Cox Radio

Posted on December 5, 2012 by ksphilli

by Kadisha S. Phillips

Courtesy of coxmediagroup.com

6205 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
Phone: 678.645.0000 | Fax: 678/645.5002

Overview

Formerly known as Cox Radio, the radio division of Cox Media Group is ranked the 5th among all radio media companies in the United States. Spanning over 20 markets, boasting 86 radio stations; 15 AM and 71 FM CMG’s portfolio provides listeners with a variety of that ranges from Hawaiian to Classic Rock to Country.

The combined weekly listenership of all of CMG’s 86 radio stations is more than 18 million. [1]

Financials

In 2011, Cox Media Group’s radio division reported a revenue of $350 million. Below is a break down of CMG’s radio station properties and their total revenues for 2011:

Courtesy of adage.com

With all other divisions included, CMG’s total revenue for 2011 was $1.7 billion.

The Parent company of Cox Media Group, Cox Enterprises is ranked 8th among all U.S media companies with a 2011 reported revenue of $11.99 billion; a 1.5% increase from 2010. [2]

Key Executives

President of Cox Media Group, Doug Franklin has been an employee of Cox since1977. He joined as “a door-to-door circulation solicitor for Dayton Newspapers, Inc.” In January 1996, he became the chief operating officer of Cox Ohio Publishing; president and chief executive officer in 2004 and president of Cox Media Group in March 2011. Under Franklin’s leadership CMG is looking to focus on larger markets in order to create a heightened impact by using cross-media collaboration. [3] [4]

Michael J. Joseph is an Executive Vice President at Cox Media Group. Joseph is responsible for all Cox Media Group radio and television stations in Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. The radio stations that Joseph oversee include WQNU-FM, WRKA-FM, WSFR-FM and WVEZ-FM of Louisville, Kentucky and WHIO-AM/FM, WHKO-FM and WZLR-FM of Dayton, Ohio. [3]

In July 2012 Kim Guthrie became the Senior Vice President of Radio for Cox Media Group. Under the group’s strategic new leadership plan, Guthrie now oversees all radio markets. In 2012 Guthrie was honored in Radio Ink Magazine’s as one of the “Most influential Women in Radio,” for the second year in a row. Under her leadership, many stations and personalities have been nominated for and won awards for their programming excellence and more. [5]

*Note: images courtesy of coxmediagroup.com

WSB AM/FM Atlanta, Georgia (@WSBradio)

Courtesy of captainherb.net

WSB 750 AM/95.5FM was the very first radio station to broadcast in Atlanta, Georgia. Purchased by Cox Enterprises founder Governor James M. Cox of Ohio, WSB is Cox Media Group’s flagship radio station. With both frequencies garnishing top rankings in revenue among all CMG radio stations, WSB 750 AM especially carries some of the most popular News/Talk shows in the country. [6]

In 2011, WSB AM reported a revenue increase of 12.5% at $27 million. WSB FM made a slight decrease in earnings at $15.7 million. [2]

Shows:

The Clark Howard Show

Courtesy of clarkhoward.com

A 2007 Georgia Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Clark Howard is a financial guru. For decades he has aimed to help Americans save money and has done so through his nationally syndicated radio show– The Clark Howard Show. The show originally broadcasts from WSB AM 750 and can be heard on 200 different radio stations every day or online as a podcast. [7]

On the 29^th of November, 2012 Clark Howard and WSB Radio, a COX Media Group Radio Station, kicked off their 22^nd annual Christmas Kids season. Christmas Kids is a partnership with the Georgia Dept. of Family & Child Services that helps fulfill the Christmas wish-list of every foster child in Georgia. Running from Thursday November 29^th to Sunday December 9^th, on six different days The Clark Howard broadcast team will set up for 5 hours at a Wal-Mart and encourage customers to purchase presents that foster children have requested. In 2011, 4500 donations were made. [8][9]

The Neal Boortz Show

Courtesy of www.liberty910.com

Hosted by The Talkmaster Neal Boortz, The Neal Boortz Show has been broadcasting on NewsTalk 750 WSB for the past 19 years. Boasting nearly 6 million weekly listeners on 230 radio stations, Boortz’s claims that his show is “your daily dose of insensitivity training.” Each day from 8:30 AM – 1 PM Boortz discusses topics mainly on politics. This year Boortz was a finalist for the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Award. [10]

