| May 10, 2013 | News for broadcast and electronic media leaders |
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- McCain bill seeks to break up the pay-TV bundle
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday unveiled the Television Consumer Freedom Act, a measure he says will correct an "injustice being inflicted on the American people" by breaking up the pay-TV bundle. The voluntary measure would encourage pay-TV operators to offer a la carte programming by tying it to the compulsory license guaranteeing access to broadcast channels. The bill also would seek to punish broadcast networks for shifting programming to cable by taking away their spectrum and would end the local TV sports blackout rule in markets where venues have been built with taxpayer funds. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/Company Town blog
(5/9)     
| Business & Industry Report | | |
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- Radio has reach across platforms and generations, research shows
More than 9 in 10 Americans are radio listeners, while some 85% believe the medium has become more accessible and relevant via iHeartRadio and other digital extensions, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has found via a survey conducted by Latitude Research and OpenMind Strategy. "This research confirms that radio's reach and appeal remain strong regardless of the platform, geography, ethnicity or age group," Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman said. "American listeners -- particularly younger generations -- feel a strong connection to their favorite on-air radio personalities ... in a way that isn't replicated by other media." Radio Ink
(5/10), AllAccess.com
(5/10)
- FCC doesn't want to tie auction to ATSC 3.0 standard, official says
The schedule for the federal incentive auction of broadcast spectrum can't be delayed to allow for the finalization of the ATSC 3.0 standard, according to Bill Lake, the Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau chief. The FCC wants to complete the auction and repacking within 18 months, but with Congress providing a 10-year window for the sale, broadcasters are questioning the rush. "To simply pound down the stake and say here's the date may not work for the benefit of Americans," said Mark Aitken, vice president of advanced technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group. TVNewsCheck (free registration)
(5/9)
| Related Industry News | | |
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- Ergen: DISH prefers to align with Sprint rather than DIRECTV
DISH Network, if it had to choose, would rather merge with Sprint-Nextel than rival DIRECTV, according to DISH Chairman Charlie Ergen. DISH views its $25.5 billion offer for Sprint-Clearwire as a way to build its wireless broadband and mobile video businesses. The satcaster also sees potential in fielding an over-the-top video service to complement its traditional pay-TV offering, Ergen said. Variety
(5/9), Multichannel News
(5/9)
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DISH doesn't plan to do business with Aereo: DISH Network prefers the current subscriber-advertiser TV revenue model over trying to develop a working relationship with unlicensed streaming service Aereo, Charlie Ergen, the satcaster's chairman, said during an earnings call with analysts. "We admire what [Aereo is] doing. ... But all things being equal, we'd prefer to work with the broadcasters," Ergen said. PaidContent.org
(5/9)
- Pandora's cap on listening is rival Slacker's gain
The free, ad-supported Slacker music service is tallying "record growth," thanks in part to rival service Pandora imposing a 40-hour monthly listening cap, Slacker CEO Jim Cady says. "We've been able to monetize users with free accounts without placing limits on how many hours you can listen to radio content before getting capped," he says. VentureBeat
(5/9)
| People & Personalities | | |
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- Dickey touts Cumulus' stations amid Limbaugh spat
Rush Limbaugh's badly received on-air comments about Sandra Fluke last year are one bone of contention as the talk host and Cumulus battle in public over whether he will remain on Cumulus stations. "Sometimes contracts can get negotiated in public. We prefer not to do that," Cumulus Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey said. "We have the premier talk distribution platform in the U.S., and if you want to be on a big stage in this game, you need to be on our radio stations in the largest markets." AllAccess.com
(5/10), Radio Ink
(5/10)
| NAB News | | |
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Accepting Nominations: 2013 NAB Marconi Radio Awards
NAB is accepting nominations for the 2013 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, which recognize radio stations and individuals for their excellence and performance in 21 different categories. Categories include "Station of the Year" by market size and format, "Personality of the Year" by market size, "Spanish Format Personality of the Year," "Syndicated/Network Personality of the Year" and "Legendary Station." Entries must be received by midnight (ET) on May 31 and winners will be announced Sept. 18 to 20 during the Radio Show, held in Orlando, Fla.
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Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff
How can you help your employees avoid regulatory pitfalls and fines? Provide them with the revised "Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff." Written by NAB attorneys and updated for 2013, this booklet contains critical information on relevant laws and FCC rules. Topics include contests, libel, indecency and public files. Order as many as needed, as NAB members receive a substantial bulk discount. For more information and to purchase, visit the NAB Store.
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