Headlines
Radio’s Growth Future: All Digital?
In October, BIA Advisory Services’ initial forecast for 2024 had local advertising revenues hitting $175.6 billion. In March, that forecast was tempered by 2% to $172 billion. Now BIA has readjusted that forecast one more time while adding our first look at 2025.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Station Sales Week of 7/26
After originally filing the deal last October and requesting its dismissal in November, Walt Williams Jr. and Melinda Williams’ Williams Communications has refiled their deal to sell Country “The Big 95” 95.3 WHMA-FM Alexandria/Anniston AL, Gospel 1390 WHMA Anniston, Classic Rock “Rock 105.9” WKLS Gadsden AL, Sports “ESPN 97.5” W248CE Gadsden/WKLS-HD2 and Silent 105.5 WFCT Apalachicola FL to Josh Bohn’s Hometown Radio LLC for $250,000.
WSJ: Soo Kim-Led Standard General Buys Out Bally
While the Bally Sports regional sports networks are troubled, it is important to know that they are owned by Sinclair Inc. subsidiary Diamond Sports Network; the Bally name is used under license from a gaming and casino giant that Standard General has an ownership stake in.
FCC
FCC Takes First Step in Effort to Require Disclosure of AI-Generated Content In Political Ads
Disclosure requirements would ensure consumers are fully informed when AI-generated content is used in political ads on TV and radio; Commissioner Carr blasted the idea as “a recipe for chaos”
Television
Barry Diller Says He Is Done Pursuing Paramount Global; Also Talks NBA, Kamala Harris
Barry Diller has confirmed he is out of the running for Paramount Global.
Radio
The Olympic Flame Will Be Lit, And U.S. Radio Ready To Deliver.
The Paris Summer Olympics begin today, with what is sure to be a memorable opening ceremony. With a vast array of listening options at hand, a new survey from YouGov sheds some light on which sports Americans most care about.
CTV/OTT
Modern TV-Video Consumers: How Much Do They Really Spend Per Month?
Perhaps modern TV and video consumers don’t mind adding and paying somewhat more for streaming platforms -- even when free stuff is also included, and even with the new addition of streaming “bundles.”
Media
Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! It’s the Olympics Calling!
Earlier this year, we posted updated guidelines about engaging in or accepting advertising or promotions that directly or indirectly allude to the Super Bowl without a license from the NFL or the Final Four Tournament without a license from the NCAA. See here, here and here. Now, it is time to think about these issues in the context of the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Verticals
The Trump-Harris Ad War Has Already Started, And There’s A Clear Winner So Far.
It is not just the expected names on the ballot that have been shaken up this week. The political ad tracking team at AdImpact says there has been a shift in the ad market too. For the first time in the 2024 cycle, it says Republican Presidential advertisers currently hold a sizeable reservation advantage over Democrats through Sept. 1.