AU & NZ

Counting down to World Radio Day

World Radio Day is just over a week away – with Looking Forward to Radio’s Next Century the theme for 2024.Held annually on February 13, this year’s event will celebrate 100-plus years of radio, shining a light on the past, present and future of the industry. It’s a day for Australia to showcase its own… Read More
The post Counting down to World Radio Day by Sarah Patterson appeared first on Radio Today. […]

AU & NZ

Painting ‘word pictures.’ How radio brought cricket to life

Radio has long been referred to as ‘theatre of the mind.’When former Australian Test captain Greg Chappell was a child, the only cricket broadcast available came via the radio. When I spoke to Greg just recently on the Food Bytes podcast, he recounted a truly lovely story of how radio brought the cricket grounds of… Read More
The post Painting ‘word pictures.’ How radio brought cricket to life by Sarah Patterson appeared first on Radio Today. […]

ASIA

Always Ask “What is the Problem We Are Trying to Solve?”

Content from BPRRadio stations, like any business, will face problems that need to be solved. These challenges may be related to revenue, programming, operations, technology, brand marketing, management, communication. But whatever the problem is related to, you will probably be involved in trying to solve it.The first thing to do when trying to solve a problem is to ask “What problem are we trying to solve?”You need to be sure that you’re dealing with the real problem…. not its symptoms.

So, once again, the survey results are out and, once again, your ratings are less than ideal.When you have been in as many strategy and planning meetings as I have over the years you realise that those in the meeting with you often have completely different views of the very problem they’re there to solve. Everyone suddenly becomes a programmer!Our problem is the Morning Show-they’re not that funny. Our problem is the music, it’s off track. Our problem is lack of marketing. Our problem is too much inventory sold at low rates. We’ve got an image problem – our competitors aren’t that good but they’re out rating us (??!!) Yes, we’ve heard them all.The Morning Show may be lacking in entertainment value, but is that because of the talent, lack of direction or just that there’s a much better competitor?The music may be off track but is that the fault of the music director or the fact that the music vision hasn’t be effectively explained to them… or is it because of flawed music research…. or worse still, no research at all?Too many ads…… what does the research say?Poor brand images…. again what does the research say?To define the problem you’re trying to solve:
Separate fact from opinion
Remove emotion from the process
Specify underlying causes
Avoid trying to solve the problem without reliable insights – what your LISTENERS think the problem is
State the problem specifically and unequivocally. Avoid vague language. Give yourself laser focus to address the problem.
Regarding point #4, radio programmers have been using market research, for example, BPR’s Strategic Studies for a long time (ok you spotted my pitch). Provided the right questions are asked of the right people (aka a robust targeted sample), these Strategic/Perceptual Studies identify the real issues facing your radio station.After all, the official radio ratings only tell you that you have a problem. They don’t tell you exactly what that problem is.By David Kidd, BPRMain Pic: Shutterstock […]

US

FCC Report 2/4: Six License Cancellations

License Cancellations
Ahead of the one year anniversary of it going silent, Townsquare Media has turned in the license of 970 WCHN Norwich NY.

After taking 1530 KMAM Butler MO silent last February, Bates County Broadcasting Company has requested the cancellation of its license.

Dockins Communications turned in the license of Oldies “Super 60s & 70s” 1400 WPRY Perry FL.

WVCB Radio’s 1410 WVCB Shallotte NC has been cancelled after an inquiry into its operating status stated the station has been silent since September 2021.

Blue Mountain Community Radio’s 90.5 KBLU-FM Pilot Rock OR was cancelled after an FCC inquiry into its operating status showed it was silent since September 2021.

American Education Foundation surrendered the license of 88.5 WAED Lee IL.

Silent Notifications

Activist San Diego’s 89.1 KNSJ Descanso CA (Flood damage)
Alpha Media’s 1140 KNWQ Palm Springs CA (Storm damage)
Dockins Broadcast Group’s 960 WGRO Lake City FL (Phasor malfunction)
Dockins Communications’ 1360 KELE Mountain Grove MO (Transmitter failure)
Casa de Destino’s 89.7 KUMB Hollywood MS (Flood damage)
Pacific West Broadcasting’s 1400 KBCH Lincoln City OR (Foreclosure)
Pacific West Broadcasting’s 96.7 KCRF-FM Lincoln City OR (Foreclosure)
Yaquina Bay Communications’ 1310 KNPT Newport OR (Foreclosure)
Pacific West Broadcasting’s 92.7 KNCU Newport OR (Foreclosure)
Yaquina Bay Communications’ 820 KWDP Waldport OR (Foreclosure)
Monticello Media’s 1260 WCHV Charlottesville VA (Electrical system upgrade)

Pirate Actions
The FCC has released the Notices of Apparent Liability For Forfeiture for $3.5 million in fines issued to pirate operators in the Miami area revealing more details about the penalties.

Fabrice ‘DJ Paz’ Polynice’s “Radio Touche Douce” on 90.1 Miami received the maximum $2,391,097 penalty for continuing to operate after multiple equipment seizures and forfeiture orders.

Wilfrid Salomon was issued a proposed $358,665 for operating on 87.9 in Lauderdale Lakes. The commission noted that Saloman’s “Radio Ideal” was previously had his equipment seized for operations on 107.1 and 87.9 in 2017 and 2018.

A $358,665 fine was proposed against Brindley ‘Bo da Lover’ Marshall for operating “Hot 97.7 FM” in Miami since at least 2016

Cameron ‘DJ Fresh’ Brown was issued a proposed $358,665 penalty for operating “The Plug” on 89.5 in Miami since at least 2014.

A $120,000 penalty was proposed agains Abdias ‘DJ AJ’ Datis for operating “Unique FM” on 91.7 in Miami Gardens and North Miami from four office suites leased to his wife and his home since 2018.

AM Changes
Townsquare Media News/Talk 580 KIDO Nampa ID proposes to diplex […]

US

WXIZ Cashes Out With Taylor Stunt

Total Media Group has dropped the “100.9 Cash-FM” on WXIZ Waverly/Chillicothe OH and has begun stunting with non-stop Taylor Swift as “100.9 Taylor-FM” ahead of a format change on Monday, February 5 at 6:00am. Total Media COO/Director of Radio Operations and Program Director JJ Hale says, “I am excited to be bringing a fresh, new, […] […]

US

WEEU In Stunt Mode Ahead Of Monday Relaunch

With John and Kristine Treese’s Treese Media Group LLC closing on its $138,900 acquisition of News/Talk 830 WEEU Reading PA, the station has temporarily dropped its format for Oldies. The station is promoting a relaunch on Monday, February 5 with the return of a former host to the station, while afternoon host Chris Barnes has […] […]