Greg Diamond – ByrnesMedia
The owner of a client station recently asked me if there were any trends that have struck me in the last year or so. One music-related thing immediately came to mind. The ‘distance’ between AC, Hot AC, and CHR seems to be decreasing. So, are we headed toward a ‘big crunch’?
Using auditorium music test (AMT) research performed in the Hot AC, middle ground, format at a specific station between this year and last, we can see if and how this is progressing.
The 2012 test was done exclusively with females between 25 and 54, the sample size was a respectable 137, and 800 selections were tested. The 2013 test was also 100% female with the same number of songs, but the sample size was doubled to an even more accurate 237.
Now, there are numerous ways to examine AMT data, including whether a selection is someone’s favourite, if they are tired of it (aka ‘burn’), if they dislike it, if they are unfamiliar with it, etc. For our purposes, though, we will streamline things and just look at the general Appeal Index for each decade of music. Also, keep in mind that any score that is 80 and above can be considered to be the ‘best of the best’. Scores falling in the 60 to 80 range are still playable, but depending on the ‘depth’ of the test (whether or not there were a large number of strong-scoring selections), these can end up being the best and one’s benchmark needs to be lowered accordingly. Ideally, in a sufficiently deep test, songs that come in under the 60 mark can be discarded outright. It should be noted that if a test comes back and is overly shallow, then a rethink is in order. You can either refine your sample to include better targeted participants and retest everything, or in some cases a perceptual callout project could be required to find out if the station is even on the correct path to begin with. Trust me; a deep test is much more fun to work with!
Here, then, are the findings.
1980’s |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
103* |
97* |
Entire Sample |
59 |
62 |
Hot AC P1’s** |
61 |
65 |
CHR P1’s |
59 |
56 |
AC P1’s*** |
n/a |
67 |
Demo – 25-34 |
52 |
54 |
Demo – 35-44 |
61 |
62 |
Demo – 45-54 |
62 |
68 |
*No Canadian selections were tested for this decade
**P1 indicates listeners who primarily prefer a given format
***AC P1’s were not included in the 2012 sample
You’ll note that with the expanded sample in 2013, the 80’s scored slightly better, but there doesn’t seem to be much passion for this decade, anymore.
Okay, you’re probably thinking “I know where you’re going with this, Greg. Things will get better with each decade.” Um, not so fast.
1990’s |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
198 |
180 |
Entire Sample |
57 |
59 |
Hot AC P1’s |
57 |
62 |
CHR P1’s |
55 |
54 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
57 |
Demo – 25-34 |
55 |
57 |
Demo – 35-44 |
55 |
55 |
Demo – 45-54 |
60 |
64 |
Those numbers were from a combination of both foreign and domestic titles. Now, I’m not going to beat the dead Cancon horse that’s seen more than its fair share of the whip, but I will present you with the data and I’ll leave it to you to form your own conclusions. Here are the 90’s broken out for Canadian and International.
1990’s – Canadian |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
51 |
47 |
Entire Sample |
57 |
58 |
Hot AC P1’s |
57 |
61 |
CHR P1’s |
55 |
50 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
60 |
Demo – 25-34 |
55 |
54 |
Demo – 35-44 |
55 |
52 |
Demo – 45-54 |
60 |
66 |
1990’s – International |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
147 |
133 |
Entire Sample |
57 |
59 |
Hot AC P1’s |
57 |
62 |
CHR P1’s |
56 |
55 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
59 |
Demo – 25-34 |
56 |
58 |
Demo – 35-44 |
55 |
56 |
Demo – 45-54 |
61 |
64 |
When the Cancon is removed, we see no discernible change in the scores in either test. In fact, they were identical or close to being within the statistical margin of error.
That said, though, with only about 25% and 35% of the decade tested being Canadian, the Cancon scores would have to be significantly lower to make a noticeable impact when the list is examined as a whole. In other words, the Canadian songs did not test much lower than the International.
These results from the 1990’s might seem surprising. However, that decade has been mined extensively by all three formats and people have grown largely tired of it. This accounts for an average burn score of 16 on both tests (a burn of 20 and up is considered high). Increasingly we are seeing stations deemphasize the 90’s and these statistics are a good illustration as to why.
