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NASA.gov gets alternative online radio through RFC Media

Closed Published by mikemcguff December 9th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

In 2010, I told you how Pat Fant, the man who signed on Rock 101 KLOL and 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ among others, was moving into the world of Internet streaming radio. That year he signed on HISD’s K12 Radio.

Now Fant is back with an online radio station that reaches for the stars. Yeah, that was a cliche for saying he is working with NASA.

NASA has always stood for exploring the new and undiscovered. That now applies to music too.

The NASA mission of discovery and exploration is about to be showcased in a custom produced music radio station that is crafted specifically to speak the language of tech-savvy young adults. Third Rock: America’s Space Station, is set to lift off with a New Rock/Indi/Alternative format on Monday, December 12 from the home page of nasa.gov, while also streaming live over NASA iPhone and Droid applications.

Discovery powers the work of NASA. It’s also what drives music lovers to the Internet in search of works by new recording artists not generally represented on terrestrial radio. Music is a powerful lure. So, to connect and build a bridge with the hard-to-reach generation, NASA is taking its blend of art and science to where the largest audience can be found.

NASA has selected Houston-based RFC Media to launch Third Rock. Programming is designed to showcase the continuing work of NASA in a fresh new context that is tuned to connect with the marketing-resistant crowd. Pat Fant, RFC Media Co-Founder and COO said, “Today’s 4G audience craves new music and enjoys finding it. We’ve done the digging and pulled out the best songs and the deepest tracks from a full spectrum of rock artists across many styles and decades. NASA features and news items are embedded throughout the programming alongside greetings by celebrity artists. This is the full body of work, unpredictable and full of surprise, without the customary mind-numbing repetition. And, computers don’t pick the music. People do.”

Cruze, RFC Media Co-Founder and President added, “No one knows more about discovering new rock than NASA! If you were a cool new song, where would you want to live? The explosion in talented new writers and musicians is more than traditional radio can digest. The exciting new music is being discovered online through specialty sites like Third Rock, where listeners will hear about great new artists way before their friends hear of them.”

And while discovery is great, opportunity is everything. NASA places a high value on education, and since “you can’t rock if you don’t work,” Third Rock will also help partner companies fill high-tech job openings in engineering, science, IT, etc. The Third Rock job connection feature will link the brightest and best to the marketplace of high-paying job opportunities.

It’s music discovery at the speed of light. Look for Third Rock in on-line radio listings such as the Radio tab of Apple’s iTunes. NASA will utilize a wide array of social media resources to help spread the word about Third Rock. Third Rock is another leap forward in NASA’s use of award winning digital outreach and social media.
# # #

NASA is the world’s leading authority in GO FAST!

Houston-based RFC Media, LLC, designs, produces and executes private label radio stations for business, streaming custom content live online and across the mobile broadband networks. Our firm brings a rich history of broadcast management, programming and media marketing to private enterprise in the development of on-demand media.

Houston City Hall campaigns for KPRC 2’s Mary Benton

Closed Published by mikemcguff December 8th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

Tweets started going out from Houston City Hall staffers Wednesday morning promoting a new campaign. This was not a campaign about getting out the vote for Saturday’s runoff elections or a new city council proposal, it was to get some TV coverage:

jessicamichan Jessica Michan
Starting a #Twitter campaign for @KPRCLocal2 to send @MaryBenton to cover City Hall. We need her here! She gets it!! #Mary2CityHall

That’s right, there is even a Twitter hashtag for the campaign - #Mary2CityHall.

Michan later explained over Twitter that KPRC 2 sends out photographers to cover city hall, but the staff would also like a reporter there more often to explain the sometimes complex issues in a full report. While Benton covers politics, she also covers lots of other stories in the Houston-area, and is not always assigned city hall happenings. (I am in no way insinuating that KPRC does not cover city hall by the way because it does).

Now for journalist types in other markets reading this I know what you are thinking…but Mary Benton is no press release/regurgitate the mayor’s message type of reporter. She’s been covering politics through most of her career according to her bio and I have seen her do it fairly.

