Hubbard Radio Acquires Equity In Podcast One

Norm Pattiz, Ginny Morris, Kit Gray

PodcastOne, the nation's largest advertiser-supported podcast network, and Hubbard Radio, have reached an equity agreement in which Hubbard Radio acquires 30% of the on-demand digital-audio leader, it was announced today by PodcastOne Chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz, and Hubbard Radio Chair and CEO Ginny Morris.

The agreement maintains PodcastOne and parent company Courtside Entertainment Group's independent control of all operations, as the network continues to expand its collection of more than 200 top-rated programs, delivering more than 400 million monthly impressions for advertisers. The network features many of America's most popular podcasts, including Adam Carolla, Shaquille O'Neal, Steve Austin, Dan Patrick, Chris Jericho, Penn Jillette, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Shawn and Larry King, Laura Ingraham, Dr. Drew, TheCHIVE, the newly launched Mark Schlereth podcast, plus WNYC's Radiolab, Freakonomics and many more.

The companies will work closely on synergies in content development, cross-promotion, brand development, new technology opportunities, and local, regional and national joint marketing and advertising. The investment will also allow for rapid expansion of sales and marketing resources, along with the ability to service more clients, as PodcastOne continues its phenomenal growth trajectory since being founded just three years ago by Kit Gray and Westwood One Founder and Chairman Emeritus Norm Pattiz.

"We could not be more pleased and excited to have the chance to collaborate with Norm Pattiz and Kit Gray," said Morris. "These great audio mavericks have a vision that we believe in, and are honored to be a part of.  Great content always wins, and to make great content available at the convenience of the consumer is a natural evolution and one that our industry is beginning to embrace. It will provide additional options that expand our audience and build the value of our existing assets."

Pattiz echoed these sentiments: "They say you're judged by the company that you keep. In that case, my reputation just got a huge boost. I am so looking forward to working with Ginny and her entire team. The accomplishments of the Hubbard family in the broadcasting, content and media worlds speak for themselves. I view this as not only a great deal for both of our companies, but more importantly, for the radio industry as a whole. Embracing all forms of audio distribution, from broadcasting to streaming and on-demand is what will drive radio as a medium, continually growing and on the cutting edge."

Catch-Up Day...

Well almost, fresh, up-to-the-moment postings resume Tuesday.  'Til then, here's the big stuff that happened during our summer break...scroll and enjoy.

Philly Radio: Ross Brittain, GM Jim Loftus Exit WOGL

Jim Loftus

Jim Loftus, station manager of top-rated Classic Hits WOGL 98.1 FM and director of sales for CBS Radio’s entire Philadelphia operations, has left the company.

The Philadelphia Business Journal reports Loftus accepted a buyout package after turning down promotion offers that came after David Yadgaroff was selected over him to succeed Marc Rayfield as CBS Radio Philadelphia market manager.

Sources said Loftus was offered market manager position in Pittsburgh and Seattle — where he would have been reunited with former WYSP host Danny Bonaduce — but instead accept a buyout package that includes 59 weeks of salary.

Loftus has been general manager at WOGL, which has a classic hits format and used to be known as Oldies 98, since 2005. During his tenure, the station rose from 14th to No. 1 in the local ratings. He become sales manager for the six CBS stations seven years ago.

Loftus broke into radio in 1977. The Scranton native worked several sales jobs in Philadelphia and Scranton before being named director of sales for Power 99 (WUSL-FM) in 1988. He then served as market manager for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre cluster of Susquehanna Radio Corporation from 1992 to 1996 and COO of Shamrock Communications from 1996 to 2005.

“For me, I am off to a spiritual retreat in Arizona, then plan to enjoy some time at our home in the Poconos,” Loftus said. “After I hit the re-set button, we shall see what next challenges await.”

Ross Brittain

One of the reasons for Loftus’ success at WOGL, morning drive host Ross Brittain, anchored his last show Friday after 10 years with the station and almost four decades in radio.

Brittain’s wife, Rasa Kaye, will remain with the company in her role as a anchor/reporter with KYW Newsradio 1060.

