FCC Opens FM Translator Windows For AM Stations

The long wait for the FCC’s AM Radio Revitalization rulemaking is over. In a First Report and Order issued late Friday, the Commission details regulatory relief plans for struggling AM broadcasters.

The FCC is going to open an opportunity in 2016 for AM stations to be able to take existing FM translators and move them up to 250 miles and change to any channel as a minor change.

Recnet.com reports normally, a translator can only move to another location that has an overlapping protected contour with their current facility and operates on a the same channel or up to a third-adjacent channel.  These translators will have a condition that they must carry the AM station for a period of at least four years.  The FCC will provide two gates, first for the lower powered Class C and D AM stations and then after these stations get first dibs, the Class A and B stations will be allowed to also file. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

In 2017, the FCC will open two windows for new FM translators.  According to RecNet, these windows will be open for AM licensees and permittees only.  Like with the 2016 process, Class C and D stations will get a head start.  Unlike previously approved translators (including those moved in the 2016 window), these new translators will be permanently connected as an "adjunct" to the AM station meaning that in the future, the translator can not be split off and sold.  The translator can only be sold at the same time the AM station is being sold and to the same owner for the purpose of rebroadcasting the AM station.  Mutually exclusive applications will be settled by auction.

Ajit Pai

The FCC will be enforcing a "one to a customer" rule for the 2016 and 2017 window sets combined.

This means that if an AM station applies to move a translator on 2016 under the window opportunity, they will not be able to apply for a new translator in the 2017 window.  But overall, between the 2016 and 2017 window sets, an AM station can only pick up one translator.

The FCC is also taking comments in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to provide additional flexibility for the siting of translators rebroadcasting AM stations.  Current rules allow a FM translator carrying an AM station to be placed in the lesser of the AM station's 2 mV/m daytime contour and 25 miles from the AM station.  Proposed rules would change it to the greater of the AM station's 2 mV/m daytime contour and 25 miles from the AM station but in no case shall the translator's protected contour extend more than 40 miles from the AM station.

In a statement, commissioner Ajit Pai, A longtime AM radio champion, called the rulemaking “a big victory” for U.S. radio listeners. He also addressed the issue of delaying the new translator window to 2017. “The approach to translators adopted by the Commission may not be perfect, but we made significant progress on the issue over the past few weeks, and it is an approach that I am pleased to support,” Pai said.

“I’m hopeful that this two-prong plan will accomplish our goal of distributing FM translators to as many AM stations as want them.”

The NAB issued a statement on Friday calling it “a great day for AM radio” and for millions of listeners. “For decades, AM radio has been a critical source of information, entertainment and lifeline programming for local communities,” the NAB said. “We are particularly grateful to Commissioners Pai and Clyburn, who have both championed AM radio and worked hard to find ways to improve its reach, and to the Media Bureau for taking important steps to improve and expand AM radio service. NAB also salutes Chairman Wheeler, who worked with his colleagues to develop a comprehensive proposal to address this important issue."

Republicans Want FCC Enforcement Probe

House Republicans are asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate whether the FCC is making good use of its enforcement arm.

According to TheHill, leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked for a follow-up to a 2008 GAO study that recommended the commission develop a broader strategy to make sure the fines and punishments it hands down are actually deterring bad behavior.

“Notwithstanding GAO’s recommendations, it appears from commission responses and staff briefings that in the intervening years no consistent metrics — and at times, none whatsoever — were in place for the Enforcement Bureau,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the GAO.

Travis LeBlanc

The letter was signed by committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio).

The FCC receives tens of thousands of complaints each year on issues such as unwanted robocalls, phone billing and TV quality. It also recently appointed an ombudsman to deal with net neutrality complaints against Internet service providers.

The FCC issued some of the largest fines in agency history in the past year against major wireless providers and has been aggressive in publicizing the work of the agency’s enforcement bureau chief, Travis LeBlanc.

Republicans point out that enforcement action on robocalling and pirate radio in particular have dropped significantly in recent years. They speculated that the FCC’s lack of a comprehensive strategy might have played a role. They also pointed to the FCC’s planned closure of a number of field offices.

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Martha Nelson Now Heads All Media for Yahoo

Martha Nelson

According to an internal memo that went out last week, Martha Nelson has officially been designated the head of all media for Yahoo, including having purview over its video content efforts.

Re/Code reports the former top editor at Time Inc., who arrived at the Silicon Valley Internet giant in August as global editor-in-chief and is also an SVP there, now reports directly to CEO Marissa Mayer.

It was a change that came after Kathy Savitt left in September from her post as head of media and also marketing for the top digital job at STX Entertainment. Savitt had hired Nelson and she had reported to her.

