Radio+Television Business Report

With a goal of “powering up the in car audio streaming experience for consumers,” TuneIn has inked an arrangement with a major automotive part manufacturer that could make it as front-and-center as Sirius XM, AM and FM are on the in-dash audio entertainment system.

Thanks to a new partnership, announced today, HARMAN and TuneIn are joining forces to create a pre-integrated implementation of the TuneIn app.

This not only expands the ability for drivers to listen to audio streaming of many of their favorite broadcast radio stations, including those from iHeartMedia, but brings on-demand live sports, news, music, podcasts to the HARMAN Ignite Store. That’s HARMAN’s connected vehicle platform for automakers, which they will use to develop, manage and operate their own in-vehicle app store.

“Automotive manufacturers can leverage the HARMAN Ignite Store digital ecosystem for OEMs to enable drivers to download a TuneIn app tailored to the in-car environment,” the companies say. “Through the app, TuneIn listeners can access audio content while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”

Through the TuneIn collaboration, drivers will also get to experience what the streaming audio app calls “experience premium connected features.” They include a free trial subscription to TuneIn Premium, giving them exclusive access to commercial-free news from top networks like CNN, Fox News Radio, MSNBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg, as well as live NFL, NHL, MLB, and college sports programming. There are also commercial-free music channels, in addition to personalized content recommendations right from the dashboard app.

With the iHeartMedia app already on Apple Car Play, it’s another way for consumers to access their content — as well as TuneIn’s other global partners.

RBR+TVBR Related Read:

With Funding Injection, TuneIn Welcomes a New CEO Adam Jacobson Despite its spurn from leading radio broadcasting companies, the TuneIn app remains globally ubiquitous, embedded into LifeCycle gym equipment and found on the Roku app. Now, it’s getting a new leader, and is welcoming the former Chief Product Officer at Audible as its new CEO.

Broadcast media industry sales technology provider Marketron has launched a new product suite designed to leverage open APIs, connectors and custom integrations.

This, Marketron says, gives its customers the ability to consolidate disparate data sources — including linear, O&O and third-party digital advertising systems — into a single ecosystem.

Introducing the Marketron Integration Suite, which the company says can help users “reduce bottlenecks, realize greater visibility, and drive increased revenue.”

Jimshade Chaudhari, Marketron’s SVP/Product Development, says, “The Marketron Integration Suite enables our customers to save time by automating daily tasks,
bringing digital and linear orders into one system and accessing better reports all while building a best-in-breed technology stack. The ability for customers to use their data wherever they want, within our ecosystem and beyond, is invaluable in enabling more efficient, agile, and informed operations.”

From the RBR+TVBR Archives:

The InFOCUS Podcast: Jimshade Chaudhari, Marketron Adam Jacobson In this InFOCUS podcast, presented by dot.FM, SVP of Product Jimshade Chaudhari chats with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson on what products Marketron is ready to put the spotlight on — including one new offering of interest to radio and TV. LISTEN HERE

A new multi-year affiliation agreement is in place that will prevent a “great affiliate switch” from taking shape in some 47 local TV markets across the U.S.

It’s thanks to a pact signed by the company that will soon complete its merger with Meredith Local Media.

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The winners of the third annual NAB Show Product of the Year Awards were revealed on November 3 during the virtual Product of the Year Awards celebration, held virtually on the NAB Amplify platform.

The awards recognize “significant and promising new products and technologies” that were set to be displayed for the first time at the previously canceled 2021 NAB Show.

This year’s winners are:

ACQUISITION CATEGORY
Cameras

• Panasonic LUMIX: DC-BGH1
• Bolin Technology: D Series Dante AV PTZ Camera
• Canon: Canon EOS R5
• Canon: Canon EOS R3
• Canon: Canon CR-N500 PTZ
• Canon: Canon CR-N300 PTZ
• AVer Information Inc.: AVer TR313 4K AI Auto Tracking Camera

Camera Support, Control and Accessories

• MRMC: Polymotion Chat
• MRMC: Bolt Jr+
• Canon: Canon Cine-Servo 25-250mm
• Canon: Canon DP-V3120 Reference Display

