Eric Helton

What the FCC has Against Audacy • The unspoken damage the FCC is doing to Audacy. • Why other radio bankruptcies got the green light to emerge quicker. • How this delay jeopardizes the Soros plan to rebuild Audacy. • The delay’s effect on Audacy’s plan to sell, consolidate or shut down some stations. https://lnkd.in/eh8pVJnY

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The future of free-to-view television broadcasting is facing a conundrum. The traditional model, which once seemed like a win-win for all parties involved, is now showing signs of strain. The crux of the issue lies in the complex chain of relationships between advertisers, broadcasters, content owners, and audiences. As explained in this interesting analogy, it is like a group of friends sharing a pizza, but the person who paid for it only gets one out of the ten slices. This reflects the current state of affairs in the broadcasting industry. Check out the article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/edykVVM8 #broadcasting #advertising #contentowners #audiences #television

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I have observed a significant gap in the representation of roles within the radio industry. While articles often spotlight on-air personalities, program directors, and executives, there is a notable absence of recognition for Creative Directors, Production Directors, Producers, and Engineers. It raises the question - why are these crucial roles overlooked? It is essential to acknowledge the diverse talents and contributions across all facets of the industry, beyond just the perceived "radio stars." #RadioIndustry #RepresentationMatters

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Radio ad demand is shrinking • How the major radio groups are privately dealing with declining advertising. • What market managers are doing to save the day (and their jobs). • The non-radio solutions being teed up by radio groups. • What some radio groups have turned to quarter by quarter to offset ad revenue declines with artificial cash infusions. • Typical market manager response to shrinking ad demand. https://lnkd.in/eXGHPhTM

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Cumulus Expense Cuts Coming • What cuts Cumulus had to promise to re-fi their debt. • What about selling existing assets? • The Cumulus employees most directly caught in the crosshairs of this deal. • How it affects executive pay. • The unusual timeframe of these promised cutbacks.

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The Cumulus compensation ploy • May 2nd Cumulus had their annual shareholders meeting and they were not talking about what their angry investors did. • They approved one thing – their account firm. • When asked to re-elect their board of directors, a surprising and resounding outcome. • The company is still laying employees off and shrinking operations so when they asked shareholders to show a financial vote of confidence in them, an even greater surprise. • What’s really going on here – a questionable debt exchange deal, a second bankruptcy and a growing rift between investors and their top management. https://lnkd.in/gQRZYCWq

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The stage was set at the NAB Show 2024. Hundreds of products battled for supremacy in the ever-evolving streaming video arena. Tensions were high as the industry's elite judging panel meticulously evaluated each offering. Then, a true champion emerged from the fray. Vimond's VIA App Builder captivated the experts with a perfect fusion of power and elegance. Features that dazzled: - Lightning-fast development capabilities that make deploying streaming services across devices a mere formality. - An interface so intuitive even a novice could wield its might. - Unparalleled content management that monetises like never before. In an epic clash of innovation, the VIA App Builder reigned supreme – conquering the "Next TV" category to seize the coveted Best of Show honour. A thousand competitors stood in awe. This was more than just an award. It was a statement of Vimond's unwavering commitment to streamlining video streaming for the modern era. An undisputed mark of quality that will shatter industry conventions. The victory horn has sounded. All others have been put on notice. Brace yourselves for the VIA App Builder's continued dominance, as it leads content creators to a new era of broadcast supremacy. https://lnkd.in/gssvefKG

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Audacy in the blast zone of deregulation bombshell • How anyone unhappy with George Soros owning a large share of Audacy can now block it or fatally delay it by filing one piece of paper. • If the FCC fails to act in favor of the pending waiver Soros needs, then what? • How Audacy is quickly losing control of a critical timeline out of bankruptcy. • The prognosis of a fresh start promised by Audacy to advertisers and employees in light of recent developments. https://lnkd.in/eFrPBP35

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Shareholder rebuke of Cumulus • Cumulus has upped their offer and delivered the needed support to do a debt exchange that buys them more time, but there is a big downside. • Shareholders are in ill humor as they recently rebuked the company, its CEO and c-suite executives – here’s what Cumulus had to admit to the government. • Cumulus gets a few more years, debt holders get a higher payout but it’s their next move that matters most. • The best outcome that can be expected from this lopsided debt exchange. • How both equity and debt investors are likely to get screwed by Cumulus. https://lnkd.in/eAyU9Zfj

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Broadcast codecs in dog years: *MP2: 217, MP4: 161, HEVC: 77, VVC: 28

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I am still reading up on the proposed FCC changes to LPTV and what that means to LP stations. Check out the article from Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance on more details. What are your thoughts on these proposed changes?

