AMS News

Music Site TheRadio.Com Reveals Ad-Free Premium Service

2009-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Subscribers pay $2.95 per month, get additional services - no advertising

CHARLESTON, SC – (September 1, 2009): Online streaming station TheRadio.Com LLC today launched an ad-free Premium version of its popular music programming with a long list of new features. The monthly cost is $2.95.In addition to removal of advertising, new features include enhanced search functions and player, album cover graphics, exclusive premium offers and a Subscriber Rewards Program.

Carryover features from the standard service include outstanding audio quality, custom channel building, song skipping, on-demand interactive music delivery, and countdowns of the 40 top songs in 12 current genres (per weekly MediaBase charts).

“The premium service is the result of listener suggestions and our own research,” said Ed Seeger, CEO of TheRadio.Com. Chief Technology Officer Laramie Guest adds: “Our goal was to be the best listening experience available while being the easiest to use.”

“We wanted a simplified interface that would enhance the overall listener experience with more features and functionality,” commented Marty Quessenberry, Chief Marketing Officer. “With this new version of TheRadio.com, we’re delivering music the way listeners want it, simplified and ad free.”

TheRadio.Com offers 222 online channels (list at http://theradio.com/channels.cfm), each programmed by seasoned music professionals. “Just to give an idea of the depth of our variety,” said Program Director Scott Johnson, “we have 38 variations of Rock, 23 Country, and 22 Rhythm & Blues, plus current hits countdown channels in a dozen genres. Plus a ton of less mainstream stations like Blues, Jazz, Religion, Standards, Bluegrass, Beach Music, Folk, the Parrot Beach Bar, and various International flavors.

All channels can be heard at www.theradio.com.

About TheRadio.Com
Founded in 2006, TheRadio.Com is an affiliate of American Media Services Interactive, LLC, Charleston, SC. It provides 222 music channels in a wide variety of genres. Visit www.theradio.com. American Media Services Interactive, LLC also provides music and messaging services to retailers via its Storecasting℠ product (www.storecasting.net).

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American Media Services Announces Appointment of Todd Fowler as President of American Media Services - Interactive

2009-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

(Charleston, SC) American Media Services (AMS) today announced the appointment of Todd Fowler as President of American Media Services-Interactive (AMSi). An affiliate company of AMS, AMSi is a digital media consulting company to retailers, broadcasters, print media, church organizations and corporate clients.

Mr. Fowler, who also currently holds the position of President of the company’s Brokerage Division, is an industry veteran with years of experience in the areas of radio, communication, and emerging media. “We have a depth of talent within our organization that we were able to tap for this position,” said Ed Seeger, Chairman of American Media Services. “Todd is a long time, trusted and proven member of the AMS management team.” Mr. Fowler is well known in the communication industry, having served prior to joining AMS as Senior Director of Affiliate Relations for ABC Radio Networks in Dallas and President/CEO of Quorum Radio Partners. In announcing Mr. Fowler’s appointment, Andrew Guest, Vice Chairman of American Media Services said “Todd is one of the most capable people I’ve ever known. This is a great opportunity for him and for our company.” Fowler’s responsibilities as President will include management of growth for the division as well as the operation and expansion of AMSi’s Storecasting^SM services providing in-store audio to retailers and the streaming audio website, www.theRadio.com with over 200 channels of free ad supported music entertainment and social networking attributes. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to carry my experience in terrestrial media to our emerging media division,” said Fowler.

American Media Services is a full-service radio brokerage, engineering, developmental engineering and internet technologies firm. The Internet division was established in December of 2006. “American Media Services Interactive has an ambitious mission to bring together a source for broadcasters and corporations to take advantage of the opportunities that abound today with emerging media vehicles,” said Seeger. “Todd will bring the same energy, enthusiasm and index of people in the industry to this new post that he has brought to the Brokerage Division. There is no doubt that he has the skills to lead the professional team at AMSi and grow the scope of services offered.”

For more information about the services of American Media Services Interactive, contact Todd Fowler, President at 888-697-6630.
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About AMSi
AMS Interactive , launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include corporate/retail StorecastingTM and theRadio.Com. Through a proprietary internet receiver provided by the AMSi team, Storecasting TM provides a customizable audio content platform for retail or corporate environments with the ability to engage and deliver marketing messages to customers directly at point of sale. TheRadio.com is an on-demand, interactive music delivery site featuring unique capabilities including song skipping, favorites tracking, countdown channels, and a robust search feature. Visit amsinteractive.com.

American Media Services Interactive Expands TheRadio.com To Include Album Country and Civil War Channels

2009-06-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, SC – American Media Services Interactive (AMSi) announces the expansion of TheRadio.com its free, online music streaming vehicle, with the addition of two channels, Album Country and Civil War Music. The channels join the over 200 on-demand channels currently available from TheRadio.com.“With the addition of the Album Country and Civil War channels, we are reinforcing TheRadio.com’s commitment to providing on-line listeners with a depth of listening not available on any other internet stream,” said Scott Johnson, Program Director, TheRadio.com. “This is a continuation of providing today’s music consumers with music selections of what they want when they want it.” Created by American Media Services Interactive, TheRadio.com provides a seemingly endless selection of free music of superior quality coupled with ease of use

The Album Country channel features expanded album selections for a more in depth listening experience of individual Country recording artists. From battle songs to civil war movie ballads, the Civil War channel is the musical answer for any Civil War buff. Selections of the period are recreated by music legends to contemporary artists. TheRadio.com boasts an ever-expanding channel list encompassing rock, country, R&B, jazz, oldies, Christmas, and religious listening.

Also exclusively available on TheRadio.com are a dozen weekly countdown channels. Each is devoted to the continuous presentation of the current top 40 songs in multiple genres, as determined by MediaBase, a music industry website containing charts and analysis based on data from 175 markets in the United States. “TheRadio.com, through its exclusive relationship with MediaBase, is the only online entity where listeners can find all these countdown channels including Adult Contemporary, Active Rock, Alternative, CHR, Country, Gospel, Hot AC, Rhythm, Triple A, Urban Contemporary and Urban,” said Johnson.

For more information about TheRadio.com or the services of American Media Services Interactive, contact Todd Fowler at 888-697-6630.
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About AMSi
AMS Interactive , launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include corporate/retail StorecastingTM and theRadio.Com. Through a proprietary internet receiver provided by the AMSi team, Storecasting TM provides a customizable audio content platform for retail or corporate environments with the ability to engage and deliver marketing messages to customers directly at point of sale. TheRadio.com is an on-demand, interactive music delivery site featuring unique capabilities including song skipping, favorites tracking, countdown channels, and a robust search feature. Visit amsinteractive.com.

About TheRadio.com
TheRadio.com is a free, online music streaming vehicle with on-demand, interactive music delivery featuring unique capabilities including song skipping, favorites tracking, and a robust search feature. TheRadio.com boasts hundreds of listening channels.http://www.theradio.com/

American Media Services Survey Shows Popularity of Internet Radio, Even As Regular Radio Continues Holding Its Audience

2009-04-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Nearly half of homes now have wireless internet service

Internet connections in vehicles may be the next frontier for wireless service

About half say in-store advertisements along with music would make shopping easier

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9, 2009 – Internet-only radio is rapidly gaining acceptance as another way to listen to music, according to a national survey that American Media Services released today.

The latest AMS Radio Index shows that more than a quarter (27 percent) of Americans say they have listened to Internet-only radio on an Internet site. This includes nearly half (47 percent) of young adults 18-24 and about a third (34 percent) of those under the age of 50.

But even as new media, such as Internet-only radio, continue to gain in popularity, regular radio is maintaining its audience. In the latest AMS survey, 73 percent said they are listening to the radio about the same as or more than they did five years ago. Dating back to the initial AMS Radio Index in January 2006, the number saying they’re listening to the radio as much or more than five years earlier has remained remarkably steady.

“Our latest survey shows the continued vibrancy of radio,” said Edward F. Seeger, AMS chairman. “Online radio is an increasingly important medium. Regular radio is holding its own. The two media offer choices that are compatible and complementary of each other.”

The way of receiving online radio is also rapidly changing. Nearly half the homes in America now have WiFi, or wireless internet service, the AMS survey found. Home WiFi service increased from 37 percent in the September 2008 survey to 48 percent in the current survey.

And in the wireless world, vehicles could be the next frontier – for both Internet connections and audience growth for Internet-only radio.

There is an increasing desire among Americans to have Internet service in their vehicle. The number expressing interest in having this service in their vehicle has increased from 37 percent in the September 2008 AMS survey to 46 percent in the latest AMS Radio Index.

Among those who have listened to Internet-only radio, nearly half (46 percent) expect to listen to it in the future on an Internet connection in their vehicles, and nearly three-quarters (74 percent) say they would listen to Internet-only radio more if their vehicle had an Internet connection.

Even among those who have never listened to Internet-only radio, nearly half (48 percent) say they would be prompted to listen to it if they had an Internet connection in their vehicle.

Generally, they prefer to have access to Internet-only radio at no charge. However, nearly a quarter (23 percent) said they are willing to pay a monthly subscription charge of $8 or less to listen commercial-free.

Other key findings of the latest AMS Radio Index include the following:

Nearly six out of 10 (59 percent) say they notice music while shopping either always or most of the time.

About half (51 percent) say hearing brief advertisements for special offers in the store or ads for other area stores would make their shopping experience easier.

Men and women were equally disposed towards in-store ads. Age mattered more than gender: 72 percent of those 18-24 and 60 percent of those 25-34 said in-store ads would make their shopping experience easier.

About the survey

The national poll was conducted for AMS by OmniTel, the weekly omnibus survey of GfK Custom Research North America of Princeton, N.J. The telephone survey of 1,005 Americans adults was conducted during the weekend of March 27-29, 2009. The survey is considered accurate within plus or minus 3 percentage points. [Go to www.americanmediaservices.com to see survey results.]

About American Media Services

American Media Services is a full-service radio brokerage, engineering and developmental engineering firm, and its developmental division leads the country in successfully implementing station upgrades by moving them into larger markets, dramatically increasing their value. Since its founding in 1997, AMS has increased the value of 22 stations across the country by $212.6 million, with a corresponding increase in population served of some 25 million. More than $200 million in proposed rulemakings are currently pending before the FCC. In December 2006 AMS launched an affiliate company, American Media Services-Internet LLC, to assist radio station owners and operators on setting up and managing streaming radio sites. For additional information, please visit www.americanmediaservices.com.

American Media Services Interactive Debuts StoreCastingTM – Customized At-Retail Broadcasting …Customer Engagement and Sales Lift With Only an Interne

2009-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

CHARLESTON, SC – American Media Services Interactive (AMSi) announces the launch of StorecastingTM, its customizable audio content platform for retail or corporate environments. With the ability to engage and deliver marketing messages to customers in a nonintrusive manner directly at point of sale, StorecastingTM can create high value with low operational cost.

“Knowing that 75% of buying decisions are made once a shopper is in the store, the need to engage customers, alert them to new products, special offers and imprint and brand a unique shopping experience has never been more relevant. ” said Charles Andrew Whatley, president of AMSi. With 200 different channels of music content or completely customized music formats from which to choose, AMSi’s StorecastingTM is instantly available for deployment to match any environment. “All of our existing or customized content can be delivered to each of a businesses’ or retailer’s locations with custom branding and marketing announcements,” continues Whatley. StorecastingTM includes an easy to employ tool set for use from few locations up to thousands of locations.

All messaging and branding frequency are controlled by the user and can include internal marketing messages or revenue producing third party messages. The AMSi team will work with marketing departments to strategize best practices for packaging, pricing and presenting. “Using our recommended model for third party marketing, can liquidate the expense,” said Melissa Rapp, VP Sales for AMSi. “In fact, StorecastingTM- can create a profit center for the retailer or business.” The content for AMSi’s StorecastingTM is delivered via IP through the customer’s internet connection and utilizes a proprietary internet receiver provided by AMSi. For more information about StorecastingTM or the services of American Media Services Interactive, contact Charles Andrew Whatley at 888-697-6630. # # #

About AMSi
American Media Services Interactive, LLC, launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include leading edge solutions for emerging media, engagement strategies for audio/video streaming, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, content management systems, custom application development, website programming and design and corporate/retail StorecastingTM at point-of-purchase. Visit www.amsinteractive.com.

American Media Services Interactive Partners with Music Industry Giant, Al Bell To Launch Digital Platform and Products

2008-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

AMSi announces that it has partnered in digital initiatives with former owner of Stax Records and president of Motown, Al Bell. Credited with shaping the American music scene for over 50 years, Bell has taken his experience in music and the business of music and joined with AMSi to tap emerging media platforms including digital streaming and an on-line presence.Al Bell is famous for recognizing talented artists as well as creating sounds that connect. With his partnership with AMSi, Bell launches Al Bell Presents: The Website and Al Bell Presents American Soul Music, a robust music site featuring a wide range of Soul, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Neo-Hip-Hop, Neo-Rap, and Neo-Soul. American Soul Music launches automatically when visitors go to www.AlBellPresents.Com; the online channel also can be heard at AMSi’s music website, www.TheRadio.com.

