CLEAR CHANNEL BILLBOARD CREATES WATER FROM PERU HUMIDITY

by Tina Knisley on May 14, 2013

A billboard is extracting enough drinking water out of humid air to help supply a Peruvian village near Lima with about 96 liters (25 gallons) a day, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. (CCO) said.

The San Antonio-based company that operates 750,000 outdoor advertising displays on five continents said today in a statement that the experimental $32,600 billboard in Bujama, south of the capital, dispenses enough clean water that 15 to 18 family villagers access the filtered liquid daily.

The water is used by villagers for cooking and drinking as it doesn’t need to be boiled, according to a Clear Channel video. One resident called it water “from heaven because it comes from air.” Schoolchildren stop to drink from a tap at the billboard, including those from running classes.

The billboard uses a panel to trap humidity in the air. The panel comprises five devices that extract water vapor that’s stored in tanks at the top. The water is filtered before flowing down a pipe to a tap available to anyone who passes.

About 15,000 liters of water have been produced in the six months since the billboard was installed, according to the statement. Clear Channel said it developed the project with researchers at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lima as well as a media and advertising agency.

Romantis Releases New Software for UHP VSAT Platform

by Tina Knisley on March 06, 2013

Berlin, Germany, March 6, 2013 – Romantis, a global provider of satellite capacity and satellite networking equipment, announced today that it has released UHP 3.0 software upgrade for its Universal Hardware Platform (UHP).

UHP 3.0 is the latest generation of high-throughput, universal UHP VSAT platform with increased performance, advanced Quality of Service (QoS) and multi-profile operations. The latest software release takes to the next level the trademark UHP benefits such as its unparalleled versatility, scalability and industry-best cost of ownership. With release of UHP 3.0, Romantis UHP technology has once again confirmed its most advanced status with industry-fastest satellite router capable of processing 60,000 packets per second and world-smallest advanced TDM/TDMA Mini-Hub that fits in the palm of your hand, but can support over 2,000 terminals with sophisticated QoS.

UHP 3.0 software features:

•     Enhanced performance of UHP satellite router ensures up to 60,000 packets per second and up to 150 Mbps aggregate throughput.

•     Increased number of supported TDMA Inroutes (up to 254 per network), including Fast-Hopping MF-TDMA and TCP/IP acceleration.

•     Extended number of supported Terminals (up to 2,040 per Inroute or above 500,000 per network).

•     New advanced traffic management capabilities: Group Hierarchical QoS, Traffic Policies and Hierarchical 680-channel Traffic Shaper.

•     Cutting-edge adaptive technologies combining automatic Transmission Level Control (TLC) and DVB-S2 Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) available both      for TDM/TDMA networks and SCPC channels.

•     Multi-profile operations with dynamic switching between different configuration settings and/or modes of operations, including TDM/TDMA, SCPC and Hubless         TDMA.

•     Streamlined web interface with enhanced management capabilities providing easy and intuitive commissioning and operating of UHP routers.

•     Retains core features of UHP satellite router such as seamless support for  Mesh TDMA, second demodulator, low (under 10W) power consumption and ultra-        fast (under 15 seconds) start-up.

These new features of UHP 3.0 software demonstrated virtually unlimited capabilities of the award-winning UHP product. This software could be easily installed on any of the previously-shipped UHP routers. It will unlock many new useful features as well as enhance performance by more than 200%, will grow number of supported terminals by a factor of 70 and will greatly increase the network efficiency and reliability due to the advanced adaptive technologies.

Innovative technologies of Romantis have already proved its efficiency and reliability in about 80 networks deployed worldwide. UHP 3.0 software release opens up amazing opportunities for all existing and prospective customers of Romantis.

To learn more about UHP 3.0 ground-breaking technology for IP networking over satellite please visit http://www.romantis.com/en/vsatproducts

About Romantis:

Romantis is a vertically integrated group of companies with operations worldwide. It is a major value-added reseller of satellite capacity and a manufacturer of satellite networking products. The Group manages more than 600 MHz of full-time satellite capacity around the world offering permanent and occasional use bandwidth. Romantis designs, produces and markets the innovative UHP product – the industry’s first fully software-defined satellite router that can be used within networks of any size either as a hub or a remote and supports any topologies and modes of operation. www.romantis.com

For further information please contact:

EMEA: Romantis GmbH, +49-30-565-90-4812; info@romantis.com

Americas and Asia: Romantis, Inc., +1-514-695-VSAT (8728); Americas@romantis.com

Russia and CIS: Romantis OOO, +7-495-287-00-53; cis@romantis.com

KSBJ Launches New Satellite Platform

by Tina Knisley on February 26, 2013

Exclusive new line of satellite receivers and uplink equipment provides economical upgrade for KSBJ’s network

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Clear Channel Satellite, a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc., announces the deployment of the XtremeSat Media™ satellite broadcast distribution platform for contemporary Christian music radio station KSBJ. KSBJ purchased the system to deliver two high-quality audio channels to its affiliates and company-owned radio stations from its uplink located in Humble, Texas. KSBJ has also entered into a multi-year agreement with Clear Channel Satellite to provide satellite capacity for the distribution of its programming.

“Recent technology advancements have made it much less expensive to operate your own multi-channel satellite network,” remarks Mike Hagans, President, Clear Channel Satellite, referring to the XtremeSat Media™ platform exclusively distributed by CCS. “The new uplink and receiver platform allows syndication providers who have their own uplinks to replace their aging and inefficient receivers and head-end gear with a system that is much more bandwidth efficient. The new system has dramatically reduced monthly recurring costs, while providing advanced features like AAC audio, spot insertion, and an intelligent fallback feature that automatically uses an alternate carrier, streaming audio or receiver-stored content when needed.“

The XtremeSat Media™ system is the first of its kind to provide large network functionality at a small and medium-sized network price point. The system will operate on C or Ku Band uplink systems and is capable of a single stereo audio channel or can be easily expanded to deliver up to 64 stereo channels in an MCPC configuration. The XtremeSat Media™ Media Content Receiver (MCR) comes with one or two stereo analog and AES/EBU outputs, balanced, high-quality audio on XLR connectors. The unit features eight tightly audio-synchronized relays, expandable to 16, two AAC formats (and several MPEG choices), and the ability to seamlessly transition from SCPC (single channel) to MCPC (multiple channels) for expanding networks. The receiver also features Smart Fallback to alternate RF carriers or Shoutcast web stream, web interface for settings and status, outbound IP audio stream for monitoring and FTP upload of receiver status reports and event logs. The 200 series MCR is also capable of store and forward audio, copy-split and fall-back to receiver-stored content. This new state-of-the-art satellite receiver is manufactured in Germany by 2wcom in cooperation with CCS, and is available in the U.S. exclusively through Clear Channel Satellite. The receivers come standard with a two-year warranty. The USA Warranty Center is maintained by Clear Channel Satellite handling all repairs at its Denver, Colorado facility.

Don Chapman, Chief Engineer for KSBJ commented, “We recently replaced our existing satellite with the new XtremeSat System, and doubled our throughput. It has made our delivery system much more robust and much, much more reliable”.

About KSBJ

This year, KSBJ celebrates 30 years on-air as Houston’s leading listener-supported, non-profit, non-commercial contemporary Christian music radio station. The mission of KSBJ is to be the voice of hope connecting people to God, through Christian music, community outreach and events. As a listener supported radio station, and a long-standing member of the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), KSBJ’s ministry is managed by a group of volunteer men and women from across the Greater Houston area, who serve as members of its Board of Directors. The board members represent diverse denominations, backgrounds and professions to provide oversight, direction and accountability for the ministry. KSBJ can be heard on 89.3 FM (North/East of Downtown Houston) and 96.9 FM (South/West of Downtown Houston).

About Clear Channel Satellite

Clear Channel Satellite is a leader in satellite communications for radio networks, television stations, government agencies, large corporations, small to medium size companies and schools. We provide turnkey solutions with a knowledgeable customer service department to support your satellite needs. Our state-of-the-art, secure facilities are manned 24/7/365, and are located near Denver, Colorado. For more information, please contact the Clear Channel Satellite sales department at 800-345-8728, email sales@clearchannelsatellite.com, or on the web clearchannelsatellite.com.

Conservative Talk Host Steve Malzberg Begins New Project with Newsmax.

by News Staff on January 23, 2013

 Longtime New York City conservative talk host Steve Malzberg – he’s worked at WABC and WOR – is joining the talk media initiative of Newsmax, the Florida-based conservative news and opinion outlet.  Malzberg is doing an afternoon drive program (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET) that will air online in both audio and video formats and for which Newsmax will seek terrestrial radio affiliates.  Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy states, “When I first heard Steve Malzberg on WABC he was an innovator in bridging radio content with other media.  He developed that talent further at WOR with ratings success and I think he will bring the same type of innovation and success to Newsmax TV.”  The program will emanate from Newsmax’s New York City offices and begin on February 4.