But another longtime WOGL veteran, nighttime host Bob Charger, was reportedly let go earlier in July along with KYW morning business anchor Vince Hill, WPHT night time talker Gary R’nel and several sales and support staff as part of a larger shakeup emanating form CBS in New York that reportedly included 200 people nationwide.

On 98.1 WOGL Friday morning, Brittain said, “One last time, I want to thank General Manager, Jim Loftus, who started the same day I did, Program Director Anne Gress and the wonderful people who work here including the people in the studio with me now, Frank Lewis, Valerie Knight, Bill Zimpfer, who will be on the air even after I leave. Thanks to our Music Director, Tommy McCarthy, the staff and management here at WOGL and of course, the listeners. It’s been a great ride.”

Program Director Anne Gress said, “For over a decade, Ross Brittain has awakened Philadelphia as morning drive host of the Breakfast Club on 98.1 WOGL.  He’s been an incredible part of WOGL’s history, including helping us raise millions of dollars for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, marrying listeners at Geno’s Steaks and so much more. Ross is a consummate professional, a true gentleman and a great friend to us all. He made us better broadcasters and we’re all the richer for having the opportunity to work with him. All of us at 98.1 WOGL wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Philly Radio: Nick Kayal Rips WPEN During WIP Audition

Nick Kayal

Former WPEN ESPN 97.5 The Fanatic host Nick Kayal got his shot to co-host with Sportsradio 94.1 WIP 94.1 FM's Josh Innes on Friday, and didn’t waste any time before ripping the station that employed him for six years.  Click Here for Audio Highlights.

Kayal called The Fanatic an “inferior station on the dial” and said he had been “jerked around five times” before making the decision to leave the station and take a job with Bleacher Report Radio on SiriusXM.

Kayal’s drive-time show lasted only four months before SiriusXM took over control of the channel and eliminated nearly everyone in its lineup. But judging by the way Kayal went after The Fanatic, he was more concerned with winning over WIP listeners than burning bridges with his former employer.

“Rumor has it the transmitter shut off at 7 p.m. at that station,” Kayal said, a dig at the station's decision to utilize big-name ESPN guests during more popular radio hours. He also lamented long nights where he would talk, without a caller, for over an hour.

Kayal saved his most heated comments for Fanatic host and favorite Innes target Mike Missanelli, who he labeled as a lazy host and “a straight-up d-bag.”

“Everything that you read about him is pretty much true,” Kayal said, saying his relationship with The Fanatic's most popular host was terrible.

Chicago Radio: Jack Diamond OUT At WLS-FM

Cumulus Media\Chicago has confirmed that morning show host Jack Diamond has been released from the station.  The new broke as Diamond was back at his Washington DC home on vacation. His last show on Classic Hits WLS 94.7 FM was July 24.

The-WLS Program Director Jan Jeffries had been seeking a new morning show for much of 2014.

After negotiations with one-time Chicago radio superstars Eddie & Jobo broke down, Jeffries went after his friend and former colleague from the east coast, Jack Diamond. He is best known for his 24 years working mornings at WRQX 107.3 FM in Washington, D.C.

For the last week of July 2014, Jeffries gave a "tryout" to Diamond, having him host the morning show for a few days. Chicagoland Radio and Media reports it appeared clear at the time the "tryout" was much more than that. Speculation had it that Diamond was a lock to become the new full-time morning show personality for the station, most likely starting in early September.

WLS-FM made an offer to Diamond, but he turned it down. In mid-August, Diamond instead accepted a job as morning show host for XHPRS-FM in the San Diego market.

That move turned out to be very short-lived. After only a matter of days in southern California, Diamond and his family returned back home to Washington, D.C.

It did not take long for Jeffries to try once again to get his friend Diamond to come back to Chicago. A deal was struck in October and Diamond finally began hosting the morning show on WLS-FM on November 3, 2014.

Diamond returned home to Washington, D.C. for the two-week Christmas break. Then, Diamond decided over that break to have surgery to help repair his diverticulitis issue. He scheduled the surgery for January 20th at a Washington area facility.

