Friday, November 1, 2013

Reinvent Radio for the Digital Age

We can do better than streaming websites that don’t make money.

And aggregating cheap content from others and wondering why advertisers are not compelled to knock down the doors.

We can do social media that puts Facebook to shame by creating “red meat” that audiences are hungry to feed on.

Become master of short-form digital.

And give new meaning to the brands that go us to the digital age – the ones on-the-air.

So why don’t we do it?  Why is radio lagging so far behind the digital revolution?

Two honest answers.

Most radio companies are into cutting costs and focusing on putting a cheap product on air.

And, most radio executives are looking in the wrong place for the digital future.

Digital is not an add-on, it is THE future. 

The way it is going now owners will be left with stations that have declining audiences and advertisers willing to pay only pennies on the dollar to add radio to their digital buy.

So we’re going to roll up our sleeves and brainstorm about how to reinvent radio for the digital age when we meet face to face.

  1. Better radio on a budget.  There are other great options besides layoffs, syndicated programming and voice tracking.  Get your innovative juices flowing.
  2. Harnessing personalities.  How would you like to own the radio personalities fired by competitors in your market without having to pay their salary?  You’ll love this plan because it is a win-win that most owners don’t even know about.
  3. What’s the one thing – only one – that your audience cannot live without?  I’ll get you started on how to take that “one” thing and make better radio along with digital businesses you’re probably not currently doing.
  4. Find the digital sweet spot, put a big price tag on it and wait a year if you have to for your first big sponsor.  You won’t be waiting anywhere near that long and you won’t just have one sponsor – they’ll want to be all-in.
  5. Deemphasize Facebook and Twitter – but you can keep using them – and invent your own Facebook and Twitter on one site that you own and operate.  Ask me about it.

There are more ideas that you can use in a year, but you’ve got to be there to benefit.

The 2014 Media Solutions Lab.

This year in Philadelphia.

Here is the the curriculum:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

  • Blow it up without losing listeners.
  • We clear up how to gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does it.
  • Use this plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.
  • Turn ordinary radio into new revenue streams.
  • Solve virtually every critical objection digital-age listeners have about radio with newfound confidence to innovate.

2.  Master Digital

  • Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan. 
  • Reinvent the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”. 
  • A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Succeed With New Social Media Strategies

  • End radio’s social media slump:  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  And Twitter is in trouble.  Time to alter the way you do social media with this new plan.
  • Social Media Shakeup: texting with pictures is where you should be.  Fast track it.
  • Social Media SOS:  social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reinvent Radio For the Digital Age

  • Shake up the way you do radio to make it a growth industry again.  3 month plan of action to get started.
  • Better radio on a budget
  • Harnessing personalities – how to build a stable of personalities from you station, your farm system and the ones let go by competitors to be part of a new venture.  Best yet, you never have to pay their salaries.
  • Finding the digital sweet spot – creating something so compelling that you put a big price tag on it and wait until the first advertiser pays it.  It won’t be a long wait.
  • Don’t go down with Facebook and Twitter, boost social connectivity by building your own local replacement.
  • Fiscally responsible alternatives for innovating local radio. 
  • Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo. 

5.  Growth Opportunities in Short-Form Video

  • Discover how entrepreneurs are making millions by doing short form video that contains no ads and has no subscription fees.  This more than pays for your tuition!
  • Target key areas of growth for short-form video.
  • The one-stop solution to making social, short-form video for a profit.

6.  Engage 80 Million Millennials

  • Audience building secrets to engage Millennials and win them back to radio. 
  • One-Day Life-Changer:  Make radio instantly cooler.
  • I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo. 
  • Come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7. Time Shift Radio

  • New rules:  All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it all and all at once. 
  • The real solution for creating time shifted radio content. 
  • Critical question that will be answered: Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content. 
  • Boost revenue by marketing time shifting as a new stream of revenue.  Go to school on time shifting.

If you like to earn the maximum discount, Click here to register now.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Netflix Is Even YOUR Next Threat

Did you see that Netflix wants to make new blockbuster movie releases available on opening night the same time they debut in theaters?

And they will – bet on it.

I don’t care how local theater owners complain – this ship has sailed and Netflix will coax some one big producer into doing a simultaneous debut in theaters and on Netflix and the other lemmings will rush to be next.

It doesn’t matter whether you run a radio station, cable network, newspaper or TV network, Netflix is your worst nightmare.

And, if you’re savvy – your best inspiration.

Ironically, people who run these traditional media businesses don’t really believe that Netflix is the competitor they should be focusing on.

TV Networks think it’s Barry Diller’s Aereo because, they think streaming lousy local television channels to mobile devices is the next big thing.

Their egos are the next big thing – as usual.

Radio always thought satellite radio was their competitor and now they are obsessed with Pandora.

Wrong on both accounts.

Satellite radio is only commercial radio for old people with money with a concession to some music stations that are commercial free.

And Pandora is what has replaced radio while Mary Beth Garber is out telling everyone radio cannot be replaced.

Newspapers think the Internet did them in.

They did themselves in long ago when television started competing with newspapers for news and entertainment and they refused to change.

So I’m not going to be surprised to see the threat of Netflix being ignored this time.

Netflix is a disruptor on the scale of Apple and Google.

In one year, they went from being the biggest snail mail movie and program rental site to the largest online video store.

But how can a video service be the next threat to radio, TV and newspapers? 

They’re in different businesses.

It’s complicated but certain.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Attract Younger Audiences

Let’s be honest up front.

Radio, even television and certainly newspapers and magazines are never going to be growth industries again without attracting a significant number of the 80 million Millennials now coming of age.

In fact, they may never be able to attract Millennials to spend less time with on-demand digital alternatives and more time with traditional broadcasting.

But, what traditional media companies are doing right now is throwing in the towel and hoping on a wing and prayer that what they do can morph over to digital devices.

It cannot.

But what broadcasters can do probably better than any other content providers is to innovate new short-form programs and create a second stream of revenue as an insurance policy against their broadcasting prospects in five to ten years.

First, what if I told you that I have discovered the things that turn off essential younger audiences about radio.  You would probably say, I know.  But did you know that the one thing Millennials crave about radio – that’s right – crave, is morning personalities.

In fact, they even identify some radio stations by the personalities – if they haven’t already been fired – not the call letters or branding which they couldn’t tell you if you put a gun to their head.

So what I’m saying is that even you may be surprised to find out what their turnoffs are and discover a list of what they would really.

I say, let’s learn them and get to it.

Next, if I told you that non-industry entrepreneurs are already making money in video and audio businesses radio stations should be dominating, would it move you to go to school on them?

This is my invitation, then, to meet me in Philadelphia at my next Media Solutions Conference and work with me face-to-face to discover how to attract younger audiences.

Here is the rest of the curriculum:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

  • Blow it up without losing listeners.
  • We clear up how to gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does it.
  • Use this plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.
  • Turn ordinary radio into new revenue streams.
  • Solve virtually every critical objection digital-age listeners have about radio with newfound confidence to innovate.

2.  Master Digital

  • Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan. 
  • Reinvent the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”. 
  • A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Succeed With New Social Media Strategies

  • End radio’s social media slump:  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  And Twitter is in trouble.  Time to alter the way you do social media with this new plan.
  • Social Media Shakeup: texting with pictures is where you should be.  Fast track it.
  • Social Media SOS:  social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reinvent Radio For the Digital Age

  • Shake up the way you do radio to make it a growth industry again.  3 month plan of action to get started.
  • Maximize audience and advertisers distracted by digital alternatives. 
  • Earn an exponential increase in revenue by following this one simple plan that will help you.  
  • Fiscally responsible alternatives for innovating local radio. 
  • Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  
  • We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Growth Opportunities in Short-Form Video

  • Discover how entrepreneurs are making millions by doing short form video that contains no ads and has no subscription fees.  This more than pays for your tuition!
  • Target key areas of growth for short-form video.
  • The one-stop solution to making social, short-form video for a profit.

6.  Engage 80 Million Millennials

  • Audience building secrets to engage Millennials and win them back to radio. 
  • One-Day Life-Changer:  Make radio instantly cooler.
  • I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo. 
  • Come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7. Time Shift Radio

  • New rules:  All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it all and all at once. 
  • The real solution for creating time shifted radio content. 
  • Critical question that will be answered: Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content. 
  • Boost revenue by marketing time shifting as a new stream of revenue.  Go to school on time shifting.

March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia 7:30 to 4 pm.

Register today to guarantee a one-time $200 savings. 

Event starts with registration and complimentary breakfast.  Lunch and all breaks also included.   Special lower on-site hotel rate available today, Thursday October 31.

Click here to register now.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Lew Is Fibbing About Hiring 50 Salespeople

The Cumulus numbers are out and Cumulus is the best performing, best run, best futuristic radio company that barely makes money.

Bla-bla-bla!

Their revenue figures were posted yesterday and revenues barely grew by 2% compared to the third quarter of last year.

He can’t blame Rush Limbaugh anymore, because he re-signed him for his talk stations.

Of course, CEO Lew Dickey is blaming the lack of political ad money this year but the third quarter last year was before the big political money was spent.  And the comps were awful last year.

But who is looking, right?  And he knows it.

No matter – I get it, the poor SOB can’t get up and say “We are failing” so he sells the one thing investors want to hear – that Cumulus is amping up its sales efforts.

It’s the third time he’s used that tactic.

Fool me three times and shame on who?

Never mind that they’ve been firing people all week at their San Francisco cluster – work with me here. 

Firing is not hiring.

So Dickey tells the financial lapdogs – formerly known as analysts ten years ago – that he, Lewis Dickey, Jr is going to order the hiring of 50 more salespeople.

Whoopee!

That’s like a pimple on his ass – 50 people.

Or a better way to put it – that’s one-half a salesperson per Cumulus market assuming you are falling for this stunt again.

Boy, are we the idiots for believing this crap.

But wait, there’s more.

It’s working already.

One of the better radio trades went for the bait with this headline just hours later:  “Cumulus staffing up sales department”.  No questions asked, no previous promises reported – just blue skies.

Dickey is channeling his inner Bob Pittman as he shovels bullshit to cover his tracks and it’s working except, it really isn’t.

Lew has a plan that he could never reveal even to a group of analyst lapdogs or there would be a run on Depends.

Here’s the real scary shit:

  1. Fact:  As of 2:45 pm PDT, Cumulus has exactly 111 radio sales jobs posted on their company website (not counting Modern Luxury).  There are also a handful of sales manager jobs posted as well.  That’s 111 jobs no doubt posted for EEOC purposes that have been sitting there with no action at the time, Lew shocks the world with the 50 people he claims he will be hiring.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Embrace a Digital Strategy That Makes Millions

We often talk about how difficult it seems to be these days to chew gum and do digital at the same time in the radio industry.

But for those willing to give up money-losing and futile attempts at a digital strategy such as streaming, podcasting and selling banner ads, there is something much more lucrative.

Making short-form videos in your area of interest and/or expertise – even within your broadcast station’s brand.

I’ve discovered how entrepreneurs are making millions – I’m wrong, multi-millions – without even the expertise that most professional broadcasters have.

We can do this if we will take a moment to learn the new rules.

It is being done right now – not by mega media companies like Comcast or Disney – but by entrepreneurs like us.

And it’s being done without selling any banner ads.

And, no video pre-rolls that turn viewers off. 

In fact, no ads need to be sold at all to make millions of dollars.

That’s right let me say it again, no ads at all.

This ingenious approach now being successfully used outside of radio and television makes big money without even charging fees or subscription prices.

It’s going to be a big deal and we need to get there first.

If you can find a way to break loose for one day, March 26, 2014 for my media conference, I’ll share it all, give examples and help you with a game plan.

Here’s the curriculum for the event:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

  • Blow it up without losing listeners.
  • We clear up how to gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does it.
  • Use this plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.
  • Turn ordinary radio into new revenue streams.
  • Solve virtually every critical objection digital-age listeners have about radio with newfound confidence to innovate.

2.  Master Digital

  • Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan. 
  • Reinvent the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”. 
  • A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Succeed With New Social Media Strategies

  • End radio’s social media slump:  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  And Twitter is in trouble.  Time to alter the way you do social media with this new plan.
  • Social Media Shakeup: texting with pictures is where you should be.  Fast track it.
  • Social Media SOS:  social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reinvent Radio for the Digital Age

  • Shake up the way you do radio to make it a growth industry again.  3-month plan of action to get started.
  • Maximize audience and advertisers distracted by digital alternatives. 
  • Earn an exponential increase in revenue by following this one simple plan that will help you.  
  • Fiscally responsible alternatives for innovating local radio. 
  • Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo. 
  • We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Growth Opportunities in Short-Form Video

  • Discover how entrepreneurs are making millions by doing short form video that contains no ads and has no subscription fees.  This more than pays for your tuition!
  • Target key areas of growth for short-form video.
  • The one-stop solution to making social, short-form video for a profit.

6.  Engage 80 Million Millennials

  • Audience building secrets to engage Millennials and win them back to radio. 
  • One-Day Life-Changer:  Make radio instantly cooler.
  • I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo. 
  • Come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7. Time Shift Radio

  • New rules:  All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it all and all at once. 
  • The real solution for creating time shifted radio content. 
  • Critical question that will be answered: Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content. 
  • Boost revenue by marketing time shifting as a new stream of revenue.  Go to school on time shifting.

Join forward-thinking media people who are attending my one-day seminar March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia.

For those who register today, take $200 off the registration fee.

Click here to register now.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The Internet Has Peaked

Revolutions don’t last long.

The popular Internet movement took place in the late 90’s and during the past ten years we’ve seen unprecedented disruption to brick and mortar stores, the U.S. Postal Service, the telephone company and, even more dramatically, media – all at the hands of the Internet revolution.  And that’s just a small list.

TV has resisted online connectivity choosing to cater to older viewers.

Radio hasn’t even acknowledged the Internet revolution let alone the growth of social media.

Newspapers are dead in print and online because you can’t squeeze a printed newspaper into a website behind a paywall and call it the future.

Social media?

Peaked.

You know Twitter has hit the wall when Wall Street gets interested in an IPO.

Facebook is declining among teens in such a dramatic way, it probably doesn’t have 5 years before it implodes.  More importantly, all of us who depend on Facebook could go down with it like quicksand.

