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RadioInsight

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Are We Finally Moving Closer To A One-Stop Streaming Shop For Broadcast
Radio?

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 01:24 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211818/are-we-finally-moving-closer-to-a-one-stop-streaming-shop-for-broadcast-radio/



Recent deals have shown that the doors may be opening for more
collaboration between broadcasters to bring their stations to as many
platforms as possible.

After keeping their stations exclusive to their own iHeartRadio app for
years, iHeartMedia made a deal with TuneIn to bring their stations to that platform in exchange for TuneIn to use iHearts internal digital advertising products to sell on the TuneIn platform. With Audacy putting much more
emphasis on its digital platform since rebranding both the company and its Radio.com platform under the same name earlier this year, it has been
expanding the number of other broadcasters on its platofrm in recent weeks
with Entravision and Radio One added and the app currently having empty
market listings for all Cumulus markets hinting that company will soon make
its stations available there.

There are still four diverging strategies amongst the larger commercial broadcasters. iHeartMedia is still in a league of its own as the 800 pound gorilla, but its willingness to open its stations to TuneIn and Apple Music
at least shows a newfound willingness to work with others. As it is still growing its platform, Audacy is looking inwards but ramping up with other groups to accumulate a critical-mass. The rest have had to determine which
ship to jump aboard.

Back when mobile apps were the only reason to have your own streaming
platform, many broadcasters created aggregators or attempted to move into pure-play streaming with services such as Cumulus Rdio, Univisions Uforia,
and Townsquare Medias RadioPup. Now with having to serve as home to
podcasts and being able to power smart speakers and connected dashboards,
the need for most broadcasters has become to get their stations available wherever the listeners are. It it that pushing groups towards putting their stations on multiple services.

The following chart shows which of the larger commercial operators are on
what platform.
iHeartRadio Audacy TuneIn iHeartMedia X Cumulus X Townsquare Media X X
X Audacy X X Saga X X Salem Forever Media X X Midwest Communications
X X Beasley Univision X Cox Media Group Hubbard X X Radio One Entravision Alpha Media Mid-West Family Broadcasting X Seven
Mountains Media X X Spanish Broadcasting X X Mereulo Media / X
Bonneville X Educational Media Foundation X X MediaCo X Emmis X
Steel City Media X X Adams Radio Group X X Stephens Media X X Renda Broadcasting X X X American General Media X X SummitMedia X Connoisseur Media X X Way Media X Lotus Communications X X Sinclair/Waterloo Media
/ X

There are now six (with Cumulus potentially becoming a seventh) groups on
all of the big three aggregators (Audacy, iHeartRadio and TuneIn) with the recent additions of Entravision and Radio One to the Audacy app. They join Alpha Media, Beasley, Cox Media Group, and Salem Media as previously being
on all three.
Audacy iPhone app showing Cumulus Media markets not yet live on the
platform including Abilene, Allentown, Ann Arbor, and Appleton.

On the other end of the spectrum are Renda and Townsqaure Media, which push listeners to their station-specific apps. This does make it harder for listeners to find said stations on a smart speaker, but in Townsquares case emphasizes the written content that they company places a high importance
on internally.

This is positive momentum, but we still have a long ways to go to put all
FCC licensed broadcasters on equal footing like the RadioPlayer standard
used in other countries on the principle of Share technology, compete on content.

None of the platforms have made it easy for smaller broadcasters to add
their stations. TuneIn placed a freeze on new station submissions several
years ago, but if you know their internal code for your allocation it can
be done. Neither iHeart or Audacy have publicly available information for a licensed station to potentially be added the way they do for podcasts.
Audacy is also lagging in its support for non-commercial stations as one college station on Long Island is the only one on the platform. It is understandable that whatever strategy an operator has may keep a station
off a platform, but any licensed station that wants to agree to the
aggregators terms of entry should be granted access without having to jump through hoops.



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NAB Show/Radio Show Mandates Vaccines For All Attendees

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 12:16 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211854/nab-show-radio-show-mandates-vaccines-for-all-attendees/



The NAB Show and the co-located Radio Show being held in Las Vegas from
October 9 through 13 have announced today that they will require all
attendees and participants to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19.

