Radio

Hometown pride is a very real emotion that likely exists in the majority of Americans from coast to coast. To get a better sense of hometown pride, ask people if they listen a little more intently at the mere mention of their hometown? Do they have an affinity for a local sports team no matter how good or bad they may be? Do they tend to compare other places to their hometown. Have they ever heard a story stemming from a friend’s hometown? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, that is the impact localism has on creating personal relevance and meaningful connections with consumers.

In mid-April, it became known that Univision Communications wants the FCC’s approval to have one of its many wholly owned subsidiaries take on direct ownership of Univision Radio. The subsidiary is based in Mexico, and as such a foreign ownership ruling has been requested of the Commission.

Mike Agovino makes no bones about it: Nielsen Audio and, before that, Arbitron, did a disservice to Hispanic radio in the nation’s No. 1 Spanish-language media marketplace by shifting to Portable People Meter (PPM) exposure-based methodology.  Based on that methodology, Agovino says the E-Plus test results point to “a very healthy state” for Spanish-language radio and its competitive position in Los Angeles.  By Adam Jacobson

It is no secret that Univision Communications, led by CEO Vince Sadusky, has been looking to deleverage. With the September delivery of the privately held company’s Q2 results, Sadusky reiterated a July 3 company statement confirming that Univision’s Board of Directors is reviewing strategic options and that Univision has engaged financial advisors to assist with the process.  By Adam Jacobson

Lotus Communications Flagship Los Angeles Spanish stations KWKW and KFWB announce the promotion of Rebecca Posen to the position of Director of Sales.

AIRE Radio Networks and LaMusica announced that the queen of reggaeton, Ivy Queen, has joined its newly created Latin-artist based marketing platform,

Univision Communications Inc. and Amazon announced that they are partnering in the U.S. to introduce new Spanish-language skills on Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice service.

The analysis examines local broadcasting’s impact on the economy through direct employment, its ripple effect on other industries and as an advertising medium for messaging consumers. Local radio and television’s influence on the national economy as well as all 50 states and the District of Columbia is broken out in the study.

The first step to winning a person’s heart and mind is being relevant, engaging, and eager to capture her attention. It’s the same drill for advertising. Above all, advertising creative is the most important factor for influencing behavior and driving sales.

Univision Los Angeles, part of Univision Communications Inc., announced new programming for KTNQ 1020-AM. Starting this week, the new KTNQ 1020-AM programming slate will cover subjects important to the Latino community in the City of Angels, including sports, community empowerment, politics, health and personal finance.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (“SBS”) announced the appointment of Eduardo Maytorena as Local Sales Manager of the Los Angeles market, KLAX-FM – 97.9FM La Raza and KXOL-FM Mega 96.3FM.

Univision Bay Area announced the re-format of its Uforia station KVVF as Latino Mix 105.7/100.7FM, which now airs Latin Rhythmic music.

Entravision Communications Corporation announced that it will bring listeners the most extensive Spanish language radio broadcast coverage of the upcoming 2019 NFL Centennial season. Entravision will broadcast 46 games across 17 U.S. markets on its owned and operated stations, the most in its multi-year partnership with the NFL which extends through the 2020 NFL season.

In June, I posted two RAB blog posts regarding the upcoming 2020 elections. I stated that PQ Media is forecasting $8.33 billion is going to be spent by candidates and their PACs, as well as by special interest groups supporting/not supporting ballot initiatives or referendums. Radio was predicted to do well, fueled by candidates targeting multicultural audiences.  By Leo Kivijarv, Ph.D., Executive Vice President & Director of Research, PQ Media

With over 15,000 local broadcast radio stations, no other medium informs, entertains or engages better than radio.  Rooted in the community where listeners live, work, go to school or just go about their day, radio connects.  By Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Radio specializes in boosting ad campaigns because it primarily reaches consumers during the day and away from home, when they’re on the go and closest to the point of purchase. This is a powerful advertising proposition, especially when you consider the impact of a captive audience in the car, where most of radio’s out-of-home listening happens. Increasing traffic and commute times aren’t likely to diminish anytime soon.

Entravision Communications Corporation announced that it has realigned its local sales organization and promoted Eddie Melendez to President of Local Media Sales.

The initial product offering, dubbed “E-Plus”, is specifically designed to improve measurement accuracy in large multi-cultural radio markets.

Meruelo Media announced that sales executive Mariano Amador will join the newly reformatted Cali 93.9 (KLLI-FM Los Angeles) as General Sales Manager.

Entravision Communications Corporation announced a radio format change in Sacramento and Modesto, CA with the launch of “Fuego Hot Hits” on KHHM 103.5 FM and KCVR 98.9 FM effective immediately.