John Tesh to Address NAB Show Radio Luncheon

by News Staff on January 10, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- John Tesh, accomplished entertainer, musician, author and broadcast personality, will speak at the NAB Show Radio Luncheon, held Tuesday, April 9 in Las Vegas and sponsored by ASCAP.

Through a career that spans more than 25 years, Tesh has won 6 Emmy’s and an AP award for investigative journalism. He has sold over seven million albums and 1.2 million DVDs, has had a string of number one radio hits, earned two Grammy nominations, produced seven hit PBS music specials and performs for over 200,000 live concert fans each year.

John Tesh’s nationally syndicated radio show “Intelligence for Your Life” reaches 8.2 million listeners per week in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. The program offers listeners advice on topics such as health and wellness, relationships and finances.

"John Tesh is a talented entertainer with a keen understanding of the media business, a combination that enables him to reach millions of people through broadcast, music and books," said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David. "We look forward to his remarks at the NAB Show Radio Luncheon."

Tesh’s advertising and marketing company, TeshMedia, has numerous Fortune 500 clients, including General Motors, Home Depot, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Geico Insurance and PetSmart. His book, “Intelligence for Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth,” made the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon.com best-seller lists.

During the NAB Show Radio Luncheon, Dave Ramsey, personal money-management expert and popular national radio personality, will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

About NAB Show
NAB Show, held April 6-11 in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With more than 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and 1,600+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.

TeleSouth Communications Launches new Satellite Platform

by Tina Knisley on October 03, 2012

 ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Clear Channel Satellite, a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc., announces the deployment of the first XtremeSat Media™ satellite broadcast distribution platform for TeleSouth Communications Inc.  TeleSouth purchased the system to deliver 10 high quality audio channels to its affiliates and company owned radio stations from its uplink located in Jackson, Mississippi.  TeleSouth has also entered into a multi-year agreement with Clear Channel Satellite to provide satellite capacity for the distribution of its programming, and with the new technology, they were able to significantly reduce their occupied satellite bandwidth and monthly recurring costs.

 “Recent technology advancements have made it much less expensive to operate your own multi-channel satellite network,” remarks Mike Hagans, President, Clear Channel Satellite, referring to the XtremeSat Media™ platform exclusively distributed by CCS.  “The new uplink and receiver platform allows syndication providers who have their own uplinks to replace their aging and inefficient receivers and head-end gear with a system that is much more bandwidth efficient.   The new system has dramatically reduced monthly recurring costs, while providing advanced features like AAC audio, spot insertion, and an intelligent fallback feature that automatically uses an alternate carrier, streaming audio or receiver-stored content when needed.“

 The XtremeSat Media™ system is the first of its kind to provide large network functionality at a small and medium sized network price point.  The system will operate on C or Ku Band uplink systems and is capable of a single stereo audio channel or can be easily expanded to deliver up to 64 stereo channels in an MCPC configuration.  The XtremeSat Media™ Media Content Receiver (MCR) comes with one or two stereo analog and AES/EBU outputs, balanced, high quality audio on XLR connectors.  The unit features eight tightly audio-synchronized relays, expandable to 16, two AAC formats (and several MPEG choices), and the ability to seamlessly transition from SCPC (single channel) to MCPC (multiple channels) for expanding networks.   The receiver also features Smart Fallback to alternate RF carriers or Shoutcast web stream, web interface for settings and status, outbound IP audio stream for monitoring and FTP upload of receiver status reports and event logs.  The 200 series MCR is also capable of store and forward audio, copy-split and fall-back to receiver-stored content.  This new state-of-the-art satellite receiver is manufactured in Germany by 2wcom in cooperation with CCS, and is available in the U.S. exclusively through Clear Channel Satellite.   The receivers come standard with a two-year warranty.   The USA Warranty Center is maintained by Clear Channel Satellite handling all repairs at its Denver, Colorado facility.

 Bob Exum, Sales Engineer for Clear Channel Satellite said, “XtremeSat Media™ is the system we have been anticipating for years.  The legacy SCPC audio systems that have been the mainstay for broadcast networks have served their time and the XtremeSat Media™ system is the logical replacement to take broadcast network distribution into the next generation.” 

