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From Radio Online: Unionized podcast workers at iHeartMedia, represented by the Writers Guild of America East, have lodged an unfair labor practice complaint against their employer with the National Labor Relations Board, reports the Hollywood Reporter. The employees accuse the media giant of intimidation tactics and More...

From Radio Online: Gemini XIII and MyJourney Technologies launch PodJourney, a coaching platform designed for podcasters seeking one-on-one support from industry experts. PodJourney helps podcasters expand their audience and find a path to monetization through its unique tool set and network of coaches. Developed by More...

From Radio Online: Yea Networks syndicated "The Greg Beharrell Show'' adds 13 new markets. The show can now be found in mornings at Mid-West Family Broadcasting's Alternative 106.1 WQYQ/St. Joseph, late nights on Federated Media Active WRBR (Rock 103.9)/South Bend, nights on Saga's WZZP (Rock 97.5)/Hopkinsville and nights on More...

From Radio Online: O'Reilly Auto Parts will be recognized as the 2024 Radio Mercury Awards "Radio Marketer of the Year" Award in recognition of the company's longstanding use of radio to empower consumers and build their brand. O'Reilly Auto Parts has made radio central to its marketing activities to More...

From Radio Online: The Radio Television Digital News Association has announced Kristie Anderson, Assistant News Director at WXIA in Atlanta, has been selected as the 2024 recipient of RTDNA's Loren Tobia Leadership Award. The award is given annually to a journalist who exemplifies true leadership within their company or More...