“Designed with a contemporary-retro look and state-of-the-art functionality, Al Bell Presents: The Website was built by our technicians to provide users a number of audio and visual features,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, president of AMSi. The site incorporates an online radio experience as well as an artists section with bios and general information on dozens of soul, R&B, blues, and gospel artists. Other features of the site include artist interviews, videos screenings, and an “Underground” page for new music from unique and up and coming artists and musicians.

“Each individual element of the website has an intrinsic value crafted to attract corporate co-branding and sponsorship opportunities,” said Reed Bunzel, chief operating officer for Al Bell Presents. Al Bell Presents American Soul Music, an online music streaming platform will provide soul, R&B and blues programming. “Mr. Bell used his 50 years’ experience in the radio and recording industries to develop a sound unlike that heard on any terrestrial or internet radio station,” said Bunzel. “Listeners have already found the station and are providing positive feedback as our “time spent listening” stats demonstrate a near-unanimous love for the channel.”

Subsequent to designing the site and the online station, AMSi also will offer the Al Bell Presents brand and sound to other online and digital businesses including custom music streaming opportunities. For more information about Al Bell Presents or the services of American Media Services Interactive, contact Charles Andrew Whatley at 888-697-6630.

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About AMSi

American Media Services Interactive, LLC, launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include leading edge solutions for emerging media, engagement strategies for audio/video streaming, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, content management systems, custom application development, website programming and design and corporate/retail “Store-casting” at point-of-purchase. Visit www.amsinteractive.com.

American Media Services Interactive Launches Beta of TheRadio.com –On-Demand Streaming Music Site

2008-11-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

AMSi announces the beta launch of TheRadio.com the latest free, online music streaming vehicle. TheRadio.com is an on-demand, interactive music delivery site featuring unique capabilities including song skipping, favorites tracking, and a robust search feature.

“With the ease of our search format, individuals accessing music via TheRadio.com can narrow their search by artist, song or genre,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of AMSi. “TheRadio.com is the answer to the current music consumption notion based on consumers proclaiming ‘I want music and media how I want it, where I want it and when I want it’.” Created by American Media Services Interactive, TheRadio.com provides a seemingly endless selection of free music of superior quality coupled with ease of use. “TheRadio.com will feature 26 rock channels, 17 country, 15 rhythm and blues, 4 jazz, 18 oldies, 6 Christmas, and 13 religious,” said Scott Johnson, Program Director, TheRadio.com.

Exclusively available on TheRadio.com are a dozen weekly countdown channels. Each is devoted to the continuous presentation of the current top 40 songs in multiple genres, as determined by MediaBase, a music industry website containing in-depth charts and analysis based on data from 175 markets in the United States. “TheRadio.com, through its exclusive relationship with MediaBase, is the only online entity where listeners can find all these countdown channels including Adult Contemporary, Active Rock, Alternative, CHR, Country, Gospel, Hot AC, Rhythm, Triple A, Urban Contemporary and Urban,” said Johnson.

“Consumers are looking for more flexibility, customization and engagement in music consumption,” continues Whatley. This availability of multiple listening formats has proven to be resonating with online listeners as TheRadio.com has seen over 1000% growth in audience within the first three weeks of beta release. TheRadio.com soon will continue to be upgraded and see enhancements in its selection process, monetization, and bandwidth. The beta version provides the opportunity for listeners to provide feedback for improvements and additions. For more information about TheRadio.com or the services of American Media Services Interactive, contact Charles Andrew Whatley at 888-697-6630.
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About AMSi
American Media Services Interactive, LLC, launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include leading edge solutions for emerging media, engagement strategies for audio/video streaming, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, content management systems, custom application development, website programming and design and corporate/retail “Store-casting” at point-of-purchase. Visit www.amsinteractive.com.

About TheRadio.com
TheRadio.com is a free, online music streaming vehicle with on-demand, interactive music delivery featuring unique capabilities including song skipping, favorites tracking, and a robust search feature.

American Media Services Interactive Announces Alliance with TapIt® - Interactive Indy Music Discovery Platform

2008-10-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

American Media Services Interactive announces an alliance with TapIt®, a customizable “ready-to-launch” interactive entertainment platform that is available to radio stations, newspapers, magazines and other media publishers. Through the alliance, TapIt® will be exclusively available through American Media Services Interactive, LLC.

“We strive to offer our customers not only streaming and content platforms, but options like Tap It® for audience engagement and interactive capabilities that relate to the changing ways consumer acquire music and information today,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of American Media Services Interactive (AMSi). “Tap It™ will be offered by our sales team to radio stations and other website publishers as an interactive technology that can be incorporated into existing websites.

As a supplement to media websites, Tap It™ will deliver access to independent music with a forum of artists to sell and promote music discovery. “Our partnership with American Media Services provides for heightened exposure of our product and the realization of its potential to an even larger market,” said Jonathon Alexander, CEO/Founder, TapIt®.

For more information about American Media Services Interactive or the Tap It® programming, contact Charles Andrew Whatley at 888-697-6630.

American Media Services' J. Daniel Floyd Receives Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) Designation

2008-09-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

(Charleston, SC) American Media Services (AMS) announces that J. Daniel Floyd has attained the designation as a Certified Valuation Analyst . Given by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (www.nacva.com), the certification will enable Mr. Floyd to prepare credible, comprehensive radio station valuations required in the action of radio station mergers and acquisitions conducted by AMS.In announcing Mr. Floyd's certification, Edward F. Seeger, Chairman, American Media Services said: "Danny is a valuable member of the AMS team,with this certification our brokerage division, which works daily in the valuation and sale of broadcast properties, will be armed with another valuable tool to serve radio station owners nationwide. "

To attain this designation, Floyd participated in coursework, passed a comprehensive written examination and prepared, submitted and passed a case study. Floyd, a CPA for the past 31 years, is a magna cum laude graduate of Baptist College at Charleston, now Charleston Southern University. He is a member of AICPA, SC Association of CPAs, Florida Institute of CPAs, Federal Communications Bar Association and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts. "We are proud of Danny's accomplishment and the opportunity it provides our company as a whole to provide comprehensive services to broadcasters from the all important valuations of radio properties to the technical and marketing services, " said Andrew Guest , Vice Chairman, American Media Services.

Mr. Floyd currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of American Media Services a full-service radio brokerage, engineering and developmental engineering firm. AMS is headquartered in Charleston, SC with regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Austin.

For more information about AMS contact Frank G. McCoy, President, American Media Services, at (843) 972-2200.

American Media Services Survey Shows Radio Listenership Remains Consistently Strong and Internet Radio Gaining in Popularity

2008-09-10T18:06:00.001-07:00

64% of American adults listen to the radio daily
80% usually turn on the radio when they get in their car
73% are listening the same or more than they did five years ago
39% of Internet radio listeners did so in the past week, up from 23% six months ago
48% expect to listen to radio over the internet in the future, up from 38% six months ago

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) – Sept. 11, 2008 – Although there are some naysayers who still say that radio is losing its value, listening to the radio continues to be part of Americans’ daily life, according to results of a nationwide telephone survey that American Media Services released today. The latest AMS Radio Index shows that 64 percent of American adults listen to the radio at least once a day. Four out of five (80 percent) say they usually turn on the radio when they get into their car, and nearly three-quarters (73 percent) said they are listening to the radio as much or more than they did five years ago. Each of these findings is remarkably consistent with the past three AMS polls over the past two years.

And among those who have listened to Internet radio or continuous music on the Internet, nearly four out of 10 (39 percent) said they listened in the past week, compared with less than a quarter (23 percent) who said that six months ago. While relatively few (20 percent) were familiar with Chrysler’s recent announcement that it can install Internet connections in its 2008 and 2009 vehicles, more than one out of three (37 percent) said they are interested in having an Internet connection in their current vehicle or their next one.

“These are significant findings that once again demonstrate how much Americans rely on the radio for music and entertainment,” said Edward F. Seeger, AMS chairman. “The survey also makes clear that Internet radio and continuous music over the Internet are becoming increasingly important to American audiences.”

Some specifics of the latest American Media Services Radio Index include the following.

Daily listenership was 64 percent in the latest survey, compared with 61 percent this past March, 63 percent in September 2007 and 64 percent in April 2007. The slight variations are within the survey’s margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Four out of five (80 percent) said they usually turn on the radio when they get into their car, compared with 73 percent last March, 74 percent a year ago and 75 percent in April 2007.
Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) said they listen to the radio as much or more than they did five years ago, compared with 72 percent last March, 74 percent a year ago and 69 percent in April 2007.
Radio remains the Number One way that Americans learn about new music. Nearly half (49 percent) cited the radio, compared with 27 percent from friends, relatives or other word of mouth. Lesser sources included TV and reviews in newspapers or magazines.
Nearly half of Americans (47 percent) said it doesn’t matter to them whether their radio program is originating locally. Only 28 percent said it mattered a lot.
About half (51 percent) say they usually stay tuned to their favorite music station when commercial breaks come on, a statistically insignificant change from 53 percent six months ago. Only 7 percent said they turn off the radio, and 38 percent said they change to another station

About the survey

The national poll was conducted for AMS by OmniTel, the weekly omnibus survey of GfK Custom Research North America of Princeton, N.J. The telephone survey of 1,005 Americans adults was conducted during the weekend of Sept. 5-7, 2008. The survey is considered accurate within plus or minus 3 percentage points. [Go to www.americanmediaservices.com to see survey results.

About American Media Services

American Media Services is a full-service radio brokerage, engineering and developmental engineering firm, and its developmental division leads the country in successfully implementing station upgrades by moving them into larger markets, dramatically increasing their value. Since its founding in 1997, AMS has increased the value of 22 stations across the country by $212.6 million, with a corresponding increase in population served of some 25 million. More than $200 million in proposed rulemakings are currently pending before the FCC. In December 2006 AMS launched an affiliate company, American Media Services-Internet LLC, to assist radio station owners and operators on setting up and managing streaming radio sites. For additional information, please visit www.americanmediaservices.com.

American Media Services Interactive Names Rapp and Floyd to Sales Team

2008-09-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

American Media Services Interactive announces the recent appointments of Melissa Rapp as Vice President of Sales and Eric Floyd as West Coast Sales Director to enhance the digital media firm's management and sales team.As Vice President of Sales, Rapp will be responsible for the supervision and coordination of the company's strategic sales initiatives and the sales staff. "We are extremely excited about the addition of Melissa, a fourth generation broadcaster, to lead the AMSi sales team," said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of American Media Services Interactive. "Her passion for the intersection of radio and emerging technologies that drive online media consumption will allow her to help our clients more effectively leverage media assets on national and global media platforms." Rapp's experience includes not only leading sales and marketing efforts, but also helping broadcasting companies grow online revenue streams. Prior to joining AMSi, Rapp held a leadership position with MediaSpan Online Services. Her clients included CBS Radio Inc., Citadel Corporation, Clear Channel Communications, Salem Communications and many other public and private media companies. She received her education at Mississippi University for Women.

"Eric Floyd's value to AMSi was immediate due to his wealth of experience as a leader in marketing and the development of new and emerging technologies," said Whatley. "He has been nationally recognized for both." Floyd, prior to joining AMSi, worked in the development of marketing campaigns for Entertainment, Automotive and Consumer Package Goods Industries with clients that include Toyota, Ford, Nestle, HBO, NBC, and Universal Studios. He also has worked closely with broadcasters including CBS, Clear Channel, Emmis and Salem Communications. He has played strategic roles in numerous global digital "start-ups" including Webradio.com, Live365, HiWire, Net Radio, Katz Net Radio and Stream The World. He received his education at UCLA.

For more information about AMSi, contact Charles Andrew Whatley, President at 888-697-6630.

About AMSi

American Media Services Interactive, LLC, launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include online media solutions for traditional media companies, engagement strategies for audio/video streaming, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, content management systems, custom application development, website programming and design and corporate/retail "Storecasting" at point-of-purchase. Visit www.amsinteractive.com.

American Media Services Interactive partners with FlyTunes to extend its reach to cell phones

2008-08-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, SC – August 25, 2008 – Today, American Media Services Interactive (AMSi) announced that it is making its 193 online music channels available to listeners on mobile “smart” phones through a partnership with FlyTunes.Additionally, AMSi plans to create custom channels to take advantage of the reach and advanced interactivity the FlyTunes platform offers.

“With the popularity of smartphones and the mobile web, AMSi has been interested in offering listeners the ability to enjoy our online music channels while they are on the go,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of AMSi. “FlyTunes has solved the challenges inherent with streaming to mobile devices and we are pleased to work with FlyTunes to offer our audio content to mobile listeners worldwide. “

The FlyTunes network is the first content network specifically designed to deliver radio, video and podcasts to smart phones such as the Apple iPhone. FlyTunes currently offers over 800 channels of music, local and national news, top local personalities, weather, video, and podcasts to smart phone listeners in 130 countries.

