Emmis Communications Corporation

by Mia Kuhn

The Emmis Comunications Corporation’s logo. Image courtesy of Emmis Communications.

Address: One Emmis Plaza
            40 Monument Circle, Suite 700
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
E-mail: IR@emmis.com
Phone: 317.266.0100

Website: emmis.com

INTRODUCTION

As the 9th largest radio group in the United States, Emmis Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: EMMS) owns and runs several magazine and radio systems. Emmis operates on the medium to large scale for its market size and has been formally acknowledged as the Most Respected Radio Company in a poll by some of the industry’s leading CEOs. [1]

Company Overview:

New York City’s source for all things Hip-Hop. “Where Hip-Hop Lives.” Image courtesy of WQHT-FM.

Emmis has been evolving since 1979 when Jeff Smulyan and a couple others bought WSVL in Shelbyville, Indiana. One purchase after another, the company has accumulated properties to build what is now a global enterprise with stations from Austin, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri to Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Emmis went public in 1994 and now holds ownership over some of the nation’s largest markets, such as New York City’s WQHT-FM (Hot 97) and Los Angeles’s KPWR-FM (Power 106). [2]

As one of the best places to work in Indiana 2012, Emmis stands for a conducive working environment while it also maintains reputable radio, publishing, digital, social impact, and TagStation® and NextRadio™ operations. The company has embodied a definitive “Emmis  culture,” where they believe in risk-taking and positive guidance of employees in order to get innovative and creative outcomes while having fun.

Emmis Communications Corportation was voted one of the best places to work in Indiana in 2012. Image courtesy of emmis.com.

Corporate Philosophy (1 being most important):

  1. Take care of your audiences and advertisers – think of them and you’ll win.
  2. Be passionate about what you do and compassionate about how you do it.
  3. Be good to your people – get them into the game and give them a piece of the pie.
  4. Never jeopardize your integrity – we win the right way or we don’t win at all
  5. Believe in yourself – if you think you can make it happen, you will. [3]
Despite the radio industry weakening with the emergence of online radio presence and more popular news and music acquiring devices, Emmis proceeds to shed positive light on the matter by embracing its corporate philosophy. The corporation’s administration is currently following its eleven commandments to create new and interesting projects.

“Great media. Great People. Great Service.” Screenshot of a graphic of Emmis Communications Corporation’s logline from emmis.com.

CURRENT ADMINISTRATION

Board of Directors:

Jeff Smulyan, Chairman of Board, President, and CEO of Emmis Communications. Image courtesy of emmis.com.

Jeff Smulyan is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Emmis Communications. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Telecommunications and History from University of Southern California. Smulyan’s education propelled him into radio. He managed a station in Indianapolis and Omaha prior to forming Emmis in 1980. Smulyan has held several high-esteemed positions in the radio field; he is the former director of the National Association of Broadcasters, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau, and past chair of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. [4]

Patrick Walsh, EVP, CFO, and COO of Emmis Communications. Image courtesy of emmis.com.

Patrick Walsh has been the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer of Emmis Communications since 2006. Walsh earned a degree in business from the University of Michigan and gained much of his experience from being the CFO and Senior Vice President at iBiquity Digital Corporation. [5]

Company Officers (In addition to Jeff Smulyan and Patrick Walsh):

  • Rick Cummings –  President of Programming for Emmis Radio
  • Scott Enright –  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
  • Greg Loewen –  President of Publishing and Chief Strategy Officer
  • Paul Brenner –  Senior Vice President – Chief Technology Officer
  • Ian D. Arnold – Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
  • Ryan A. Hornaday –  Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer
  • Valerie C. Maki –  Senior Vice President – Emmis Radio Division, Los Angeles Market Manager
  • Deborah Paul – Executive Vice President – Editorial Director – Publishing
  • Traci L. Thomson – Vice President of Human Resources

Board of Directors:

  • Susan Bayh – Visiting Professor, Butler University
  • Gary Kassef – Former Executive Vice President and General Counsel
  • Richard Leventhal – President & Majority Owner of LMCS, LLC.
  • Peter Lund – Media Consultant and former President & CEO of CBS Television
  • Greg Nathanson – Former Television Division President
  • Lawrence Sorrel – Tailwind Capital Partners

Other Key Executives

  • Angie May Cook – Vice President, Emmis Digital
  • Sarah Harris – Founder, Incite
  • Alexandra Cameron – Senior Vice President, Emmis Radio Division; New York Market Manager
  • Amy Saralegui – Vice President/Group Publisher, National Sales, Emmis Publishing [6]

FINANCES

Most Recent Financial Data:

A press release from October 12, 2012 describes Emmis Communication’s second quarter as being negatively impacted by “station divestitures.” The past year illustrates net revenue for the second fiscal quarter increased 1 percent, from $54.4 million to $55.0 million.  Pro forma radio net revenues increased 2 percent, from $41.4 million to $42.0 million. This growth in radio revenues exceeded market revenue growth in the quarter, which was less than 1 percent. The Motley Fool nasdaq report card contains the most recent analysis and assessments of NASDAQ:EMMS. [7]

Emmis Communications Corporation notes solid growth in second quarter pro forma revenue growth. This table reconciles reported results (dollars are in thousands). Image courtesy of emmis.com.

Emmis Communications also has a more detailed and consolidated version of their second quarter Financial Data and Subsidiaries Report available for viewing.

Emmis Communications- Class A (EMMS) Snapshot. Screenshot courtesy of investing.businessweek.com.

Competition:

With the radio industry already struggling with the emergence of MP3s, Internet radio, and specializing radio services, it doesn’t help Emmis Communications that it has to compete against bigger radio corporations. The company’s top three competitors are Clear Channel Communication, Inc., Citadel Broadcasting Corporation, which was bought by Cumulus Media, and CBS Radio Inc. [8]

Companies financially relative to Emmis Communications. Screenshot courtesy of Google NASDAQ data.

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS HERE AND NOW

Emmis Radio:

August 22, 2012, Emmis Communications’ Terre Haute, Indiana sector signed an agreement to add an ESPN brand station, WSDM-FM, to its collection. It also managed to acquire WSDX-AM. Both of these stations were signed over by Crossroads Investments LLC. Both groups also signed a Local Programming and Marketing Agreement (LMA) that allowed Emmis-Terre Haute to organize and sell advertising on the stations. This agreement went active Septembers 1, 2012. [9]

WIBC, 93.1 FM, Indy’s News Center. Image Courtesy of WIBC and Emmis Communications.

On November 17, 2012, Emmis bought an Indianapolis- area translator for $375,000 from Kaspar Broadcasting, Co., Inc. The official document filed with the FCC stated the new acquisition will rebroadcast Talk WIBC, Indianapolis. [10]

In addition to these recently acquired stations, Emmis currently has these FM and AM stations nationally and internationally –

Austin, Texas

KGSR-FM (93.3)

KLBJ-AM (590)

KLBJ-FM (93.7)

KROX-FM (101.5)

Comedy 102.7

KLZT-FM(107.1)

KBPA-FM (103.5 BOB)

St. Louis, Missouri

KSHE-FM  (KSHE95)

KPNT-FM (105.7 The Point)

KFTK-FM (FM NewsTalk 97.1)

KHIT-FM (K-Hits 95)

Indianapolis, Indiana

WLHK-FM (97.1 Hank FM)

WIBC-FM (93.1 FM)

WFNI-AM (1070 The Fan)

WYXB-FM (105.7 FM)

Network Indiana

Terre-Haute 

WTHI-FM (99.9 FM)

WWVR-FM (105.5 FM)

WFNF-AM (1130 The Fan)

Slovakia

X Radio Expres

Bulgaria

Radio Star FM

Radio FM+

Radio Fresh [11]

Emmis Publishing:

Screenshot of “Los Angeles Magazine” graphic. Image courtesy of www.lamag.com.

