Radio+Television Business Report

He was formerly the U.S. Head of Industries for Google Cloud’s Deal Pursuit Organization.

Now, he’s the General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for FOX News Media.

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Taking the role and reporting to CEO Suzanne Scott is Bernard T. Gugar.

“His extensive expertise and highly accomplished background will add immeasurable value to our thriving multiplatform brand,” Scott said.

Gugar added, “I am excited to join one of the most influential news operations in the world and look forward to utilizing my experience spanning media, law and technology to help FOX News Media grow, evolve and develop a diversified digital footprint.”

At Google, Gugar led a team that drives Google Cloud’s most strategic and complex transactions across several industry sectors. Prior to that, Gugar provided his skills and background to the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Booth School of Business, where he guided tech entrepreneurs spanning digital media, fintech, healthcare, artificial intelligence and E-commerce industries in developing and monetizing their business ventures.

Before that, Gugar served as the SVP and General Counsel of Oprah Winfrey’s privately-held Harpo Inc., where he worked from 2007 to 2015. He began his career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett as an associate in the corporate group, after which he moved to Bear Stearns & Co., where he served as a Vice President within the Investment Banking Division.

FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC); FOX Business Network (FBN); FOX News Digital; FOX News Audio; FOX News Books; the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International; and the recently announced AVOD platform FOX Weather.

Nexstar Media Group’s MVPD-distributed channel formerly known as WGN America has bolstered its Washington, D.C., news coverage by bringing on a correspondent with experience covering politics in the Lone Star State — in addition to social justice protests and Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

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On April 1, Hispanic consumer-focused Entravision Communications disclosed to the SEC that it would not be able to file its annual report in a timely manner. This triggered a warning from the New York Stock Exchange.

All is better now, as far as NYSE compliance is concerned. But, Entravision now has a potential headache on its hands regarding the entity that is to blame for the 10-K filing delay.

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Major League Baseball and SiriusXM have expanded their agreement to include additional streaming rights starting with the 2021 MLB season.

As such, for the first time SiriusXM subscribers with a streaming-only subscription have access to live play-by-play broadcasts of every MLB game as they listen on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their home.

The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game, all season long.

The 30 MLB play-by-play channels are also available on vehicles equipped with next-generation SiriusXM with 360L radios.

SiriusXM satellite subscribers continue to get access to every MLB game on both their SiriusXM radios and on the SiriusXM app.  Certain subscriptions are required.

The new agreement also includes a multi-year extension of SiriusXM’s rights to broadcast every MLB game.

In related news, starting this month SiriusXM and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will present an exclusive new podcast series, Black Diamonds. Hosted by museum president and historian Bob Kendrick, the podcast will showcase the history of the Negro Leagues, highlighting the players, people and events that shaped them, as well as spotlighting the leagues’ achievements and innovations during a time of segregation and inequality.

Black Diamonds, a SiriusXM original podcast, will debut on MLB’s Jackie Robinson Day (April 15).  The 20-episode series can be heard on the SiriusXM app, Pandora, Stitcher and other podcast platforms.

Nautel has selected the individual who will work directly with its regional sales managers serving key radio station accounts across the U.S.

He’ll be based in Cincinnati.

Taking the job as Business Development Manager, working with the USA Broadcast team, is Charles Sotto.

He joins Nautel after most recently serving as South East Regional sales director for GatesAir, focusing on Radio and TV transmitter equipment sales.

Sotto also spent several years with Harris in the early 2000s as National Accounts Manager for Broadcast Systems and Special Markets and had previously worked with Sony as a Major Account Manager, where he was involved in large-scale and technically intricate projects including the launch of DirecTV.

CP Communications, which has gained a reputation for products enabling live event productions, is rolling out a remote production and streaming platform it says was built specifically for modern live sports and news production challenges.

The release of CamSTREAM SRT comes as CP continues to expand its Red House Streaming (RHS) CamSTREAM line to meet changing REMI production requirements.

Like previous models, CamSTREAM SRT provides content creators with a PTZ camera and tripod, video encoder, and return monitor to remotely shoot, record and stream live content.

An internet connection is required to stream acquired contact to a studio or the web.