He did not return to the WLS-FM studios until April 6th. Since his tryout week in late July 2014 through this week at the end of July 2015, Diamond worked less than two dozen weeks at WLS-FM in Chicago.

Fox Cancels “Knock, Knock Live”

Knock, knock…no one was at home.

After just two episodes in and FOX-TV has swung the proverbial axe on Ryan Seacrest-hosted reality series “Knock Knock Live”

The non-scripted series featured Seacrest in a Los Angeles-based studio, while the “Knock Knock Live” team traveled across the country, to any city at any time, surprising unsuspecting people at their front doors with a chance to win big cash prizes, meet their favorite celebrities and turn their wildest dreams into reality.

Ratings for the second – and final – telecast were an anemic 1.6 million viewers and a 0.5 rating in adults 18-49 in the Tuesday 9 p.m. hour (out of 2.47 million viewers and a 0.6 in the demo for lead-in “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”).

Orlando Radio: WXXL Airs Morning Show Live From Cuba

iHeartMedia Orlando announced Friday that Top40 WXXL106.7 FM morning show Johnny’s House has become the first-ever U.S. FM morning team to host a show in Cuba. Morning show hosts Johnny Magic, Laura Diaz and Brian Grimes traveled to Havana to explore Cuban culture first-hand and shared their experiences with Orlando residents on Friday morning, July 31, from 6-10 am; people across the U.S. were also able to listen to Johnny’s House through iHeartRadio.

“Now that the doors to Cuba are opening for the first time in over 50 years, it’s radio’s obligation to be a part of history and the education process,” said Johnny Magic. “By using all our assets -- our broadcast, digital and social platforms -- we are able to share our experiences with all our listeners so they can learn as much about Cuban culture as possible.”

Fans can listen to XL106.7 FM on the station’s website xl1067.com, as well as on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s all-in-one digital radio service.


XL106.7 is a leading media outlet in the Orlando market and its programming and content are available across multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; online via its branded digital sites; mobile; and social, with nationwide listening through iHeartRadio — with its more than 600 million downloads, more than 75 million social media followers and 87 million digital uniques across the Network.

Tulsa Radio: Sports Talker Chris Plank Leaves KTBZ

Chris Plank

Radio sports-talk host Chris Plank has departed from Sports KTBZ 1430 AM The Buzz after having been a member of the station’s staff for 18 years.

“As time progresses, I’ll be able to talk more about where I am going and what I’m doing,” Plank wrote in a blog, “but for now, it is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement and decision.”
Plank, 40, is a University of Tulsa graduate. During the last 16 years, he was a presence during The Buzz’s 2-6 p.m. show. During the last 12 years, Plank and Jeremie Poplin were co-hosts.

The Tulsa World reports Plank will continue as a sideline reporter during University of Oklahoma football games and with various roles in Sooner Sports TV programming.

While he no longer will be involved in the station’s weekday afternoon show, Plank’s voice will remain a Buzz commodity as the iHeartMedia station will air his Sunday night national show on Fox Sports Radio.

Phoenix Radio: KTAR-FM News Anchor Ned Foster Sets Retirement

Ned Foster

Arizona Broadcast Hall of Fame Inductee Ned Foster plans to retire at the end of November after four decades in the radio business with 26 of those years spent with KTAR 92.3 FM in Phoenix.

“It’s hard for me to believe how fortunate I’ve been and how much fun I’ve had,” Foster said. “I am humbled and gratified beyond words that so many people over so many years found it worth their while to tune in.”

Foster, a Massachusetts native, has traveled far and wide in his radio career. He first signed on in Boston, followed by Fort Wayne, Indiana and Los Angeles, before finally setting up shop in the Valley in 1983.

He joined KTAR in 1988 and has kept audiences in the know on the award-winning “Arizona’s Morning News” ever since.

“Ned is the consummate news man and he’s had an absolutely remarkable career,” Bonneville Phoenix Vice President of Content and Operations Ryan Hatch said. “We can’t thank him enough for helping Arizona commuters get to work informed and on time each morning.”

