Feed aggregator

TORONTO — A Canadian AM with 50kw on October 27 signed off the air, with its corporate parent submitting a voluntary license revocation request. While the CRTC said OK, concluding CIWW‘s broadcast life at 1310 kHz, now-former licensee Rogers Sports & Media slammed the regulatory body for not doing enough to save AM radio in Canada.

 

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

USSI Global, a provider of customized network, broadcast and digital signage systems and services, has a new VP of International Sales, with an emphasis on Latin American markets.

Sergio Murillo is spearheading a new LEO satellite connectivity service in the region. He is responsible for every aspect of the service, from infrastructure implementation to after-sales support and market intelligence.

Murillo will also lead distribution partner selection, training and support, and disaster recovery initiatives. He will be based in Dallas.

For more than 24 years, Murillo has been co-founder and CEO of RED52, a licensed public telecommunications network in Mexico City, which provides teleport services for video, data, voice and internet connectivity to government and private sector customers.

“Latin America offers a number of markets and opportunities for USSI Global,” said David Christiano, CEO of USSI Global. “With his extensive telecommunications experience and familiarity with the region, Sergio is the ideal individual to lead our international sales efforts.”

 

NEW YORK — An international software company “that helps broadcasters create radio” has expanded its customer support staff as it seeks to grow its business as a digital provider for AM and FM stations.

Joining Aiir, led by Chief Executive Officer Ricki Lee, a UK citizen who holds ownership interest in Upstate New York radio stations, are five individuals.

Paul Carlin, who has previously worked for UK radio giant Bauer, among other companies, joins Aiir’s customer support team in Great Britain.

At the same time, Phil Ray joins Aiir’s UK support team after working with Global and Bauer’s Free Radio.

In the U.S. and Canada, the North America customer support team sees the addition of Phil Hannon, arriving from Media Ministries.

Concurrently, former Bold Gold Media Director of Programming Chase Daniels will join Aiir in early 2024 and take a post on the North America support team.

Lastly, Alex Watson takes the newly created post of Customer Experience Specialist. Watson joins Aiir from ITV News, where he was Digital Editor for the Channel Islands, overseeing the region’s online output.

Lee commented that 2023 “has been a tremendous growth year for our business. Our
customers expect best-in-class support and experience with our products and
services. The additional members offer a wealth of broadcast experience and I’m
delighted to welcome Alex, Phil, Chase, Paul and Phil to our team.”

Aiir offerings for broadcast radio include the PlayoutONE automation system with WebVT for remote broadcasting, radio station websites and mobile apps, studio messaging dashboards
and more.

BOCA RATON, FLA. — On October 23, it became known that Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Key West ABC affiliate controlled by a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate was readying its transition to NEXTGEN TV.

That shift transpired on schedule Monday, as WPLG-10 transitioned to a new facility with ATSC 3.0-powered NEXTGEN TV broadcasts joining those of other stations in the market that unveiled NEXTGEN TV signals 11 months ago.

The bigger news, however, involves the FOX affiliate controlled by the Ansin family’s Sunbeam Television.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

In just a matter of weeks, CES 2024 will be underway in Las Vegas. It’s a bigger draw than ever for radio industry executives, and that’s why RBR+TVBR is pleased to announce its January 8, 2024 distribution of its Winter 2024 magazine.

Digital distribution to all RBR+TVBR Members means VIP access to a bevy of CES-focused content. And, in a preview of what’s in the Winter 2024 magazine — with a limited print distribution at a “Cocktails and Conversation” invite-only affair in Las Vegas during CES — RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson chats with Joe D’Angelo, SVP of Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio for Xperi Corp.

What excites D’Angelo about CES? What are his thoughts about the future of AM Radio in an age where HD Radio and streaming audio are more commonly discussed? Find out in this CES preview edition of the InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM.

 

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Joe D’Angelo” on Spreaker.

To RSVP for the Cocktails and Conversation event, please click  here:

 

It enjoys over-the-air coverage via a collection of low-power television stations stretching from the Portland, Ore., market south to the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, a religious broadcaster has gotten the go-ahead to build a VHF facility near the Southern Oregon city of Medford, adding to its coverage in the region.

 

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

NEW YORK — Fincons.US Inc. has signed an asset purchase agreement with a Los Angeles-based IT, business intelligence and digital transformation company specialized in the media & entertainment sector, acquiring 100% of its assets.

PDG Consulting, which also operates a Mumbai office, accounts for over 100 professionals, 15 years of experience on the market and $13 million in turnover.

The closing date is set for December 31. On January 1, PDG US employees and customers will be transferred into Fincons.US, Inc, while the Mumbai office, with its 40 professionals, will form an integral part of Fincons India Private Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Fincons Group AG and sister company to Fincons.US, Inc.