This is the first RHS CamSTREAM system to leverage the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) open-source video transport protocol, developed and pioneered by Haivision, which optimizes streaming performance.

CamSTREAM SRT is also the first RHS CamSTREAM system to integrate Haivision’s Makito X2 encoder, which supports ultra-low latency streams and establishes a secure VPN tunnel to and from the studio over a local area network (LAN).

When paired with a Haivision Makito X2 decoder, users have return video to the onboard 10-inch monitor along with IFB audio. The Makito X2 encoder can be swapped for a Mobile Viewpoint Agile Airlink bonded cellular encoding solution where LAN connections are unavailable.

CP Communications is a North American distributor for both Haivision and Mobile Viewpoint products.

CamSTREAM SRT is also offering new options for RHS CamSTREAM customers, including options for remote teleprompting and DMX lighting control. The latter communicates with cloud-based DMX control software to turn lights on and off, change color temperature and adjust brightness, among other settings. All DMX control is enabled over IP between the studio and the remote production site using the same secure VPN tunnel.

A maker of a software platform for digital media measurement, data and analytics has announced the appointment of a new Chief Strategy Officer.

In his new role at DoubleVerify, Doug Campbell will be responsible for global strategy and corporate development.

“I’m excited to add Doug to our outstanding senior leadership team,” said DoubleVerify CEO Mark Zagorski. “From Magnite to Nielsen, he has demonstrated a track record of success and achievement, and brings exceptional experience and knowledge to the Chief Strategy Officer role. I look forward to Doug’s leadership as we continue to build momentum, expand globally and deliver on our mission to build a stronger, safer and more secure digital advertising ecosystem.”

Campbell has more than two decades of experience successfully growing public and private companies in the arenas of advertising technology, connected TV (CTV) and over-the-top (OTT) video, digital measurement, data analytics, and software-as-a-service (SaaS).

Prior to joining DV, he was Chief Strategy Officer at Telaria, where he oversaw the successful merger with Rubicon Project and the acquisition of SpotX to form Magnite – a global, independent sell-side platform.

Previously, Campbell was Chief Operating Officer at eXelate, where he led the sale of the company to Nielsen and went on to serve as Nielsen’s Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development.

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY — Converter manufacturer Ferrofish has expanded its family of Pulse16 converters to include the new Pulse16 MX +24dBu and Pulse16 DX +24dBu.

These new Pulse16 AD/DA converters increase the maximum input and output level from +20dBu to +24dBu — an important upgrade for American broadcasters requiring proper headroom, while providing MADI and ADAT connectivity with the MX model and MADI, ADAT and Dante connectivity with the DX model.

Pulse16 MX +24dBu
In addition to increasing the maximum input and output levels from +20dBu to +24dBu — which complies with the American SMPTE guidelines calling for +24dBu levels for the analog portion to keep all analog and digital levels uniform — the new Pulse16 MX +24dBu model features seamless ADAT and MADI integration. As two of the most widely used digital interfaces available, this addition will allow broadcasters to transmit an audio signal over a simple optical MADI cable pair, making high-end multi-channel recording a non-issue. Fanless and compact, the Pulse16 MX takes up 1HU space in a rack, making for the ultimate choice when high-end conversion is needed.

Pulse16 DX +24dBu
Similar to the Pulse16 MX +24dBu, the DX model features increased input/output levels and MADI and ADAT connectivity but brings Dante connectivity into the mix — opening up a new dimension of flexibility. Fanless and compact, the 1HU device is the ultimate audio problem solver for broadcasters, wherever high-end, multi-format conversion is needed in the Dante network.

High-Performance Ready
The Pulse16 is a high-density converter providing 16 x 16 balanced analog TRS I/O and is relied on by some of the biggest names in recording. Thanks to its Cirrus Logic converter chips, the Pulse16 operates with an active digital jitter elimination, which compensates shifts or jitters in the audio signal and provides audio engineers with the highest-quality audio possible. The Pulse16 family now includes the Pulse16 DX, Pulse16 MX and the original Pulse16.

In addition to the new Pulse16 MX +24dBu and Pulse16 DX +24dBu models, Ferrofish also recently announced a new Pulse16 MX CV and Pulse16 DX CV, perfect for users working with modular synths using CV/Gate technology.