Listeners can access the AMSi online music channels by navigating to www.flytunes.fm from their smartphone, or by downloading the FlyTunes native iPhone app from the iPhone app store. There is no charge for the service. Initially, the service is available to Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users, but support for other popular smartphones will be available soon.

About AMSi
American Media Services Interactive, LLC, launched by the founders of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media firm whose services include leading edge solutions for emerging media,engagement strategies for audio/video streaming, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, content management systems, custom application development, website programming and design and corporate/retail “Store-casting” at point-of-purchase. Visit www.amsinteractive.com.

About FlyTunes
FlyTunes was founded as 2006 by a group of seasoned PC industry veterans to create cutting edge media management technology for mobile digital media players. In January 2008, the company announced its revolutionary content network that delivers digital broadcasts to portable cell phones and media players. FlyTunes offers its broadcast server software to CDNs and ISPs for free, which dramatically improves quality of service for stream delivery. FlyTunes is a registered trademark.

American Media Services Interactive Announces Martin Quessenberry Named as Chief Technology Officer and Additions To Online Development Team

2008-07-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, S.C.--American Media Services Interactive announces the naming of Martin Quessenberry as Chief Technology Officer and additions to the Online Development Team he will oversee. The team will create and support all initiatives involving the company’s interactive properties as well as Internet projects.

“I am thrilled to have Martin aboard to direct our online initiatives,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of AMSi. “His unique skill set and perspectives will be an invaluable asset in building out our digital platform.”

Quessenberry spent the past 11 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL as Director of New Media. He was instrumental in development of the team’s overall brand and web presence. He also served as the team club site supervisor for the NHL in New York.

Joining Martin on the Online Development Team are web veterans Keith De-Lin and John Slattery. With over ten years of experience in web development including multimedia presentations, flash development and various animations for such clients as Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Pete Times Forum, 3Com, Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Symantec, Keith De-Lin will serve as Director of New Media. John Slattery, who joins the team as Director of On-Line Programming, brings 12 years of experience in online application development, and web 2.0 community portals for such clients as Colliers Arnold International, Tampa Bay Lightning and The Village.

“The addition of Martin, Keith and John to the AMSi online development team is yet another example of our commitment to provide the highest quality of creative and technical solutions and support for the clients of AMSi worldwide,” said Whatley.

American Media Services Interactive Announces Creation of Ministry Division to Assist Church Organizations Worldwide

2008-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, S.C.--American Media Services Interactive announces the formation of its Ministry Division created to provide enhanced online initiatives to churches and church organizations through media strategies, content availability and online technological platforms. The division is in response to the need by religious organizations to remain current, viable and impactful through the use of online platforms.

“Although organizations and churches have been among the earliest adopters of emerging media opportunities, they continue to seek new methods to increase member retention, engagement outreach and membership growth,” said Charles Andrew Whatley, President of American Media Services Interactive. “With our Ministry Division, we have assembled a team with technical as well as clerical experience to answer the need.”

To head the division, Jim Richard has been named Director. Richard, a former leadership strategist, brings years of experience in the marketing and ministry fields to his position. “Our team not only understands the technical aspects of providing online initiatives; but also the unique needs of faith communities worldwide.”

The AMSi Ministry team also includes Frank Seignious an ordained minister for the past 28 years and a retired JAG attorney. “Digital media can be a valuable tool in maximizing the ability to have kingdom impact and enhance the church’s assets of people and abilities,” said Seignious. “Reaching citizens of remote countries or the young people in our own parishes; all are challenges of the church today.” The group looks to the use of internet delivery of audio and video content to assist churches and church organizations to communicate on a digital level.

The services of the Ministry Division include creating Christian music format channels for websites, customized ministry branded channels, workflow solutions and content management systems to better manage and measure digital media assets. For more information about AMSi, contact Charles Andrew Whatley, President at 888-697-6630.

American Media Services Announces Promotion of Charles Andrew Whatley To President of American Media Services-Interactive

2008-07-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, S.C.--American Media Services (AMS) today announced the promotion of Charles Andrew Whatley to President of American Media Services-Interactive. An affiliate company of AMS, AMSi is a digital media consulting company to broadcasters, print media, church organizations and corporate clients. Mr. Whatley recently joined AMSi as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He came to AMSi from Kiptronic, Inc., San Francisco, CA, where he served as Vice President of Strategic Relationships and Vice President of Advertising. Whatley’s strategic and tactical experience within traditional and emerging media platforms will be utilized in this new position. His responsibilities also will include the operation and growth of AMSi’s streaming audio website with over 200 channels of free ad supported music entertainment and social networking attributes. “I feel very fortunate to be part of this progressive, forward leaning organization. The American Media Services founders have been highly successful in the broadcast space,” said Whatley. “We are now poised to leverage that value in digital and online media opportunities."

In announcing Mr. Whatley’s promotion, Frank McCoy, President and CEO of American Media Services said: “Andy Whatley has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and organizational skills, while retaining a contagious enthusiasm for the customer-centric view of every challenge he faces. His team and our customers are all fortunate we have Andy.”

American Media Services is a full-service radio brokerage, engineering, developmental engineering and internet technologies firm. The Internet imitative division was established in December of 2006. “American Media Services Interactive has an ambitious mission to bring together a source for broadcasters and corporations to take advantage of the opportunities that abound today with emerging media vehicles,” said Ed Seeger, Chairman, American Media Services. “Andy’s successful track record in directing traditional and emerging media properties was a determining factor in our making this appointment.”

AMSi and All Comedy Radio Announce Alliance

2008-06-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

CHARLESTON, S.C. & LOS ANGELES--AMSi, the digital affiliate of American Media Services of Charleston and All Comedy Radio, the Hollywood-based radio network and content supplier today announced a marketing alliance. Under the multi-year agreement, AMSi will represent All Comedy Radio (ACR) in the areas of station affiliation, revenue generation and marketing of ACR’s new digital products and content.

“We’re delighted to add ACR’s great mix of comedy programming and content to our list of marketing partners,” said Andy Whatley, President for AMSi. “They have developed compelling turn-key programming for HD-2 stations and have content ready for new-era digital distribution. This will be a fun project.”

All Comedy Radio’s co-founder Ric Lippincott said: “ACR has 18 major-market HD-2 stations on-air for almost two years. We feel AMSi’s team will be able to add new affiliations and take ACR’s new digital content to an exciting and higher level”.

For more information about AMSi contact C. Andrew Whatley, President at 888-697-6630.

About AMSi:

American Media Services Interactive, LLC, an affiliate company of American Media Services, LLC, is a digital media company whose services include digital media consultation, audio streaming strategies, customized and branded music channels, HD radio formats, work flow solutions and corporate/retail “store-casting” at point-of-purchase. AMSi serves various media publishers including radio stations, newspapers, magazines, television stations, church organizations and corporate clients. AMSi is also developing a streaming audio website with over 200 channels of free ad supported music entertainment and a host of social networking attributes. For additional information, please visit www.amsinteractive.net.

About All Comedy Radio: ACR is a high-powered blending of edited standup comedy, interview segments of touring and superstar comedians and morning show-type radio comedy. Programmed from Hollywood, ACR’s HD format is delivered nationally in HD quality through a proprietary system. ACR HD-2 is currently on-the-air 24/7 in: Seattle, Sacramento, Portland, Denver, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Buffalo, New Orleans, Memphis, Rochester, Wichita and others. ACR’s website is: www.allcomedyradio.com.

AMS Launches New Web Site

2008-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

American Media Services is pleased to announce the launch of our new web site.

Wave changes its tune

2007-09-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Post and Courier
By Kyle Stock
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, September 5, 2007

"Near bottom of ratings, station drops alternative rock format."

Days after Apex Broadcasting Inc. pulled the plug on alternative rock at its 96.1 "Wave" radio station, a whine of feedback has droned through Charleston's music scene.

The storied but long-struggling frequency stopped spinning songs from the likes of Soundgarden in favor of softer stuff like Simon and Garfunkel, and turned down the volume on aspiring local bands like Red Handed and The Working Title. The broadcaster also changed its moniker from "Wave" to "Chuck," as in "Chucktown," a slang term for Charleston.

Chris Johnson, an Apex vice president, described the new format as "adult variety hits" and said the frequency now has a "pretty wide-open play list."

"The thinking on it was that it would broaden the appeal," he said. "It's kind of an undefined thing."

The response from advertisers and listeners has been static-free and largely positive, according to Johnson, but many longtime residents and fans of independent, alternative music have lamented the change since Apex made the switch Friday night.

Chris Dixon, a Charleston-based freelance writer, recalled stringing a wire through his Litchfield home to pick up 96 Wave as a kid. Dixon said the new format hardly echoes the former fare.

"Who wants to hear Rick Springfield and Journey?" he said. "I feel like it changes the whole vibe of living in this town. ... There's nowhere on the air that you can find a new song by the White Stripes right now."

For about two decades, Wave acted as a sort of greenhouse for budding bands, broadcasting some littleknown acts and booking would-be giants like David Byrne and Wilco for Wavefest, its annual concert.

Apex, a Charleston-based company that now has about 40 full-time employees, played tracks that were overlooked or unsanctioned by corporate radio powerhouses.

Johnny Diamond, an agent who has represented a string of local bands, said 96 Wave's play list helped a number of his acts sign record deals.

"It's obviously a terrible thing for the Charleston music scene," Diamond said Tuesday. "There's nothing even close to that format out there now. ... People can abuse the term 'cutting edge,' but that's always kind of how I felt about Wave."

But despite resonating with rock purists, the Wave has grown weaker.

The frequency slid to No. 16 in local ratings this spring, according to Arbitron Inc., a New York-based company that tracks the industry. Only three of every 100 people listening to the radio in Charleston at any given time had their dials tuned to WAVF-FM. Apex's other three stations posted stronger results, with its Star 99.7 frequency grabbing the No. 2 slot.

The company cued up its new 96.1 at 5 p.m. Friday evening, bidding farewell to the old format with Soundgarden's "My Wave." Listeners on Tuesday heard a string of aging standards: "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel, Snap's "I've Got the Power," "Do You Think I'm Sexy" by Rod Stewart and Loverboy's "Everybody's Working for the Weekend," to name a few.

Ed Seeger, who consults radio stations nationwide as chief executive of Mount Pleasant-based American Media Services, said Apex's new programming is likely crafted to gain more listeners between the ages of 24 and 55.

"That's what they call 'the money demo.' Most of your blue-chip advertisers are wanting that demographic," he said.

Seeger predicted that the station's ratings would rocket under the new format.
Apex commands about 18 percent of the Charleston radio market, according to Arbitron's most-recent statistics.

The six local stations owned by Clear Channel Communications Inc., a Texas-based company, have 25 percent of listeners, while Las Vegas-based Citadel Broadcasting, grabs 22 percent of the market with its five stations.

Royalty Hike Could Hit Web Radio Hard

2007-08-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Post and Courier By Prentiss Findlay
The Post and Courier
Saturday, July 14, 2007

Local Webcasters lash out against rate increase

On Sunday, Internet radio will owe big record labels $1 billion in unpaid music royalties, a bill that will cripple most of the industry, which grossed $200 million last year, Internet broadcasters said.

"It's an assault on the medium. These record companies just want to take control of Web radio," said Bunky Odom, who operates the Radio Free Charleston on Sullivan's Island.

This week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a request from Web radio broadcasters to halt a steep increase in royalty rates approved by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board. The new rates, which are retroactive to 2006, take effect Sunday.

The Save Net Radio campaign says the 300 percent to 1,200 percent increase of the recording royalties Webcasters pay to play music online has been hotly contested by Webcasters, Internet radio listeners and more than 6,000 artists.

Odom said that, on Sunday, he will play only music from independent labels instead of the major labels that pushed the royalty increase for Internet radio. "I hate to do that because my audience needs to listen to Bob Dylan," he said.

Web radio has 77 million listeners, said Reed Bunzel, president and chief executive of Mount Pleasant-based American Media Services-Internet, which operates 40 online radio stations.

Bunzel said some Internet broadcasters will knuckle under and pay the new royalties, but that's going to be impossible for most. Some have discussed not paying the rates.

"We do intend to go by the letter of the law. We have been reserving cash to pay for our streaming fees, and we will pay them. But we are part of the effort to have the rates overturned in Congress," Bunzel said.

American Media Services-Internet has contacted the Recording Industry Association of America to try to negotiate the issue, so far with no success, he said.

"It's not going to change our business plan. We're going to go forward with what we're doing," he said.

Legislation currently before Congress, the Internet Radio Equality Act, would vacate the Copyright Royalty Board's decision and set a 2006-10 royalty rate at the same level currently paid by satellite radio services, which is 7.5 percent of revenue, officials said.