Foster’s last day on air will be Nov. 25.

iHeartRadio Music Festival Returns For 5th Year

iHeartMedia announced Thursday, July 30 2015 the star-studded line-up for the fifth annual iHeartRadio Music Festival taking place on September 18 and 19 in Las Vegas.


This year's lineup will feature Kanye West, Sam Smith, The Who, Coldplay, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Kenny Chesney, The Weeknd, Tove Lo, Lil Wayne, Fall Out Boy, Disclosure, Hozier, Jason Derulo, Duran Duran, Prince Royce, Diplo, Trey Songz, The Killers, Blake Shelton, Nick Jonas, Janet Jackson and more. The iHeartRadio Music Festival will also include performances from this year's Macy's iHeartRadio Rising Star winner, Christina Grimmie, as well as other surprise special guests and the kind of never-before-imagined collaborations that the iHeartRadio Music Festival is known for.

The weekend-long concert event will kick off Friday evening, September 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with host Ryan Seacrest, host and producer of "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," his market-topping No. 1 Los Angeles morning drive-time show for iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS-FM as well as the nationally-syndicated “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” heard on 170 stations across America.

The Daytime Village will return to the MGM Resorts Village across from the Luxor Hotel and Casino on Saturday, September 19 with performances by Demi Lovato, Hozier, Tove Lo, Trey Songz, Walk The Moon, Nick Jonas, Big Sean, Lee Brice, George Ezra, Tori Kelly, Echosmith, James Bay, The Struts, Zella Day and Shawn Mendes. The Daytime Village will also feature fan zones and interactive experiences by iHeartRadio's brand partners.

"Each year we look to create history with the iHeartRadio Music Festival by curating a lineup of the biggest artists from every genre.  What makes this show unlike all others is that every artist is a massive star and could easily headline the MGM Arena on their own," said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms, iHeartMedia.  "With unbelievable live performances and collaborations, every year the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Daytime Village are the ultimate celebrations of artists and music."

The iHeartRadio Music Festival will broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations for fans throughout the country across 150 markets and will stream live on Yahoo Live (yahoo.com/iheart) each night at 7:30 p.m. PST.  The iHeartRadio Music Festival will also return to The CW Network as an exclusive two-night special on September 29 and 30 from 8:00-10:00 p.m.

In addition, throughout a summer-long on-air and online promotion, iHeartMedia station listeners across the country will have the chance to win one-of-a-kind, all-expense-paid dream trips to Las Vegas, where they will join thousands of other dedicated music fans to experience the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the legendary MGM Grand. One Grand Prize Winner will be chosen to receive a fantasy all-access experience.

iHM Reports Q2 Revenue Increased 4 Percent

iHeartMedia, Inc. Thursday July 30, 2015 reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015.

“We continue to invest in our capabilities across both iHeartMedia and outdoor to realize the full value of our multi-platform assets. With no significant debt maturities until 2018, we can continue focusing on growing the top and bottom lines across our business segments.”

“We continue to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace with our unmatched portfolio of products, media platforms, content and personalities -- all built on the power of broadcast radio and out of home -- which give us the most powerful marketing vehicles available today,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Pittman said.

Pittman, Bressler

“We are building on the power of sound and social, the power of outdoor and the emerging power of digital to create even stronger marketing solutions for our partners, while providing the most live content and events to the industry’s most engaged audiences, wherever they are and on whatever device they want to use. We continue to find creative ways to use iHeartMedia’s cross-platform assets to redefine the future of consumer media and entertainment.”

“We’re pleased with the revenue and OIBDAN growth we achieved this quarter,” said Rich Bressler, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “We continue to invest in our capabilities across both iHeartMedia and outdoor to realize the full value of our multi-platform assets. With no significant debt maturities until 2018, we can continue focusing on growing the top and bottom lines across our business segments."