So far we’re not seeing much love for the older music, but it’ll get better in the 2000’s, right? Well…
2000’s |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
372 |
337 |
Entire Sample |
59 |
58 |
Hot AC P1’s |
59 |
60 |
CHR P1’s |
58 |
55 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
54 |
Demo – 25-34 |
57 |
54 |
Demo – 35-44 |
60 |
56 |
Demo – 45-54 |
61 |
61 |
2000’s – Canadian |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
126 |
114 |
Entire Sample |
56 |
54 |
Hot AC P1’s |
57 |
57 |
CHR P1’s |
54 |
50 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
51 |
Demo – 25-34 |
54 |
49 |
Demo – 35-44 |
55 |
52 |
Demo – 45-54 |
60 |
59 |
2000’s – International |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
246 |
223 |
Entire Sample |
61 |
59 |
Hot AC P1’s |
61 |
61 |
CHR P1’s |
61 |
57 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
55 |
Demo – 25-34 |
58 |
57 |
Demo – 35-44 |
62 |
59 |
Demo – 45-54 |
62 |
61 |
Once again, the results were surprising with the scores lower than might be expected.
The Canadian songs did show a greater decline in scores when compared to the 90’s, but they still didn’t pull down the combined list to any great extent.
Now, let’s look at 2010 to 2012.
2010’s |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
129 |
184 |
Entire Sample |
64 |
60 |
Hot AC P1’s |
64 |
62 |
CHR P1’s |
66 |
60 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
53 |
Demo – 25-34 |
60 |
56 |
Demo – 35-44 |
67 |
62 |
Demo – 45-54 |
64 |
61 |
2010’s – Canadian |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
48 |
70 |
Entire Sample |
52 |
50 |
Hot AC P1’s |
52 |
53 |
CHR P1’s |
52 |
48 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
43 |
Demo – 25-34 |
49 |
45 |
Demo – 35-44 |
52 |
51 |
Demo – 45-54 |
54 |
53 |
2010’s – International |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
81 |
114 |
Entire Sample |
71 |
66 |
Hot AC P1’s |
71 |
68 |
CHR P1’s |
74 |
67 |
AC P1’s |
n/a |
59 |
Demo – 25-34 |
67 |
63 |
Demo – 35-44 |
75 |
68 |
Demo – 45-54 |
71 |
67 |
It’s in this era that Cancon affects the combined list scores with the overall being 12 and 10 full points lower than that of the combined list. Thus, the foreign average jumped considerably when the Canadian was removed.
It’s pretty clear that the passion for newer, foreign music is much greater than that of songs even a few years older. As for the Canadian, like I said, I’ll leave it to you to form your own conclusions.
The 2013 test also showed slightly lower overall scores when AC P1’s were added to the sample. Also noticeable was the slight decline for Hot AC P1’s and a more significant reduction for CHR P1’s. To illustrate further the passion for newer music in these two formats, let’s strip out 2010 from the 2013 test and rerun the numbers.
2011-2012 |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
129 |
Entire Sample |
61 |
Hot AC P1’s |
63 |
CHR P1’s |
61 |
AC P1’s |
54 |
Demo – 25-34 |
57 |
Demo – 35-44 |
63 |
Demo – 45-54 |
62 |
2011-2012 – Canadian |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
50 |
Entire Sample |
51 |
Hot AC P1’s |
53 |
CHR P1’s |
49 |
AC P1’s |
43 |
Demo – 25-34 |
46 |
Demo – 35-44 |
52 |
Demo – 45-54 |
53 |
2011-2012 – International |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
79 |
Entire Sample |
67 |
Hot AC P1’s |
69 |
CHR P1’s |
68 |
AC P1’s |
61 |
Demo – 25-34 |
63 |
Demo – 35-44 |
70 |
Demo – 45-54 |
68 |
The scores inch up a little. Now, we’ll look at just 2012 titles.