Emmis currently has publications in California, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. The corporation has been involved magazine publication since 1988 and is currently operating 6 different magazines. In California, “Orange Coast” and “Los Angeles Magazine” in Georgia, “Atlanta“, in Ohio “Cincinatti” , in Indianapolis, “Indianapolis Monthly“, and in Texas, “Texas Monthly“. [12]

December 2012 Issue of Los Angeles Magazine. Screenshot courtesy of www.lamag.com.

Features of December 2012’s issue of “Los Angeles Magazine” include winter escapes, a holiday gift guide, and seasonal delicacies. The magazine concentrates on providing consumers information on what’s best in LA. From “The Guide” giving the 30 best places to go this month to what films are must see. [13]

Emmis Digital:

Emmis is keeping track of their mentions using the Twitter handle of @EmmisDigital. This sector is strictly social media content. Emmis is also present on Facebook. [14]

Emmis Communications Applications:

October 4, 2012, Emmis Interactive was sold to Marketron in order to provide Emmis Communications Corporation the ability to maximize commercialization of its FM/Analog Radio Smartphone application. Although Emmis sold their property, they still proceed to work with Marketron Interactive on their future developments and distributions of the renowned Digital Suite of software and services. These deluxe systems include BaseStation®, GeoStation® and Guidable™.  Emmis Communications remains a primary customer of Marketron and will gain a portion of its economic successes. [15]

NextRadio is the future of smartphone radio reception for Emmis Communications. Screenshot courtesy of www.tagstation.com.

As of November 28, 2012, the new HD radio application called NextRadio™ was in the final steps of beta testing, according to Emmis. The corporation intends on marketing NextRadio™ to wireless carriers so consumers can listen to live and local radio without having to absorb their data plans. Emmis Communications Corporation continues to build their current TagStation® application and have high hopes for a successful launch of the NextRadio™ service. [16] [17]

 

Resources

[1] Who We Are: About Emmis Communications,  http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are

[2] Who We Are: The Emmis Story, http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/history.aspx

[3] The Eleven Commandments of Emmis Communications, http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/eleven-commandments.aspx

[4] Jeff Smulyan, Chairman, President, & CEO, http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/executives/smulyan.aspx

[5] Patrick Walsh, EVP/CFO/COO, http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/executives/walsh.aspx

[6] Executives, http://www.emmis.com/who-we-are/executives.aspx

[7] Emmis Communications Reports Solid Second Quarter Pro Forma Revenue Growth, http://www.emmis.com/press/story.aspx?ID=1790065

[8] Top Competitors for Emmis Communications Corporation, http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/competition.Emmis_Communications_Corporation.4eb71fc85d36c170.html

[9] Emmis -Terre Haute to Acquire WSDM-FM/WSDX-AM, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emmis-terre-haute-to-acquire-wsdm-fmwsdx-am-emmis-terre-haute-moves-into-new-facility-167040985.html

[10] Emmis Buys Indianapolis-Area Translator, http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/112695/emmis-buys-indianapolis-area-translator

[11] Emmis Radio, http://www.emmis.com/what-we-do/radio/

[12] Emmis Publishing, http://www.emmis.com/what-we-do/publishing/

[13] Los Angeles Magazine, December 2012, http://www.lamag.com/toc/2012/11/21/december-2012

[14] Emmis Digital, http://www.emmisdigital.com/

[15] Emmis Sells Emmis Interactive to Marketron, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/emmis-sells-emmis-interactive-marketron-160100094.html

[16] New App For HD Radio in Smartphones Now in Final Beta Tests, http://consumerelectronicsdaily.com/Content/nextradio-app-will-enable-hd-radio-reception-in-smartphones-next-year-emmis-says.aspx

[17] What’s Next? Emmis Preparing for NextRadio™ for Smartphone Introduction in 2013, http://www.emmis.com/press/story.aspx?ID=1812333


Entercom

by Alina Rayas

Photo Courtesy of logos.wika.com [1]

About Entercom :

Entercom is one of the five largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States, with 100 stations in 23 markets, including  Seattle, Boston,San Francisco,Portland,Kansas City, Denver,and Sacramento.[2]

