Smulyan Discusses HD Radio, Nats Deal, TV Values

EMMIS CEO JEFF SMULYAN has another Q&A posting at the EMMIS website, this time addressing HD RADIO ("We would like to start a nationwide HD plan by the end of this year"), the flip of competitor WZZN/CHICAGO to Oldies and its effect on EMMIS' Alternative WKQX (Q101) and Classic Rock WLUP ("We expect to see both Q101 and the LOOP benefit from the ZONE’s format flip.... with its exit, we expect to see gains in ratings and revenue"), and the sale of WRDA (RED 104.7)/ST. LOUIS ("RED was a great idea based on how we saw unserved consumers spending their time and money on music, but the marketplace didn’t accept it. We still believe in the concept, and our people did an excellent job of executing it, but we just didn’t feel it would be profitable for us"). 

SMULYAN also chalks WALL STREET's underestimation of the value of its TV stations on the STREET's being "down on TV values for a long time," and discusses the possibility of the company getting involved in the purchase of the WASHINGTON NATIONALS ("we also believe there are some other opportunities that come with it - cable TV rights, stadium-area development, participation in MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’s internet venture - that are very attractive. People should also know that under the limited partnership we’re organizing with D.C. investors, EMMIS would not be liable for any debt from a purchase").

Read the whole thing by clicking here.

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