2012 |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
63 |
Entire Sample |
64 |
Hot AC P1’s |
65 |
CHR P1’s |
64 |
AC P1’s |
55 |
Demo – 25-34 |
60 |
Demo – 35-44 |
66 |
Demo – 45-54 |
64 |
2012 – Canadian |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
25 |
Entire Sample |
53 |
Hot AC P1’s |
56 |
CHR P1’s |
51 |
AC P1’s |
45 |
Demo – 25-34 |
48 |
Demo – 35-44 |
55 |
Demo – 45-54 |
55 |
2012 – International |
|
Test Year |
2013 |
Songs |
38 |
Entire Sample |
71 |
Hot AC P1’s |
71 |
CHR P1’s |
73 |
AC P1’s |
62 |
Demo – 25-34 |
68 |
Demo – 35-44 |
73 |
Demo – 45-54 |
70 |
Keep in mind that as the number of songs decreases, the shakier the reliability of the data becomes, but the evidence would continue to suggest that the newer music is playing a key role.
Now let’s take a closer look at how the scores broke out in each decade keeping in mind that anything 80 and up are “killers”, 60-79 are “safe songs”, 50-59 are “unsafe songs” and anything below 50 should be considered a discard.
80+ |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
52 |
41 |
1980’s |
6% |
12% |
1990’s |
9% |
8% |
2000’s |
37% |
24% |
2010’s |
48% |
56% |
79-60 |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
328 |
323 |
1980’s |
14% |
16% |
1990’s |
19% |
22% |
2000’s |
50% |
38% |
2010’s |
17% |
24% |
59-50 |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
258 |
288 |
1980’s |
14% |
12% |
1990’s |
31% |
29% |
2000’s |
46% |
43% |
2010’s |
9% |
16% |
49- |
||
Test Year |
2012 |
2013 |
Songs |
162 |
148 |
1980’s |
13% |
3% |
1990’s |
28% |
14% |
2000’s |
44% |
56% |
2010’s |
15% |
27% |
When looked at as individual decades we find in 2012 that the 2010’s were made up of 19% 80+, 43% 79-60, 19% 59-50, and 19% 49 or less. This gives us a Playable/Unplayable ratio of 62/38.
Songs from the 2000’s had 5% from the killer 80+ range, 44% in the safe 79-60 zone, 32% fell between 59 and 50, and 19% were below 50. The Playable/Unplayable ratio was 49/51.
The 90’s were as follows: 3% 80+, 33% 79-60, 41% 59-50, and 23% under 50. The Playable/Unplayable ratio for this decade is 36/64.
The 80’s were comprised of 3% killers, 44% safe songs, 34% unsafe songs, and 19% discards. This decade had a 47/53 Playable/Unplayable ratio.
And from the “I’m Not Sayin’, I’m Just Sayin’” file, the Canadian songs broke out with 2% being 80+, 34% in the 79-60 range, 37% between 59-50, and 27% under 50. Cancon had a Playable/Unplayable ratio of 36/64. Given the high number of songs that tested below 50, it is clear why Cancon has to be viewed in a different light when sorting the data from an AMT. It also shows us why some stations don’t even bother testing Canadian – it’s kind of depressing… I’m not sayin’, though.
The decade breakout in the 2013 test saw 13% of selections from the 2010’s in the 80+ range, 40% were safe, 25% fell between 59 and 50, and 22% were discards. The Playable/Unplayable ratio was 53/47.
The 2000’s were 3%, 36%, 37% and 24%, respectively, giving us a Playable/Unplayable ratio of 39/61.
The 90’s broke out as follows: 2% 80+, 40% 79-60, 47% 59-50, and 11% below 50. The Playable/Unplayable was 42/58.
And the 80’s were 5%, 54%, 35% and 6% for a Playable/Unplayable ratio of 59/41.
As we did previously with the 2013 test, taking out 2010 and recalculating for just 2011 and 2012 gives us the following: 15%, 43%, 22% and 20%. The Playable/Unplayable ratio was 58/42.
2012 alone came in at 21%, 41%, 21% and 17%. The more current titles had a Playable/Unplayable ratio of 62/38.
While these results do not provide overwhelming evidence of a convergence they do provide us with enough data to get more than just a glimpse of a trend. I chose to showcase this station because it was as close to an average from other stations we have researched. Some showed less of a shift, whereas others showed an unmistakable move toward a more current/recurrent-based direction.