Bunzel said his company is working on Capitol Hill with South Carolina Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, as well as Rep. Henry Brown, to try to overturn the Copyright Royalty Board decision.

"It's an extremely unfair and egregious rate structure," he said.

Royalty payments are calculated by multiplying the royalty rate times the number of songs played times the number of listeners, Bunzel said. "It adds up very quickly," he said.

Radio stations upgrade to HD despite cost, uncertainty

2007-05-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Post and Courier

Paul O'Malley, regional president and Charleston- area market manager for Citadel Broadcasting Co., says his company will broadcast digital signals here within the next 12 months, a strategy to keep listeners from switching to satellite radio or MP3 players.

Some 15 million satellite radio fans can't be wrong.

Or can they?

In a bid to hang on to the airwaves, traditional radio companies are launching high-definition radio, technology that whips broadcast signals through the air in digital packets rather than waves.

It's an expensive proposition — for broadcasters and listeners alike — but it produces static-free, CD-quality sound. It also lets stations squeeze two or three signals onto bandwidth that used to hold only one. And because the signal is digital, broadcasters can send text data, from stock quotes to song titles.

The first HD radio hit the mass market in December 2005, and a month later an alliance of old-line radio giants launched a $200 million marketing blitz, promising to push HD radio into the country's 100 biggest cities within 18 months. Charleston, around No. 87 on that roster, started tuning into HD signals about a year ago.

Today, there are 1,307 U.S. stations broadcasting in the new, high-tech format, including 18 stations in South Carolina beaming 27 HD radio channels.

Five local channels owned by Texas-based radio titan Clear Channel Communications Inc. are now offering HD.

Las Vegas-based Citadel Broadcasting Co., which owns seven Charleston-area stations, is promising to put out digital signals in the next 12 months.

'Up in the air'

Those announcements represent some big investments. Analysts estimate that it costs about $100,000 for an individual station to buy the hardware and launch the HD format. For HD to thrive, a broadcaster needs to get the word out and "multicast," essentially produce extra stations to run on the same segment of bandwidth.

Theoretically, stations will be able to tap a wider spectrum of advertisers and charge their current clients more for airtime with HD, but the business model is relatively unproven, according to Citadel regional president Paul O'Malley.

"It's absolutely up in the air," he said. "I'm sure the industry folks will tell you, 'Oh, it's going to be great,' but we really don't know that yet."

O'Malley said, however, that HD is an imperative investment for a terrestrial radio station to stay connected and keep listeners from tuning into iPods or satellite stations.

"At the end of the day, the more options we give (listeners), the more we interact with them and the less likely they are to go elsewhere," he said.

But listeners can't tune into HD before forking out between $200 and $330 for a special radio.

Michael Corty, an analyst who follows radio companies for Chicago-based Morningstar Inc., said most consumers won't invest that much in hardware until there are is a critical mass of stations offering the HD option.

At the same time, some stations are hesitant to invest in HD upgrades without a healthy pool of potential listeners.

"It's a bit of a circular problem," Corty said. "Radio broadcasting has kind of been a slow-growth business for several years and I don't think HD radio is going to be a quick fix. ... In my universe, I don't see it as a major impact definitely for the next few years."

Mixed signals

Clear Channel, which owns almost 1,200 radio stations, made no mention of HD offerings in its most recent annual report to investors filed in early March.

Satellite radio, which also relies on digital signals, is cheaper upfront — often less than $100 for the required hardware — but requires a monthly subscription fee of about $12. At the end of the first quarter, the two satellite giants, XM and Sirius, had a combined 15 million customers, roughly 5 percent of the U.S. population.

HD radio costs listeners nothing after the upfront purchase of a receiver, but only some of the offerings will be ad-free, a major marketing point for XM and Sirius.

The automotive industry, the enabler for virtually every outfit that ever hoisted a blinking signal tower into the sky, has been slow to tune in to the new technology. Although a lot of cars are rolling out of dealerships with satellite radio systems already installed, only BMW is offering HD radio in its 2007 models — as a $500 extra.

Jaguar and Hyundai recently announced that they will each offer the technology in one of their 2008 models.

Some analysts contend that radio fans will leapfrog from a traditional signal to a wireless Internet signal, skipping HD radio — and its hefty sticker price — entirely.

Citadel Broadcasting estimates up to 16 percent of U.S. residents listen to radio online every week.

American Media Services, a Mount Pleasant-based company that consults for big radio companies on building more profitable stations, said every broadcaster in the country should be sending a signal to the World Wide Web, if they aren't already.

"I tell people, 'If you've got the financial ability to run HD, I would do it,' " said Ed Seeger, American Media's chief executive officer. "But I see an equal, if not greater, opportunity for stations to stream. ... If you go on your computer right now, you've got thousands and thousands and thousands of channels."

Reach Kyle Stock at 937-5763 or kstock@postandcourier.com.

Fee increase entangles Net station launches

2007-03-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Post and Courier By PRENTISS FINDLAY

MOUNT PLEASANT - A locally based radio company is proposing to launch at least 50 Internet stations by April 15, while protesting higher fees that will drive up the cost of doing business for fledgling online broadcasters.

American Media Services said three of the stations are already operating. They are www.beachmusic.net, www.southernfriedrock.com and www.estandards.net.

"We have committed hundreds of thousands of dollars, hired staff members and created a business plan that shows that this will be a viable venture," said Edward Seeger, president and chief executive officer of AMS.

The company, headquartered on Chuck Dawley Boulevard, is proceeding with the rollout despite a ruling last week that increases by at least tenfold the royalties that Internet stations must pay to play music.

"We are organizing a vigorous appeal effort to repeal these outrageous fees," Seeger said.

In the decision, a three-judge panel that constitutes the Copyright Royalty Board of the Library of Congress ruled in favor of SoundExchange, an organization with members that include major record labels and their artists.

Seeger said Internet broadcasters are using lobbyists and political contacts in an effort to have the decision overturned.

"Hopefully, common sense and understanding that a fair rate of compensation for royalty payments will allow the full development of this new technology to reach its full potential with the establishment of a rate that will not kill this emerging technology," he said in an e-mail.

Reed Buzel, president of the AMS's new Internet division, said in an interview Wednesday that he was in the process of contacting members of Congress about the issue. He said Internet radio broadcasters will seek to have the fee ruling suspended, and then work to overturn it.

"We firmly believe that the decision will not stand," Buzel said. "When you apply it to a nascent industry it's a death knell."

AMS has regional offices in Austin, Chicago and Dallas. In addition to its new Internet division, its developmental engineering division leads the country in implementing radio station upgrades, according to its Web site. AMS also is considered a major player in the radio-station brokerage business.

Locally, the company is not the only online radio pioneer worried about the new regulatory obstacle.

Bunky Odom, founder of a new Internet station on Sullivan's Island, said last week his media venture would be crippled if the royalty ruling stands as is. Odom's www.radiofreecharleston.com has been in development since last fall, and he planned a major launch of the station at the end of the month.

Broadcasters upbeat about HD Radio

2007-02-26T14:33:00.000-08:00

MarketWatch By David B. Wilkerson

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Call HD Radio anything you like when you talk to a radio broadcaster - but don't call it an answer to satellite radio.
The response you'll invariably get is that there isn't any point in making a comparison between a subscription product with 14 million customers and a medium that draws 225 million listeners. It's apples-to-peas.

Rather, in conversations with veteran radio executives, you'll hear satellite being referred to as just another entertainment choice with the potential to divert listeners' attention - along with MP3 players, audio from cable television systems, Internet radio, and more.

To traditional broadcasters, then, radio's job is to fine-tune its offering and make sure it's in step with what today's consumers expect from any content provider.
"This is an improvement over what most consumers already know and understand anyway," said Peter Ferrara, chief executive of a consortium of major broadcasters known as the HD Radio Alliance. "So it's not really about answering anything. It's about moving our medium from analog to digital, and we live in a digital world."
However, digital radio has a hurdle to overcome, in that few people seem to truly understand what it is, despite a relentless advertising campaign by the radio industry's biggest players.

HD2 Multicasting

Using digital technology, a radio station is able to offer two or more additional channels in addition to its main broadcast signal, as well as wireless data, in a process known as HD2 multicasting. The sound quality is significantly better than analog radio, with AM sounding more like FM does today, and FM stations offering CD-like quality.

More than 1,100 radio stations in the United States are currently broadcasting in HD, with over 600 carrying HD2 multicast programming. HD2 multicasts have launched in 85 of the nation's top 100 markets.

Industry's effort

In 2005, Clear Channel Communications and others formed the HD Radio Alliance. The group's hope is that with a wider variety of formats available as digital channels, the local angle that the main station and their digital counterparts can provide, and the lack of a subscription fee will keep listeners engaged.

Broadcasters are encouraged to look at what genres have either greatly diminished or disappeared in their service areas, Ferrara said. In cities like Chicago and San Francisco, smooth jazz stations offer more traditional jazz on their digital secondary channels. Some rock stations are programming comedy formats, and hip-hop stations are offering "old school" hip-hop from the '80s and early '90s on their additional channels.

Ferrara says new variations are debuting all the time. "KLOS in Los Angeles has been doing a fusion of Hispanic and Anglo rock. Now that's just not something that you would normally hear on the air," he said. Elsewhere, there are gay channels, an Irish channel in Boston, and variations on every mainstream format, including country, R&B, urban and Christian.

The industry is combating the perception that traditional radio is uniform and bland, a notion that gained traction after a massive round of consolidation spurred by the 1996 Telecom Act.

For the remainder of 2007, HD channels are slated to remain without commercials, as the industry tries to build an audience. The lack of commercials may present a problem, says radio consultant and historian Donna Halper. "Several GMs I've talked to say they would like to put some new and innovative formats on HD," she said, "but they're running a business, and if they can't make money on HD, why would they bother?"

Ferrara stresses the temporary nature of HD's commercial-free era. "The time will come sooner rather than later that the HD2 multicast channels will be monetized," he said in an e-mail.

Consumer awareness - a mixed bag

Meanwhile, a recent study on consumer awareness of the product offered a mixed assessment.

According to a survey by Bridge Ratings, 72% of individuals 12 and over said they had heard of HD Radio in January, up from 62% in June of 2006. Among individuals 25-54, awareness spiked to 75% from 62%.

However, when asked what HD Radio actually is, just 15% of those 12 and over were able to identify it as a radio technology "that improves sound quality, offers additional digital interactivity and required a special radio," down from 19% six months earlier. In the 25-54 age group, the figure dropped to 13% from 15%.
"While overall awareness of the term 'HD Radio' has increased in the last year, there is considerable confusion, misinformation or total lack of understanding as to what HD Radio is or what its benefits are to the consumer," the Bridge Ratings study said in summary.

Perhaps not surprisingly, given these findings, the survey also noted that interest in purchasing an HD Radio seemed low. Only 8% of those 12 and over said they were very interested or somewhat interested, down from 11% in June 2006. For adults 25-54, the percentage dropped to 14% from 17%. Tabletop versions of the radios are available in the $200-$300 range, while radios for the car can range from $100 to $2,400, depending on how many other capabilities they have. The higher-end models might include an in-dash DVD player and navigation system, which utilizes a 20 gigabyte hard drive.

The HD Alliance recently announced that BMW will make factory-installed HD-ready radios available across all of its 2007 models. This was the most comprehensive automotive deal in the technology's history. "Having BMW be first is really really special, because they are known to their customers [and others] as being on the leading edge of new technology, for delivering to the consumer the best, if you will," Ferrara said.

Ferrara would not disclose names, but said nine different auto manufacturers and 51 models of cars have committed to HD Radio announcements and rollouts over the next 18-24 months.

Whatever the disparity in its audience size compared to terrestrial radio, Halper says satellite radio' publicity campaigns have played some role in the confusion over HD. "I think satellite radio has been so much more on the public's mind that the majority of people still don't know what HD is and what it can do."

In 2007, the HD Alliance plans to spend $250 million on its HD Radio advertising campaign to educate consumers.

Bridge Ratings now projects that there will be 1.5 million HD radio units sold in 2007 - down from its previous forecast of 2.1 million.

Internet hopes

Ed Seeger, president of radio brokerage firm American Media Services, says that although HD Radio is a good weapon for broadcasters to have in their arsenal, it's sreaming Internet Radio - now often framed as a competitor - that holds the greatest hope for the medium's future.

"The broadcasters have everything in place to take advantage of that technology," Seeger said, referring to creative staffs and advertising sales professionals with established relationships in local markets."

Once receivers are widely available that can pick up AM, FM, HD and, through a Wi-Fi connection, audio from the Internet, broadcasters can reach office dwellers over the PC, then reach them in a variety of other places, he said.

The idea isn't lost on Ferrara and the HD Alliance. Handheld HD devices are in the works. "I think that by late 2007, early 2008, you'll begin to [hear of] designs for portables. It all comes down to the chipset and power management," Ferrara said.
"I think there is going to be a convergence of digital offerings to the consumer," commented Ferrara. "And HD Radio will play a very key role in that. The main reason is that radio is still the No. 1 way that people discover new music. If you think about the possibilities that exist for HD Radio in an MP3-iPod device that could be dockable ... it's very powerful."

