Radio Waves

A performance tax gets its first airing.
We'll get our first indication today of how receptive Congress is to a new push by the record industry to see a tax on radio. The move to do away with the decades-old exemption could cost the industry billions annually. The NAB is launching a Washington ad campaign that urges lawmakers to oppose this new "performance tax on local radio broadcasters."

Calling it a "performance tax," the ad urges listeners to call their member of Congress and urge opposition. Spots are currently airing through August 1.

"For decades, radio has been promoting new music free of charge, contributing to the growth of new stars and new genres of music," says the radio spot. "But the big international record labels have a problem. They haven't kept up with the times. Now they are asking Congress to tax local radio stations to subsidize their failing business model to the tune of billions of dollars."

What's Up (or Down) with News Choppers?
Radio traffic reporter Julie DeHarty was hurt, but not seriously, along with her pilot and TV traffic reporter when their helicopter lost power and was forced to make a crash landing. DeHarty, the traffic reporter for KRLD-AM and KVIL-FM/Dallas, was sore but able to walk when the copter make a hard emergency landing around 7am this morning.

FCC Won't Seek Full-Court Review on Profanity Appeal
The FCC will not seek a full-court review on the recent ruling by the Second Circuit Court of Appeal's that said the Commission's fleeting expletives findings against Fox and others were "arbitrary and capricious." However, the agency could still appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In recent weeks, bills have been introduced into the Senate that would override the court's June decision. But it's unlikely there will be a vote before the August recess.

Spring Ratings (All numbers are 12+)
The ratings book for Spring 2007 is out. The top 3 are still the same. #1 WDVE, #2 KDKA & #3 WDSY. KDKA is regaining some ground after abandoning the liberal radio idea and dropping John McIntyre.

CBS is probably drinking cheap scotch to numb the pain of the the format changes at 93.7 They have gone downhill with a tailwind since 2004 when some idiot decided to take a fly swatter to B-94. Krock died and ugly death and the April 2, 2007 format change to "The Zone" seems to ready to be the next failure.

WWSW claimed fourth place. I'm still not sure about the Beach Boys & U2 share the dial but what do I know? Bob has been losing ground consistently but that seems nationwide to be a short term fad format. Even Jack in New York got whacked and has returned to oldies.

WPBG is down a full point. As for WORD FM, the numbers are up. WORD is up to 1.5 beating WPTT, WEAE & The Zone among others. Thanks Pittsburgh!