Pew: Affordability Main Driver Of Cord Cutters

Three notable changes relating to digital access and digital divides are occurring in the realm of personal connectivity, according to new findings from Pew Research Center surveys.

• First, home broadband adoption seems to have plateaued. It now stands at 67% of Americans, down slightly from 70% in 2013, a small but statistically significant difference which could represent a blip or might be a more prolonged reality. This change moves home broadband adoption to where it was in 2012.
• Second, this downtick in home high-speed adoption has taken place at the same time there has been an increase in “smartphone-only” adults – those who own a smartphone that they can use to access the internet, but do not have traditional broadband service at home. Today smartphone adoption has reached parity with home broadband adoption (68% of Americans now report that they own a smartphone), and 13% of Americans are “smartphone-only” – up from 8% in 2013.
• Third, 15% of American adults report they have become “cord cutters” – meaning they have abandoned paid cable or satellite television service. Many of these cord cutters say that the availability of televised content from the internet and other sources is a factor in their move away from subscription television services.

Young adults are the most likely cord cutters; 19% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have severed the ties that they once had with cable or satellite service. Another 16% of young adults say they have never had pay TV in the first place.

Affordability is a main driver for those without cable or satellite, as is the ability to view the content they want to watch somewhere else. Some 71% of cord cutters say that they cut the cord in part because the cost of cable or satellite service is too expensive, while 64% say they can access the content they want using an over-air antenna, on the internet or using streaming services.

Pandora Signs Performance Deals With ASCAP, BMI

Pandora and ASCAP and BMI, the world’s leading Performance Rights Organizations, today announced the signing of two separate multi-year licensing agreements for their combined catalogs of more than 20 million musical works.

These deals create business benefits for Pandora, while modernizing compensation in the U.S. for ASCAP and BMI songwriters and publishers. In connection with the signing of the BMI agreement, Pandora has agreed to withdraw its appeal of the May 2015 order in the recent BMI rate case.

“This agreement is good news for music fans and music creators, who are the heart and soul of ASCAP, and a sign of progress in our ongoing push for improved streaming payments for songwriters, composers and music publishers that reflect the immense value of our members’ creative contributions,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

“We’re extremely pleased to reach this deal with Pandora that benefits the songwriters, composers and publishers we are privileged to represent,” said Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI. “Not only is our new agreement comparable to the other direct deals in the marketplace, but it also allows us to amicably conclude our lengthy rate court litigation and focus on what drives each of our businesses – the music.”

“At Pandora we are delivering on our commitment to ensure that music thrives,” said Brian McAndrews, chief executive officer of Pandora. “These collaborative efforts with the leading Performance Rights Organizations, as well as our recent direct deals with several music publishers demonstrate our progress in working together to grow the music ecosystem.”

While the specific terms of both multi-year agreements are confidential, for each deal, the respective parties worked together to build an innovative approach to public performance licensing. The deals allow both ASCAP and BMI to further their goal of delivering improved performance royalties for their songwriters and publishers, while Pandora will benefit from greater rate certainty and the ability to add new flexibility to the company's product offering over time

Entercom Announces New Benefits For Employees

Entercom Communications Corp. Monday announced three significant new additions to its employee benefit plan designed to further enhance the quality of life for its terrific teams.

Beginning in 2016, eligible Entercom employees will receive the following new benefits:

• Personal Volunteering Time
• A half-day off each quarter to volunteer for a non-profit organization of their choosing.
• Discounted Stock Purchase Program Entercom employees will be able to purchase Entercom stock at a 15% discount through a payroll deduction plan.
• Student Loan Reimbursement Program. $1,000 per calendar year to reduce outstanding student loans for employees who have graduated within the past eight years.

These new benefits will be added to Entercom’s existing comprehensive benefits program, as well as other incentives including annual trips to exclusive resorts for top performing sales executives.

“Making Entercom a great place to work has long been a core principle at Entercom,” said Entercom Chief Executive Officer, David Field.  “We are always looking for ways to improve ourselves and make Entercom a better and stronger organization, and that includes enhancing the quality of life for our team.  We have examined benefits programs from leading companies all across the country in a wide range of industries and have honed in on a few highly compelling programs that we think will make outstanding additions to life at Entercom.  We are very excited to be delivering these new benefits to our people.”