From Radio Insight: After initiating contractual buyout offers last month in an attempt to prevent layoffs, Boston University Public News/Talk 90.9 WBUR-FM Boston has stated that despite 24 employees volunteering, they will also lay off four full-time staffers, three part-timers, and eliminate nine vacant positions. WBUR CEO Margaret Low says that four senior managers will take the buyouts and exit the station on Friday, May 10. They are: Executive Director of Business Partnerships Pete Matthews, Senior Director of Finance Del Reese, Director of Membership & Campaign Strategy Mike Steffon, and Executive Director of Engineering, Operations and IT Karl Voelker. The number may rise as there is still a May 1 deadline on accepting the buyouts. Among other changes to be made due to the cuts, WBUR will cut local evening newscasts after 8pm. All Things Considered anchor Lisa Mullins will also anchor the 7 and 8pm newscasts. Sharon Brody will continue to anchor Weekend Edition, but add hourly newscasts through 3pm. The station’s daily podcast “The Common” will transition to a weekly production, while expanding its on-air and digital content and allow host Darryl C. Murphy to contribute further to “Field Guide to Boston”. Low’s memo to staff follows: Dear All, I’m writing with an important update ? the last phase of our plan to significantly reduce WBUR’s expenses. As I’ve shared, we need to begin FY25 with a budget that is $4 million lower than this year. You all understand our financial woes, so I won’t belabor those here. I will begin with the hardest news. We are laying off seven people, including three part-time colleagues. This means valued co-workers are losing their jobs and will leave WBUR before the end of June. We’ve already spoken to everyone who is immediately affected by these changes. It’s painful to lose longtime colleagues and friends and we’ll make time in the weeks ahead to recognize those who will depart. For now, we’ll leave it to individuals to share their personal news as they see fit. We’re also hopeful that some of those who were notified today will find new opportunities at WBUR. In the meantime, a little later in this note, I will capture some of the changes we’ll be making in light of this news. The Voluntary Program First, I want to brief you on the status of the Voluntary Program. Twenty-four colleagues have elected to participate. The number of people who raised their hand allowed us to limit the number of layoffs. It also creates opportunity, as we will need to fill some ? though not all ? of the newly vacant jobs. We will plan to share all jobs as they open up in The Update. Among those taking the package are four members of the senior leadership team: Pete Matthews, Del Reese, Mike Steffon*and Karl Voelker. This is a significant loss of institutional history. It’s worth noting that three of the four have been at WBUR (or Boston University) for more than 25 years. They all saw the Voluntary Program as a rare opportunity to turn the page and do something new. For the time being, Deb Taylor and I will manage the direct reports of these four leaders and take a little time to rethink our organizational structure. Beyond those four colleagues, 20 others raised their hands. But that number won’t be firm until Wednesday, May 1 when participants must formally commit to the Voluntary Program. I won’t try to characterize what led people to choose this path ? the reasons are many. Everything from being ready to retire to a chance for another chapter. We recognize that the departure of so many colleagues will be a significant change for WBUR and it will take time to absorb it all. This group’s last day will be Friday, May 10 and between now and then, we will work with team leaders to make the transition as smooth as possible. More on this in the days ahead. Other Expense Reductions Beyond the Voluntary Program and the layoffs, we will reduce expenses across the board. Most notably, we are eliminating nine unfilled positions, cutting travel costs, spending less or negotiating lower rates on contracted services. A small but not insignificant item ? we will no longer buy Peet’s Coffee. Thanks to our Business Partnerships team, we now have a trade deal with a local coffee roaster ? Fazenda. This will save WBUR thousands of dollars a year. Finally, we will no longer cover cell phone costs for any non-represented colleagues. As you know, we made the decision to find $4 million in expense savings starting in FY25, because this will put us on a better financial course. FY25 will be another year of deficit spending as we map a path to sustainability. Which we are doing. It’s our belief that $4 million dollars in cost reductions was as much as this organization could bear. Many people advised us to cut deeper than we needed to. We did not do that because we don’t think you can cut your way to success. We need the runway ? a little more time ? to build the resources necessary so WBUR can thrive for decades to come. Changes to Weeknight and Weekend newscasts There are some programming implications to the departures, too. Let me try to break it down as simply as I can. Starting sometime before the end of the fiscal year, our last local newscast will be at 8 p.m. every weeknight. In addition to hosting All Things Considered, Lisa Mullins will also anchor the 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. newscasts. On weekends, Sharon Brody*will continue to host Weekend Edition on both Saturday and Sunday. She will also anchor hourly newscasts and local continuity until 3 p.m. A New Chapter for The Common After 15 months, and more than 300 original episodes, The Common has become a core dimension of who we are and what we sound like. Thanks to a gifted team, the show is attracting a new, younger and more diverse audience for WBUR. At the same time, we haven’t seen the audience and revenue growth we were hoping for. This is why the next era of The Common will be all about expanding the show’s presence on our local air, our digital platforms, in the community, and for Darryl C. Murphy to be an even bigger contributor to Field Guide to Boston. With all that, we remain enthusiastic about the podcast and its potential. So The Common will become a weekly show, with much the same format and identity ? just a different cadence. We plan to make this change sometime before the end of the fiscal year, and we’ll work with the team to figure out the right timeline. We’ll then focus our resources on building out the show’s original reporting on multiple WBUR channels ? amplifying Darryl and the show’s brand and, as always, bringing the best work of our newsroom right back onto The Common. The team will continue to report to WBUR Podcasts. Our Path Forward While we’ve had to make very difficult decisions in the last few weeks, I’m confident that WBUR has a bright future. In large measure because of our shared commitment to five strategic pillars: Focus on Editorial Excellence Grow the Audience Deepen Engagement Future-Proof Revenue Make WBUR an Exceptional Place to Work It’s paying off. We are the #1 news station in Boston. For 14 months and counting. We have a 6.4 share in a market with two public radio stations. That’s double, even triple what some other major market stations can claim. Our journalism is stronger than ever. Just this week, Walter Wuthmann*published a big investigative scoop about police failing to take action against an accused serial rapist, despite DNA evidence pointing to a string of crimes over years before he was finally arrested. Our listening audience is growing steadily and our digital numbers are on the rise, too ? WBUR newsletters and podcasts have legions of loyal fans. Beyond All Repair, Amory Sivertson‘s*10-part series about an unsolved murder, shot up the Apple Podcast Charts to #2. Ahead of Serial and The Daily. That’s extraordinary. CitySpace is buzzing with live events many nights a week. Tomorrow night, Robin Young will be on stage with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The event sold out in an instant. Here & Now and On Point*reach millions of people across the country each week. On Point‘s audience grew by nearly 50% year over year ? after many stations across the country added the show. We’re in the midst of a digital transformation ? our Catapult Initiative ?* modernizing our technology to personalize our relationships with everyone who engages with WBUR. That will roll out in June. Thanks to the smarts and relentless hard work of dozens of future-focused colleagues across the organization. At the same time, our audience heard our clarion call and gave more generously than they ever have before. There are millions of people in Boston and beyond who count on us and can’t imagine a day without WBUR. Our Comprehensive Capital Campaign is off to an impressive start and every one of our sellers on the Business Partnerships team bleeds WBUR. I believe in them and know they will deliver for us in the months and years ahead. In Closing There is so much for all of us to be proud of, but I recognize that this has been a tough period for everyone at WBUR. Change of this magnitude is very hard. Before I sign off, I want to underscore how thankful I am for all of you. To a person, you have been thoughtful, generous and creative ? as we searched for solutions together. You all rallied to help secure WBUR’s future and, at the same time, you?ve been looking out for one another. Please continue to do that. Even in one of our hardest hours, I’m so proud to lead this organization. I have said many times that WBUR is brimming with talent and ambition. We’re also an organization filled with really wonderful people. Your collective humanity shines through at every turn. To those who are leaving, I’m endlessly grateful for the time you’ve devoted to WBUR. We are better because you were here. You will exit with my profound gratitude and a promise to build on the legacy you leave behind. To those who are staying ? thank you for everything you do to make WBUR such a special place. What unites us is a shared belief in our mission and a deep caring for one another. That is what will allow us to press on and continue to do exceptional work. With admiration and appreciation, Margaret Low Chief Executive Officer WBUR more