The Internet is the great disruptor of society and our economy.

And IT has peaked – its best years are behind it.  And everyone else who thinks it’s still the future is in for another disruption of its own making.

The smug media companies who think they can transform online into the new television, radio or print business are in for a rude awakening.

This is not to say that everything will go back to the way it was.

It won’t.

It will go on.

A glimpse of the future without the Internet as we know it driving commerce and communication is breathtaking:

  1. Texting is the most essential tool of the future.  If the smartphone is not going away – and it is not – then texting is to a smartphone what calling used to be to a telephone.  
  2. After texting, pictures and video will be what the next 10 years will be all about.  We must embrace it or be caught blogging, designing websites that are growing increasingly irrelevant or transferring traditional media to the Internet for no good reason at all.
  3. Radio will be all but history in ten years – maybe sooner.  Don’t ask a radio person because most of them are on Kool-Aid.  Just look at the numbers.  Over, 60 – great for radio.  Under 50, bailing on radio.  Under 30, they never had a relationship with radio and will not be getting one which begs the question, what should radio stations do next?

Continue reading the rest of this article by clicking “Read More” below …

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Make Millions Creating New Age Video

I can hardly wait to share with you some of the most amazing ideas I’ve ever discovered about creating short form video that makes big money – really big money.

One powerful example you’ll learn about makes many millions a year doing exactly this.

You see how it is being done right now – not by mega media companies like Comcast or Disney – but by entrepreneurs like us.

And it’s being done in ways that media companies just don’t get.

No banner ads.

No video ads.

No ads at all! 

That’s right let me say it again, no ads at all.

Earn all those millions without even charging fees or subscription prices.

I know I’ve probably got your attention because this concept had me at “millions with no ads”.

At my conference last year I started with these words, “video, video and short form video”.

This year it will be “video, video and millions of dollars from short-form video”.

If you can find a way to break loose for one day, March 26, 2014, I’ll share it all.

Here’s the curriculum:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

  • Blow it up without losing listeners.
  • We clear up how to gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does it.
  • Use this plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.
  • Turn ordinary radio into new revenue streams.
  • Solve virtually every critical objection digital-age listeners have about radio with newfound confidence to innovate.

2.  Master Digital

  • Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan. 
  • Reinvent the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”. 
  • A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Succeed With New Social Media Strategies

  • End radio’s social media slump:  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  And Twitter is in trouble.  Time to alter the way you do social media with this new plan.
  • Social Media Shakeup: texting with pictures is where you should be.  Fast track it.
  • Social Media SOS:  social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reinvent Radio for the Digital Age

  • Shake up the way you do radio to make it a growth industry again.  3-month plan of action to get started.
  • Maximize audience and advertisers distracted by digital alternatives. 
  • Earn an exponential increase in revenue by following this one simple plan that will help you.  
  • Fiscally responsible alternatives for innovating local radio. 
  • Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo. 
  • We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Growth Opportunities in Short-Form Video

  • Discover how entrepreneurs are making millions by doing short-form video that contains no ads and has no subscription fees.  This more than pays for your tuition!
  • Target key areas of growth for short-form video.
  • The one-stop solution to making social, short-form video for a profit.

6.  Engage 80 Million Millennials

  • Audience building secrets to engage Millennials and win them back to radio. 
  • One-Day Life-Changer:  Make radio instantly cooler.
  • I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo. 
  • Come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7. Time Shift Radio

  • New rules:  All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it all and all at once. 
  • The real solution for creating time shifted radio content. 
  • Critical question that will be answered: Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content. 
  • Boost revenue by marketing time shifting as a new stream of revenue.  Go to school on time shifting.

Join forward-thinking media people who are attending my one-day seminar March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia.

Guaranteed $200 discount today.

And lowest room rate on-site.

Click here to register now.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Millennials Hate Satellite Radio

As a generation they would never pay for what’s tantamount to commercial radio for a fee. 

But they will absolutely find $9 a month to give to Netflix even with student loans, part-time jobs and the miserable economy they graduated into.

And Millennials don’t care that terrestrial radio is free – to them, it is worth exactly what they are paying for it – nothing.

Yet they continue to love Pandora, which is a free music service.

And they put up with Pandora’s commercials probably because they are short, relatively infrequent compared to radio and have an element to them that Millennials rather like – no production, all talk.

Millennials drive the music market yet they are buying fewer CDs and even downloads than ever.  Only a few million of them will pay to make Spotify mobile even though they generally like Spotify.

They’ll never pay for cable because they hate bundling even more than their compliant parents and satellite TV is another version of pay cable.

So you have to laugh when Sirius XM raises its monthly subscription rate by 50 cents as it did last week when it is a well-known fact that they’ll drop their pants and almost let you name your price if you simply threaten to cancel. 

What I’m saying is Millennials don’t want services like these at any price and if you study why, you learn a lot of useful things.

Your kids know more about where the media business is heading than you do.

The other day when I wrote that the well-known fact that Millennials don’t like to drive and could care less about the connected dashboard, one high profile radio exec wrote to me to say:

“Jerry, sometimes you make comments that are just comical.  I love the one below where millenials now want public transportation.  It's not really an option in most markets, but many of them are still sleeping on mom and dads couch so they have no place to go...why need a car?  I have two kids are ARE millenials, and suggesting they give up that car would be like giving up an appendage”.

Comical?

Guess who will have the last laugh – the person who studies the data and cooperates with the inevitable.

Talk about denial.

Here’s what we know about the changing preferences of a generation that numbers 80 million people coming of age:

  1. The number one must-have media service for any Millennial is a portal to video entertainment such as Netflix, Hulu, Hulu Plus and to a lesser but still significant extent HBO Go and other on-demand services.  This generation can’t live without video.  For those who cannot afford any of this, there’s always the DVR.
  2. Podcasting is just broadcasting delivered over the Internet.  It is so never going to be a meaningful and profitable endeavor.  It’s too long.  Sounds too much like talk radio.  Millennials hate talk radio and have short attention spans.  Nice try, but podcasting is not going to be a factor with Millennials.

Continue reading the rest of this article by clicking “Read More” below …

Friday, October 25, 2013

The Connected Dashboard Is the New HD Radio

Let’s get something straight right now.

The so-called “connected dashboard” is a myth created by desperate radio owners and a terrified auto industry.

Radio groups have been pushed out of the car by smartphones and Bluetooth.

And auto manufacturers are being pushed out of the car business because to many Millennials, being connected is more important than driving.

You see industry conferences and conventions focus on this mythical space in the car of the future and they can’t even see that no one really needs it.

In fact, Millennials more than any other generation since Henry Ford prefer public transit over driving.

When you put two desperate and scared interests together you get what?

Freaking HD Radio!

Remember that snake oil that was supposed to be the future of radio?  The industry fought over it, delayed it until it was totally irrelevant and they’re still hanging onto the corpse even now.

The connected dashboard is the new HD Radio.

An infinite number of programming sources from paid, to terrestrial to Internet and only 6 pre-sets that no one really needs anyway.

Asking automakers and radio groups how to invent the digital dashboard of the future is like asking morticians for health tips.

If you want to push forward in ways that cooperate with 80 million Millennials coming of age, think this way:

  1. Millennials don’t listen to radio.  They have been left to their own “devices” thanks to consolidators who had more passion for monopoly than making radio a part of Millennials’ lives.  And now this is what they get for it.  Payback is a bitch.
  2. Radio “hot clock” must be reinvented – not just changed.  Blown to shreds. Today’s short attention spans don’t work even for 15 minutes.  Short, 5 minutes or less modules of programming content is a good way to start.  I say start because 5 minutes is the max attention span available.  Radio is based on continuous music sweeps and other fallacies that no longer apply.
Thursday, October 24, 2013

Radio Warning: Don’t Use Facebook

Just when the radio industry started getting serious about social media, everything is changing again.

New information that blows the lid off social media, as you may have known it.

Stop everything and retool.

Work the right social media platforms based on these new trends.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The social media platform that is fast becoming toxic – proceed with CAUTION.  Even satellite radio has figured it out.
  2. If you can invest time and effort in only one social media platform, make it this one.
  3. The two hottest social media platforms that are starting to skyrocket.  Gear up and jump on it.
  4. Timely advice on how to navigate the huge declines in certain social networks so that your image doesn’t take a major hit.
  5. Most dangerous of all – users who stay with a social network they don’t like. How to handle this.

If you would like to navigate the blockbuster changes that are now becoming evident in social media, click here.  Search 2,473 other stories here.   

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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Steal These Shrewd Moves From Apple

1. Make paid look free

So Tim Cook gets up and surprises everyone by making the very latest Mac operating system available for free – immediately.  All cool things, all the time for free.

Pretty shrewd considering Apple also announced two new refreshes for tablets – a new slimmer and lighter iPad and for the first time Retina Display on iPad Mini.  Keep in mind the knock on Apple at least as far as Wall Street is concerned is that they have so much profit built into their products that the prices are needlessly high.

Free obscures needlessly expensive so all everyone is talking about today is that Apple is giving away its latest and greatest Mac OS for free.

2.  Transitioning from disrupter to interrupter

In radio, when a station took off in the ratings, it would eventually peak, decline a bit and then stay in a range for years (or decades if the station was skillful and lucky not to have major competitors).  They would take the market by storm, make the competitor seem stale and incompetent and steal the audience.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Engaging 80 Million Millennials

Anyone honest knows that people 30-years old and under have no relationship with a radio.

That’s why turning a cellphone into a radio is a waste of time.

The radio industry is scared – it has to be – because there are too many smart people in it who are in denial.

Take Millennials.

You need them!

They are the next generation and they were raised on everything but radio while the industry was out consolidating.

By the end of this year financial analysts tell us radio revenue will have one of its worst years ever – pummeled by digital media.

Let’s get real.

The next generation likes on-demand content, binge watch videos (look at Netflix go through the roof on Monday), shorter and shorter videos, social connectivity, music discovery, a sense of community, dreamers …

Radio does not answer the call.

But it could.

  • Create separate short-form content that is not on the radio – first run, extremely compelling audio, video, text and social connection. 
  • Shut the cameras off in the studio, take them out and create content that only radio people can create.
  • Disconnect from the tower and transmitter.  Yes, put the best programming you can on-the-air for the available, older audience.  Then think of it like this, start an entirely new business and new revenue stream for content that may have nothing to do with what’s on the air.
  • Five or ten years from now, surviving radio companies will be bringing in more revenue from what’s not on the air than what is but you might be surprised to find out that a hit music radio station could also be a zip code based content provider. 
  • Give control back to the audience.  Upload content to their phones.  Let them mash it up and listen to as much as they want whenever they want.
  • Millennials are very civic-minded.  While radio stations are less civic-minded than ever.  Get more civic-minded.  Serve the community to attract young listeners.  Duh!  We used to do this all the time.
  • Millennials are dreamers – radio is about brass tacks.  Cutting costs.  Best practices.  See the disconnect?

Join me at my Philadelphia Media Conference to join the conversation.

Here’s the curriculum:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.  Reinventing the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”.  A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

The 5th Annual Media Solutions Conference, March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia.

Reserve a Seat

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Clear Channel’s Employee Smackdown

This is trouble.

Clear Channel is getting set to smackdown its employees in a way that is so bizarre that it is both laughable and deeply humiliating at the same time.

Worse yet, it will be dangerous.

The wheels are in motion right now.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Look out!  No one is exempt.
  2. Three weeks and counting until this unprecedented insult to company employees begins.
  3. What the company is angling to accomplish.
  4. Plus, new restrictions on freedom and privacy.
  5. John Hogan’s “gift” to employees.

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Firing Jitters At CBS Radio

It’s an ominous sign when CBS Radio does high profile firings.

The entire radio industry is jittery knowing that the 3rd annual Thanksgiving Turkey of a layoff by Clear Channel – usually 5% or more of the total workforce – is just weeks away.

New revelations about radio’s biggest groups.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Horror story expected at Entercom.
  2. Clear Channel’s big problem with their annual fall layoffs.
  3. Stunning way Cumulus will binge fire.
  4. The awesome secret about what CBS Radio is up to.
  5. Worst news ever for Radio One.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

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Curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference

Monday, October 21, 2013

Reverse the Decline of Radio

The CEO of Vice Media, a very irreverent media powerhouse that attracts the money demos, is a disrespectful guy with a lot wisdom.

Disrespectful in that his advice to old media is – and I quote – “They can go to hell quite frankly”.

On the east coast we call that a compliment.

But it is Shane Smith’s advice to traditional media companies that is so genius that I want to share it with you from CNN Money:

“You can't retrofit it. If there's a bunch of old dudes in a boardroom that go, "OK. Let's start making video," what they try to do is hire pedigreed people. What you get is a shittier version of TV. You really have to rip out the pipes. You have to make things in a different way, hire people who have never worked in TV or commercials or film, get people straight out of schools, get people who don't know what they're doing, form your own school and train these kids. The reason I'm telling you all this, the reason I'm giving away my secrets, is that's it's nearly impossible to do”.

NONE of which radio or television does.

We cut jobs and expenses – that’s what we do.

Oh, and pass off garbage for content when we know how to make great content.  Most of this is because of the investment bank owners who only know how to wreck things, not build them.

Let’s take Shane Smith’s advice and apply it to radio – that’s what I going to do at my upcoming teaching seminar:

  1. Take the part about old dudes hiring pedigreed people to make videos they don’t understand.  Isn’t this what Miley Cyrus is so intuitively talking about when she says she will not let a 70-year old record executive tell her what’s popular in clubs.  She’s right.  I don’t care if she licks everything in sight.  She’s right!  What is radio afraid of?  Young people?  It was never that way before consolidation because radio was automatically reborn with each new generation.  Let’s talk about how to bring young people and fresh ideas from all ages into a radio station.  I have a plan.
  2. Smith says you have to “rip out the pipes” and “make things in a different way”.  Tell me, what’s different about a hit music station these days?  Okay then, how about a classic hits or classic rock station or a country station or an all-news station?  Nothing.  They are dying on the vine from lack of innovation.  There are specific ways to change these formats up and rip out the clock to reinvent radio.
  3. Smith says hire people who have never worked in media.  Hey, Cumulus is doing that.  They’re hiring people right off the Cintas uniform truck.  Somehow I don’t think that’s what Smith meant.  He says get young people who don’t know what they are doing and – and this is the key point Cumulus is missing – train them!  You may or may not be interested in the techniques I use when I work as a facilitator for media companies.  All the ideas you need are already on your staff.  Try these techniques to breath life into them.  My focus is generational media – training must be different than it ever was for previous generations.
  4. I love Shane Smith’s last line in which he says he is sharing his secrets because they are nearly impossible to do.  I feel like this when I write sometimes – lots of good ideas that will work if radio people will not snivele about “You can’t do this, Jerry”.  Yes you can or someone else will.

