Cumulus Calls Roto-Rooter

Don’t believe it!

Cumulus and Townsquare didn’t do a massive small market station swap.  There was no swap.

It was investment bank plumbing and wait until you see what is going to happen next.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  The main motivation for the deal – and it wasn’t money, it wasn’t really getting better markets.  It’s devious.

2.  Why Oaktree, the investment bank, is committing radio incest. 

3.  Why this coup by Lew Dickey sets the table for the next Cumulus acquisition.  Don’t worry. I’ll name the two leading candidates to sell to Lew.  One of them will make your jaw drop, I guarantee you.

4.  Why this so-called “swap” which was really not a swap is the beginning of a new corporate strategy for Cumulus and the Dickeys.  Here’s how it is different from the way they have been operating.  

5.  What Cumulus is likely to do with the $116 million check Townsquare is giving them.  You are being warned.

The answers begin here.

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The New Clear Channel Ambush

Coming soon to Clear Channel and Cumulus – stealth firings and more brutal tactics then we’ve seen so far.

And I’ve got the details of what went down in the most recent career assassination from a source who is now in my Witness Protection Program.

It isn’t pretty.

Late last week Clear Channel had their way with a 64-year old morning personality who worked for his station for 23 years.

Prior to firing, they allegedly bullied him, set him up, threatened him if he didn’t sign 3 pieces of paper on the spot, then kicked him to the street.

Before that they fired his producer, reportedly drove a wedge between him and his on-air sidekick and got rid of local news and traffic just as a warm up.

This is the way of the future for Clear Channel and Cumulus and employers who follow their lead.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You are a click away from this unbelievable story about personnel abuse in radio.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing to my work and would like to access this story, you probably realize that radio is changing and the way we get no nonsense intelligence is changing.  Let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How this successful, award winning 23-year morning personality was set up, knocked down and forced to either sign a 3-page document admitting to Clear Channel inferences about his work or be fired.  (Believe me, not for an empty stomach).

2.  What was in the three pages that he didn’t sign and you wouldn’t either?  Even if it meant your job.

3.  The Ambush – a timeline of how Clear Channel hunted their victim until they either got him to sign off on their complaints or fire him.

4.  The Legal Bullying – how they approached him, what they allegedly said and did.

5.  Questionable Legal Maneuvers – Why Clear Channel would have been wise to consult a lawyer and why the fired personality probably will.

6.  What were the unreasonable demands?  I’ve got a sampling of them including the one that this personality called “crazy” – and it is.

7.  What are your legal rights they don’t want you to know regarding severance pay and non-competes.  You’ve already made your subscription back in one day.

The answers begin here.

An Algorithm That Can Write News

This is an amazing story I can’t wait to share with you.

But don’t tell Lew Dickey or he’ll be on the phone dialing for dollars before he launches the new Cumulus all-news format he’s planning for Atlanta and eventually beyond.

Okay then, it’s just between us, right?

I’m going to tell you about a company that has developed an algorithm that can actually replace real, live, breathing, educated news reporters.

Scott Herman, stop!!!  Don’t read this, either.

The prospect of news being written in an instant by an algorithm is both really neat and scary at the same time.  I know you’ll want to be first to get the no-nonsense scoop on this technology.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content and take a glimpse at the future that is here today.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story remember the radio industry has changed and the way you gather intelligence has changed, so go for it.  Join our growing group.  And let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How computer-based algorithm news writing actually works, which company developed it and just how good can an algorithm write a news story.  I’ll tell you this – they can do in a split second – take a look at this and you tell me how good it is. Employers also don’t pay for health care.

2.  Where an algorithm writing news, sports and weather can actually fit into media and how we must all change to be more valuable and more creative than an algorithm.  (I’m starting a free blog on this soon for my readers, more in today’s article).  An algorithm can’t write a “teaser” like this, can it? 

3.  If “All Algorithm News All The Time” can happen, can Siri read the stories?  Seriously?  Click through and find out.

4.  What is more important than a college degree (or even Masters) going forward if algorithms like this one are going to find a place in the media business – and believe me, they are.

5.  Where you can learn more to keep you ahead of the trend that most people don’t even see coming.  Great source material with a link you’ll really appreciate.

The answers begin here.