From Radio Insight: YEA Networks has announced that the Greg Beharrell Show has added thirteen new affiliates in the United States and Canada bringing his show to over 65 affiliates on the continent. Beharrell’s show has been added for mornings at Mid-West Family Broadcasting Alternative 106.1 WQYQ St. Joseph MI, nights at Saga Communications Rock “Z97.5” WZZP Clarksville TN, late nights at Federated Media Active Rock “103.9 The Bear” WRBR South Bend IN, and on ten of Pattinson Media’s Variety Hits stations in Canada. Mid-West Family/Michigan PD Bill Gamble said, “It is really difficult to underestimate Greg Beharrell.” Beharrell commented, “This is something I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams which is odd because one does have a subconscious semblance of control when in a dreamlike state, so you would think I?d choose to dream myself a better imagination within my dreams. For information on adding TGBS, or utilizing Beharrell as imaging VO, you can contact YEA Networks Director of Affiliate Sales, Scott Kerr through email (scott@yeanetworks.com), phone (843-270-2836), or skywriting (cursive only).* more

From Radio Insight: A round of layoffs is ongoing today at Audacy. No names have come forward yet as being affected, but company sources indicate approximately just under 100 employees will be affected today. We have heard of affected staffers at the company’s News stations and Traffic Weather Information Network affected so far. We will update this story with more details as they become available. more

From Radio Insight: Radiodays North America brings the programming and pro-radio attitude of Radiodays Europe to Toronto on June 2-4, in conjunction with the successful and world-focused Canadian Music Week conference. In the weeks leading to RDNA, we?ll spotlight the topics and people headlining RDNA. Last week, we featured BBC Director of Music Lorna Clarke and three of her radio stations. We?ve also interviewed RDNA show-runner and veteran Canadian programmer Ross Davies about his goals for the conference. Here are a few of the other highlights announced so far, with more to come: Promotions: Veteran promotions guru Paige Nienaber wraps up Monday?s sessions with ?20 Electrifying No/Low Budget Promotions That Will Grab People?s Attention.? Earlier that afternoon, talent consultant Craig Bruce offers ?The Inside Story on the #1 Viral Radio Moment of 2023,? specifically ?Girl Maths? on New Zealand?s Top 40 ZM Radio. On Tuesday afternoon, TikTok Talks brings together four content creators, including Lauren Hunter, the CHDI (Sonic 102.9) Edmonton p.m. driver responsible for one of the greatest stunts of recent years: getting City Hall renamed the Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavillion, at least temporarily.* AI: Sessions on AI begin with ?Harmonizing AI and Gen Z: Reshaping the Future of Radio, Music, and Streaming,? a keynote featuring Suzy founder/CEO Matt Britton. On Tuesday, co-founder/CEO Zack Zalon, whose Super HiFi won several awards for 2024 Product of the Year at the NAB convention this week, will lead attendees through ?An AI Workshop: Let?s Build a Radio Station.? * Britton and Zalon will also take part in a Monday roundtable discussion, the presciently named ?The Award Goes to AI,? moderated by CHUM Toronto p.m. driver Josie Dye. Podcasting: Sunday?s Podcast Power-Up Summit brings together Podnews editor James Cridland, Magnificent Noise?s Eric Nuzum, ABC News?s Laura Mayer, Gumball?s Dane Cardeil for an ?Ask the Experts? panel. Nuzum will also address ?Why Podcasts Fail,? while Jumpers Jump co-hosts Carlos Juico & Gavin Ruta will be interviewed in ?The Next Generation of Podcasting.? During Monday?s general sessions, Nuzum, Mayer, and Cardeil will be joined by CBC Podcasts? Arif Noorani, Pacific Content?s Matt Mise, Signal Hill?s Paul Riismandel, and Triton Digital?s Sharon Taylor to discuss ?The Future of Podcasting.? On Tuesday, Amplifi Media?s Steve Goldstein moderates a discussion on ?Podcast Pivots: From Broadcast to Podcast,? also featuring Hubbard Radio?s Jeremy Sinon.* Other talent-related sessions include ?Building a Benchmark,? featuring Bruce, CHUM-FM Toronto morning host Jamar ?JNiice? McNeil, and Stingray Media National Talent Development Director Josie Fenech; ?The Art of the Interview,? and ?Balanced Journalism in an Unbalanced World.? Other highlights include Cridland?s ?Cool Tools for Radio Stations,? ?What You Should be Telling Everyone About Radio,? featuring Edison Research?s Gabriel Soto and Signal Hill Insights? Matt Hird, and ?Lessons from Down Under: Why the Radio Industry Is Thriving in Australia,? featuring John Musgrove from Australia?s CRA and Australian-turned-Canadian-PD Ronnie Stanton, now Chief Content Officer of Virgin Radio International.* ?Keeping Throwback Radio Moving Forward? features Audacy VP/Rhythmic AC & Throwbacks/WXBK (The Block) PD Skip Dillard, CJOT (Boom 99.7) Ottawa PD Stephanie Hunter, and the author in a discussion on the State of Classic Hits radio. Included in the presentation will be a look at ?What Classic Hits Radio Added,? always a popular Ross on Radio column each year. Look for more announcements on panels and panelists. A full schedule rundown is available here.* more

