Live Video Via Twitter's Periscope App

The Periscope app allows users to broadcast live from anywhere. But less than two months after Twitter launched the app, it is facing criticism, as some users illegally streamed Saturday's Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. Periscope CEO Kayvon Beykpour joins "CBS This Morning" to address the controversy.



How it works...USA TODAY technology columnist Ed Baig tries his hand at live streaming with Twitter's new Periscope app.

Nick Jonas, The Offspring Hosting WWOne Music Specials

Nick Jonas

Westwood One kicks off the summer season with two exclusive Memorial Day Weekend music specials hosted by Nick Jonas and The Offspring.

“Summer Jam,” hosted by multi-platinum selling recording artist, Nick Jonas, celebrates the end of the school year and the beginning of summer with four hours of great music, information on the summer music festivals and tours, plus talk about the beach, the lakes, summer parties, and cookouts.

“Coming for You,” hosted by rockers The Offspring, ignites the summer season with tour talk, barbecue ideas, summer road trip tips, vacation memories, and more.

Stations can air Westwood One’s “Summer Jam” and “Coming for You” Memorial Day Specials any time Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2015, between 6:00 am and 12 midnight. For more information, contact Neal Bird at nbird@westwoodone.com or (310) 840-2811.

Nick Jonas is an American singer, songwriter, and actor that recently announced himself as a solo artist on his newly released self-titled debut. The twenty-two year old multi-talented recording artist and actor has lived a lot of life over the years and his experiences are reflected on his self-titled album which was released nationwide on November 11. The album’s double-platinum smash single and #1 U.S. radio hit, “Jealous,” peaked at #7 on Billboard Hot 100. Jonas signals his current musical direction with the album’s sultry current chart-climbing radio single, “Chains”, which peaked at #13 on the Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.  He attributes his album’s darker overtones partially to the fact that while he was recording, he was shooting the gritty television show ‘Kingdom’ — a mixed martial arts family drama that premiered on DirecTV's Audience Network on October 8 and was recently picked up for two additional seasons. Jonas recently earned two additional roles in Fox's upcoming horror-comedy series on Fox, ‘Scream Queens’ and the James Franco produced film, ‘Goat’.
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​The Offspring are Dexter Holland (vocals, guitar), Noodles (guitar), Greg K (bass) and Pete Parada (drums). Following a riot at a 1984 Social Distortion show, high school buddies Dexter and Greg K decided to start their own band in Garden Grove, California. The Offspring have now put out eight records, performed over 1000 shows across the globe, and are known for their many hits including "Self Esteem," "Come Out And Play (Keep 'Em Separated)," "The Kids Aren't Alright," "Hammerhead," and "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid."  Their new single, “Coming for You,” recently hit #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, 18 years after their last #1 title. The Coming for You Tour kicks off June 5 in Milwaukee, WI.

R.I.P.: Veteran Chicago, St. Louis News Anchor Ty Wansley

Ty Wansley

Ty Wansley, a Chicago and St. Louis radio news anchor and talk show host for more than 35 years, was being remembered Thursday as a man who was passionate about his profession and the community he served.

Wansley, 63, died Wednesday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to Chicago Media Writer Robert Feder.

Wansley was admitted last week for treatment of congestive heart failure and related illness, according to his brother, Larry Wansley. He previously suffered a series of small strokes.

Wansley most recently was news and information director for three iHeartMedia stations — urban contemporary WGCI FM 107.5, urban adult-contemporary WVAZ FM 102.7 and gospel WGRB AM 1390. He anchored morning news on V103 and WGRB and hosted two weekend public affairs shows, “Chicago Insight” on WGCI and WGRB, and “Chicago Speaks” on V103.

Beyond his success in urban radio, Wansley teamed in 1993 with former Chicago Alderman Ed Vrdolyak at news/talk WLS AM 890. “This will be the greatest boon for race relations this city has ever seen,” Wansley said of the unlikely partnership, which scored high ratings and headlines on WLS and later on the former WJJD.

Born Thaxter Wansley, he graduated from Jefferson Community College in Hillsboro, Missouri, and began as a radio newsman in his native St. Louis, where he worked at KWK, KATZ, KKSS and KMJM before moving to Chicago in 1980.

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May 8 Radio History

In 1962…Beatles manager Brian Epstein had a chance meeting with engineer Ted Huntly at a London record store. After Epstein related his discouragement about the Decca label rejecting the band, Huntly suggested he send a demo recording of the Beatles to EMI and, in particular, to one of their producers, George Martin.


In 1970...The Beatles released the "Let it Be" album to radio.


In 1982...Ron Lundy does last regular show at 77 WABC, prior to format change to Talk.

Ron was on the air in New York City starting in September 1965, first on the overnight shift at WABC before shifting to middays in 1966. He remained at WABC right up until its last day as a music station on May 10, 1982.



