2011 begins with some very positive signs in the media dealmaking universe.  Hubbard Broadcasting’s announced $505 million purchase of four markets from Bonneville is the largest radio deal in over five years.  While terms of associated debt TBD, the underwriting of the senior debt portion of this transaction is another great sign of a potential …

*Last week was BIA/Kelsey’s Digital Strategies for Broadcasting conference in Jersey City, NJ.   The main focus, as the title suggests, was the changing landscape of the television and radio industries, as new technologies impact the businesses.  Some observations:
*Broadcasters realize that their industries are largely tied to the advertising market, but the more forward-thinking companies are …

Report from 2010 National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas:
*While the television and radio industries have a long way to go to return to normalcy, there was certainly a great optimism reining at the convention that had been lacking for a few years.  Most operators are reporting strong second quarters (several double digit revenue growth vs. …

Last week, I had the honor of being asked to address the Oklahoma Broadcasters convention in Oklahoma City.  I was amazed with the large convention turnout and quality programs/sessions, especially considering tight budgets.  Kudos to OAB President Vance Harrison and his staff for organizing such a fine event.  My observations:
1)  My presentation focused on the capital …

In a 180 degree turn from last post topic (more pleasant topic than bankruptcy)…..positive signs are mounting for ad-based business – why do these seem so quiet when all the bad news regarding revenue drops and competitive threats seemed like front page news forever??
*Most obvious: the public media companies’ discussion of year-end results show improving …

Yesterday’s pre-packaged bankruptcy filing by radio broadcaster Regent Communications, adding to a growing list of broadcasters who have taken this route in the past several quarters, prompts today’s blog:
*First, regarding Regent: this is especially unfortunate, as this is not a bankruptcy caused by private equity trying to put as much debt as possible on a company while …