American Media Services Salutes Its Southern Base With Two New Internet Music Stations

2007-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Inside Radio

BeachMusic.net and SouthernFriedRock.com are products of Charleston, SC-based AMS and its new AMS-I division. Ed Seeger says they can create stations “of every genre through our new Internet division.” AMS is also in the station brokerage and development (facilities upgrade) businesses.

AMS Launches Two Internet Radio Stations

2007-01-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

Radio Business Report

Not long after last month's formation of a new Internet division (12/13/06 RBR #241).

American Media Services is officially launched the creation of two streaming radio sites on its website (www.americanmediaservices.com), reflecting the culture of the company's home base of Charleston, SC. Both www.beachmusic.net and www.southernfriedrock.com are examples of the high-quality streaming radio sites AMS is creating through its new division, AMS-I.

"We are excited to create radio stations of every genre through our new Internet division," said Ed Seeger, AMS CEO. "However, we enthusiastically chose these two formats for our first stations to reflect the heritage of American Media Services' home in Charleston, South Carolina."

The format of BeachMusic.net is a Rhythm & Blues-based sound from artists such as the Drifters, Platters, Tams, Dominoes, Embers, Catalinas, Temptations, Chairmen of the Board, Four Tops, Archie Bell, Barbara Lewis, and Jerry Butler.

The format of SouthernFriedRock.com showcases artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers band, ZZ Top and the James Gang.

AMS-I Launched to Help Radio Broadcasters Capitalize on Benefits of Internet Technologies

2006-12-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom

CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 12 -- American Media Services (AMS) announced today it has formed a new division of the company, AMS-I, to assist radio stations in capitalizing on internet-related technologies.

Edward F. Seeger, president and chief executive officer of AMS, said the company's new internet division will provide radio broadcasters with expertise in such areas as streaming onto the internet and creating internet radio sites that offer high-quality audio. "Too few stations offer streaming audio, and among those that do, the sound quality is not always as high as it should be to entice and keep listeners," he said.

"Many radio broadcasters seem to regard the internet as a technological enemy. We should be allies. Making radio and the internet fully integrated will enable radio station owners to reach additional pools of listeners and to tap into new streams of revenue," Seeger said.

Mr. Seeger is available for interviews to talk about why AMS made the decision to expand the company to encompass this new technology and why streaming technology will be a growth area for the radio industry.

American Media Services Launches AMS-I Internet Unit

2006-12-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

Radio Online

American Media Services (AMS), a radio brokerage firm, has formed a new division, AMS-I, to assist outlet in capitalizing on Internet-related technologies. President/CEO Edward F. Seeger says the company's new division will provide broadcasters with expertise on streaming and creating radio sites that offer high-quality audio.

"Many radio broadcasters seem to regard the Internet as a technological enemy. We should be allies," said Seeger. "Making radio and the Internet fully integrated will enable radio station owners to reach additional pools of listeners and to tap into new streams of revenue," he added. (12-12-06)

American Media Services opens a new division focused on Internet technologies

2006-12-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Inside Radio

Co-founder/President Ed Seeger says “too few stations offer streaming audio, and among those that do, the sound quality is not always as high as it should be to entice and keep listeners."

He says many broadcasters “seem to regard the Internet as a technological enemy [but] we should be allies.” The Charleston-based company’s dubbing the new division “AMS-I.”

AMS launches Internet division

2006-12-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Radio Business Report

American Media Services (AMS) has formed a new division of the company, AMS-I, to assist radio stations in capitalizing on Internet-related technologies. AMS-I joins the brokerage and engineering technology divisions, through which AMS has provided consulting service for the past 10 years. The new division will provide broadcasters with expertise in such areas as streaming onto the internet and creating internet radio sites that offer high-quality audio.

AMS CEO Ed Seeger tells RBR AMS-I is a turnkey service that covers legal/rights fees, technical/installation, additional formats, design, bandwidth and more: "We think it's vitally important that every radio station offer streaming audio, as more and more people are viewing the PCs and laptops sitting in their offices and homes as a radio receiver. In addition, we can help them expand their horizons in developing other online formats, in creating their own internet stations. At some point in the future as broadband is being perfected, people will be listening to anything they want on the Internet riding down the road in their automobile. This is something broadcasters need to embrace, and jump in it with both feet."

American Media Services Launches AMS-I

2006-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Radio Ink

American Media Services announced Tuesday it has formed a new division called AMS-I, to assist radio stations in capitalizing on Internet-related technologies.

AMS President & CEO Edward F. Seeger said the new division will provide radio broadcasters with expertise in such areas as Internet streaming and creating Internet radio sites that offer high-quality audio. Seeger said, “Too few stations offer streaming audio and among those that do, the sound quality is not always as high as it should be to entice and keep listeners.

“Many radio broadcasters seem to regard the Internet as a technological enemy. We should be allies. Making radio and the Internet fully integrated will enable radio station owners to reach additional pools of listeners and to tap into new streams of revenue.”

Survey: 50% Haven't Changed Radio Listening Habits in Past Five Years

2006-09-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

About.com - Radio Section From Corey Deitz
Dateline: 09/18/06

There's a new survey available on Radio listening which was commissioned by American Media Services, a radio brokerage, engineering and developmental engineering firm in Charleston, South Carolina.

Here's what it found:

Over The Past 5 Years

Given the various new media to receive music and news, a little more than one in four Americans (27 percent) said they are now listening to the radio less than they did five years ago.

About half (51 percent) said their radio listening hasn't changed during the past five years, and 21 percent said they are now listening more.

Over The Next 5 Years

When asked to look ahead five years, 11 percent said they expect to be listening to the radio less than they do now. Nearly three out of four (74 percent) said they expect to listen about the same, and 13 percent said they expect to listen more.

Still a Primary Music Source

The survey found that Americans rate radio as their primary source to learn about new music.

When asked which ways they learn about new music, 63 percent said by listening to the radio.
In comparison, 43 percent said it can be through talking with friends, 41 percent cited watching television, 24 percent cited reviews in newspapers or magazines, and 16 percent cited the internet.

Men, Women and Internet Radio

Men are more likely than women to listen to the radio over the Internet.

Forty percent of men, compared with 32 percent of women, said they have listened to the radio over the Internet, but the gender gap is likely to close in the future. Forty-two percent of men and 41 percent of women (a statistically insignificant difference) described themselves as likely to listen to radio over the Internet in the future.

The telephone survey of 1,008 Americans adults was conducted Aug. 11-13, 2006, by the national polling firm of GfK NOP of Princeton, N.J. The survey is considered accurate within plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Clear Channel report reflects radio's cloudy future

2006-09-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Posted: Sept. 17, 2006
Tim Cuprisin

It's safe to say that commercial radio, like the rest of the commercial media, is in a state of flux.

Word came last week from The New York Times that Clear Channel, the mega-chain with some 1,200 radio stations (including a half-dozen in Milwaukee) was considering selling some of its radio properties. The number floating around is 72 stations.

That story follows a study by American Media Services that says a quarter of Americans listen to less radio than they did five years ago. Radio advertising revenue is down, as well.

The listener study stresses the positives, which isn't a surprise since American Media Services is a radio station broker. But it does show troubling signs for the industry.

Almost 54% of respondents to the survey say they haven't heard anything about high-definition radio, which the industry sees as a way to battle the growth of satellite radio. A number of Milwaukee stations are broadcasting high-def signals, although there are few radios in circulation that can pick up the ultra-crisp sound.

Satellite radio is having its own problems right now. Although the numbers of subscribers are growing for XM and Sirius - with Sirius growing more quickly these days, thanks at least partially to Howard Stern - they're not pulling in money quite yet.

Talk continues to circulate that the satellite competitors will merge, which would create one larger competitor for old-fashioned terrestrial radio.

Add that to people, especially younger potential listeners, who program their own music choices on their iPods, and commercial radio has some problems to deal with.

Take all this into account when you hear of changes at your favorite radio stations.

Reach Tim Cuprisin at (414) 224-2397 or e-mail him at tcuprisin@journalsentinel.com.

Radio Listening Remains Strong Despite iPod Inroads

2006-09-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Radio World Newspaper

Despite various new media available for consumers to receive music and news, only a little more than one in four Americans (27 percent) said they are now listening to the radio less than they did five years ago.

That’s according to a survey commissioned by American Media Services, in which about half of participants (51 percent) said their radio listening hasn’t changed during the past five years, and 21 percent said they are now listening more.

When asked to look ahead five years, only 11 percent said they expect to be listening to the radio less than they do now. Nearly three out of four (74 percent) said they expect to listen about the same, and 13 percent said they expect to listen more.

Asked how they learn about new music, 63 percent said by listening to the radio. In comparison, 43 percent said it can be through talking with friends, 41 percent cited watching television, 24 percent cited reviews in newspapers or magazines and 16 percent cited the internet.

Forty percent of men, compared with 32 percent of women, said they have listened to the radio over the Internet. Forty-two percent of men and 41 percent of women described themselves as likely to listen to radio over the Internet in the future.

American Media Services commissioned the telephone survey of approximately 1,000 adults, conducted by Omnitel in August.

Radio Listening Remains Strong

2006-09-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Radio Ink

Despite the availability of various new media to receive music and news, only a little more than one in four Americans (27 percent) say they are now listening to the radio less than they did five years ago. According to a survey commissioned by American Media Services, about half (51 percent) said their radio listening hasn’t changed during the past five years, and 21 percent said they are now listening more.

When asked to look ahead five years, only 11 percent said they expect to be listening to the radio less than they do now. Nearly three out of four (74 percent) said they expect to listen about the same, and 13 percent said they expect to listen more.

“Radio plays a vital role in American life. Reports of radio’s death seem greatly exaggerated,” said Ed Seeger, president and chief executive officer of American Media Services, which commissioned the survey.

The survey found that Americans rate radio as their primary source to learn about new music. When asked which ways they learn about new music, 63 percent said by listening to the radio. In comparison, 43 percent said it can be through talking with friends, 41 percent cited watching television, 24 percent cited reviews in newspapers or magazines, and 16 percent cited the Internet.

Laramie Guest Named One of "Top 40 Under 40"

2006-05-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Charleston Regional Business Journal American Media Service's own Laramie Guest was recently named one of the Charleston Regional Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40".

View the article from the newspaper

Congratulations to Laramie!

American Media Services Welcomes Lynch

2006-03-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Radio Ink Don Lynch, a 28-year radio veteran, has joined American Media Services as a project engineer in the company’s developmental engineering division.

"Don understands clearly that upgrade plans must have sound practical and operational foundations on which creative technical solutions are then built," said Frank McCoy, executive vice president of Engineering for AMS. "Like many of us at AMS, Don has paid his dues on the operations side. That duality of backgrounds – both station management and engineering – is invaluable in shepherding upgrades to successful completion."

"We are pleased to welcome Don under the AMS roof at our headquarters in Charleston," said Ed Seeger, president and CEO of AMS. "His position enhances even further our capabilities to increase the value of stations for our clients."

Lynch founded Horizon Broadcast Solutions, LLC in 2003, to develop new clients seeking broadcast technical improvements. Prior to that, he was a partner at KWRT-FM (now Jack-FM) in Columbia, MO. Lynch has also been a partner in or managed stations in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri.

Broadcast radio prepares a content expansion to rival satellite offerings

2006-02-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Times By Martin Miller, Times Staff Writer

Terrestrial radio is beaming a new message to satellite radio — and wants to make sure that its 200 million-plus daily land-based listeners and Wall Street investors overhear every word: Your 15 minutes of fame are over.

Pummeled by an enormously successful holiday media and publicity blitz, terrestrial radio this week begins a multi-pronged marketing counteroffensive that it hopes will bring its overhead competitors back down to earth, preferably in one huge crash.

Cooperating in unprecedented ways, terrestrial radio broadcasters are officially unveiling a significant tech innovation of their own and a high profile nationwide campaign to trumpet it. One campaign that began Monday in Los Angeles and more than two-dozen other big cities heralds terrestrial's long-awaited entrance into the digital age.

This latest, more muscular marketing push comes on the heels of several smaller independent efforts over the past couple of months, in which individual radio companies tried to highlight one of their strongest selling points against their roughly $13-per-month competitors: We're free.

The term "free radio" is being used, well, freely around town in billboards advertising DJs on the AM and FM dials, such as Howard Stern's L.A. replacement, Adam Carolla, on KLSX-FM (97.1); Mancow Muller on KLAC-AM (570) is being hailed at the King of all Free Media.

At stake is whether traditional radio can recapture some of the consumer and industry buzz temporarily ceded to satellite radio in the wake of shock jock Stern's defection to Sirius Satellite Radio. (Oprah Winfrey will be going to Sirius' larger rival, XM Satellite Radio). Industry observers wonder whether these initial steps by terrestrial radio will be enough to maintain it as a dynamic media business.