 Houston McDavitt, Director of Engineering for TeleSouth Communications said, “When I began my current position, I inherited a 17 year old satellite distribution system.  The hardware was out of production and there was little support for the system.  When I started exploring the options to replace it, they were extremely limited.  Either a huge, expensive platform or more old technology were the only choices.  When Bob Exum of Clear Channel Satellite presented the XtremeSat Media™ solution, it looked like a perfect fit.  From that point forward, the Clear Channel Satellite support staff and 2wcom have spent countless hours tailoring the system to fit our needs.  I cannot say enough about their efforts to ensure the smooth integration and expertise in all things satellite.”

 For over 30 years, TeleSouth Communications, Inc.  has been providing high quality broadcast services to listeners throughout the Southeast as one of the largest state networks in the USA.   Located in Jackson, MS, TeleSouth owns and operates 17 radio stations in Mississippi; SuperTalk MS Network and Mississippi Networks which includes News Mississippi, MS AgriNews and High School Scoreboard Show.  TeleSouth is the exclusive multi-media rights holder for athletics for the University of Mississippi.  TeleSouth Communications was one of the first state networks in the nation to upgrade to total digital transmission.  TeleSouth produces and syndicates several live talk-show programs. 

SuperTalk MS Network delivers compelling programming to stations across Mississippi, exploring many issues from social and political to sports news and current events taking place across the nation and the state.  TeleSouth also delivers breaking and up to the minute news to 66 radio affiliates across the state.

 Clear Channel Satellite is the leader in satellite communications for radio networks, television stations, government agencies, large corporations, small to medium size companies and schools.  We provide turnkey solutions with a knowledgeable customer service department to support your satellite needs.  Our state-of-the-art, secure facilities are manned 24/7/365, and are located near Denver, Colorado.   For more information, please contact the Clear Channel Satellite sales department at 800-345-8728, email sales@clearchannelsatellite.com, or on the web clearchannelsatellite.com. 

Jack-FM off the air because of High Park fire -- but audio restored today

by News Staff on June 20, 2012

 The still raging High Park fire near Fort Collins has wreaked plenty of havoc, what with one resident, Linda Steadman, killed in the blaze's early days and 189 homes confirmed destroyed at this writing. It's also disrupted plenty of businesses, including Jack-FM, which has been off the air for well over a week because of the disaster.

Tim Spence, program director for Front Range Sports Network, which owns Jack-FM (official call letters: KJAC), notes that the station's transmitter is on top of Buckhorn Mountain, located in the fire zone. "We're pretty close to the mountaintop," he says of the facility, which is also utilized by KUNC-FM and the Larimer County Fire Department, among others -- and midway through Saturday afternoon, Jack's signal failed.

That was bad news for Jack, but "it was a crisis issue with the fire department," Spence continues. "It was imperative to help protect that, because if they had lost communication, everything would have been line-of-sight versus telecommunications" -- a terrible handicap given the size of the conflagration, which has consumed an estimated 92 square miles to date.

For this reason, firefighters made protecting the transmitter site a top priority -- "and we were the beneficiaries of that," Spence acknowledges. Not that there weren't some tense moments. "Once we got approval to go up, we had to have a fire truck escort us," he notes. "And then the fire changed directions and went back across the road and cut everyone off. They were stuck on the mountainside for ten hours, waiting for the fire to get under control in that area again, so they could get back down. It was never a life-or-death situation, but they were trapped on the mountain."

In the end, the station's personnel got down safety, and the firefighters "did a bang-up job," Spence points out. "The way it was described to me, pretty much everything around the top of the hill was charred to nothing. But they saved the antennas."

So why's Jack still off the air? Because the power in the entire area is down, and the station didn't have a backup generator on site. (Spence believes the fire department did have such a generator, preventing a communication breakdown among those trying to control the blaze.) But things should improve soon. Depending on conditions, Spence says staffers are scheduled to take a generator to the Buckhorn facility later today, then connect to a satellite uplink managed by Clear Channel Satellite. If all goes well, the station should begin broadcasting again by this evening -- probably at lower strength than usual (it may take two or three weeks for full power to be restored), but back in the game.

"It's been a crazy time," Spence says, "but the shining light is people coming together to help -- even competitors" like Clear Channel. "Business is business, but we're all broadcasters, and it's nice at times like this to have people help you out."

The same can be said for everyone in the vicinity of the High Park fire.