RBR+TVBR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Seeking a bi-directional encoder/decoder appliance for remote production (REMI) workflows?

Look no further than Montréal-based Matrox Video, which has brought to market its new Monarch EDGE S1.

“Featuring simultaneous encode/decode support, Monarch EDGE S1 allows broadcasters to deliver secure, high-quality, low-latency program feeds from the studio to multi-camera production crews, talent, and guests in any remote location,” the company says. “Monarch EDGE S1’s return feed functionality overcomes the two-way communication challenges in REMI and multi-site workflows by enabling smooth and natural interaction between remote and in-studio production personnel for broadcast-quality productions.”

Equipped with a 3G-SDI input and output, the EDGE S1 encode/decode appliance can encode a studio-produced program feed for transport over private or public internet connections to Monarch EDGE S1-equipped sites to decode and view the return feed.

Monarch EDGE S1 provides latencies as low as 100 ms. The appliance includes MPEG-2 TS, SRT, and RTSP streaming protocol support for secure transmission across various networks, along with tally and talkback channels to facilitate communication between camera operators and in-studio personnel.

Broadcasters deploying Monarch EDGE E4 quad-HD encoder and Monarch EDGE D4 quad-HD decoder appliances for multi-camera REMI workflows can integrate Monarch EDGE S1-based return feeds allowing camera operators and in-studio personnel to communicate accordingly during a live event and help deliver the best production possible.

Monarch EDGE S1 is also well-suited for single-and multi-site remote contribution workflows. Remote contributors located across various geographical regions can simultaneously send a high-quality camera feed while receiving a return feed.

“The broadcast industry has seen a rise in the adoption of remote production technologies for live sporting and entertainment events, as well as live broadcasts, news, and interviews,” said Daniel Maloney, technical marketing manager at Matrox Video. “Matrox Monarch EDGE S1 is designed to further enhance these multi-camera REMI and multi-site contribution workflows by bridging the communication gap between the in-the-field and in-studio personnel. This two-way video platform replicates in-person interactions with real-time communications. Broadcasters and live-event producers will appreciate Monarch EDGE S1’s production value that will allow for the delivery of more efficient, cost-effective, and engaging live productions.”

The Matrox Monarch EDGE S1 encoder/decoder appliance (part number: MDG2/ED10/I) is now available. For more information or to request a demo, contact Matrox.

Veritone has extended its agreement with the audio media content creation and distribution company formerly known as Entercom.

The continuation of the agreement arms Audacy’s 235+ stations nationwide with the ability “to seamlessly ingest, index, organize and analyze its media” through the use of Veritone Discovery, an AI-powered content search and analysis application.

Using Veritone Discovery, Audacy can provide in-depth visibility and analysis into content performance to deliver greater results to clients and partners, Veritone says.

“As Audacy continues into its next phase of growth as an organization, recent upgrades to Veritone Discovery will match Audacy’s momentum by providing Earned Media monitoring features, expanded audience data analytics and updated reporting customization features with AI engines that will continue to learn and scale,” Veritone adds.

Can a non-sales person lead a sales team? Of course, says sales training expert Barrett Riddleberger. Many companies have leaders over sales teams that have never made a sales call in their life. In fact, many small business owners are the sales managers of their sales teams and have never been a sales rep, either.

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Media companies were largely on the decline in Monday’s trading, as Audacy was down 32 cents and Cumulus Media shed 30 cents.

For two of broadcast TV’s biggest players, Wall Street green was seen.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which has a MOU with Bally’s Corp. for non-play by play content collaboration in place, saw its shares rise 12 cents to $29.96.

Meanwhile, Nexstar Media Group had another positive session on Wall Street. Its shares ended the day at $151.50.

LOS ANGELES — With Jeff Fife as its morning anchor and modern rock music across the rest of the daily schedule, a station once known as “Star 98.7” and for the presence of Ryan Seacrest as its afternoon co-host found new life as “ALT 98.7.”

Today, this incarnation of KYSR is Southern California’s leading Alternative station, winning a head-to-head battle with Audacy’s KROQ. Fife, known to listeners as “Woody,” is part of ALT’s winning recipe.

The executives at iHeartMedia are acknowledging this by keeping him under contract for six more years.

