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FEDERAL COURT Southern Oregon talk radio producer files antitrust suit National syndicator acuses 'super-monopoly' of competitive abuses Comment By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 1:53 PM By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 1:53 PM » Social News A local producer of national talk radio programs is alleging that its business has been the victim of unfair collusion by one of the largest radio station owners in the country. Talk Radio Network Enterprises, a private company based in Central Point, has alleged that Cumulus Media, the second-largest owner of radio stations in the country, engaged in anti-competitive practices, according to an antitrust lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Medford. Talk Radio Network, which goes by the acronym TRN, syndicates its "America's Morning News" talk radio news program to stations across the country, along with other programs. The suit argues Cumulus' 2013 acquisition of Westwood One, which places 90 percent of national radio ad time, created an unfair advantage. TRN alleges the Cumulus deprived other radio companies of revenue through Westwood One's preferred placement of national advertising with syndicated programs Cumulus carries. "Indeed, on a national basis, as a result of multiple mergers and acquisitions, Cumulus is the dominant force in ownership and/or operation of top radio stations within the largest radio markets in the United States," a court document says. Cumulus owns more than 450 radio stations in 90 markets nationwide. TRN's website carries a story from wnd.com on the lawsuit, quoting TRN’s lead attorney Joseph Alioto calling the case “among the most egregious examples of anti-competitive abuses that true monopoly power can cause.” TRN also alleges the Westwood One has not accurately reported the amount of advertising it placed with TRN. Alioto is quoted as saying TRN "has been underpaid in some cases by as much as 99 percent." In the same story, TRN CEO Mark Masters said, “The Cumulus super-monopoly has attempted, using a variety of methods, to completely destroy the radio networks I’m involved with, as well as many other radio syndicators." The suit alleges 12 anti-trust actions by Cumulus, Westwood and individuals tied to the companies. The allegations include monopolization of the advertising representative market, conspiracy to monopolize by interfering with contract negotiations with hosts and breach of contract. TRN is seeking a jury to determine damages. Cumulus filed a motion Tuesday in Medford seeking to move the case from Medford to a central California court, on grounds that a similar suit against Westwood's predecessor was dismissed by the California court in 2012. In addition to America's Morning News, TRN's current programs include "Science Fantastic" with physicist Michio Kaku and "Watchdog on Wall Street" with Chris Markowski. In years prior, the company aired some of the nation's most conservative talk show hosts, including Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage. It also produced talk shows such as "Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell" and "The Dr. Laura Schlessinger Show." According to industry reports, at one point its programs were carried by 350 radio stations nationwide and it was ranked No. 2 nationally in listener share for talk radio programming. The network traces its roots back to KOPE radio, which was founded by Masters' controversial father, Roy Masters, in the early 1990s. Roy Masters moved to Josephine County in the late '70s to find a new home for his Foundation of Human Understanding, which mixed hypnosis with religion and was declared a church in 1986. TRN still produces "Advice Line with Roy Masters." Reach reporter Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MTCrimeBeat. By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 1:53 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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