Hardware Infrastructure

• kvm-tec electronic GmbH: SCALABLE LINE 4K & FULL HD
• Sencore: ATSC 3.0 to TS Multi-Channel Transcoder – TXS 3800
• Cobalt Digital: 9905-MPx 3G/HD/SD Quad-Path Up/Down/Cross Converter/Frame Sync/Embed/De-Embed Audio Processor
• Cobalt Digital: Indigo ST 2110 Series
• Tieline the Codec Company: Gateway 4
• Theatrixx Technologies: xPressPlay
• Artel Video Systems: SMART OpenGear

Monitoring and Measuring Tools

• PHABRIX: QxL
• Telestream: Inspect 2110

DELIVERY CATEGORY
AI/Machine Learning

• Veritone, Inc.: MARVEL.ai
• Digtial Nirvana: MetadataIQ
• BEAM Dynamics: BeamON Product Intelligence Platform
• Prime Focus Technologies: CLEAR Vision Cloud – AI-powered multi-frame rate conformance

Digital Signage and Display Systems

• Sony: Spacial Reality Display

Streaming

• Fincons Group: Univision ATSC3.0 Broadcast Apps
• LiveU: LU800 PRO4 Multicamera, Production-Level Field Unit
• Kaltura: Kaltura Content Aggregation Solutions
• Kaltura and Broadpeak: Hybrid Video Plane
• Shure Incorporated: MV7 Podcast Kit
• SSIMWAVE: SSIMPLUS® Video Quality Dial
• Zype: Playout 2.0

IT Networking/Infrastructure & Security

• Cobalt Digital: RIST (RELIABLE INTERNET STREAM TRANSPORT) Main Profile Security Option for Cobalt Compression Line
• NDI: NDI 5
• Lawo: HOME

PRODUCTION CATEGORY
Asset Management, Automation, Playout

• LiveU: LiveU Matrix Cloud Video Management & Distribution Solution featuring Dynamic Share & Global Directory
• NewTek: 3Play® 3P2
• SDVI: Rally Insight data analytics service

Audio Production, Processing and Networking

• Deity Microphones: Deity BP-TRX
• Wheatstone Corporation: Blade Four
• Patton Electronics Co: DanteAV over IP
• Shure Incorporated: ADX5D Axient® Digital Dual-Channel Portable Wireless Receiver

Cloud Computing and Virtualization

• VAST Data: Gemini, the new model for VAST Data’s Universal Storage
• DataCore Software: DataCore Swarm
• Komprise: Komprise Intelligent Data Management 4.0
• Wasabi Technologies: Wasabi Object Lock
• Frame.io: Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C)
• Telestream: Telestream Cloud
• EditShare: Universal Media Projects
• Grass Valley: GV AMPP

Graphics, Editing, VXF, Switchers

• Blackbird: Blackbird
• Opticis USA: HDHF-4K
• Noitom International, Inc.: Perception Neuron 3
• Dalet: Dalet CubeNG
• Adobe: Speech to Text in Adobe Premiere Pro
• Mo-Sys Engineering: Mo-Sys VP Pro XR
• Maxon: Cinema 4D Release 25
• Maxon: Red Giant Complete
• Vizrt: Vizrt XR Set — Viz Engine 4.3 and Unreal Engine
• Flowics: Flowics Graphics

Location Lighting

• StellaPro Lights by Light & Motion: Reflex

Remote Production

• LiveU: LU800 PRO4 Multicamera, Production-Level Field Unit
• LiveU: LiveU Matrix Cloud Video Management & Distribution Solution featuring Dynamic Share & Global Directory
• Noitom International, Inc.: Perception Neuron 3
• Clear-Com: Agent-IC Mobile App
• Vizrt: Vizrt Live Production in the cloud

NAB Show registration is now open at nabshow.com for access to the 2022 Show Floor and select education content. Registration for paid conferences and workshops will be available later this year.

Broadcast audio consortium Telos Alliance has brought to market Podcast Audio Processing Software.

And, the company considers the OmniaTools offering to be an “enterprise-class toolset that gives podcasters everything they need to deliver listenable audio with a consistently prominent sound.”

As more audio is produced remotely and consumed on-demand, the challenge of consistent audio levels is becoming even greater. In fact, it is the number-one complaint of podcast listeners. OmniaTools allows podcasters to automatically manage loudness levels and create a unique signature sound on podcasts and other on-demand content, helping them stand out, brand, and keep audiences engaged. This enterprise-class Windows Service makes it easy to deliver consistent loudness for all audio files, while improving the quality of the audio.