The NABs EVP Managing Director/Global Connections and Events Chris Brown
sent the following letter this afternoon:

Dear NAB Show Community,

With less than 60 days until the start of NAB Show and associated
co-located events scheduled for October in Las Vegas, we are filled with excitement and anticipation to welcome you to what promises to be the
ultimate reunion at which to get back to business, reconnect and
reinvigorate the industry.

While the enthusiasm is building, we are keenly aware of health and safety concerns tied to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant and want to
assure you that we are putting in place a comprehensive, data-driven plan
that prioritizes safety and creates a productive environment at these
events.

We have worked for the past several weeks to finalize protocols that will maximize the experience and safety of all members of the NAB Show
community. This process has involved extensive consultation with health and safety experts, gathering feedback from a range of exhibitors and
attendees, and review of the safety measures recommended by national and
local health authorities, including Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s
important announcement this week regarding large events.

Taking this all into account, we will require all attendees and
participants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We think this is a positive step in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and will provide further details on implementation as well as other safety measures under
consideration.

Multiple indicators show a strong eagerness among the NAB Show community to return in person, including steady attendee registration. The continued buildout of the Show Floor is bringing together hundreds of new and
returning companies, including major brands like Amazon Web Services, AJA,
B&H, Canon, Grass Valley, MediaKind, Panasonic, Ross, Sony, Verizon and
more.

We are also finalizing a full conference program featuring premium
education content, high-profile speakers and world-class training opportunities. Additionally, major industry events, such as the Radio Show, Sales and Management Television Exchange and AES Show, will co-locate in
Las Vegas, broadening the base of attendees and adding value to their experience.

NAB Show is a momentous opportunity for the industry to reengage. We are
ready to provide an unparalleled forum for inspiration and innovation while safeguarding those in attendance with sound health and safety protocols.

We genuinely appreciate the support, participation and feedback of the NAB
Show community and look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas and connecting throughout the year on NAB Amplify.



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Phil Cianciola Joins WOSH As Morning Host

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 10:34 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211849/phil-cianciola-joins-wosh-as-morning-host/



Cumulus Media Conservative Talk 1490 WOSH Oshkosh WI has added Phil
Cianciola as morning host.

Cianciola previously hosted afternoons at 1150 WHBY Appleton from 2011 to
2017 and was news anchor and afternoon co-host at 620 WTMJ Milwaukee from
1995 to 2009. He has continued hosting his daily podcast that he launched following his exit from WTMJ.

Cianciola fills the 6-9am slot that had been held by Bob Burnell, who
retired last month after 24 years at WOSH.

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed Phil Cianciola as On-Air
Host, Mornings, for News-Talk 1490 WOSH-AM in Appleton-Oshkosh, WI.
Cianciola can be heard on 1490 WOSH Monday through Friday from
6:00am-9:00am and debuts on the station Monday, August 23rd. Cianciola is a long-time veteran of Wisconsin radio, spending several years at WHBY-AM. He also had a long run co-hosting Afternoons on WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee.
Cianciola has also hosted his podcast, PhilCast, since 2009.

John Rowe, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh,
commented: “We are thrilled to provide local news coverage to our
surrounding communities and Phil is a perfect complement to our listeners
and the WOSH-AM station line-up.”

Phil Cianciola remarked: I have always believed in local radio and the relationships built with listeners talking about the community we share. Im thrilled to be doing that in Oshkosh, helping to carry on the tradition of local radio.

CUMULUS MEDIA owns and operates five Appleton-Oshkosh radio stations, including: Alternative “96.9 The Fox” WWWX, Classic Hits 103.9 WVBO, Country 99.5 WPKR, Standards 1280 WNAM, and News/Talk 1490 WOSH.

Cianciola succeeds 24-year WOSH veteran Bob Burnell, who announced his retirement in July.




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1010XL Adds VSiN Programming

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 10:27 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211846/1010xl-adds-vsin-programming/



Seven Bridges Radio Sports 1010 XL WJXL/92.5 WJXL-FM Jacksonville Beach FL
has announced it will carry over 50 hours of programming per week from
VSiNs Sports Betting network.