Another less scientific, but in some ways more interesting way to gauge whether convergence is taking place is to look at the crossover percentages of current music over the last few years.
ByrnesMedia provides our clients with weekly suggestions on current music in all formats. By going back and choosing the same week from each of the last 5 years (in this case the first week in May), we see what, if any, duplication trends may have taken place for both individual songs and artists. Take into consideration, though, that this exercise does take into account the varying speed with which each format adds songs. It only gives a snapshot of what is cross-pollinated on the given week being examined. As such, one could and probably should assume that the figures are actually higher.
Year |
AC-Hot AC |
Hot AC-CHR |
CHR-AC |
|
Songs/Artists |
Songs/Artists |
Songs/Artists |
2009 |
3%/12% |
29%/33% |
1%/10% |
2010 |
11%/20% |
33%/35% |
9%/15% |
2011 |
14%/29% |
30%/33% |
11%/23% |
2012 |
20%/30% |
32%/39% |
13%/23% |
2013 |
23%/29% |
30%/33% |
13%/20% |
The above graph gives us a great indication of how the change in currents on AC has made the format more tempo-driven.
ByrnesMedia also provides clients with “Safe Lists” in all formats. These are compiled by looking at airplay data from the most successful stations in the country over the previous 6 months. As such, they take into consideration not only currents, but recurrents and gold. Here we will concentrate only on songs since artist crossover is already understandably high.
Year |
AC-Hot AC |
Hot AC-CHR |
CHR-AC |
|
Songs |
Songs |
Songs |
2009 |
23% |
38% |
13% |
2010 |
24% |
43% |
14% |
2011 |
28% |
45% |
17% |
2012 |
34% |
44% |
19% |
2013 |
35% |
44% |
19% |
While I have been mostly non-committal to this point, a look at this graph and one is compelled to say that convergence is, indeed, taking place. Duplication between all the formats is up from where it was 5 years ago.
Finally, by using another client station’s AMT data over the past 3 years, we see how the era loading on the station has adjusted accordingly.
|
C/R* |
00’s |
90’s |
80’s |
2009 |
27.9% |
17.7% |
26.6% |
27.8% |
2010 |
37.2% |
27.5% |
24.1% |
11.2% |
2011 |
37.9% |
27.4% |
25.1% |
9.6% |
2012 |
37.3% |
28.1% |
25.1% |
9.5% |
2013 |
37.2% |
32.5% |
21.2% |
9.1% |
*Current/Recurrent
This station is an AC/Hot AC Hybrid and what stands out is the jump in new music that occurred in 2010 and has remained at that level since. Also, you can see the de-emphasis on the 80’s and the more recent reduction in 90’s. This is a trend being seen across the country.
So, in fact, AC, Hot AC, and CHR are cozying up to one another more than they have in the past. With less exclusivity in music, what you do between songs takes on even greater importance. Is your imaging helping to set you apart and play up the benefits of your station over the other guy’s? Are your announcers staying relevant to the local listener? Do your promotions effectively dovetail with the direction your station is heading and are they compelling and fun? Is your music rotating properly and are your best songs being exposed sufficiently? These are just some of the questions you need to be asking yourself. If you need help, just send me an email at greg@byrnesmedia.com and I’ll be happy to assist.
After all, it’s “Crunch Time!”
“ALS Awareness Month”: See www.als.ca for info.
“Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”: Observed this month because on June 28, 1969, the clientele of a gay bar at New York City rioted after the club was raided by the police.
“International Men’s Month”: To increase awareness of the many unique issues that impact men’s lives and are of concern to the people who love them. Email Gordon Clay at menstuff@aol.com. See www.menstuff.org.
“International Men’s Health Month”: See www.menshealthmonth.org for info.
“Entrepreneurs Do-it Yourself Marketing Month”: Stand out from competition and get media attention. Call Lorrie Walters Marsiglio 630-584-9368.
“Seniors’ Month”: Ontario. See www.seniors.gov.on.ca.
June 1 “Say Something Nice Day”: A day to say thank you to those who make our lives better, to recognize those who contribute to our lives in specific ways, and to apologize for words spoken in anger, frustration or disappointment.