~ Courtesy of Denver Westword

New Satellite Audio Platform Offers Expandability

by News Staff on April 11, 2012

 ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Apr 11, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Designed as an advanced replacement for outdated, poorly supported SCPC audio systems serving the broadcast industry, the new XtremeSat™ Media Content Receivers (MCR) have all of the features a radio syndicator needs. “XtremeSat™ Media is game changing for independent syndicators who maintain their own satellite uplinks,” said Robert Traw, Account Executive for Clear Channel Satellite. “For the first time, networks can acquire an affordable advanced content management platform and immediately create new revenue sources utilizing regionalized spot insertions.” The MCR-100 Series comes with a stereo analog output and an AES/EBU output (balanced, high quality audio on XLR connectors). The unit features eight tightly audio-synchronized relays, two AAC formats (and several MPEG choices), and the ability to seamlessly transition from SCPC (single channel) to MCPC (multiple channels) as the network expands.

“For the last couple of years we have been searching for a satellite receiver platform that would allow networks to continue using their own earth station, but to gain features that are provided in an MCPC platform,” said Monty Dent, Sales Manager for Clear Channel Satellite. “We also understood that the pricing model needed to fit in the budget of small to medium sized networks with the equipment built to the highest quality standards for many years of reliable service.”

The MCR-200 Series receivers include onboard SD (Pro) memory that gives affiliates DVR-like functions for playback of recorded programming and/or automatic insertion of regionalized spots. File playback and Shoutcast streaming are also stock features on the MCR-200 series, protecting content during a satellite carrier outage and even safeguarding amid sun-outages. The system is equipped for DVB-S/S2, web-management and a highly developed Network Management System. There are no moving parts in the receivers and due to their energy efficiency, no fan is needed.

The feature-set of the new receiver line was developed cooperatively by Clear Channel Satellite and 2wcom Systems GmbH. It is available in the U.S. exclusively through Clear Channel Satellite. “It’s a great addition to our extensive product and bandwidth offerings. We believe this uplink and receiver platform will change the way networks think about operating their own satellite uplinks,” says Mike Hagans, President and GM of Clear Channel Satellite. “This product line enables many SCPC networks to replace a poorly supported, failure-prone and often times orphaned system, with a thoroughly modern feature set. The design is smart, the features are extensive, and the price is sensible. The manufacturer we partnered with on this platform, 2wcom Systems GmbH, has a sterling reputation as a manufacturer and supplier of highly reliable professional broadcast products. In addition to DVB-S/S2 satellite solutions, 2wcom Systems manufactures premium FM, RDS, DAB and DVB-T products that are designed and produced in Flensburg, Germany.”

All XtremeSat™ MCR Series receivers come standard with a two-year warranty. A U.S. Warranty Center will be maintained by Clear Channel Satellite at their Denver, Colorado facilities.

For more information contact: sales@clearchannelsatellite.com or call (800) 345-8728.

The CCS team will be available to answer questions at the NAB 2012 Show in Las Vegas, April 16 -- 19, booth #SU5004.

Hughes Announces Release of HX System 4.0: Higher Performance and Efficiency, Significant New Features

by Tina Knisley on February 28, 2012

 

Enhancements strengthen leadership of HX product line across specialty and mobility markets

GERMANTOWN, Md., Feb. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, today announced the planned release of HX System 4.0, bringing a host of technology enhancements to the HX product family which will enable higher performance, higher efficiency, and a number of significant new features. Summarized below, these enhancements further strengthen the HX System's leadership in specialty markets such as IP trunking, 3G/4G cellular backhaul, Virtual Network Operator (VNO) hosting, and "Comms On-The-Move" (COTM) for airborne/maritime/land, including defense and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) solutions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110112/NE29456LOGO )

IPv6/IPv4 Support

• A major element of HX System 4.0 is a dual stack IPv6/IPv4 design which will enable the simultaneous support of both protocols. The ability to implement IPv6 is fast becoming a critical issue for every telecommunications service provider as the availability of new IPv4 address space is quickly disappearing. HX System 4.0 will enable operators to smoothly transition to IPv6 while continuing to support their installed base of IPv4 customers and devices.

HX90 Satellite Broadband Router

• The new HX 90 features higher efficiency and lower operational costs on satellite links through a new optimized encapsulation scheme on the outroute, and through LDPC coding on the inroute, the same coding scheme as used in the DVB-S2 standard. Combined with a major performance boost across the entire HX System family of routers, in sum these enhancements provide operators with best-in-class throughputs and efficiencies.