Michele Moretti, CEO of Fincons Group, commented, “We have always grown organically to date, thanks to our skills, our focus on building lasting and solid relationships with customers and partners and our commitment to research and development. As a result of our efforts, we’re proud to have achieved key positioning on the international market. Now the time has come to move even further forward and consolidate our expansion plans with a significant step both for Fincons, which becomes more and more a global business, and for our customers, to whom we will now offer even more experience, quality and passion everywhere in the world.”

Adam Tarshis, a Partner with PDG Consulting, commented, “With a worldwide footprint, a dedicated team comprising thousands of skilled engineers and analysts, and a remarkable four-decade legacy in IT consulting, Fincons provides PDG a much larger platform from which we can leverage our deep proficiency in media operations and video distribution. The new organization also significantly broadens the core capabilities we will be able to offer both new and existing clients. We’re excited by the vision that Michele and Francesco have for the company and are thrilled to help drive Fincons’ expansion in the United States.”

Super Hi-Fi has introduced an audio offering for businesses called Radio as a Service.

“RaaS is a high-impact, turnkey solution for the creation and management of custom-branded radio experiences,” the company said in its announcement.

It aims this at companies that have digital media platforms, “including automakers, fitness services, game platforms, OEMs, streaming video services and more.” As an example it pointed to the newly launched Fubo Radio, a custom branded audio package with 10 channels designed for FuboTV subscribers.

It said it delivers custom-branded experiences designed as an extension of existing brand and product offerings. “It’s a full-service solution that takes care of everything necessary to deliver a high-quality radio experience, from station design and music programming to custom audio imaging and voice tracking.”

Super Hi-Fi uses artificial intelligence-based production tools for curation, segues and volume leveling.

It said the RaaS offering can be provided through subscription bundling, paid add-ons or free ad-supported services.

In its pitch to clients on its website, the company states: “Radio offers an up-leveled experience: companionship, community and context in a way that playlists just don’t. More time listening means more engagement, and more engagement means massive benefits for your business, including greater customer loyalty, more revenue, and even subscription churn reduction. Radio is the powerhouse music experience that keeps delivering for your business.”

The post Super Hi-Fi Offers “Radio as a Service” to Brands appeared first on Radio World.

Yes, the big tech giants are taking a lot of dollars from traditional media.

But, one “GAFAN” giant last week invested significantly in Spot Cable, easily topping the latest report from Media Monitors with more than 100,000 spot plays detected by the iHeartMedia-owned company.

As seen below, Amazon.com dominated the latest report, with Domino’s, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Verizon and the NBA rounding out the top 5 by play count.

 

How did the Spot TV report compare?

As shown below, retailers took the top three once again.

.

.

.

Paramount’s CBS Audio Network and Skyview Networks announced a multi-year renewal of their distribution and network audio sales agreement.

Skyview will continue as its distribution and network sales partner for news and music formats. Their agreement began in 2018 and was renewed in 2020.

The announcement was made by Steve Raizes, EVP and audio and podcasting at Paramount Global; Steve Jones, president and chief executive officer of Skyview Networks; and Jeanne-Marie Condo, president of network partnerships and chief revenue officer of Skyview.

Condo was quoted in the announcement: “CBS is deeply committed to radio, working to provide outstanding programming that engages listeners. The continued growth of CBS affiliates is impressive and helps deliver significant results for the ad community.”

It’s good news for Skyview. In June, ABC Audio, which had been using Skyview since 2014, announced it would be switching to a different supplier, later named as LinkUp Communications Corp.

The post CBS Audio Network Renews With Skyview appeared first on Radio World.

Rivian logo

Electric vehicle maker Rivian said it will offer SiriusXM in new and existing Rivian R1T and R1S models in the United States in 2024.

The collaboration directly integrates a trial subscription to SiriusXM into Rivian’s in-vehicle software.

“Upon launch next year, all new and existing Rivian owners will be able to opt in and activate a three-month SiriusXM trial subscription directly on their vehicle’s center display,” SiriusXM stated.

The announcement was made by Joe Verbrugge, chief commercial officer of SiriusXM, and Wassym Bensaid, SVP of software development at Rivian.

Bensaid was quoted in the announcement: “We collaborated with SiriusXM on a digital integration that provides a seamless user experience and will be available to owners with a simple over-the-air update.”

The post Rivian Signs Deal With SiriusXM appeared first on Radio World.

Ray Quiñones

Ray Quiñones has joined the NAB as director of government relations.