From Radio Insight: Capitol Broadcasting Company has announced it has agreed to an expanded partnership with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers through the 2027 season. The deal will see the Panthers game broadcasts in the Raleigh/Durham market move from Capitol’s “99.9 The Fan” WCMC-FM to the combination of AC “Mix 101.5” WRAL-FM and “Buzz Sports Radio” 620 WDNC/1550 WCLY/WCMC-HD2. “Panther Talk” featuring Head Coach Dave Canales will continue on WCMC-FM on Monday nights. Capitol VP/GM Brian Grube states, “Mix 101.5 is focused on our local community. That commitment is evident from our local partnerships and fundraisers to our talented team of local on-air hosts. We know from the engagement we see with all our stations that local sports are extremely important to our passionate audiences. We are excited to make Carolina Panthers games available to Triangle fans on CBC?s strongest radio station.” Panthers Affiliate Manager Eric Fiddleman adds, “We are extremely pleased to augment an exceptional multi-media broadcasting partnership between the Panthers and Capitol Broadcasting. The addition of one of the largest radio signals in North Carolina in MIX 101.5, coupled with the simulcast on The Buzz and a continued presence on 99.9 The Fan, will provide ample listening opportunities for fans of the Panthers/NFL in the Triangle and well beyond. CBC?s radio and television stations are much appreciated partners. These affiliations are a crucial element of our efforts to best serve the fan base.” The move also allows to eliminate overlap with Carolina Hurricanes hockey broadcasts, which will continue to air on WCMC-FM. more

From Radio Insight: On the heels of launching Classic Hits ?Retro 94.7? on Reina Broadcasting’s KBSO Corpus Christi and ?Retro Tejano 104.1? on Radio KCCT Inc’s 1150 KCCT/104.1 K281AV Corpus Christi in January, Ed Oca?as’ Retro Radio LLC has launched a third “Retro” branded station has launched in the market. Claro Communications’ “Brush Country 105.9” KUKA San Diego TX and Bill Doerner’s 103.3 K277BL Corpus Christi have relaunched as Classic Country “Retro Country 105.9/103.3“. The new brand is focusing on music from the mid-1980s to mid-2000s with some Texas/Red Dirt Country mixed in. more

From Radio Insight: more

From Radio Online: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to prohibit non-compete agreements on Tuesday. This decision, subject to ongoing legal challenges, will render existing non-compete clauses unenforceable for the vast majority of employees within 120 days. However, certain senior executives will still be covered More...

From Radio Online: In the digital age, social media platforms have become more than just places to connect -- as they are sources for cultural discovery. The latest findings from The Infinite Dial 2024, supported by Audacy, Cumulus Media and SiriusXM Media, unveil how platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are also More...

From Radio Online: The Carolina Panthers and Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC) have expanded their partnership to air live Panthers games in the Triangle region on WRAL-FM (Mix 101.5) in Raleigh, beginning this fall. This contract extension through 2027 will make play-by-play broadcasts for all More...

