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Three petitioners are firing back at the National Association of Broadcasters in their debate about the radio duplication rule and whether the Federal Communications Commission allowed a last-minute “switcheroo” before voting to kill it.

The petitioners are REC Networks, musicFIRST Coalition and Future of Music Coalition. At issue is whether the FCC acted properly last year when it ended the rule for commercial FM stations as well as AMs.

The three groups want to overturn the inclusion of FMs. Their petition, filed in November, has been the subject of strongly worded back-and-forth comments filed with the FCC.

Ex parte in question

The former rule prohibited commercial AM and FM stations from duplicating more than 25 percent of an average week’s programming on commonly-owned stations in the same service (AM or FM), in the same geographic market.

The FCC last August killed it by a 3–2 vote in part to “help struggling stations stay on the air” and help with a potential voluntary digital transition in AM. It also called the change part of its effort to streamline and modernize its media rules.

But the draft order that the FCC had published ahead of that meeting explicitly said the rule was to be changed only for commercial AM stations. Shortly before the day of the vote, FM stations were added to the proposal.

The critics, which believe this change will inevitably lead to less program diversity, said the FCC added FM after the NAB lobbied Republican commissioners “on the literal eve of the applicable Sunshine Agenda Period.” They said this timing effectively prevented others from further advocating prior to the vote.

So in November they asked the FCC to revoke the FM part of the decision. They believe the FCC violated due process in allowing a “180 degree switcheroo” after NAB had made a critical last-minute presentation without due public discussion.

NAB countered with a vigorous filing this month, as we’ve reported. It said the FCC vote was justified, that the critics didn’t understand the business fundamentals of radio, and that musicFirst and FMC were being “retaliatory” because of the separate issue of performance royalties. [Read more on NAB’s filing.]

Latest filing

Now the three groups are criticizing the NAB for making an “ad hominem attack.” They say in their reply comments that the NAB didn’t even try to address their complaint that the FCC failed to follow proper procedures.

“Instead, NAB asks the commission to simply accept its unsupported assertion that there is so little demand by broadcasters for program duplication on commonly-owned FM stations, that the commission shouldn’t worry about radio owners actually taking advantage of the rule change,” they wrote.

“NAB’s argument fails to take into account that larger corporate owners of FM radio stations could engage in widespread local duplication of FM programming in the wake of this needlessly drastic rule change … Such widespread duplication of programming would necessarily harm the public interest in program diversity at local market levels.”

The groups pointed out that another critic, Common Frequency, said the FCC broke its own rules by failing to issue a public notice about NAB’s ex parte meeting until after the vote. Common Frequency also said the NAB and FCC both publicly misidentified the recipients of NAB’s presentation as the Media Bureau, not the majority commissioners who had the authority to vote on the matter.

The three groups concluded by again calling for the FCC to reinstate the FM portion of the rule. Instead they want the commission to monitor waiver applications for local FM duplication of programming “in order to determine how often, and under what types of circumstances, owners seek relief from the rule designed to protect the public interest in programming diversity on local FM airwaves.”

The post Duplication Rule Vote Lacked Due Process, Critics Say appeared first on Radio World.

NAPLES, FLA. —Beasley Broadcast Group wholly owned subsidiary Beasley Mezzanine Holdings has announced that it intends to offer $280 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, subject to market and other conditions.

It can do so to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

Beasley says the notes are expected to be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the company and each of Beasley’s existing domestic majority owned subsidiaries and certain future material domestic majority owned subsidiaries on a senior secured first-priority basis, subject to certain exceptions, limitations and permitted liens.

It’s a new debt for old debt swap.

Beasley Mezzanine Holdings expects to use the net proceeds of this offering to repay in full existing indebtedness under the company’s senior secured credit facilities and certain other indebtedness, with remaining proceeds to be added to BMH’s balance sheet and used for general corporate purposes.

The Notes and related guarantees will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

— GlobeNewswire

Over the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, word surfaced that The E.W. Scripps Co. was enjoying strong after-hours trading for its stock because of a report offered by a Smarter Analyst Wall Street observer that took note of a Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure from noted investor Warren Buffett.

While Smart Analyst’s Ben Mahaney said Buffett’s “Berkshire Hathaway” has snagged “a 24.9% passive stake” in Scripps, that’s not what’s happening.

According to Scripps, Buffett is helping Scripps out with its ION Media purchase.

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Earthworks Audio has introduced its Icon USB and Icon Pro XLR microphones, both intended for use in podcasting, remote working, streaming and home recording.

The condenser-type Icon USB offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, used a cardioid polar pattern, and can take on up to 132 dB. Meanwhile, the phantom-powered Icon Pro expands on those specs with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 30 kHz and a maximum acoustic input of 139 dB. Both versions weigh 1.5 pounds.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

Designed with an eye towards providing visual flair for those who appear on camera with their mics, the Icon series mics are stainless-steel constructed. Earthworks partnered with Triad-Orbit to design and build a custom desktop microphone stand that ships with the Icon microphones. The integrated M-2R swivel ball joint can be disconnected and re-mounted on any studio mic stand or boom arm.