To reverse the decline of radio, we need disruptors.

If you want to know how to do this, consider attending my media conference and invest one day to get enough useable ideas to last you the year.  Among my industry credentials is my work in generational media as a professor at the University of Southern California.

No industry conference has a curriculum like this:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.  Reinventing the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”.  A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is not a convention or show.  It’s a learning session.

Consider attending my one-day seminar March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia.

Reserve a Seat

Friday, October 18, 2013

News/Talk – The New Winning Formula

I don’t know what was worse – the debt crisis and government shutdown or the news coverage of it.

Radio – even music stations – miss a major way to connect with fans in a meaningful way because they don’t understand how news has changed so radically.

Yet they remain the same.

But here’s what we could be doing:

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The formula for “no bullshit” news and Millennials eat this stuff up.
  2. Smart talk – the new winning formula.
  3. The last thing a radio station would ever do on the air.  I’ll tell you what it is. Now, go do it.
  4. The most compelling argument for music stations doing a new kind of news described here.
  5. Why the phone is actually radio’s friend – how to use it.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,467 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

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Discover Jerry’s 2014 Media Conference

Friday, October 18, 2013

Master Digital

I love Jeff Smulyan.

And he loves radio a whole lot.

You just have to root for an owner who is trying to will today’s radio on the mobile-mined next generation.

But turning a smartphone into a radio, as Jeff advocates, has not made a difference to radio listeners and likely will not.  It’s a dangerous strategy to rely on.

The radio industry is obsessed with embracing the digital future on its own terms and that spells disaster.

Too many radio stations think their social media sites are mini-ratings opportunities the way they whore themselves out for a click or a “like”.  And, as we’ve seen, all the clicks and “likes” in the world are not a suitable digital strategy. 

But you can’t tell that to radio groups who love metrics.

Radio websites are a waste – frumpy, self-serving and without value to today’s audiences.

Quick:  name the main purpose of your station’s website. 

Good luck.

And streaming? 

Don’t get me started.

The radio mentality is to stream what’s declining in audience on the air – their programming because it is cheap.

Not very potent. 

And streaming rarely makes money for radio operators.  In fact, it costs money.

I could go on, but these are just a few of the examples of how the radio industry is squandering its digital future.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Help is on the way to forward-thinking radio people who are willing to spend some time studying change:

  1. Blow up the station website – the entire thing – and build one that has just one focus.  One thing that is important to your target audience and then pour your time and effort into making it compelling.  And you’ll have to hire some full-timers.  What a joke.  Radio thinks digital deserves part-timers when their full-time future is digital. 
  2. There are new strategies emerging to use Instagram instead of Facebook for social media.  Instagram is the next Facebook so if your social media strategy is based on Facebook, you lose.
  3. See what I wrote about making radio grow again.  Four ideas you should be thinking about now.  Read it here. 
  4. Discover what is ten times more important than seeking clicks and “likes” from digital fans.  This changes everything.
  5. Streaming your station to an emerging audience that has attention deficit defies reality which is why streaming radio stations rarely get even 3% additional audience tacked on to its ratings.  I get that if a listener can’t hear your station at work that they can always listen to the stream.  Well, they are not doing it – not in any meaningful numbers.  There are better ways to use your creative programming content than streams.  Ask me when we’re together.
  6. The most important digital strategy you probably don’t know about is the one that turns your radio station into Netflix for Radio.  You’re going to love this and you’ll wonder why no one has ever thought of it.

It’s getting late.

Master digital now.

Here is the curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference along with a link to reserve a seat:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.  Reinventing the station website to churn out money.  Rethink social media.  Forget clicks and “likes”.  A better option than streaming and a way for your station to become the “Netflix of Radio”.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is not a convention or show.  It’s a learning session.

Consider attending my one-day seminar March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia.

Reserve a Seat

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Walking Dead

The radio industry could learn a lot from Zombies (and I’m not talking about John Hogan).

AMC, the little TV network that could, has the number one cable show and I’m talking about the coveted money demo of 18-49.

How does a traditional TV network hit this audience payload? 

You can do it too.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Throw away the clock and structure each hour exactly the way you’ll read about here.  Warning:  this is real different.
  2. Blow up those 8-minute commercial stop sets and replace them with something so good that advertisers will pay a premium for them.  Here it is.
  3. Disrupt boring old music radio stations by putting this stick of dynamite into your format.
  4. What’s a bigger hit record than the most requested song on your station?  Play this as often as you play that.
  5. Seriously, be a Zombie.  Here’s how.  Millennials love them.
  6. The number one goal for engaging an audience in the digital age.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,465 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Make Radio Grow Again

I have been having trouble with my iPad ever since iOS 7 was introduced. 

The screen freezes when I try to read Radio Ink. 

I kid the good folks at Radio Ink.

No, really.  The screen freezes when I use Safari on my iPad.  So after numerous calls to Apple Tech Support by my wife (who has the patience in the family), Apple concluded, “You need a new iPad”.

Say WHAT?

I didn’t ask for a new iPad, just that they fix the one that is a year old.  But that’s the kind of customer service Apple still has that makes me an Apple fan boy.

Android, Schmandroid!

I can’t see straight because Apple loves me and cares about me – at least that has been my experience with them.

Wouldn’t it be nice if radio could care the same way about its listeners and advertisers?

Well, I know a station owner that does.

It’s Jerry Lee at B101 in Philly along with his chief exec Blaise Howard.  They are so impressive I don’t know why we aren’t all sitting in a hotel room in Philly and stealing everything they do.

Actually, there is no need.  They will give it away because Lee has this cockamamie idea that if all radio does well, he does well. 

Jerry Lee has agreed to work with me on my upcoming 5th annual Media Solutions Conference in Philadelphia.  There’s no spin with this guy.  He tells you how he feels.

Here’s what other stations are missing as radio continues its self-imposed decline.

We’re not going to make radio a growth industry again by getting young listeners.  Young people have found other devices to use for on-demand content.  Our audience is aging.

We’re not going turn a smartphone into a radio as much as we may want to because phones make lousy radios and radio is generally lousy compared to even ten years ago.

What we should be doing is what B101 does which is super serve the available audience and then work as concerned partners with advertisers.

B101 tests their commercials to see if they are effective as part of their deal.

Most radio stations don’t even follow up on flights.  They just try to sell something else which is why the rates reflect the commodity that radio has become.

This is worth focusing on.

Radio has a lot of good years left even without audience growth if it learns to super serve its available audience and help advertisers convey commercial messages more effectively.

In fact, there can be growth.  B101 is one of the top billers in Philadelphia year after year, in spite of Millennial erosion, the People Meter and without much of a digital presence – and no streaming!

This is what I want to get into:

  1. Creating a new partnership with advertisers by helping them help you.  No more selling spots.  Let Clear Channel and Cumulus do the automated selling.  If radio ads reach consumers and ring the cash register of advertisers, you grow.  You’ll want to take notes on this.
  2. Developing on-air content that is so consistent and desirable that audiences crave it. 
  3. Creating stations where listeners want to identify themselves with your station.  If you talk to some of the radio pros who programmed radio stations in the 60’s and 70’s, they will tell you their audiences identified themselves by what the station stood for.  Now, do you ever hear anyone say “I love W-whatever because of iHeartRadio”?  But WMMS in Cleveland, WMMR in Philly and KMET in Los Angeles were a few stations where the station was the embodiment of the programming not the owner.
  4. And how to do all of this without breaking the bank in a new cost-conscious age of radio.  Actually, there’s a new way to look at cost effectiveness.

Make radio grow again.

Here is the curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference along with a link to reserve a seat:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

Now that’s a media conference worth attending.

A one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

What Clear Channel Is Keeping From Employees

Yeah, we know they’re a media plus entertainment company.

That they love concerts using singers who get airplay and publicity in return for working for free.

Bla Bla Bla.

But what Clear Channel is keeping from their employees is more important because it reveals their real intentions for radio and the employees who still have jobs.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How the current raises they are handing out to some employees will end.
  2. And the “going” percentage increase – not the highest, the average.
  3. The sinister purpose of those mandatory Employee Engagement surveys.
  4. What can never leak out about Clear Channel regional markets.
  5. The last thing the company wants its employees to know about RIFs.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,463 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Master Radio & Digital Together

The terrifying question for established traditional media companies such as TV networks and radio is how to do digital while still reaping current levels of revenue from broadcasting.

Networks are frightened of Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go and on-demand viewing of all kinds.

They’re even afraid of DVRs that allow audiences to time delay their viewing.

One reason is that time shifting diminishes the broadcast model and a second is that you can bet the ranch that no one watching time shifted content is going to watch commercials.

In radio, the issue is how to keep on broadcasting even though digital devices make live broadcasting less attractive. 

Pandora is the new radio – sorry, but it just keeps growing and growing.

And time shifted is the new live.

In radio there are still those who think the world is flat and these folks are holding onto every hope that a smartphone can become a radio.

Not happening and will not happen. 

No digital strategy has emerged for radio and time is wasting.

There had better be a Plan B.

But there is a way to master digital content and broadcasting simultaneously creating two strong revenue streams.

But it takes an open mind and some guts.

  1. Don’t do the same thing on the air that you do for digital because you’re killing both off.  Now with this strategy radio gets a new mission at the same time digital is redeployed to be more effective.
  2. Live broadcasting must take on a new purpose.  If it resembles satellite radio or Pandora, radio’s goose is cooked.  But there are ways to reinvigorate live broadcasting and giving it a new lease on life and I’d like to share them.
  3. Consider using radio stations as preview channels for digital.  It’s not hard to do.
  4. I’ve got an outline for a new morning show that a) never makes it to the airwaves; b) isn’t a podcast and c) is so appealing to audiences that crave time shifting, you’re going to wonder why you never thought of it.  If you attend my event, ask me to outline it.
  5. Jerry Lee, the successful B-101, Philadelphia owner has it right.  Streaming is a waste of time.  There are more useful ways to redeploy radio assets.  Jerry Lee will be on our faculty when we address a new way to grow revenue without digital.  You’ll kick yourself for not seeing this path.
  6. There are three things that must be done to succeed in digital and if one of them is not fulfilled, you will not succeed.  Do you know the three things? You’ll need to.
  7. Great news.  You can get listeners to pay YOU even though you are not going to stop running commercials.  They will pay you because what you’re about to find out is their hot button is something you can do.  Cha-ching, a third revenue source after spots and digital revenue.
  8. Ask me about how to create a new kind of time shifted radio content that listeners will buy from you like a DVD or better yet, a series of new content that they can subscribe to.

Sit home if you want or rehash the same old ideas from broadcasting conventions and shows.

But if this sounds a little more optimistic than trying to add on streaming and social media to radio stations that are currently seeing a decline in money demo aged audiences, then keep in mind, the necessary skills are already in our wheelhouse.

First, we must be willing to learn about it, teach those around us and oversee implementation without hesitation.

I’ll present the ideas and bring in the experts. 

Will you invest one day to embrace these forward-looking strategies?

Here is the curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference along with a link to reserve a seat today:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

One day.

March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia presented by Jerry Del Colliano with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

5 Things You Don’t Know About 2014 Cumulus Plans

The Dickeys are pretty secretive guys. 

But a lot has been leaking out lately about what they have planned next and since I don’t take their advertising, have them speak at my conferences or marry their sisters, I’m ready to spill it all.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Programming changes that were unthinkable a year ago.
  2. A major Cumulus exec is on the way out.
  3. John Dickey unhinged – scary plans that don’t need the blessing of Lew.
  4. This major decision to monitor on debt with repercussions for every station and employee across the group.
  5. Mergers and acquisitions – doom and gloom ahead.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,460 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

 NewsTip Hotline • Talk to Jerry • Conference • Follow Jerry

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Get Credit For Lost Listening

Netflix doesn’t measure its success by ratings.

Their House of Cards became a hit without Nielsen and no matter how the media establishment tries to get Netflix to release viewership totals they refuse.

I know.

Media people say if the numbers were really smash hit big, Netflix would release them.  But Netflix sees the media future better than that.

After just three weeks of the new TV season, networks are slightly – and I mean – slightly up in attracting national audiences.  Network execs are on their hands and knees each night praying that when DVR numbers come in they can show some growth because their live audiences are down 10-30%.

What’s worse is that the new TV season isn’t attracting the money demos networks want because, to be honest, Millennials don’t watch TV.  They watch streaming media and video.  They are left to their own devices.

Perhaps you saw Netflix stock go through the roof yesterday – up almost $24 for the day to close above $324.  Full disclosure:  I own Netflix stock and if you’re a regular reader you can probably figure out why.

Media people love metrics and that’s the world radio stations live in.  Now with Nielsen taking over Arbitron and emphasizing audio instead of only radio, you can see that this is going to end ugly.

Unless, good operators can find ways to move beyond their addiction to audience estimates that aren’t fully crediting them with the legitimate audiences they attract.

Ask any talk station if Pee Pee M ratings are accurately reflecting audience.  And there is a reason Dan Mason has most of his CBS music stations sucking up to Pee Pee M methodology. 

But now, think beyond audience ratings.

Are you getting credit for lost listening?

The answer is no and is never going to be yes as long as there is a lopsided reliance on Nielsen metrics. 

At my upcoming conference I am going to demonstrate how to create the most compelling audience smorgasbord for potential advertisers to feast on.

1.  How to put ratings in perspective.

You know what some of the brightest radio managers and market managers do when Pee Pee M gives them a ratings boost.  They ignore it and ask salespeople to keep selling without shooting off their mouths because Nielsen giveth and taketh away.  Caution:  you’re entering a danger zone even when you get good Pee Pee M ratings and smart managers know it.  Desperate managers try to sell it until the instability of Pee Pee M blows up in their faces.

