Entercom

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Jasmine Holloway

Entercom Logo [1]

Jasmine Holloway

Contact: 401 City Ave., Suite 809 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Tel: 610-660-5610 ~ Fax: 610-660-5620

Web: www.entercom.com ~ Twitter: @Entercom

Overview:

Entercom Communications Corporation is one of the largest US radio broadcasting companies. Boasting 121 stations across 23 markets, Entercom is dedicated to providing listeners compelling content through music, news, and talk formats. It is also the official broadcaster for major league sports franchises such as Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Red Sox, New Orleans Saints and Hornets, and more. [2]

The company, led by President and CEO, David Field, relies on its 1,400 full-time and 800 part-time employees for day-to-day operations. [3] Entercom focuses on offering advertisers marketing strategies to reach large targeted audiences. In recent years, Entercom has increased its digital presence and has offered media clients multiple platforms for more successful advertising campaigns.

History:

Entercom began in 1968 when Joseph M. Field gave up law to enter the broadcasting business. Convinced in the future of FM radio , Field founded Entertainment Communications Inc. and began with three radio stations in Philadelphia. In 1973, the company entered into what would become one of its most important markets, Seattle. [4]

Joseph Field [5]

Field continued to grow the company slowly until the passing of the prominent Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Telecom Act enabled companies to have as many as eight stations in a single market. Backed by this legislation, Entercom entered into a trade deal with Viacom swapping a NYC station for three Seattle stations and becoming the eighth largest radio broadcasting company. [4]

1999 saw the company going public and receiving about $236 million in its initial public offering. This year also saw the company acquiring Sinclair Broadcasting Group. The deal gave the company an additional 46 stations in nine markets. This made Entercom the fifth largest US radio broadcasting company with 88 stations in 17 markets. [4]

Since then, the company has continued to grow into the 121-station group it is today. Larger markets such as Seattle provide a financial foundation for the company, complemented by smaller markets such as Buffalo. [4] “Entercom generally wants to be the big fish in medium sized markets than a small fish in a major market.” [6]

Key Executives [7]

David Field, Pres. and CEO

David Field, CEO

Steve Fisher, CFO and Exec. VP of Operations

Weezie Kramer, Station Group President

Andrew Sutor, Sr. VP and General Counsel

Pat Paxton, Sr. VP of Programming

Deborah Kane, Regional Pres.

Michael Doyle, Regional Pres.

Financials (NYSE: ETM)

The company’s major revenue source comes from local and national advertising sales. 50% of Entercom’s 2012 net revenues came from 7 of its 23 markets: Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Seattle. 2012 net revenues totaled $388.9 million, a 1.6% uptick. Revenues increased primarily from station reformats in 2011, political advertising, and 2012 acquisitions. The company lowered its operating expenses by 4%. [9]

Currently, the earnings per share are 1.0700. Earnings from Q1 2013 will be released May 8, 2013. [10] Click here for full 2012 financial report.

News

April 2013

4/3: Triton Releases February Webcasting Ranks – Entercom #10

Entercom ranks #10 in Triton Digital’s monthly online audio Top 20 ranker. It lists “top performing” Internet stations and networks. [11]

4/1: Entercom Joins Triton Digital’s a2x Platform

a2x [12]

Entercom becomes an early adopter of Triton Digital’s a2x platform. [13] a2x is an “audience-based programmatic buying platform.” Real-time bidding on targeted online and mobile audio ads allow for more effective managing, buying, and selling of third party ads. [14]

March 2013

3/26: Weezie Kramer Named Station Group President

Weezie Kramer [15]

Weezie Kramer is now one of the highest-ranking women in radio with her promotion to the newly created Station Group President. Her responsibilities would include overseeing Regional Presidents Michael Doyle and Deborah Kane and becoming the chair of the company’s operating committee. Abandoning the previous model of three Regional Presidents, the position was created to streamline operations and provide company-wide cohesiveness under a single operational leader.