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The Tragedy of Emmis Broadcasting

Emmis Broadcasting has been reduced to renting out its big market signals to keep the wolf away from the door. 

Thursday’s rental deal with ESPN in New York and sale of Kiss 98.7’s intellectual property as a result is the last straw.

But it isn’t.

There are things you probably don’t know yet about how bad things are for Emmis and how some other radio broadcasters are also going to be toast in the not too distant future.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (it’s time to go ahead and do it – two great subscription options) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  How Sam Zell of Randy Michaels fame could bring Emmis down. 

2.  The interest rate of Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan’s latest loan – but take a seat because you’ve probably never seen a number this high or desperation so great.

3.  Where Emmis is getting the money to stay afloat.

4.  What five other radio companies will either have to grow or go – and do it soon.

5.  Which three groups will be among the few that will be left standing when several more radio companies dissipate and go away and the almost unbelievable scenario for ones that survive.

The answers begin here.

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How to gain control by giving up control – go to chapter 3 here

Bob Pittman’s Private Jet

I’m not in a very good mood right now.

I’m choking over the departure of WBT, Charlotte morning talent Keith Larson who was told by Greater Media – get this -- that they are not picking up his contract, but that they’d like to keep him as a part-timer!

Greater Media now is acting like Cumulus and Clear Channel – what’s up with that?

That’s why every chance I can get a good laugh, I take it. 

So, a few days ago it was Lew Dickey’s Playboy Playmate girlfriend who I learned was a subscriber of mine – leaving me to do a lot of explaining to my wife.

Today, Bob Pittman’s private jet.

One of my “repeater reporters” slacked off from his real job all day to uncover some of the most fascinating if not funny facts about Pittman Airways.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, now’s a great time because radio has changed and the way you get intelligence has also changed.  Let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  The tail number on Pittman’s private jet – a vanity plate of sorts?

2.  What the Pitchman has managed to pitch to the FAA – and they bought it!

3.  How ex-employees could have been able to track his whereabouts if not for this one thing.

4.  What Pitchman managed to talk Bain Capital into – a sweeter arrangement you’ll be hard put to find.

5.  Why the trappings of arrogance and financial success almost always lead to the downfall of radio’s 1%.  I called it on Farid Suleman at Citadel.  Now, I’m going on record as to which spoiled brat is next.

The answers begin here.

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Pimping Out Radio For Record Label Partnerships

It’s bad enough that record labels can get Clear Channel to mandate airplay for certain artists every hour on the hour for days on end.

Now this.

News that a major artist’s new song is going to become a top 5 featured hit without ever being released or even spending one day on a music chart.

Everyone is supposed to act like they don’t know anything because what is going on is sickening and, frankly, unbelievable.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a click through away from unlocking the content and getting the full story.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (you really should – it’s time) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What was in that last minute Clear Channel memo yesterday that once again ordered CHR stations to play a phantom song – no questions asked?  I’ll tell you who sent the memo out, too.

2.  Where was this “top 5” song on the Mediabase Top 150?  I’ve got really good eyes and I’m still looking.  Maybe you can help me find it?

3.  What Clear Channel gets in return for whoring out its CHR stations again?

4.  Ever hear of a song making a Clear Channel top five list and not getting any airplay at all?  You’ll hear about it now.

5.  What’s going on behind the scenes that Clear Channel doesn’t want anyone to know about this?

The answers begin here.

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Did you know that even thinking you have an edge over others, gives you the edge -- here

Employees Rate the Best & Worst Radio Groups

You better sit down for this.

There are worse radio companies to work for than the Evil Empire and The Dickey Dynasty.

And it’s not just me saying this; it’s a real time poll that I am going to share with you where radio employees get to grade their owners.

And there are lots of surprises.  Honestly I was taken aback by some of the results so I know you’ll want to know.

If you’re expecting to be in the market for a new radio job someday, you’ll also want to see the radio groups that employees absolutely love.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group – you are about to see the results on more than 15 radio groups along with my recommendations and analysis.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (radio has changed and the way radio people get their intelligence has also changed, so please join us) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What are the 6 very top groups for employee satisfaction?  Two of these employee-based ratings really surprised me.  Let’s see what you think.

2.  Which two radio companies both earned a 50% satisfaction rating from their employees, which means – guess what the other 50% gave them. 