In 2012, Boortz announced that he will be retiring in January 2013. After he retires, Boortz will hand over the torch to Republican Presidential frontrunner Hermain Cain. In an interview: “He may be “The Talk-Master,” but Neal’s listeners know I’m the ‘The Dean of the University of Common Sense,” said Cain in an interview. [11] [12]

The Rush Limbaugh Show (@RushLimbaugh)

Courtesy of hohumproductions.com

Syndicated by Premiere Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Program garnishes 20 million listeners per week on nearly 600 radio stations. Additionally, it is the top-rated radio show on air and moved to Cox Media Group’s WSB 750 AM in October of 2012. In this acquisition, The Clark Howard Show was bumped from the daily lineup as its biggest audience is online. Currently The Rush Limbaugh Program can be heard daily from 12 Noon to 3 PM EST. [13] [14]

The News/Talk WSB 750 AM line-up:

Courtesy of wsb.radio.com

Recent Events

September 2012

Courtesy of 123people.com

In September 2012 Cox Media Group announced that in January 2013, Belinda’s Atlanta Lifestyles will debut on 750 WSB AM. Somewhat similar to the “Pinterest, Martha Stewart or the Oprah brand,” Belinda’s Atlanta Lifestyles will be a show about every-day things such as picking a summer camp or where to go to dinner for your anniversary.

Skelton is currently the Executive Producer of The Neal Boortz Show and has been working for WSB Radio for almost two decades. Her show comes just as Boortz plans to retire and although it will not replace The Neal Boortz Show, Belinda’s Atlanta Lifestyles brings an exciting twist to WSB Radio’s current lineup.Skelton notes that Boortz may even make a guest appearance or two on the show.

Belinda’s Atlanta Lifestyles will broadcast on Saturdays from 1 PM to 3 PM following Boortz’s retirement in mid/late January. [15]

November 2012

Courtesy of epltalk.com

In mid-November, Cox Media Group brought America’s No. 1 sports-radio network to Orlando, Florida on WBDO 580 AM. On November 12th, ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) began to broadcast on this station, moving WDBO’s News/Talk programming to WDBO FM 96.5. Not only did Mike and Mike in the Morning (6 AM to 10 AM EST), The Herd with Colin Cowherd (10 AM – 1 PM) and SVP & Russillo (1 PM -4 PM) debut on 580 AM but the most up to date local news coverage will be available on the station and www.ESPNOrlando.com.

Coverage of special sports events will become a part of programming in a partnership between ESPN 580-AM and ESPN Wide World of Sports including “the BCS (with a full slate of regular season college football); the USGA’s U.S. Open; the 2014 FIFA World Cup; and the Open Championship.” [16] [17] [18]

November 2012

Courtesy of abcnews.go.com

In a combined donation of $75,000 Cox Media Group radio stations in Long Island and Connecticut along with Cox Reps in New York, gave aid to those who suffered from SuperStorm Sandy. Star 99.9 and WPLR FM in Connecticut partnered with Fairfield County’s Child and Family Services to support a relief fund to help the agency regain all losses due to to the storm. In Long Island, Island Harvest received aid from 102.3 WBAB and 106.1 WBLI for their programs that help feed those who are in need.

Cox Enterprises and the James M. Cox Foundation also gave to those in need by donating $100,000 cash to the American Red Cross. [19]