To be fair, the other Houston stations also cover Mayor Annise Parker. Some even have what could be considered city hall beat reporters.

Personally, I think it’s interesting how the mayor’s staff is reaching out to the media for more coverage. One more example of how social media is changing everything.

Houston airports get Google Map treatment

Closed Published by mikemcguff December 5th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

If you have an Android phone, you have no excuse for getting lost inside inside the five terminals at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby airport (HOU). That’s because The Houston Airport System announced a partnership with Google Maps that lets you see the airport layouts on your phone.

The indoor maps of IAH and HOU are seamlessly integrated into Google Maps - there is no separate app to download and no need to download each terminal or areas of the airport. As the user zooms in, the map will automatically display the indoor floor plan(s) of the airport with the labeled points of interest (gates, food court, restrooms, ATMs, etc).

Users will be able to browse floor plan(s) of each terminal, see where they are inside the airport via the familiar “blue dot” icon, and since the airport is multi-level, a tool will appear to show the user which floor they are currently looking at and automatically changes floors if the user goes up or down a level. READ THE REST

What your email says about your politics

Closed Published by mikemcguff November 16th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

Poll Position sent me a release on how it found Google tops Yahoo by a 23% - 20% margin as best e-mail provider according to one of its latest surveys. It also found there is a partisan divide when it comes to choosing the best e-mail service provider.

New poll results found that there is a partisan divide when it comes to the choosing the best e-mail service provider. Poll Position asked Americans which company they choose as the best e-mail service provider and Google topped Yahoo by a 23%-20% margin.

Even though AOL trailed the pack with 12% picking it as the best e-mail service provider, AOL’s e-mail was number one among Republicans with 20% picking it best. Google trailed closed behind among Republicans at 19%, with Yahoo at 16%.

Democrats frown on AOL’s e-mail service, with only 5% picking it best. Democrats picked Google over Yahoo by a 27%-25% margin.

Among independents, Google was tops at 23%, Yahoo at 20%, and AOL at 10%.

AOL’s e-mail service was rated best among 18-29 year olds, with 32% picking it versus 10% for Google and 18% for Yahoo. Google did best among 20-44 year olds (37%), while Yahoo was best among 45-64 year olds (27%).

See a breakdown of survey participants by age, race, gender, and political affiliation in crosstabs for this poll at http://media.pollposition.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/Poll-Position-crosstabs-best-email-provider.pdf.

Poll Position’s scientific telephone survey of 1,184 registered voters nationwide was conducted November 10, 2011 and has a margin of error of ±3%. Poll results are weighted to be a representative sampling of all American adults.

What do you think? Which e-mail provider do you consider to be the best? Vote in our online companion poll and comment at http://pollposition.com/2011/11/13/best-e-mail-service-provider/.

Interesting. Now tell me if there is an email provider that says if you are a member of the 99% or the 1%. I guess an address that ends in occupy.org might be a clue. Fun aside, there is a real occupy.org, but it is just a standard WordPress install site.

WFAA’s MoRon, Austin anchor working at Home Depot and more

Closed Published by mikemcguff November 14th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

WFAA 8 scores again with its latest Ron Corning morning promo.

MORE VIDEO
- Penn State Rioters Destroy WTAJ News Van
- VIDEO: KGW Crew Berated, Shoved At Occupy Portland
- Video: Meteorologist Belches in Middle of Forecast
- Man Nearly Saws Face Off During Live News Report
- Authors@Google: Tom Brokaw
- Eddie Murphy Talks To Jimmy Fallon About SNL And Leather Suits

Diane Sawyer surprise toasts Dave Ward
For fans of the venerable ABC Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward, Tony’s wine room was the place to be earlier this week when his wife, Laura Ward, hosted a luncheon celebrating his 45 years with KTRK Ch. 13.
- Rah rah: KTRK lauds soccer stadium “business boom”

Happy birthday, Stephen: KHOU 11 News reporter has an 11/11/11 baby
A lot of people consider Friday’s date – 11/11/11 – to be lucky. That was definitely the case for KHOU 11 News reporter Allison Triarsi. She and her husband welcomed their newborn son Friday morning.

