Hubbard Radio Invests in Podcasting; Acquires 30% Share of PodcastOne.  A statement from the two companies announcing this deal says, “The companies will work closely on synergies in content development, cross-promotion, brand development, new technology opportunities, and local, regional and national joint marketing and advertising.  The investment will also allow for rapid expansion of sales and marketing resources, along with the ability to service more clients, as PodcastOne continues its phenomenal growth trajectory since being founded just three years ago by Kit Gray and Westwood One founder and chairman emeritus Norm Pattiz.”  It’s being reported that Hubbard Radio has invested $10 million in PodcastOne, however TALKERS sources hear the actual amount may be north of that.  The announcement from Pattiz and Hubbard Radio chair and CEO Ginny Morris states that the agreement maintains PodcastOne and parent company Courtside Entertainment Group’s independent control of all operations.  Morris comments, “We could not be more pleased and excited to have the chance to collaborate with Norm Pattiz and Kit Gray.  These great audio mavericks have a vision that we believe in and are honored to be a part of.  Great content always wins, and to make great content available at the convenience of the consumer is a natural evolution and one that our industry is beginning to embrace.  It will provide additional options that expand our audience and build the value of our existing assets.”  Pattiz adds, “They say you’re judged by the company that you keep.  In that case, my reputation just got a huge boost.  I am so looking forward to working with Ginny and her entire team.  The accomplishments of the Hubbard family in the broadcasting, content and media worlds speak for themselves.  I view this as not only a great deal for both of our companies, but more importantly for the radio industry as a whole.  Embracing all forms of audio distribution, from broadcasting to streaming and on-demand, is what will drive radio as a medium continually growing and on the cutting edge.”  The PodcastOne talent roster includes Adam Carolla, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Austin, Dan Patrick, Chris Jericho, Penn Jillette, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Shawn and Larry King, Laura Ingraham, Dr. Drew, TheCHIVE, the newly launched Mark Schlereth podcast, plus WNYC’s Radiolab, Freakonomics and many more.  This Hubbard-PodcastOne deal comes just a week after it was announced that E.W. Scripps has acquired podcast platform Midroll.  Pictured above are (from l-r): Pattiz, Morris and Gray.

McCausland, Saunders Named iHM Market Presidents. Effective immediately, Jeff McCausland (left) is named market president of iHeartMedia Wichita, while Matt Saunders (right) is appointed market president of the company’s Springfield, Missouri stations. Regional market president Beth Davis comments, “Jeff McCausland is a well-respected media leader in the Wichita community. His knowledge of the media landscape and relationships with clients and businesses in Wichita will add to the market’s current track record of success. Matt Saunders’ many years of building successful sales teams and client relationships make him the ideal leader for our Springfield cluster.” McCausland most recently was general manager of Wichita television stations KSAS and KMTW. He began his career in 1990 as part of the sales staff at (formerly Clear Channel now) iHeartMedia Wichita’s KRBB, before joining KSAS-TV as local sales manager. He will oversee adult contemporary KRBB “B-98?; KTHR “Wichita’s Alternative”; CHR KZCH “Wichita’s Hit Music Station”; and KZSN “Wichita’s New Country – The Bull.” Meanwhile, Saunders has been with iHeartMedia for more than three years, most recently in St. Louis as vice president of sales. Prior to that, he held management positions at CBS Radio, Emmis, and Sinclair. The iHeartMedia Springfield, Missouri cluster consists of adult contemporary KGBX “Lite Rock Favorites”; KGMY Fox Sports 1400?; country KSWF “The Wolf”; hot AC KTOZ “Alice@95.5?; and classic rock KXUS “US-97.”

Tags: Adam Carolla, Courtside Entertainment Group, E.W. Scripps, Ginny Morris, Hubbard Radio, iHeartMedia, Jeff McCausland, Kit Gray, Matt Saunders, Midroll, Norm Pattiz, podcast, PodcastOne, Shaquille O’Neal

Category: Front Page News, Industry News