Radio+Television Business Report

With severe weather already impacting the U.S. as a tropical storm impacts the Southeast and extreme temperatures impacted much of the West Coast of the nation, how important is it for a local television station to invest in weather?

That’s just one question we asked Wes Wyatt, who will become the Chief Meteorologist at Gray Television-owned FOX affiliate WBRC-6 in Birmingham come July 26.

What else does Wes have to say about the role of weather at a broadcast TV station? Listen to this fresh RBR+TVBR InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, to learn more!

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Wes Wyatt” on Spreaker.

He’s been a part of the CBS family since 2015 and became interim News Director of WCBS-2 in New York in January.

Now, Johnny Green Jr. is being promoted to the top role for ViacomCBS’s flagship broadcast TV properties in the Big Apple, now part of a company division that includes CBS News.

It follows ViacomCBS‘s decision to sever its ties with news division leader David Friend following tales of gender and racial misconduct that also cost Peter Dunn his role as President of CBS Television Stations.

Green has been interim News Director at WCBS-2 in New York since January 2021, when then-SVP of News Friend and Dunn were suspended while ViacomCBS conducted an investigation into accusations against the two executives. He’s also been Vice President of News Services at CBS News, where he has overseen Newspath, the division’s affiliate news service, since August 2020.

Friend also led the local news department at WCBS-2 and sibling WLNY-55, branded as “TV 10” due to its placement across MVPDs in the New York Tri-State region.

With Friend and Dunn gone and former WABC-7 and ABC Owned Stations leader Wendy McMahon now President and co-head of CBS News and Stations, Green is getting the nod as President/GM of CBS News and Television Stations’ local businesses in New York.

Translation: He’s at the helm of CBS 2 and TV 10/55, plus Pluto TV “FAST” network CBSN New York and CBSNewYork.com.

Green, who is highly regarded among staff in New York, will assume his new responsibilities on July 12.

Green will continue to lead the CBS New York local newsroom and Newspath on a short-term basis while ViacomCBS conducts a search for his successors at WCBS-2 and at CBS News.

“Since returning to CBS nine weeks ago, I have been thoroughly impressed by the thoughtful and seasoned leadership Johnny has provided inside the CBS 2 newsroom and at Newspath,” McMahon said. “With this well-deserved promotion, we look forward to having Johnny lead our station-wide team efforts to produce great content, serve our diverse communities across the Tri-State Area, and promote a positive workplace culture.”

Green added, “I have great admiration for my colleagues at CBS New York and look forward to collaborating with all of them as we work together to positively transform our business and culture as a united CBS Stations and News organization. I am grateful for the support I have received from Wendy and [President and Co-Head of CBS News and Stations] Neeraj Khemlani and am excited to continue to work with them on bringing their vision to light.”

Prior to moving to New York last year, Green spent five years at WBZ-4 and WSBK-38, the CBS-owned stations in Boston. Green joined the duopoly in 2015 as Assistant News Director and one year later was named Vice President and News Director.

Prior to working in Boston, Green was an executive producer at WCAU-10 in Philadelphia. Before that, he was an executive producer at Hearst-owned WPXI-11 in Pittsburgh.

Green began his career as a producer at WCTI-TV in New Bern, N.C.

Green is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

It may be licensed for just 10 watts of power, but its signal can reach South Austin once this FM translator is up and running.

For Charles Crawford, that’s a large enough potential audience to invest in the silent property in Texas’ capital city.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Its original FM namesake is now owned by Educational Media Foundation and sports the WAIW call letters. The FM station that then took those call letters was later sold with its sibling to Metro Radio Inc., in a deal announced in April.

Now, the last remaining asset that Allen Shaw owned in Virginia’s Shenandoah region is being sold, too.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

With the centennial of commercially licensed radio broadcasting in the U.S., many stations have come under the spotlight for their longevity, including KDKA-AM in Pittsburgh, WWJ-AM in Detroit and KNX-AM in Los Angeles.

In Texas, WRR claims to be the first licensed broadcast station in Texas, and to be “the second-oldest operating station in the U.S.”

Now, as WRR on August 5 will celebrate 100 years of service, it is in jeopardy of disappearing from the airwaves.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

It is the owner of the PBS Member station serving northwestern Pennsylvania, and the licensee of the NPR Member station with matching call letters that signify, “We Question and Learn.”

An upgrade to the stations’ broadcast facility was necessary, with the need for additional content recording and playback channels an acute one.

The new playout channels are in place, thanks to NVerzion.

Two additional NVerzion NFinity Video Servers are now operational at WQLN-TV and WQLN-FM 91.3, in Erie, Pa.