Icon Pro looks and feels similar, but is hand tuned with an extended frequency response; the capsule has a faster rise time speed of 11.67 microseconds. Because it is an XLR broadcast microphone requiring 48 V of phantom power, it offers extended headroom and dynamics. The mic ships with an integrated Triad-Orbit M-2R adapter as well.

Both microphones are currently shipping. Since all components are machined and hand-assembled in Wilton, N.H., the initial launch will cater to U.S. distribution. Icon retails for $349 and Icon Pro sells for $499.

Info: https://earthworksaudio.com

 

The post Earthworks Audio Debuts Icon Microphones appeared first on Radio World.

Four years ago, the American Enterprise Institute played a key role in establishing a policy and regulatory path for an FCC under Republican Party control, led by Chairman Ajit Pai.

As AEI visiting scholar Mark Jamison looks back on the Commission’s Trump-era actions, as it concludes January 20, he believes Pai will be remembered “as one of the most consequential Federal Communications Commission chairmen in history.”

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Digigram announced three directors to a new management team.

The French audio manufacturer named CFO Florence Marchal to be director of finance, human resources and legal affairs. She joined the company in 2000.

Nancy Diaz Curiel was appointed director of sales, marketing and communications. Based in Singapore, she has overseen Asian and Pacific operations including products distribution.

Xavier Allanic, who has been VP Sales EMEA and Americas since 2018, becomes director of operations.

Jérémie Weber, CEO since 2017, remains chairman of Digigram Group. “This position now allows him to better focus on the group’s global strategy, oversee investment prospects, growth projects and secure relations with shareholders.”

Left to right, Florence Marchal, Nancy Diaz Curiel, Xavier Allanic

The post Digigram Names New Management Team appeared first on Radio World.

MIAMI BEACH — Normally, a collection of some of the broadcast TV industry’s most influential figures, from Nexstar Media Group founder Perry Sook to Byron Allen, can be found walking the halls of the Fontainebleau while attending a major global conference that also regularly attracts key representatives from top media brokerage Kalil & Co.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NATPE Miami conference is a virtual affair. And, it kicks off Tuesday (1/19) with four days of sessions that very much includes production — in addition to content, research and investment.

Indeed, the key themes for each day include Revenue (Investment, Advertising, & Subscription), Audience (Research, Marketing & Promotion), Content (Acquisition & Distribution Sales), and Production (new content).

Additional topics include Station Groups, and Web Series.

The January 19 sessions are focused on Revenue topics. For January 20, Audience is the track of choice. Then, on Thursday and Friday, respectively, are Content and Production sessions.

“The BIG Opening,” scheduled for 9am Pacific/Noon Eastern/6pm CET, is focused on the vision of television in 2021 and features a “fireside” conversation with an industry leader. 

As RBR+TVBR previously reported, it’s a two-part affair that begins with NBCUniversal Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus participating in an interview with NBC News’ TODAY co-host Hoda Kotb.

That’s followed by an interview with Univision Communications Chief Digital Officer Sameer Deen, conducted by familiar NATPE Miami presenter Sara Fischer, the Axios journalist.

The two-part opener lasts an hour, and that’s followed by a 45-minute session those in the tech world that serve the broadcast TV industry may want to sit in on.

Court Stroud

“A New Day for TV Stations” starts with a presentation from Nielsen VP of Audience Insights Justin LaPorte precede a panel discussion moderated by veteran Hispanic media executive Court Stroud. He’ll chat it up with Catherine Herkovic, EVP and Managing Director of Local Television for Nielsen, and the SVP for NBC’s COZI TV multicast network and newly launched millennial-focused NBCLX offering, Meredith McGinn.

And, there’s a digital session that is likely of interest to many.

For those focused on Production, a full day of sessions on Friday is likely of keen interest.

The day kicks off with a discussion on MVPDs and the “programming, packaging, and promotion of content.” Then, there is a discussion on international co-productions, followed by what could be a very lively chat on whether or not  networks and local stations creating opportunities for affordable content in 2021.

In this two-part session, a leading distributor, Ira Bernstein, discusses the push and pull of the deal. The second part sees no-longer-retired comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno discuss his return to broadcast TV with the remake of the classic game show “You Bet Your Life.” He’s joined by Co-Host Kevin Eubanks and Producers Tom Werner and David Hurwitz.

Other highlights include a 1pm Wednesday conversation with FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy on the best strategic practices for retaining and growing audiences. That’s followed by a discussion between Meredith Vieira, Sherri Shepherd, and FOX EVP/Programming and Development Stephen Brown on the creative side of content as an uplifting force, especially in difficult times.

— With reporting from Adam R Jacobson

To download the full agenda, please click here.

Swagger Institute, P1 Learning and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA) have teamed up to again provide a virtual sales and management training summit.

The two-day event, branded “Rising Above,” is scheduled for January 27-28.

Featured participants include Arland Communications President and founder Dave Arland, Media Staffing Network CEO Laurie Kahn, and Bonnie Hagemann, who serves as CEO of Executive Development Associates, a boutique consulting firm specializing in top-of-the-range executive development.

