Headlines

Benztown has partnered with BMG Production Music, to offer BMG PM’s commercial production music library to radio stations. Through this partnership, BMG Production Music has granted Benztown the exclusive right to distribute and offer its catalog of production music and elements to the U.S. radio market.

That from Caroline Beasley on the Beasley first-quarter earnings call Tuesday. She wasn't specific but you could speculate that one of those surprises took place in Philadelphia where eight Account Executives jumped ship right as the deal to purchase Greater Media was closing. No reason was given for the mass exodus. That's a lot to overcome in a major market and as a result it had an impact on revenue with Philadelphia down 13%.

The company reported a same-station revenue decline of $2 million in the first quarter, blaming 35% of the decrease on the absence of political revenue. The remainder of the decline was partially attributable to the reformatting of a station in Tampa (the old Bubba the Love Sponge station) and integration issues in Philadelphia.

Broker Michael Bergner tells Radio Ink that the $11 million purchase of five Greenville-New Bern Beasley stations by Curtis Media has closed. This transaction was announced back on February 6. The stations Curtis picks up are WNCT-AM and FM, WSFL-FM, WIKS-FM, WMGV-FM and WXNR-FM. Curtis will spin-off WNCT-FM to Inner Banks Media.

The News/Talk station celebrated 95 years on the air, Tuesday. Regional VP Dan Bennett said, “Our celebration of 95 years is not just an honor for our current staff but for the incredible talent that span 95 years on a signal that covers 38 states. WBAP is truly one of radio’s iconic brands and we look forward to the next ninety-five."

Bruce Demps started his radio career in sales with WIVY Y103 in Jacksonville back in 1983, when it was one of four stations in the market owned by Infinity Broadcasting. He went on to work for Clear Channel and Radio One, among other companies. He told us about his long and winding road through the radio industry and beyond, and we wanted to share his story with you because we know so many of you can relate.

Portafolio is a new cross-platform content development division being launched by SBS. Carolina Santamarina will run that division which SBS says is "designed to create and expand brand strategies utilizing all of SBS’ assets, including digital, mobile, television, radio, social media, and live experiences."

Last week, 20-year WIBC veteran Greg Garrison (pictured) announced his retirement from his weekday show. PD David Wood said, “There's no replacing an icon like Greg. What is the best way to serve, inform, and entertain our growing audience? What we arrived at is a lineup that offers familiar personalities with the addition of energetic voices to engage listeners in spirited conversation and conservative viewpoints.” And here it is...

The St. Louis region flooding continues and New Country 92.3 (WIL) in St. Louis has been non-stop on air and online Tuesday spreading the word. Led by its live and local New Country morning show, Bud and Broadway, the entire on-air home team is broadcasting from flood zones and posting Facebook live videos while simultaneously shoveling and bagging sand.

According to the NAB, nine Members of the House and one Senator have joined as cosponsors of a bipartisan resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act now has 177 cosponsors in the House and 22 in the Senate.