3.  How badly did Clear Channel and Cumulus rate with their employees?  They have about the same rating but was it better than we’re giving them credit for.  I’m secure enough to put it out there.

4.  And, which two radio groups actually scored below Cumulus and Clear Channel in workforce satisfaction?  What a distinction!  One radio group actually got a zero from its employees.  Beware of that one.

5.   How Pandora’s employees rated them – after all, they call themselves a radio company and just for fun, what do Sirius XM workers think of working for Mel?

6.  Quick, which radio company got a perfect 100%?  Say it now before you click through and let me know if you guessed it.

7.  How you can vote your conscience in a no nonsense way – a link. 

The answers begin here.

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Expect Something Big & Bad From Clear Channel in July

I’ve finally figured out a more exact time for the next big Clear Channel cutbacks.

I know.

They fire people every week.

But I’m talking about the magnitude of the layoffs they did last fall that really reduced the workforce.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You are a quick click away from getting the target date and latest information. Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story go for it and let me tell you the questions that will be answered.

1.  Which month I’ve pinpointed for a layoff the size of, say, the ones last November.  I think you’ll agree when I explain it like this.

2.  What the giveaway was – Bob Pittman’s behavior tipped me off.  I’ll tell you how.

3.  Why another big layoff is possible beyond the one I’m pinpointing here.  I’ve got the same feeling I had the last time I called one.

4.  Why Clear Channel employees who think they are safe for now are looking in the wrong place for future firings.  It could be uglier.  I’ll explain.

5.  Where to send your resume now – not later.

The answers begin here.

Read this story by clicking “read more” below. 

Lew Dickey Exposed

Lew Dickey’s boys like to tell their employees that Jerry Del Colliano is making up all the stuff he’s reporting about Cumulus. 

Well, wait until you see what I “made up” today.

Lew Dickey has been subscribing to Inside Music Media under an assumed name.

That’s not a crime, but wait until you hear who it is and why he would do it.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re about to find out just how tricky Lew can be.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (you know you want to) and would like to access this story, did you pick a great day to start! Let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What name did Lew make up so he could read Inside Music Media every day when he could have done like ever other CEO and used his real name? 

2.  Is this other person Lew is hiding behind actually paying for Lew’s subscription, too?  Now that would be really cheap, wouldn’t it?

3.  No, it’s not Bill Bungeroth.  Okay, I can’t hold it anymore.  Lew is subscribing under the name of – well, let’s just say it’s a woman, a beautiful woman.  And I’ve got pictures.

4.  How an investigation turned up this lie.

5.  What I am offering Lew Dickey to never say another critical thing about him again.  And I’m even willing to pay him!  A must read.

The answers begin here.

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Cumulus Working on 3 New Ways to Layoff More Employees

John Dickey is going to be real pissed.

He has sworn his inner circle to secrecy because he doesn’t want this to get out.

But I’m going to share with you 3 new initiatives Cumulus is working on that will allow it to make many more personnel cutbacks.

Cumulus is up to something big and it is only one of three planned moves that will shakeup the company and scare employees before the year is up.

Wednesday, Dickey calls his loyal lackeys to Atlanta to start one of them.

If you are a subscriber you will be among the only people to know details on all three.  Thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what questions will be answered.

1.  Exactly what John Dickey is going to start this Wednesday.  Who is coming to Atlanta and what they will be working on.  If they can pull this off, Cumulus will then be able to fire a lot more employees by the end of the year.

2.  What the two new programming projects are that will provide Cumulus with programming Hamburger Helper – and when.  The Dickeys don’t want their employees to quit until they have these things in place.  Then they can fire them.

3.  Who Cumulus corporate has been hiring in the past few months.  No, not more managers.  Not more local air talent.  Not more salespeople with no radio experience from Cintas Uniform Rental.  They are hiring someone else’s leftover talent.  See who here.

4.  Where beta testing begins in three weeks on a second moneysaving initiative that will allow remote control operation of all their local stations.  You’ll want to know when this is coming so you can get another job in advance.

5.  Why the Dickeys are about to have a baby.  Let’s see – a baby takes nine months to be born, right?  I’ll tell you the name they are considering.

The answers begin here.