In February 1984, Lundy resurfaced at New York's oldies station WCBS 101.1 FM in the mid-morning slot, following former WABC colleague Harry Harrison. According to program director Joe McCoy, the station created the slot especially for Lundy, reducing other shifts from four hours to three.

Lundy retired from WCBS-FM on September 18, 1997.

He passed away at the age of 75 in Bruce, Mississippi on May 15, 2010.

Reports: Shari Redstone To Become Viacom, CBS Chairman

Shari Redstone

Shari Redstone is in line to succeed her father, Sumner Redstone, at CBS and Viacom, according to details that emerged Wednesday about the structure of the trust that will collect controlling stakes in the two media titans, The NY Post has confirmed.

Shari, 61, will become the irrevocable chairman of CBS, worth $30.7 billion, and Viacom, worth $27.4 billion, sources close to the situation said.

Her views will likely be supported by a majority of the trust’s directors — including the two independent trustees to be added when her father dies, sources said.

Shari, who currently runs Advancit Capital, a successful digital investment company, and her son, Tyler Korff, will serve on a seven-person board alongside lawyers Norman Jacobs and Leonard Lewin, people familiar with the situation confirmed.

Lewin and Jacobs are independent members of the trust. They have represented both Shari and her mother in business and personal matters, sources said.

Vanity Fair first reported on the new trust details, contained in a CBS filing to the FCC.

Sumner Redstone turns 92 on May 27.

Emmis Reports Strong Earnings For Fiscal Year

Emmis Communications Corporation today announced results for its fourth fiscal quarter and full-year ending February 28, 2015.

• Radio net revenues for the fourth fiscal quarter were $38.8 million, up from $32.3 million from the prior year, an increase of 20%. On a pro forma basis, Emmis' revenues reported to Miller Kaplan in the markets where Emmis competes (excluding barter and syndication revenue) were up 0.8% in markets down 2.5%.   
• For the full year, radio revenues were $176.3 million, compared to $145.3 million in the prior year, an increase of 21%.  On a pro forma basis, Emmis' revenues reported to Miller Kaplan in the markets where Emmis competes (excluding barter and syndication revenue) were up 1.6% in markets down 3.7%.

February marked the 15th consecutive month in which Emmis outperformed the markets in which it competes.  Every measured Emmis market outperformed for full year fiscal 2015. Emmis stations in New York, Los Angeles and Austin all outperformed their markets in the fourth fiscal quarter.

Jeff Smulyan

"Despite weakened markets and a challenged industry, Emmis once again outperformed.  The radio industry needs a catalyst for growth, and we are convinced we have it with NextRadio, the Emmis-developed free smartphone app that marries over-the-air local FM broadcasts with visual and interactive features," Jeff Smulyan, President & CEO of Emmis said.

The radio industry's consumer awareness campaign for NextRadio has had remarkable results, further validating the promotional power of radio.

"Consumers exposed to NextRadio overwhelmingly love it," Smulyan said. "Average Time Spent Listing (ATSL) per session on NextRadio is nearly double traditional listening, all major radio companies are supporting the effort, and we are adding 350,000 activations each month. The momentum is tremendous."

Station operating income (SOI) during the quarter was $6.7 million, compared to $6.9 million for the same quarter of the prior year. For the full year, SOI was $53.4 million, compared to $48.3 million in the prior year.

Delaware Court Tosses HD Radio Suits

A patent holding company’s infringement suit against 14 radio ownership groups has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning the suit cannot be reintroduced in court. RadioWorld reports all parties have agreed to cover their own costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees, according to court documents.

The lawsuits by Wyncomm LLC, and its subsidiary Delaware Radio Technologies LLC, targeted the terrestrial HD Radio data and voice transmissions of the radio broadcasters. The patent firms sued broadcasters in federal court in 2013 claiming the broadcaster’s HD Radio technology infringed on U.S. patent no. 5,506,866 and two other associated patents they own.

Legal observers say Wyncomm’s suit was weakened after HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital Corp. filed suit in 2014 against Wyncomm and DRT claiming the patents in question were invalid. Court records indicate iBiquity agreed to take the lead in defending its HD Radio system.

The broadcasters named as defendants in the federal lawsuit were Beasley Broadcast Group, CBS Radio, Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings (now iHeartMedia), Cox Media Group, Cumulus Media, Entercom, Entravision, Greater Media, Hubbard Radio, Radio Disney, Radio One, Saga, Townsquare Media and Univision.

Report: Court Ruling Saves Pandora $21M

As reported yesterday, Pandora has prevailed in an appeal case brought by ASCAP, which sought to overturn a court judgment in March, 2014.