WJXL/WJXL-FM will carry VSiN programming in nights and overnights and
feature talent from the network on their local programming on Monday
mornings and Friday afternoons during football season.

Jax Sports Radio, WJXL-AM 1010, and VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, today announced a content distribution deal to bring more than 50 hours of sports betting news, analysis and insights to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
each week.

“It’s important for us to be on the cutting edge of the sports betting media revolution and to serve our audience with this new focus on sports betting content,” said Steven Griffin, President and General Manager of WJXL-AM 1010 and WJXL-FM 92.5. “We’re excited to collaborate with VSiN to bring the best programming in the business to Jacksonville’s sports fans
and betting enthusiasts. In addition, we’ll feature VSiN’s industry-leading on-air talent on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, August through
January, to offer insight and opinion on the biggest sporting events.”

VSiN’s sports betting and entertainment programming airs on WJXL-AM 1010 Monday through Sunday evenings and overnights, with plans to expand the programming in the future. This news comes as sports betting initiatives
become more prevalent in mainstream media outlets, including local and
national television and radio networks and sports websites.

“Jax Sports Radio reaches ardent Jaguars and Gators fans across Northeast Florida, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce this passionate audience to our unique coverage of the sports betting markets,” said Brian Musburger, founder and CEO of VSiN. “WJXL is the leading local sports
station in a market with one of the biggest brands in college football and
an exciting young NFL team that will no doubt fuel audience excitement this season. As we continue to expand our distribution footprint across the
U.S., we’re thrilled to be able to collaborate with innovative content providers like Jax Sports radio team to help educate and entertain, even
before of sports betting is live in Florida.”

VSiN’s sports betting content delivers the news, analysis and insights
sports bettors need to make informed wagering decisions. Featuring the industry’s most knowledgeable sports betting experts and legendary bookmakers, VSiN informs and entertains the growing number of Americans
betting legally on sports – whether they’re sharp bettors or brand new to the action. The unique content sets the stage for the day’s biggest sports betting events and shares expert tips and predictions across the NFL, NCAA, NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA, and more.



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Stevan Smith Returns To WBGO As Chief Content Officer

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 10:17 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211842/stevan-smith-returns-to-wbgo-as-chief-content-officer/



Newark Public Radio Jazz 88.3 WBGO Newark NJ/New York has announced the
return of Stevan Smith to the station as Chief Content Officer.

Smith previously worked spent twelve years at WBGO as Traffic and
Continuity Manager and spent the past three years at Public News/Talk 93.9 WNYC-FM New York as Assistant Program Director. He has also worked at Jazz
89.9 WEAA Baltimore.

After an extensive search, public radio station WBGO welcomes Stevan Smith
as the institutions first Chief Content Officer. Smith has 15 years radio experience in the New York market, most recently as Assistant Program
Director at WNYC. He returns to WBGO after a three (3) year hiatus with the organization, where he formerly held the position of Traffic and Continuity Manager.

Born and raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York,
Stevan Smith Jr. was surrounded by musical influences that became ingrained
in his DNA. Graduating from the exceptional Boys and Girls High School with several business scholarships to attend the Earl G. Graves School of
Business and Management at Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD), Stevan decided to switch to a path that would allow him to follow his passion for music. Introduced to Jazz music via Hip-Hop, Stevan started a radio
programming internship at the MSU owned WEAA in Baltimore. It was there
that a deeper passion for jazz music and public radio was nurtured.

As an intern/volunteer host, and later full-time employee of WEAA, Stevan
took full advantage of his opportunities to learn the ins and outs of radio programming, production, audience development, and more, ultimately serving
as their Assistant Program Director. Smith subsequently worked at WBGO for close to 12 years, contributing to the stations digital efforts, producing features for broadcast, and filling in as a guest announcer. He also
immersed himself in digital media, producing podcasts for himself and
others.

Seeking greater opportunities to expand on his Public Radio skills set,
Stevan left WBGO in 2018 to become Assistant Program Director at WNYC, New
York Public Radio.

Returning to WBGO in the role of Chief Content Officer is the culmination
of everything Ive worked for since I was 19 years old. Jazz music/radio has remained a constant throughout my journey, and it feels good to come HOME.
Its time to be great!