Like other forms of old media (newspapers, network television), terrestrial radio must fight the perception that it will inevitably lose major ground to the new media, even though it can still appeal to mass audiences. But radio needs to fight back fast and hard against its satellite competitors, according to analysts.

"If you've got 11 million satellite subscribers there's nothing trivial about that," said Mark Ramsey, president of Mercury, a San Diego-based radio research and marketing company, referring to XM and Sirius' current subscriber base. "I think what you're seeing now is radio responding to the chorus on Wall Street that is saying, 'Hey, what's up with you?' "

Radio's answer to that long-simmering question is HD digital radio, the industry's next-generation product that can best compete with satellite's sound quality and dizzying programming options. In the works for more than a decade, digital radio will enable broadcasters to significantly upgrade their signal — AM will sound like FM, which in turn will sound like a CD, they say.

Further, the compressed digital signal will allow for multicasting, which means radio stations will be able to divide their dial spot into anywhere from two to four channels. For instance, Clear Channel Radio's KBIG-FM will continue to air an adult contemporary format at 104.3, but now is also playing round-the-clock disco hits on its side channel, 104.3-2.

Nationwide, only about 700 stations are broadcasting in digital and just about 260 of those stations are or will soon be multicasting, including about a dozen in Los Angeles. Industry officials say both those national figures are expected to more than double within the next year.

"From a creative standpoint, the secondary channel will allow us to be more experimental," said Kevin Weatherly, program director at KROQ-FM (106.7-FM), which expects to begin multicasting a harder-edge rock channel at 106.7-2 within several months. "It's going to double the choices overnight and at the end of the day it's going to be great for the listener."

Like KROQ-FM and KBIG-FM, a station's multicast typically serves up niche programming loosely related to its main format. The radio industry has pledged the side channels will be commercial-free — at least for the next few years. Starting this week radio stations in 28 major market cities will begin running ads — valued at some $200 million — to alert consumers of the digital advancements and, they hope, to stimulate real sales.

"This is sort of a marketing person's dream," said Peter Ferrera, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance, a 12-member consortium of the nation's leading radio companies formed last year to roll out the new product. "We're selling radio on the radio to people who are listening to the radio."

HD radio, however, has some major obstacles to overcome before the market situation could fairly be described as dreamy. While it's true digital radio is free, consumers currently need to shell out at least several hundred dollars to buy a special receiver to hear it.

The in-car incarnation

Analog radios, of which there are an estimated 700 million units in the U.S. alone, do not benefit from the digital signal. For that, consumers will need to purchase a special receiver, which only recently dropped below $500. Radio officials would like to see that figure drop to around $150 — a price point at which they believe consumers will take quicker advantage.

Another problem for HD radio is sheer numbers — right now, there are probably less than 100,000 units in use nationwide. Many stations that have been broadcasting in digital or multicasting may have been doing so to audiences in the thousands, or even less. And, at the moment, HD Radio doesn't have a Howard Stern-like selling point to crystallize interest and demand.

The most urgent matter for the radio industry is negotiating a deal as soon as possible with automakers to have digital radios installed in cars. So far, just BMW has agreed to put them in its cars. Meanwhile, radio officials have been feverishly lobbying American automakers to follow suit.

"It's critical they get into cars, where most of the listening takes place," said Scott McKenzie, Billboard Radio Monitor's managing editor. "If they can't do that, it's not going to be a going concern."

For their part, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio regard terrestrial's digital launch and accompanying marketing as more circling of the wagons. Driven by the holidays and a publicity windfall surrounding Stern's move to Sirius, both companies combined to score nearly 2 million new paid subscribers in the last quarter of 2005.

The huge gains came at a heavy cost — both companies reported a combined quarterly loss of roughly $600 million as they continued to shell out big dollars for publicity and their marquee talent. Meanwhile, a high-ranking XM official resigned from the company's board earlier this month and warned of a possible financial "crisis."

Despite the financial hemorrhaging, the two companies contend subscribers will reverse the bleeding, and indeed have made bold predictions for their future — Sirius says it will double subscribers to 6 million by the end of this year; XM says it will have 20 million by 2010.

"We wish them luck," said Patrick Reilly, a Sirius spokesman, of terrestrial's move to digital. "We have more than 125 channels of great programming, including commercial-free music channels, and so we think that what is good for radio will be very good for us."

Even at this point, terrestrial radio officials don't like to admit satellite is a threat. Joel Hollander, CEO of CBS Radio, formerly known as Infinity, which was Stern's former radio home, characterized satellite as a "boutique" business. Still, he praised Sirius' marketing chops in publicizing the transition.

"I don't think there's a person on the planet that doesn't know Howard went to satellite," he said. But, he noted, the strategy could easily backfire. "The next quarter for Sirius is critical," added Hollander, whose company made millions off of Stern's popularity. "You either are going to sign up or you're not."

But there's little doubt among industry observers that satellite's emergence played a substantial role in an almost unheard-of alliance between intense radio rivals including behemoth Clear Channel and CBS Radio. After more than a half-dozen high-level meetings over nearly nine months, the group officially came together in December to accelerate the push for digital radio.

"I think everybody, especially on Wall Street, wants to see we're investing in our future," said Hollander. "Our group may not agree on a lot of things, but we do agree that together we can really help our industry and we're going to do just that."

One way terrestrial radio intends to improve its position is through aggressive marketing. The various campaigns started ramping up in October of last year when Stern was jumping from terrestrial to satellite. Then CBS stations began branding themselves as "Free FM." For the record, CBS officials deny the "free" is a reference to cost, but rather to the spirit of its content, as in "free form" or "free for all." Similarly, the "HD" in HD radio doesn't actually stand for "high definition" either.

"Quite honestly, it doesn't stand for anything," Ferrera said. "The concept was somewhat of a steal from HD television, where viewers know it means better quality."In January and February, the radio industry, with help from big-name artists including the Rolling Stones, Avril Lavigne and Alicia Keys, banded together to air spots titled "Radio. You hear it here first." More campaigns lauding radio's "free, over-the-air" strengths and its ability to provide live on-the-spot news coverage are on the way, according to the National Assn. of Broadcasters, a radio trade group.

As terrestrial radio rolls up its sleeves while it rolls out its product of tomorrow, the message it ultimately is trying to convey to its millions of daily listeners is that rumors of its death have been greatly exaggerated.

"It's like when the 8-track player came out and everybody said it was going to kill radio. Then they said the same thing with cassettes and CDs," said Ed Seeger, president and CEO of American Media Services, a radio development and consulting firm based in Charleston, S.C. "Well, it didn't happen."

Check the messenger

2006-02-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Star-Ledger

A study conducted by American Media Services says that 86 percent of 1,008 people surveyed were not likely to consider buying satellite radio because of Howard Stern's move to Sirius, one of the two satellite services.

American Media Services is in the business of buying and brokering terrestrial radio stations, and some of the study's other findings point to how much people like their local radio. The numbers tell the story more eloquently than any poll: Satellite subscribers number about 9.3 million to terrestrial radio's estimated weekly audience of 240 million.

Broadcast radio's nagging question: How big will satellite grow?

2006-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Louisville Courier-Journal

You could have gotten the impression from the media coverage of Howard Stern's move to satellite radio that all ears are on the shock jock.

Not quite. But Sirius and XM, the two satellite radio companies, are adding subscribers at a good clip. Sirius, which ended last year with 3.3 million customers, says it will have 6 million by year's end. (Sirius is the home of Stern's program.) XM satellite already has that many and expects to have 9 million by 2007.

That's still a tiny fraction of the estimated 200 million people who listen to broadcast radio every day in this country. Satellite radio isn't even a blip on the Louisville-area ratings radar, said Kelly Carls, a vice president for Clear Channel Radio. Its influence so far is minimal when those 9 million subscribers are spread across a country of 300 million people.

But broadcasters are clearly concerned about how big that blip might grow in the future. American Media Services, a radio industry group, had a survey conducted about the Stern hype and says his effect is clearly exaggerated.

Actually, the questions the Roper pollsters asked seemed to focus more on satellite radio than the shock jock specifically.

They found that 82 percent of those surveyed said they aren't likely to sign up for satellite radio. Does that mean 18 percent are? That's a lot of people. The poll also found that 64 percent said they are listening to radio about the same amount as or more than five years ago. Does that mean 36 percent aren't?

Polls and statistics are often confusing. Sometimes they find what the people paying for the poll want them to find by the way the questions are phrased.

But in this case they're right on the money if the purpose was to emphasize that people aren't abandoning broadcast radio for satellite in huge numbers.

The media survey says most people balk at the idea of paying $50 to $150 for a receiver and $13 a month. That's not surprising, either, even though subscribers can get more than 120 radio channels, some of them commercial-free. Many broadcast stations have cut back on commercial glut to counter that commercial-less appeal.

Keep in mind that a lot of people said they wouldn't pay for cable channels or satellite dishes when they came on the scene, but about 75 percent of them are doing so today.

Will satellite radio enjoy that same growth? Probably not, but if just 25 percent or 50 percent eventually subscribed to satellite radio, it would have a huge effect on broadcast stations just as cable has had on TV outlets.

Like it or not -- and Sirius loves it -- Stern has already had a big effect on the satellite radio business. His grandiose departure from regular radio to satellite created a big buzz about the business with people who would never even have listened to Stern.

They migrated to satellite when they found they could get the round-the-clock jazz or easy-listening formats abandoned by broadcast stations. Sports fans liked the idea of having lots of pro football and basketball available at their fingertips. It's perfect for people who travel a lot and are stuck in their cars for long periods.

It's hard to imagine what isn't on satellite radio as new channels are added every week. One thing that isn't available is local news, weather and traffic reports, except for the 20 largest cities. You can't find out if the freeway has ground to a halt if you're listening to Stern spout off.

Stern has already paid his way, according to Sirius executives, who say the big subscriber increase he brought in will just about pay his $100 million-a-year salary. Some analysts question the economics of that equation. Sirius originally said it would have to have a million people sign up just to hear Stern and won't say if that happened.

Stern wouldn't appear to have much growth potential. Most of the people who couldn't live without him are probably already on board. Recruiting new listeners will be hard.

The real growth in satellite radio, which you can install in your home or car or carry between the two, will probably come in new-car sales.

Both satellite companies are doing deals to have their receivers offered as optional equipment on new cars just as regular radios have been in the past. The temptation to fork over the monthly fee will be greater once the unit comes with the car.

There's a market among Americans who have a hunger for electronics and who are willing to add another $13 a month to the growing list of cell-phone and cable fees they pay.

The wake-up call for broadcast radio stations isn't Howard Stern. He's just another gaudy float in the passing parade. What they need to do is unearth the local roots that used to make them so valuable and attractive to communities instead of just being conduits for syndicated radio piped in from somewhere else.

Survey Says: "Stern Factor" Is Overrated

2006-02-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Radio Ink

Despite Howard Stern's move to satellite radio, a nationwide survey conducted by American Media Services indicates that 86% of Americans are not likely to consider the purchase of satellite radio in the future because Stern has left terrestrial radio.

Sixty-nine percent of those responding said they were "not at all likely" to consider purchasing satellite, and 17% said they were "not very likely" to after Stern’s move. The respondents' negative reaction to the Stern question was even stronger than another question that asked their likelihood of paying for satellite service.

In that question, respondents were first told that satellite radio usage requires the purchase of equipment and a monthly fee, then were asked if they were likely to purchase satellite radio over the next year. Eighty-two percent said such a purchase was unlikely, with 64% saying they were "not at all likely" and 18% responding "not very likely."

"We have long suspected that all the national media interest in Stern and satellite radio did not reflect what was going on with the American consumer," said Ed Seeger, president and CEO of American Media Services. "These are dynamic times for conventional broadcast radio; there are lots of new opportunities with the emerging technologies, and radio has proven again and again that it is here to stay."

Survey: 86% won't be following Stern to satellite radio

2006-02-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Orlando Sentinel Tim Barker
Sentinel Staff Writer

Howard Stern's move last month to satellite radio was supposed to signal the beginning of a new era for the fledgling industry.

In exchange for his $500 million five-year contract, Stern was expected to drive droves of listeners to subscriber-based Sirius Satellite Radio, currently No. 2 behind market leader XM Satellite Radio.

So far, so good for Sirius, which watched its subscriber base leap to 3.3 million from 2.17 million during the months leading up to Stern's switch.

Still, it may be a little too soon to proclaim conventional radio dead, according to a recent survey by American Media Services, a radio brokerage and consulting firm based in Charleston, S.C.

In the random telephone survey of 1,008 adults, the vast majority -- 86 percent -- said they would not be switching to satellite radio because of Stern.

"We have long suspected that all the national media interest in Stern and satellite radio did not reflect what was going on with the American consumer," said Ed Seeger, president of American Media.

