Headlines
Top Billing Radio Owner Groups in 2023
Firstly, it’s worth noting that the top five radio owners from 2022 retained their positions in 2023: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Hubbard Radio, and Beasley Media Group. Given that 2023 was a non-political year in most markets, revenue decreases from 2022 are to be expected.
Broadcasters Worry About Mandatory DIRS Reporting
The FCC’s proposal to require that broadcasters file reports in the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) during emergencies isn’t getting much love.
Radio
Hey Radio, Are You Ready For An NFL Bake Off?
Almost every program director I’ve ever worked with has had that competitive streak. You either have it or you don’t. Yes, the ratings are a natural battleground, essentially evenly matched between all stations in a given market. Sales managers are playing games with Miller Kaplan rankings (or whatever is used to measure billing in a given market).
Marketer Commute Trends Show Promise For AM/FM Perception
For the first time post-pandemic, the commuting patterns of marketers and media agencies align closely with those of average Americans. With the shift comes a wind of change that could blow much-needed national ad revenue to AM/FM radio.
Lake Tahoe Broadcaster Files Chapter 11; Says It Has Buyer For Stations
D&H Broadcasting, the owner of hot AC “93.9 The Lake” KRLT and news-talk “The Owl 1490” KOWL in South Lake Tahoe, CA, has filed for Chapter 11.
FCC
FCC Quizzed At House Hearing On How It’s Helping Broadcasters.
The Federal Communications Commission’s budget may have been the reason for a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing last week, but the health of broadcasting soon came up.
FCC Appears To Have Votes Needed For Foreign Disclosure Rules.
It appears there are the three votes needed to approve a proposal at the Federal Communications Commission that will require stations to secure documentation when leasing airtime that a programmer does not have foreign government connections.
Media Bureau Opens Up Twin LPTV Dockets
The FCC’s Media Bureau on Monday opened up a pair of dockets that are designed to update the Commission’s rules as it pertains to low-power television stations. One of the two dockets also impacts TV translator and Class A TV stations.
CTV/OTT
Comcast Sets $15 Price for Netflix, Peacock and Apple TV+ Bundle
One of the many streaming bundles of the season finally has a price.