As of March 7, Robert F. X. Sillerman, the executive chairman of SFX Entertainment has yet to send a clear signal as to what his role or new title might be following the Feb. 29 announcement of a merger between SFX and Clear Channel Communications.

Sources indicate that no actual decision has been made on Sillerman's role. The lack of any indication is noteworthy given the size of the respective companies, the stakes involved, and the otherwise deliberate efforts by SFX to construct an image of predictability in management even through its recent -- and rapid -- acquisitions program.

At one point last week, it was suggested that until he made his plans clear, Sillerman might be referred to as the "former executive chairman of SFX Entertainment." In that instance, however, Sillerman was finally described as the "founder of SFX."

SFX was purchased by Clear Channel Communications in a stock swap that was initially valued at $4.4 billion one week ago. The deal should be completed in the third quarter of 2000.

-- By Murdoch McBride