Defense & Mobility Support

• HX System 4.0 brings to market key functionality and specific operational frequencies in support of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system for military and defense organizations. In addition, HX System 4.0 encompasses a comprehensive set of enhanced mobility features including integrated Doppler correction, automatic beam switching, and enhanced return channel spreading for even the most demanding COTM applications.

Network Management Enhancements

• The industry leading HX ExpertNMS^™ (Network Management System) has been upgraded in HX System 4.0 to provide enhanced management capabilities for VNOs. This new capability enables a VNO to monitor and control elements within their operational service domain, allowing a wholesale network operator to effectively partition their network and provide complete control to private users of these partitions.

"We are excited to bring our wide range of operator, enterprise and military customers the extensive benefits of HX System 4.0 for fixed and on-the-move broadband satellite solutions," said Dave Jupin , vice president, International Division, Hughes. "Supporting the full range of C-, Ku-, Ka-, and L-band frequencies, as well as WGS frequencies, the HX System 4.0 is the ideal choice across all specialty and mobility market sectors."

HX System 4.0 will be available for delivery later in 2012. To learn more please visit www.HX40.hughes.com.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet^® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.8 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS - News), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.

©2012 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes, HughesNet, and HX ExpertNMS are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC

Tom Kent Radio Network adds eight affiliates

by News Staff on February 09, 2012

 After recently adding United Stations Radio Network as its exclusive sales agent, in addition to support from Clear Channel Satellite, the Tom Kent Radio Network adds eights affiliates to its lineup. Airing “The Ultimate Party” are NextMedia adult top 40 WHBC Canton/Cleveland, Clear Channel adult top 40 KISC Spokane, Wash., and JMD classic hits WGCM Biloxi. Radio Plus WFDL 97.7 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, adds both “The Ultimate Party” and “Lovin Life, Livin the 80s”; NextMedia adult top 40 WMYB Myrtle Beach adds “Lovin Life, Livin the 80s”; AGM classic hits KABG Albuquerque adds “Tom Kent,” “The Ultimate Party” and “My 70s Show”; New Cap Radio classic hits CHNO Sudbury, Ontario, adds “C.L.A.S.S”; and Border Media KXBT Austin adds “Tom Kent”, “Lovin Life, Livin the 80s” and “My 70s Show.” 

courtesy of Radio Info.com

Clear Channel Satellite Partners with KLAC AM 570 Fox Sports LA for Radio Network Distribution of Dodgers Baseball in 2012

by Tina Knisley on February 01, 2012

 ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clear Channel Satellite has finalized a multi-year partnership with KLAC AM 570 Fox Sports, the Flagship station for Dodgers Baseball. CCS will provide the space segment as they move their English-language radio broadcasts from 790 KABC to KLAC AM 570. The contract covers all 162 regular season games, the postgame show – DodgerTalk, any potential postseason games and at least seven spring training games to be broadcast on AM 570 and the 22 affiliates of the Dodgers Radio Network. “We are excited to have another Major League Baseball team being delivered via satellite to radio affiliates,” said Monty Dent, Sales Manager, Clear Channel Satellite. The network will be utilizing Clear Channel Satellite’s StarGuide III Platform.

Sun Radio Network, Home of Payne Nation, Chooses Clear Channel Satellite to Provide Satellite Space Segment

by Monty Dent on January 08, 2012

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clear Channel Satellite is providing Sun Radio Network with satellite distribution for the Payne Nation program. Clear Channels Satellite’s coverage footprint covers all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, providing high quality service for radio programmers and networks.

Payne Nation is an uplifting financial radio talk show that empowers the listener and clears up the fear and anxiety of the financial world today. Charles Payne shows listeners how they can make smart decisions about money, trading and investments through strategy and sound advice. Payne Nation is a unique alliance of news, issues and advice which features interviews with power players such as politicians, news makers, authors and impacting leaders of our nation. With his quick wit, candid opinion and experience on Wall Street, Charles Payne is like no one else on radio today. “From your money to today’s biggest issues. . . He’s America’s new and different voice of reason.”

Payne Nation features a Power Player of the Week highlighting an individual that has made a significant contribution in the world of finance or politics and is making a difference in bringing prosperity back to America. Every day during the Wall Street Rewind feature, Charles analyzes and recaps how the markets faired and how it impacts everyday life. He also regularly interviews news makers such as Eric Cantor, U.S. Representative and Herman Cain, former GOP Presidential Candidate.

“If you put in the hard work and believe in the American Dream, anything is possible.”