“If you care about your podcast content getting through to the listener, you should care about sound quality,” says Marty Sacks, EVP of Sales, Support, and Marketing at Telos Alliance. “Poor-quality sound is fatiguing and creates the risk of listeners tuning out. Like a dirty windshield, compromised audio quality obscures the sonic landscape. Details get lost, speech can be more difficult to comprehend, and content can suffer as a result. OmniaTools makes podcast and other on-demand audio more listenable, less fatiguing, and more consistent.”

OmniaTools complies with North American and International Loudness control standards. It includes APTO loudness processing, file-based Omnia.9 processing, hot folder or API-driven processing, file-type auto-detect, and clearly labeled, proven presets for out-of-the-box functionality.

With its Q3 2021 earnings set for distribution early Tuesday morning, Audacy has moved forward with the selection of a new SVP of Digital Business Operations.

Taking the post is Palak Forbes. She reports to Audacy’s Chief Digital Officer, J.D. Crowley, and will with the leaders of Audacy’s podcast studios and sales teams.

“Forbes will provide commercial and operational leadership for the company’s podcast business, while working across Audacy’s entire digital portfolio and with key strategic partners to enable continued strong growth in Audacy’s digital and podcast businesses,” the company said.

Speaking of her appointment, Crowley remarked, “As we make consistent strides to evolve and enhance our digital and podcast businesses, Palak is a perfect choice to lead our day-to-day efforts to provide a world-class experience for our customers, creators and consumers. Her deep experience launching and scaling innovative new businesses, and expertise managing strategic relationships with companies across the media and technology sectors will enable us to continue delivering robust growth.”

Forbes most recently Head of Business Development & Operations at The New York Times, where she oversaw the development the company’s audio business and spearheaded their foray into virtual reality with the NYT VR app.

Previously, Forbes was The New York Times’ VP Corporate Strategy & Development leading new ventures, off-platform relationships, and M&A; and programming the Board of Directors’ special committee on Technology & Innovation.

Prior to that, Forbes was Vice President of Strategy at Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational media company, where she advanced the company’s EdTech initiatives and led international expansion in India. She has also held digital advertising strategy and subscriber marketing roles at Viacom and HBO, respectively.

Should the FCC be required under Federal law to ‘modernize” reporting requirements related to political advertising aired by broadcasters by making reports machine-readable?

That’s the goal of the newly introduced Fair and Clear Campaign (FCC) Transparency Act.

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The company formerly known as Entercom on Tuesday morning will host a conference call to review its third quarter 2021 results.

What can investors and analysts expect to see from Audacy Inc.? Seeking Alpha offers its take on what could come from the audio content creator and distributor that in addition to radio stations owns big podcast producers Cadence13 and Pineapple Street.

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The NAB has filed reply comments to the FCC in connection to the assessment and collection of regulatory fees for FY 2021 by stating that the Commission “must recognize that it is patently unfair to require broadcasters to absorb significant fee increases year after year to not only pay for the costs of regulating broadcasters but also for Commission activities that are primarily for the benefit of other entities in the telecommunications ecosystem.”

Those “other entities,” as the NAB sees it, are the ones that directly benefit from the Commission’s broadband activities.

SAY GOODBYE TO GORDON SMITH NEXT WEEK AT FORECAST 2022. As Gordon Smith exits his role at year’s end as NAB CEO and Curtis LeGeyt prepares to take the helm, what is the state of the broadcast industry from the Beltway view? Steve Newberry, who worked closely with both executives during his own tenure at the NAB, sits down with Smith and LeGeyt in an exclusive Forecast 2022 session covering legal, regulatory, and legislative initiatives under the former Oregon senator’s leadership that have impacted the broadcast industry. It could be your only chance to see Gordon Smith before he retires. There’s still a seat with your name on it! Reserve your spot now by visiting RadioInkForecast.com.

 

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Salem Media Group, which beat the street with positive growth in the third quarter of 2021, has confirmed that it will be one of a list of presenters at the event formerly known as the MicroCap Conference.

