iHeart Revenue Drops By Nearly 50%
The national pandemic dealt a crushing blow to radio's largest operator. Revenue from iHeart's 800 plus radio station portfolio was hit the hardest in Q2, dropping 57% from $561 million to $244 million. Network revenue was down 38% and digital revenue was up 2% thanks to podcasting.
ABC News Radio Ready For The Democrats
ABC News Radio will offer three hours of coverage each night of the DNC from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET. Aaron Katersky and Karen Travers will anchor with reporting from Alex Stone, Ryan Burrow, and Jim Ryan. The convention is Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27.
WAMU GM Out
JJ Yorehas resigned as General Manager of WAMU in Washington DC. A position he has held for 6 years. A task force is also being established to make work culture improvements at the station.
Community Programming Initiative In Detroit
WWJ News Radio 950, is launching Breaking Down Barriers, August 10. The Entercom station says the initiative is to elevate diverse voices in the communities it serves.
NAB Leadership Training Program
Applications are being taken until August 19 for the 2021 Broadcast Leadership Training program. The program is designed to prepare senior-level broadcasters to advance into ownership or executive positions.
Salem Revenue Decline Not As Bad As Others
Conservative and Christian broadcaster Salem Media only experienced a total revenue decline of 18.3% in the second quarter which is not nearly as bad as many other broadcasters.
Duplication Rule-Gone
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Report and Order eliminating the radio duplication rule for both the AM and FM services. The rule restricts the duplication of programming on commonly owned broadcast radio stations operating in the same service and geographic area.
Smith: Quick Intervention Prevented Stroke
An update on the condition of NAB CEO Gordon Smith. An MRI Wednesday night discovered that Smith did have a blood clot, however, thanks to quick medical intervention a stroke was averted. As a result, his prognosis is extremely positive and there is no permanent damage.
Deon Levingston To Co-Host Black Media Symposium
The August 19th virtual event includes Radio Ink/RBR+TVBR Publisher Deborah Parenti will co-host. Roland Martin and Ed Gordon are keynoters. There's also an all-star panel with Chesley Maddox-Dorsey, Karen Slade, Omar Thompson and DuJuan McCoy. Set yourself a reminder to join us HERE.
Who Are The Best Managers in Radio?
It's time to make your nomination for Radio Ink's 2020 Best Managers in Radio list. Nominees must be current General Managers, Market Managers, or Regional Vice Presidents. The deadline for nominations is August 14th at 5 p.m. Make your nomination HERE.
NBA Star Part of New Podcast Network
Entercom's Cadence13 is partnering with NBA star Kevin Durant and entrepreneur Rich Kleiman’s Thirty Five Ventures to create The Boardroom Podcast Network.
Podcast Revenue Booming
While every other media is experiencing steep declines in revenue, it appears podcasting is doing quite well. According to a report in eMarketer today, podcast ad spending will reach $1.1 billion in 2021 and $1.3 billion in 2022.
Straight Fire Podcast Premieres
Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre will hit the iHeartPodcast Network, August 10. McIntyre is a weekend host on FOX Sports Radio.
Co-Host Role For Spokane News Vet
Teresa Lukens will take over as the new co-host of the 920 News Now morning show on KXLY-AM in Spokane at the end of August. Lukens has been a fixture in broadcast journalism in Spokane for 20 years.
Shaffer Promoted At WGFX-FM Nashville
104.5 The Zone Morning Show Producer Jonathan Shaffer has been appointed Assistant Program Director. Shaffer has 14 years of experience in the Music City market.
The Bubba Comeback Continues
Bubba The Love Sponge has added affiliates in Phoenix (97.3-FM) and Melbourne (WIXC-AM). Add those two stations to affiliates he recently added in Pittsburgh and Detroit and Bubba is now up to 8 stations.
Content Agreement for Vewd
RADIO.COM has agreed to provide content for smart TV OTT software provider Vewd. The partnership gives Vewd access to the Entercom digital platform portfolio.
Former Tampa Host Goes Out on His Own
Marc Jason, who most recently hosted mornings on WQYK in Tampa has launched BreakingNewsFlorida.com, a digital content platform all about the state of Florida.
Our Print Magazine: Radio Ink
Cover Q&A: Bold Gold Media CEO Vince Benedetto
Independent Operators Speak
Roy: Radio's Junkyard Dogs
