2012 Atlanta Radio Year in Review

"At least five AM/FM radio station formats disappeared and several new ones appeared. Pop, sports talk and news fans benefited. Rock and 1980s/90s nostalgia fans? Get thee to Pandora or Sirius/XM!"

Read more at Radio and TV Talk.

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Last.fm Radio to Be Killed off in Most Countries Next Month, Going Paid-for in the US, UK and Germany | The Next Web

"Last.fm says that the latest cutbacks are 'due to licensing restrictions' and 'in response to various factors that affect our business differently in parts of the world.' We’ve contacted the company to ask them to elaborate on this. . . ."

Read more at The Next Web.

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Silver Sony Pocket FM/AM Radio: As Good As It Gets for a $12 Gadget

 "I don't use many gadgets every single day. Smartphone, sure. TV? Nope. But these little battery-operated Sony radios—I have two of them—receive local airwaves every morning, every night, and for almost 48 hours straight on weekends. . . ."

Read more at Gizmodo.

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2012 Was a Good Year for HD Radio | Radio World

"Overall unit HD Radio receiver unit sales were 3.3 million as of the end of September, which coincides with the end of the fiscal year for the technology developer iBiquity Digital. That’s up 60% over the previous period. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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HD Radio-Delivered Traffic Breaks into the Dash | Radio World

"The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, a compact crossover, will be the first auto to have real-time traffic information delivered with HD Radio technology integrated into its navigation system as well as feature the upgraded audio and expanded content and features of digital radio technology. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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AT&T Gets FCC Approval for NextWave Deal | Dallas Business Journal

"This transaction is significant because the FCC is, for the first time, freeing up WCS airwaves for mobile broadband. Previously, WCS spectrum wasn’t available for that purpose because of concerns about interference with satellite radio. . . ."

Read more at Dallas Business Journal.

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Reflecting on NRSC's Revised HD Radio Standards | Radio World

"From the document dates, it appears that iBiquity made a major set of revisions in August of 2011, which are just now being adopted by the NRSC. Some are familiar and some may not be, but the changes reflect the adaptations being made by HD Radio to survive and thrive in the marketplace. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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Nurse Duped in 2Day FM Radio Prank Commits Suicide

"A nurse at the hospital that was duped by a prank call from two Australian radio DJs concerning Prince William's pregnant wife, Catherine, has apparently committed suicide, the hospital confirmed Friday. . . ."

Read more at WPTV.com.

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Senators Warn FCC Not to Relax Media Ownership Rules | Hillicon Valley

"FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski circulated a proposal with his fellow commissioners last month that would relax regulations that prohibit a single company from owning a TV broadcast station and a newspaper in the same market. The order would eliminate bans on newspaper-radio and TV-radio cross-ownership. . . ."

Read more at The Hill's Hillicon Valley.

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The Low Power FM Deception | Counterpunch

"At another level, it is deceptive thinking to assume that what the FCC has offered us is the best that can be achieved. Yes, an additional 800 LPFM stations is a good thing, depending who ends up with licenses. The major issue of who owns the airwaves has yet to be resolved in any meaningful way, however. . . ."

Read more at Counterpunch.

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IBiquity, Band to Promote HD Radio | Radio World

Radio World: IBiquity, Band to Promote HD Radio

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HD Radio-Delivered Traffic Breaks into the Dash | Radio World

"The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, a compact crossover, will be the first auto to have real-time traffic information delivered with HD Radio technology integrated into its navigation system as well as feature the upgraded audio and expanded content and features of digital radio technology. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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FCC Announces New Opportunity for Community Groups to Start Low-Power FM Radio Stations

"The announcement is the biggest victory for community radio since President Obama signed the Local Community Radio Act in 2011 requiring the FCC to issue new low power FM radio licenses nationwide. . . ."

Read more at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

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At Internet Radio Hearing, Lawmakers Zero in on AM/FM Royalties

"Performance royalties for terrestrial radio aren't even part of the Internet Radio Fairness Act, but that didn't stop lawmakers from repeatedly raising the issue at Wednesday's hearing on the bill by the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. . . ."

Read more at Radio Ink Magazine.

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Geneva WorldRadio Pairs a Classic FM Radio with Bluetooth for Android | Android Community

Android Community

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Study: Online Radio Not a Competitor For AM/FM Radio | FMQB

"'Rather than displacing other ways of listening to music, Pandora is just another way for music fans to indulge their passion for music. . . .'"