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Clear Channel’s City of Hopelessness

It really pisses me off that Bob Pittman ordered every one of his Clear Channel clusters to raise approximately $100,000 for a charity he chose (“City of Hope”) and do it by June when Pittman can hand them a big check in LA and they can give him a major award.

It’s kind of like Bain does charity.

So, I’ve put together a way that even Bob Pittman can harness the power of Clear Channel beyond charity while he’s out raising money to refinance $18 billion in debt.

And, it’s a moneymaking idea for the company, too.

After all, charity begins at home.

Read this story by clicking “read more” below.

Cumulus Dirty Tricks

How far will Cumulus go to screw an employee?

To quote Ed McMahon as he used to talk to Johnny Carson’s Carnac the Magnificent who could psychically “divine” unseen answers to unknown questions:

“I hold in my hand the envelopes. As a child of four can plainly see, these envelopes have been hermetically sealed. They've been kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall's porch since noon today. No one knows the contents of these envelopes, but you …”

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What do you get from Cumulus when one of your employees is called to jury duty and cannot get out of it?  As smart as my readers are, you will never ever guess!

2.  What do you call a sales team that turns down a free company-issued iPod?  Why would all of them look a Cumulus gift horse in the mouth?  Wait until you see (and by the way, isn’t this a good time to stop reading these teasers and get the whole story by joining our group?).

3.  What do you call an Instant Pay Cut?  Yes, Cumulus has found a new way for some of their employees to make less without even docking their wages or hours.  John Hogan, don’t you read this!

4.  What does a Cumulus worker have to do to make a quick, no questions asked $500 bonus on the spot?  No kidding, here’s their deal.

5.  What is worth more to Cumulus than cutting a worker’s hours and making them part-time?  This is it!

6.  What is the dirty little secret about Cumulus and Citadel non-competes that they don’t want you to know?  One of my readers found out and is in a sharing mood.

The answers begin here.

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13 steps to a career comeback -- here.

Dick Clark

Here’s a more appropriate appreciation of Dick Clark that is designed to counteract the negativity of music blogger Bob Lefsetz who trashed him in an obituary yesterday before his body was cold.

God forbid when Lefsetz dies, I want write his obit.

In the meantime, here’s a side of Dick Clark you won’t get elsewhere.

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This is a great time to join our group. 

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Radio Layoff Timeline

Major layoffs are coming to radio within months. 

I’ve had a strong record of predicting cutbacks and firings over the years and now it’s time to warn you about what’s next.

I’m hearing increased chatter that the two largest employers – Clear Channel and Cumulus – are getting set for what will turn out to be a major dilution of its workforce over the next couple of months.

What I’m talking about is massive and, when completed, will help owners attain their goal of nationalizing local radio.

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1.  By late spring/summer, Clear Channel has these plans to eliminate two targeted station positions that will save them a ton of money.

2.  Which markets are safer – major, medium or small?  Or are they all targets?  I’m hearing one market size will be relatively safe – at least until the end of the year.  I’ve got it for you here.

3.  By summer/fall Cumulus will likely be employing this strategy to stretch their exiting on-air personnel further. 

4.  New outside of market programming is being prepared for the two largest operators possibly as early as this summer.  You’ll want to track this one.

5.  The bare bones model for local radio is emerging.  How much is local.  How much is syndicated and how soon will it happen.

The answers begin here. 

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Merlin Media 911

Randy Michaels is ready to launch his new Philly FM format any day that will never be an all-news station.

And he’s got two more big FMs to fix in New York and Chicago that could have been all-news stations, but won’t.

I’ve talked with top programmers who I respect and their 911 ideas are so good, you might want to steal them because Randy’s not going to use them:

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1.  The killer format.  Not news.  Not talk.  Not music.  Curious?

2.  I’m going to get two programmers in trouble because I’m naming them without asking first.  Each could transform a big market FM station into a moneymaker –tomorrow

3.  How’s this for an off-the-wall option – a local station that is cheaper to run than conservative talk or an imitation of WINS and WBBM.  Plus, with more upside. 

4.  Okay – what about this one!  Cheap news but big ratings.  Maybe a 3 share with all sorts of digital revenue opportunities.  (As I said, Randy won’t do it, but you should).

5.  There is a format that is rising in ratings all across the country and no one dares to do it.  In fact, it’s killing in a major market right now up against all-news.  It’s right in front of our eyes!