2.  Heavy up on ways to show audience influence.  That’s what Netflix does.  All that positive press, social buzz and Millennial pandering.  If you join us at this conference, please ask me how to create events, content and buzz that is so palpable that buyers will be more interested in them than in cold, unreliable ratings.

3.  Find someone other than Nielsen to give your audience listening more legitimacy.  Again that’s what Netflix did yesterday to get that one-day $24 increase in share price.  They announced a deal with Sony Pictures to develop television shows exclusively for Netflix – the first big studio to do such a thing.  See what I mean?  Sony made Netflix more legitimate.  We need to work on ways to do this because Beyoncé and Katy Perry appearing at a trumped up music festival isn’t getting that job done.

Once and for all, see ahead to a new way to get credit for lost listening.

Here is the curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference along with a link to reserve a seat today:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.  Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

A powerful agenda for a media conference worth attending.

A one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Monday, October 14, 2013

Innovate the Next Radio

When T-Mobile agreed to merge with AT&T it was considered a forgone conclusion kind of like when a large radio company looks to buy even more radio stations.

Unfortunately for AT&T the deal was not approved by regulators because AT&T would then have controlled 73% of the mobile market -- and that is too much even for this age of consolidation to run wild.

AT&T was so confident that the deal would be approved that they agreed to pay T-Mobile a $3 billion “breakup” fee along with valuable spectrum licenses if it didn’t.

AT&T lost.

Consumers won.

And T-Mobile never had it so good because it has become an innovation monster in the staid and monopolistic mobile space.

T-Mobile has become the “Uncarrier” breaking all the rules.

It did away with contracts, allows consumers to buy a phone outright and pay for it over months in installments unlike the other carriers that force you to buy an iPhone by taking out a 2-year contract that doesn’t decrease in price when your phone is paid off.

T-Mobile most recently installed free roaming for those who visit 100 countries overseas so they no longer have to fear running up a cellular bill from hell while away.

Adversity forced T-Mobile to either shake things up and reinvent itself or die on the vine without a merger partner.

Now imagine for a moment what would happen in radio if everyone but radio’s two biggest monopolies, Clear Channel and Cumulus, the two largest that own almost everything, decided to innovate the hell out of radio.

Even good local broadcasters – and there are far too few of them these days – are following the “leaders” to their ultimate destruction as they will see.

It spells death for radio if it doesn’t change.

Imagine if good local operators or a group became the “Unradio” broadcaster.

That’s what I will teach at my upcoming Media Solutions Conference in Philadelphia.

Ask me to talk about how a radio station can disrupt its customary revenue stream and sell commercials AND attract listener contributions a la public stations.  It can be done and I’m going to show you how to do it.

But you have to offer something different, compelling – something audiences demand to get them to build a private revenue stream of contributions along with your commercial revenue stream.

Ask me to get into becoming the “Uncommercial Radio Station” – no, not a station without commercials but a station without the kind of commercials that are being done today.  Jerry Lee at B101 in Philadelphia is doing pioneer work in this area and he will be on my faculty for this topic.  If you’re serious, this man is doing it now.

Ask me how you can eliminate virtually every roadblock to making digital-era listeners love radio again by being the “Unradio” station.  Push me and I’ll go category by category until you won’t be able to get home soon enough to start embracing these innovations.

We can do this.

Innovate the Next Radio.

Here is the curriculum for the 2014 Media Solutions Conference along with a link to incentives that make it accretive to reserve a seat today:

1.  Disrupt Your Radio Station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.   Innovate the next radio creating new revenue streams and solving virtually every objection digital-age listeners have about radio.

2.  Master Digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most Effective Social Media Strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up to get with it.

4.  Reverse The Decline of Radio Listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed At Short Form Video

No matter what kind of content you create going forward, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 Million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time Shifting Radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

Now that’s a media conference worth attending.

A one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Monday, October 14, 2013

Clear Channel Employee Crackup

A meltdown occurred at Clear Channel’s Sacramento cluster and scary in so many ways not the least of which is that good people are now beginning to break under the pressure.

You won’t see this documented account in the Rah-Rah Radio press. 

It’s too ugly and Clear Channel does not want it to get out.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  An eyewitness account of the meltdown of an outstanding 20-year Clear Channel vet.

2.  Toxic conditions leading up to the meltdown.

3.  The disgusting excuse station management gave its other employees.

4.  Clear Channel’s bizarro follow-up to the toxic workplace the next day.

5.  Warning signs being ignored:  Several suicides that may be directly related to workplace stress are being covered up by radio companies.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,458 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

NewsTip Hotline • Talk to Jerry • Conference • Follow Jerry

Friday, October 11, 2013

Clear Channel Rethinks Raises

You don’t get to be called The Evil Empire by being nice.

Evil is the opposite of nice.

So when Bob “Pitchman” Pittman came up with his 1,345th new idea since he invented MTV, the loyal employees of Clear Channel held their collective breath.

Pitchman was going to hand out raises – the first raises in at least 8 years – to people who qualified for them.

And that was the first indication these raises were not going to be what Clear Channel wanted their employees to think they would be.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Same day raises and firings – no kidding, that blatant. 
  2. First indication of the average pay “raise” Clear Channel employees are getting.
  3. Rolling layoffs – this is really evil.
  4. Plus, a look ahead to 2014 – Clear Channel’s new way to cut operating costs while saving on salaries.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,457 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

Confidential NewsTip Hotline • Talk to Jerry privately • Follow Jerry

Final weeks to save $200 on 2014 Media Solution Conference

Friday, October 11, 2013

Become Proficient At Time Shifting Radio

It’s not streaming or podcasting or repurposing radio programming that will insure the future.

It’s time shifting.

Time shifting is the hot trend by consumers to record content for replay on-demand at a later time.  On their schedules not those of broadcasters whose expertise is to air content in real-time.

Time shifting is turning the TV industry upside down right now as network programs viewed in real-time are down almost 30% on the average in Nielsen ratings for this new Fall TV season.

Netflix and HBO Go as well as other on-demand sources are feeding the monster that the radio industry to date has not even thought about.

There is no plan. 

No ideas. 

Failure of a good solid radio station to dominate their brand in the digital marketplace could be catastrophic in terms of audience and revenue.

Time shifting radio content has been added to the curriculum at my upcoming Media Solutions Conference.

Creating content for time shifting.

Assessing whether terrestrial content is also adaptable for time shifting or will new approaches be necessary.  Knowing this one thing alone will save time and money while moving decisively to stay relevant to money demographics.

How to brand it, deliver it, create it and sell it to advertisers.

The Fifth Annual 2014 Media Solutions Conference March 26th in Philadelphia is presented for forward-thinking broadcasters and content creators who want to become proficient at time shifting and the most critical key areas below.  Final weeks to save $200 for each person registered.

Media Solutions Conference Curriculum:

1.  Disrupt your radio station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.

2.  Master digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most effective social media strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up.

4.  Reverse the decline of radio listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed at short form video

No matter what kind of content you create, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time shifting radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is a valuable one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Miley Cyrus

So what were you expecting her to do?

Be Hanna Montana for the rest of her life, overdose on drugs and live life as a has-been child star?

Miley Cyrus is teaching school – showing media and music people that the next generation refuses to play by their old rules.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Imagine if radio stations and record labels threw out their tired old rules.  Sample the great stuff you would get.

2.  How the media business is constipated.  Here’s how Miley Cyrus is providing the ex-lax.

3.  What would happen if old media actually had a few Miley moments?  Try it.

4.  The age at which audiences stop accepting new music, new programming, new ideas.  Can you guess what it is?  I think you’ll be surprised.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

Access this story PLUS 2,454 previous stories, here.  Search Stories.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

Report NewsTips • Contact Jerry • Follow Jerry • Conference Info

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Advanced Time Shifting for Radio

Time shifting is the new real-time.

Live is out, on-demand is in.

Broadcasting is not necessary to the 80 million Millennials coming of age who have forced monumental changes on traditional media companies by demanding and getting time shifted content.

Network TV can’t even equal last year’s ratings early into this year’s new Fall season without relying on DVR (time shifted) audience figures.  Without them, networks are down 10-30% in viewing.

House of Cards, Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black among other shows could not exist without binge-watching Millennials and their enablers HBO, Netflix and the DVR.

There is no way that radio will survive as a media force to be reckoned with unless it learns how to time shift.

Radio people think time shifting is podcasting, streaming regurgitated content or repackaging on-air material.

Time shifting audiences for radio must be short form content, an entirely new way to create and market programs and a new delivery system that does not exist presently.

It’s exciting and scary but we can do this and do it well.

That’s why creating advanced short form content for time shifted audiences is in the curriculum at the 2014 Media Solutions Conference March 26th in Philadelphia.

Media Solutions Conference Curriculum:

1.  Disrupt your radio station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.

2.  Master digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most effective social media strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up.

4.  Reverse the decline of radio listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed at short form video

No matter what kind of content you create, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time shifting radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is a valuable one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

PittmanCare & Dickey Doesn’t Care

Try a subscription to Inside Music Media for a month and start with this:

1.  How radio companies are going to use ObamaCare to screw over employees in the months ahead.

2.  And, how the two largest radio talk franchises plan to use ObamaCare to crash the format. 

3.  The simple adjustment that would get some of the 80 million Millennials who don’t like radio to sample it. 

4.  My prediction from a year ago about talk radio’s future is coming true – moves to pull the plug on talk, two in the past week alone.

Access this story now and try a monthly subscription, here.

It’s worth it!  You can’t get honest and insightful media information like this anywhere else. Thousands of members are all in.  Unlock this story and see for yourself.

Report NewsTips • Contact Jerry • Follow Jerry • Conference Info

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Creating A New Kind of Short Form Radio Content

Time shifting is here.

Binge TV watching.  On-demand consumption of content.  The explosion of time shifted DVR watching of network programs.

Live is out. 

On-demand in.

This presents a great opportunity to radio where everything still starts on the top of the hour even though listeners don’t.  Where programming decisions are made for how they will help Nielsen ratings rather than how they will affect audiences who access content on their terms not ours.

All this is going to have to change.  Radio will have to learn how to time shift as well or fall further behind.

But there are major hazards ahead.

Radio people think time shifting is podcasting or making some radio content (or all) available on a delayed basis.  Some erroneously think it is delay streaming of terrestrial content.

It’s the other way around.

Radio will need to do the best on-air broadcasting it has ever done – and it’s safe to say that is not happening in the era of consolidation.

And what’s more, radio stations will have to master the fine art of creating short form content for hungry on-demand listeners who are time shifting everything else and will expect it of radio if radio is to remain relevant.

Creating a new kind of short form content for time shifted audiences is in the curriculum at the 2014 Media Solutions Conference March 26th in Philadelphia.

Media Solutions Conference Curriculum:

1.  Disrupt your radio station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.

2.  Master digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most effective social media strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up.

4.  Reverse the decline of radio listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed at short form video

No matter what kind of content you create, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time shifting radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is a valuable one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Group Registrations

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Audience Revolt

Did you hear about Twitter?

In a Wall Street Journal poll dichotomy exists between the most popular network TV shows and the most tweeted TV shows.

Breaking Bad had 9.3 million tweets and The Voice had 3.8 million.

As popular as Breaking Bad is, the most tweeted about show isn’t even in Nielsen’s top ten. 

Meanwhile media companies are making big decisions on bad information.

Here’s some good information.

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1.  Real time broadcasting is declining but this is red hot.

2.  Social media as we know it is ready to crash and burn – the 2 survivors.

3.  Pandora’s continuing popularity is a monumental shift in music preference – here’s your counter attack.

4.  They hate commercials, banner ads and pre-roll video commercials but they crave this!

5.  They have already replaced Facebook with this and the numbers don’t lie.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The Secrets of Time Shifting Radio

Consumers are demanding it and every medium is rushing to give them what they want.

Except radio.

And that is going to have to change for the obvious reason and because radio stations, former employees and entrepreneurs can do radio time shifting perhaps better than other media.

TV networks, losing audiences by as much as 30% compared to only a year ago are reluctantly finding ways to time shift content as the DVR (time shifted content) has become more crucial to their ratings and revenue.

And now radio will have to learn how to time shift as well or fall further behind.

Netflix has made a sizeable investment in creating original programming such as the acclaimed House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black.  Amazon just announced it will manufacture and market a new streaming box.

Broadcasting risks becoming totally irrelevant to audiences that expect to enjoy content on-demand.

Time shifting radio is a serious topic and not suitable for just a panel discussion.  It’s prominently on the curriculum at the 2014 Media Solutions Conference March 26th in Philadelphia.

Media Solutions Conference Curriculum:

1.  Disrupt your radio station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.

2.  Master digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most effective social media strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up.

4.  Reverse the decline of radio listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed at short form video

No matter what kind of content your create, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time shifting radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is a valuable one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Clear Channel Cutbacks Reach the Tipping Point

Adopts the new 51% rule.

What are “deflecting” raises?

Curse of “lucky” employees.

Hello PittmanCare!

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Time Shifting Radio

Time shifting is the hottest thing in media.  Time shifting is the recording of a program to be viewed or listened to at a time more convenient to the consumer.

TV networks losing audiences by as much as 30% compared to only a year ago are reluctantly finding ways to time shift content as the DVR (time shifted content) has become more crucial to their ratings and revenue.

And now radio will have to learn how to time shift as well or fall further behind.

Do you take broadcast streams and repackage them or create something new and different? 

Netflix has made a sizeable investment in creating original programming such as the acclaimed House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black.  Amazon just announced it will manufacture and market a new streaming box.

Broadcasting risks becoming totally irrelevant to audiences that expect to enjoy content on-demand.

Time shifting radio is on the curriculum at the 2014 Media Solutions Conference March 26th in Philadelphia.

Media Solutions Conference Curriculum:

1.  Disrupt your radio station

Blow it up without losing your loyal fans.  Gain audience by attacking all the things digital age listeners hate about radio before a digital competitor does.  Study the plan to drastically alter and destroy the old structure the way Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Netflix did.

2.  Master digital

Learn how people you probably don’t know make millions of dollars in digital without running commercials or even selling banner ads.  It is being done right now but traditional media isn’t doing it.  Consider this your game plan.

