ftm Radio Page - March 19, 2010

Audience Gains For Almost Everyone
Casual observers may gloss over the fine detail of media surveys. The hard core – statistical anoraks – bite hard on every change and nuance. With all audience surveys, the devil, as they say, is in the details.

Concept confusion in Moscow
“Not very adult radio”

Russian Federation media regulator Roskomnadzor issued a new warning to broadcaster Elektron for not sticking to program plan in its license for 94.0 FM, reports Kommersant (March 17). The regulator said in its second warning the station should be called “not very adult radio” at least four times an hour rather than Pioneer FM. Elektron, owned by Alexander Lebedev, said the regulator is confused.

Mr. Lebedev, who is becoming a newspaper baron in the UK, bought two Moscow frequencies about two years ago. One was originally intended to be an all-business news station. That concept was scuttled for a station for kids, Pioneer FM. “We believe this warning is an unfortunate misunderstanding,” said an Elektron spokesperson.

Roskomnadzor rarely warns broadcaster for concept violations, said Kommersant. Since 2007 it has issued four, half to Pioneer FM. After “repeated violations” a radio license can be revoked. (JMH)

Satellite radio deal fizzles
Countdown to shutdown

Liberty Satellite Radio, owned by Liberty Media, terminated “strategic negotiations” with bankrupt satellite radio operator WorldSpace, reported Reuters (March 16) quoting WorldSpace disclosures filed with the Delaware (US) Bankruptcy Court. The WorldSpace statement indicated it was “reviewing strategic options” including decommissioning its two operating satellites. There were no other details from WorldSpace and Liberty Media declined comment.

Liberty Media carries the WorldSpace debt, collateral being the satellites. Liberty is a 40% shareholder in Sirius XM, a satellite radio operator serving, largely, North America. The WorldSpace birds have Asia and Africa footprints. (More on satellite radio here)

These satellite radio deals have more lives than Felix the Cat. Stay tuned. (JMH)

Radio Page - March 12, 2010

Radio Page - March 5, 2010

Radio Page - February 26, 2010

Radio Page - February 19, 2010

Recently added radio audience figures

• Germany - Radio Audience (14/03/2010)
  leading stations, 2010 national survey, daily reach
• Czech Republic - Radio Audience (01/03/2010)
  Top stations, national survey, trend
• Netherlands - Radio Audience (20/02/2010)
  national survey, market share, trend
• Romania - National Radio Audience (11/02/2010)
  national survey, market share, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (04/02/2010)
  market share, trend, sectors
• UK - London Radio Audience (04/02/2010)
  market share, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (04/02/2010)
  BBC/commercial 'gap'

Also see ftm Knowledge

Europe’s Radio – Eastern Europe – new

Eastern Europe’s radio writes new rules. In fact, most everything about radio in this region is new... and changes often. The ftm Knowledge file reports on Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Slovakia. 65 pages PDF (February 2010)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order

Europe’s Radio – Northern Europe

Northern Europe’s radio has a very digital sound. And change is in the air. Economic challenges abound for both public and commercial broadcasters. The ftm Knowledge file reports on Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the UK. 72 pages PDF (December 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order

Digital Radio - Forward...slightly

Digital radio is slowly finding its way. Broadcasters are challenged by shifts in business models, audience expectations and regulation limbo. This ftm Knowledge file details the promise of digital broadcasting and the paradigm shifts. 83 pages PDF (June 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order