TV personality Fred Cantu working at Home Depot
A sign of a tough economy? Fred Cantú, one of Austin’s most beloved TV news personalities, is working part time at Home Depot because he needs the money.

Hard Times Hit the Chronicle: Restrooms Cleaned Just Twice a Day, Unbleached Towels and Defrost Your Own Damn Refrigerators
The Houston Chronicle has been hit with the same rough economy as others in the print media. Sometimes that leads to layoffs. Sometimes it leads to cutting back on the janitorial services.
- Fleck retiring from Houston Chronicle

Cowboys fans lose their CBS telecast
Fans watching the Cowboys on KENS missed much of the second half Sunday when the CBS network feed switched to a different game late in the third quarter of the Cowboys’ 44-7 victory against Buffalo.

105.3 The Fan Opens Restaurant on The Ticket’s Turf
Just as Cumulus gets ready to move four of its stations — The Ticket, KLIF, i93, and The Wolf — to Victory Plaza, 105.3 The Fan decides to open a restaurant right in The Ticket’s new backyard.

New traffic reporter needed at KXAN
The “Help wanted” sign is up at KXAN. The station is searching for a new traffic reporter following the departure of Debra Wynn.

8 questions with Anderson Cooper
While visiting Dallas for a sit-down dinner with the Jansing family for his new talk show “Anderson,” Anderson Cooper stopped by the WFAA studios Friday and answered eight questions for the WFAA.com team.

I Want My LHN …
If You Can’t See It, You Don’t Miss it.

Hiott named new editor of Austin’s Statesman
Debbie Hiott, who began her career at the American-Statesman as a reporting intern while in college, was named editor of the newspaper.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- Charlie Rose and Gayle King in CBS ‘Early’ Plan
- Disney Posts 4% Broadcasting Revenue Gain
- Disney CEO: DVRs increase TV viewing
- Jeff Probst’s Talk Show Picked Up By NBC Stations, Cleared In 55% Of US
- Chris Wragge Rejoins WCBS Full-Time, As CBS Again Overhauls ‘The Early Show’
- Occupy Oakland Protestors Attack KGO Cameraman For Shooting Video of Murder Scene
- How Did 27 Stations End Up With Identical Scripts For a Story About Conan O’Brien?
- Local TV mobile cams not much more than moving hype machines that add little to broadcasts
-‘Repo Games’ plays tricks on the down and out
- What Busy Moms Sneak In…TV Time
- It Was Only a Test, but What a Test
- Utah mayor used alias to write upbeat news stories
- Piers Morgan to Leave Talent Show

DIGITAL
- Jim Romenesko, Media News Blogger, Resigns From Poynter
- Texas newspaper begins printing Twitter, Facebook contacts with each story
- Who really owns TV talent’s social media accounts?
- Datasphere’s Cowan on How TV Stations Are Going Hyperlocal Online
- 5 new challenges for media companies using Google Plus

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Dave Ward hits 45 years at KTRK 13, wanting more
- Houston classic TV host come together on KUHT 8
- What does 740 KTRH think of News92 FM KROI?
- Marvin Zindler’s family fighting pancreatic cancer
- News 92 FM KROI’s launch delayed, plus more details
- PHOTO: Tom Koch and Don Nelson serving drinks
- PHOTO: Pot of gold at Houston Municipal Courts building?

Fox 26 KRIV gives Isiah Carey AKA The Insite news segment

Closed Published by mikemcguff October 26th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

The Isiah Factor - Suspicious Reporter, Sunny Side Politics, Boot: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

As a blogger, I was pleasantly surprised to see Isiah Carey AKA The Insite get his own blog segment on Fox 26 KRIV. That’s right, at 5pm everyday (and in other KRIV newscasts at times too), the Isiah Factor comes on the air.