3.  Most effective social media strategies

Social media shakeup alert!  Instagram is ousting Facebook.  Twitter is in trouble despite its IPO.  Horror of all horrors – texting with pictures is where you should be but social media is no longer just about staying connected so if your radio station is relying on today’s social media, this is a heads up.

4.  Reverse the decline of radio listening

Learn the most effective approach to reinvigorating a radio station that is under attack from digital competitors.  The secret is in one paragraph you will want to memorize as your credo.  We will brainstorm together on steps that will guarantee that you will find new radio listeners by outsmarting digital competitors.

5.  Succeed at short form video

No matter what kind of content your create, it must include short form video.  But short form video is no longer your children’s YouTube.  There are new risks, new rewards and endless ways to create video content that is compelling and financially rewarding.  We will cover it.

6.  Engaging 80 million Millennials

They hate radio.  And use music like toothpaste.  But there is a way to engage Millennials.  I will share my work in generational media that indicates this young and massive audience is available to traditional media such as radio, TV and the record industry but not by continuing the status quo.  You’ll come away knowing their hot buttons and their turn offs.

7.  Time shifting radio

All content must be available on-demand – everything.  The audience is demanding it and every medium except radio is responding.  How to create time shifted radio content.  Whether to rely on over-the-air broadcasts for time shifting or create new content.  How to market time shifting as a new stream of revenue. Go to school on time shifting.

This is a valuable one-day seminar presented by Jerry Del Colliano March 26, 2014 at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia with the assistance of clinical guest faculty.

Reserve a Seat

Friday, October 4, 2013

Audio In a Digital World

Change the name and all your problems go away, right?

Nielsen on day one changes Arbitron to Nielsen Audio and all of a sudden radio became cool again.

Wrong.

Much more importantly, what is the future of audio such as podcasts, TV talk shows and even radio in a world obsessed with video?

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  1. The number one best way to make audio as compelling as, say, a YouTube video is to do this one thing that no content creator ever does.  I dare you to try it once.
  2. How long or how short must audio content be in the digital era – we nail it here.
  3. Even if you are a pretty good content provider – say, a rare outstanding radio station – you must never, ever make the mistake of taking this strategy if you want to compete with the growing popularity of video.
  4. The best way to produce audio if you are a forward-looking content provider.
  5. How to create content that audiences will crave not just listen to.

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Thursday, October 3, 2013

The Government Shutdown

The government shutdown will end.

The radio shutdown is permanent.

All sides agree that the present government shutdown is bad but for media people who want to be around for the future, it is loaded with what to do next.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The new risk of pandering to audiences.  Rush does it.  Should others?
  2. Is radio Microsoft or Apple?  The secret of winning over change makers.
  3. What’s fast becoming more important than metrics and how to hedge your bet on ratings.  Even Nielsen “Audio” is hedging so it’s time to get with it.
  4. This magical station character builder that is better than any promo, positioner or brand name any media executive has ever conjured up.  Steal it.
  5. The perfect program director for the future and its not the ones running things today.
  6. How radio can be turned around on a dime using this formula implemented by Ford CEO Alan Mulally.  The one question I am about to share is how Ford came back from the brink and traditional media can, too.

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2014 Media Solutions Conference Details

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Hiring Bad

Clear Channel looks for people to recruit from TV and entertainment with no radio management skills required.

Cumulus hires sloppy seconds and people who work outside the industry so the suckers – I mean, job candidates – don’t know the downside of working for the Dickeys.

The one thing the radio industry can control – the quality of its managers – it blows it!

But management skills necessary to remain viable are changing and you have to look beyond corporate radio to get a true fix on them.

Here are the skills that will be prized over the years ahead by good media companies and startups

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  1. The most important skill in the digital age.  If you have this – and very few current radio managers do – you’re hired anywhere.
  2. The most important asset that makes you attractive to operators like Hubbard, Cox, Bonneville, CBS and Saga.
  3. The unspoken qualification that is almost non-existent in radio and irresistible to great companies.
  4. This one unique ability to be endeared among the people you lead.
  5. The secret to managing talented Millennials who don’t work for asses and don’t stay where they don’t like it. 

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Time Shifting Radio – at my Philly management conference

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

24-Hour Ultimatum Issued To Clear Channel Stations

Big changes ahead at hundreds of local Clear Channel stations.

Corporate is forcing local market managers to get all in or get out.

Panic is setting in as the fourth quarter begins and revenue is off.

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  1. The sneak attack on local stations that were given just 24 hours to sign on to a corporate change that totally remakes what goes on the air in programming and advertising.
  2. Clear Channel is force-feeding programming and advertising changes on local stations that never asked for it and don’t want it.
  3. The money problems that led up to Clear Channel panicking into this move that goes into effect soon.
  4. Clear Channel’s corporate version of selling ice to the Eskimos is forcing so-called “local” services to stations that don’t have any local programming. 
  5. The Big Reveal:  Why forcing long-term contracts on owned stations makes absolutely no sense unless – well, unless they are thinking of selling them.  Here’s how.

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Monday, September 30, 2013

Monumental Changes Coming To Social Media

I’ve always believed that when Wall Street gets its money off the table and into stocks like Facebook, it’s all over.

After a botched Facebook IPO which was, in my view, many years too late, the most out of date social media network of all is suddenly the darling of Wall Street.

Last week, Facebook stock that had gone below the $20 a share mark previously was selling out of its head in the $50 range.

What are they, nuts?

Facebook is so very over and the world of social media that we are banking the future on is about to undergo transformational change.

Now, here’s what to do about it:

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  1. One of the most important new social media sites – and it will be bigger than Facebook.
  2. The deadliest use of social media including Facebook.  You must stop doing this now or risk the consequences going forward.
  3. Major revelation:  what is fast becoming more important than “clicks” and “likes”?
  4. The awesome secret of how to post better content – try this and you will never go back to what you’re posting now.
  5. Yes or No?  Post more cutting edge content.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Clear Channel Pay Raises To Precede Fall Layoffs

This is Bob Pittman’s ingenious plan to spin more fall layoffs as a pay raise first.

The good news is that finally, some Clear Channel employees will get raises.

The bad news is that seniority takes a backseat to favoritism because the chosen ones are in line for raises.

And to pay for them, more jobs will have to be eliminated quickly after.

Ugly details revealed here.

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  1. Who gets raises and who does not including exempt job categories.
  2. Clear Channel’s one caveat – this is not a done deal yet.
  3. The Bain Approach:  the outrageous way Clear Channel will determine who is worthy of a pay raise. 
  4. When the first raises are set to begin along with when the first fall layoffs will start.
  5. And how big both will be.

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Dire Warning About FM Radio

There is new evidence that miscalculations and failed strategies are now jeopardizing radio’s last chance to attract money demos.

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  1. How FM radio’s biggest strategic move has suddenly hit the wall – avoid doing this now.
  2. The one thing that most FM broadcasters do that actually loses audience.
  3. Revenue godsend – do this (even a little bit) and make up for lost on-air revenue immediately.
  4. And, the new free flowing revenue stream that is being missed by 99% of all radio stations.

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Clear Channel 2014: Anything But Radio

CEO Bob Pittman has been working a carefully considered plan all year to gain control of every aspect of the company to remake it in his image.

Wait until you see what he is going to roll out in 2014.

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  1. The new endangered species at Clear Channel who had better get their resumes ready.
  2. Reimagining the physical radio station – only a venture capital guy could build a radio station that will look like this.
  3. A shocking corporate reorganization with many suck ups not seeing the axe coming their way.  Consider this your warning.
  4. The biggest change in local selling in the history of radio starts in the year ahead at Clear Channel but as you will see, it’s radical.
  5. To make matters worse, a massive layoff that could claim as much as another 5% of the remaining workforce.
  6. Two new non-radio initiatives that will require money that previously went to radio salaries.  Done deal.
  7. A new innovative and evil way to fire people harkening back to the days of the Soviet Union – yes, that brutal.

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Paid Content Is King

Paid and premium channels cleaned up at the Emmys Sunday night.

Free radio listening and advertising continues in free fall.

Free has become another word for warmed over and worth what you’re paying for it – nothing.

So what should free media do, give up?

Hell, no. 

Here are action steps that can make all the difference.

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  1. What free TV needs to do to compete with Netflix, HBO and premium cable channels that are pursuing a new strategic plan.
  2. Reality shows and quiz shows are out because younger money demos don’t watch them, but there is one thing so addictive, even a snarky Gen Y can’t resist it.
  3. Radio can cut anywhere it wants, but here’s where to put the money to finally give it a chance to compete head-on with digital competitors.  One, sure way that younger money demo listeners actually crave. 
  4. Radio needs to create digital content that is unlike anything any station is currently doing – you have never seen this action plan but you will love it.
  5. The perils of social media where users are pulling back – how not to go down with Twitter and Facebook if you use social media.

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Monday, September 23, 2013

8 Things Guaranteed To Happen in Radio

  1. Have many years does Lew Dickey have left and how will it end for him.
  2. Bob Pittman’s end game for Clear Channel.
  3. The nice little radio company that will soon be fighting for its survival unless it does this.
  4. The over/under on whether Les Moonves will sell CBS Radio.
  5. How long do sellers have to sell their radio stations or face declining prices.
  6. The one thing the radio industry will be doing a lot of next year.
  7. A shocker about the digital dashboard that radio stations are fighting to be part of.
  8. In one year, radio stations will start losing double its present audience to this competitor out of nowhere. 

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Monday, September 23, 2013

NBC’s Million Second Quiz

How could Comcast/NBC get it so very wrong?

A live quiz show aimed at younger viewers that has absolutely nothing younger audiences want.

Nothing.

6 things you never knew about attracting younger audiences in the digital age.

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  1. If you want to own younger money demo audiences, there is only one thing you have to do – in fact, you must do.  One thing yet nobody does it.
  2. No self-respecting young person will watch real time TV or listen to real time radio morning shows.  No problem, try this.
  3. How binge watching, the current national obsession, translates so easily to radio.  First in wins.
  4. The best way to get viral buzz – and The Million Second Quiz won’t be doing it but you can.
  5. Steal this idea!  How to turn a radio station into Netflix.  Now, that’s disruptive!

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Friday, September 20, 2013

John Hogan’s Replacement

Clear Channel has been on a hiring spree lately.

Lots of new people who are no damn good if your goal is to improve audiences and profits on radio stations.

Speaking of no damn good, there are lots of ambitious radio execs in the company ready to take the president’s job.

But John Hogan’s replacement is already in the house and Hogan doesn’t even know it until he reads it here.

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Programming Against iTunes Radio

You can ignore another big competitor to radio or you can counterprogram it.

After all, how did ignoring and denigrating Pandora work out for radio?

At the current National Association of Bullshit (NAB) Radio Show, panels are in full denial mode that Pandora is kicking its ass city by city – and I’m not just talking metrics. 

Enter iTunes Radio that debuted Wednesday on a mobile device near you with almost 200 million iTunes members keeping credit cards on file with Apple.

Even if you think Apple poses no threat to radio, it is too big to ignore.

I mean, new music Tuesday is bigger on iTunes than on any terrestrial radio station.

This is an opportunity for radio to counter-program.

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  • The only powerful thing radio has that streaming services like iTunes Radio and Pandora will never have.  Do you know what it is?  Now you must.
  • The biggest thing 80 million Millennials hate about streaming music services.  Know it and counter.
  • The commercial Millennials cannot resist – in fact, they love it.  Take note.
  • How do you compete with zip code-targeted advertising like Pandora does if you are a local radio station?  Apple has sold $10 million campaigns to many advertisers.  
  • The most effective way of competing with streamers like iTunes Radio:  program in the now.  Here’s how.

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Song ADD Threatens Music Radio

Music radio is based on the assumption that if you play the right song, the audience will listen to it unless or until you play one they don’t like or run commercials.

These are the traditional rules of audience engagement.

But not anymore.

Now there is growing evidence that audiences – especially the 80 million Millennials radio must have to grow – increasingly suffer from severe song attention deficit.

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  • There is a clever new way to program music radio to counteract increasingly short attention spans. 
  • A way to counteract decreasing attention spans to actually get listeners to not tune out even when they like the song they are hearing and their attention runs out.
  • Even a shrewd strategy you will love to get them to listen to your best and smartest advertisers.
  • Program music radio so radically different that you will make your competitors sound like 1968.  Better hope they don’t read this first.
  • Solid disruptive ideas to deal with listener A.D.D.  Use even one of them and turn a growing disadvantage into a huge advantage.  You’ll want to add the rest.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Monster 35-Unit Spot Breaks Have Arrived

I didn’t believe it either.

And you know what the offending radio group is going to say:  Jerry made it up.

That’s until I share with you the secret memo from a corporate programming VP that confirms it all in their own words.

What’s worse, now a second group is apparently also onboard with monster commercial breaks.  And more are likely to follow leaving good groups all alone.

To accomplish monster breaks, as you will soon see, the old rules will soon be out.

Get ahead of this.

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  1. A leaked secret memo thanks to our Witness Protection Program that reveals the new, revised breakdown of spots hourly and for each break.
  2. The well-known programming exec who joked in a conference call:  “So this does mean that you could have a spot break with 70 or more 10 seconds spots”.  But it’s no joke.  They already started.  
  3. The arrival of a new category called  “emergency” commercials – what they are and how they are added in.
  4. Believe it or not, wait until you see what doesn’t count toward the limit making them bigger yet.
  5. The monumental move away from the way spot breaks are done currently – this changes everything.
  6. And the question you want answered!  How can competing groups get out ahead of this to their advantage?

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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

iHeartRdio

Cumulus snatched online streaming service Rdio yesterday from the brink of failure.

The happy talk trade press tells us this is simply the Cumulus version of iHeartRadio.

That would be wrong – very wrong.

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  1. Why CEO Lew “Tricky” Dickey bought into a streaming music service now when it’s already too late.
  2. The Clear Channel angle – Dickey wants something major from his larger competitor and hopes doing this deal will get it for him.
  3. Why Rdio?  Why not a healthier streaming service?
  4. Should Cumulus radio employees be worried?  Let’s check the videotape.
  5. How exactly Cumulus plans to deliver $100 million worth of content and services to pay for this acquisition.

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Mind-Blowing Details In the Sale of CBS Radio

Cumulus says it doesn’t need to buy CBS Radio.

CBS says it doesn’t need to sell CBS Radio – maybe just a few smaller clusters.

