Headlines

Another CEO is on record in favor of deregulation. The issue will be voted on by the FCC -- although the time frame is unknown -- when the Commission looks into broadcast ownership rules as part of its 2018 quadrennial review. During his earnings call Thursday, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan said despite concerns that deregulation lead to some of the challenges radio is now having, he believes the industry needs more consolidation. Here's why...

Pro-forma revenue for Emmis' radio stations was down 5% in March, 6% in April, and  2% in May. The only good news is that markets Emmis operates in was down nearly 6% for the quarter. Also, due to a steady rainfall in New York during Emmis' big Summer Jam event, ticket sales were down, which played a big role in Emmis being off 16% in June to start Q2.

As we reported yesterday, Cumulus' KQRS in Minnesota is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of rocker KQRS. Today we take a closer look under the hood, at the nuts and bolts of what it takes to create a radio brand that stands the test of time, remains a stable force in the ratings and withstands the quirkiness of the listener. Scott Jameson is the current PD at KQRS. We picked his brain on how and why KQRS is still the king.

And they were given 10 days to shut down...or else. A business in Brooklyn was operating at 93.7-FM. Jaril Garcia is accused of operating an illegal station on 99.3 in Paterson, New Jersey. Michael Costa is nailed for his pirate radio station at 89.9, "The Juice Broadcasting Network," in Providence. And Maglie Plaismond in Cranston, Rhode Island, was told to shut down an operation at 97.9-FM.

On Thursday, the House Energy & Commerce Committee passed the PIRATE Act. If approved by the full Congress, The PIRATE Act will increase fines to up to $2 million, hold those who knowingly assist pirate stations accountable and create an easy-to-use list of licensed stations and illegal stations that have received enforcement.

Beginning last fall, a waitlist for the 2019 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise started to load up for the 20th anniversary 7-day cruise. The cruise will sail on the Carnival Magic, April 7-14, 2019, from Miami, with port stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk.

The Highway Radio Network & Heftel Broadcast Company are launching a new remote satellite broadcast studio at Pawn Plaza in Las Vegas owned by Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner Rick Harrison (pictured),  star of History’s “Pawn Stars.”

Those are the words of veteran radio consultant Jason Barrett who says in his latest blog, "The Cold Dose of Radio Reality," that a radio company’s primary responsibility is to make sure your check clears every two weeks, and provide you with access to the building to showcase your talent either on-air or behind the scenes during the hours you’re assigned to work. Your contributions matter, Barrett says, but in the grand scheme of everything, we’re all still replaceable parts.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has circulated a proposal that would establish the requirements to govern the incubator program that the Commission adopted in 2017. The program supports the entry of new and diverse voices into the broadcast industry. It will be voted on at the FCC August meeting. Here are the details of the program.

Local Radio Networks is collaborating with Skyview Networks and ABC Radio on several aspects of its business. Skyview will provide LRN its satellite distribution platform and become the exclusive network sales partner for LRN’s 24/7 music formats. ABC Radio will provide resources to LRN with additional programming opportunities for its affiliates.