
The industry's final third quarter tally shows a drop in local (-19%) and national (-17%) revenue, while network (-11%) also fell. The declines were expected, and RAB president/CEO Jeff Haley says as third quarter came to a close there was an "upswing" in ad spending. The bright spot remains digital (+14%). Yet total 2009 revenue is $11.8 billion, a 21% drop over last year.


There were some frightening moments at Tribune's WGN, Chicago (720) today when police say a woman threw a brick through the window of the station's street-level studios. Midday host John Williams was live on the air, but listeners didn't hear a thing. No one was hurt. The entire event was caught on surveillance video. MORE
Digital Media Association executive director Jon Potter is stepping down from the trade organization he founded 11 years ago. Potter has been a fierce advocate on behalf of webcasters in their royalty battles with the record labels. MORE
There are now more than 100 stations airing an all-holiday format. Among the latest to make the switch are Clear Channel ACs "Lite FM" WLTW, New York and WLIT-FM, Chicago. Track the latest Santa arrivals HERE.
CBS CEO Les Moonves has been among the most bullish of media executives, predicting the company will see revenue gains next year — including at CBS Radio. But Cowen and Company analyst Doug Creutz thinks the idea that radio and other media will grow in 2010 are overly optimistic.
The national debate over health care reform is bringing more advertising dollars to radio. A new Democratic National Committee campaign set to launch Tuesday on radio stations in 14 states lambastes 32 House Republicans for voting against the Democratic-sponsored health care overhaul plan. MORE
Seeing an opportunity after Border Media flipped three of its four Austin stations to English-language formats earlier this month, Emmis is swooping in with a new regional Mexican station. MORE
In a sign the ad market is coming back, albeit slowly, Super Bowl XLIV advertising sales are going better than expected. CBS-TV says it's 90% sold with a spot costing $2.5 to $3 million, a slight decline over what NBC got a year ago. CNN Money reports the final half dozen slots are in the game's second half.
Country programming veteran John St. John has been named program director for Dial Global’s Mainstream Country format. John will be responsible for steering and managing the company's most popular 24/7 music format. MORE
NYT, 11.20.09
ATR.com, Ryan Ellis, 11.18.09
WSJ.com 11.19.09 VIDEO
Advertising Age, 11.17.09
L.A. DailyNews, 11.19.09
eMarketer, 11.20.09
Radio 11.18.09
WSJ.com - Walt Mossberg
WABC, 11.18.09
The Washinton Post, 11.20.09
TODAY, 11.19.09
CNBC, 11.19.09
NPOX09, Holland, 11.17.09