Chief Operating Officer Weezie Kramer added, “In today’s media world, Entercom stands apart as a leader in supporting local communities and employees.  We believe these new programs will truly benefit our employees and further enhance our position as a great place to work.

Denver Radio: iHM To Launch Sports On 760 AM

iHeartMedia announced Monday the debut of new sports radio station, Denver Sports 760 KDSP-AM, which will begin on January 4.

Denver Sports 760 will feature daily shows hosted by well-known Denver Broncos experts, including Dave Logan and Susie Wargin (10 a.m.-Noon) and Andy Lindahl (3-6 p.m.).

In addition, Lindahl will be heard evenings 7-8 p.m., hosting PrimeTime Sports on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM. Denver Sports 760 will be home to the biggest names in national sports talk, including The Dan Patrick Show (7-10 a.m.), The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Noon-3 pm.), Jay Mohr Sports (6-9 p.m.), Ferrall On The Bench (9 p.m.-Midnight), The Ben Maller Show (Midnight-4 a.m.) and FOX Sports Daybreak with Andy Furman & Mike North (4-7 a.m.).

“Denver Sports 760 will quickly become the premier destination for sports fans,” said Tim Hager, Market President of iHeartMedia Denver. “We’re excited to serve our listeners, partners and advertisers with a new station featuring original Denver Broncos content and the biggest names in sports.” All Denver Sports 760 programming will be available on DenverSports760.com as well as the iHeartRadio app.

KDSP 760 AM (50 Kw-D, 1 Kw-N) Red=Local Coverage

The station has a long history, most recently as KKZN with Tom Martino and syndicated personalities.

Sports talk radio has been a moving target of late, with Kroenke’s KSE buying KKFN 950 AM, the original dial position of “The Fan.”

Additionally ESPN programming is moving to 1600 AM, the sister station of 104.3 The Fan.

San Bernardino Radio: KCXX Flips 103.9 FM To Rhythmic HotAC

UPDATE 12/22/15 12Noon:  All Pro Broadcasting’s KCXX X1039 FM switched to KHTI Hot 103.9 The I.E. New Hot…Move to the Music” on Tuesday, December 22nd at 7 AM. 

Hot 1039 artists include Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Katy Perry and many more. 

“Hot 103.9 is the I.E.’s Independent and local community focused radio station. Our core audience are active, digital savvy listeners who drive consumer spending throughout Southern California, the ideal fit for our client’s advertising needs”- Bill Hurwitz, Hot 103.9 General Manager “Hot 103.9 will be the Entertainment Hub for the Inland Empire. 

"We will play nothing but current hits, award amazing giveaways, and fully embrace our listeners digital Lifestyles – Brian Boget, Hot 103.9 Marketing / Digital Director. All Pro Broadcasting VP Duane Davis and new KCXX General Manager Bill Hurwitz will spearhead our change to a Rhythmic based Hot Adult Contemporary station. Former KCXX Program Director / Afternoon Personality John DeSantis will program HOT 103.9. KCXX Sales Director Mike Hood will head the Sales Department. Brian Boget will continue as the Director of Marketing and Digital. 

All Pro Broadcasting Inc. is owned by NFL Hall of Famer and Green Bay Packer Legend Willie Davis.

Earlier Posting...

Longtime alternative rock station KCXX X103.9 FM is flipping formats today.

The change will be made as of 7am local time. KCXX has been Alternative since 1995. No new format has been announced. Click Here to listen.

KHTI 103.9 FM (180 watts) Red=Local Coverage

The San Bernardino-based station has been a champion of local music. “ X1039 has been a huge part of my life for nearly 20 years, so this is like losing a best friend. I’m certain that many of you feel the same, as you’ve grown up with us,” program director and on-air host John DeSantis posted on Facebook.

"It is with extreme sadness that I make the following announcement. As of 7am tomorrow, December 22nd, after 20 years as The Inland Empire’s Alternative Rock, X1039 will no longer exist. The station is changing formats. 

I know this sucks. Probably hard to believe. I fully understand. You should’ve seen my face when I was told. X1039 has been a huge part of my life for nearly 20 years, so this is like losing a best friend. I’m certain that many of you feel the same, as you’ve grown up with us. 

