media bytes for monday, july 7, 2008

Welcome to SDRadio for Monday, July 7, 2008

The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with SignOn Radio, to produce a fun, informative travel show called “Travel Like a Local.” The 30 minute talk show focuses on fun things to see and do in San Diego.

It’s hosted by Darlynne Reyes Menkin, who has 20 years experience in the television news world. Darlynne was an anchor and reporter for KSWB. She also had a lifestyle segment at Fox 6 News and worked at KFMB-TV, as well as stations in Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Darlynne explains that the show gives more insight on travel. “Travel Like a Local is a wonderful, informative, upbeat show that celebrates San Diego and all that our wonderful community has to offer. So, whether you’re a local looking for something different to do OR a first time visitor, our show really has something for everyone. Since TV news is my background, I enjoy digging and finding stories that are unique and unusual. Our travel show covers everything from hip, new roof-top lounges to cool hotels and award winning restaurants. But we also enjoy covering family oriented activities and special events that are fun but won’t necessarily cost you a bundle.

Along with her husband, Marc, she has taken many places around the world. What’s her favorite vacation spot? “That’s a tough question because my husband and I love to travel and see the world but there really is no place like home and for us, that’s San Diego. We’re true beach lovers so spending a casual day, starting off with breakfast and a bike ride in Pacific Beach and then working our way to La Jolla is true paradise for us. After that, exploring tour North County coastal communities such as Solana Beach’s Cedros Avenue is also ideal… followed by dinner and perhaps some dancing at one of our fabulous nightclubs in the Gaslamp Quarter. Did I mention that we like being on the run? When we’re in the mood for relaxation and real down time… Hawaii (where my family is from) is the way to go. I LOVE the Big Island and Maui.”

While the fun of traveling outside of San Diego, there are a few favorite places in the county. “I have many San Diego faves but I love that stretch along Highway 101 near the Torrey Pines State Park… that’s gorgeous! I also enjoy Moonlight Beach and riding our bikes in that neighborhood.”

The show is more than a travel ad, it gives insight on what to do as a local. Why travel like a local? “We live in a very special place yet so many locals often don’t have the time to vacation in their own backyard because they’re too busy working, taking care of the family, and doing everything else. But I think it’s important, as San Diegans, that we look around and really appreciate just how spectacular San Diego is. We often hear people say “I need a vacation and I need to get out of town right now.” But if you really look around… we have it all. There are so many things to see and do in San Diego… and it’s all right here in our own backyard. How lucky is that!

The wild wacky world of satellite radio consolidation of the two companies continue. There are web sites set up counting the days (it is 500-plus). With the companies waiting for the final decree by the Federal Communications Commission, it’s not easy on Wall Street. The companies are running out of cash. XM had to float some bonds and borrow $100 million dollars, primarily for the baseball deal.

Likewise, Sirius Satellite is seriously sounding thin: the Howard Stern deal is $100 million dollars — a year. There is a lot of money being thrown out with no return on investment and the satellite horizon, while lofty, has storm clouds in it.

XM Radio has 9.3 million subscribers, Sirius reports in with 8.6 million. There is some conjecture in the number as many new car sales come with free satellite service and are included in the subscriber base. Still, the number of nearly 18 million is impressive.

Couple the National Association of Broadcasters stance against the the deal, the stakes of the merger is HUGE. The NAB has spent $2.5 million lobbying the federal government in the first quarter of this year. All though not all of that was spent on the satellite radio deal its lobbying efforts are far deeper than those of the satellite radio companies combined.

XM spent more than $200,000 in the first quarter lobbying on the deal and other issues with Congress. Sirius paid several firms more than $200,000 to promote the acquisition. With nearly three million dollars shoveled at elected officials and the FCC, no deal exists. If the deal doesn’t close this quarter — ending September 30 — one of the companies may fold.

What ever happens, one thing is for sure: The end is in sight and the eyeglasses need to be cleaned. Radio could be focusing on a threat that doesn’t exist, as satellite radio is never expected to garner the numbers on a local level. They should be focusing on wi-fi radio from the internet. Stay Digitally Tuned. (Note: I have been an XM Radio subscriber for two years.)

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An easier business plan and providing niche programming is internet-based broadcasting. Chris Cantore (center) has found a new home on the ‘net and has a world wide base weekdays a X1FM.com. The alternative station broadcasts from the former home of Flash 92.5 and Magic FM. Chris tells SDRadio that the hits have been huge since he signed on air. He can be heard weekday mornings from 8 to noon.

Geographically close by at Point Loma is Rich Brother Robbin. Rich writes: “This week on RichBroRadio, we’ll say Happy Birthday to one of the all time greats Steve Lawrence, featuring his greatest hits all day starting in the 7am hour … Happy Birthday, Steve-o!

“Thursday is Arlo Guthrie’s birthday and at the suggestion of Don Effenburger of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, Arlo’s epic recording Alice’s Restaurant will be featured in it’s 18-minute-plus entirety at 6pm … so if you’re an Alice fan, get ready … 6pm Pacific Thursday evening.”

Rich continues: “And best of all, I’m very happy to announce the addition of over 200 fresh songs to the RichBroRadio library with a big thanks to each of you who advanced the idea that it was high time to start sprinkling tasty early 70s tunes into our music mix. Talk about great tasty lost 45s that we haven’t heard in years … whoopie!”

Click on the link below today’s media bytes.

Will Rush Limbaugh’s signing bonus cause headaches for Clear Channel Communications? Heard locally on KOGO and nationwide on many stations, Rush’s bank account will grow by much, but at what price. With the company going private and all $$$ heading to San Antonio, will this cause further cutbacks nationwide? That’s the prediction of financial experts. Also on tap is Sean Hannity who has an exit clause in his ABC Radio deal and has been talking with Premiere Radio, the syndication arm of the company. Will the good Dr. Laura be sitting at the finance table soon? CCU will become a private company and righting the broadcast company is expected to have a ripple effect. At what price will signing big name and dollar talent have across the company?

Thank you for making SDRadio part of your internet travels today. See YOU on the radio, and in digital streaming where available!

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This entry was posted on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 4:00 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.

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