencer added, "Hubbard Broadcasting is exactly what radio needs. They focus on people and talent, while keeping the content entertaining and relevant to their listeners." He adds, "I am humbled and excited to join this amazing company and the team at 106.5 The Arch in St. Louis."

BREAKING: I'm moving to St. Louis to host mornings on @1065thearch. My first show will be Nov. 9th. Thank you for letting me wake you up!

— Spencer Graves (@SpencerGraves) October 8, 2015

Graves got his start in Roanoke, VA, at the tender age of 17, and has programmed and worked on-air in Texas, California and Pennsylvania. He also represented Sony's Radio participation in NASCAR through Host Communications, when they sponsored Ryan Newman's car. From there, Graves went to San Diego as an Internet Marketing Manager and a team broadcaster with minor league hockey team The San Diego Gulls.

Hubbard St. Louis VP/Market Manager John Kijowski commented, "Spencer is very fun and listeners will love hanging out with him on the air and in person. He has lots of presence and personality, and he will be getting to know our listeners and our great community very quickly."

WARH 106.5 FM (90 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

IL Radio: Neuhoff To Acquire 3 Stations From Connoisseur

WIHN Studio

Neuhoff Communications has announced its intention to acquiree three radio from Connoisseur in Bloomington, IL.

The Bloomington stations atr Rock WIHN 96.7 FM, Variety Hits WBBE 97.9 Bob-FM, WBBE and Top40 WWHX 100.7 FM.   Bloominton will become Nueho'ffs four market with presence in Illinois.

Neuhoff CEO Beth Neuhoff sated, “We are so honored to welcome these terrific stations onto the Neuhoff team. Our tremendous respect for Connoisseur’s culture and dedication to great local radio, the stations’ great format niches and ratings success and our fondness for the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois community makes this cluster a perfect fit for the Neuhoff family of stations.”

Beth Neuhoff

Jeffrey Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur, stated, “While it is difficult for us to part with our Bloomington-Normal, Illinois stations, we were convinced that Neuhoff Communication’s broadcast leadership and powerful brands in the region could move these stations to the next level. Neuhoff is the only logical owner for such great properties. We are therefore excited for the stations and the local Bloomington-Normal community that Neuhoff will soon be the steward of our proud investment.”

Neuhoff is also on the Board of Directors for Gray Television which is acquiring Schurz Communications and their radio clusters in Lafayette and South Bend, IN and Rapid City.

Chicago Radio: Rick O'Dell Named PD At MeTV FM

Rick O'Dell

Radio veteran Rick O’Dell has been named program director of Weigel Broadcasting’s WRME-LP 87.7FM, the soft rock/oldies station branded as Me-TV FM, reports Chicago Media write Robert Feder.

O'Dell programmed the frequency periouvsly, when it was Chicago’s Smooth 87.7 FM.

“It’s great to have someone of Rick O’Dell’s caliber on board, and we’re excited to have him at Me-TV FM,” Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting, said in a statement Wednesday. “Rick’s career in Chicago radio elevates what we’ve already started, and I’m confident we’ll see more good things to come with him on our team.”

O’Dell, 56, replaces Mark Zander, who resigned to join Hubbard Radio classic hits WDRV97.1 FM as weekend and fill-in personality.

O'Dell launched the SmoothJazzChicago.net Internet radio station in November 2012. With no Smooth Jazz or Smooth AC found anywhere on the Chicago radio landscape at that time, O'Dell's website has become a haven for fans of this genre, according to Chicago Radio&Media.

87.7 MeTV FM made its debut in late February of this year. WRME-LP is run as a radio station, but is technically an analog television station, seen on OTA channel 6, and whose audio channel can be heard on many (but not all) radios at 87.7 FM. The station is owned by Venture Technologies and leased by Weigel Broadcasting.

While it rose quickly in the ratings after its launch -- no easy task considering the station before it had ratings just barely above zero and Weigel Broadcasting had initially not put much effort into publicizing the station -- in recent months the station has seemingly hit a plateau after four months of rising numbers. In the all ages Nielsen Audio ratings, WRME-LP had a 1.8 share for the July and August ratings, slipping down to a 1.6 share in the most recent September ratings. The station had an estimated audience cume of 577,400 for that month.

Reno Radio: KNEV Gambles On Classic Hip-Hop

Cumulus Media announces that KNEV 95.5 FM launched Wednesdayday as 95.5 The Vibe, Reno’s all-new Classic Hip Hop radio station.