The answers begin here.

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The New Transmedia Companies

Here’s why Cumulus and Clear Channel never mind cutting radio back to the bones.

Because there is something else emerging that is more important than just radio and they want in on it. 

In fact, they have to be in on it.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The Magic of Bain Capital’s Profits in 8 Easy Steps – here’s the list and a short video you will really enjoy and want to share.

2.  The rush to create transmedia companies is so urgent that it explains some of the things Cumulus and Clear Channel are trying to do that make no sense.

3.  The main reason Clear Channel can no longer afford to be a radio company.

4.  Three examples of mega media companies on the prowl to become transmedia.

5.  The types of companies most likely to be merged – and we name some names.

The answers begin here.

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Clear Channel Preparing For Its Biggest Announcement

Clear Channel is preparing to do one of two things.

Yesterday, we got a big clue as to which one it is.

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1.  Clue #1 – Here’s why Clear Channel pulled the trigger on a well-respected sales executive yesterday and replaced him with an individual who has never sold an ad.  In fact, never been in radio. 

2.  Why Clear Channel’s rep business, national sales and even Premiere syndication should worry.

3.  The big announcement – maybe their biggest ever and the one that will shape Clear Channel’s future.  If you work for them, you’ll want to see this one coming.

4.  The trail leading to the big announcement.  Think loaning Seacrest, a guy with whom they just did a $300 million deal, to Comcast NBC.  Think recent personnel changes.  My sources connect the dots.

5.  The fall back plan.  If CEO Bob Pittman’s big announcement flops, he’s always got this.

The answers begin here.

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SHOCKER: CBS West Palm Employees Told Cluster Was Off the Market

Whoa!

Market sources in West Palm say CBS employees were mislead when they were assured the West Palm cluster was taken off the market.  They were blindsided by news of last week’s sale to a local competitor.

Looks like no one is telling the truth.

CBS may sell more stations.

Clear Channel is apparently forcing its air talent to lie in live commercial testimonials.

And Clear Channel market managers apparently didn’t get the straight scoop when they were ordered to raise money for CEO Bob Pittman’s favorite charity.

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1.  How in retrospect some CBS employees should have seen the sale of West Palm coming?  It makes sense now but the workers chose to believe CBS’ assertion that they were not going to sell the cluster.

2.  Insiders tell me that it is actually worse than I reported last week about Clear Channel forcing on-air talent to do live endorsements for Burger King.  Wait until you hear what Clear Channel did next.  And they’re in trouble!

3.  Back to CBS.  I’m hearing that as many as four more CBS markets could also be sold.  Here’s how a financial guy told me how to determine which other CBS markets are most likely to be dealt.

4.   Remember that Bob Pittman City of Hope mandate to force every Clear Channel cluster to raise money before he receives an award from the group in June?  There has been a slight change in plans.  Brace yourself.

The answers begin here.

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The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

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Secret Talks on 2 New 24/7 Radio Networks

Three major broadcast companies are presently deep in secret discussions to form what will likely be two new 24/7 national sports networks to join Disney’s ESPN Radio.

You’ll be surprised at who is talking to whom – and we have a reliable inside narrative of what’s going on and when it will become public.

1.  The four players – and they are big.

2.  How the same companies are pitching each other – may the best one win.

3.  Which one partnership is so unlikely you’ll probably dismiss it except for the fact that they are negotiating even now.

4.  One big operator is hell bent to be in the 24/7 radio sports business and will go it alone if they are rejected by one of the two high profile partners.

5.  The web of complications making a deal difficult between two of the partners.

6.  What’s the big attraction with 24/7 sports networks or should I say two new 24/7 sports networks when ESPN radio has been unremarkable.  What do they know that we don’t?

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Another iHateRadio Every Hour Record

This just in – and you won’t read about it in the happy talk trade press!

Clear Channel is mandating another recording artist’s “world premiere” record played every hour on the hour.

As odious as this is to a local program director, I think we’ve got Clear Channel beginning to look over their shoulder.

Read on.

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1.  Which three Clear Channel formats are being forced to play this artist every hour on the hour.

2.  What Clear Channel says it is getting in return for the favor.

3.  The programming instructions (caution: read only if you have a strong stomach).

4.  What programmers, talent or anyone concerned about this “worst practice” of turning a radio station into a potential payolathon can anonymously do to stop it. I’m going to do it and you can, too.