Weezie is very excited to begin the duties of her role stating, “Having the opportunity to lead this team will be fun.” [16]

3/19: Entercom Dominates BEMAs

Entercom is leading the way with the most nominations for 2013’s Buffalo’s Excellence in Media Awards (BEMAs) which will take place on April 26, 2013. Entercom’s WGR Sports Radio 550 has the most nominations including Radio Station of the Year. WBEN’s Tom Puckett is nominated for Radio Personality of the Year and Sue Sullivan is nominated for Sales Executive of the Year. [17]

3/12: Rick Crandall Named Colorado’s Broadcaster of the Year

KEZW’s program director and host of “The Breakfast Club”, Rick Crandall, was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Colorado Broadcaster Association. Rick’s show is one of the top rated Adult Standards morning shows in the nation. In addition to providing entertainment, Rick has helped to raise $2 million to begin construction of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, which commemorates over 6,000 Colorado soldiers. [18]

3/4: Entercom Wins at Radio Ink Convergence Awards

After 12 of its stations were nominated for Radio Ink Convergence Awards, Entercom’s WKSE/Buffalo takes home Best Website 51+. With the company’s focus on its digital properties in 2013, next year may see the company taking home more awards. [19]

February 2013

Jelli [20]

2/28: Entercom Teams Up With Jelli

Digital radio platform, Jelli partners with Entercom to set up is platform in 104 of the company’s stations across its 23 markets. This would make Jelli available on 175 stations in 50 markets. Currently, Jelli boasts 23.5 million unique weekly listeners and 1.7 billion radio ad impressions. [21]

Jelli’s on-demand streaming service is delivered via a server installed in local broadcast towers. Users vote and decide programming. The platform takes away the need for DJs, infrastructure, ad sales team and royalty issues. [22]

2/27: Entercom PDs Named Best in Country Music

Entercom Portland’s Mike Moore and Seattle’s Mike Preston were ranked #3 and #7, respectively, by Radio Ink Magazine’s top 25 program directors for country music. [23]

2/4: Boston Celtics Radio Broadcasts Now on Multi-Platforms

Celtics fans can now stream free, live audio of game broadcasts via WEEI.com, WEEI Live

Celtics [24]

mobile app, Boston Celtics Mobile App, and the TuneIn App. [25] The move expands the company’s digital reach and appeals to the modern sports fan on the go.

January 2013

1/8: Game Time

Entercom CEO, David Field, sends a company-wide memo to inform employees that 2013 is “game time.” Following 2012, which saw the company make multi-million dollar deals and an unorthodox master royalties agreement with Glassnote and Big Machine Records, Field wanted to assure his employees of another successful year. The memorandum mentions the 30 million Americans who tune in weekly and engage digitally; strengthening existing partnerships; and Nielsen’s $1.26 billion Arbitron buyout which shows a growing future in radio. Field seems optimistic for the year ahead and hopes to keep Entercom leading the technological curve. [26]

Resources:

[1] Logo – http://images.wikia.com/logopedia/images/8/8b/Entercom_Communications_logo.png

[2] http://www.entercom.com/about-us

[3] Report – http://www.entercom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Entercom2012Annual_Report_To-Shareholders.pdf

[4] History – http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/entercom-communications-corporation-history/

[5] Joseph Field – http://thenowexplosion.com/joseph_field.jpg

[6] History – http://streamingradioguide.com/blogradio/?page_id=1250

[7] [8] Executives – http://www.entercom.com/about-us

[9] Report – http://www.entercom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Entercom2012Annual_Report_To-Shareholders.pdf

[10] Bloomberg – http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/ETM:US

[11] All Access – http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/117058/triton-digital-february-webcaster-rankers-released?ref=search

[12] a2x- http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/537337_462494273799541_563623873_n.png

[13] Ent. Close Up – http://search.proquest.com/docview/1321760511

[14] Ad Operations – http://www.adoperationsonline.com/2013/04/02/entercom-communications-brings-leading-stations-to-triton-digitals-a2x-programmatic-buying-platform-for-online-mobile-audio-ads/

[15] Weezie – http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/7845/louisekramer.png

[16] Kramer – http://www.entercom.com/category/company-news

[17] BEMAs – http://www.wben.com/WBEN-s-Tom-Puckett-Up-For-Radio-Personality-of-Yea/15834594

[18] Rick Crandall – http://www.entercom.com/radio/kezw/rick/crandall/colorado

[19] Convergence Awards – http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2624727&spid=24698

[20] Jelli – http://images.radcity.net/5173/3741424.gif

[21] Jelli/Entercom – http://search.proquest.com/docview/1315784391

[22] Jelli – http://pandodaily.com/2013/02/28/with-23-million-weekly-listeners-digital-radio-platform-jelli-partners-with-entercom-to-supercharge-distribution/

[23] Country – http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=2622354&spid=24698

[24] Celtics Image – http://www.wggb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Boston-Celtics.gif

[25] Multi-Platform – http://www.entercom.com/radio/boston/celtics/nba/mobile

[26] Memo – http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=2602585&spid=24698

Entercom

Posted on September 18, 2012 by abrayas

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- 6^th 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