Rising Above will also feature live entertainment from BMI recording act LOCASH and singer/songwriter Patrick Woolam.

Registration for Rising Above is free for those with membership to some 29 participating state broadcasters associations.

“Speed and I are so excited about our January event”, said Swagger Institute founder Derron Steenbergen, whose business is expressly designed to reinvigorate a sales organization. “Rising Above says what our industry and our broadcasters must be and do. Do we have challenges? Yes. But in these stressful times comes opportunity and embracing the blessings in this storm is crucial to not only surviving this, but actually thriving in it. Our industry is strong, and our people are resilient. Simply, Rising Above is about reminding us why we have been successful and outlining a path so we continue to rise.”

For more information about Rising Above: A Virtual Sales & Management Summit, visit risingabovesummit.com

Digital audio and podcast player Triton Digital has been selected to aid a podcast producer and distribution in the delivery, monetization and measurement of its content.

The partnership allows Kast Media to use Triton’s podcast technologies, which include the Omny Studio publishing platform and Podcast Metrics audience measurement service.

“Triton’s suite of podcast technology delivers a mix of power, sophistication, and feature-rich capabilities that are best-in-class,” said Kast Media CEO Colin Thomson. “We share a vision to drive the podcast space forward in both listener experience and revenue optimization. We are thrilled to be working with Triton and look forward to leveraging their tools and knowledgeable team to scale our podcast content, reach more people, and further increase revenue.”

Sharon Taylor, Managing Director at Triton Digital, added, “We are pleased to be providing Kast Media with all that they need to seamlessly grow, promote, measure and monetize their podcasts. We are confident that our comprehensive podcast platform coupled with our transparent advertising technology and validated measurement service will provide Kast Media with the tools, automation, and insight needed to grow and scale faster than ever before.”

Get all of the latest news from the fast-growing podcast world delivered to your inbox every business day. Visit www.podcastbusinessjournal.com today!

For a generation of Puerto Ricans, “Alfa Rock 106” was the home for rock and roll music not found anywhere else on the FM dial. Times change, and just after midnight on March 3, 2018, WCAD-FM concluded its broadcast era.

Just before Christmas 2018, the station was reborn, later taking new call letters that better reflect its current programming.

Now, it’s installed a listener-funded Dielectric DCR-M.

It was installed by Dielectric’s CALA region for the No. 2 licensee of radio stations in the U.S.: Educational Media Foundation (EMF).

The Dielectric DCR-M is being used for what is now WJKL-FM 105.7, licensed to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its Class B 50kw signal comes from a broadcast tower in a rural area of Aguas Buenas, south of San Juan. It’s on a peak in a mountainous, rural area not easily accessible.

EMF worked closely with Dielectric — and, RBR+TVBR has learned, Univision — on a broadband antenna design. It will support both WJKL on 105.7 MHz and a second station in the future.

This station is WKAQ-FM 104.7, the longtime Latin Top 40 station serving Puerto Rico and much of St. Thomas and St. Croix, USVI, as “KQ105.”

Don’t fret: Univision is not involved in any transaction with EMF as it pertains to KQ105.

Rather, the WKAQ-FM tower, adjacent to that used by WJKL, is being decommissioned after years of use and abuse from hurricanes and other weather-related battering. As such, WKAQ-FM and WJKL will be on the same tower.

The center-fed DCR-M from Dielectric accommodates both frequencies (with 1 MHz separation) through a special reduced bay-spacing design that eliminates the need for future field tuning.

Furthermore, EMF added a new, specially designed two-station branch combiner to serve both transmission frequencies, and prevent intermodulation issues from signal mixing inside the transmitters.

Side-mounted to a mountaintop tower with a center of radiation at 118 feet above ground level (1,787 feet above sea level), the DCR-M was specified to withstand the stormy weather elements of Puerto Rico, amplified during hurricane season.

In fact, the project delayed due to several harsh storms including Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused widespread devastation to the island. The project was revived once power was returned to the remote site and general infrastructure was restored. Then came COVID-19, putting a further wrinkle on the plans for KLOVE Puerto Rico.

Director of Site Development Kim Allison said the antenna design meets the weight and wind-load specifications of the tower. “This was of high importance considering the remote tower location,” she said.

Dielectric worked closely with Sabre to develop a custom mounting system that could support the unique bay-spacing design. This included a standoff pole for the tapered tower architecture, and a bracket design that eliminated complex anti-rotation elements for the antenna bays.

Dielectric also added its “funky elbow” design to reduce ground radiation from the DCR-M, through a inter-bay feed system that optimizes signal coverage without directing radiation downward from the tower.

Dielectric VP/GM Keith Pelletier notes that everything was shipped in a single container to reduce costs, with Sabre designing the stand-off pole in short, modular sections to fit cleanly alongside Dielectric’s antenna.

“This project was a labor of love for Dielectric considering the unforeseen delays and challenges that EMF faced on the road to installation,” Pelletier said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support EMF and its mission to bring Christian radio programming to the audiences throughout Puerto Rico.”

Additional reporting by Brian Galante.