Map of All Entercom’s Radio Stations
Photo Courtesy of Entercom [3]

(click here for a list of all Entercom radio stations)[4}

Brief History:

Joseph Field
Founder of Entercom
Photo Courtesy of The Now Explosion[5]

In 1968, Entercom previously known as  Entertainment Communications Inc was founded by lawyer Joseph Field.  He quit law and purchased three radio stations . He believed that FM radio had the potential to grow and would surpass the popularity of AM radio. It was through his vision the company grew and in 1973 bought a radio station in Seattle, the first in the top 50 market. In 1980 Field expanded and began redesigning content and formats on its stations to attract larger audiences.[6]
In the early 1990’s,  Entercom expanded due to less regulations, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and a trade deal with Viacom. Entercom became the eighth largest radio broadcast company and the largest in the northwest with eight stations in Seattle and three in Portland.[6]
 In 1998 and 1999 Entercom purchased radio stations in Boston, Sacramento ,Kansas City, and Portland. In 1999 Entercom acquired  the Sinclair Broadcasting Group for $824.5 million with  46 radio stations in nine markets. Entercom now owned 88 radio stations in 17 markets becoming the fifth largest radio broadcasting company in the US. By 2001 Entercom had acquired 101 stations in 19 markets and brought in $333 million in revenues. Their major markets are Boston, Portland, Denver, Sacramento, and Seattle.[6]

Executive Officers:

Entercom Executives
                                               Click on Photo to learn more
                                                Photo Courtesy of Entercom[7]

 Financials:

On Oct 26, 2012 Entercom released its financial results for the third quarter. The company has increased their net revenues for the quarter by 2% or 102.3 million. The company’s EBITDA   grew   26% to $33.5 million. However the net income  per share decreased 7%  to $0.27. Entercom also managed to decrease station expenses drastically  9% or 63.6 million. Although the company’s results show increasing growth, President and CEO, David Field has his mind set on the next quarter. “Fourth quarter pacings look solid and we expect another quarter of solid growth in EBITDA.”[8]

Photo Courtesy of Google Finance [9]

Photo Courtesy of Google Finance[9]

(click here to read full financial data report)[10]

 

Recent News:

December 2012

 

Entercom’s New Website Layout
Photo Courtesy of Entercom[11]

12/4/12 – Introducing Entercom’s website makeover, the new website has many new features but its most notable is the incorporation of social media. The homepage has a live Twitter feed directly from all Entercom’s stations. The new layout also makes it easier for visitors to follow the company making Entercom more interactive and user-friendly. Browse through alphabetical links to the stations, buttons to stations apps, and social media buttons.[12]

WAAF’s Rise Up Against Hunger
Click Photo to Donate
Photo Courtesy of radioinfo.com[13]

12/4/12 – On December 4- 6th  97.7/107.3 WAAF, radio stations owned by Entercom hosted an event named “WAAF’s Rise Up Against Hunger” the purpose of the event was  to help raise money for multiple food banks in the Boston, Worcester, and New Hampshire areas. The event featured two radio personalities LB and Spanz who lived on an elevated boom crane for three days. In the past the station has hosted a series of outrageous stunts to encourage listeners to donate to local food banks.[14]

 

November 2012

 

Volunteers and Ronald Mcdonald work at 5th Annual “Light the House Radiothon” [15]
Photo Courtesy of KOSI-FM

11/7/12 – Denver radio station  KOSI-FM, one of Entercom radio stations, encouraged its listeners to participate in the 5th Annual “Light the House Radiothon”. The fundraising event took place November 13 between 6 am and 6 pm. The donations from the radiothon went to patients at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children and family members who stay at The Ronald McDonald House. KOSI listeners had the opportunity to call the station to make donations and pledges while be attended by celebrity guests. Many local businesses also participated by writing checks to the hospital and charity.[16]

11/2/12– David Field, President and CEO of Entercom spoke on November 9, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Technology, Media and Telecom Conference along with Entercom’s Executive VP of Operations and CFO, Steve Fisher.  The event was audio streamed on the Entercom website and a podcast version was available for ten days after the conference.[17]