Four playout channels are dedicated to their existing four broadcast channels, while the record ports are being utilized for satellite feeds from incoming programming networks, along with “PBS Six” content associated with these services.

The new equipment is interconnected to the existing NVerzion automation system.

WQLN currently maintains two HD channels, with “PBS Kids” on its DT2 signal; two SD channels are also on the air. All are set up as 16×9. Two playout ports are configured for SD; two are configured for 1080i HD.

Before WQLN’s master control reconfiguration in 2009, servers were dedicated to SD and HD, respectively. Two additional channels maximized the server capacity. But, issues developed such as record ports being used as playout ports, along with confusion regarding accurate content in specified locations.

Now, WQLN is able to segment and QC programs on a separate PC without tying up additional video server ports.

And, there are no transcoding conflicts.

For product information, contact Reed Haslam, Director of Sales at NVerzion, at rhaslam@nverzion.com

BOCA RATON, FLA. — Independent Prague-headquartered automation systems producer Aveco has unveiled a media asset management (MAM) tool designed for cloud, hybrid-cloud and on-premises use.

Called GEMINI, the product manages media and AI-enriched metadata, plus timeline annotations describing any frame or segment of an asset, utilizing speech-to-text transcription, subtitles, or markers (e.g., soccer goals) utilizing secure HTML5. Assets are under control across all types of storage — in the cloud, NAS and SAN, video servers, as well as LTO and non-spinning disk archives.

“The introduction of the GEMINI MAM brings powerful tools that are easy to use, so people can concentrate on the task at hand, anywhere in the world and on any browser,” Aveco CEO Pavel Potuzak said.

The architecture of GEMINI scales from thousands to millions of media assets, from tens to hundreds of users, from out-of-the-box workflows to the most complex operations involving third-party media appliances. An integrated frame-accurate proxy video editor works together with popular NLEs and online rendering services to optimize news and production workflows.

GEMINI works with all internet browsers and all operating systems, as well as tablets running Android and iOS without the need for any plugins.

For redundancy, GEMINI MAM server components use a multi-node architecture. This means that if a node goes down, the remaining nodes continue to provide all services without interruption. Additionally, performance can be easily scaled up by simply adding more nodes.

Despite its San Fernando Valley contact number, AVECO maintains a U.S. operational center in Doral, Fla. It can be reached at 1-818-292-1489.

Telestream has released new enhancements to its IQ family of monitoring products and systems, a move the company says answers the need for enhanced VOD and Live monitoring capabilities for content owners, aggregators, CDN operators and subscription service providers.

“These enhancements provide users with increased visibility, reporting and analytics within their VOD networks,” the Nevada City, Calif.-based company says. “They empower users to drill down for additional proofs of performance, availability, and validation of live and on-demand offerings, providing more granular ways to find and fix faults fast.”

Telestream’s IQ VOD monitoring solution provides lightweight analysis focused on speed to determine content accessibility, ABR packaging, and quick audio and video checks, with results available in a single consolidated report. Long term analysis and diagnostics reporting is also available.

The solution is strategically positioned for validating large VOD content libraries, keeping pace with new content as it becomes available. “By taking advantage of the different monitoring methods and scheduling inherent within the Telestream solution, users can harness resources efficiently to make the most of their monitoring investment while limiting the impact on streaming services,” the company notes.

With the VOD monitoring platform, it is a straightforward task to automate the entire process using the open API, reviewing results in a consolidated report that takes no integration effort or additional data processing.

For live applications, the latest enhancements include expanded codec monitoring, including support for HEVC 4:2:2 profile. Enhancements also include additional pre-compression rapid pixel analysis of I-Frames. Should a closer analysis be required, clicking the MOS Level 2 option allows analysis of I, B and P frames without disrupting hundreds of other sources that may be running concurrently. This assures there aren’t issues that will be harder to identify once compressed.

Post-compression, spatial and other compression introduced issues can be analyzed and dealt with prior to moving the content on, where jitter, buffer, timing, and other factors can continue to be monitored and diagnosed.

Ability to check and validate the integrity of the content through multiple packagers, CDNs and distributors, enables a provider to better see what the customer experience will be and provides peace of mind, protection of revenue and proofs of performance.

“The recent announcement of AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery merger accelerates global plans for direct-to-consumer products,” said Matthew Driscoll, Director of Product Management at Telestream. “Media giants are creating deep content libraries and establishing their brands across programming categories. The volume of content and complex distribution networks required to reach consumers drives the need for new tools. Tools that can assist operators in this massive transition and ensure a high-quality user experience in a wildly competitive landscape. Market and technology shifts like these are the driving force behind this VOD and live monitoring initiative at Telestream.”