The station was formerly programmed as Adult Contemporary Magic 95.5.

95.5 The Vibe kicked off its totally unique take on Hip Hop with wall-to-wall music and will play an exciting mix of hit music from the biggest stars from the early days of Hip Hop. The new station features big old school Hip Hop hits, mixed with some R&B “throwbacks” from the ‘80’s, ‘90’s and early 2000’s. Westwood One, the leading provider of 24-hour radio formats, syndicates the Classic Hip Hop programming for 95.5 The Vibe.

Davey Morris, Corporate Program Director for Cumulus said: “Radio listeners are in for an early treat this October as Classic Hip Hop has made its way to RENO! 95.5 The Vibe will be providing all the Classic Hip Hop and familiar throwbacks to echo through the mountains and city of Reno. Reno Hip Hop lovers, get ready for big time fun!”

KNEV 95.5 FM (60 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Ryan Nutter, Program Director for 95.5 The Vibe said: “Yo, have I been feeling the “Vibe” today! Reno has a lot of options when it comes to music…But nothing like this! I have had more fun in the last few weeks working with my Market Manager Jen Odom on this project and we’re confident that the listeners will love the new 95.5 The Vibe!”

KC Radio: Fired Jock Sues Hot Jamz

A Kansas City radio host believes he was wrongfully fired for comments he made before a Tech N9ne concert at the Power and Light district last month, according to KSHB-TV41.

John Blaze had been hosting shows and hyping up crowds for 15 years. In September, his career came to a halt.

He was fired from his morning weekday hosting job at KPRS 103.3 FM Hot 103 Jamz after saying the following comments before a Tech N9ne concert at the KC Live block:

"This is Tech N9ne's very first show at KC live. I even heard him say this backstage on the news, that there was one point in time that he may not have ever been allowed (sic) to be received here at Power and Light. So what I want you to do, what I need you to do, one time, is put your middle fingers up to anybody that’s ever been turned away, to anybody who has ever been discriminated against...I need you to say [expletive] you one time. On three, 1, 2, 3 [expletive] you.”

Blaze said his words were not directed at the Power and Light district, but others disagreed.

Two days later, his contract was terminated.

He feels this incident did not call for him being let go. Blaze said the union representing him is filing a grievance against Carter Broadcasting.

"I mean, it's a 65-year-old station that was built in the civil rights movement standing up against discrimination, and in the termination meeting, it was basically told to me that it was a business thing and I have to protect the brand and the business,” Blaze explained.

Even without a job, Blaze said he still stands by what he said.

Atlanta Radio: The Game's Mike Bell Suspended For Remarks

On Twitter Tuesday night, WZGC 92.9 FM / The Game afternoon host Mike Bell used a sexist “Anchorman” insult against a female baseball analyst on ESPN during a playoff game, resulting in a bit of  Twitter war.

According to Rodney Ho at ajc.com, he eventually deleted the original Tweet and apologized after more than two hours of arguing with offended folks on Twitter about it.

On Wednesday afternoon, he was suspended by CBS Radio until Monday, October 12.

Bell read a pre-taped statement on the air Wednesday afternoon on The Game apologizing for his actions.   He apologized to his colleagues, advertisers, the sports teams that work with the Game and his co-host Carl Dukes. “I didn’t get it,” he said. “I get it now. There is no place for that kind of stuff on my show. I will be more mindful. I hope I can be a better talk show host and better person. This has been an eye-opening experience.” Dukes then added that he didn’t agree with Bell’s opinion but they are still “best friends”.

Bull went on a tantrum rant over Jessica Mendoza, the first female baseball analyst in ESPN history, who was providing her thoughts during the New York Yankees/Houston Astros playoff game Tuesday night. She is a two-time gold medal winner in softball.

Bell’s beef is he thinks color commentators should be professionals or former professionals from that particular sport, as in Major League Baseball. He doesn’t see softball as the same as baseball.

FL Radio: WVFT Talker Threatened Over Comments

Will Dance

Responding to threats made toward him and his station, WVFT Freedom 93.3 FM's Will Dance did not appear on his three-hour radio show Wednesday morning.

Dance incited outrage Monday when he questioned the intentions of a group of people, who appeared to be Muslim, photographed praying on Mashes Sands beach over the weekend.

Dance is scheduled to return to his show Thursday, according to the station manager.