Conventional radio stations got high marks from respondents for providing local traffic and weather information, as well as local news coverage.

Super Bowl on the satellite

It's hard to argue, however, about some of the inherent advantages of satellite.

For this year's Super Bowl in Detroit, Sirius demonstrated one of its selling points by offering a variety of play-by-play broadcasts.

Pittsburgh Steelers' fans could choose a Steelers' team broadcast channel. Ditto for fans of the Seattle Seahawks.

And for those non-English speaking fans, there were offerings in Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, and even Mandarin Chinese.

Howard for Howard

2006-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

Denver Post

Drumbeats and ballyhoo aside, Howard Stern's move to Sirius satellite radio probably will have less impact than his publicity campaign would have us believe.

According to a survey of 1,008 adults by American Media Services, 86 percent of those interviewed said they were not likely to buy satellite radio because of the shock jock's move from over-the-air to satellite radio. And 69 percent said their signing up was "not at all likely."

Nevertheless, the deal is expected to net $670 million for Stern. After a surge of stock sales when he went on Sirius on Jan. 9, sales are falling off.

Survey Says No to Satellite Radio

2006-01-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Radio Business Report How much interest do Americans really have in buying satellite Radio service? After hearing all of the hoopla about Howard Stern's move to Sirius, American Media Services CEO Ed Seeger hired Roper OmniTel to conduct a nationwide phone survey of 1,008 people. It found that a large majority of Americans (86 percent) are not likely to consider the purchase of satellite Radio in the future because of his move.

Broken down further, 69 percent of those responding said they were "not at all likely" to consider purchasing satellite, and 17 percent said they were "not very likely" to after Stern's move. The respondents' negative reaction to the Stern question was even stronger than another question that asked their likelihood of paying for satellite service. In that question, respondents were first told that satellite Radio usage requires the purchase of equipment and a monthly fee, then were asked if they were likely to purchase satellite Radio over the next year. 82 percent said such a purchase was unlikely, with 64 percent saying they were "not at all likely," and 18 percent responding "not very likely." 88 percent of those surveyed responded that they are not subscribers of satellite Radio.

The survey also asked the 1,008 respondents what they liked best in conventional Radio. 33 percent of them said "local traffic and weather information," while another 25 percent said they liked Radio because "it's always available when you need it." 13 percent said they liked Radio because it helped connect them to events taking place in their community, and 10 percent said they liked Radio because they knew they could get vital information from Radio in case of an emergency. As to what consumers did not like about Radio, 57 percent responded that "the amount of time for commercials" is the highest on their lists.

Most frequently mentioned reasons for liking conventional broadcast Radio included:

Local traffic and weather information (33 percent)
Radio is available when needed (25 percent)
Radio connects the listener to local community (13 percent)
Radio is there to help in an emergency (10 percent)

Listeners Praise Localism As Radio's Top Virtue

2006-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Radio & Records

In a new survey, 33% of participants said local traffic and weather information is what they like best about conventional radio, followed by 25% who like the immediate access the medium affords.

In the survey — conducted by Roper OmniTel for American Media Services — 37% of respondents listed the number of commercials as their top gripe, followed by 23% who tire of hearing the same programming over and over again. Still, 46% said they are listening to about the same amount of radio that they listened to five years ago, compared to 18% who are listening more and 34% who are listening less.

Illustrating that awareness of HD Radio may be increasing, 37% said they'd heard of the technology. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they'd never heard of it before the surveyor asked.

AMS CEO Ed Seeger tells R&R that he tried to get some radio companies to join him in having the study conducted, but he decided to go it alone after issues of timing and availability kept getting in the way.

"This survey has reinforced what we have known for several years: that local radio has a unique and unmatched place in the American community," Seeger says. "Other technologies are going to be there to compete, but radio has made some fundamental changes over the past couple of years, and I think the consumer knows that."

Public is lukewarm to satellite radio

2006-01-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

Des Moines Register

Despite recent media attention about shock jock Howard Stern's transfer to satellite radio, a nationwide survey indicates 86 percent of Americans are not likely to consider the purchase of satellite radio in the future because of his move.

The survey also says 69 percent of those responding said they were "not at all likely" to consider purchasing satellite; 17 percent said they were "not very likely" to after Stern's move. American Media Services commissioned the survey.

Survey Examines Who's Following Stern To Sirius

2006-01-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Radio & Records

A new study finds that 86% of over 1,000 people randomly surveyed said they're not likely to begin subscribing to Sirius now that Howard Stern has moved there, compared to 12% who said they're "very" or "somewhat" likely to follow the jock to satellite radio. Drilling down, 69% responded that they're "not at all likely" to follow Stern to Sirius, vs. 17% who said they are "not very likely."

The survey, conducted by Roper OmniTel for American Media Services, also found that after being informed that the service requires the purchase of a receiver and a monthly fee, 82% said they are "not very" or "not at all likely" to purchase satellite radio, with 64% choosing "not at all likely."

However, of the roughly 10% of respondents who are already subscribing to either XM or Sirius, 88% said they are "very or somewhat" likely to renew their subscriptions, including 57% who said it is "very likely" they'll keep the service, compared to 8% who said it is "not very" or "not at all likely" that they'll re-up.

American Media Services Announces Opening Of Denver Office

2005-12-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

Radio Ink

American Media Services has announced the expansion to a new regional office, to open in Denver early next year.

The Denver office will be managed by Gene Ferry, who joins AMS after spending the last two years with Waitt Radio Networks, where he was regional manager.

"We are just delighted to have someone with Gene's strong and diverse experience on our expanding team," said Todd Fowler, president of the AMS Brokerage Division. "I have known Gene for years, and we have great respect for his abilities and his knowledge of our industry."

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR STATION IS WORTH?

2005-11-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

A Station "Move-in" Can Make a World of Difference

By Ed Seeger
President & CEO, American Media Services

There are dozens – no, hundreds – of station owners in this country who are sitting on property that is much more valuable than they think it is.

How can I say this? Because since we founded American Media Services in 1997, we have worked with 20 properties, just a small sampling of the thousands of stations in America. In those seven years, we have increased the aggregated value of those properties from $47 million to over $192 million.

The current projects we have in the pipeline will, upon completion of our work, result in additional increases in valuation of another $200 million once the proposed rulemakings are approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

That’s why, after more than three decades in radio, I’m still bullish about the future for our medium. Over the past several years, we have all watched as the new technologies have been developed and have taken their place in the marketplace. First it was Internet streaming. Next came satellite radio, Ipods and podcasting.

What, the skeptics begin by saying, is going to happen to radio? It’s going to disappear, it’s going to be replaced, it is a medium that is becoming irrelevant to the American public. And yet, that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Sales trends and revenues are stable or increasing, albeit not as much as all of us would like to see. Listenership is up. The industry is taking note of the changes it must make in order to retain current listeners and recruit new ones, changes such as emphasizing localism, re-evaluating ROI measurement, encouraging the 30-second commercial and shortening commercial breaks.

As I talk with station owners, I am finding a renewed excitement about what the future holds for us, a growing recognition that there are new opportunities for all of us to engage and interest our public.

If there is any doubt among you that radio is not addressing these important issues, a quick look at the session topics at the NAB Radio Show in September should give some reassurance that we are headed in the right direction. “How to Stop the Body Blows to Radio’s Image,” “Future of Radio,” “Selling Radio in a Digital Age,” and “Profiting from New Technology: Ideas from Around the World” are samplings of the programs held in Philadelphia, and they demonstrate how this industry’s leadership is meeting the technology challenges head-on.

As we met with station owners at the Radio Show, I noticed a new assertiveness and a new forward-looking attitude among many of them. They are interested in the new technologies, they are eager to learn more about them, and they are making sound decisions to ensure their stations remain relevant to their markets. As they grapple with these new opportunities, they are going back to the basics to ensure that their stations are positioned as strongly as they can be in their markets.

Central to this thinking, of course, is whether there are opportunities for any particular station to increase its demographic reach, and that is where the “move-in” oftentime comes into play. Move-ins begin with a developmental engineering consulting company. The engineering part is to figure out how a station can become a bigger player in its market or in a larger nearby market. The development part is making the engineering plan a reality.

These upgrades and move-ins are taking place all across the country, from Asheville, NC to Phoenix. From Boise, Idaho to Philadelphia. Co-founder Andrew Guest and I have been in the radio business for more than 60 collective years. Through the years, we developed a growing awareness that there are an unknown, but potentially a very large, number of opportunities to design successful FM station move scenarios. That’s why we decided to form AMS, because we knew we had found the successful formula to make our clients’ assets more valuable in a stunning way while serving the public interest.

All hype aside about satellite radio, conventional radio stations have a great deal of inherent value – and smart owners can find ways to make their holdings even more valuable.

Take Jack Russell of Texas, for instance. We successfully worked with him on a project that ultimately saw his property increase its power from 6,000 watts to 100,000 watts, and that’s after we moved his city of license 50 miles closer to Dallas.

In order to get that done, we had to convince 15 other station owners stretching from Oklahoma to San Saba, Texas, that various changes were in their own best interest to allow Jack’s station – KEMM – to make the move to Dallas and subsequently increase its power. The KEMM filing, in turn, became part of a larger filing AMS coordinated that involved 42 changes to the FM Table of Allotments and upgraded several other stations. It took almost two years to get all of this done, and by the time we had completed the rulemaking, we learned from the FCC that this was the most complex rearrangement of radio stations that had ever been granted. And it was a win-win for everyone, including the listening public.

Russell purchased the station when it had little revenue. He developed it as best he could, but it was, he told us, essentially a Mom and Pop station until AMS enabled him to broaden his horizon. AMS, on Russell’s behalf, negotiated with potential buyers, and ultimately we reached an agreement with ABC Radio to lease the station at 50,000 watts and eventually to buy it. It became the 100,000-watt KESN in Dallas.

Since 1997, we have concluded 19 other transactions that sound a lot like Jack Russell’s. In some cases, the station’s value increased more or less dramatically than KEMM’s. One station grew from an estimated value of $548,000 to $3.5 million once we had completed the upgrades. Another deal we coordinated took even our breaths away, as we worked with a Northeastern station owner on a very complex upgrade and move. When it was all over after three and a half years, that station, which had been valued at $2 million, was successfully sold for $35.5 million. Imagine if that opportunity to create value had been missed.

AMS Tries to Add Value to Properties

2005-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Radio World
By Randy J. Stine

CHARLESTON, S.C. At a time when some outside the broadcast industry are pessimistic about the future of terrestrial radio as new media delivery systems lure listeners, some companies make a living helping broadcasters increase the value of their holdings through coverage upgrades and move-ins to larger markets.

Most broadcasters consider such a move daunting. The planning and execution of a signal upgrade or move-in typically requires the expertise of an experienced engineer, the determination of a Washington attorney familiar with the FCC and lots of patience.

RW spoke to executives at American Media Services, a broker/consultant, to learn about trends in this niche. Thanks to modern technology including its own signal mapping computer software, AMS engineers say they typically uncover several upgrade scenarios across the United States each month. They then analyze radio markets by using the new Arbitron method of determining the total number of radio stations in a market and the total number allowed.

Several companies reportedly pursue similar “engineering approaches” to radio station improvement and development. Two others are Marathon Media and First Broadcasting. Marathon did not return calls for this story; First declined comment.

Upgrade scenarios explored
“We are constantly on the lookout for holes in markets,” said Ed Seeger, president and chief executive officer of AMS. “We have software that gives us a quick thumbnail sketch of the top 100 radio markets. We then research frequencies to help us get an idea of what could be achieved.”

Once a market analysis is complete, AMS engineers review the various scenarios, which could involve move-ins or upgrades and frequency swaps, some requiring the cooperation of other broadcasters in the market.

“We then contact the owners of stations that can be upgraded. We typically form a joint partnership with them, with our staff handling all the technical work, the negotiations with all the other stations that need modification and file the FCC paperwork for rulemaking on the project,” Seeger said.

AMS claims to have pulled off the largest set of modifications in the history of FCC rulemaking involving changes to 19 radio stations to allow for the upgrade of a Dallas FM, which eventually was sold to ABC/Disney for $18 million in 2000.

The company worked with the owners of the former KEMM (FM) to upgrade the station, which was licensed to Commerce, Texas, from Class A to Class C on a 2,000-foot tower north of the Metroplex. The station has since changed its call letters to KESN. Prior to the sale, the station had been valued at $500,000, according to AMS.

“It took a lot of face-to-face negotiations to pull that off. And everything was contingent on our success. Upon the completion of the project we all reap the benefit,” Seeger said.

AMS also completed the move of former WIXK (FM), licensed to New Richmond, Wis., into the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. AMS approached then-owner Bob Smith in 1999 with a development scenario that included a city-of-license change and signal upgrade. The station was an 18kW Class A FM approximately 40 miles northeast of Minneapolis.

“I signed a services agreement with AMS for them to explore the possibility of a move-in. I never thought it would come to pass. (AMS) did all of the legwork and we gained FCC approval for the move in 2000,” Smith said.