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Another secret have come to realize over my few years in broadcasting is… Proper care and maintenance of your broadcast equipment are essential to ensuring smooth and successful productions. When you take the time to care of your gear, it’s like building a relationship with it—your equipment becomes reliable and less likely to fail you when you need it the most. On the other hand, neglecting your equipment can lead to unexpected issues, often at the worst possible moments, like during a live show when there's no room for error. Simple habits, like keeping liquids far away from your gear, regularly cleaning and storing your equipment properly, and performing routine checks, can make all the difference. Remember, your equipment is the backbone of your production. Treat it with care, and it will serve you well.

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“Mid TV, on the other hand, almost can’t be bad for some of the same reasons that keep it from being great. It’s often an echo of the last generation of breakthrough TV (so the highs and lows of “Game of Thrones” are succeeded by the faithful adequacy of “House of the Dragon”). Or it’s made by professionals who know how to make TV too well, and therefore miss a prerequisite of making great art, which is training yourself to forget how the thing was ever done and thus coming up with your own way of doing it.” This is a thoughtful encapsulation of the conversations I’ve been having the past few years with people who make TV. Economics played a huge role in the rise of TV as art in the past 20 years, and it’s part of the pullback towards the safe and competent fare of today. Always there’s some snobbery here - not sure the Times critic uses the word middlebrow but that perspective has always been there on the medium. “I don’t watch TV” was a common catchphrase of intellectuals in the 80s and 90s but seemed head in the sand in the age of the Sopranos, The Wire and, more recently, shows like Homeland and Billions. But when you look at what people really watch these days, well - we are back to the era of turn your brain off, but not quite the “idiot box”. In commercial over the air TV you didn’t want people to have too strong an emotional reaction because they wouldn’t stay tuned for the commercials. And, although the amplitude has increased, recognizable comfort food is what most people want. Pitch your shows accordingly. https://lnkd.in/giu6hcwS

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Outside broadcasting (OB) and television directing from location involve capturing live events or programs from locations outside the traditional studio setting, requiring complex logistical and technical coordination. This process typically uses specialized mobile broadcast units equipped with cameras, audio equipment, lighting, and transmission capabilities to bring viewers real-time coverage of events like sports, concerts, and news. A director in an OB setting must handle unique challenges, such as unpredictable lighting, sound conditions, and unplanned events, all while ensuring seamless communication with the production team. This role demands quick decision-making, adaptability, and an ability to maintain high production quality regardless of location-based constraints, delivering hearing a captivating experience for the audience. I am Live from Milimani Law court for DP Gachagua Impeachment case. #Livebroadcast #Production #TVDirecting

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The world of content and tech, broadcast and streaming, sports and entertainment are becoming more and more intertwined to the point of completely merging all together. When people are asking me if I'm more content or tech, TV or Digital I honestly don't know what to say, I'm all of that! This is the environment that we are living and working in today. When I look at the top companies from which people search for my profile, it shows exactly that, a mix of tech, content, broadcast, streaming and digital. I believe that to tackle the challenges ahead, we really need to embrace a broader view on those topics, along with a broader set of skills.

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The Rise of Digital Agencies • What’s killing radio’s digital business? • Why groups that had been growing digital or holding their own the past few years are up against a knockout punch. • What’s in it for this new breed of digital agencies. • The deal that is so good, stations can’t match it. • The amount of digital revenue on track to disappear. https://lnkd.in/esgPqAJR

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Contemporary Christian and other religion-based radio stations are experiencing significant growth, surpassing other formats in recent years. According to Inside Radio's analysis of Nielsen shares in PPM markets, contemporary Christian radio has shown consistent growth since 2022, with a remarkable increase of up to 26% in key demographics. Additionally, both contemporary Christian and religious/teaching formats have seen the addition of 41 and 35 new stations in 2024, respectively. Paul Batura, the VP of Communications for Focus on the Family, a multimedia evangelical Christian organization, highlights the natural synergy between Christianity and radio. He emphasizes that radio serves as a powerful medium to inspire and educate individuals, reaching them in a uniquely intimate way that other forms of media may not achieve. Whether through teaching, talk shows, or music, radio has the ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, providing a sense of relevance and impact. The intimate nature of radio, where individuals often listen alone, allows for a profound impact on the audience. As Batura mentions in an interview with The Denver Gazette, the content delivered through radio can resonate with listeners in a way that feels personalized and meaningful, fostering a sense of connection and significance in the moment. Moreover, the uplifting and hopeful content offered by religious programming plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining listeners. In a society that can often feel dark and uncertain, there is a growing demand for messages of hope, encouragement, and assurance.

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