Orban Labs, the maker of audio processing systems for AM, FM, DAB+, HD Radio, television and Internet broadcasting, is “reorganizing” sales of its PCn1600 audio processing software.

Translation: years of exclusivity have ended for two entities that had exclusive sales licenses.

For several years, Modulation Index and StreamS had an exclusive license to sell PCn1600 processing; that exclusivity ended last week.

“All Orban dealers worldwide can now add our PCn1600 to their Orban product portfolio,” said Orban President David Day. “PCn1600 users have enjoyed the clarity and intelligibility that only Orban can provide, and we want them to continue offering this high quality to their listeners.”

It is Orban’s understanding that Modulation Index and StreamS will continue to support their existing PCn1600 users, Day added.

PCn1600 was developed by Bob Orban to bring the company’s audio processing technology to audio streaming operating natively on Windows PC platforms.

Orban has used variants of the PCn1600 in its XPN-AM processor and in the Linux-based Ross RSAP.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA — Global codec manufacturer Tieline has released new firmware v3.02.06 — supporting a range of new features in Gateway and Gateway 4 codecs.

Major features in this release include:

• Support for NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 (Networked Media Open Specifications).
• Support for up to 8 channels of digital phase-locked multichannel audio, including 6 channel (5.1 or 6.0) or 8 channel (7.1 or 8.0) surround sound streams in Gateway, or 4 channel phase-locked streams in Gateway and Gateway 4.
• Dynamic range Compressor and EQ on all inputs.
• SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming support for multi-unicast streams.
• Support for Euro ISDN connections.

“This is a significant release which supports features like NMOS, and up to 8 channels of phase-locked multi-channel IP audio, which will excite broadcast engineers,” said Charlie Gawley, VP of Sales for the APAC/EMEA regions. “Processing features like input compression and EQ, that can be adjusted from anywhere online using the Toolbox web-GUI interface, also take remote control to another level.”

Support for NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 in the Gateway platform ensures that components of a networked media system can find each other and delivers connection management and audio channel mapping to device I/O channels. Combined with support for 16 AES67/ST 2110-30 AoIP streams, NMOS brings networked equipment capabilities.

Support of phase-locked AoIP streaming allows broadcasters to stream live events like concerts and major sports in stereo and surround sound simultaneously, or distribute live phase-locked audio between studios or network affiliates. A 16 channel Gateway codec supports sending 2 x 6 + 2 channels of phase-locked streams, or 2 x 8 channels of phase-locked streams, or 4 x 4 channels of phase-locked streams.

The new release is a free upgrade for existing customers.

• For USA, Canada & Latin America contact: sales@tieline.com 

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY — Media and entertainment technology company Evertz has turned on the lights for the first time at its newly equipped DreamCatcher Training Center (DCTC) in Bavaria’s chief metropolitan area, Munich.

As a provider of hardware and software-based live production workflow tools, Evertz says this will assist the company in offering broadcasters and content providers a new resource to assist in the creation of “high quality content at unprecedented speeds.”

“We understand that moving to a new live production platform not only requires technical excellence, but is also based on operators who know the platform inside and out and feel confident to operate it in a very fast and efficient way,” said Sebastian Ruchti, Sales
Engineer at DACH. “Therefore we decided to set up a DreamCatcher ecosystem here in Munich that can host multiple operators, that not only allows operators to come in and familiarize with the system locally, but also allow customers to discover our award-winning
BRAVO Studio workflow remotely from anywhere.”

DreamCatcher is located in Munich’s SpaceNet Building, in the heart of a burgeoning north Schwabing tech center that includes Amazon and Microsoft offices some 25 minutes north of Marienplatz via the U6. “The DCTC has connectivity to perform full remote production
workflow-based demonstrations of Evertz’ XPS RealTime UHD/3G/HD Streaming Platform and BRAVO Studio platforms,” the company says.

XPS is Evertz’ next-generation UHD/3G/HD streaming platform that uses SRT, RIST and Zixi for secure and reliable contribution over IP networks with ultra-low latency. XPS is a software-defined HEVC and H.264 real-time encoding/decoding platform that Evertz believes is ideal for live or cloud-based applications where secure, high quality and low-latency is essential.

— Weekly Tech Roundup European News Desk

To learn more about the DreamCatcherTM Live Production platform, visit evertz.com/applications/live-production/. 

U.S. Sales Contact: 1-877-995-3700
sales@evertz.com

BOCA RATON, FLA. — In November 2017, he ended his business partnership with John Caracciolo. This led Vic Latino — legally known as Victor Canales — to create his own media company with a Palm Beach County-based AM as its foundation.