Weak signals
The station, now a Class C2 with a tower just north of Minneapolis, was sold to Hubbard Broadcasting for $26 million when the move was completed, Smith said. The stations calls are now KFMP(FM).

“I originally had thought the station was worth maybe $5 million and I had been offered $3 million for it,” Smith said.

AMS has completed signal improvement projects in Philadelphia, Houston, Denver and New Orleans, Seeger said.

Weak signal strength is typically the reason development clients approach AMS.

“Most of the time people ask us to look at a specific market where they have a weak signal and want to sell that one to purchase a better signal. Or they want to look at a possible move-in. The key to any terrestrial signal is the ability to cover people,” Seeger said. “If you do not have the ability for your signal to reach the overall population you will never reach your maximum potential. We offer clients the chance to maximize their operations.”

AMS, which also has full-service brokerage and technical consulting divisions, was founded in 1997. It has headquarters in Charleston, with an engineering office in Chicago and two brokerage offices in Texas. Fourteen employees work in its development and brokerage offices.

Veteran broadcast engineer Frank McCoy, who served in engineering management positions at ABC Radio and AMFM, Inc., is the executive vice president of engineering for AMS.

Seeger said he stumbled upon the concept of “movement and improvement” of radio stations while running his own stations and overseeing several upgrades.

“It just seemed like there would be a lucrative market for this type of venture,” Seeger said.

AMS has 30 to 40 development deals going at a given time, Seeger said. It owns four FM licenses, which it is in the process of selling. He expects AMS’ niche in the “movement and improvement” market to grow as broadcasters stretch to add value to their holdings.

“Actually, we do see many opportunities ahead for terrestrial broadcasters,” Seeger said. “There have been some modifications in the reclassification and spacing on the FM band that have opened up some opportunities for some stations to move even closer into larger markets. We’re uncovering new ones each month."

AMS Tries to Add Value to Properties

2005-10-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Radio World By Randy J. Stine

CHARLESTON, S.C. At a time when some outside the broadcast industry are pessimistic about the future of terrestrial radio as new media delivery systems lure listeners, some companies make a living helping broadcasters increase the value of their holdings through coverage upgrades and move-ins to larger markets.

Most broadcasters consider such a move daunting. The planning and execution of a signal upgrade or move-in typically requires the expertise of an experienced engineer, the determination of a Washington attorney familiar with the FCC and lots of patience.

RW spoke to executives at American Media Services, a broker/consultant, to learn about trends in this niche. Thanks to modern technology including its own signal mapping computer software, AMS engineers say they typically uncover several upgrade scenarios across the United States each month. They then analyze radio markets by using the new Arbitron method of determining the total number of radio stations in a market and the total number allowed.

Several companies reportedly pursue similar “engineering approaches” to radio station improvement and development. Two others are Marathon Media and First Broadcasting. Marathon did not return calls for this story; First declined comment.

Upgrade scenarios explored
“We are constantly on the lookout for holes in markets,” said Ed Seeger, president and chief executive officer of AMS. “We have software that gives us a quick thumbnail sketch of the top 100 radio markets. We then research frequencies to help us get an idea of what could be achieved.”

Once a market analysis is complete, AMS engineers review the various scenarios, which could involve move-ins or upgrades and frequency swaps, some requiring the cooperation of other broadcasters in the market.

“We then contact the owners of stations that can be upgraded. We typically form a joint partnership with them, with our staff handling all the technical work, the negotiations with all the other stations that need modification and file the FCC paperwork for rulemaking on the project,” Seeger said.

AMS claims to have pulled off the largest set of modifications in the history of FCC rulemaking involving changes to 19 radio stations to allow for the upgrade of a Dallas FM, which eventually was sold to ABC/Disney for $18 million in 2000.

The company worked with the owners of the former KEMM (FM) to upgrade the station, which was licensed to Commerce, Texas, from Class A to Class C on a 2,000-foot tower north of the Metroplex. The station has since changed its call letters to KESN. Prior to the sale, the station had been valued at $500,000, according to AMS.

“It took a lot of face-to-face negotiations to pull that off. And everything was contingent on our success. Upon the completion of the project we all reap the benefit,” Seeger said.

AMS also completed the move of former WIXK (FM), licensed to New Richmond, Wis., into the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. AMS approached then-owner Bob Smith in 1999 with a development scenario that included a city-of-license change and signal upgrade. The station was an 18kW Class A FM approximately 40 miles northeast of Minneapolis.

“I signed a services agreement with AMS for them to explore the possibility of a move-in. I never thought it would come to pass. (AMS) did all of the legwork and we gained FCC approval for the move in 2000,” Smith said.

Weak signals
The station, now a Class C2 with a tower just north of Minneapolis, was sold to Hubbard Broadcasting for $26 million when the move was completed, Smith said. The stations calls are now KFMP(FM).

“I originally had thought the station was worth maybe $5 million and I had been offered $3 million for it,” Smith said.

AMS has completed signal improvement projects in Philadelphia, Houston, Denver and New Orleans, Seeger said.

Weak signal strength is typically the reason development clients approach AMS.

“Most of the time people ask us to look at a specific market where they have a weak signal and want to sell that one to purchase a better signal. Or they want to look at a possible move-in. The key to any terrestrial signal is the ability to cover people,” Seeger said. “If you do not have the ability for your signal to reach the overall population you will never reach your maximum potential. We offer clients the chance to maximize their operations.”

AMS, which also has full-service brokerage and technical consulting divisions, was founded in 1997. It has headquarters in Charleston, with an engineering office in Chicago and two brokerage offices in Texas. Fourteen employees work in its development and brokerage offices.

Veteran broadcast engineer Frank McCoy, who served in engineering management positions at ABC Radio and AMFM, Inc., is the executive vice president of engineering for AMS.

Seeger said he stumbled upon the concept of “movement and improvement” of radio stations while running his own stations and overseeing several upgrades.

“It just seemed like there would be a lucrative market for this type of venture,” Seeger said.

AMS has 30 to 40 development deals going at a given time, Seeger said. It owns four FM licenses, which it is in the process of selling. He expects AMS’ niche in the “movement and improvement” market to grow as broadcasters stretch to add value to their holdings.

“Actually, we do see many opportunities ahead for terrestrial broadcasters,” Seeger said. “There have been some modifications in the reclassification and spacing on the FM band that have opened up some opportunities for some stations to move even closer into larger markets. We’re uncovering new ones each month."

Local company raises value of radio stations nationwide

2005-09-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Charleston Regional Business Journal
By Dennis Quick

Last year, Mount Pleasant-based American Media Services helped Bridgeton, N.J., radio station WSNJ-FM increase its value by $33.5 million.

AMS convinced WSNJ’s owner to move the station 40 miles to Philadelphia, which has a metropolitan-area population of about 6.1 million, compared with Bridgeton’s population of roughly 22,770. The station became WRNB-FM and switched its programming from a variety format to rhythm and blues.

Although AMS did not get involved with the station’s format change, its moving the station to Philadelphia resulted in the station’s worth soaring from $2 million to more than $35.5 million—the price paid by Lanham, Md.-based Radio One Inc., which owns and operates 68 other radio stations in 22 U.S. cities.

During its seven-year history, AMS has helped 15 radio stations across the nation increase their dollar value by upgrading their power and moving them to larger, nearby metropolitan areas. Combined, those stations have increased their value by nearly $150 million.

“The larger the city, the more valuable the station,” explains Edward Seeger, president of AMS and co-founder of the company in 1998 with Andrew Guest, AMS’ chief operating officer.

WSNJ’s $33.5 million rise in value is the largest among AMS’ portfolio of success stories. Second is KVST-FM, which saw its worth skyrocket $31.5 million—from $1 million to $32.5 million—when AMS moved the station from Willis, Texas, with a population of just over 4,100, to metropolitan Houston, some 46 miles away and with a population of 4.8 million.

WIXK in Richmond, Wis., population 1,835, gained $25 million in value—a leap from $2 million to $27 million—after AMS transferred the station to the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., area with a population of nearly 3 million and upgraded its tower from 6,000 watts to 100,000 watts. That station is now WFMP-FM.

Increasing a radio station’s value involves analyzing the station’s market and larger, nearby markets where that station could reach more potential listeners. It can also involve technological modifications to increase the power of the station’s signal. A strong signal in a populous area enables the station to “cover more people” and attract more advertisers, Seeger explains.

Following Federal Communications Commission regulations requiring radio frequencies to be spaced far enough apart to prevent interference with one another, AMS relocates stations from smaller markets to larger ones. All of AMS’ petitions to the FCC to relocate stations have been granted, Seeger claims.

Relocating and upgrading radio stations is only one service AMS offers. With its 14 staff members, the company is also an engineering consulting firm for radio stations seeking to upgrade their existing facilities. Additionally, the company is a broker for clients seeking to buy or sell radio stations.

AMS gets a commission for increasing a radio station’s value after the station is relocated and sold. Yet Guest says each relocation project is different. For instance, in the WSNJ deal, AMS had the option to buy the station for $20 million but sold that option to Radio One for $35 million.

“Sizeable expenditures” on the project reduced AMS’ take from $15 million to $10 million during the deal, which took three years to complete, says Guest.

Because the company eyes radio stations in large metropolitan areas, AMS has conducted only two station upgrades in South Carolina: WMXT in Florence, the value of which increased from about $3.2 million to $6 million, and WYNA in Myrtle Beach, where that station’s worth rose from $548,000 to $3.5 million.

The company has its sights set on doing business in the nation’s top 25 markets where value increases are more lucrative.

AMS has 29 radio station upgrade projects in the works, and Seeger expects AMS to be a billion-dollar company in two years, he says.

Local company raises value of radio stations nationwide

2005-09-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Charleston Regional Business Journal By Dennis Quick

Last year, Mount Pleasant-based American Media Services helped Bridgeton, N.J., radio station WSNJ-FM increase its value by $33.5 million.

AMS convinced WSNJ’s owner to move the station 40 miles to Philadelphia, which has a metropolitan-area population of about 6.1 million, compared with Bridgeton’s population of roughly 22,770. The station became WRNB-FM and switched its programming from a variety format to rhythm and blues.

Although AMS did not get involved with the station’s format change, its moving the station to Philadelphia resulted in the station’s worth soaring from $2 million to more than $35.5 million—the price paid by Lanham, Md.-based Radio One Inc., which owns and operates 68 other radio stations in 22 U.S. cities.

During its seven-year history, AMS has helped 15 radio stations across the nation increase their dollar value by upgrading their power and moving them to larger, nearby metropolitan areas. Combined, those stations have increased their value by nearly $150 million.

“The larger the city, the more valuable the station,” explains Edward Seeger, president of AMS and co-founder of the company in 1998 with Andrew Guest, AMS’ chief operating officer.

WSNJ’s $33.5 million rise in value is the largest among AMS’ portfolio of success stories. Second is KVST-FM, which saw its worth skyrocket $31.5 million—from $1 million to $32.5 million—when AMS moved the station from Willis, Texas, with a population of just over 4,100, to metropolitan Houston, some 46 miles away and with a population of 4.8 million.

WIXK in Richmond, Wis., population 1,835, gained $25 million in value—a leap from $2 million to $27 million—after AMS transferred the station to the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., area with a population of nearly 3 million and upgraded its tower from 6,000 watts to 100,000 watts. That station is now WFMP-FM.

Increasing a radio station’s value involves analyzing the station’s market and larger, nearby markets where that station could reach more potential listeners. It can also involve technological modifications to increase the power of the station’s signal. A strong signal in a populous area enables the station to “cover more people” and attract more advertisers, Seeger explains.

Following Federal Communications Commission regulations requiring radio frequencies to be spaced far enough apart to prevent interference with one another, AMS relocates stations from smaller markets to larger ones. All of AMS’ petitions to the FCC to relocate stations have been granted, Seeger claims.

Relocating and upgrading radio stations is only one service AMS offers. With its 14 staff members, the company is also an engineering consulting firm for radio stations seeking to upgrade their existing facilities. Additionally, the company is a broker for clients seeking to buy or sell radio stations.

AMS gets a commission for increasing a radio station’s value after the station is relocated and sold. Yet Guest says each relocation project is different. For instance, in the WSNJ deal, AMS had the option to buy the station for $20 million but sold that option to Radio One for $35 million.

“Sizeable expenditures” on the project reduced AMS’ take from $15 million to $10 million during the deal, which took three years to complete, says Guest.

Because the company eyes radio stations in large metropolitan areas, AMS has conducted only two station upgrades in South Carolina: WMXT in Florence, the value of which increased from about $3.2 million to $6 million, and WYNA in Myrtle Beach, where that station’s worth rose from $548,000 to $3.5 million.

The company has its sights set on doing business in the nation’s top 25 markets where value increases are more lucrative.

AMS has 29 radio station upgrade projects in the works, and Seeger expects AMS to be a billion-dollar company in two years, he says.