(click here to watch a previous speech by CEO David Field)[18]

         Jack Donlevie
General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Entercom
Photo Courtesy of Radioink.com[19]

11/1/12 – Jack Donlevie will retire from Entercom in 2015. Donlevie the General Counsel and Executive Vice President will begin scaling back starting in January of 2013 by relinquishing his role as General Counsel. Entercom CEO David Field credits Donlevie with the company’s success and commends him for his dedication and commitment for his 28 years of service to Entercom. Entercom’s Vice President and Corporate Counsel, Andrew Sutor, will succeed Donlevie as General Counsel in January 2013.[20]

 

October 2012

 

10/19/12 – KEZW Studio 1430 AM in Denver, Co is the largest radio station in the US to be powered with solar energy. Entercom Denver and Studio 1430 AM have made history by installing 40 solar panels shifting toward energy efficiency by using the power of renewable energy.  This latest project supports Entercoms’s environmental 1Thing initiative for improving our world. This move has already dropped the station’s monthly energy costs by 80%.[21}

Studio 1430 Solar Panels [21]
Photo Courtesy of Entecom

10/2/12 – Over 30 Entercom employees from the corporate headquarters located in Philadelphia’s Bala Cynwyd, dedicated their time to reducing the companies carbon footprint. Employees planted 236 trees at Lower Merion Township’s Rolling Hill Park in Gladwyne in order to neutralize its carbon footprint emitted throughout the year. This environmental conscious company received input about what trees would suit the area and planting the trees in areas with gap or mature trees to benefit the park.[22]

 

September 2012

 

9/21/2012 – The National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Awards held in Dallas awarded WEEI Sports Radio with the honor of Sports Station of the Year. This prestigious award recognized WEEI radio for its extraordinary on-air personalities and dedication to excellence. Entercom’s Jason Wolfe, vice president of programming and operations of Entercom Boston was elated to share the honor with WEEI Sports Radio.[23]

Taylor Swift Album Red [24]
Photo Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group

9/20/2012 – Big Machine Label Group has joined Entercom’s broadcast team in a bold move. Big Machine artists will now be able to partake in revenues associated with Entercom’s vast market. Entercom is hoping to build a new business model with the label industry and its band of artists. Big Machine will begin grow its digital business and its community of artists will benefit from Entecom’s terrestrial royalties. Top artists include Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw.[25]

 

ESPN Radio logo [26]
Photo Courtesy of logos.wikia.com

9/18/2012 – Entercom, ESPN radio, and Boston’s WEII 850 AM have teamed up together to provide top national sports talk and some of the finest play by play available. Highlights will include NBA, Major League Baseball, and college football and basketball’s latest.  Dubbed “ESPN on WEII” listeners can access live audio stream through ESPNBoston.com and get the latest ESPN video content.[27]

9/12/2012 – Entercom has chosen WO Traffic, a part of WideOrbit Inc. to run all of its radio stations. This market includes over 100 of its stations throughout the US that covers 23 markets. WO Traffic will customize its product to serve Entercom with more effective and efficient tools.[28]

August 2012

 

     Ric Bucher [29]
Co-host of The Drive
Photo Courtesy of All Access

8/29/2012 – San Francisco  radio station, KGMZ-FM,  owned by Entercom , signed ESPN analyst Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) to co-host the afternoon weekday show The Drive  from 3-7pm. He will work alongside current host Brandon Tierney.(@BrandonTierney) Bucher’s enthusiasm is evident when he stated that signing on will “ feel like I am coming home.” He has signed on to a deal that will include multiple years at the station.[30]

 

 

Click to Listen Live [31]
Photo Courtesy of WRUF-FM

8/28/2012 – Entercom announced a seven year partnership with the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications radio stations WRUF-AM and WRUF-FM.  The partnership between Entercom and the UF’s  College of Journalism and Communications creates a great opportunity for Entercom to increase its sale profile market while providing UF’s Journalism students with experience in multiple daily activities involved in Entercom’s local radio station.[32]