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The broadcast media company that among its holdings includes Bally-branded regional sports networks has just purchased and assumed the rights and obligations under an accounts receivable securitization facility of Diamond Sports Finance SPV.

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Nine months ago, a Bahamian company directed by one of the U.K.’s wealthiest individuals and behind Great Britain’s Global radio empire revealed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it had acquired enough iHeartMedia shares to give it a 8.7% voting interest in America’s biggest audio content creation and distribution company.

Global Media & Entertainment Investments Ltd (GMEI) wanted a bigger non-controlling stake in iHeart — one that could expand to 49.99%, if it chose to. But, iHeart didn’t want this, sparking a transcontinental tiff between the two radio industry giants.

On November 3, GMEI, through its U.S. legal counsel, abruptly ceased its fight for a bigger iHeart stake.

In a short, one-page “Letter of Support” for a pending Petition for Declaratory Ruling of iHeartMedia in what is officially known at the Commission as Media Bureau Docket No. 21-141, Matthew DelNero, the Covington legal counsel for GMEI, updated the record — in his words — on GMEI’s position in the matter.

“Specifically, GMEI expresses its support for iHeart’s Petition, including the proposal that
approval be granted for GMEI and the GMEI Reporting Persons to increase their investment in iHeart up to any non-controlling amount not to exceed 14.99 percent,” DelNero wrote in the letter addressed to FCC Secretary Marlene Dortch.

With that statement, GMEI formally withdrew its request that the Commission grant advance approval of 49.99% non-controlling interest in iHeart, a request that came in response to iHeart’s petition.

In addition to the letter to Dortch, DelNero verbally told Audio Division Chief Al Shuldiner of Global’s change of heart.

What prompted Global to make the change? RBR+TVBR reached out to DelNero on Monday morning. He was not immediately available for a response.

On April 9, the FCC established a formal pleading cycle that sought public comment on iHeartMedia‘s request to win Commission approval for greater foreign ownership and non-U.S. investment. Covington attorney DelNero, on behalf of GMEI, chimed in by calling the iHeart Petition for Declaratory Ruling at the center of the pleading cycle as a “poison pill.”

In early June, a pull-and-tug scenario was unfolding as to who could chime in on what level of advance approval a foreign entity may be granted. In iHeart’s view, it was the sole determination of the FCC to make such a determination. GMEI disagreed, also disputing iHeart’s claim that it was the only party that holds standing on the matter.

This put the companies at odds over just how much ownership GMEI could have in iHeart under “pre-permission” of the FCC. For iHeart, a 14.99% limit was put in play. GMEI wanted that 49.99% advanced OK.

Back in June, GMEI assailed that iHeart’s chosen number of 14.99%—just like its earlier chosen number of 9.99%— was ”arbitrary and commercially motivated.”

It appears that viewpoint has shifted within GMEI.

GMEI has over the years bankrolled Global Radio, the entity that controls U.K. broadcast and DAB brands including LBC, Heart, Capital FM, LBC, Radio X and Classic FM. It is led by Michael Tabor, one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain. His son, Ashley Tabor-King, is the founder of Global.

Historically, The Home Depot has been one of the most prolific users of audio advertising to connect with consumers. Of late, however, its biggest competitor had been the bigger user of spot radio, according to Media Monitors data.

That could soon change.

The Home Depot returns to the Spot Ten Radio report for the week ending November 7, thanks to some 35,115 spot plays as part of a new campaign.

Still, that’s just shy of the spot plays associated with Lowe’s, which dips from last week by total rank; RBR+TVBR does not use the rankings as they include iHeartRadio internal and promotional spots, which iHeartMedia-owned Media Monitors values in the same fashion as fully paid external commercial messages.

Overall, Indeed remains No. 1 (that’s a ranking that is undisputed).

Among auto insurance specialists, State Farm is the clear winner.

 

Yes, Veterans Day is Thursday. Yet, it already looks and sounds a lot like Christmas. With Hanukkah arriving on November 28, retailers are already in high gear on gift-giving ideas.

For two brick-and-mortar department store brands, the ad activity surged in a significant way.

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Will the FCC and/or Capitol Hill change the media?

What’s to come at the Federal Communications Commission under the formal leadership of Jessica Rosenworcel will undoubtedly impact both radio and television broadcasting companies.