Nelson has had a storied magazine career, as founding editor of InStyle and head honcho of People in its heyday. She was the first woman to be named editor-in-chief at Time Inc. in 2013, but left a year later after CEO Joe Ripp decided editors that once reported to her would be reporting to business execs.

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ESPN Launches College Football Playoff Sweepstakes

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike earlier today launched its “Mike & Mike at the College Football Playoff” sweepstakes, encouraging listeners around the country to tune in for a daily “winning word or phrase” for an opportunity to be a part of the biggest day of the college football season, the College Football Playoff National Championship, on January 11.

Today, through November 20, the “winning word” will be revealed live twice daily during Mike & Mike broadcasts. Listeners can enter to win by calling 855-ESPN-WIN, texting 777000 or visiting ESPNRadio.com and registering by 1 p.m. ET with the daily winning word given during that day’s broadcast.

Four Grand Prizes

Each week during the four-week campaign, one Weekly Winner will be chosen, for a total of four Grand Prize winners.  The winners will be announced the Wednesday of the week following each entry period (November 4, November 11, November 18 and November 25).

The Grand Prize Winners and their guests (one each) will receive a custom “Mike & Mike at the College Football Playoff” experience to include: airfare, transportation to and from the stadium, lodging and all meals; VIP access to ESPN’s production operations at the College Football Playoff National Championship; VIP seating for live Mike & Mike broadcasts from Glendale, Ariz.; attendance at a private pre-game tailgate with hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic; and game tickets to sit with Greenberg and Golic at the College Football Playoff National Championship. For more information, visit ESPNRadio.com/mikesCFP.

Mike & Mike is broadcast 6 – 10 a.m., Monday – Friday, and can be heard on ESPN Radio and via ESPNRadio.com, the ESPN app, SiriusXM Channel 80, Apple iTunes, Slacker Radio and TuneIn. The show is also syndicated on ESPN2.

Denver Radio: Smokin' 94.1 To Be Snuffed Out

The pot-branded format of KBUD 1550 AM and K231BQ Smokin' 94.1 T-FM in Denver will be snuffed out this coming Friday.

The translator has been simulcasting KBUD 1550 AM's Classic Rock-pot-based format since June. But iHeartMedia has now purchased the translator from Marco Broadcasting and Marc Paskin for a reported $950K.  No word on the new format for KBUD-AM.

iHM will use the 250-watt translator to simulcast it's N/T KOA 850 AM (50 Kw) , which can also be heard via clustermate KBCO 97.3 FM HD3.

K231BQ 94.1 FM (250 Watts) Red=Local Coverage Area

In July, computer hackers were able to knock KBUD 1550 AM / K231BQ Smokin’ 94.1 FM off the air. Station owner Marc Paskin, whose alter ego is Gary Ganja, said the hackers basically wiped out the radio station. The hacking incident follows a complaint filed by iHM with the FCC about alleged interference to its RhythmicTop40  KPTT 95.7 FM The Party.

Detroit Radio: Kevin Adell Looks For FM Station

Kevin Adell

Religious broadcasting entrepreneur Kevin Adell is on the hunt for a second Detroit radio station to buy and convert into a gospel channel, according to Crains Detroit.

Earlier this year, he acquired a local AM station to air spiritual content, but this time his target might be in the middle of the FM dial.

He declined to say which station he's now targeting and had initial discussions about. Radio insiders say the likely choices are the two Detroit FM stations owned by struggling Cumulus Media Inc. — adult contemporary station WDVD 96.3 FM (20 Kw)  and Country WDRQ 93.1 FM (26.5 Kw) . Cumulus also owns news-talk WJR 760 AM (50 Kw).

"I want to pick up an FM," Adell said. "I don't want another AM."

The thinking is that Atlanta-based Cumulus will need to sell stations to raise cash either to bolster profitability or through bankruptcy, and Adell said his strategy is to get a station for far less than what it would cost under normal circumstances.

WFDF 910 AM (50 kw-D) Red=Local Coverage Area

Adell in January paid The Walt Disney Co.'s Burbank, Calif.-based Disney Radio Group LLC $3 million for its Farmington Hills-based WFDF 910 AM , and uses the station's 50,000-watt day signal (25,000 watts nights) to simulcast audio from The Word Network, his Southfield-based religious television broadcaster whose programs are largely aimed at an African-American audience.

Picking up WDVD or WDRQ is predicated on Cumulus' financial decisions in coming weeks and months.

The company, founded in 1997, has been the target of intense scrutiny and criticism because of its $2.5 billion debt load and an 84 percent decline in share price since the start of the year.

