FTC Bans Noncompetes; What Does This Mean For Radio?
In a landmark decision with massive implications for radio, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a final rule to ban noncompete agreements nationwide, under the auspices of bolstering competition, innovation, and new business creation.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Takes Radio Mercury Awards’ Top Brand Honor
They may have created one of the most memorable and famous jingles in radio - now O’Reilly Auto Parts will receive an honor for their contributions to the medium from the Radio Mercury Awards as the 2024 Radio Marketer of the Year.
Boston’s WBUR Reducing Staff 14% Through Layoffs and Buyouts
Boston NPR affiliate WBUR has announced a workforce reduction of up to 14% through a mix of layoffs and voluntary buyouts. The announcement came in an email to staff from WBUR CEO Margaret Low, as part of a broad initiative to stabilize the station's finances.
GOP Lawmaker: FCC Must Stop ‘Soros Shortcut’ To Audacy Stake
US Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) has formally requested FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel prevent a "Soros shortcut" in Soros Fund Management's $400 million debt acquisition from Audacy.
Bay Area KQED Makes Public Radio’s Latest Staff Buyout Offer
Bay Area broadcaster KQED is the latest in public radio to offer staff buyouts as part of an effort to address a growing budget deficit. KQED President Michael Isip informed staff via an email on April 17, saying layoffs or a hiring freeze are also being considered.
WXPN Sets NON-COMMvention Lineup For Triple-A Format
The annual NON-COMMvention conference for public radio music programmers and music industry professionals will be held in Philadelphia from May 7-10. Hosted by WXPN, the event will take place at their facilities and adjoining World Cafe Live venue.
Paige Nienaber’s Midweek Idea Dump: Random Acts Of Coldness
(By Paige Nienaber) You can overthink prizing. I saw The Wolf in Greensboro frame “win $300 a day” as “win school lunches for a year” and break the phones. One of the TSM stations had an $18 haircut to giveaway and did "Last Comment on Facebook."
Let Me Poll My Workers
(By Chris Stonick) I love this one. You’re talking with a prospective client and things feel like they’re going well. Then they say, “Before I sign a contract with you, I’m going to ask my co-workers which radio station they listen to.”
The Prescription For Your Show’s Dysfunction
(By Randy Lane) We often encounter talented team shows with high dysfunction when the mics are off. Some can pull it off and sound cohesive on-air, and with others, it becomes noticeable to the audience. Neither situation is healthy.
Radio Ink’s Cameron Coats Puts NAB Show 2024 ‘InFOCUS’
Radio Ink Online Editor Cameron Coats joined RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam Jacobson for a post-Show conversation on the InFOCUS Podcast to share his observations of what made headlines — and got people talking — at broadcasting's biggest get-together.
Longtime Virginia News Director and Anchor Rob Graham Passes
Saga Communications' Charlottesville Radio Group is mourning the loss of its former long-time WINA News Director and anchor, Rob Graham. Graham passed away over the weekend during a golf trip with his two older brothers. His was 69.
Jay West To Oversee Max Media’s Hampton Road Operations
After announcing staff changes on the cluster's Country station, Max Media of Hampton Roads is promoting Jay West to Operations Manager. West previously held positions in markets including Philadelphia, Houston, Buffalo, Milwaukee, and Albuquerque.
Conservative Radio Host Jesse Kelly Gets Premiere Extension
Premiere Networks has announced a long-term exclusive contract renewal with conservative talk host Jesse Kelly. The US Marine Corps veteran will continue The Jesse Kelly Show on more than 200 stations nationwide and in podcast form.
Mass Layoffs Only A Speedbump On Spotify’s Profitability Path
After a year of heavy layoffs, podcast restructuring, and price raisings, Spotify reported better-than-expected fiscal Q1 2024 earnings, achieving a profit as part of its ongoing "efficiency" strategy. For the quarter, Spotify posted operating income of $179 million.
Hit Podcast ‘Crime Junkie’ Gets Dedicated SiriusXM Channel
SiriusXM has teamed up with audiochuck and its founder Ashley Flowers to launch Crime Junkie Radio, the satellite broadcaster's first dedicated true crime channel. Starting April 26, the channel will feature 24/7 content from the Crime Junkie podcast archives.
Spotify Leaves IAB As Company Further Retools Podcast Policy
As Spotify makes profitability its number one priority, the streamer has taken a step back from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. The company recently ended its membership with the organization, which sets the industry guidelines for podcast listener and download data.
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