June 1-8 “International Clothesline Week”: The public is encouraged to save energy by hanging clothes to dry instead of using their electric dryers. Email Gary Drisdelle gdrisdelle@rogers.com. See www.hangtodry.com.
June 2 “National Cancer Survivors Day”: Hundreds of communities honour survivors who are living with and beyond cancer. Call National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation 615-794-3006. Email info@ncsdf.org.
June 3-7 “Alberta Seniors Week”: for info see www.health.alberta.ca/seniors/seniors-week.html.
June 5 “World Environment Day”: Observed annually June 5, the anniversary of the opening of the UN Conference on the Human Environment. A day to reaffirm concern for the preservation and enhancement of the environment. See www.un.org.
June 5-9 “The National Tournament”: Spruce Meadows, Calgary, AB. Jumping championship. Call 403-974-4200, email information@sprucemeadows.com. See www.sprucemeadows.com.
June 6 “Clean Air Day”: see www.cutaactu.ca/en/clean_air_day
June 6-9 “Winnipeg International Children’s Festival”: The Forks, Winnipeg, MB. Song, dance, theatre, mime, puppetry and music. Call 204-958-4733 or 1-800-527-1515. Email kidsfest@kidsfest.ca. See www.kidsfest.ca.
June 6-9 “Shelburne County Lobster Festival”: 4 days of activities in celebration of the lobster-fishing industry in Shelburne County – the Lobster Capital of Canada. Call Marilyn Johnston 902-875-3544, ext 225. Email mjohnston@municipalityofshelburne.ca.
June 8 “Upsy Daisy Day” A day to remind people to get up gloriously, gratefully and gleefully ever morning. For info call Stephanie West Allen 303-935-8866, email stephanie@westallen.com. Web: www.westallen.com
June 8 “World Ocean Day”: A day to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. Call The Ocean Project at 401-709-4071. Email bmott@theoceanproject.org.
June 14 “World Blood Donor Day”: See www.wbdd.org.
June 14 “Work@Home Father’s Day”: To honour those fathers who have elected to work from their house either as teleworkers or home based entrepreneurs. Call Jeff Zbar 954-346-4393, email jeff@chiefhomeofficer.com. See www.chiefhomeofficer.com
June 15 “Nature Photography Day”: A day to promote the art of nature photography as a medium of communication, inspiration, nature appreciation and environmental protection. Call the North American Nature Photography Assn. 303-422-8527. Email info@nanpa.org.
June 15 “World Juggling Day”: Clubs from all over the world will be holding local festivals to demonstrate, teach, and celebrate their art. Email wjd@juggle.org, See www.juggle.org.
June 16 ”Father’s Day”: It occurred first on June 19, 1910 at the request of Mrs. John B Dodd of Spokane, WA. It was proclaimed for that date by the Mayor of Spokane and recognized by the Governor of Washington.
June 16-22 “Meet A Mate Week”: To inspire singles seeking a partner to take advantage of the summer by pursuing warm weather meeting opportunities. For more information and ideas call Robin Gorman Newman at 516-773-0911, email robin@lovecoach.com or www.lovecoach.com
June 20 “Recess At Work Day”: It’s time for a health and wellness break. Breaks are critical for health, alertness and satisfaction and lead to innovative ideas. Call Rich DiGirolamo 203-879-5970, email rich@RichDiGirolamo.com.
June 21 “Take Your Dog To Work Day”: To raise awareness of the importance of dogs as companions and to encourage adoptions. Interview someone from your local pet shelter or visit www.petsit.com or www.takeyourdog.com. For info call 336-983-9222, email takeyourdog@petsit.com.
June 21-September 22: Summer is here at long last. In the Southern Hemisphere this marks the start of winter.
June 23 “Baby Boomers Recognition Day”: A day to commemorate the contribution this important generation has made to the world. For info call Dorothy Zjawin at 908-241-6241.
June 23 “Let It Go Day”: Whatever it is that’s bugging you, drop it. For more info phone 717-279-0184, email info@wellcat.com.
June 24 “St. Jean-Baptiste Day”: Public holiday in Quebec, celebrating the birth of Saint John the Baptist.