From Radio Insight: Saga Communications is making talent changes across its Columbus OH cluster. Dino Tripodis and Stacy McKay have departed mornings at AC ?Sunny 95? 94.7 WSNY. Both were on their second stints at the station. Tripodis originally hosted mornings at WSNY from 1994 to 2018 and then returned in July 2021. He is also an actor, producer, and stand-up comedian. McKay hosted mornings alongside Tripodis from 1994 until 2007. After a brief stint at Christian AC “104.9 The River” WCVO, McKay returned to mornings at WSNY in 2010. Also departing with the show were longtime cluster News Director Clark Donley and producer Greg Hansberry. Donley spent 31 years at WSNY and was also previously a sports anchor for WSYX-TV. Hansberry served as producer from 2012-14 and again since 2016. In between he co-hosted mornings at WCVO. Prior to arriving in Columbus, Hansberry worked at WIBC Indianapolis, and both WLUP and CBS Radio Chicago. ‘Andre Styles’ Friederich exits as cluster Events Director and morning host at Hot AC “Mix 107.9” WVMX Westerville. Friederich joined the cluster as a promotions assistant and fill-in host in 2010 before rising to Events Director the following year. He added afternoons at WVMX in 2013 and moved to mornings in 2015. He shares on Instagram, “After 14 years, my time with Saga and Mix 107.9 is unfortunately over with. To say I?m shocked is an understatement. The amount of years, days, hours I put in. A lot of hours not at home. Going in when sick, late at night, early in the morning, during Covid and more. Some said the face, voice and heart beat of Mix. It sucks! But I met so many great people, artists, bands. The memories are forever. I don?t know what?s next but my family and I will make it through somehow.” The cuts follow ‘Miss Lisa’ Bryant exiting afternoons at WSNY and mornings at Classic Hits “Rewind 103.5/104.3” WNND Pickering/WNNP Richwood at the end of March. Bryant joined WSNY in 2016 after long runs at stations in the market including Country 92.3 WCOL and “K95.5” WHOK-FM. Saga is seeking a new morning host for WNND/WNNP. The posting says, “We are looking for someone that does not talk to the audience but connects with it. Someone who enjoys getting to know the listeners and making appearances. Someone who loves social media, getting in front of a camera and becoming the face of their station. Someone who is not afraid of tough competition.” more

From Radio Online: iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports and#43; Entertainment today announced a new partnership to launch the Women's Sports Audio Network (WSAN), the first-ever audio platform dedicated to women's sports. The new audio platform is dedicated to covering women's sports competitions, including athletes' stories on and More...

From Radio Online: NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of NAB through 2029. He's been with NAB for over a decade. During LeGeyt's tenure, the organization has advocated for policies that level the playing field with big tech, enable access to AM radio in the More...

From Radio Insight: NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of NAB through 2029, NAB Joint Board Chair Perry Sook announced today. LeGeyt has been with NAB for over a decade, demonstrating exceptional leadership on behalf of America?s radio and television broadcasters. ?NAB and its members are thrilled to have Curtis LeGeyt leading our advocacy efforts in Washington and delighted about his contract extension,? said Sook, Chairman and CEO of Nexstar Media Group. ?Curtis has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and an unwavering dedication to the future of broadcasting, ensuring NAB remains at the forefront of innovation. We are confident in his ability to drive continued success for NAB and its members.? “I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the leadership of NAB,? said LeGeyt. ?Representing the broadcast television and radio stations that unite our communities during this transformative period in media is a privilege. The growing importance of our stations in delivering news and information Americans can trust drives my commitment to this vital industry. I am grateful for the faith placed in me by the NAB Board of Directors and our members, and I am committed to an innovation agenda that allows local TV and radio to thrive well into the future for the betterment of our communities.” During LeGeyt?s tenure as president and CEO, the organization has successfully advocated for policies that level the playing field with big tech, enable access to AM radio in the automobile, prevent a new radio performance fee and further the deployment of ATSC 3.0. Additionally, NAB achieved a significant reduction in broadcast regulatory fees for local stations and successfully litigated for the Federal Communications Commission to provide a meaningful review of broadcast ownership rules. LeGeyt has also provided steady leadership and strategic direction for the revitalization of NAB Show in the post-COVID era. This successful event, which took place last week in Las Vegas, Nev., is synonymous with innovation in broadcasting and is the world?s largest media and entertainment conference. Strong revenue from NAB Show and its marquee events, combined with support from association members, has contributed to NAB?s fiscal health and long-term security more