“Ray’s knowledge of the legislative process, understanding of broadcast issues and strategic relationships will serve him well as he advocates on behalf of America’s broadcasters on Capitol Hill,” said President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

Quiñones had worked for Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as policy advisor on policy issues and managing whip operations for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Previously, he was campaign manager and data director for Soto’s 2020 congressional campaign. He started as a staff assistant in 2019. Quiñones holds a B.A. in political science from the University of South Florida.

He will report to Shawn Donilon, executive vice president of government relations.

Read more People News.

The post Quiñones Joins NAB Lobbying Team appeared first on Radio World.

Røde Microphones LLC has acquired Mackie.

Røde’s parent the Freedman Group says the acquisition expands its offerings in pro audio, which include the content creation, home and studio recording, broadcast and live sound production markets. Freedman is also the parent of Aphex, Event and SoundField.

Chairman Peter Freedman called Mackie “true legends, with a pedigree of live sound expertise that is simply unmatched.” Freedman, who made the announcement with Mackie CEO Alex Nelson, described Mackie, founded in 1989, as “one of the great success stories in pro audio.”

Røde is an Australian company with additional offices in the United States, China and the United Kingdom. Freedman Electronics opened its doors in Sydney in 1967, founded by a husband-and-wife team, Henry and Astrid Freedman, after they migrated to Australia from Sweden. [Read about the history of Røde.]

Freedman Group CEO Damien Wilson said in the announcement that Mackie’s brand, manufacturing and operations “will remain unchanged.”

Greg Mackie sold his controlling interest in the company in 2003. [Read about the history of Mackie.]

The post Røde Acquires Mackie appeared first on Radio World.

According to an influential tech blog, there’s a new version of Apple CarPlay coming soon. Radio industry leaders should take notice, because there’s a big update they’ll benefit from.

 

Will Apple be making the announcement, along with other key noteworthy reveals, at CES 2024? Radio + Television Business Report coverage of CES 2024 starts with the January 8 distribution of our Winter 2024 digital magazine, and continues across the week at RBR.com.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Collin Jones

Collin Jones will take over the role of president of Westwood One on Jan. 1. He will succeed Suzanne Grimes, whom the company says “decided to embark on the next chapter of her career after eight years.”

Jones will keep his current title of EVP of corporate strategy & development for Cumulus Media. He has a lot on his plate; he is also the current NAB Radio Board chairman and vice chairman of the Radio Music License Committee.

“Jones joined Cumulus Media in 2011 and is responsible for leading the company’s strategy, corporate development (including major partnerships and M&A), and investor relations efforts,” it said.

“Jones has led the company through several strategic transactions and growth initiatives including the acquisition of Westwood One in 2013. Additionally, he oversees IncentRev, the company’s e-commerce and daily deal platform.”

President/CEO Mary Berner thanked Grimes “for her invaluable contributions and her pivotal role in our success. Under her leadership, we launched the top-rated Cumulus Podcast Network, built the multi-platform Westwood One News/Talk franchise, and established the industry-leading Audio Active Group.”

[“Cumulus Earnings Strained Under Slow National Ad Market”]

The post Grimes to Leave Westwood One; Jones Will Step In appeared first on Radio World.

The Nielsen 2023 Consumer Survey Report was distributed last week, and the results, based on some 3,000 consumers across the U.S. conducted earlier in 2023, yielded a sentiment about advertisements that undoubtedly deserves the attention of media industry C-Suite executives and CMOs alike.

“The prevalence of ad-avoidance” is real, and it’s a key finding in this year’s report.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Call it “global warming.” Call it a “climate shift.” No matter where you stand on the matter, how the weather will impact you and future generations is a hot topic. As such, CBS News and Stations is adding a “senior climate producer” to its team while shifting a CBS News team member to the climate beat.

In the senior role is Tracy Wholf, as veteran CBS News producer Chris Spinder joins the climate team.

Each take their new roles on December 12 and report to CBS News and Stations President of Content Development and Integration Adrienne Roark.

The addition of Wholf and shift of Spinder is part of a strategy set forth by Roark to put more of Paramount Global’s dollars into climate coverage by building a central team dedicated to CBS’s meteorologists, weather teams, and “climate storytellers.”

Roark commented, “The addition of these two dedicated and highly knowledgeable climate producers underscores CBS News and Stations’ steadfast commitment to delivering comprehensive and impactful climate coverage. Their expertise combined with our existing award-winning environmental team and journalists will add to our capacity to explore and present vital climate stories to our audience.”

Wholf was previously with ABC News’ climate unit, which she helped launch in 2021. Her work has also appeared on PBS, Nat Geo, and ESPN.

With the naming of Wholf, she and Spinder will collaborate, develop and coordinate climate coverage and work closely with environmental journalists Ben Tracy, in addition to David Schechter and Dave Malkoff of the CBS Local News Innovation Lab.