“This is the most fun I’ve had on TV in a while,” Carey told mikemcguff.com. “It gives me a chance to tell the quirky stories and all of the crazy things that happen behind the scenes. So far I’ve had the McDonald’s customer who went off on an employee over a Hot and Spicy burger and the news crew who looks suspect.”

Speaking of news crews, any Insite reader will be able to tell you that Carey always has a great behind the scenes look into the Houston TV news world and his own KRIV stories. For example, you can watch the above clip where Carey and photographer Torrey T-Dub Walker were shooting a story in Meyerland and the cops were called on them. Here is the blog version.

“It wasn’t my idea, but the brainchild of my News Director Tom Doerr and General Manager D’art Bebel,” Carey told me. “They said, ‘Isiah, we want you to put some of the stories from the Insite on TV.’ I was like a kid in a candy store when they said that.”

I’m impressed that KRIV has such a supportive role in this. Most stations around the country would not let a reporter have their own blog segment on air, much less about a personal blog. If a segment like this was actually allowed, most likely a station would want that blog to be on its own website so it collected the ad money.

I used to work for a TV station where a manager would stop me in the halls and say they were reading my blog everyday. That actually sent a chill down my spine because I knew they weren’t reading because they liked it. Those types of incidents put a chilling effect on your blog and work. In fact, now that blogs have been around awhile and we can look back in hindsight, I would recommend to TV station employees (and anyone at a corporation) not to write a personal blog. It’s probably not worth your career.

Back to Carey, you might have recognized the Isiah Factor branding from a promo the station launched earlier this year.

carey2.blogspot.com

Houston TV station broadcasting live through app

Closed Published by mikemcguff September 29th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

Back in the early 2000s, I believe all three of the top Houston TV stations were live streaming at least one newscast to the Internet through Broadcast.com. Then it all ended.

Technology wasn’t the reason for the end as much as usage rights issues. Seems commercial actors wanted to be paid for appearing online. Until the means to black out commercials for live broadcasts was figured out, live streaming newscasts was on hiatus.

Now it seems the trend is making a comeback. The most recent Houston station to start the live stream is KHOU 11. Even more noteworthy, the Belo station is live streaming its newscasts through its main station app (available on iPhone and Android platforms). I am unaware of another station doing that at this point.

The difference between the two platforms is you have to press play to start the video on the iOS version which then opens a new window. On Android, you press play and the video starts in the app screen (pictured here).

For those who like the behind the scenes looks, if you watch the stream before a newscast starts, you might get a chance to see some promos and other stuff (the rest of the time the screen will be dark). I even got a chance to see Gene Norman and his Number tape the last Astrocast of the season (a weather segment that plays in Minute Maid Park during Astros games). Based on the team’s record, probably better I got to see the Astrocast for free at home versus paying for a ballgame ticket.

The station has also launched Facebook pages for its reporters recently and I have seen instances where you can watch a newscast live through those pages (currently I do not see that option available however). The station has something in common with Charlie Sheen, both use Ustream to broadcast to the Net. Maybe I can start dialing the KHOU Ustream account up on my Roku player and watch more promos and Astrocasts (next season that is) in between newscasts.

Great timing by the station, because I’ve had lots of Californians write in asking if they can watch former KABC anchor Lisa Hernandez when she debuts on KHOU in late October.

KHOU is not the only one sending live newscasts to a potential worldwide audience. KPRC 2 has been live streaming newscasts through its website for a few years now.

Houston Chronicle now on iPad

Closed Published by mikemcguff September 28th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

The Houston Chronicle and parent company Hearst announced the paper is now available on the iPad:

The Houston Chronicle has announced today its first ever edition for iPad. Readers can now experience the great content and features from the Houston Chronicle by purchasing a monthly or annual subscription through In-App Purchase on App Store. Current Chronicle paid subscribers have access to the iPad edition immediately through their current subscription, and for new users, access to the iPad edition is free for the first 30 days.