SiriusXM To Provide NBA Coverage

SiriusXM will offer subscribers nationwide comprehensive coverage of the 2015-16 NBA season, offering live play-by-play of every game from Opening Night through the NBA Finals, plus daily in-depth talk and analysis on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

The NBA begins its 70th season on Tuesday, October 27, with a tripleheader featuring the Atlanta Hawks hosting the Detroit Pistons (8:00 pm ET), the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Chicago Bulls (8:00 pm ET) and the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors hosting the New Orleans Pelicans (10:30 pm ET).  Channels for these and future games on SiriusXM can be found at www.siriusxm.com/nba.

NBA programming is available to subscribers with XM Select, Sirius Premier or Sirius All-Access plans.  Those satellite radio subscribers who add SiriusXM Internet Radio access to their subscription also get access to every team's official radio broadcast for every game on the SiriusXM app.

In addition to live play-by-play, SiriusXM NBA Radio offers fans the most extensive and in-depth NBA coverage available on radio.  The channel airs nationwide on satellite radios (XM channel 86, Sirius channel 207) and on the SiriusXM app and offers live game broadcasts and a daily schedule of NBA-focused news and talk from a distinguished roster of hosts.

Personalities on the channel include former star players and coaches such as Vinny Del Negro, Mike Dunleavy, Sr., Rick Fox, Eddie Johnson, Stacey King, Rick Mahorn, Brian Scalabrine and Mateen Cleaves.  They are joined on air by hosts Mark Boyle, Gerald Brown, Tom Byrne, Howie Cowart, Brian Geltzeiler, Jared Greenberg, Jonathan Hood, Frank Isola, Jason Jackson, Mitch Lawrence, Joel Meyers, Jeff Rickard and Justin Termine.

NBA fans can call in to discuss the latest headlines and weigh in with their opinions on the issues of the day. The channel will also feature regular interviews with current players and coaches as well as NBA legends, on-location broadcasts from special events and more.

CBS Radio's W-C-S Benefit Concert A Sell-Out

Demi Lovato

CBS Radio on Saturday organized a huge concert in support of breast cancer awareness month at the 17,000 seat Hollywood Bowl.

Rihanna

Sam Smith, 5SOS, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas headlined the sold-out concert called “We Can Survive.”

“Anytime that I can get to do something for a good cause and also live my dream, combining the two is always an amazing experience,” said pop princess Demi Lovato.

$2 of every ticket sold benefits the “Young Survival Coalition.”

After a hit-filled night from a star-studded lineup of this summer’s biggest pop radio stars, Rihanna surprised a sold out Hollywood Bowl with an unannounced appearance to close the benefit show.

Dressed in pinstriped trench coat over a bustier, she stormed through a handful of the biggest songs in her career, opening with 2015 single, “BBHMM,” followed by “Pour it Up” and older tracks including “Umbrella” and “We Found Love” before saying good night with “Diamonds” and a barrage of fireworks over the iconic Los Angeles venue.

Kevin Weatherly, SVP, Programming; Andre Fernandez, President; Michael Martin, SVP, Programming and Music Initiatives; Chris Oliviero, EVP, Programming; Erik Bradley, APD/MD B96 with Maroon 5 backstage

NYC Radio: Seinfeld Talks Mets Baseball On WFAN

Superstar Mets fan Jerry Seinfield is embracing the moment of the Amazin’s World Series run.

The funnyman was a guest on WFAN’s Steve Somers’ show on WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM Saturday.

“It’s just about the baseball and this crazy team getting there,” Seinfeld said. “I’m not interested in the will they/won’t they signing discussions. I think that’s irrelevant. This is the team. This is our team. Everybody on the team is into it. They’re playing hard. They seem to have a chemistry with each other, which I think is essential to any playoff run like this.”

Happy 70th To Radio's Best Friend: Art Vuolo Jr.

Many of Art Vuolo's broadcast pals made the journey over the weekend to Novi, Michigan to celebrate his birthday.  Attending were a number of Michigan Radio greats: Dick Purtan, Bob Schuman John Records Landecker, Jim Davis, Big Al, Pat St.John, Tom Shannon, Plash Plelps, Tom Shot Gun Kelly, Joey Renolds and many others partied.

Art Vuolo Jr. talking with radio icon Dick Purtan on WIXY1260Online!

Click Here for more on Art!

San Antonio Radio: Alpha Media Stations Raise $114K+

Alpha Media/San Antonio held the 8th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner Radiothon earlier this month.  Six radio stations – News Talk KTSA 550 AM , 1250 ESPN KZDC 1250 AM, KTFM 94.1 FM, KJXK 102.7 JACK-FM, KLEY 95.7 FM, and KSAH 104.1 FM – raised over $114,000 to benefit the largest Thanksgiving Dinner celebration in the country.