According to RAIN newsletter, at stake was the royalty percentage owed by Pandora to the American Society of Composers and Publishers for the 2011-2015 period. Additionally, publishers were (and still are, in other venues) battling for freedom from Consent Decrees — 60-year-old laws which provide blanket licenses for use of composed music by Pandora (as well as other streamers and radio stations). Music publishers want to negotiate digital rights separately from other ASCAP representation, which is disallowed by law.

On that key argument, the appeals court ruled decidedly that it could not rewrite the law, and publishers are beholden to the Consent Decrees. Because of that, ASCAP’s appeal for retroactively higher royalty rates was categorically denied. Last year RAIN News estimated that Pandora saved about $21-million dollars by winning the original case.

NYC Radio: Dennis DeYoung, Romantics Headline CBS-FM Blast-Off

Scott Shannon's 'The Big Show' and CBS 101.1 FM Thursday announced the line-up for this year's 2015 Summer Blast-off spectacular to be held at the Spicy Cantina on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx plus The Romantics highlight Joe Nolan’s Kick-Off to Summer and much more being held Friday Morning, May 22nd 6am.

The show is free.

NYC Radio: Dr. Oz Visits WKTU

Dr. Oz visits with WKTU's Cubby and Carolina In The Morning

Syndicated radio and TV personality Dr. Oz stopped by the WKTU 103.5 FM studios Thursday morning as he observes his 1,000 TV show.

DC Radio: CBS Promotes Robert Sanchez To PD At WLZL

Robert Sanchez

CBS Radio has announced that Robert Sanchez has been promoted to Operations Manager of CBS Radio Spanish Top40 WLZL 107.9 FM / El Zol Washington, DC (licensed to College Park, MD).

He replaces former El Zol PD Pete Manriquez.

Sanchez will also continue as Program Director of co-owned News WNEW 99.1 FM. Sanchez has served as PD of WNEW since it's launch in November, 2011.

"We have a lot of talented people at El Zol who will work with Rob in taking the station to new heights," said Senior VP/Market Manager Steve Swenson. "The experiences of everyone will be of great help to Rob as the team works together. Rob is a straight shooter, he knows CBS Radio and he is a winner."

WLZL 107.9 FM  (49 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

"I want to thank Pete for the great job he did in creating a radio station that sounds wonderful. He has been incredibly supportive of his programming staff and it has shown in what comes out of the speakers. I also want to thank Pete for his work as one of the executives on my team," added Swenson.

Tampa Radio: Todd Schnitt's Attormey DUI Was A Set-Up

Todd Schnitt, Bubba Clem

A cellphone video that purports to show a paralegal talking about a plot to set up a rival lawyer for DUI is the latest evidence that the attorneys involved should face stiff consequences, attorney John Fitzgibbons said Wednesday, according to The Tampa Tribune.

Fitzgibbons represents Philip Campbell, who was arrested on a DUI charge in January 2013 as he was in the middle of a highly publicized defamation trial featuring between feuding radio personalities, Todd Schnitt and Bubba The Love Sponge Clem. (See posting about feud: Click Here.) Prosecutors later dropped charges, saying it appeared Campbell was set up.

Phil Campbell

Bubba's Lawyers Stephen Diaco, Robert Adams, and Adam Filthaut deny they were part of an attempt to set up Campbell (Schnitt's attorney) but now face possible disciplinary action from the Florida Supreme Court. The three Tampa attorneys are accused of misconduct, unfairness to opposing counsel and disrupting court and are scheduled to appear in in Pinellas County on Monday for a disciplinary hearing after a proposed plea agreement fell through.

The case has had numerous twists and oddities since Campbell was arrested. The latest came this week when court filings revealed that the ex-husband of the paralegal recorded her the night of the arrest talking about what had happened.

On the video, paralegal Melissa Personius says her actions might lead to a “big bonus” from the three bosses involved because it was going to “help their client’s case,” Personius says, according to a deposition from her ex-husband, Kristopher Personius.

Fitzgibbons called a press conference on Wednesday to say the video is “powerful evidence that is basically the last piece of the puzzle as to the set up of Phil Campbell that night.”

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Report: FCC's Tom Wheeler Get Frosty Reception

Tom Wheeler

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler scolded telecommunications companies, saying they provide America with an increasingly vital public service -- the Internet -- and regulation is warranted for an industry that lacks sufficient competition, according to the LA Times.

"More competition would be better," Wheeler said Wednesday during a speech from the Chicago stage of the Internet and Television Expo trade convention.

The FCC chief received a frosty reception at the gathering, which is hosted by the leading industry lobbying group, National Cable & Telecommunications Assn.

CEOs of cable companies, who were next to take the stage, lamented the FCC's more hands-on approach to regulations for the Internet. The new FCC rules, adopted earlier this year by a divided FCC, come after decades of the federal government allowing the companies to operate in a less restrictive environment.

Michael Fries, chief executive of Liberty Global, said he was happy his company operated in Europe -- not the U.S.