Sources

About Cox Media Group, http://www.coxmediagroup.com/about/
AdAge Top Media Companies Publication, http://adage.com/datacenter/mediatrees2012.php#41
About Cox Media Group Leadership, http://www.coxmediagroup.com/about/ourleadership/
Cox Media Selling 25 Radio Stations, http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/legal-and-management/cox-media-selling-25-radio-stations-as-part-1007633152.story
Cox Media Group Purchases News Stations in Jacksonville, Tulsa http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-media-group-purchases-new-tv-stations-in-jacksonville-tulsa-realigns-its-broadcast-media-portfolio-163190416.html
WSB Radio History Website, www.wsbhistory.com
Clark Howard Website, www.clarkhoward.com
Clark Howard and WSB Radio Kick Off Christmas Kids Today http://www.examiner.com/article/clark-howard-and-wsb-radio-kick-off-christmas-kids-today-for-the-2012-season,
Clark Howard Christmas Kids Website www.clarkhoward.com/christmaskids
Neal Boortz Website, http://www.boortz.com/
WGST Expected to Dump News/Talk http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2012/09/wgst-expected-to-dump-newstalk.html
Neal Boortz to Retire, http://www.examiner.com/article/radio-talk-show-host-neal-boortz-to-retire-herman-cain-chosen-to-take-over
Rush Limbaugh Website, www.rushlimbaugh.com
Rush Limbaugh Moving to WSB, http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/110738/rush-limbaugh-moving-in-atlanta-from-wgst-to-wsb
Neal Boortz Producer Gets Her Own WSB Weekend Radio Show http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2012/10/05/belinda-skelton-neal-boortzs-producer-gets-her-own-wsb-weekend-radio-show/?cxntfid=blogs_radio_tv_talk
ESPN Radio Returns to Orlando, http://www.coxmediagroup.com/news/cmg-press-releases/espn-radio-returns-orlando-debuts-nov-12/nSYbh/
ESPN Radio Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_Radio
WDBO Launches ESPN Radio in Orlando, http://rbr.com/wdbo-launches-espn-radio-in-orlando/
Cox Media Donates to 75k Sandy Relief, http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63542/cox-media-donates-75k-to-sandy-relief

Cox Radio, Inc

Posted on September 19, 2012 by iherrera

by [Isabel Herrera]

6205 Peachtree | Dunwoody Road | Atlanta, GA 30328| Phone: 678-645-0000| Website: www.coxmediagroup.com

Major Market Competitors:

▪ Clear Channel Communications, Inc

▪ Cumulus Media, Inc

▪ CBS Radio, Inc

History:

Cox Radio, Inc is a radio company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1934 by James M. Cox, Cox Radio, Inc continues to deliver quality radio content, reaching 18 million radio listeners across the country. Cox Radio prides itself in establishing the first FM station in the south during 1964. [1]

Company Overview:

They operate as a division of Cox Media Group, Inc, a subsidiary of conglomerate Cox Enterprises. In 1996, Cox Radio became a publicly traded company. However in 2009, Cox Radio, Inc made the transition from a public company to a private corporation. [2] Over the years, Cox Media Group has expanded its television, newspaper and broadcasting services; however, radio remains a relevant component to the company’s overall successful $1.8 billion revenue. Cox Radio, Inc along with Cox Enterprises is considered to be one of the few successful family-own businesses currently functioning in the entertainment market. [3]

Cox Radio is 62 percent-owned by Cox Enterprises, Inc, and is responsible for a total of 86 radio stations (15 AM radio stations, 71 FM radio stations) in locations such as Atlanta, Stamford/ Norwalk, New Haven, Bridgeport Connecticut; Dayton, Ohio, Greenville, South Carolina; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Antonio and Houston Texas; Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville, Florida; Long Island, New York, Louisville, Kentucky, Richmond, Virginia; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. [4]

In Cox Radio Syndication, the company is able to produce and distribute expansive radio programming to approximately 200 affiliate stations through a partnership with Jones Radio Network. [5]

In 2009, Cox Media Group, Inc announced a new model that “reorganized its media businesses by maximizing the expertise and talents of its media across its portfolio or radio, television and newspaper businesses.” Adapting this progressive agenda enabled for the radio division to bring together advertising services and their firms in a costly-efficient manner. [6]

Notable Key Executives:

Courtesy of Google Images

James C. Kennedy is the grandson of the legendary founder is currently the Chairman of the conglomerate Cox Enterprises, Inc. Prior to his position as Chairman, he was CEO from 1988 to 2008. James Kennedy also serves as Chairman of the Board for Cox Radio. [9]

Courtesy of Cox Media Group

Robert Neil as Executive Vice President of Cox Media Group supervises several radio, television, newspaper, and digital research operations within the company. He joined Cox in 1986 as Station Manager of WSB- AM/FM and by 1988 was named VP and General Manager WWRM-FM. Eight years later, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of radio when Cox Radio became a public company (1996). [7]

Courtesy of Cox Media Group

Charles L Odom serves as Chief Financial Officer & Principal Accounting Officer has served Cox Radio since January 2009. Charles joined Cox Radio in 1996 as Manager of Financial Reporting, and served as Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis from 2001- 2008. [8]