Sources:

[1] Entercom logo http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/Entercom_Communications

[2][7] Entercom About Us Page and Executive Profile Image  http://www.entercom.com/about-us

[3] Entercom Radio Station Map Image http://www.entercom.com/contact

[4] Entercom Radio Station List http://www.entercom.com/radio-stations

[5] Image of Joseph Field http://thenowexplosion.com/

[6] History of Entercom http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/entercom-communications-corporation-history/

[8] Entercom Financials  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/entercom-communications-corp-reports-third-115500443.html

[9] Google Finance Graphs http://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE%3AETM&fstype=ii&ei=Y6PBUMCvBYPL0QGqxgE

[10] Financial Data Report PDF http://www.entercom.com/docs/ETM_financial_data_tables_Q3_12.pdf

[11]  Image of New Entercom Wesite http://www.entercom.com/

[12]  New Website Layout for Entercom http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2585453

[13] Rise Up Againist Hunger Image http://www.radioinfo.com/

[14] Rise Up Against Hunger Article http://rbr.com/waaf-rises-up-against-hunger/

[15] Light the House Radiothon Image http://www.kosi101.com/pages/14788073.php

[16] Light the House Radiothon Article http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2568797

[17] David Field to Talk at Wells Fargo Conference http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/entercom-to-present-at-november-7-wells-fargo-tech/

[18] David Field Previous Speech link http://vimeo.com/7724884

[19] Image of Jack Donlevie http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2565542&spid=24698

[20] Jack Donlevie Will Retire In 2015 Article http://finance.yahoo.com/news/entercom-announces-general-counsel-executive-210000872.html

[21]  KEZW Studio 1430 AM Solar Panel  Project Article and Image http://www.entercom.com/kezw-studio-1430am-unveils-historic-project-that-turns-sunbeams-into-airwaves

[22] Entercom goes Carbon Neutral Article  http://mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2012/10/02/main_line_times/life/doc506b4c7dbec2d554528024.txt

[23] WEEI Wins Marconi Award Article http://www.weei.com/extras/press-release/weei-wins-prestigious-marconi-award-sports-station-year

[24] Image of Taylor Swift Album Red http://www.bigmachinelabelgroup.com/artist/Taylor_Swift

[25] Big Machine Label Group Signs Deal With Entercom Article http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/big-machine-label-group-signs-terrestrial-1007954192.story

[26] ESPN Radio logo http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/ESPN_Radio 

[27] Entercom and ESPN Radio Article  http://www.weei.com/extras/press-release/entercom-and-espn-radio-join-forces-launch-espn-weei-850-am

[28] WideOrbit Inc And Entercom Article http://www.wideorbit.com/company/news/74-news/press-a-news/767-wideorbit-traffic-and-crm-selected-by-entercom-to-manage-more-than-100-radio-stations-across-23-us-markets-

[29] Image of Ric Bucher http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/109729/ric-bucher-named-afternoon-co-host-at-95-7-the-gam

[30] Ric Bucher Signs with 95.7 THE GAME Article http://www.957thegame.com/95-7-The-Game-Signs-ESPN%C3%A2–s-Ric-Bucher/14110314

[31] Image of WRUF-FM http://www.country1037thegator.com/

[32] Entercom Partners with University of Florida http://www.jou.ufl.edu/news/2012/08/28/uf-and-entercom-communications-announce-new-economic-and-educational-partnership/

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBS Radio/Infinity Broadcasting

CBS Radio – Courtesy of SportsMediaJournal.com

by Elgin Panetto

The media conglomerate known today as CBS Corporation Inc. was created in 1927, when a talent agent named Arthur Judson started his own radio network in order to showcase his own roster. He named his newly created network United Independent Broadcasters, but after a crippling amount of debt was accrued sold it to a man named William Paley for $400,000. [1] Columbia Broadcasting System, or CBS, has gone on to become one of the largest media companies in the world, with ventures in TV, Film, and Radio. In 2006 Viacom Inc., under the leadership of Sumner Redstone, decided to break up its entities to discontinue the age of media conglomerates and improve stock performance. During the split previously named Infinity Broadcasting, with their 179 stations at the time, was renamed CBS Radio and became a part of CBS Corporation under the leadership of Les Moonves. [2]

