Great points. Another advantage that Radio has is the passion of radio people (of which you are a great example!)

Thanks,

Greg

I do see your point. As radio has become more corporate it seems to many that it has lost its soul. However, it has maintained ad revenue share and profitability. That’s what a good business is supposed to do.

I do agree that there is a lot of work to do in the face of a quickly evolving media environment. However, it seems to me that Radio is doing a better job than magazines or TV.

- Greg

Nevertheless, Radio broadcasters continue to earn some of the most attractive margins in media…

- Greg

Radio used to innovate.

Radio used to try new things.

Radio content used to be driven by its “users” (listeners).

Instead, radio continues to use antiquated methods to measure itself (Arbitron and dial-out music testing). They allow major labels to push a preferred music rotation. In general, programming is homogenized to fit as broad an audience as possible. To top it off, revenue is still achieved by making comparisons to the radio station across the street.

Radio has failed to evolve over the years. The only evolution I’ve noticed is a reduced programming staff, an increase in workload for those remaining, and a “jam-it-down-their-throat” attempt to establish value for pushed advertising that is rarely relevant to its listeners.

50 formats? 50? Is a medium doing itself a favor by tracking 50 formats that should be suitable for the entire U.S. population?

The communication evolution we are in today about wisdom of the crowds, one-to-one communication, sharing, and openness.

No. I’m sorry. The only lessons radio is teaching today are lessons of failure. These are important lessons. Radio should take time to learn from their recent failures: HD, consolidation, and automation. Taking these lessons and blending some real effort to innovate, act curious, act humble, and “try” might help keep the industry from complete demise.

Thanks for your comment. It’s clear that you are passionate about Radio!

Unfortunately, I disagree with your point of view. While many complain, with good reason, that Radio has become over researched and over programmed, stations do it because it results in bigger audiences. Furthermore while it is clear that – as you pointed out – buyers of radio stations overpaid , Radio still earns attractive operating margins relative to other media.

- Greg

As a former radio salesperson (Newstalk and All News formats) I must say I love the medium. But I’m also sadden by how entrenched in mediocrity the product has become. I miss the highly respected “old time” radio personalities like Paul Harvey and Charles Osgood. Regardless of your politics, they offered depth and insight-sorely lacking from commercial radio broadcasts today. Additionally, the music formats offer very little in the way of variety. You need to go to satellite to hear music beyond the “top 20″. Unfortunately, I cannot agree with Ben ‘s comments about radio margins still remaining strong. Big media has overpaid for radio properties and Clear Channel, CBS, Cumulus and Citadel are hurting. Radio revenues are way down in most markets clearly underperforming for their stock holders. This further perpetuates lack of creativity, massive cost cutting, layoffs and big time overhead. Radio is immersed in an outdated business model. It’s been slow to embrace new media and and continues to regurgitate massive amounts of intrusive, annoying, inane commercials. 8 years ago when I was still selling radio, we ran 18 commercial units per hour on our local Newstalk station (which was ranked #1 in the market) This causes listeners to flee to alternative options-satellite (more choices, less commercials) and in-car ipod hook ups. Radio’s real relevancy and lifeline today are sports radio (very sticky), quick traffic and weather updates and public radio. While the barriers to radio remain low to advertisers, the ROI is not nearly as transparent as new media. Honestly, I’d rather pay a subscription fee for Satellite and have more choices, more niche options and less commercial intrusion.

You make a great point. New technology should improve on the old, not erase lessons learned.

Thanks,

Greg

I want the revolution. I know it’s here. Let’s just make sure it ushers in a golden age and not a dark one.