Now, Canales is selling that AM, along with one of the two FM translators his company uses to serve the market with a unique “Quality Rock” format that’s failed to attract audiences since its debut.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

HC2 Holdings, the parent of a broadcasting company that is paring down its over-the-air TV station roster under President/CEO Wayne Barr Jr., has completed the previously announced sale of its insurance segment.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW RBR+TVBR ON TWITTER!

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

The Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) and the Media Bureau of the FCC have identified 114 applicants that are qualified to bid in “Auction 109,” the Commission’s plan to offer four AM construction permits that will replace deleted facilities in St. Louis and some 135 FM construction permits.

However, anyone hoping to bid on a facility in the Catskills region of New York is out of luck.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

It’s the home of “Michigan’s Positive Hits,” and today can be heard on 21 radio frequencies across the Mitten State.

Soon, a 22nd signal will be added to the mix, filling a hole that allows Smile FM to serve Huron County and the neighboring towns of Cagetown and Cass City.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After 25 years on Capitol Hill, the Staff Director of the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the FCC, is planning his August departure from the legislative body.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW RBR+TVBR ON TWITTER!

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Though most broadcast media have returned to their studios, many interviews will continue to take place on Zoom. The bar has been raised for showing up looking sharp and professional.

How should you prepare for a press interview? Veteran public relations executive Rosemary Ravinal offers these tips.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

In Indiana’s biggest market, there are two big FM spoken word stations that attract listeners. One is owned by Emmis Communications. The other is an NPR Member station operated by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media.

The latter licensee is expanding. And, it’s thanks to Purdue University‘s decision to sell its radio stations — becoming the latest in an increasingly lengthy list of schools opting to part ways with their audio broadcast properties.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

MIAMI — It’s had a bitter history in recent years with performers union SAG-AFTRA at its two FM radio stations in Los Angeles, with accusations that the company engaged in “a series of unfair labor practices” and by November 2019 had failed to comply in part with a settlement agreement.

Now, SAG-AFTRA has been outright decertified at “La Ley 107.9,” the Chicago-market FM owned by Spanish Broadcasting System.

SBS late Thursday (7/1) announced that employees at its WLEY-FM, which airs regional Mexican programming, voted to decertify and remove the union that had previously represented them in dealing with SBS.

That union is SAG-AFTRA, voted in nearly three years to represent “certain on-air talent and production employees” in Chicago.

Since that time, SBS and SAG-AFTRA had been negotiating the terms of an initial collective bargaining agreement. However, no agreement was ever reached.

Employees voted on the decertification question by mail over the past few weeks, and the results of the vote were officially confirmed on June 28 by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the government agency that conducted the vote.

Commenting on the vote, SBS General Counsel Richard Lara said, “We greatly respect the important decision made by our employees to move forward without a union to act as intermediary between them and the company in the resolution of personnel matters at our Chicago facilities. The company looks forward to working more directly with our employees to build an even stronger presence in Chicago.”

The vote comes some 2 1/2 years after SBS sought to resolve two complaints lobbed at SBS’s KLAX and KXOL in Los Angeles on behalf of SAG-AFTRA.

“For over three years, SBS has continuously violated labor laws,” SAG-AFTRA claimed in November 2019. SBS’s alleged violations were set forth in a consolidated complaint, available here.

In Dec. 20, 2017, SAG-AFRTA and SBS reached a settlement valued at roughly half a million dollars. All was fine until May 2019, when SAG-AFTRA called on Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) to extend “fair contracts” to its on-air talent in two key markets.

One was Los Angeles. The other? Chicago.

Earlier in the week, it was Little Rock.

Now, Central Florida is getting “a taste of the future” as eight Orlando TV stations have banded together to launch NEXTGEN TV in the home of Tomorrowland.

As of July 1, NEXTGEN TV enables TV stations to better personalize their broadcasts with information and interactive features, making the content more relevant and engaging for viewers.

The eight stations launching the digital TV broadcast technology are Fox Television owned-and-operated WRBW-65 and FOX affiliated WOFL-35; Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliated WFTV-9 and unaffiliated WRDQ-27; Graham Media Group’s CBS affiliated WKMG-6, Hearst Television’s NBC affiliated WESH-2; and The CW Network WKCF-18, and PBS Member station WUCF-24, owned by the University of Central Florida.

“Viewers in Orlando have a lot to be excited about, as NEXTGEN TV is going to change the way they experience live broadcast television, and it will only get better as more features are added down the road by their local stations,” said John Soapes, President/GM of WESH-TV. “NEXTGEN TV ensures the future of television, where content and the experience of watching culminates, leaving viewers informed, entertained, and inspired.”

Orlando, which is the nation’s 17th largest television market, joins Tampa, Tallahassee, and Pensacola, Fla., as locales where NEXTGEN TV service is already available.

— Adam Jacobson, in Boca Raton, Fla.