"I am baffled by the chairman’s remarks," Fries told the crowd. "There is a presumption of guilt and punishment for success that I’ve never seen before."

Fries' remarks prompted applause and cheers from the crowd.

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SF Radio: CBS Radio Promotes Saporita, High

Stephanie Saporita

Effective immediately, Stephanie Saporita will be the new General Sales Manager of KMVQ-KLLC. Stephanie has served as an LSM for CBS SF since 2007—first with KMVQ, later adding KLLC.

Lindsay High will also be elevated to the position of Local Sales Manager for KMVQ-KLLC. Lindsay has been serving as New Business Development Manager for the stations since the beginning of the year.  She previously was a Senior AE for KLLC.

 “I couldn’t be more excited to take over as GSM for these two amazing stations that I have so much passion for.  I have loved every minute as their LSM and am thrilled for what’s to come next in my new role” said Stephanie.

Saporita started her radio career as an intern at KGO in 1997. Her resume includes KZQZ/Bonneville in 1999, Spanish Broadcasting for a quick stunt as the Promotion Director of start-up KPTI, Party 92.7.  In 2002, she went to Clear Channel;  in 2007 joined  KFRC, MOViN 99.7 as the Local Sales Manager KFRC became KMVQ 99.7 NOW! ,KLLC, Alice @ 97.3 was added to her duties.

High has been in the market for 15 years.  She started as a National Sales Assistant for KGO/KSFO before moving into Local Sales at KSFO/Radio Disney.  She also was at KBLX for 3 years, Entercom for 2 and then has been at CBS for the last 5 years most of which were as Senior AE at KLLC.

“Thank you again for this opportunity. I am truly grateful.  I’ll make you proud!” said Lindsay.

“Stephanie has been doing a spectacular job managing Local Sales for these brands for many years.  She is a special leader with the kind of charisma that cannot be taught.  Lindsay only recently moved to management from sales and has really impressed us with her strategic decision making ability. These two represent a management team that we feel is among the best in the business” said Greg Nemitz Vice President/Director of Sales.

Omaha Radio: Greg Thunder Joins KGOR For Mornings

Greg Thunder

iHeartMedia/Omaha has announced Greg Thunder as its new morning host for Classic Hits KGOR 99.9 FM.

He starts May 11.

Thunder, a Minneapolis area native, began his radio career in Lincoln, NE and has served as an afternoon and evening personality with stops at KDWB-FM Minneapolis as well as WPLJ-FM and WQHT-FM (Hot 97) New York. Most recently, he handled mornings for Country KILT-FM in Houston.

"I'm thrilled to join the iHeartMedia family and become part of the great community of Omaha," said Thunder. "This is an ideal place for me and I can't wait to help Omaha wake up with The KGOR Morning Show and our brand of fun."

KGOR 99.9 FM (110 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

"We're very excited to introduce Greg Thunder to Omaha," said Senior VP/Programming Rad Messick. "Greg's Midwest roots and values, plus his ability to connect with listeners in multiple adult formats make him the perfect choice to anchor the next step in KGOR's morning show evolution."

Salem Reports Broadcast Revenue Was Flat During 1Q

Salem Media Group, Inc. released its results for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

First Quarter 2015 Results ending March 31, 2015 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2014:

Consolidated

• Total revenue decreased 0.8% to $61.9 million from $62.3 million;
• Total operating expenses decreased 1.5% to $56.2 million from $57.0 million;
• Operating income increased 7.0% to $5.7 million from $5.3 million;
• Net income decreased to $0.3 million, or $0.01 net income per diluted share, from $0.4 million, or $0.02 net income per diluted share, in the prior year;
• Free cash flow (1) increased 17.5% to $5.2 million from $4.5 million.

Broadcast

• Net broadcast revenue decreased 0.5% to $46.5 million from $46.8 million;
• Station Operating Income decreased 6.0% to $12.6 million from $13.4 million;
• Same station net broadcast revenue decreased 1.6% to $46.0 million from $46.7 million;

Digital media

• Digital media revenue decreased 4.6% to $10.8 million from $11.3 million
• Digital media operating income decreased 27.3% to $1.8 million from $2.5 million.

Bridge Ratings: Streaming At A Crossroads

Click To Enlarge

Bridge Ratings has been conducting a study since January to determine the interest in broadcast radio simulcast listening on the internet. Part of the study included reactions by a sample of 1500 persons to custom, personalized internet radio stations which would allow panel members to adjust various musical aspects of their favorite radio stations.

Initial results and follow-up data points to great interest by the sample of average radio listeners 12-49 years of age in broadcast radio offering customizable internet radio stations.

Studies done by other researchers support the idea that broadcast radio simulcast internet streams do not garner great usage. One estimate states that 7% of their sample listens to AM/FM content on a mobile device.

New additional data from the Bridge Ratings studies confirms this. But their study goes further. Click Here to read more now.