The Company’s key financial highlights for the second quarter 2015 include:

• Consolidated revenues increased 2% to $1.7 billion, excluding the unfavorable impact from movements in foreign exchange rates. On a reported basis, consolidated revenue decreased 2% to $1.6 billion.
• iHeartMedia revenues increased $34 million, or 4%.
• Americas outdoor revenues increased $2 million, or 1%, excluding the unfavorable impact from movements in foreign exchange rates. On a reported basis, revenues decreased 3 million, or 1%.
• International outdoor revenues increased $9 million, or 2%, excluding the unfavorable impact from movements in foreign exchange rates. On a reported basis, revenues decreased $55 million, or 13%.

The Company’s recent key non-financial highlights include:

• Surpassed 71 million iHeartRadio registered users, as of July 2015, growing 40% year-over-year. iHeartRadio’s total listening hours were up 23% over the second quarter of 2014, while downloads and upgrades increased to more than 677 million. Mobile was also higher, representing 60% of iHeartRadio’s total listening hours during the second quarter of 2015. Its social media footprint also continues to expand, reaching over 75 million users across its network.
• Extended and expanded partnership with Ryan Seacrest, the nationally-known media and entertainment entrepreneur, radio personality, television host and producer. He will continue to be a key advisor to iHeartMedia and will provide input into all of the Company’s major events and initiatives as well as developing new ways to connect advertisers closely to consumers.
• Signed a multi-year agreement to simulcast the iHeartRadio Music Awards live on Turner Broadcasting’s TBS, TNT and truTV networks.

Cumulus Media Beats Q2 Expectations

• Revenue Declined

Cumulus Media Thursday posted a wider net loss in Q2 as revenue slipped more than 7%, but narrowly beat earnings expectations and cut content costs more than 7% as well.EBITDA of $44.66M missed expectations for $46.68M.

Revenue by segment:

• Broadcast advertising, $251.2M (down 7%)
• Digital Advertising, $8.1M (down 16.4%)
• Political advertising, $702K (down 67.7%)
• License fees and other, $11.1M (up 9.1%).

Broadcast advertising further broke down into $141.6M local, $22.8M national, and $86.7M network.

Capex was $10.1M, mainly $6M for a new office and studio in San Francisco and $2M in platform-wide computer upgrades.

On rthe earnings conference call, it was disclosed that the two previously announced asset dispositions - land in Los Angeles and Washington - are proceeding toward the closing process with proceeds now indicated at $210 million, up 5% from earlier expectations. Both transactions are expected to be finalized in 2016.

Management spent a lot of time on the Q2 conference call discussing its recent priority of maximizing its sales skills and operating personnel. One analyst noted this is good - it's always best to have your "A" team on the field - but it does call into question why this effort wasn't undertaken earlier. And can even the best salesperson sell a product whose listenership and competitive position - indeed, relevance - are in sharp decline?

High hopes were again expressed for thr NASH country music format initiative and certainly there are some incremental ad dollars, brand awareness and operating efficiencies to be captured from a national rollout of NASH. It's a nice product, according to some analysts, but it's not likely to move the revenue needle meaningfully.

Sling Shames NBC for Refusing Ads

Dish’s Sling TV, a new over-the-top pay TV service, is trying to shame Comcast-owned NBCUniversal TV stations to air Sling TV ads in a number of markets.

Launched in April, Sling TV challenges the traditional cable and satellite TV bundle by offering a slimmed-down package of fewer channels over the Internet at $20/month. Add-ons like HBO are offered at an additional cost. Designed to appeal to cord-cutters, the lineup includes about two dozen channels, such as ESPN, AMC, A&E, TNT, Disney, CNN, and HGTV.

According to the blog KatyOnTheHill, The service began airing its first national ad campaign earlier this month, knocking traditional pay TV by comparing cable to the neighborhood bully. “You’ll pay for other channels and like it,” the ad says, referring to pay TV’s “strong-arm tactics,” and “poor customer service.”

NBC-owned stations in San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. rejected the ads, Sling TV’s Roger Lynch wrote in a blog post on Thursday.


“This action stands in contrast to the fact that our ads are currently running across ABC, CBS and Fox O&O stations and affiliates, as well as independently-owned NBC affiliates,” Lynch wrote. “Here’s the irony. The refusal to air our campaign endorses the ads’ central truth: there are traditional pay-TV players that just don’t get it.”