Read more at FMQB.

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HD Radio Receiver Totals Reach 10 Million | Radio World

"Heading into the heavy holiday shopping period, he anticipates an uptick on receiver sales, both standalone devices and car sales, 'which will lead to more growth. It’s slow and steady progress.'"

Read more at Radio World.

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An Early Experience with Artist Experience | Radio World

"It took us about six weeks to implement Artist Experience on WBOS. That’s because we were one of the first stations to do so, and we had challenges getting Jump2Go to learn how to communicate with our AudioVault. We were also trying to bring iBiquity, Hartle and BE on the same page with respect to AE implementation. Coordination and cooperation with all three proved to be time-consuming. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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WMGK-FM Host John DeBella Marks 30 Years in Philly Radio | Philly.com

"'I talk on the radio. I'm not impressed by it. It was never about me. The worst program director I ever had gave me the best advice I ever got: Never believe your own press.'"

Read more at Philly.com.

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‘ZoneCasting’ Concept to Be Tested | Radio World

 "A proposed system called ZoneCasting would use a series of boosters to give FM radio stations the ability to divide their coverage areas into geographic zones and “geo-target” their advertising and programming. . . ."

Read more at Radio World.

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CBS Sports Radio Names Damon Amendolara as Overnight Host

"As he makes the transition to CBS Sports Radio, Amendolara promises a program, which will be a mix of the latest sports news, discussions and controversy, in addition to interviews and calls from night owls across the country. . . ."

Read more at National Radio | Examiner.com.

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FCC Media Ownership Survey Reveals Lack of Diversity | latimes.com

"Media watchdog group Free Press said the data indicate that ownership of 'broadcast radio and television stations by women and minorities remains at abysmally low levels.'

"The report comes at a time when the FCC is considering further deregulation of its media ownership rules, which many fear could lead to even less diversity of ownership."

Read more at Los Angeles Times | Entertainment.

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College Radio Station Pizza FM Prepares to Launch at University of Illinois

"By being free-form and commercial-free, Pizza FM has time for student talk shows and promoting local artists. Rogers said students will be able to talk about topics that members of Pizza FM would approve and create playlists with music from local artists and Pizza FM members’ friends. . . ."

Read more at The Daily Illini | Independent Student Newspaper

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NPR's Clipped Version of Public Radio History | Radio Survivor

"This 'improbable victory,' made National Public Radio (now NPR) possible. But it also cost the crusaders any role in public radio’s future, Mitchell’s chapter on this episode concludes. They had stepped on too many prominent toes in the educational media universe, the men and women who would now run public broadcasting. And so none of them won leadership roles. . . ."

Read more at Radio Survivor.

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FM Translators and LPFM on FCC Agenda for Nov. 30 Meeting: A Final Resolution for the Pending 2003 Translator Applications?

"As FM translators have become more important to broadcasters as a way to reach more people with programming previously available only on AM stations and FM HD channels, the fate of the translator applications is very important. Full-power FM operators are also concerned about the prospect of increased interference from low power stations. And the LPFM advocates want these issues settled, so the long-delayed filing window for new LPFM stations can finally open next year. The November 30 meeting will be a very important one for all of these groups. . . ."

Read more at Radio Ink Magazine.

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FCC to Make Final Decisions on Low-Power FM Expansion | Radio Survivor

"Low-power FM advocates, the National Association of Broadcaster[s], religious broadcasters, NPR and others have all been weighing in with their final comments to the FCC. . . ."

Read more at Radio Survivor.

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The Future of HD Radio: A Proven ROI for Advertisers and Potential Investment for Shareholders

"Mix HD Radio with the On Demand model, add some location based tuning and you get a perfectly tweaked advertising channels for local businesses and even the larger ones looking to offer geographically relevant ads. . . ."

Read more at MarketWatch.


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No Clear Signal on FCC Chair's Post | Brooks Boliek | POLITICO.com

"Whoever helms the commission will have to deal with a string of court challenges to Genachowski’s policies. It’s likely that at least some of the challenges to the net neutrality rules, data roaming requirements or Universal Service Fund reform will succeed and throw issues back to the agency. . . ."

Read more at POLITICO.com.