5.  Why the new payola works like premature ejaculation – yes, I’ll explain.

The answers begin here.

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The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

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The Madonna One and Done Fiasco

Madonna has established a lot of records over her years as a performing artist with the help of radio stations nationwide.

Now, she has also established a dubious record of falling from the top spot where she debuted one week earlier on the Billboard chart to set off the biggest decline in the history of Billboard charts from her high to a new record low.

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1.  How was it possible for Madonna’s “MDNA” album to debut at number one and the very next week experience the biggest decline in the history of the Billboard charts?  Here’s how.

2.  What Madonna didn’t know about how the record buying public has changed even in the short time since her last album was released.  You’ll know.

3.  What was really behind Madonna’s deal with the Evil Empire that got her single unprecedented and mandated airplay on Clear Channel hit music stations.

4.  Ever ask yourself why recording artists need a record label?  Madonna is making Prince look like a seer and soothsayer. 

5.  What TV huckster Ron Popeil could teach recording artists about selling product compared to selling out.

6.  What one thing is the music industry consistently not giving consumers?  Know this and you win in the digital age.

The answers begin here.

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The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Don’t get discouraged, get help.  See the inspiring story of how successful people turned their lives around by dealing with adversity in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here.

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Clear Channel Stiffing Talent Endorsements

Clear Channel has been caught forcing alleged phony endorsements for Burger King.

And without pay to the talent at that!

If this ever got out, Burger King would come under social networking scrutiny – a whopper of a flame-broiled controversy.

But you won’t tell, will you?

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1.  The true story of Clear Channel air talent ordered to taste the new Burger King menu and told what to say on-the-air.  No ifs, and buts – or compensation.  Thanks to our Witness Protection Program, you’ll get it straight from the source.

2.  Their instructions – sit down for this part.

3.  Why good sympathetic local Clear Channel managers have a problem with not paying their talent for endorsements and what they are going to do about it.

4.  Big changes ahead as Clear Channel is implementing a new employee contract.  You’ll see it first.

5.  Screwed over Clear Channel employees have to take this stuff, right?  Or else be fired?  Not necessarily.  This is red meat for people wanting to see BK with burger all over their face.  How to pressure Burger King into owning up.

The answers begin here.

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The REAL CBS Palm Beach Deal

The $50 million sale by CBS of five Palm Beach stations to a local competitor is not what it seems to be on the surface.

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1.  Does this start a trend in radio station sales?

2.  Is the effective multiple in future deals closer to the 12 times that CBS CEO Les Moonves just got?

3.  Is CBS done selling?  And, if not, which markets are next.

4.  How does the buyer (led by Dean Goodman) actually pay for the stations when virtually no loans for station acquisitions are available currently?

5.  Does the CBS high multiple sale impact the next purchase by Cumulus, which is expected sometime this year?

The answers begin here.

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Randy & Rush – Death Star

Rush Limbaugh being yanked off CBS in Philly for Merlin’s upstart FM faux news station is just the tip of the iceberg.

Wait until you hear what Merlin boss Randy Michaels has finally come up with to save his ratings-starved stations and his neck with investors.

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1.  If you think the Limbaugh announcement was major, there is something afoot that could be available to provide Michaels with other program and even format options in Philly, New York and Chicago.

2.  How Merlin will use Limbaugh as Death Star.

3.  The realistic chances of Rush’s show winding up on Merlin’s New York and/or Chicago all-news stations as well as Philly.  We handicap it.

4.  The thing that is forcing Merlin is say it’s doing news but opting for non-news programming.  In other words, Michaels may have boxed himself into a corner.  You’ll understand.

5.  Why Randy is madder than hell and isn’t going to fake it anymore – the coming high profile relaunch of Merlin news stations.

The answers begin here.

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Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace had one quality that we all need to have more of.

I have it and when you read this I think you will agree.

Don’t let this man pass on without keeping alive this one crucial quality that will surely help you in life.

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The New Music Industry

Mark my words – there is a war coming pitting record labels against artists and everyone against streaming music services.

It’s starting already.

And here’s how it will end.

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1.  Who wins the battle with music pirates?  Interesting evidence is emerging.