Our owners and management have always been super supportive of our efforts at X1039, so please know that this was not an easy decision for them. They love the Alternative Rock format, and did everything in their power to make it work. I’m very proud of all that we accomplished here, in spite of many obstacles and challenges. 

We competed with huge Los Angeles stations, as well as giant heritage stations in our own backyard. And we actually won many times in spite of the odds. Those victories will always be special to me. 

Many incredible DJ’s have cracked this microphone over the years; from our first jock Lisa Axe, to Doug, Nick, Daryl and me. We broke many new artists and songs, put on some pretty awesome shows, threw some major parties and we have always heavily supported the local music scene. So many great memories. Please never forget them. 

Thanks to anyone and everyone that has had anything at all to do with this station’s success; from our clients and business partners, to program directors, record labels, venues, promoters, DJ’s, interns, bands, managers, and agents. We could not have come this far without you. Most of all I want to thank the X1039 listener. You’ve been through the ups and downs with us, and were always there for us. It is, unfortunately, the end of an era. Great things are coming to 103.9, and I hope you’ll check it out. But nothing will erase the last two decades, and all we’ve experienced. 

ThanX for listening! John DeSantis X1039 Program Director

FNC To Host Final GOP Debate

FOX News Channel (FNC) announced Monday that the network will host its second Republican presidential primary debate on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from Des Moines, Iowa.

The two-hour debate will be presented live from the Iowa Events Center at 9PM/ET on FNC, as well as the network’s additional platforms, including FOX News Radio, FOX News Mobile and FOXNews.com. FNC’s first Republican primary debate on August 6th delivered a record-breaking 24 million viewers and was the highest-rated non-sports cable broadcast of all time.

Special Report anchor Bret Baier, The Kelly File anchor Megyn Kelly and FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace will return as moderators for the last contest among the candidates before the Iowa Caucus on February 1, 2016. The criteria for candidate entry to the debate will be announced closer to the date.

Following the debate, FNC will present special live daytime and primetime programming from the Hawkeye state in the days leading up to the Iowa Caucus as the first votes are cast in the 2016 election.

ABC's Saturday night debate last weekend , moderated by David Muir and Martha Raddatz, averaged 8.47 million viewers between 8:30 and 10:30pm, according to Nielsen data that arrived right before deadline time.

The viewership for CBS's Saturday night Democratic debate last month was roughly the same -- 8.5 million. The only other Dem debate of the cycle, televised by CNN, averaged 15.3 million viewers on a Tuesday night in October.

Steve Harvey May Have Fallen On The Sword

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey took the blame for perhaps the most epic beauty pageant host blunder of all time on Sunday night’s Miss Universe 2015 Pageant, but some are pointing to a backstage Snapchat video as proof the mistake may have been someone else's, according to Fox News.

A seven-second behind-the-scenes video shows Harvey immediately after naming the wrong winner -- Miss Colombia instead of Miss Philippines -- pointing to a cue card and talking to an unidentified person saying: “The teleprompter said Miss Universe – Colombia.”

Snapchat is a social media platform that features user-generated short videos. The video in question looks as if it were posted on the Miss Universe Snapchat channel, but it is no longer there. It has however been shared multiple times by users, including a pageant queen from the Miss America organization, Miss Alabama Meg McGuffin, who wrote: “Watch the Miss Universe snap story…Harvey says, “The TelePrompter said Miss Universe-Colombia”…someone in production is fired….”

Sports Illustrated writer Kenny Ducey tweeted, “Conspiracy theory #2 – the teleprompter.”

Another social media user, Taylor Ramsey, weighed in: “Teleprompter was wrong.  Yes he had a card, but we all know the card is just for show…from #Miss Universe snapchat.”

Harvey immediately apologized for the mistake calling it a “human error,” and apologized on Twitter.

“I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.”



The Miss Universe organization issued a statement on Sunday night for the mix-up without placing blame on any particular individual.

CBS News reportsd that throughout the press conference, Harvey owned up to his mistake, and also took to Twitter to say sorry to both pageant contestants. "I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible," he wrote. "Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake. I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing."