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Emmis Preparing NextRadioT for Smartphone Introduction in 2013 | AllAccess.com

"The product, specific to local FM and HD Radio, allows consumers to listen to local radio without using their data plan for pure Internet streaming. . . ."

Read more at All Access Music Group.

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Internet Radio Is about to Surpass FM/AM, but Have Spotify and Pandora Really Changed Anything?

"And though the decline of the traditional musical channel seems written in stone, one larger question that will define this new Internet Music Era remains: Is it just the method for listening to music that's shifting, or is the actual music we're listening to shifting as well?"

Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/09/internet-radio-is-about-t_n_2101311.html.

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Columbus Mileposts: Nov. 9, 1941 | First FM Radio Station Is Music to Few Ears

"Despite superior sound, FM radio remained a little brother to AM broadcasting for decades. Stations faded in and out and could not be heard more than a few miles from the transmitter. . . ."

Read more at The Columbus Dispatch.

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10 Most Annoying Songs of Holiday Radio

10 Most Annoying Songs of Holiday Radio | TheStreet

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Layoffs at Harris Broadcast Communications Division: Radio World

Radio World

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Storm Affected Stations Recovering: Radio World

Radio World

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John Hogan: "Expect More Dramatic Change"

Hogan: "'If the last five years are any indication, radio will continue to see, feel, and reflect dramatic change, and those willing to embrace the change will continue to succeed in the future. . . .'"

Read more at Radio Ink Magazine.

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Saga Q3 Radio Revenue Was Flat

Radio Ink Magazine

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TuneIn Details Political Radio Listening in Swing States

"Political campaigns are seen to deliver tougher, more targeted messages through radio given the strong local element. . . ."

Read more at Radio & Television Business Report.

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Cumulus Media Revenue Up in Q3 Thanks to Citadel Deal

FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!

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Fight Growing over Online Royalties: NYTimes.com

"The Internet Radio Fairness Act, introduced in September, would move Internet radio companies from their 'willing buyer, willing seller' standard—which critics like Pandora say results in an unrealistically high rate—to the one used for satellite and cable radio. To determine a fair rate, that standard directs the judges to consider factors including whether the prices will have a 'disruptive impact' on the industry. . . ."

Read more at NYTimes.com.

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Report: House Hearing on Internet Radio Fairness Act Set for Late November

"A representative from Pandora and a terrestrial broadcaster would testify in support of the bill, while a representative from SoundExchange and a musician would likely testify against it. . . ."

Read more at FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more.

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Pandora Sues ASCAP over Royalty Fees

FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!

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FCC Sources: Chairman Wants Media-Ownership Vote on Nov. 30

"If the order follows the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on media ownership that the FCC approved last December, it will scrap the radio-TV cross-ownership rules, essentially preserve the FCC's attempted loosening of the newspaper-TV cross-ownership rules, which the agency tried to do under Republican chairman Kevin Martin, but leave in place the radio and TV local-market ownership caps. . . ."

Read more at multichannel.com.

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New York Broadcasters Came Through, Stayed on Air During Sandy

"While significant parts of New York City and Long Island were without power, cable and phone service, New York’s broadcast stations remained on the air, providing life-saving information.  Broadcasters avoided the system-wide outages that plagued other communications services. . . ."

Read more at Radio & Television Business Report.

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FCC Tells Consumers Listen to Radio

"The FCC and FEMA have provided a list of tips for communicating for residents in the path of Hurricane Sandy. . . . And, oh yeah, by the way, the final tip on their list is to listen to local radio."

See the list at Radio Ink Magazine.

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Broadcasters Foundation Ready to Help

"Broadcasters Foundation President Jim Thompson says the organization is ready to help broadcasters if something happens to them during the upcoming storm. . . ."

Read more at Radio Ink Magazine.

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How NJ Broadcasters Have Prepared for Sandy

"New Jersey Broadcasters Association President and CEO Paul Rotella tells Radio Ink stations in his state have been preparing for Hurricane Sandy since Friday. 'This is a perfect example of how only  local radio and TV can provide the critical information our audiences need to know in times of emergency. . . .'"

Read more at Radio Ink Magazine.

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Alaska's 2nd FM Radio Station Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Republic

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Buzzam Takes Radio from Broadcast to "ExactCast"

Oklahoma City – Oct. 16, 2012 – Buzzam Radio, a personalized, activity- and location-aware radio app developed by an Oklahoma City software startup, is now available in the iTunes store.