Fife and iHeart agreed to a long-term contract extension, one that keeps The Woody Show “solidly headquartered” at ALT 98.7 and in national syndication through iHeart-owned Premiere Networks until 2028.

As “Woody,” Fife and his wake-up troupe arrived at KYSR in April 2014.

Today, iHeart reports, it is ranked No. 1 among persons 18-49 and 25-54.

Before arriving in Los Angeles, The Woody Show could be heard at KPNT-FM in St. Louis, WKQX “Q101” in Chicago and KITS-FM “Live 105” in San Francisco. The program also has roots in Portland, Ore., where it today airs on an FM translator branded as “ALT 102.3.”

Even iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO acknowledges the strength that The Woody Show has brought to its Alternative station, and Premiere’s affiliates. “Woody is one-of-a-kind — and it shows in his ratings success, in L.A., across the country on the iHeartRadio digital service, locally in key markets and on our other iHeart platforms,” Pittman said. “His unique talent, combined with his unbelievable work ethic, are key to his success and we are delighted to continue this journey with him.”

Also commenting: former KROQ Music Director and current iHeartMedia VP of Rock and Alternative Lisa Worden, who serves as KYSR’s day-to-day Program Director.

“Woody is a true morning show savage,” Worden said.  “There is no one better to anchor mornings on our flagship ALT 98.7, and his commitment to excellence is bar none.”

Fife said he’s thrilled “to stay ‘work married’ to iHeartMedia. This has been, and will continue to be, one of my longest and healthiest relationships. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’ve done to this point without the incredible support of people like Bob Pittman, Kevin LeGrett, Tom Poleman, Greg Ashlock and Lisa Worden. There isn’t another company better positioned, with a clearer vision for the future than iHeartMedia, and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of that.”

— RBR+TVBR West Coast Bureau. Editing by Adam Jacobson, in Boca Raton, Fla.

The company formerly known as Entercom “is possibly approaching a major achievement in its business.”

That’s the positive declaration on Audacy from influential financial watchdog Simply Wall St., which put a spotlight on the podcast purveyor and linear and digital audio entity.

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In year’s past, April was the month where the media industry gathered in Las Vegas for the NAB Show. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that last happened in 2019.

While a NAB Show is planned for October 2021, a digitally delivered “NAB Show Premiere” kicked off Monday as a forum for innovation and discussion hub for radio and TV station owners in continuous transition as local digital nibbles away at ad dollars and localism’s balance with budget realities continues to create challenges for some broadcast companies.

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Spring is here, and with the housing market on fire in locales as diverse as Ulster County, N.Y. and Palm Beach County, Fla., the need for new furniture is growing.

One retailer is using spot television to court these potential customers.

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It boasts 6,000 watts of power, and provides “Today’s Best Music” to communities due west of Midland, Mich.

Now, it is trading hands, and Norm McKee and Michael Chires are the two individuals tied to the buyer.

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PSAs and podcast promotion, along with iHeartRadio content plugs, permeate the latest Spot Ten Radio report from iHeart-owned Media Monitors.

What brands stick about in-between all of those efforts? Indeed, there’s a big return for the nation’s largest do-it-yourself home improvement chain.

That’s The Home Depot, which storms back into the Spot Ten this week thanks to nearly 41,000 spot plays, as detected by Media Monitors.

Otherwise, job search site Indeed is in power mode, with nearly 56,500 spot plays seen as the employment market is heating up, based on RBR+TVBR monitors.

Also of note: Progressive trumps GEICO in the auto insurance category once again.

First, it was a branding agreement via a long-term licensing deal.

Now, Bally’s Corporation has signaled its ready affirm an additional accord with Sinclair Broadcast Group that makes it a key content collaboration partner for the regional sports networks formerly owned by FOX.

And, you’ll never guess who offered comments in his role as Bally’s Corp. Board Chairman. That would be the man who seeks greater control of TEGNA.

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MIAMI — A pocketful of legal knowledge crafted in the Sunshine State has just landed at the NAB.

With a J.D. from Florida International University’s College of Law in Miami and degrees from Orlando’s University of Central Florida, this woman has just joined the office of Government Relations at the U.S. media industry’s biggest lobbying association.

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