June 26 “National Canoe Day”: in 2007 the canoe was named one of the Seven Wonders of Canada. For info see www.nationalcanoeday.net or www.canoemuseum.ca.
June 27 “Happy Birthday to ‘Happy Birthday To You’”: This day in 1859 the world’s most popular song was composed by Patty Smith Hill and her sister Mildred from Louisville, Kentucky. The lyrics were first published in 1893 as “Good morning all” but amended in 1924.
June 27 “Decide To Be Married Day”: This is the most popular month to get married in North America. There are lots of opportunities to tie into events and generate sales revenue from weddings. Call Barbara Gaughen-Muller at 805-968-8567 or e-mail Barbara@rain.org. web: www.paradiseearth.us.
June 27 “Canadian Multiculturalism Day”: see www.pch.gc.ca/special/canada/11/multi-eng.cfm
June 28 “Handshake Day”: Get a grip on a professional handshake today! Call Miryam S. Roddy 215-376-5082, email mroddy@BrodyPro.com.
June 30 “Leap Second Adjustment”: The timekeepers will either add or subtract a second from time today to coordinate atomic and astronomical time. The determination to adjust is made by the International Earth Rotation Service of the International Weights and Measures based in Paris France.
In a lengthy decision released today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission dealt with numerous Canadian Broadcasting Corporation license renewals.
The Ontario Association of Broadcasters is particularly disappointed in the Commission’s approval in part to reintroduce commercial advertising on the CBC’s Radio 2 and Espace Musique networks.
During its November 2012 public hearing, the Commission received extensive input from the public through individual and group interventions, program producers, and Canada’s private broadcasters represented by the OAB, BCAB, CAB and by individual company submissions. Virtually all opposed the CBC’s initiative to re-commercialize its radio services for various valid reasons:
(i) Re-commercialization will destroy the unique non-commercial nature of CBC Radio
(ii) It will reduce diversity of programming, as inevitably the CBC will become even more oriented towards programs with mass appeal in order to increase ‘ratings’
(iii) It is blatantly unfair to pit tax-paying Canadian commercial broadcasters who employ thousands across the country against a government funded organization which directs upwards of $400 million of its funding to produce radio programming. Commercial broadcasters will be competing against a taxpayer funded organization with an identical mandate, ie. to maximize ratings in order to maximize commercial advertising dollars.
In its 1974 decision, the CRTC eliminated commercials on CBC Radio, feeling that a commercialized CBC would adversely affect the distinct and unique character of CBC radio. With its decision today, the CRTC has now reversed its historical position.
The OAB notes that the authorization is for a three year period. However, once in place we believe it will be virtually impossible to wean the CBC off commercialization. The national treasure that is CBC Radio will be lost forever in the process.
We applaud Vice-Chairman Pentefountas’ articulate, comprehensive and thoughtful dissenting opinion in today’s decision. In his statement, he said, “My deepest concern is that the proposed changes for Radio 2 and Espace Musique will fundamentally and irrevocably change the nature of the service and the unique radio listening experience for audiences. Especially since I do not believe that the regulatory panacea that the public broadcaster is requesting of the Commission is the only means at its disposal to ensure that it can continue offering the distinct, quality radio programming that is so important to Canadians, if we rely on the interveners’ testimonies.”
His understanding stands above the consensus of the Commission’s decision.
The OAB is exploring additional avenues to achieve the right thing for the Ontario private broadcasters it represents.
Ads will be coming to CBC Radio 2 after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission approved the public broadcaster’s request to open its airwaves to commercial messages.
The CRTC issued its blessing for ads on Radio 2 and the French-language Espace Musique radio network as part of the CBC’s licence renewal announced Tuesday morning. Advertising will be limited to no more than four minutes per broadcasting hour. “In order to minimize the impact on their listeners, the advertising broadcast will be consolidated in a maximum of two blocks each hour,” the regulator decreed.
Read more here.
Kamloops, B.C.- May 16, 2013 – Bell Media, Astral Media Inc. (Astral) and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Limited Partnership (Pattison) today jointly announced Pattison’s acquisition of three key FM radio stations located in Calgary and Winnipeg.