“Millions have become frustrated with ‘old school’ broadcast, and have abandoned radio entirely for services like Pandora,” said Greg Starling, president and COO of Buzzam. “The problem with Internet radio services is that they omit critical elements of radio like news, weather, commentary, and other entertainment. Buzzam curates the best of the traditional radio experience, together with your favorite music, then brings other textual content like Facebook and Twitter updates into an audio stream customized for each user.”

Using LTE technologies, cloud-based delivery systems, and GPS-enabled smartphones, Buzzam moves the broadcast market to the new world of “ExactCast,” where users create a personalized feed of exactly what unique music, social feeds, news, weather, and traffic they want.

“Streamlined personalization is a growing expectation for consumers,” said Josh Wright, CEO of Buzzam. “People design their own clothing, computers, furniture, food, and cars online. There are personalized digital magazines and books, cars that read text messages, and 3D printers that can build almost anything. So we thought, ‘Why shouldn’t your radio be custom, too?’”

Key Features

• Text-based reader for social feeds
  
• Music aggregation from sources like Spotify and personal music libraries
  
• Opt-in location-based and activity-aware traffic and weather advice using GPS technology
  
• Unprecedented accuracy for advertisers to target specific demographics (for example, a 21-year-old driving in a particular direction, within a specific distance from a business)
  

Buzzam is now available for free in the iTunes Store.

“Our goal is to perfect radio,” said Starling. “From radio’s humble beginnings more than 100 years ago, Buzzam can now ExactCast everything you want to hear into one place, when and where you want.”

About Buzzam

Buzzam aggregates vast audio content choices into a personalized radio-station experience. Its patent-pending technology allows users to choose from dozens of major information sources, which are then combined with personal music sources to create a unique listening experience. The company was founded by CEO Josh Wright and COO Greg Starling in 2011 and is based in Oklahoma City. For more information, please visit http://buzz.am.

Cumulus Adds Another NY-area Radio Station

Crain's New York Business

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Hidden Radio Review & Rating | PCMag.com

Hidden Radio Review & Rating | PCMag.com

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FCC Defends Policies to Promote Rural Radio

Radio & Television Business Report

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Global Security Systems, iBiquity Offer HD Radio/Analog FM EAS System

Global Security Systems, iBiquity Offer HD Radio/Analog FM EAS System | AllAccess.com

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Public Broadcasting: Wrong Battle for the Right

WashingtonExaminer.com

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US Defends Broadcasts to Cambodia

US Defends Broadcasts to Cambodia « VOA Breaking News

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Radio World: Station Chosen for All-Digital AM Test

Radio World: Station Chosen for All-Digital AM Test

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Radio Waves: Sports Radio WFAN-AM (660) Buys WRXP-FM (101.9)

Radio Waves | NorthJersey.com

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If You Love Public Broadcasting, Set It Free

Debate Club | US News Opinion

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Hidden Radio Begins Shipping

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog

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Radio Trends behind the Recent Upheaval on the AM/FM Dial | Radio & TV Talk

This article addresses radio trends in Atlanta, but some of these trends could apply to other markets as well: Radio & TV Talk.

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WFAN Finds Another Home, on the FM Dial

NYTimes.com

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FCC Starts Clock on Liberty’s Application for Transfer of SiriusXM Control

Radio World

Sony-Apple Dispute Said to Crush Music Streaming Service in iPhone 5

Radio World

Saga Declares Special Cash Dividend

Radio Ink Magazine

(Podcast) Why Does TV Always Get the Buy before Radio?

Radio Ink Magazine

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What’s the Difference between Satellite Radio and HD Radio?

Electronic Design

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Wisconsin Public Radio Launches New Twin Ports Station | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

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Rinse FM: "Radio, Not the Internet, Gave Me My Break," Says Katy B | The Observer

The Guardian | The Observer

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Maxell Professional Media Hosts Contest, Offers Rewards to Broadcast Professionals

Prizes Include Exclusive Premiums, Products, Media Coverage, and More

Woodland Park, NJ – Oct. 1, 2012 – Maxell Professional Media has announced a contest to its audience of broadcast professionals. The "Maxell Maven" contest invites anyone affiliated with the broadcast industry to share how they’ve used, or are currently using, Maxell Professional Media products to create or accomplish something they are proud of. The first 50 entrants will win prizes, and one ultimate winner will be selected to receive the grand-prize package.