Remember: Rosenworcel voted against the media ownership rule rewrite that the Supreme Court unanimously ruled was lawful, putting the wheels in motion on cross-ownership rule “modernization” formulated under the Pai Commission.

Will that be the end of any meaningful regulatory reform for broadcast media. If Gigi Sohn were to become a Commissioner — a big if, as of today — could more regulations for broadcasters come to fruition?

That’s just one of many things Inside the Beltway that could impact your bottom line in 2022 and beyond. From Capitol Hill to the Commission’s new offices near Union Station, Washington is abuzz with broadcast media bills and proposals.

Who better than Frank Montero, co-managing partner at Fletcher Heald and Hildreth, to lead a Forecast 2022 discussion on the myriad regulatory challenges and opportunities ahead for broadcasters.

Montero has assembled a group of seasoned broadcast professionals who understand the implications, challenges, and opportunities of these issues and how they might play out in the year ahead.

Appearing at this Forecast 2022 exclusive session are Dr. Mark Fratrik, SVP/Chief Economist at BIA Advisory Services; Bob Mc Allan, CEO of Press Communication LLC and PMCM TV LLC; Justin Nielson, Senior Research Analyst/Broadcast Media at S&P’s Kagan; and Colorado Broadcasters Association President/CEO Justin Sasso.

Understanding what happens Inside the Beltway and how it affects you, your stations, and your future business prospects is essential.

Make sure you are in the room for this blockbuster session at Forecast 2022. Register today!

It’s being called “the most comprehensive and in-depth source of econometric data and analysis covering the entire U.S. audio media industry for the 2019-2023 period by all three industry KPIs.

Here’s your first look at PQ Media’s “U.S. Audio Media Forecast,” which covers over 40 audio media platforms, channels and categories.

Business growth starts with great information. That’s what you’ll get November 16 at the Harvard Club in New York when you attend Forecast 2022. For full details, including the agenda and registration information, simply visit http://www.radioinkforecast.com.

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Radio appears to gain strength late in the season, compared to last year.

That’s the head-turning takeaway from James Fennessy and his team at Standard Media Index (SMI). 

How does this compare to other media SMI measures?

Economic Forecasting: Broadcast Revenue Trends and Expectations for 2022 With supply chain issues and hiring challenges the Q3 2021 earnings call conversation of choice for Wall Street financial analysts, all eyes are on the first half of 2022. Will automotive finally recover in the second half of 2022? Are certain brands seeing different issues? What about sports gaming? At Forecast 2022, a panel of experts will offer attendees an exclusive and provocative discussion about who is going to “show us the money” in the year to come. For more details and to register for this event, please visit www.radioinkforecast.com today.

 

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In a significant move that signals a likely lobbying victory for the NAB, the full FCC on Friday released a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted on November 4 that would allow digital multicast NEXTGEN TV channels to effectively be licensed in the same manner as their host station.

The matter is open for Comments and Reply Comments, with a schedule forthcoming based on the FNPRM’s publication in the Federal Register.

As Gordon Smith exits his role at year’s end as CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters and Curtis LeGeyt prepares to take the helm, what is the state of the broadcast industry from the Beltway view? Steve Newberry, who worked closely with both executives during his own tenure at the NAB, sits down with them in an exclusive Forecast 2022 chat covering legal, regulatory, and legislative initiatives under the leadership of the NAB that have impacted the broadcast industry over the past 12 years, how they will shape and define its future, and what challenges and opportunities lie on the horizon.

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The company’s shares were flirting with $167 in Friday’s trading on the Nasdaq GlobalSelect exchange. They bear a 1-year target estimate of $187.67.

For investors, getting in to Nexstar Media Group would involve purchasing the company’s stock at a record high, as NXST has surged from $57.73 in March 2020.

For Simply Wall St., snapping up shares today may still be beneficial. Why? Nexstar is going ex-Dividend next week.

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For Washington, D.C., area residents, a trip to the beach may involve a drive east on U.S. 50 and an excursion to the beaches of Delaware. Among the towns popular with those in the National Capital Region is Rehoboth Beach.

It is here that a 41-year old FM that is presently “The Talk of Delmarva” is being spun. And, the seller is a “resort” … sort of.

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