Radio revenue may be tepid in the second quarter but the same can't be said for the deal market. According to SNL Kagan, broadcast sales (radio and TV combined) through April have totaled $3.1 billion as opposed to $363 million for the same period last year. That $3.1 billion has already surpassed all broadcast deals in 2010. Last year's total was $2.73...
In the first quarter alone, the blockbuster Cumulus bid for Citadel and Hubbard's bid for 18 Bonneville radio stations totalled $3 billion. TV station deals totaled $185 million through April 30, 2011, compared to $19 million for the same month period last year. NBC, Nexstar, Liberty Media and Daystar Television Network have been involved on the TV side. This is one year that radio deals look like they'll trump TV property transactions. Radio is not burdened by the upcoming potential spectrum auction which may force a TV station spectrum sale to free up 120 MHz of TV station spectrum to wireless carriers...
Deal volume indicates a strong recovery from the years of meager activity in 2009 and 2010. It may be a case of the rich getting richer but up is up. Meanwhile radio holds its collective breath that revenue follows suit...
Timeline Memories:
1949] Instantly: The first Polaroid Camera sells for $89.95 in New York City ("But for you - $85.95"). Polaroid as we knew it is out of business...
1960] The Pill: The first contraceptive pill is made available on the market...
1964] Number one on this date: "My Guy" - Mary Wells...1981] "Bette Davis Eyes" - Kim Carnes...1985] "Crazy For You" - Madonna...
1968] Released on this date: "MacArthur Park" - Richard Harris...1974] "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number" - Steely Dan...
1972] Say Hey returns: Returning to the city that he started in, Willie Mays returns to New York to play for the Mets. The Say-Hey Kid is traded for the immortal Charlie Williams and $50,000 in cash...
1987] On trial: Klaus Barbie goes on trial in France for war crimes committed during World War II...
1996] Everglades crash: An Atlanta-bound ValuJet DC-9 catches fire shortly after takeoff from Miami and crashes into the Florida Everglades. All 110 on board are lost...
2004] Beheaded: A video on an al Qaida linked website shows the beheading of American hostage Nicholas Berg, who had been kidnapped in Iraq...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": Cam Newton (22), Martha Quinn (52), Mike Lupica (59), Dr. Robert Jarvik (65), Eric Burton (70), & Mort Sahl (84)...
Timeline Countdown: 19 days until Memorial Day, 39 days until Fathers Day, 42 days until summer & 54 days until July 4th...