Company Overview:

CBS Radio currently holds 127 major market radio stations in 28 major markets throughout the United States of America. CBS Radio station formats run the full gamut including news, sports, talk, rock, country, Top 40, classic hits and urban. [3]

CBS Radio’s radio personalities attract almost 70 million weekly listeners. One of CBS Radio’s greatest strengths is their attention to on-air talent, in an age of radio where more automation usually means more dollars. In a recent interview with CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason, he explains the importance CBS Radio puts on the personalities who speak between playing music. “I don’t think the temptation is there to extract talk to add more commercials, the temptation is there to extract talk and thinking that was the clear pathway to get ratings. I believe that there is a fine line, a balance, that can’t be tilted to one side or another…” The rest of that interview with Mark Ramsey can be seen below:

CBS Radios Dan Mason on Radio’s Brands and its Digital Future from Mark Ramsey on Vimeo.

As stated before, CBS Radio stations can be found in 28 different major markets. In many of those markets CBS Radio finds itself with the #1 total rating. The list below, provided in the CBS Corporation 3rd quarter 2012 Investor Newsletter, shows CBS Radio’s strong performance regarding revenue in some of the largest markets in the country.

CBS Radio Revenue Ranking in Top 10 Markets
New York No. 1
Los Angeles No. 2
Chicago No. 1
San Francisco No. 1
Dallas No. 3
Houston No. 2
Philadelphia No. 1
Atlanta No. 2
Washington, D.C. No. 3
Boston No. 1
[4]

In each of those markets, CBS Radio’s high arching influence over both music and talk format stations can be easily seen. Below are just some of CBS Radio’s most influential channels across the United States.

WCBS-F in NYC
WCBS in NYC
WINS in NYC
KRTH in LA
KROQ-F in LA
KCBS in SF
KYW in Philly

[5]

 Executives

CBS Radio has been led by President and CEO Dan Mason for a total of 12 years. Mason started his position at the helm of CBS Radio in 1995 and continued until 2002. After a brief hiatus he returned as CEO in April of 2007. Mason has championed CBS Radio’s industry leading foray into the digital realm. As a keystone speaker at the 2011 RAIN (Radio and Internet Newsletter) Summit Dan Mason talked heavily about CBS Radio’s entrance into digital media, pointing out CBS Radio’s involvement streaming through Radio.com and Last.FM. He also noted that the profits are not coming yet, but success through digital streaming services will come in the long term. [6] Due to his outstanding leadership of CBS Radio, Dan Mason was awarded the National Radio Award in 2012 by the National Association of Broadcasters. [7]

Dan Mason – Courtesy of CBSRadio.com

Finances

CBS Radio’s performance, as a subsidiary company of CBS Corporation Inc., attributes to the stock performance of CBS Corporation Inc.. At the close of the New York Stock Exchange on December 5, 2012 CBS Corporation Inc. was trading at $35.43 a share. [8]

CBS Radio Stock – Courtesy of marketwatch.com

With $5.33 Billion of reported gross income in 2011, CBS Radio saw an increase of $.82 Billion over their reported gross income the previous year. After a steep drop from 2007 to 2009, CBS Radio has steadily increased gross income to the point of surpassing their 2007 mark. [8]

Recent Events

There have been many news-worthy moves by CBS Radio recently, whether it be format changes, new stations, acquisitions, or partnerships.