Neither denies that they are negotiating with each other because to do so would mean big trouble for two public companies at the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Here’s the deal that wins.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The money CBS CEO Les Moonves wants – it just went up again.
  2. The one condition he will not hear of negotiating away.
  3. The CBS timeline – a winning bid would likely follow this sequence of events.
  4. The slight ray of hope for current CBS employees who want all this acquisition talk to go away – it’s there, but as you will see, it is slim.
  5. And the biggest mind-blowing detail of all!  Why CBS is secretly very motivated to sell and sell soon despite all the rhetoric.

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Friday, September 13, 2013

The Real Clear Channel Warner Music Deal

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman’s new royalty deal with one of the big three record labels is worse than you think for radio.

He gets a sweet deal and everybody else gets screwed.

Take an honest look at what Pittman is up to.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. All that Pittman gets in return for just chump change – so let’s answer the question why did Warner become the first of the big 3 labels to cave.
  2. The fatal blow Pittman just delivered to radio stations frantically trying to avoid paying an additional performance tax on the music they play.  You’re now dead.
  3. The desperate move Apple is making with iTunes Radio that surely has Steve Jobs turning over in his grave making Apple as out of touch as Clear Channel and Warner.
  4. More bad news – Millennials have just changed their music listening habits again!  Here’s how.
  5. Everything you need to know about the music industry model of the future over the next 5 to 10 years.

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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Incredible New Discovery About Radio’s Future

Radio doesn’t have to fade away and die.

There’s new information about things that are critical to radio’s survival.

Things you never knew about saving radio from the self-destructive path it is currently on.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. New evidence that radio’s biggest source of listening – in cars – is the wrong strategy.  Forget the car?  Yes, but what to do.
  2. The biggest nightmare will be the digital dashboard, but there is a workaround that will cost you nothing if you jump on it now.
  3. What’s infinitely better than trying to turn a cellphone into a radio?  Back this not that.
  4. Compelling new thinking about commercials, hit music and Pandora – I promise, this is a real eye-opener.
  5. Who holds the key to radio’s future and how to target them effectively.

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Another Clear Channel Surprise Layoff

More downsizing.

More layoffs.

And more programming changes.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The secret corporate email that sets up another layoff opportunity.
  2. This time, the layoffs could greatly affect content all across Clear Channel markets major and regional.
  3. The next worse business in radio that Clear Channel wants to start chopping now.
  4. How soon the next consolidation firings will come.
  5. Do the math!  These layoffs are in addition to the recent Pittman 4-per-market mandated cutbacks.

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Talk Radio Suicide Mission

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the people who could actually save talk radio have a plan to kill it off.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Lew Dickey’s real reason for spending $260 million he doesn’t have to buy Dial Global.
  2. Fatal Subtraction – the plan to starve talk radio right off the dial.
  3. Proof that Millennials aren’t killing off talk radio, greedy bastards looking to discard talk radio as a viable genre are.
  4. The most compelling case study that proves talk radio is dying because Cumulus and Clear Channel don’t believe in it.
  5. The two things Lew Dickey and Bob Pittman could do right now that would reverse the downward slide of talk radio ratings and revenue.

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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

How To Disrupt the Radio Industry

Listening is down.

Advertising is struggling to keep up with an industry no growth revenue number for 2013.

Big owners are systematically eliminating local radio in favor of less expensive national programming and low overhead.

They’re even actively working on a direct online media-buying platform that could make salespeople even more expendable. 

It all seems hopeless.

But some radio companies are doing it right.

Hubbard, Saga, Bonneville, Cox, Lincoln Financial are among them.

And then there’s Jerry Lee who decade after decade leads the Philadelphia market in audience and revenue share – with only one station.

His advertisers love B-101 for good reason – he helps them be more successful in their campaigns.

He has adapted with the times and the generational changes – few radio executives can make that claim.

In an era when the money demo is turning away from radio, his stations win it consistently.

You can listen to John Dickey tell you how Cumulus loses money or you can ask a person who has made money for years – through recessions, with digital competitors.

So I’ve asked Jerry Lee to teach at my 2014 Media Solutions Conference – this year in Philly.

In just five years the Media Solutions Conference has become the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll get at the 2014 Media Solutions Conference:

  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • Master digital media.  Beyond streaming, websites, clicks and likes, pursue a digital strategy that is effective and on-target for the emerging audience.
  • The most effective new social media strategies.  Instagram is replacing Facebook.  Facebook is becoming a picture album.  Twitter, well … Prepare for great change just ahead in social media. 
  • Dealing with shorter attention spans.  Finally, the radio answer to song A.D.D.
  • Reverse the decline of radio listening by making these strategic moves.  
  • How Millennials hold the key to radio’s future.  The largest group of potential new listeners some 80 million strong and coming of age are sending radio and media companies a new list of demands.
  • Slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  New evidence that you can improve PPM ratings by not doing what Arbitron recommends.
  • New digital content businesses to start.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • Succeed at short video, digital audio, text & social media. Become an expert at short-form video.  Amazing ways to morph traditional media into digital.

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Jerry Del Colliano will present emerging trends and will be joined by a faculty of visiting experts.

Reserve a seat at a special rate here.

Book a hotel room on-site at The Rittenhouse Hotel for $249 plus tax by calling 800-635-1042 and mentioning “Media Solutions Conference”.  A limited number of rooms are available at this special rate.

Contact Jerry with questions.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Disturbing Fall Layoff Plans Revealed

Clear Channel and Cumulus are targeting hundreds of employees for their annual layoffs at holiday time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But this year it’s even worse if that’s possible.

More job categories are being targeted.

New methods of firing are ready to be tried.

And a third large radio group is looking to trim costs.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The firing plan for Clear Channel, Cumulus and surprisingly one other company that will try to fire under their cover.
  2. The safe companies – fewer than ever, but these radio groups will likely have very few or no layoffs before the end of the year. 
  3. Two new job categories being targeted by Clear Channel for the first time.
  4. Which radio group will have their biggest layoff ever.
  5. Surprising revelation:  it will be open season on people who do this job.
  6. Advanced Warning!  What signs to watch to know when the axe is getting ready to fall.

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Friday, September 6, 2013

Great New Media Businesses To Start

  1. Short form daily video streaming “TV” show.  Seven minutes or less – ten minutes at the most.  Hyperfocused on audiences that demand unique, compelling and addictive content.  There is one killer new way to monetize this venture and it’s not traditional advertising.
  2. Consultant who shows clients how to find like-minded audiences to respond to programming, marketing and social interaction.  Witness how the young turks who helped President Obama win reelection are now selling their skills to businesses because, as they discovered, it’s not how many people you deliver your product or service to, it’s how many liked-minded people can you find to focus on.  Clue:  radio people know how to do this.  They just don’t realize how to apply it.
  3. Curated music content.  The world doesn’t need another Spotify or Pandora.  In fact, the streaming music business is a slippery slope.  What is needed are knowledgeable people – authorities who know about music, genres, local and regional trends.  The old school radio disc jockey used to provide this critical element, but no longer.  Yet the audience’s craving for music discovery is greater than ever with radio, streamers and web providers letting them down on curation.  Again, radio people were born to do this and can find a new home for their skills if they know how to adapt and anticipate.
  4. In the moment, real-time radio.  All cars will soon have instant touch traffic and weather together in real time as radio loses another formerly exclusive listener attraction.  Imagine a 10-minute “Sports Center” for every local high school.  Current to the latest game.  What parent or grandparent – or for that matter – what student could resist?  You want to make them love radio again?  Play tough – add video.  National radio networks are the wrong answer.  Local, even hyperlocal school sports “stations” are instant moneymakers.

Let’s discuss these and other great new businesses for business people to start when we get together for the 5th Annual Media Solutions Conference – this year in Philadelphia, March 26th.

Discover Jerry’s 2014 Media Conference

Friday, September 6, 2013

Cumulus Tries To Fire Hannity Who Already Quit

Apparently they have run out of people to fire at Cumulus because yesterday the Dickeys just fired someone who already quit very publicly 3 weeks ago.

I guess they should remember because Hannity was quoted everywhere calling Cumulus the worst thing that ever happened to talk radio.

But why stir up this embarrassment now?

One radio trade even issued a breaking news alert yesterday – 3 weeks after the story broke!

Mister Mean Genes and his brother Town Clown are up to something you’re not going to like.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The authentic reason the Dickeys just yesterday fired a guy who publicly quit 3 weeks ago.
  2. A first look at Hannity and Clear Channel’s upcoming surprising big announcement.
  3. Why blowback from their $260 million Dial Global acquisition may be forcing Cumulus to take drastic steps.
  4. Forget the faux Hannity firing – look at the one Cumulus is working on now.
  5. The down-low on what Cumulus is paying Hannity heir apparent Michael Savage.  Clue: they reportedly want him to rebate some salary. 
  6. Armageddon ahead at 40 Cumulus talk stations.

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Disturbing New Clear Channel Hiring Practices

“Breaking Bad” Bob Pittman is acting like he just got the diagnosis that radio is terminal and he’s turning to a life of killing off the very industry that was responsible for making his own bad self the “founder” of MTV.

You won’t believe what he’s got Clear Channel doing to replace all the people he’s firing.

So, here’s the new routine for Clear Channel and you’ll be seeing a lot more of this in the days to come.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The most desirable type of person Clear Channel is now seeking to fill high profile managerial positions.
  2. The new, bigger and better titles that are being offered to recruit this new age Clear Channel employee.
  3. How they’ve changed their position just recently on who makes the best radio executive.
  4. What you can expect going forward – how many new hires versus the number laid off.
  5. And suddenly, the one thing Clear Channel cannot resist on a resume.

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Radio 3-5 Years From Now

If you want to remain viable in radio, you’ve got to do two things.

One -- have a digital platform to which you can move successful radio brands.

Two -- do the best radio you’ve ever done for a new category called “available listeners”.

If I want to know how to do radio that gets ratings and makes tons of money – even today, even with digital competitors, I’m going to listen to WBEB, Philadelphia owner Jerry Lee tell me what’s ahead.

He’ll do it because that’s the way he is – sharing for the good of the industry he loves.

So I’ve asked Jerry to join me at my next media conference March 26th in Philadelphia to get specific.

While Cumulus and Clear Channel play Monopoly, let’s go one-on-one with a guy whose one, profitable station never goes out of style.

Never gets impacted negatively by digital competitors.

This seminar is a unique opportunity to see how focusing on advertisers and listeners always pays off.

I’ll be sharing my insights about the emerging trends for the year ahead.

Jerry Lee will inspire you to be proud, smart and focused on the real advantages of local radio.

Here’s a preview.  Hope you can join us in Philly!

Discover Jerry’s 2014 Media Conference

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Shakeup: Cumulus November to Remember

The $260 million deal was announced Friday.

Today, Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey turned to the happy talk trade press – All Access this time – to spin it.

Meanwhile, financial analysts think he has put Cumulus in worse shape financially.

Now he has to make massive firings to cover his tracks.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Big top management change coming at Cumulus.  Big.
  2. The amount of money Cumulus plans to save when the Dial Glo-bull deal closes – that’s right, save – meaning a massive firing event is part of the deal.
  3. Now we know more about the Cumulus plan to get bigger in bigger markets.
  4. Lew’s backhanded public way of confirming game on for a CBS Radio purchase.
  5. Plus, the question no one ever answers: “What’s wrong with Nash FM and how will your new syndication division market a losing brand?”

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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Hundreds of Heads Ready To Roll At Cumulus

It’s a mistake to think that “only” hundreds of Dial Global jobs are at risk.

That, too.

Existing Cumulus employees are going to pay for Lew Dickey’s station building with their jobs.

Massive layoffs are built into this deal because the numbers don’t work without them. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The unbelievable terms – never before seen in a radio deal – that makes the acquisition of Dial Global and station trading with Townsquare impossible to do without massive cutbacks.
  2. Who gets hit the hardest.
  3. The disturbing plans Cumulus has for the 7,000 Dial Global stations they now program.
  4. The emerging new role of Townsquare Media in the next phase of consolidation.
  5. The big elephant in the room – How deep Lew Dickey must go cutting costs to make this deal float?

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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Announcing Jerry’s Next Media Conference

Philly.

March 26th.

One full day.            

The 2014 Media Solutions Conference is where people who care about new age content come together to discover new ideas, trends in broadcast, digital and social media to get a sense of what will happen next in the coming year.

Here is a preview of what you will get at the next Media Solutions Conference:

  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • Master digital media.  Beyond streaming, websites, clicks and likes, pursue a digital strategy that is effective and on-target for the emerging audience.
  • The most effective new social media strategies.  Instagram is replacing Facebook.  Facebook is becoming a picture album.  Twitter, well … Prepare for great changes just ahead in social media. 
  • Dealing with shorter attention spans.  Finally, the radio answer to “Song A.D.D.”
  • Reverse the decline of radio listening by making these strategic moves.  
  • How Millennials hold the key to radio’s future.  The largest group of potential new listeners some 80 million strong and coming of age are sending radio and media companies a new list of demands.
  • Slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  New evidence that you can improve PPM ratings by not doing what Arbitron recommends.
  • New digital content businesses to start.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • Succeed at short video, digital audio, text & social media.  Become an expert at short-form video.  Amazing ways to morph traditional media into digital.

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Jerry Del Colliano will present emerging trends and will be joined by a faculty of experts.

Register here.

Book a small number of hotel rooms on-site at The Rittenhouse Hotel for a special conference rate of $249 plus tax by calling 800-635-1042 and mentioning “Media Solutions Conference”. 

Contact Jerry with questions.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Disturbing Plans For Clear Channel in 2014

Looks as if Clear Channel is just warming up.

My sources close to the situation say there are secret plans to consolidate operations and layoff many more people in the next 18 months.

Here’s what we know.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The deepest cuts ever are planned – a look at Phase 2.
  2. Bad news for so-called “regional markets”.
  3. The fate of the one remaining programming or ops manager left in many markets.
  4. Why 2014 will be a bad year for the careers of Clear Channel employees holding this endangered job.
  5. Horrors!  Cutbacks in major markets previously considered unthinkable.

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Friday, August 30, 2013

The Next Generation Doesn’t Want To Drive

This is bad news for radio if you can get over the notion that Millennials do not like to listen to radio even when they do.