From Radio Insight: The Federal Trade Commission voted today by a 3-2 margin to ban non-compete agreements in contracts. Under the new rule, which will take effect in 120 days pending litigation, existing noncompetes for the vast majority of workers will no longer be enforceable after the rule?s effective date. Some senior executive noncompetes, which the FTC says represents less than 0.75% of all workers, can remain in force under the final rule but employers are banned from entering into or attempting to enforce any new noncompetes even for senior executives. Employers will be required to provide notice to workers other than senior executives who are bound by an existing noncompete that they will not be enforcing any noncompetes against them. Today, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule to promote competition by banning noncompetes nationwide, protecting the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation. ?Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new startups that would be created a year once noncompetes are banned,? said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. ?The FTC?s final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market.? The FTC estimates that the final rule banning noncompetes will lead to new business formation growing by 2.7% per year, resulting in more than 8,500 additional new businesses created each year. The final rule is expected to result in higher earnings for workers, with estimated earnings increasing for the average worker by an additional $524 per year, and it is expected to lower health care costs by up to $194 billion over the next decade. In addition, the final rule is expected to help drive innovation, leading to an estimated average increase of 17,000 to 29,000 more patents each year for the next 10 years under the final rule. Noncompetes are a widespread and often exploitative practice imposing contractual conditions that prevent workers from taking a new job or starting a new business. Noncompetes often force workers to either stay in a job they want to leave or bear other significant harms and costs, such as being forced to switch to a lower-paying field, being forced to relocate, being forced to leave the workforce altogether, or being forced to defend against expensive litigation. An estimated 30 million workers?nearly one in five Americans?are subject to a noncompete. Under the FTC?s new rule, existing noncompetes for the vast majority of workers will no longer be enforceable after the rule?s effective date.*Existing noncompetes for senior executives – who represent less than 0.75% of workers – can remain in force under the FTC?s final rule, but employers are banned from entering into or attempting to enforce any new noncompetes, even if they involve senior executives.*Employers will be required to provide notice to workers other than senior executives who are bound by an existing noncompete that they will not be enforcing any noncompetes against them. In January 2023, the FTC issued a*proposed rule which was subject to a 90-day public comment period. The FTC received more than 26,000 comments on the proposed rule, with over 25,000 comments in support of the FTC?s proposed ban on noncompetes. The comments informed the FTC?s final rulemaking process, with the FTC carefully reviewing each comment and making changes to the proposed rule in response to the public?s feedback. In the final rule, the Commission has determined that it is an unfair method of competition, and therefore a violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, for employers to enter into noncompetes with workers and to enforce certain noncompetes. The Commission found that noncompetes tend to negatively affect competitive conditions in labor markets by inhibiting efficient matching between workers and employers. The Commission also found that noncompetes tend to negatively affect competitive conditions in product and service markets, inhibiting new business formation and innovation. There is also evidence that noncompetes lead to increased market concentration and higher prices for consumers. Alternatives to NoncompetesThe Commission found that employers have several alternatives to noncompetes that still enable firms to protect their investments without having to enforce a noncompete. Trade secret laws and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) both provide employers with well-established means to protect proprietary and other sensitive information. Researchers estimate that over 95% of workers with a noncompete already have an NDA. The Commission also finds that instead of using noncompetes to lock in workers, employers that wish to retain employees can compete on the merits for the worker?s labor services by improving wages and working conditions. Changes from the NPRMUnder the final rule, existing noncompetes for senior executives can remain in force. Employers, however, are prohibited from entering into or enforcing new noncompetes with senior executives. The final rule defines senior executives as workers earning more than $151,164 annually and who are in policy-making positions. Additionally, the Commission has eliminated a provision in the proposed rule that would have required employers to legally modify existing noncompetes by formally rescinding them. That change will help to streamline compliance. Instead, under the final rule, employers will simply have to provide notice to workers bound to an existing noncompete that the noncompete agreement will not be enforced against them in the future. To aid employers? compliance with this requirement, the Commission has included model language in the final rule that employers can use to communicate to workers. The Commission vote to approve the issuance of the final rule was 3-2 with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson voting no. Commissioners? written statements will follow at a later date. The*final rule will become effective 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. Once the rule is effective, market participants can report information about a suspected violation of the rule to the Bureau of Competition by emailing*noncompete@ftc.gov. more