2.  What happens if this year’s Adele doesn’t sell 6 million records like she did last year to carry the record industry.

3.  How consumers use music differently than they did decades ago. 

4.  Own or rent – which one do consumers now prefer?

5.  Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody and the plethora of streaming music services – does this eventually stop music piracy?

6.  The new model for the music industry – how artists get their songs played, purchased and how they sell merchandise and concert tickets.  The labels won’t recognize this different model but it’s coming anyway.

The answers begin here.

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The biggest successes in business never won the lottery.  That mentality is a loser.  Now, see how successful and happy people think differently.  They turn bad luck into good luck and eventual success.  Check it out here.

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How to Outsmart Evil Consolidators

Mark Davis is going to have to leave WBAP in Dallas after 18 years because his employer, Cumulus, didn’t want to offer a fair contract to keep him.

Clear Channel did programming layoffs as recently as a few weeks ago and both Clear Channel and Cumulus are readying another round of programming firings to happen soon.

Is there any way to defend yourself and your career against radio companies that are brutally eliminating local radio?

You bet.

There is great opportunity ahead for talented radio people and I’ve got some great and useful strategies for you today.  Take a look.

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1.  There is a way to beat the bomb when your employer wants you to take a salary cut.  Here it is.

2.  The only 3 radio companies I would work for (revised for 2012).  Work hard to get in to one of these companies if you love working in radio.  Call them every week!

3.  The 3 companies I would not work for if they were the last radio groups on the planet.  You can guess two of them but the third one you will never guess.  I’ve got some inside stuff on them and I’m going to share it with you.

4.  The 3 radio groups that are risky but may be worth pitching.  Remember I said “risky” so I’ll tell you what the risk is and you’ll be prepared in advance.

5.  Want to get out of radio but still do the things about radio you like to do?  Here is an opportunity to jump on before someone else reads it.

6.  The clincher – next time you write your resume, prepare this one-sheet that will absolutely get your resume to the top of the pile.  It never failed when my USC students used it and now you can, too.

How to beat consolidators at their own game begins here.

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The next Media Solutions Lab 13 is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

The biggest successes in business never won the lottery.  That mentality is a loser.  Now, see how successful and happy people think differently.  They turn bad luck into good luck and eventual success.  Check it out here

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Spotify’s Awful Madonna Concert Gimmick

The fledgling music subscription service Spotify is doing something so uncool that it needs to be exposed so you never make this mistake.

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1.  The one thing never to do when you are making music or playing it.  Never!

2.  The absolute best way to get fans to pay for concert tickets.

3.  What is missing between artists and fans that has yet to be created.  Can you say opportunity?

4.  The unbreakable rule – violated at your peril – about creating buzz, fostering positive social media and selling music and merchandise.

5.  If you can finish this sentence, you get it – “music is a (blank) for our digital devices”.  I’ll explain.

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The Next Stage of Media Consolidation

The next big play in the media business is not growing radio groups – although some like Cumulus will expand.

It is huge media mergers – music, television, cable, satellite, Internet and digital – many of which will be in the same companies.

Companies like Netflix, Verizon, AT&T, SiriusXM, Liberty Media, Barry Diller, Comcast and Clear Channel.

And radio will have a new role – not a lead role this time around, but an important and different mission for the emerging media conglomerates that are planning the future of media companies. 

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1.  Intelligence on how soon these new mega mergers will happen – the model is already taking shape in other countries.

2.  Some of the possibilities.  Who will Sirius XM wind up with?  How about Clear Channel.  Or Pandora?  I’ve got some intriguing combinations to track.

3.  The best media merger targets.

4.  Evidence of who is at work right now dreaming up deals. 

5.  Radio will be a desirable part of these mega deals and if you’re thinking what I’m thinking then you are wondering how they will be able to pass Justice Department muster.  Here’s how.

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The biggest successes in business never won the lottery.  That mentality is a loser.  Now, see how successful and happy people think differently.  They turn bad luck into good luck and eventual success.  Check it out here

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Apple’s Way To Motivate Employees

Steal these ideas.

Apple has some lessons for the radio and record industries about getting top productivity from employees, winning their 100% loyalty and getting them to help sell even more.

Finally, I got an Apple insider to talk and I thought you might like to have access to what I learned.  I’m going to do these things. 