WBGO President and CEO, Steven A. Williams, agrees. It wouldnt be a stretch
to say that we are over the moon with the news of Stevan Smiths acceptance.
In fact, his re-addition to Team WBGO gives us enormous lift, tantamount to
a stage in propelling a rocket into space. Having Mr. Smith at the helm of
our content strategies and tactics moves us significantly closer toward
what may have, at one time, seemed like lofty goals of greater reach and
deeper engagement now, with him on board, we have those targets in clear
view. For WBGO, Stevan is one of the few people on earth with the Right
Stuff a winning mix of knowledge, experience and character that is
requisite for this unique and honorable assignment. We congratulate Mr.
Smith and his family on the occasion of this remarkable turn of events.



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iHeartMedia Launches 94.7 The Ref Oklahoma City

Posted: 18 Aug 2021 04:34 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211832/iheartmedia-launches-94-7-the-ref-oklahoma-city/



iHeartMedia has partnered with Metro Radio Groups Sports Talk 1400
KREF/99.3 K257DA Norman OK and has launched 94.7 The Ref KREF-FM Oklahoma
City replacing Classic Rock 94.7 The Brew KBRU.

The Ref becomes the fourth full-powered FM Sports talker in the Oklahoma
City market joining Cumulus Medias 98.1 The Sports Animal WWLS-FM The
Village, Tyler Medias 107.7 The Franchise KRXO-FM and Perry Broadcastings rimshot CBS Sports Radio 105.3 KINB Kingfisher. iHeart also runs Fox Sports Radio 24/7 on 1340 The Game KGHM.

Midday host James Hale will not make the move with the station. Hale
tweeted on Tuesday that last Friday was his last day as host of Total
Sports from 12-2pm. The stations lineup will continue to include T-Row In
The Morning hosted by Toby Rowland and TJ Perry from 6-9am, The Plank Show
with Chris Plank and Josh Helmer from 9am-12pm, and The Rush with Teddy
Lehman and Tyler McComas from 2-6pm. Joining the station to host 12-2pm are former WWLS-FM and KRXO-FM host Mike Steely and recent OU graduate Parker Thune.

It’s official!!! You can now listen to our programming on 94.7 FM. pic.twitter.com/970Kjidu3r

- SportsTalk1400 (@Sportstalk1400) August 18, 2021



HeartMedia Oklahoma City announced today the debut of 94.7 FM The Ref
Oklahoma Sports Talk, effective August 18.

In a unique broadcast agreement, 94.7 FM The Ref will broadcast all-things sports and feature KREF 1400 AM in Norman, Oklahoma, as part of the
station’s weekday on-air lineup from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the station will broadcast industry-leading programming
from FOX Sports Radio’s national lineup, featuring top sports commentators and analysts Chris Broussard, Rob Parker, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon and Ben Maller.

“We are thrilled to enter the sports talk arena with such an outstanding lineup,” said Jon Phillips, Area President for iHeartMedia Oklahoma. “This talent base is very aligned with Oklahoma University sports and we feel
this will give us a unique advantage in creating content that is focused on
the biggest sports entity in the state.”

“Hats off to SportsTalk Media in Norman for collecting and producing such compelling radio. We feel this partnership will greatly benefit both
parties and ensure that Sooner fans can get reliable, accurate and timely coverage.” added Jon Phillips.

“Our team of talented on-air SportsTalk professionals welcomes the opportunity to bring ‘The Home of Sooner Fans’ to a large FM signal in addition to our 1400 AM signal and streaming platforms,” said Casey
Vinyard, Owner at SportsTalk Media. “On behalf of the entire SportsTalk
Media team, I’d like to thank Jon Phillips and iHeartMedia Oklahoma City
for partnering with us at KREF.”

Full Weekday Programming Lineup:

Toby Rowland and TJ
Perry 6
– 9 a.m.

Chris Plank and Josh
Helmer
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Mike Steely and Parker
Thune 12
– 2 p.m.

Teddy Lehman and Tyler McComas

2 – 6 p.m.

The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard Rob Parker

6 – 9 p.m.

The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

The Ben Maller
Show
1– 5 a.m.

Outkick The
Coverage
5-6 a.m.

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