Courtesy of Cox Media Group

Neil Johnston currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Strategy and Digital Innovation. He oversees Strategic Development, and the digital expansion of Cox Media Group. Neil was also Cox Radio’s Chief Financial Officer for the past nine years, and he has currently stepped down from the position. [9] [10]

Finances/Market Revenue:

After announcing their transition from public to private in 2009, it was reported that Cox’s revenues increased from $1.8 billion to $15 billion. Nonetheless, in 2011, Cox’s annual earned profits was $14.6 billion, falling -0.7 percent short from the previous $15 billion revenue. [11]

Specifically, over the past year Cox Radio’s revenue has increased 1% compared to radio’s overall revenue, which fell by 2%. Similar to other radio companies, Cox Radio, Inc is currently threatened by the ipod effect and the general struggle to maintain profitable radio advertising results in the market. [12] [13]

Popular Radio Shows:

Alan Cox Show Flyer. Courtesy of www.wmms.com

Kono 101.1 flyer. Courtesy of www Kono 1011.com

News:

Cox Radio reportedly experienced a $404 million loss due to weak advertising revenue. This equates to a $4.08 per share relative to the net income of $1.8 million and earnings back in 2007. Particularly, the general economy and the advertising market contributed to the 7.2 percent decrease in local revenue, while national revenue decreased at an astonishing 11.7 percent. [14]

October

Interestedly enough, Cox Radio, Inc acquired Valpak of Jacksonville in order to best cross-promote their radio services along with advertising incentives to radio listeners. Valpak mails over 20 billion coupons and targets about 100 markets in 48 states and four Canadian areas. They also integrate digital advertising into their promotions through Smartphone apps, QR codes, and phone messaging interaction. This opportunity will provide a unique outlet for local Cox Radio stations to market their shows and upcoming events. [15]

Cox Radio is set to expand their radio news service throughout their Atlanta-based locations. The news stations will provide regional weather coverage, sports information, and regional weather coverage that w. They decided on this news alternative after seeing an opening where Clear Channel declared closure for their Georgia News Network by the end of this year. [16]

November

Once again, Cox Radio stations experienced budget cut expenses. Cox Radio has released two of the most charming radio personalities: the amiable Steve O. Sellers and the laid-back Katrina Curtis. The cuts were not done on personal ends, but simply because it was a “business decision.” Loyal radio listeners were a bit gloomy, considering there no indication of a goodbye announced through the radio on behalf of the Disc jockeys themselves. An interesting comparison was made recalling how in the 70s and 80s Disc Jockeys dominated stations, and the ratings correlated with the sales of ads, respectively. Nowadays, large companies are far more concern with cutting costs even if it means getting rid of the most important element in radio shows: the talent. [17]

Cox Radio supports The Internet Fairness Act , which will help end the discrimination against online radio. Their decision to stand in favor of this act demonstrates the acceptable shift between traditional radio and modern radio alternatives. This is certainly a pivotal step towards the merging direction our radio culture is intended to encounter. [18] [19]

References:

[1] http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/cox-enterprises-inc-history/ (Cox Enterprises, Inc. History)

[2] http://www.adweek.com/news/television/cox-radio-goes-private-112341 (Cox Radio goes Private)

[3]http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=350722

[4] http://streamingradioguide.com/radio-parent-list.php?parentid=6 (List of 86 radio stations)

[5]http://www.hoovers.com/companyinformation/cs/competition.Cox_Radio_Inc.1f936d45ef30fa21.html (Affiliate Partnerships of Cox Radio, Inc)

[6] http://www.coxmediagroup.com/news/cmg-press-releases/cox-media-group-announces-new-integrated-media-org/nCq/ (Cox Media Group Announces New Integrated Media Organization)

[7] http://www.coxmediagroup.com/about/ourleadership/bob_neil/

[8] http://www.coxmediagroup.com/about/ourleadership/bob_neil/ (Bob Neil)

[9] http://people.equilar.com/bio/charles-odom-cox-radio/salary/348497#.UMHqJY48gbU (Charles L Odom)

[10] http://www.forbes.com/profile/jim-kennedy/ (Jim Kennedy)

[11]http://www.coxmediagroup.com/about/ourleadership/neil_johnston/ (Neil Johnston)