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1.  The Apple way to conduct staff meetings.  How long to make them.  What to do and not do.  Try one of these and you’ll never go back to the old way.

2.  Training and education – now this is how you help employees help you.

3.  How to get someone to happily work for less than what they can make elsewhere and pledge their loyalty to you.

4.  Scary trends from the Apple retail stores.  What I’m going to tell you scared me when I learned it!  What we in the media business need to prepare ourselves for which is coming soon.  I’m rethinking my plans based on what I’m going to share with you.

5.  Inside stuff you’ll want to know like how Apple gets all of its corporate propaganda into, say, its retail outlets before a product launch.

The answers begin here.

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Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Clear Channel Ups Mandates on Airplay for Potential Favors

Playing Madonna’s new single a few days before her Super Bowl halftime appearance once per hour turns out not to be a special one-time event on some Clear Channel stations. 

It’s now expanding to other artists and other formats – as recently as yesterday!

Here’s how Clear Channel is getting away with flexing its radio muscle while insisting it is an entertainment company and why they are leaving themselves open to be investigated on potential payola charges.

Where is Eliot Spitzer when we need him the most?

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1.  They’re really sneaky this time – the airplay appears to be out of the goodness of their hearts (I’m kidding).  The potential payoff is bigger than the worst case of convicted payola in the history of radio.

2.  Here’s the dehumanizing way Clear Channel is ordering local program directors to play favored artists so frequently -- you won’t believe it.  And yes, they are doing all of this by easily recoverable email.  One of my tipsters in our Witness Protection Program has seen them.

3.  Some pretty keen speculation of what Clear Channel wants from the artists it is giving heavy rotation to.

4.  An actual Clear Channel employee on how the music mandate works – in their own words.

5.  How Clear Channel is leaving itself open to trouble if and when the feds figure out what is going on.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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The next Media Solutions Lab 13 is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Clear Channel’s Future Tied to Today Show/Comcast

Tuesday morning during The Today Show, NBC/Comcast and Clear Channel’s very own Ryan Seacrest are going to make what is billed as a big announcement from Studio 1A.

To the world, that is likely to be about the increased presence of Seacrest on The Today Show.

For everyone else – including radio junkies – the announcement will give us a clue about the future of Clear Channel, a debt-ridden company whose future is inextricably and increasingly tied to one air personality.

I am going to show you how Clear Channel, Seacrest and Comcast are increasingly looking like partners in a way that could change the media business in even a bigger way.

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1.  Clear Channel has to be really in on what’s going down with Comcast and Today – here’s what they are after.

2.  I’ll answer the question why Bob Pittman is not just willing but eager to share his biggest star with a TV/cable company.

3.  What’s so big to Clear Channel in this expanded relationship between Seacrest and NBC that they might be willing to make him available to Comcast for a price?  And I’m not talking about money.

4.  The reason the iHeartRadio announcement of a second Vegas music fest with Ryan Seacrest was made on the eve of the NBC Today announcement.

5.  What to watch for as the number one radio company morphs into the number one talent pimp.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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The next Media Solutions Lab 13 is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Clear Channel is Desperate for Money

Radio’s two biggest consolidators – Cumulus and Clear Channel – are in economic trouble.

But one of them – Clear Channel – faces Armageddon type debt that even they admit could eventually take the company under.

But a series of recent events is shining light on just how desperate Clear Channel is for money and the almost unthinkable place they are turning to get the cash to stay afloat.

The strategy is controversial and some say illegal but you should know about it because you’re not going to see it elsewhere.

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1.  Would you believe that Clear Channel sweeps the account of the alleged poor victim company I am going to name daily and deposits large amounts of cash to keep the radio division operating?  Believe it!

2.  That the company Clear Channel is allegedly draining so that they can continue to operate cannot or will not defend itself thus putting their own company in potentially great peril.

3.  The analyst who recently said default is a “real possibility” for Clear Channel.  The analyst’s words, not mine.  I’ll tell you who said it.

4.  The place Clear Channel is looking to borrow up to $1 billion over the next few years.

5.  This is so arguably egregious that lawsuits are being considered to stop Clear Channel from allegedly poaching money to stay afloat.  

The answers begin here.

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Media Solutions Lab 13 is now confirmed for January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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