WODS 103.3 Format Change

At the end of the summer, WODS-FM in Boston changed formats. The switch moved the station from playing hits from the 60s-80s to yet another contemporary hits radio station, or CHR format. CBS Radio Market Manager in Boston Mark Hannon stated, “When looking at the habits of Boston radio listeners, it is clear the music most favored by the biggest group of people is contemporary hit music.” [9] The most recent ratings made available by stationratings.com have WODS-FM as the 12th most popular radio station in the Boston market. [5]

CBS Radio News receives Murrow Award

This past October the RTDNA (Radio Television Digital News Association) awarded CBS Radio News its fourth consecutive Edward R. Murrow Award. CBS Radio News was given the award due to excellence in broadcast and online journalism. At the awards CBS Radio News correspondent Cami McCormick, who was injured while reporting in Afghanistan, accepted the award for all of CBS Radio news. [10]

Edward R. Murrow Award – Courtesy of HuffingtonPost.com

CBS Radio steps up Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and the immense damage done to the east coast, CBS Radio used its vast resources and connections in the Music Industry to organize celebrity endorsements for donations to the American Red Cross. Some of music’s biggest stars such as Usher, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney recorded messages imploring audiences for donations. Usher’s public service announcement can be heard HERE. [11]

CBS re-ups contract with the Chicago Bears

For 13 years WBBM Newsradio in Chicago has been the exclusive provider of Chicago Bears live play-by-play announcement. The Chicago Bears have granted CBS Radio an extension of the companies exclusive rights to do the football team’s radio broadcast. The Bears have one of the largest fan bases in the entire sport, a size reflected by the astounding five CBS Radio stations that will simulcast each and every Bears game. [12]

Chicago Bears – Courtesy of RadioInk.com

CBS Radio buys 101.9 WRXP in New York

In early November CBS Radio announced the purchase of 101.9FM in New York, NY from Merlin Media for the sum of $75 Million Dollars. CBS Radio purchased the station in order to begin simulcasting WFAN on the higher definition 101.9FM. WFAN became the first ever all-sports talk station in 1987, and has pioneered the now insanely popular and lucrative 24/7 sports radio news cycle. WFAN houses many of sports radio’s biggest stars, including Boomer & Carton, Mike Francesa, and Joe Benigno. It also is the sole broadcaster of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, New York Mets, Brooklyn Nets, and New Jersey Devils. This move by CBS Radio signals a response to ESPN NY’s recent decision to simulcast on 98.7FM. [13]

WFAN Logo – Courtesy of newyork.cbslocal.com

 CBS Radio announces launch of CBS Sports Radio Network

Perhaps the biggest news in the radio industry in the past few months has been CBS Radio’s announcement of CBS Sports Radio. In their press release the company called the  newly created station, “the largest major market sports radio network in the nation.” The network will launch on January 2, 2013 in at least eight stations full time. At the time of the announcement the station was reported to be carried part time in 14 more stations, and through a distribution deal with Cumulus Media Networks an additional 47 Cumulus stations. [14] Since then it’s been announced that the station will be on around 100 stations, with a reach of about 10 million households. While its estimated that ESPN Radio will continue to dominate with 350 full time stations in 30 million households, Dan Mason stated, “ESPN affiliates are in small markets. Maybe you find that adds up to a lot of audience.” [15]

CBS Sports Radio – Courtesy of CBSPressExpress.com

Footnotes

[1] Museum of Broadcast Communications 

[2] Infinity Broadcasting to Become CBS Radio

[3] http://www.cbsradio.com

[4] CBS 3rd Quarter 2012 Investor Newsletter

[5]http://www.stationratings.com/Default.aspx

[6] Dan Mason at RAIN Summit

[7]Dan Mason to Receive National Radio Award

[8]http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/cbs/financials

[9] WODS Changes Format

[10]CBS Radio Takes Murrow Award

[11]CBS Assembles Big Names for Storm Relief

[12]CBS Extends Contract With the Bears

[13]CBS Purchases WRXP

[14]CBS Launching Sports Radio Network

[15]CBS Sports Radio to Compete with ESPN Radio

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by Hunter Simon and Justin Skerpan 9/12 http://arbitron.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=778 On September 12, Arbitron released a 2010-2011 comparison of radio audiences in various markets around the country. The results indicate that radio is and will continue to be in slow decline. When … Continue reading