(July 4, 2008 – Toronto ON) – The Globe and Mail.com is reporting today that Clear Channel Communications Inc., which shortened its commercial breaks in 2004 in a bid to raise ad rates and lure audiences back from the Internet, iPods and satellite radio, the idea was dubbed Less is More. As in, fewer ads sold to a bigger audience at a higher price equals more commercial revenue. TDGA Members can read more by clicking on the headline above this article.

(Washington DC – July 3, 2008) - The FCC and the Environmental Protection Agency are taking steps to provide information to consumers about the upcoming digital television transition. A two-page fact sheet developed by the two agencies, available at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvrecycle.html, emphasizes that no one will have to replace an analog set and outlines opportunities for recycling for those who want to replace their sets. The fact sheet claimt itself to be another example of how the FCC is working with other federal, state, local and tribal agencies to minimize the potential burden the digital transition could impose on consumers. It also informs consumers about the presumed benefits of the transition.TDGA Members can read more by clocking on the headline above.

Credit Radio & Records for being the first to break this story. Clear Channel Radio has announced a major re-shuffling of their chain of command. In a Story by  R&R’s Mike Boyle, they report that Clear Channel president and CEO John Hogan, fresh off his own 5-year contract renewal, announced on a conference call a new senior management lineup of executive VPs of operations (EVPO) and senior VPs of operations (SVPO) overseeing markets based on size. The article says the move by Hogan has put the finishing touches on his new management structure by announcing an executive VP of programming (EVPP) and senior VPs of programming (SVPP). TDGA Members can read more by clicking on the headline above this paragraph.

Limbaugh

(Los Angeles CA – July 2, 2008) - Rush Limbaugh, who's heard on about 600 radio stations nationwide, renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio. One source put the value at near 400-million dollars, which includes continued syndication of The Rush Limbaugh Morning Update and the 3-hour right-wing talk show. Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan commented, "Broadcasters of Rush's quality come along once in a lifetime. We're privileged to continue our relationship which is unprecedented in the history of our industry."  In addition, The Rush Limbaugh Show will reach a radio milestone this August -- the 20th anniversary of America's most-listened-to radio program.

(July 1, 2008) Although Ibiquity Digital continues to waive its conversion requirements, they have followed through on the initial license fee increase that sees the fee jump from $15,000 to $25,000. The fee is a one-time levy and the licensing term continues in perpetuity, but nonetheless- the cost of going HD Radio just jumped an additional 66% for the privilege to broadcast in a mode that has yet to stimulate much interest for the consumer.  3% of revenue fees for secondary channels carry a $1,000 minimum per year. In many markets, it’s difficult to find a station that is billing enough to justify the $1,000 as anything close to the 3% basis. Certainly, many broadcast groups have made significant efforts to promote the public’s hoped-for transition to HD Radio, but it will be a long haul before there are enough receivers in most markets to justify the fees. One broadcaster said the increase comes at a bad time for radio broadcasters to fund a solution for which a problem simply didn’t exist.