Headlines

Text messages, Facebook messages phone records and e-mails between Bubba The Love Sponge and PPM panelist Nicholas Tabachuk could play a big role in the upcoming ratings tampering case against Bubba. There are pages and pages of text messages between the host and Tabachuk on the evidence list provided to the court by both sides. 

Emmis Communications has entered into a new employment agreement with the only CEO the company has ever had, Jeff Smulyan. Smulyan’s base salary will continue to be $1,025,000 through February 28, 2019, and increase $25,000 each year. The new agreement runs through February 28, 2022, and will automatically renew for additional one-year terms. The company also paid Smulyan a $1 million signing bonus.

According to Kagan there was $102.3 million in radio deals in the second quarter of 2018, while TV deals totaled $5 billion. The second quarter's top deal was Cumulus' $18.0 million purchase of WKQX-FM in Chicago.

If the Bubba The Love Sponge ratings tampering case actually begins on July 23 (it's been delayed several times) we now know who will take the witness stand for both Nielsen and Bubba

(By Laurie Kahn) Many mid-size and local broadcasters face a much more difficult job when it comes to replacing or adding a new manager to their team. The perfect scenario is to grow organically and promote from within, however that is not always an option. Here are some ideas to help you get creative in attracting new personnel.

That's how many weeks The Home Depot has been radio's top advertiser according to Media Monitors. The big-box home improvement chain ran 72,634 commercials on radio stations all across the country last week.

The 43rd annual Conclave Learning Conference is set to go, July 18–20, at the Doubletree by Hilton-Minneapolis Park Place. Online registration ends Monday, July 9 and is only $299 for a limited time. Walk-ups will be welcomed.

Our thanks to Tommy Tatum, Larry Fuss, and the team at the Delta Radio Group in Greenville, MS, for introducing us to the owners of The Vapor Shak. The Vapor Shak is owned by Michael and Frankie Street in Greenville and they are becoming a wildly successful business in that town....thanks to radio. Our weekly success stories are sponsored by Sun & Fun Media.

(Bob McCurdy) Last week an agency working on a media plan for a theme park contacted me looking to access Nielsen’s channel planning tool, Commspoint, which lead to me spending 90 minutes on a video conference call with their head planner. The benefits of these kinds of sessions are immense.

(By Randy Lane) Station appearances are your chance to come face to face with your audience and make a very personal impression. Never underestimate the value of this. In fact, you should prepare carefully and give the appearance your best. Here are some guidelines to help you do just that.