Headlines

Pop artist Nelly Furtado chimed in regarding the Taylor Swift trial in Denver, and it wasn't something radio stations are going to like. Furtado tweeted the following, “Been in several meet n' greets where radio staff attempt to cross lines. Love @taylorswift13 for fighting 4 women's safety in the workplace.” She did not elaborate which station or market where any specific incidents took place.

(By Gary Berkowitz) It’s Monday and time for our programing meeting. Here are 6 ideas that, if implemented will not only make you sound better but you’ll probably raise your numbers too! Your consultant will be checking back to make sure they’re all done by the end of the week (lol)!

(by Bob McCurdy) I once read an article titled, “Americans Read the Headlines. And Not Much Else”, that touted the fact that only about 40% of adults dig beyond the headlines, meaning 60% are largely headline gazers. This fact can be detrimental to our continued revenue health as headlines, particularly in media trades, are geared toward the “latest and greatest”, which can easily skew advertiser perception. Here are some stats you need to have handy and use them, use them, use them.

(By Ryan Wrecker) How do your station — and your talent — approach social media? It seems most of us know we should be using the same playbook, valuing engagement and measurable results over strictly a bulk number of views. And I think it’s the right direction for radio to put stock into the connections that make listeners fall in love with personalities, but it’s easy to stumble when trying to translate it to the digital medium.

(By Ronald Robinson) People around the world, including here in Canada and 50 other countries, are aghast at how the American political and corporate systems are abusing, exploiting, and refusing to minister to the health care needs of its citizens. Remind you of any other industry you know?

The New York Post is reporting the biggest creditor of iHeartMedia is ready to make a deal on a debt restructuring plan. The paper says Mutual Fund Franklin Resources is working with investment bank PJT Partners on the plan to present to the company next week. Franklin owns $2.3 billion of iHeart’s $20 billion debt.

It had to be a record for the number of times the word a** and cheek were used in a federal courtroom. Taylor Swift took the stand Thursday and said she is 100% sure former KYGO morning man David Mueller assaulted her. "It was a definite grab. A very long grab," she said. "He stayed attached to my bare ass-cheek as I lurched away from him."

In Lake Worth, Florida Frances Chapman has 10 days to shut down his illegal radio operation from his home at 88.7-FM. In Hollywood, Florida, American College Express has 10 days to shut down a pirate station, also at 88.7, broadcasting from a commercial business. Read the violation notice for Chapman HERE and American College Express HERE.

(By Paul Weyland) Yes, I hear you. Well, not all of you, but plenty of you that are concerned about your local direct numbers as compared to last year. What’s going on? Does this indicate a seismic shift in the economy? Is this occurring in all markets or just mine? Are decision-makers losing confidence in the economy? Are they losing confidence in broadcast? How long will this slowdown continue? Is it me?