NYC Radio: WCBS-FM, Scott Shannon Extend Deal

Scott, Johnn Elliott, Patty Steele, Joe Nolan

CBS RADIO station WCBS 101.1 FM 101.1 July 30, 2015 announced it has signed Scott Shannon to a new multi-year contract, extending the popular host’s run as the anchor of morning drive.

Launched March 2014, “Scott Shannon in the Morning” is broadcast weekdays from 6:00-10:00AM, ET.   Scott’s wake-up team includes co-host Patty Steele, Joe Nolan with all the latest traffic information for morning commuters, and weather reports provided by CBS 2 New York’s John Elliott.  Since the show’s debut, the station’s weekly cume has grown nearly 20% to approximately four million listeners.

WCBS 101.1 FM (6.7 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

“Scott has been more than just a great addition to WCBS-FM’s morning line-up – he has had a tremendous impact in elevating the station to its premier position in New York,” said Scott Herman, Chief Operating Officer, CBS RADIO.  “We are privileged to work with such a legend in our industry, and I appreciate our relationship both personally and professionally.”

“This is the perfect place for me and the perfect time to be at WCBS-FM,” said Shannon.  “I love my morning show team and you couldn’t find better people to work with and for than Scott Herman and Jim Ryan [Program Director].”

“Since Scott Shannon joined the station, he has created a new awareness of WCBS-FM in the market, and we couldn’t be more thrilled he will be with us for years to come,” said Jim Ryan, Senior Vice President, Programming, CBS RADIO and Program Director, WCBS-FM and Fresh 102.7 (WWFS-FM). “There is nothing better than knowing WCBS-FM fans will continue to jump start their day with the famed Scott Shannon for a long time.”

Buffalo NY Radio: Shredd, Ragan Re-Up At WEDG

Ted Shredd, Tom Ragan

Cumulus Media announced on July 29, 2015 that it has re-signed long-running Buffalo morning team Ted Shredd and Tom Ragan to The Edge WEDG 103.3 FM. The Shredd and Ragan Show is a four-hour comedy talk radio morning show based in Buffalo, NY broadcasting to Western New York and Southern Ontario, heard on 103.3 The Edge weekday mornings.

Beginning in 1994, Shredd and Ragan made an immediate impact on the Buffalo broadcasting landscape. Their success was felt so strongly in Western New York that when the format and station name were changed, Shredd and Ragan remained the cornerstone for the brand new 103.3 The Edge, Buffalo’s New Rock Alternative.

Over the past 20 years, the station format has been altered to better serve the community with Shredd and Ragan, and throughout, the show has remained among the most successful rock/alternative morning shows in the U.S., with consistently dominant ratings throughout Western New York and a loyal fan base. The Shredd and Ragan Show has received numerous industry awards and accolades throughout its continued and historic run.

WEDG 103.3 FM (49 Kw) Red=Local coverage Area

Steve Bearance, Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Buffalo said: “On the 20th Anniversary of 103.3 The Edge, there’s no better way to celebrate than by extending our relationship with the incomparable morning team that started it all and has been a driver of the station’s success for these 20 years. Not only has The Shredd and Ragan Show become a staple of the Western New York life, but the show has continued to grow with its original and ever-increasing audience along the way.”

Troy Hanson, Corporate Programming/Rock Formats for Cumulus said: “We are delighted to extend our longtime working relationship with Shredd and Ragan into a new long term deal that continues to partner two great brands—Shredd and Ragan, and Buffalo’s Premiere Alternative Rock Radio station WEDG – The Edge. Ted, Tom and their crew (Jim Jacka and Josh Potter) are top notch at covering the pulse of all things Buffalo and Western New York. We couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Shredd said: “It's not just a great time to be in Buffalo. It's a great time to be a part of Buffalo! Over the last 20 years The Edge has evolved into a big part of Western New York life. To be a part of that for the entire time, and into the future, is a great honor.”

Ragan said: “We’re fired up to be able to continue to call the Edge home. I'm fortunate to be a part of this great team, and we’re so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and looking forward to where the Edge is headed in Buffalo.”