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia is partnering with Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment to launch Women?s Sports Audio Network (WSAN). The new brand is described as the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women?s sports podcasts, daily sports reports, spotlights and audio vignettes, social content, promotion and industry event presence, and will be available across iHeartMedia?s broadcast, digital and podcast platforms and everywhere podcasts are heard. Deep Blue, which provides agency services including strategy, media, creative, and experiential to brands who seek to directly and intentionally invest and tell stories in the women?s sports space, is led by Founder/CEO Laura Correnti and former WNBA star Sue Bird as Chief Strategy Officer. The new WSAN will offer talent and programming year-round with talent such as former ESPN personality Sarah Spain and former WNBA and US Olympic Basketball star Sheryl Swoopes among the first talent brought on board. iHeart has committed to running dedicated women’s sports reports daily across its network of over 500 stations and digital streams serving multiple formats. Deep Blue CEO Correnti stated, “While women?s sports continue to break ratings and attendance records on a seemingly regular basis ? it?s imperative the media marketplace and commercial investment keep pace to not just meet consumer demand, but sustain this growth market. By partnering with iHeartMedia, we?re unlocking the ability to immediately share more women?s sports stories with more fans while addressing the need for more discovery, visibility and scale ? a common pain point for the advertising and media marketplace in this space. This partnership effectively moves the coverage of women?s sports from 15% to 90% overnight through the power of audio.” iHeartMedia Chief Marketing Officer Gayle Troberman added, “Women?s sports are on fire and so is audio. The timing is perfect to deliver on the massive fan excitement today and most importantly use the power of iHeart?s massive audience reach to ensure women?s sports gets the attention it deserves. We all win when the athletes, the fans and the brands get to play together every day in the biggest audio arena on the planet at iHeart.” more

From Radio Insight: There is encouragement for Top 40 radio, and radio overall, in Top 40?s last near-extinction-level-event. In 1993-94, the format was upstaged by Hip-Hop/R&B, by the ?new rock revolution? at Alternative radio, and by the Country radio that both listeners and stations had fled to. In 1995, Top 40 began making its way back. In the year before ?Macarena,? and the year before the year before teen pop returned to American radio, the hits that doled out hope to Top 40 PDs every few weeks came from a few places. There were Real McCoy and Corona, helping dance ramp up for the following year?s explosion. There were Green Day and Live. There were TLC and Montell Jordan, although their hits got way less CHR airplay than you would think now. And it took two years for Top 40 to play Notorious B.I.G. at all. In 1995, there was, in particular, a surprising amount of acoustic pop/rock from Sheryl Crow, Hootie and the Blowfish, Melissa Etheridge, Blues Traveler, and the Dave Matthews Band. (Martin Page?s ?In the House of Stone and Light? went in that pile, too, at the time, although it doesn?t endure the same way.) Most had the endorsement of Alternative radio, but they also had the rootsy/folky aspects that only find an opening at pop radio at odd intervals.* The acoustic-leaning pop hitmakers of 1995 weren?t yet defined as Triple-A acts. By the end of the year, they had become Modern AC acts, as that format took shape around them. Mostly, they were the artists that helped CHR reclaim some of the listeners who had liked early ?90s country (particularly Garth Brooks) for its connection to ?70s mellow rock, something confirmed by Hootie’s Darius Rucker later landing in Country. “Only Wanna Be With You” feels like just another ’90s AC song now, but an uptempo Hootie hit after two ballads was a big deal then. During CHR?s doldrums, I am often vulnerable to seizing on any signs of a turnaround. ?Two Princes? by Spin Doctors wasn?t the record that began CHR?s turnaround in 1993. It was the song that burned beyond listenability for many at the time because Top 40 had nothing else to play for the next four years. Writing for Billboard during those years, I would pitch a trend story as soon as there were three hits of the same type to write about. But it is interesting to look at Teddy Swims?s ?Lose Control? and Benson Boone?s ?Beautiful Things? at Nos. 1 and 2; a second Noah Kahan hit, now cracking the top 10; and Hozier?s ?Too Sweet? and wonder if we are in a transition year of the sort that 1995 represented. Swims and Kahan began at Triple-A. Only the streaming success of ?Eat Your Young? a year ago offered any hint that Hozier might return to Top 40 from a permanent residency there. A year ago, the trend story was the surge of Country crossovers. In 1993-94, CHR tried to combat Country?s popularity by mostly ignoring it. Last year, with not enough hits of its own, Top 40 was willing to play Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs. By early this year, it was starting to regret that decision. ?Lose Control? offers a similar raw earnestness to Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson?s ?Save Me,? the biggest current crossover title, but it doesn?t have to be shared with a bigger format. ?Too Sweet? is something else: an uptempo record, not neo-disco, already generating enough social media and streaming activity to arrive at radio as a hit. On the morning of its release, I thought ?CHR could play that.? Almost immediately, KMVQ (99.7 Now) San Francisco was. It also benefits from being the song-you-didn?t-expect-from-a-particular artist. ?Rolling in the Deep? was that more than a decade ago. So, recently, was ?Greedy.? April 2024 is not April 1995, when every current-based format except CHR was vital. Consolidation was already in progress, and the effects of the early-?90s recession were already being cited as part of the drive to bless it through legislation, but only Top 40?s future was in doubt, not that of radio. In 1995, not every market yet had a viable CHR again. It would take the well-financed launch of WKTU New York in 1996 to create that momentum. Could radio create a galvanizing station of that sort again? There is one more odd parallel to 1995, though. April?s almost-hits included the intersection of Euro-dance and Country that was ?Cotton Eye Joe? by Rednex. Beyonc? might well have heard that one in Houston?s clubs, but Country radio declared its interest quickly, even in Houston, where that song actually had a recent history on Country radio.* As new music struggles against the advantages of older music at the moment, galvanizing songs of any sort are encouraging as we head for May 23 and the song of summer handicap. As I write this, we will have new Taylor Swift music within hours. Having a strong suite of potential hits ? already plenty of uptempo dance as well as the event of the Beyonc? album and its multiple playable songs ? is good news for radio in general. What will we do with it? more