Think about it.

Cars are expensive ($30,000 on average).

And that’s without fuel.

And insurance.

And that’s for a generation (80 million strong and coming of age now) that has been screwed by corporate America – yes, companies like Clear Channel and Cumulus among many others.

Now, the payback.

Broadcasters don’t know jack about Millennials – nor do they appear to care.  To them, radio is a monopoly game of buying and selling, debt and refinancing debt.  It’s not about offering an innovative product.

For innovation, they look to Netflix (full disclosure:  I own Netflix and Google stock).

There are many misconceptions about Millennials most of which had better get straightened out fast.

Truth is, they are civic-minded.

They don’t see color or sexual preference.

They don’t much like bragging.  Instead they favor authenticity.

Oops, radio’s already in trouble.

Listen to a radio station and hear all the bragging.  Not cool.

They love outrageous personalities but they want them to have talent.

But it’s not all roses for Gen Y.

Millennials who use social media such as Facebook tend to be unhappier than those who do not.  It may be a Facebook thing – bragging about yourself as most do on Facebook affects their social community.  It’s a growing problem.

They don’t listen to songs all the way through – something I want to discuss some more because, well – radio programming is built under the assumption that listeners at least are going to stick around for a song they like and then tune out for commercials or tune away when they hear a song they don’t like.

It’s no longer true.

This is major and all radio can do is talk about music sweeps.

Heck, young listeners don’t stay around for even one song.

Ask a Millennial.  Better yet, observe them.

I’ve got some solutions for this one so we should kick them around together.

Back to not liking to drive cars.

There goes your vaunted digital dashboard.

Gen Y likes public transit – it’s cheap and they can text and search online at will.

These are only problems if they are not understood.

Otherwise, I consider them opportunities I intend to discuss in Philly at my next Media Solutions Conference.

Discover Jerry’s 2014 Media Conference

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Revealed: Cumulus Eyes Another Radio Group

Cumulus is buying Dial Global.

And they’re trying to buy CBS Radio – even the happy talk trade press begrudgingly admits that.

Now a convenient third scenario emerges.

Who needs to be worried.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The real reason Cumulus is buying Dial Global and it’s not their 7,000 client stations.
  2. The radio group Cumulus has its eyes on an eventual takeover target – and I’m not just talking about CBS here.
  3. New information about their attempts to buy CBS Radio.
  4. What happens to Disney’s ABC Radio news deal with Cumulus that expires at the end of the year.
  5. The market that will soon be under Cumulus control and the estimated number of Cumulus markets where employees will see a new owner this year.

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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Miley Cyrus At the VMAs

So she’s half-naked.

And she’s twerking with Robin Thicke.

And it’s the Video Music Awards so who cares.

The next generation sees Miley Cyrus, the VMAs and the music business with the clearest eyes.

No talent.

No excitement.

No clothes (or not much).

No problem.

Let Mika Brzezinski be outraged, she has a right.

But if you want to understand the Millennial audience – those 80 million listeners and viewers coming of age – this is a good opportunity.

MTV is a mere shadow of its former self when Bob Pittman supposedly invented it.  Gen X may have wanted its MTV but MTV ended up giving them reality shows and no music.

They made it on music and then switched to TV shows.

The VMAs are useless.

This isn’t me.

It’s Millennials many of whom wonder out loud why older generations cannot see the real fraud going on – a desperate 20-year-old coming unhinged while everyone is taking advantage of her.

That goes for Robin Thicke who blurred the lines during Miley’s VMA TV abortion.

And Mika’s outraged but in today’s world, it’s all about promotion not performance.

Bare butts – this time Lady Gaga instead of Prince.

It’s not the nudity or the outrageousness, it’s the vacuous performances.

Millennials want authenticity – they insist upon it if you are to be credible to them.

So what does radio do?

Play the same records over and over because they get ratings.

Yes, maybe phony PeePee M ratings but not audiences.

Taylor Swift?

Now she’s the real deal even though the cognoscenti are haters.

She speaks to teens and is a potent force to reckon with and yet many baby boomers and Gen X execs dis her.

The Mad Men era is over.

It’s good TV and lousy policy.

Touting how good you are or being outrageous just to get attention is over.  It will not work.

Be outrageous or scantily clothed, but say something – this is the demand of a new generation.

If you’re looking for a generation gap, look no further than what passes for radio, network TV and the advertising business in the new era of social media.

Some new rules:

  1. Always be authentic.  Show you’re not perfect and you gain in esteem.
  2. Mad Men brag, wise content creators go viral.  Nothing turns off a Millennial more than bragging about yourself.
  3. This generation is very open to alternative lifestyles, gender equality and even outrageous behavior but they rebel against blatant marketing and promotional efforts (i.e., Miley Cyrus at the VMAs).
  4. Of these choices pick b:  A) rip off the audience and create phony buzz using controversy and no talent then raise your rates or B) go real and get the audience to love you first because you are authentic then monetize it.

Let’s continue this conversation at my 2014 Media Solutions Conference in Philadelphia.

Discover Jerry’s 2014 Media Conference

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Deadliest Clear Channel Cuts To Come

This secret plan by The Evil Empire is so potentially debilitating that the cuts being considered are ill-advised even for them.

Yet, there are secret plans to upend the total radio station in ways previously considered unthinkable.

If you’ve been considering subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The two heretofore virtually untouched job categories that are suddenly fair game for elimination at Clear Channel.
  2. The huge corporate savings that are expected from saved salaries and termination of benefits.
  3. The secret plans revealed for the first time while the happy talk trade press provides cover.
  4. Identifying the soon-to-be outsourced jobs. 
  5. What’s worse – as you’ll see – if they get away with this, guess what’s next?

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Alert: Dickey Ups His Bid For CBS Radio

I know, you think in the end Les Moonves won’t really sell CBS Radio.

I understand, but think again.

He now has two bidders running up the price and a fresh new offer from the Dickey Dynasty.

Game on.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Lew Dickey’s new, improved money package to acquire every CBS Radio station. 
  2. What CBS CEO Les Moonves wants now that he reportedly has a 2nd bidder interested in buying his radio division.
  3. Why Dickey actually has Moonves by the balls – this is scary sh#@!
  4. The deal Moonves is chasing.
  5. And for those who think the CBS sale isn’t going to happen!  The time and final price is right here. 

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Major Revelation: How Clear Channel Decides Who To Fire

A smoke and mirror act has been going on during the current 7% workforce reduction at Clear Channel.

Corporate is making it look like the decision on whom to fire is coming from local managers, but we’ve learned that the list was prepared and even dictated from on-high.

Useful information because, we’re sorry to say, Clear Channel is preparing for yet another large force reduction in the next three months.

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  1. The way the layoff list is now prepared and how the firings will be implemented.
  2. These 3 things will almost always get talent fired now and in the future at Clear Channel.
  3. The closest thing to job security for on-air people.
  4. A different and contradictory set of rules is emerging for how and when to fire sales managers – the astounding evidence.
  5. The answer to the question how deep can consolidators like Clear Channel and Cumulus go before the layoffs let up.  It will surprise you.

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Friday, August 23, 2013

Surprise 2nd Group Looking To Buy CBS Radio

This is so urgent Lew Dickey is learning about it while you are – right here, right now.

New details are emerging that there is a potential bidder seriously looking into buying CBS Radio so suddenly Cumulus now has no margin for error.

Are they running the price up or do they really want to buy CBS Radio?

Cumulus needs to bury its debt in a profitable company like CBS or Dickey’s in trouble.

Wait until you hear how advanced these talks are.

CBS employees:  Let us pray.

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  1. The first credible indication that a competitor has emerged to steal CBS Radio away from Cumulus.  No one will have this.
  2. These indications tell us the deal is on a fast track – here’s when it could be announced.
  3. There is a new price – sit down for this.
  4. How Lew Dickey himself may have inadvertently let the 2nd bidder into contention.
  5. The question everyone wants answered!  Is it a radio group or a media company looking to steal CBS Radio from Cumulus and is Cumulus still in the running?

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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Total Nightmare: Listener Revolt

Amazing and dramatic audience changes are brewing.

But media executives are missing them and lots of revenue is at stake.

New attitudes toward radio, TV and even digital are emerging.

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  1. If you’re a radio station, be careful of how you use Facebook.  Don’t get caught in bed with Facebook if you want to become social with the next generation.  There is a cooler choice.
  2. Music programmers beware: younger listeners have radically changed the way they enjoy music.  Know this or you’ll turn them off.
  3. The one big thing radio thinks it is doing right on hit music stations that an increasing number of listeners say is all wrong.
  4. Even Pandora and Spotify are in trouble – here’s how.
  5. Most amazing!  The growth of cellphones is being threatened right now by this new Millennial option. 

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Cumulus Debt Crisis

Now we know why Cumulus must buy CBS Radio or perish.

The numbers don’t lie, it’s that bad.

After January 10th, its top ten markets go back on “red-alert” for revenue shortfalls of the company’s own making.

The repercussions are major.

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  1. How long Cumulus has before it either merges with a debt-free company or files for bankruptcy itself.
  2. Shocking news about Cumulus’ debt repayment in the first 6 months of this year.
  3. The one outside factor out of the control of the Dickeys that can bring the roof down almost immediately. 
  4. The big Cumulus advantage over Clear Channel, which has $20 billion in debt and the one crucial negative.
  5. The number everyone is searching for!  How bad is Cumulus debt and what does it mean to employees hanging on to their jobs.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Shakeup: 2 Big Radio Groups Kissing & Selling

Sit down for this one.

We’ve got reliable information that two major radio groups are getting ready to kiss and sell.

Over 30 stations in play!

This has major implications for employees because one of the groups sniffing around this deal is a bunch of bad dudes hazardous to your career.

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  1. The big radio group on the verge of buying a lot of radio stations and the one exiting stage left.
  2. The surprising time frame.
  3. A major spinoff is in the offing – here is the first read on it.
  4. The prospect of shaking up other radio groups between now and the end of the year.
  5. And this surprise!  The reason you’ll see radio groups heading for the exits next.

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Monday, August 19, 2013

New Details Emerge in Potential CBS Radio, Cumulus Merger

A total nightmare scenario is developing in the potential sale of CBS Radio to Cumulus Media.

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  1. CBS Radio is beginning to change the way it operates in possible anticipation of a sale of assets.
  2. What CBS Radio used to do in a New York minute a few years ago that it will apparently not do today with a potential merger looming.
  3. The surprising way CBS Radio is going to stick it to, of all competitors,  Clear Channel. 
  4. Another clue: what CBS Radio is uncharacteristically holding back on lately.
  5. Dramatic evidence!  New details that CBS is up to something big.

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Friday, August 16, 2013

Hannity Fires Cumulus

Sean Hannity gave Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey a taste of his own medicine.

He fired Cumulus.

Rejected an offer to extend his contract.

And, according to sources, said the company treats its employees “like dirt, shit, sub-human”. 

Wow! 

Dickey may have finally met his match.

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  1. How Cumulus is sending apparent surrogates out to smear the reputation of their most popular and profitable talk show host.
  2. Clear Channel’s secret counter plan to wipe up the floor with Cumulus after they get negotiating rights back for Hannity.
  3. Disturbing new details about Rush Limbaugh.
  4. How this blowup affects stations carrying Rush Limbaugh who is tied to Clear Channel along with Hannity.
  5. You won’t believe who Cumulus wants to put on their talk stations instead of Sean Hannity.  You won’t believe it, but it’s true.
  6. Finally!  A popular radio personality who has Lew Dickey by the balls over this one issue – The Dickey’s Achilles Heel.

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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Talk Radio’s Replacement

It’s not sports.

Not news/talk.

It’s worse than that.

While the top radio CEOs scramble to find the replacement for the very talk format they have killed off, it’s as plain as day for all to see.

See what talk radio will be like in the next few years.

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  1. The most important change that no one has ever tried – be years ahead, go ahead do this.  In fact, do this on non-talk stations – it’s that major.
  2. What will be bigger than a controversial topic in a few years.
  3. The surprising new standard for what’s too old to be on the air.
  4. The reason young people are willing to give Anthony Weiner a pass for his nude texts – talk radio doesn’t get it, but you must.
  5. How this one social media app is becoming more influential than Facebook or Twitter.

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Cumulus Finances Worse Than You Think

Masters and Johnson tell us that cunnilingus is the stimulation of the female genital organs using the tongue or lips. 

But Cumulingus is a desperate attempt to stimulate the image of an underperforming company using the tongue AND lips.

In fact, Cumulus is not performing well and, as you will see, is on shaky ground.

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  1. CEO Lew Dickey said first half revenue was up, but the Wall Street analyst we used to cut through the b.s. tells a far different story.
  2. One so-called code red Cumulus station remains on life support according to Dickey – true or false.
  3. How Cumulus compares to other similar radio groups on paper not in public relations.
  4. Threats to the future of Cumulus.
  5. But most urgently!  How do the real numbers impact further layoffs and future cost reductions.

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Clear Channel Bombshell Revealed

I’ve got a quote from CEO Bob Pittman that tells you everything you need to know about his plans for Clear Channel.

That’s the public part.

Privately, he and his former Time Warner team are working on a massive Clear Channel shakeup the likes of which has never been seen before.

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  1. How Clear Channel plans to make $20 billion in debt disappear – yes, there is a plan.
  2. The two-part dismantling of Clear Channel radio group.
  3. The coming move to further eliminate personnel.
  4. How Clear Channel will run its radio group like two separate companies.
  5. And the biggest question!  When.

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Monday, August 12, 2013

Huge Rolling Layoffs Hit Clear Channel

Massive nationwide rolling layoffs began Friday.

8 careers were ended in one major market alone – 6 fired on the spot, two "resigned" – one just got out of the hospital, returned to work one day and was fired by these heartless bastards the very next day.

Now more firings expected in other cities as Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman becomes unhinged.

Layoffs are not over, they’re back bigger than ever at Clear Channel.

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  1. What made Pittman snap.
  2. The revised and projected layoff schedule from now until the end of the year.
  3. Why Pittman is apparently not stopping at 4 firings per market – the number he asked his board of directors to authorize.
  4. The firing pattern and the markets that are still off-limits from increased layoffs.
  5. And most importantly!  How Clear Channel is deciding who stays and who goes.