Judge Order Depositions On Redstone Health

Manuela Herzer, Sumner Redstone

Sumner Redstone has claimed another victory in the ongoing legal battle with his ex-girlfriend Manuela Herzer over the rights to his health care decisions, according to CNN Reliable Sources.

On Monday,  a Los Angeles judge ruled that there was "no urgency" requiring the 92-year-old Viacom chairman to take questions in the case. However, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, who serves as Redstone’s current health care agent, will have to meet with Herzer's lawyers for a series of depositions about the mogul's health.

Herzer filed her lawsuit in November after Redstone revoked her control over his healthcare decisions.

Herzer claims Redstone "lacked the mental capacity" to make such a decision. Redstone's lawyers are now seeking to have the case dismissed. In a statement, they said they were "glad Mr. Redstone will be able to continue to enjoy the holiday season with his family and friends uninterrupted..."

Shari Redstone Refused To Sell Stake In Media Empire

Sumner and Shari Redstone

(Reuters) -- Shari Redstone refused an offer from her media mogul father Sumner to sell her 20 percent stake in the holding company that controls Viacom Inc and CBS Corp for $1 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The offer made in November 2014 would have required Shari to give up her right to become chairman of the two media companies upon the death of her father, now 92, the Journal reported, citing documents and people familiar with the matter.

Philippe Dauman

The tax-free, cash-and-stock offer valued Shari's stake 33 percent more than its present worth, the Journal reported on Sunday.

"It appears that third parties accessed and then disclosed to the Wall Street Journal highly confidential documents," Shari Redstone's spokeswoman Nancy Sterling said in an email, declining to comment further.

The report comes at a time when Sumner's physical and mental health have been the subject of intense debate, partly due to his notable absence from the companies' recent earnings calls.

Earlier this month, Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman addressed these concerns, saying he speaks with Sumner several times a week and that the media mogul was in charge of his own health care.

In recent months Shari, 61, has made efforts to repair her strained relationship with Sumner, visiting him regularly and recently celebrating Hanukkah with him, the Journal report said.

CBS declined to comment on the report, while Viacom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Viacom has been posting weak revenue in recent quarters, as the MTV and Comedy Central owner struggles to boost ad sales in its U.S. cable TV business.

(Reporting by Sai Sachin R and Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

R.I.P.: Former WSIX Nashville Personality Hoss Burns

Robert Burns

Former WSIX Nashville radio disc jockey Robert “Hoss” Burns has died at age 56, according to Everything Country.

Burns was found dead in his Old Hickory apartment last Thursday. He passed away on Dec. 16. The radio personality, singer and songwriter had been recovering from heart surgery.

During his years at WSIX, Burns was twice nominated as the CMA’s medium-market broadcast personality of the year. He was also the host of the nationally-syndicated weekly radio series Country Hitmakers, as well as of a number of national radio specials.

Robert Charles Burns was born in Sisbee, Texas, and raised in Port Arthur. He began his radio career at age 16 as an early-morning DJ broadcasting before school. He attended the University of Texas in Austin for two years, studying voice, saxophone, piano, music theory and composition.

Heading back to East Texas, he went on the air at KLVI-AM and KYKR-FM in Beaumont. He also launched his career as a voice-over artist, working for all three television stations in the market. He was billed as Chuck Burns during his Texas career.

Burns was hired by WSIX-FM in 1986. It was at this time that he adopted the pseudonym Hoss Burns. He remained with WSIX for nine years.

He made history as the first country music personality to publicly disclose his HIV-positive status. He did so in the context of a 12-hour broadcasting marathon that became a fundraiser for St. Jude. During the broadcast, more than 100 artists pledged their support for him, including Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Reba McEntire and a tearful Lorrie Morgan.

Following his retirement from broadcasting in 1995, Burns continued to work as a voice-over artist.

December 22 Radio History

In 1899...Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America registered.


In 1901...orchestra leader Andre Kostelanetz was born in Russia.

Arriving in the US in 1922, he conducted concerts for radio, and in the 30s he was given his own weekly show on CBS, Andre Kostelanetz Presents. He was known for arranging and recording light classical music pieces for mass audiences, as well as orchestral versions of popular songs and Broadway show tunes. His numerous recordings garnered sales of over 50 million and became staples of Beautiful Music radio.