--Charles Payne

Sun Broadcast Group (Sun Radio Network), located in Boca Raton, FL, is a national broadcast network providing targeted content and advertising solutions across America with over 3,000 radio stations covering 99% of the U.S. population. In addition to programming and syndicating its own content, Sun Radio offers sales representation and programming support to syndicators and radio networks nationwide. To receive Payne Nation for your radio network or station, please contact Steve Gallagher at Sun Radio Network, 800-871-6163 or visit Sun’s website at www.sunbgi.com.

Clear Channel Satellite specializes in satellite communications for Radio Networks, TV Networks and Disaster Recovery. This includes equipment sales and professional installation when needed. We also provide colocation and data center services. CCS delivers unsurpassed 24/7/365 technical support. Our state-of-the-art, secure facility is located near Denver, Colorado with geographical redundancy that is also manned 24/7/365.

"Timeless Cool Programming" launches; investor trio forms

by News Staff on August 31, 2011

 

It’s good to see fresh investment in radio: PD and Radio Consultant Kent Phillips, Timeless Cool Music founder Mark Follett and Hambleton Resources principal Bert Hambleton have united to form a new radio investment company "Timeless Cool Custom Programming" (TCCP) that already includes national sales rep firm The Tacher Company and Mike Gould’s Eastlan Ratings. TCCP's mission is to syndicate formats and provide consulting services for station programming.  

The trio said in a release it believes in Eastlan’s phone-survey methodology, larger sampling and their more economical pricing structure in a tough economy for broadcasters: “This investment will add affiliates and enhance the use of cell-phone sampling. making Eastlan the new industry standard in non-PPM markets.  TCCP also plans to invest in the use of barter, in situations where stations qualify, to provide more options for broadcasters to pay for ratings.”

As to Bellevue, WA-based Tacher Company's investment in “Timeless Cool Custom Programming," it aims to allow smaller and medium size markets to have better access to both regional and national advertising dollars. Tacher, which started as a northwest regional rep over 40 years ago currently represents more than 300 radio stations. They recently opened offices in Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta to broaden its national footprint.  This investment will allow Tacher to open additional offices to help expand their station client base across the country.

Tacher President Greg Tacher tells RBR-TVBR: "We’re delighted to be working with these companies and the growth opportunities our partnership brings.  Together we’re continuing to invest in radio and our station clients to better serve the national sales arena.  As we enter our 44th year, we’re as optimistic as ever for growing sales revenue for our partners."

He adds that the amount is being kept private, "but it allows us to do some immediate expansion."

RBR-TVBR asked Scott Gilreath, TCCP Director of Corporate & Major Market Affiliations, if the investment trio managed to find any lender willing to finance such a venture in the current environment, or did they put up 100% equity funding?

"The new private equity company investors put up the initial cash," he said, "but have a banking relationship to invest in or acquire interesting assets if they want to use it."

The new investment group (www.timelesscoolcustomprogramming.com) will not only continue to syndicate Timeless Cool, the fastest growing AC format in America, but now also provides the Country, Hot AC, and Classic Hits formats as Phillips merges his consulting company into the new company. TCCP’s emphasis is on providing radio companies with highly researched custom formats. Timeless Cool Custom Programming's Affiliate team will rep these formats.

In addition to Kent Phillips consulting both Hot AC & Country formats (he’s also the Morning show host and PD of Fisher Broadcasting’s KPLZ-FM), Rob Moore will continue to program Cool AC and veteran programmer Jay Kelly will handle Classic Hits. Moore, creator of Timeless Cool AC as well as The Breeze format in 1987,is a multi-award winning PD for stations in Minneapolis and New Orleans.  Jay Kelly has spent the last 16 years programming Entercom's KBSG and Clear Channel's KJR, both legendary oldies stations in Seattle.

Phillips consults multiple radio stations including over half dozen stations in PPM markets that are rated number 1 in their format.  He’s also owned several stations primarily in the Northwest.

Follett launched Timeless Cool in February of 2010. For the last 11 years, he has also lead a team that has invested in multiple radio stations and strategic radio formats.

