Radio

Entravision Communications Corporation announced that it introduced its new radio format called “El Gato” to the Los Angeles market on KDLD/KDLE 103.1 FM beginning on Saturday, January 17th.

You know it’s one thing hearing from your local weatherman that the storm of the century is approaching and it’s quite another living through the actual storm. Such is the case with Arbitron’s newest method of measuring radio listening called PPM.

There has been much written about the effects this measurement would have on our business and how the gross miscalculations of our audience would affect us. It appears that we might have not have taken into account the full dramatic impact this could have on the entire radio industry. For instance, it should be noted that both New York and Los Angeles markets have seen significant downtrends, the likes of which most of us have never witnessed.

Clear Channel Radio announced that its Spanish-language programming initiative, La Preciosa Network, has named Spanish radio personality icon Humberto Luna as its new morning show host. “El Show de Humberto Luna” will launch on January 20th, airing from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM PCT.

Entravision Communications Corporation announced that it is converting several of its radio stations to its popular “José” format, a mix of Spanish-language Adult Contemporary hits from the 1970s to the present. Targeting Hispanic adults 25 to 54, featured music on José includes Luis Miguel, Los Angeles Azules, Marco Antonio Solis, Los Bukis, Alejandro Fernandez, and Jenni Rivera.

Arbitron Inc. announced that it has joined in a Final Consent Judgment with the Attorney General of New Jersey (NJAG) that will resolve all claims against Arbitron that were alleged in the lawsuit filed by the NJAG in the Superior Court of New Jersey for Middlesex County on October 9, 2008.

Arbitron Inc. announced that it has joined in a Stipulated Order on Consent with the Attorney General of the State of New York (NYAG) that will resolve all claims against Arbitron that were alleged in the lawsuit filed by the NYAG in New York County Supreme Court on October 9, 2008.

By the end of 2008 the radio industry will have experienced its second year of negative growth by tripling station revenue losses to -7 percent, according to the estimates of BIA Advisory Services.

According to the office of Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Jonathan Adelstein, he has requested that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to initiate a formal investigation into Arbitron’s launch of its Portable People Meter (PPM) service nationwide, based on accusations by minority broadcasters that the PPM short-counts the minority audience. According to Radio & Records magazine.

Cumulus Media Inc. and The Nielsen Company announced that starting in 2009 Nielsen will provide audience measurement and radio ratings in 50 small- and mid-sized US markets.