He succumbed to pneumonia Jan. 13 1980 at age 78.

In 1917...game show host/announcer Gene Rayburn was born in Christopher Illinois.

He was half of the first two-man radio morning show team on WNEW 1130 AM New York (Rayburn & Finch), and broke into TV as announcer for Steve Allen on the original Tonight Show.

Besides Match Game, for which he is best remembered, he also hosted the TV games Make the Connection, Choose Up Sides, Dough Re Mi, and Tic Tac Dough. He died Nov 29, 1999 at age 81.


In 1920...WEAF in New York City, aired the first broadcast of a prize fight from ringside. The fight was broadcast from Madison Square Garden where Joe Lynch defeated Peter Herman to retain the bantamweight title.


In 1922...pioneer New York radio station WEAF once again proved to be the pillar of radio promotion. This time they broadcast radio’s first double wedding ceremony. 4,000 spectators watched as the two couples exchanged vows at Grand Central Palace. The broadcast was made in conjunction with the American Radio Exposition. The couples each got $100; a hefty sum in 1922.




In 1962...The Tornados became the first British group to have a #1 record in the U.S. when they topped the singles chart with their instrumental "Telstar."


In 2000...SIRIUS Satellite Radio completed its satellite system





In 2010...Radio and TV announcer (The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, The Dick Cavett Show, The Generation Gap)/National Radio Hall of Famer Fred Foy died at the age of 89.

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1938, Foy began in broadcasting with a part-time position at WMBC, a 250-watt independent station in Detroit. He moved to WXYZ in 1942, but World War II interrupted his radio career.

He was inducted August 28, 1942, entering the American armed forces September 11, 1942.

Attached to the 14th Special Service Company, Sergeant Fred Foy became the American voice on Egyptian State Broadcasting, delivering news and special programs to the Allied Forces in Cairo. He handled the distribution throughout the Middle East of American recordings, in addition to local broadcasts of Command Performance, Mail Call, Personal Album, Radio Bric-a-Brac and Front Line Theatre. He also announced The American Forces Programme. For Stars and Stripes he did American News Letter, a weekly summary of news from America, plus sport flashes and items from various theatres of war. For Cairo cinemas, he announced Headline News of the Day. Foy helped stage and announce USO sponsored programs, including a Jack Benny broadcast from Cairo to New York and an Andre Kostelanetz concert with Lily Pons.

After the war, Foy returned to WXYZ in Detroit. He took over the position of announcer and narrator for radio's The Lone Ranger beginning July 2, 1948 and continuing until the series ended on September 3, 1954.

NYC Radio: WLTW, Empire State Building To Light Up Skyline

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and iHeartMedia have announced that the annual Empire State Building holiday music-to-light show will premiere on Monday, December 21, 2015, at 7 p.m. EST and play hourly throughout the week until Christmas.

The show, designed by renowned lighting designer Marc Brickman, will be synced live each night on iHeartMedia's WLTW 106.7 LiteFM at 7 p.m. from December 21 through December 24.

The iconic landmark has been celebrating the season by "unwrapping" surprise gifts all month long with an exclusive lineup of special guests and live performances. The all-new music-to-light show is the culmination to cap off the season with a colorful and exciting twist on a holiday classic.

The brand-new musical extravaganza will feature chart-topping acapella group Pentatonix, and their Grammy-nominated track, "Dance of The Sugarplum Fairy," from their #1 holiday album, That's Christmas To Me.

The stunning presentation will be visible to revelers and tourists from various vantage points around New York City and the Tri-State area.



"Through our partnership with iHeartMedia, our signature light shows set to music have become a spectacular sight illuminating the New York City skyline, and our holiday light shows are particular New York City favorites. This year the Empire State Building and iHeartMedia are happy to have Grammy-nominated acapella group Pentatonix share in the holiday spirit with all of New York City, and the world through our aerial video of the show," said Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman and CEO, ESRT.

"Holiday lights on the Empire State Building and Christmas music on 106.7 litefm are NY holiday traditions," said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms at iHeartMedia. "We're excited to partner by syncing our holiday music to the tower lights, creating something special for New Yorkers while they celebrate the season."