Subject to regulatory approvals, Pattison will purchase the following two Bell Media stations and one Astral station:
Bell Media:
• KooL FM 101.5 (CKCE-FM) – hot adult contemporary format in Calgary
• FAB 94.3 (CHIQ-FM) – classic pop format in Winnipeg
Astral:
• QX 104 (CFQX-FM) – country format in Winnipeg
“This is a very important acquisition for our Broadcast Group and, with the approval of this transaction from the CRTC, we will expand our presence in the major markets of Calgary and Winnipeg, which we have been focusing on for some time,” said Rick Arnish, Chairman of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
“With the pending launch of our newest station CHPK-FM (95.3 The Peak) in Calgary, combining forces with KooL FM (Today & Back in the Day) and its great team will allow our Group to have a very strong competitive FM radio combo in Alberta’s fastest-growing city,” Mr. Arnish continued. “We’re also very excited about the opportunity to expand in western Canada and specifically into the Winnipeg radio market with two separate stations, QX 104 (Today’s Country) and FAB 94.3 (Super Hits of the 60s +70s). We are really looking forward to working and learning from the superb teams at these separate Winnipeg operations as we expand into a new marketplace for our Group.”
Said Rod Schween, President of Pattison Broadcasting: “We’re just delighted that we are being given this opportunity to expand our radio reach in western Canada, and the addition of these three exciting stations will definitely strengthen our Group and their resources in B.C., Alberta, and now in Manitoba. We look forward to building on the legacies created by both Bell Media and Astral. Our history has been built on acquisitions and new licences, as we are great believers in the future of radio, and this purchase is part of our strategic plan to grow and expand in the west.”
Pattison’s acquisition of these radio stations is a result of the proposed transaction to unite Astral and Bell Media. Astral and Bell are divesting certain radio stations to comply with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Common Ownership Policy, which limits the number of stations a company can own in a single market.
The Pattison transaction is subject to approval from the CRTC, for which an application will be submitted shortly, and contingent on CRTC approval of the Astral-Bell Media transaction.
“While a necessary outcome of our plan to join with Astral, the decision to sell these stations wasn’t easy,” said Chris Gordon, President, Radio and Local TV, Bell Media. “Each is a strong performer in its respective market, and they will undoubtedly strengthen Pattison’s growing portfolio of media assets.”
“Parting with a valued station is difficult, but we trust that the QX 104 team and the Pattison Group will both benefit from this acquisition and help make the Canadian radio industry more vibrant than ever,” said Ian Lurie, Chief Operating Officer, Astral Radio.
About Astral
Founded in 1961, Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A ACM.B) is one of Canada’s largest media companies. It operates several media properties – pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital – that are among the most popular in the country. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich, and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers alike. To learn more about Astral, please visit Astral.com.
About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. With passion and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Bell Media entertains, informs and inspires Canadians. Bell Media owns 28 conventional stations, including CTV, Canada’s #1 television network, and owns and operates 30 specialty channels, including TSN, Canada’s #1 specialty channel and RDS, Canada’s #1 French-language specialty channel. Bell Media also owns 33 radio stations, dozens of websites, Dome Productions Inc. and has partnered with Cirque du Soleil to form Cirque du Soleil Media, a Montréal-based production company. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. For more on Bell Media, please visit BellMedia.ca.
Jim Pattison Broadcast Group
The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, with its headquarters in Kamloops, B.C. is the industry’s largest private, western-based broadcast group, currently operating 30 FM radio stations, as well as three conventional television stations, in British Columbia and Alberta. Pattison Broadcasting is a proud division of the Jim Pattison Group, a diversified group of operating businesses, based in Vancouver, which has grown to become the second largest privately-held company in Canada. Please visit www.jimpattison.com and www.jpbroadcast.com for more information.
BCE Inc. plans to sell off many of Astral Media Inc.’s assets if its friendly takeover is approved, but Canada’s broadcast regulator still has questions about whether the combined company could take advantage of its expanded market position in negotiations with distributors.
Jean Pierre Blais, chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, repeatedly came back to that point Monday as a week of public hearings to consider a revised version of the transaction began in Montreal.
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