The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, named after the late Raul Jimenez, a local restaurateur, commenced 36 years ago serving meals to a couple of hundred people in need. The tradition called “A Feast of The Heart” has continued annually orchestrated by Mr. Jimenez daughter Patricia Jimenez.  Today the event serves Thanksgiving Day meals to over 25,000 of most needy and elderly in San Antonio.

Operations Director, Greg Martin, commented, “We associate our stations with so many wonderful organizations, but this one is genuine.  It’s family run and family executed with the help of the of the San Antonio community.  There is no worry about high paying salaries and big overhead.  You know exactly where your money is going”.

“We are eternally grateful to Alpha Media, KTSA and its sister stations for helping us raise over $114,000 to benefit the 35th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner.  Thank you to the listeners who called in to make their donations and all of the in-studio guests who took time out of their busy schedules to support the cause and give their testimony. Due to this generous out-pour 25,000 Senior Citizens, underprivileged families and the homeless will experience the joy of Thanksgiving,” Patricia Jimenez added.

October 26 Radio History

In 1935...a 12-year-old Judy Garland performed on Wallace Berry's radio show on NBC Radio Network.

In 1940...Hazelwood Broadcasting put WLOF-AM 1230 on the air (We-Love-Orlando-Florida).

It would be Orlando's second radio station. WLOF-AM began broadcasting at 6:30AM with 250 watts of power and radius of 50 miles.

The studios and offices were located on the mezzanine floor of the Angebilt Hotel. The station was an affiliate of the National Broadcasting Co. (NBC), switching to Mutual in 1947.

Also, The station was moved to 950 kHz in 1947 and power was increased to 5,000 Watts.


In 1957...Vatican Radio began broadcasting.

In 1965...The Beatles receive Members of the British Empire (MBE) medals from Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony staged at Buckingham Palace. It is the first such honor ever given to a rock band, causing many former recipients, many distinguished military personnel, to return their medals in disgust. According to John, the group is so nervous beforehand that it gets high on marijuana in a palace bathroom; during the ceremony, when Her Majesty asks the group how long it's been together, Ringo


In 1968...Having been fired from WOR-FM, Legendary DJ Murray The K moves across town in New York, again becoming one of the WMCA 570 AM "Good Guys" working a weekend shift.


In 1990...CBS founder & CEO William S. Paley died at age 89 after a heart attack and kidney failure.

William S. Paley - 1937

Paley's father Samuel Paley was a Jewish immigrant from Ukraine who ran a cigar company. As the company became increasingly successful, Paley became a millionaire, and moved his family to Philadelphia in the early 1920s. In 1927, Paley's father, brother-in-law and some business partners bought a struggling Philadelphia-based radio network of 16 station called the Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System.  Samuel Paley's intention was to use his acquisition as an advertising medium for promoting the family's cigar business, which included the La Palina brand. Within a year, under William's leadership, cigar sales had more than doubled, and, in 1928, the Paley family secured majority ownership of the network from their partners. Within a decade, William S. Paley had expanded the network to 114 affiliate stations.

Paley quickly grasped the earnings potential of radio and recognized that good programming was the key to selling advertising time and, in turn, bringing in profits to the network and to affiliate owners. Before Paley, most businessmen viewed stations as stand-alone local outlets or, in other words, as the broadcast equivalent of local newspapers. Individual stations originally bought programming from the network and, thus, were considered the network's clients.

Paley changed broadcasting's business model not only by developing successful and lucrative broadcast programming but also by viewing the advertisers (sponsors) as the most significant element of the broadcasting equation. Paley provided network programming to affiliate stations at a nominal cost, thereby ensuring the widest possible distribution for both the programming and the advertising. The advertisers then became the network's primary clients and, because of the wider distribution brought by the growing network, Paley was able to charge more for the ad time. Affiliates were required to carry programming offered by the network for part of the broadcast day, receiving a portion of the network's fees from advertising revenue. At other times in the broadcast day, affiliates were free to offer local programming and sell advertising time locally.

Paley's recognition of how to harness the potential reach of broadcasting was the key to his growing CBS from a tiny chain of stations into what was eventually one of the world's dominant communication empires. During his prime, Paley was described as having an uncanny sense for popular taste and exploiting that insight to build the CBS network. As war clouds darkened over Europe in the late 1930s, Paley recognized Americans' desire for news coverage of the coming war and built the CBS news division into a dominant force just as he had previously built the network's entertainment division.