Hambleton Resources is research firm that has helped develop marketing strategy for hundreds of small and mid-sized companies in both the retail and communication industries over the past 30 years.

news provided by RBR.com

 

Clear Channel Satellite to Offer X-Digital Services on Ku Band

by Tina Knisley on July 26, 2011

Beginning August 1^st, 2011, Clear Channel Satellite will uplink an X-Digital (XDS) satellite carrier on SES World Skies AMC-1 Ku located at 103°W  Mike Hagans at Clear Channel Satellite Services explains, “The new (Ku Band) carrier allows the same inexpensive Pro1 and Pro4 XDS receivers to receive programming using a much smaller dish.  This positions us well for distributing audio networks for retail, and as an inexpensive option for radio networks with stations that do not have space for a big C-band dish.  It’s also an excellent replacement for radio networks currently using Legacy SCPC gear. The XDS platform allows for advanced features like time shift delay playback and regionalized spot insertions – and now you can get those features using a smaller, inexpensive dish.”  Monty Dent, the Sales Manager for Clear Channel Satellite explains, “Radio networks have to invest a lot of capital when building an earth station at their facility. By simply backhauling the audio content to our X-Digital Hub, it eliminates that major expense while increasing their margins.”  The X-Digital satellite receivers allow for live broadcasts, store and forward, copy split/spot insertion – localized advertising, live audio record/playback (time shifting) and addressability.

You can also see the press release at CNBC

 

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY SHERIFF CHOOSES EXPAND NETWORKS AND CLEAR CHANNEL SATELLITE FOR BACK-COUNTRY COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTION

by News Staff on June 30, 2011

 

 

30^th June 2011: Expand Networks, the leader in optimizing WANs for branch office consolidation and virtualization, today announced that Clear Creek County Colorado Sheriff’s Department, is benefitting from an innovative and unique communications system designed for operating in extremely challenging terrain and conditions. The system is comprised of cutting-edge communications technologies from Expand Networks and delivered by Clear Channel Satellite.

Combining Expand Networks’ Satellite optimization technology with Clear Channel’s popular XtremeSat^TM internet over satellite platform, the system allows for high speed broadband data and VoIP in a highly portable package.

Bob Exum, Sales Engineer for Clear Channel Satellite stated, “The system Clear Channel Satellite has developed for the Clear Creek County Sheriff will assist deputies in responding to, and managing incidents throughout their county and, for the first time, it will allow for critical communications from difficult areas where it was never available before.”

Expand Networks’ data acceleration and link optimization solution is increasing data throughput up to 10 times. The Expand Accelerator, with integrated Space Communication Protocol Standard (SCPS) technology, mitigates the effect of low bandwidth and high latency obstacles that can traditionally impede the speed and performance of applications over satellite links. Combining SCPS with compression, byte-level caching and layer 7 QoS, Expand’s protocol agnostic approach accelerates all critical productivity tools and business applications across even the most extreme satellite environments.

According to Howard Teicher, Expand Networks Vice President for Satellite Markets, “the Clear Channel Satellite service unambiguously demonstrates the productivity and cost benefits of WAN Optimization technologies in wireless environments by increasing the virtual bandwidth of the network; increasing the value of network investment, lowering network operating and recurring costs while simultaneously enabling public safety, tele-health, distance learning, and economic development activity in rural areas.”

The system at Clear Creek also incorporated RAD Data Communications two-part solution with its patented VMux, TDMoIP Voice compression for up to 8 simultaneous phone calls and RAD’s Air Mux 400 for phone/data connectivity up to 10 miles away from the satellite uplink. The was critical for Clear Creek solution as they frequently need to operate in areas with tall mountains and steep canyon walls that won’t always allow for a satellite connection. The implemented solution enables the satellite system to be located on a mountain top with the rest of the communications system on the canyon floor.

About Expand Networks

Expand Networks is the pioneer and leader in the WAN Optimization market and is positioned by Gartner Inc. in the ‘Leaders’ quadrant in its Magic Quadrant for WAN Optimization Controllers, 2009[i]. Expand helps organizations simplify their IT infrastructure while delivering remote offices fast, reliable and secure access to networked applications.  This results in improved user productivity and cost-effective IT management.  Expand offers a multi-service integrated platform that ensures superior performance for any application over any network.  From its headquarters in Roseland, NJ and its global locations, Expand Networks serves more than 3,500 enterprise and public sector customers in over 100 countries including: American Express, Bacardi USA, BMW, Continental Airlines, Carr America, Colgate, Elizabeth Arden, Reed Exhibitions, Target and United States Department of Defense with over 40,000 units deployed and over 2,000 MS Terminal Services and Citrix customers.  Expand is the largest supplier of WAN Optimization products to US Government and Military agencies (greater than 10,000 units) and also has the most units deployed at a single corporate location, (4,500).