“We see more than a million readers each day accessing our news stories from their mobile device, so we knew it was imperative that we add an app for iPad to our list of choices,” says Jack Sweeney, president and publisher of the Houston Chronicle.

In addition to getting news and information that is specially formatted for iPad’s large, high-resolution display, readers will also find exciting interactive features to enhance their daily experience.

Jeff Cohen, executive vice president and editor of the Chronicle, says his staff is ready to take advantage of iPad’s full capabilities: “The Chronicle App allows us to give readers the in-depth coverage they expect from the Chronicle, where they want it and when they want it. We’re delighted to add an iPad reading experience to our suite of products that include the largest newspaper in Texas, our award-winning chron.com Web site and our mobile optimized Web sites. We think our readers will appreciate the Chronicle App for its multimedia and interactive features. We will also be able to update stories throughout the day with our staff of more than 200 journalists.”

The Houston Chronicle App features videos, slideshows, panoramic images, live links, interactive traffic and weather, color comics and seven day archives. Readers can also download their favorite articles and view them offline.

The Houston Chronicle App is available at the App Store on iPad, at www.itunes.com/appstore or at www.chron.com/iPad. Monthly subscriptions for $5.99 and annual subscriptions for $59.99 are available through In-App Purchase.

What your Facebook profile timeline will look like soon

Closed Published by mikemcguff September 23rd, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

Here is what your Facebook profile timeline will look like September 29. You’ll be able to change the big photo up there. It is called a “Cover” photo. I can imagine people getting really artsy with it.

The timeline all the way back to the start of your account is on the right. This is how you can look at every single action you’ve ever done or posted on Facebook. Wow. Time to start deleting things for some!

TV crew gets cussed out, KDFW’s Gutierrez leaving? plus more

Closed Published by mikemcguff September 19th, 2011 on mikemcguff.com blog

Foul-mouthed longshoreman’s TV tirade leads to his arrest
MORE VIDEO
- Ron Jaworski Gaffe: ESPN Announcer Says S-word On Monday Night Football
- News anchor mocks Kardashians (Thanks Murdock)
- Anderson Cooper Goes Spray Tanning with Snooki (Video)
- Star Trek vs. Star Wars according to Captain Kirk

Top 10 things you can do to improve your chances of getting a job that have absolutely nothing to do with your resume tape or the ability to read this run-on sentence without taking a breath
Here are some intangibles that can give you an edge.

100.3 KILT host Greg Thunder was married to Eleanor Mondale
Reports say Eleanor Mondale, the daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale, who died Saturday, had formerly been married to current 100.3 KILT morning man Greg Thunder.

Krystle Gutierrez remains with Fox4, but without a contract and with the freedom to move elsewhere
Fox4 KDFW reporter and substitute anchor Krystle Gutierrez remains with the station for now, but is no longer under contract.

Former KXAS Reporter Grant Stinchfield’s Campaign Covered by Rival Station KDFW
After weeks of speculation about his campaign, former KXAS reporter Grant Stinchfield officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Texas 24th district.

Mary Benton gets major promotion
KPRC 2 reporter Mary Benton gets promotion within the NABJ.

Four Points Media sells KEYE, 6 other TV stations for $200 million
Four Points Media Group is selling its seven TV stations, including Austin’s KEYE, to Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcast Group for $200 million. KEYE is Austin’s CBS affiliate, in addition to delivering Telemundo programming on a digital subchannel.

Houston sports talker ratings
SportsRadio 610 KILT and SportsTalk 790 KBME see jumps.
- PPM Analysis: Dallas and Houston
- KASE, KVET nominated for country station of the year

Why does 97.9 play the same 5 songs during the day?
Houston Media Watch asks the question.

A Conversation With Jena Moreno, Journalist and Filmmaker
Recognizing the power of a few simple squares to bring people together, Jena Moreno, by day an award-winning international business reporter for the Houston Chronicle, set out to make Stitched, her first documentary.