From Radio Online: Latin music revenues in the U.S. outpaced the overall market for a second consecutive time, hitting $1.4 billion and representing 16% growth over 2022. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released a revenue report on Tuesday capturing the ways fans listen and engage with the genre as it More...

From Radio Online: Premiere Networks inks a long-term agreement with Jesse Kelly to renew and extend his relationship with the company, effective immediately. Under the new deal, Kelly will continue his role as host of "The Jesse Kelly Show," which airs on more than 200 stations in markets including WOR-AM/New York, More...

From Radio Online: Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) recently introduced H.R.8072, Broadcast VOICES Act, in the House and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the legislation in the Senate, S.4158. The bill would direct the FCC to take certain actions to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry, and for other More...

From Radio Online: Lemonada Media has announced launch details for "Fail Better," a new original podcast hosted by actor, writer, director, author and singer/songwriter David Duchovny. Launching May 7, each week Duchovny will explore the topic of failure in all its forms, from the professional to the personal, and the ways in More...

From Radio Online: RAB, BMI and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), have announced the dates for the 16th annual Rising Through the Ranks. The program will begin with one virtual event taking place from 11am-2pm CT on August 13, prior to the participants meeting in person on August 20-22 in Nashville. As in years More...

From Radio Online: Max Media promotes market and radio veteran Jay West to Operations Manager of its Hampton Roads cluster. Before rejoining Max Media in January, 2020 to become afternoon personality and subsequently Brand Manager for WTWV-FM (92.9 The Wave) in Norfolk, West made stops at WIOQ andamp; WBEB in Philadelphia, KNRJ in More...

From Radio Online: Audacy is launching Audacy Sports to deliver a selling proposition to the ad-buying marketplace. Aggregating its broadcast, digital and podcast inventory under Audacy Sports unleashes an opportunity for advertisers to connect with some 43 million monthly listeners across the company's sports portfolio. This More...

From Radio Insight: Max Media has promoted Jay West to Operations Manager of its Norfolk VA cluster. West joined the company in January 2020 as afternoon host at AC ?92.9 The Wave? WTWV-FM Suffolk and rose to Program Director of the station two months later. He previously spent nine years as APD/MD/afternoon host at Rhythmic CHR ?Z104? 104.5 WNVZ from 1995-2004 followed by a fourteen year run at Sinclair Communications where he hosted afternoons at Variety Hits ?93.7 Bob-FM? WPYA and programmed short-lived CHR ?106.1 The Zone? WZNR until his exit in July 2018. Earlier in his career, West worked at WIOQ & WBEB Philadelphia, KNRJ Houston, WKSE Buffalo, WLUM Milwaukee and KIVA Albuquerque. VP/Market Manager Keith Barton stated, “I am very excited to announce Jay West’s promotion to Operations Manager. Jay’s exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of our industry make him the ideal candidate to lead our team. We are confident that his strategic vision and passion for excellence will drive continued success for this cluster of stations” West commented, “The Max Media cluster in Hampton Roads is poised for greater successes. Our brands are focused, and I?m elated to have the privilege to lead this extraordinary team for Vice President and Market Manager Keith Barton.” West takes the Operations Manager role that had most recently been held by Mike ‘Moose’ Smith. Smith joined Max Media in September 2022 and exited last month. more