His comments came after Wakulla County Commission Chairman Ralph Thomas posted a Facebook photo of the unknown group on Saturday. The photo shows about a dozen people praying in the fashion of the Muslim faith on the beach. A caption states: “Walked up on this at Mashes Sands this evening! First time seeing this in Wakulla County.”

Dance said the sighting of "military-aged" Muslim men is cause for concern because of recent cases of religious extremism. On his Tuesday show, Dance asked why the group didn't alert law enforcement so as to not alarm residents. He suggested the men were engaged in a "pre-battle prayer."

Station general manager Barry Kaye said they received mostly messages of support but a few threats, both direct and veiled, through social media, email and over the phone.

WVFT 93.3 FM (8.7 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

"Please forgive us for the sudden lineup change this morning," said a post on the Will Dance Show's Facebook page. "Please know, Freedom 93 FM will not be intimidated, discouraged, or threatened by cowards that hide behind their keyboards. We will continue to champion the causes of Truth and Freedom no matter the cost."

SLC Radio: KDUT Gets Station of The Year Nom

Alpha Media Salt Lake City has announced KDUT 102.3 FM has been nominated by the prestigious magazine Monitor Latino for Station of the year!

The 8th Monitor Latino convention will be held at CINTERMEX Convention Center at Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico, starting Sunday October 11th. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday night when this year Monitor Latino will recognize the best of the best of the Radio industry in Mexico and United States. KDUT has been nominated as Station of the Year in the category of “Top 100 Regional Mexican Market”.

Alpha Media Executive VP of Programming, Scott Mahalick commented on the announcement, “Mary Lee Robinson, Nelson Moran and the entire Salt Lake City Alpha team are exceptional visionaries in the Latino broadcast community. We are so proud of their passion, leadership and inspiration.”

“KDUT 102.3 has been the premier Mexican Regional station in Salt Lake City for twelve years and it’s an honor to be recognized and nominated for such a prestigious award,” added Alpha Media Salt Lake City Market Manager, Mary Lee Robinson.

Steve Meyers New DDO For Greater Media

Steve Meyers

Greater Media announces Steven Meyers has been promoted to Director of Digital Operations at Greater Media.

Meyers most recently served as the Director of Digital Strategies at Greater Media, where he has been responsible for helping to grow audiences and revenue by developing new digital platforms that deepen listener engagement while providing new opportunities for the company’s commercial partners.

Prior to joining Greater Media Philadelphia as the Digital Manager 2012, Meyers served as the vice president of Products and Development at Slamm for five years, a digital agency based out of West Chester, PA, in which he was a founding member.

“We look forward to Steve continuing to share his valuable knowledge and lead our digital teams as we continue to grow and drive Greater Media’s interactive efforts into the future,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Smyth.

The New Castle, Pennsylvania native received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University.

FCC May Delay FM Translator Plan

Ajit Pai

Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai took on Chairman Tom Wheeler's opposition to an AM-exclusive application window for FM radio translators during a speech to the National Religious Broadcasters' President's Council on Wednesday, but he also said the plan could be postponed to 2017.

The Republican commissioner’s speech on Wednesday appeared to be another turning point in the effort to revitalize the country’s AM stations.

According to RadioWorld, Pai altered his position regarding a possible filing window for AMs to apply for FM translators. He said he will support implementation of a 250-mile waiver in the near term, though he says a translator window must be part of the final outcome. He insists that while translators are not a “panacea for the technical problems plaguing the AM band,” a translator “can serve as a vital bridge to the future for some AM broadcasters as we work on fixing the AM band’s long-term problems — work that won’t be finished overnight.”

Over several weeks, the Republican commissioner, who has been vocal on the AM revitalization topic, dismissed a relocation waiver as “unworkable” and instead vigorously called on fellow commissioners to include a translator window as part of the pending revitalization action.

But, reports RadioWorld, as he laid out the situation in a speech to a meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters advisory board, an immediate translator window doesn’t have the commission votes.

FCC Releases Latest Call Sign Activity

TWC Launches Show For Mobile Devices

The Weather Channel and Al Roker, the longtime weatherman for NBC’s “Today,” are teaming up to create a next generation morning show for mobile devices, titled “The Lift.”

“The Lift” will be a mobile-first morning show program hosted by Roker, along with meteorologists Domenica Davis and Ari Sarsalari. The series will be comprised of six to eight short-form clips focused on breaking weather news, nature stories, science and viral videos.

It will be available on iOS and Android devices exclusively through the Weather Channel mobile app.