Houston Texan starts his own online sports TV network: Sick of stale commentary
Houston Texans offensive lineman Eric Winston launches new online sports TV network dubbed THEBUS (pronounced Thee-bis). The network’s first offering — Not Your Ordinary Sports Show — streaming during every Monday Night Football game.

New monthly newspaper debuts in The Woodlands
Community Impact Newspaper began servicing The Woodlands with its monthly newspaper.

Channel 8’s Nightly Business Report comes to UH
Nightly Business Report will soon have a Houston bureau located at UH’s PBS station. Houston PBS KUHT 8will be partnering with Houston Public Radio 88.7 KUHF in order to provide content to Nightly Business Report by using their established knowledge of the Houston business community.

Texas Exes Hammer LHN in Social Media
The Longhorn Network (LHN) is not a worry now. Football games have gone to “normal” channels, but the Longhorn nation is still fuming. Viewers can’t see the custom pregame shows offered by LHN.

Texas Watchdog’s Jennifer Peebles elected president of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Houston chapter
Texas Watchdog is proud of deputy editor Jennifer Peebles, who is the new president of the Houston Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

UH models online radio after KTRU
Though UH has two large scale radio stations, COOG Radio will be the university’s first and only student run station.

Sundance Film Festival heads to Houston
The Sundance Film Festival will take a leave from the snowy mountaintops of Park City, Utah, to head down to Houston for one night only.

KVIA’s Valle and family welcome baby boy
KVIA morning reporter and noontime anchor Stephanie Valle gave birth to a baby boy last week.

Morning News lays off employees as ad decline continues
The Dallas Morning News laid off a reported 38 employees last week as A.H. Belo Corp. contends with a continued decline in advertising revenues.

AND NOW THE WEATHER

Former KTRK 13 meteorologist Heidi Jones pleads guilty to falsely reporting rape
Jones, 38, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanor counts of falsely reporting an incident. The judge says she will be sentenced to three years’ probation and 350 hours of community service — the same amount of time prosecutors say police spent looking into her false claims, reports CBS station WCBS.
- Heidi Jones: When TV Weathermen (and Women) Behave Badly

Former KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Chuck George Taking Leave of Absence After On-Air Rambling, Strange Tweets
Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD announced last night that chief meteorologist Chuck George (formerly of KPRC 2) is taking a leave of absence following an incident of on-air rambling and a string of strange Tweets.

Brett Cummins Resigns From KARK Following Bathtub Death of Friend
Brett Cummins, who was found asleep next to the body of a dead man wearing a dog collar has resigned as meteorologist at Little Rock’s KARK.
- What is it With TV Weathermen?

MOVING
KIAH 39 staffers jumping to KTRK, KHOU, KRIV
I found out over the last few weeks that some KIAH 39 staffers have made the jump to other Houston television stations.

KXXV 25 Waco production director Jeff Holder leaves for Farmers Insurance after 17 years, 3 months and 9 days with the Central Texas station.

KTRK 13 lighting director Bruce Aleksander has left the station and is working with a group that updates news sets at television station across the country. You can contact him at tvlightingguy [@] hotmail.com.

NATIONAL MEDIA
- GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS Too Short for Morning TV?
- Anderson Cooper’s Daytime Debut. You Can Exhale, Maury Povich
- Disney Channels Head Carolina Lightcap Resigns Unexpectedly
- Arbitron’s new Fall 2011 market rankings are out, with a few big jumps
- Changes in the late talk world
- Celebrities, Politicians and Friends Congratulate Hannity on 10 Years in Syndication
- A 9/11 tribute or an ‘Bob Iger for Mayor’ ad?
- Heloise continues tradition of helpful hints for 50 years
- Do Women Do Journalism Differently?
- Jon Stewart: Fox News, The Daily Show Aren’t So Different
- Citadel is officially a subsidiary of Cumulus, in a $2.4 billion deal