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

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