“Our products have been used for years to undertake jobs of various magnitudes, often times enabling a project to be completed in a situation where it would have otherwise been difficult, if not impossible," said Patricia Byrne, Senior Marketing Manager for Maxell. “We have extremely loyal and talented professional customers, and we’re excited to offer them a platform to share their stories of success.”

To enter, simply go to the Maxell Professional Media Facebook page (make sure to “Like” the page, if you don’t already), and enter a brief paragraph describing how one or more of the division’s products have helped you to accomplish something great. Entries will be accepted through December 31, 2012.

The first 50 people to enter will receive an exclusive “Maxell Blow Away Guy” poster. One grand-prize winner with the best entry will receive a supply of Mini DV (50 pieces) or a Maxell Professional product of equal value. The winner will also be named the new “Maxell Maven,” which includes being featured in a press release, as well as on all Maxell Professional Media social media platforms.

To view the official contest rules, click here or visit www.maxellpromedia.com.

About Maxell

Maxell Corporation of America is a full-line manufacturer of digital media products for professional, data storage, and consumer markets. The company offers a full line of disc- and tape-based media-storage products, SD Cards, Flash Memory, and iVDR technology products.

For more information, visit www.maxell-usa.com.

If Re-Elected, Obama Should End FCC Threat to Restrict Broadcast News

By Corydon B. Dunham
Submitted by Ginny Grimsley, National Print Campaign Manager, News and Experts

On Tuesday, President Obama spent much of his address to the United Nations General Assembly discussing free speech in an era of global instant communication.

“I know that not all countries in this body share this particular understanding of the protection of free speech,” he said.

Meanwhile, under his administration the FCC is holding a plan for a new balance, diversity and localism rule that would enable the U.S. government to suppress broadcast news and restrict speech.

The new rule is similar to the old Fairness Doctrine, which the FCC and courts revoked in 1987 when they found it was against the public interest. FCC investigations had deterred and suppressed news, restricted speech, and prevented criticism of incumbent administrations.

The new localism rule would have similar results or worse. One new member of the FCC staff who helped draft the localism rule has written that freedom of speech and press is not his “objective,” and that free speech “is warped to protect global corporations and block rules that would promote democratic governance.” He also concludes the new localism rule could be used to take away licenses in place of the “misnamed Fairness Doctrine.”

Another wrote that television is a “powerful source of homogenization and pabulum,” and recommended using burdensome FCC regulations to “hasten the demise of broadcasting” (later reworded). That writer applauded a rule which would make broadcasting local events more difficult so “local viewers are less likely to watch the local broadcasters.”

A special report recommended in June 2011 that the localism proceeding be ended because of its destructive burdens. Over opposition from other commissioners, the FCC chairman appointed by President Obama continued it and, after the November election, the FCC could move to adopt it.

The Chief of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, a fellow law professor of President Obama, has long urged that the government should take control of news to achieve its political and social purposes. Another former law professor, since appointed by President Obama to the Supreme Court, wrote an article also urging the government to manage news, saying this would be constitutional if news coverage were not “ideal” at a particular time, and government was changing news to that end.

The great historian Gordon S. Wood writes, “Remember that the United States has always been to ourselves and to the world primarily an idea.” Ending this country’s free press and free speech traditions would certainly destroy that idea.

About Corydon B. Dunham

Corydon B. Dunham is a Harvard Law School graduate, former TV network executive, and general counsel. His Government Control of News study was initiated at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Smithsonian Institute, and expanded and developed for the Corydon B. Dunham Fellowship for the First Amendment at Harvard Law School and the Dunham Open Forum for First Amendment Values at Bowdoin College. Dunham was an executive at NBC from 1965 to 1990. He oversaw legal and government matters and broadcast standards. He was on the board of directors of the National Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Corporate Counsel Association, and American Arbitration Association.

Ed Christian May Be Ready to Buy Some Zombies (Audio)

Radio & Television Business Report

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The Irrelevant Rush Limbaugh Boycott | Michael Wolff | guardian.co.uk

The Guardian

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Ad Boycott Dents Limbaugh Show’s Bottom Line - NYTimes.com

NYTimes.com

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