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Friday, August 9, 2013

Brutal Format Changes Coming To Cumulus

Cumulus top 10 markets are now back on code-red.

Low ratings, low revenue – they are firing sales managers in frustration.

More heads are going to roll soon – they’re running out of time.

And format changes are coming that will blow up major stations in an effort to cut costs otherwise

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  1. The last insult to the talk radio format.
  2. How their most vulnerable major market station is this far from being eviscerated due to bad decisions and poor management.
  3. How Cumulus plans on handling AM stations from now on.
  4. Their 2 “go-to” formats of the future.
  5. 3 Cumulus moves you can bet on in the coming months.

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Thursday, August 8, 2013

What Went Wrong Between Randy & CBS Radio

CBS Radio was this close to buying Merlin’s Philly FM as the new FM home for KYW Newsradio.

Then something went very wrong.

Publicly it looks like CBS was outbid, but the real story that you’re about to read is down, dirty and should serve as a warning to good broadcasters trying to operate in a venture capital world.

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  1. What pissed Merlin’s Randy Michaels off so much that he played with CBS over the sale of his Philly FM for years and then surprised everyone by selling it to someone else for about the same offer price.
  2. The reason Michaels held out and then screwed CBS out of the station they badly needed.
  3. Why CBS said “no more” to what some would call extortion.
  4. The deal breaker after over a year of negotiating.
  5. How the potential looming merger of CBS Radio with Cumulus ended up being a factor.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Jeff Bezos’ Washington Toast

Another fool thinks he can turn around a traditional media company in the digital age.

Jeff Bezos buys The Washington Post.

His qualifications:  he has the money in his personal account.

Warning:  now is the time to study the fools who think traditional media (radio, network television, newspapers, magazines) have a future in the digital space.

They don’t.  Sorry.

This is what you should bet on.

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  1. The reason traditional media cannot survive as a digital business and what can with a few strategic changes.
  2. The one question that must be answered before radio, TV or newspapers makes a move in the digital world.
  3. What would “He” have done?  I’m talking about Steve Jobs here.
  4. Why advertisers are the enemy.
  5. And the best advice you could ever get -- about building a media business with rapid revenue growth and the terminal mistakes to avoid.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Lew Dickey’s Revenge

Lew Dickey is like Popeye.

That’s all he can stands, he can’t stands no more.

It’s no more Mister Nice Guy (did I actually say that?).

Dickeys demons may cause some horrific acts in the months ahead and meanwhile he’s hoping to keep it all under wraps.

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  1. How Lew will stick it to Rush Limbaugh even if a renewal contract gets done – and I’ll give you the over/under on that.
  2. I think he turns on some trusted people who can’t see it coming – here’s who.
  3. The shocking way he will double down on sports radio – no one sees this coming.
  4. The good news and bad.  Cumulus will lay off fewer people than Clear Channel next year.  The bad news, not that many fewer.  The total estimate for the next year.
  5. And this shocker -- The unthinkable partnership from hell Dickey is working on privately that will spell disaster for jobs.

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Monday, August 5, 2013

Clear Channel’s Disruptive 2014

The DEFCON team is being assembled right now.

Tom Casey has been replaced as CFO with the board member who recruited CEO Bob Pittman to Clear Channel.  One good favor begets another.

Blockbuster moves are being planned as early as six months from now. 

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  1. Clear Channel will start selling some selective stations offering this lousy deal to eager buyers waiting in the wings.
  2. The real reason Pittman is pumping up iHeartRadio – and it’s not to save money or even make money.
  3. Big trouble ahead for so-called “regional” markets.
  4. Over 1,000 estimated layoffs for 2014, but the way they are going to be done will scare the hell out of surviving employees.
  5. And the answer everyone is looking for!  What is this new Clear Channel on a diet going to look like?

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Friday, August 2, 2013

Cumulus Invents a New Way To Cut Costs

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is said to be paying a major program supplier hundreds of thousands of dollars for content in order to effectively kill off one more talk radio station.

At the same time he is refusing to pay Rush Limbaugh’s licensing fees to win a long-term renewal.

Why would Cumulus pay big money to cut costs – now we know.

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  1. Two weeks ago Cumulus blew up one of their talk stations – this is how they are likely to blow up others.
  2. The cheap replacement for news/talk at Cumulus is not a sports station – it’s twice as shocking.
  3. The real reason Cumulus is still negotiating with Clear Channel for Rush Limbaugh when they are headed in an entirely different direction. 
  4. What Cumulus has secretly started to already do to some of its talk stations ahead of this bold move.
  5. And the answer to that nagging question!  What could save so much that they would actually pay large sums of money for it?

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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Alert: Clear Channel Caving To Cumulus Demands

It’s embarrassing how Cumulus is now pushing around The Evil Empire.

The Clear Channel talks to license Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity for another 5 years on Cumulus talk stations is just the start of what the Dickeys want from them.

Dickey is now operating from an old copy of the Randy Michaels playbook.

Dickey is sticking it to Clear Channel.

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  1. The ugly and disrespectful tactics Cumulus is using at the negotiating table.
  2. The two things the Dickeys want even more than renewing Rush Limbaugh.
  3. The Cumulus’ scorched earth strategy of negotiating in public.
  4. The reason Lew Dickey has become more openly aggressive against Clear Channel – what he knows that they don’t.
  5. And this shocker!  Guess who Cumulus has on its side virtually guaranteeing they’ll force Clear Channel to accept their terms. 

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Clear Channel Escalates Layoffs

They’re not stopping.

It’s called Bob Pittman’s revenge.

He was forced to postpone the layoffs of four people per market for a month and most of those firings have been completed.

Yet even more layoffs are happening in real time – and hardly anyone is noticing.

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  1. The markets where four or more layoffs have just occurred.
  2. A major market that is going to get whacked with 6 firings according to sources on the ground.
  3. The first real indication of where the money saved from salaries is starting to be used.
  4. New plans for iHeartRadio assimilation into the radio division, which will allow even more layoffs.
  5. And the question on everyone’s mind!  Is this the start of a constant workforce reduction between now and the end of the year. 

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Cumulus & Clear Channel Bluffing Over Rush, Hannity

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is a lot like Anthony Weiner aka Carlos Danger – both are self-destructive.

“Cumulos” Dickey is playing a dangerous game of chicken with Clear Channel over retaining Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity on 40 of their talk stations announcing plans to replace them.

What is sicker is that Clear Channel loves this stuff – they, too, need a Cumulus deal.

Would you believe me if I told you the two almost had a deal Friday and negotiated all day Monday.

The real story of the pissing match over talk radio’s future.

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  1. Who leaked the story to Politico yesterday that Cumulus was preparing to go it alone without Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.  Try as you will, you’ll never guess.
  2. The reason Dickey called Clear Channel President John Hogan at home in a panic Sunday night.
  3. For the first time – how much total revenue Dickey’s next three talk replacement hosts are doing in ad revenue as of now.  That’s Huckabee, Geraldo and Savage. 
  4. Clear Channel’s innovative Plan B if Cumulus doesn’t agree to an extension of Rush and Hannity’s talk contract.  It should be Plan A – it’s actually that good.
  5. The three most likely scenarios and the one that is so bad it is not even on the table.
  6. And what everyone wants to know!  Who will blink first?

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Monday, July 29, 2013

The Dreaded Clear Channel “Market Efficiency Call”

You won’t believe it, but Wonder Boy has invented a catchy Bain name for his new way of firing employees under the radar.

And as you’ll see, he plans to use it a lot between now and the end of the year.

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  1. Self-firing – you heard me right – self-firing, how Clear Channel is forcing employees out the door and adding them to their layoff target list.
  2. Pretend you are the market manager – here’s what the corporate clowns at Clear Channel are going to force you to do.
  3. The ingenious way local managers will be mandated to fire more people on a dime – no notice, no input – just this dreaded email that arrives without notice.
  4. The way Bob Pittman intends to stagger the next massive firings according to this plan.
  5. And the one thing everyone in Clear Channel wants to know right now!  How to defend yourself against this new round of random firings.

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Friday, July 26, 2013

Clear Channel’s Hub & Spoke Firings

If you look at a map of Clear Channel stations, you can predict the next stations and markets to get wiped out by layoffs.

So, let’s go to the map.

They’ve taken onetime CEO Randy Michaels Hub & Spoke system and turned it into a blueprint for where to fire next.

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  1. The best way to foresee which market manager will be fired next – it’s becoming all that predictable.
  2. The large markets that will be used to strip smaller surrounding markets of its expensive employees.
  3. The best-case scenario for regional and major market stations.
  4. If a smaller market station is within this range, the local management is likely to be toast.
  5. Question!  Why doesn’t CEO Bob Pittman like regional stations or majors that employ local talent?  The answer explains Clear Channel’s strategy.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

The iHeartRadio Nuclear Option

No, no, no.

That iHeartRadio Talk thing that Clear Channel ballyhooed yesterday is not the future of talk radio in spite of what they say.

That’s a cover for what’s about to wreak havoc on Clear Channel employees.

Bob “Brother Love” Pittman has his finger on the greatest destroyer of jobs that has ever been known to the greedy bastards that run radio companies.

Here’s how he plans to use it.

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  1. The way Clear Channel plans to use iHeartRadio to replace on-air talent at practically no cost to them.  Sooner rather than later.
  2. This massive reduction in salaries – once the dust settles.
  3. Their new mission to let others – even their listeners – produce station content for free.
  4. The listener backlash – included here.
  5. And one blunt question finally answered!  When will Clear Channel turn to the nuclear option?

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Netflix Not Networks

CBS is one day away from pulling all its programs off of Time Warner Cable in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas.

Fox News makes over $1 billion a year in fee compensation before it even sells one ad.

And I’m here to tell you it all doesn’t matter anymore.

Content is no longer king, it’s a pawn to a new generation.

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  1. The mistake you should never make as a content provider – the networks, cable companies and video streamers are making it right now.
  2. The model for content in the future is – believe it for not – cherry picking for low fees (the iTunes model).
  3. How radio is becoming more of a utility and less of a content provider – wrong time to do it.
  4. The model for content providers that is starting to work now and the one you should adopt.
  5. And the big elephant in the room!  What should TV and radio broadcasters be doing to not become so hopelessly irrelevant.

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Clear Channel Next 624 Layoffs

Even as you read this, local market managers are running interference for their CEO Bob Pittman by weeding out 4 employees per market – 624 total layoffs.

How do you top that as your debt is rising above $20 billion?

Here’s how.

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  1. The next massive layoff – yes, they are coming.  And when.
  2. The job that corporate wants to eliminate the most.
  3. The plan for operating near empty radio stations in some cities with only these few positions retained.
  4. The mini-rebellion – word that a small group of employees will refuse to sign off on Clear Channel’s new employee rules that are tantamount to signing their own execution papers.  Their chances of being fired or surviving.
  5. And the question you want most to know!  Which markets will see everything dictated from corporate in the six months. 

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Dickey Leaks – Secret Cumulus Plans for Talk & Sports

Oops!

Lew Dickey is having second thoughts about talk radio and sports.

Turns out Cumulus is relegating many of its radio stations to red ink after the first of the year because of bad decisions.

So, here’s the next invention of the wheel, from the CEO of Cumulus Media.

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  1. The reason Dickey is changing his mind about talk radio and sports.
  2. The number of Cumulus stations that are destined to start losing money January 1 if Dickey doesn’t come up with a new plan.
  3. Behind the scenes rumblings about a costly, grandiose plan to replace the Rush and Hannity shows – if he can pull it off.
  4. The unintended consequences of Dickey picking a public fight with Rush Limbaugh.
  5. Wait!  Wait!  Don’t tell me Dickey’s plan is built on the backs of more layoffs.  His secret plan revealed.

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Monday, July 22, 2013

Where Hubbard Will Strike Next

Why can’t Hubbard buy CBS Radio instead of Cumulus?

Hubbard is defying the big boys and growing the old fashioned way – through strategic acquisitions like the Sandusky purchase last week and Bonneville acquisition two years ago.

Now we’re learning the future plans of this radio group and how they will impact an industry fighting declining revenue and decrepit demographics.

The surprises ahead from Hubbard.

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  1. The markets Hubbard is eying – and three that they will avoid.
  2. The surprising number of years ahead in which their business plan calls for expansion.
  3. The real reason Hubbard didn’t buy the four remaining Bonneville markets.
  4. Regional preferences, FM vs. AM, and the one format they will never do again.
  5. And what radio people wonder!  Could two excellent broadcasters like Hubbard and CBS be married.

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Friday, July 19, 2013

CBS, Randy Michaels Rumblings

Something is up between CBS Radio and Randy Michaels.

As if the radio industry couldn’t get crazier, wait until you hear what is going down.

The Odd Couple is in the house.

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  1. The reason the two have become best buds lately.
  2. Randy Michaels’ offer that CBS can’t refuse – or can they?
  3. Why the urgency?
  4. All the little details on what Michaels and Moonves are cooking up together.
  5. And what curious radio people want to know!  Does the Michaels/CBS connection in some way have anything to do with the rumored sale of CBS Radio to Cumulus?

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

624 Clear Channel Layoffs Begin

Bob Pittman is hiding under his desk while local managers have begun to fire four employees per market.

The layoffs are underway and the final victims of the 624-person massacre have been determined.

The massive layoff Clear Channel has begun is being handled like a company promotion.

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  1. The sneaky method Pittman finally went with to determine who gets fired.
  2. Who is making the decisions to fire and who is getting the ax.
  3. The way Clear Channel is about to get around health care benefits.
  4. The Clear Channel employee who should be more nervous than anyone else.  If you have this job, you are likely toast.
  5. The way survivors of this round of layoffs also get screwed.
  6. And the question everyone asks!  When does this round of layoffs end – there is now a date.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Alert: Updated CBS/Cumulus Merger Timetable

CBS sells its overseas outdoor division and is one step closer to a potential merger with failed radio operator, Cumulus.

Now we can better piece together what kind of timetable this deal is following.

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  1. The next step – potentially within months – that could tee up the merger of CBS Radio with Cumulus.
  2. An estimated and updated time of closing.
  3. The best indication yet what CEO Les Moonves wants of Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey.
  4. The chance of some of the better, big market stations being retained by CBS or sold to a more humane and qualified owner.
  5. The thing everyone wants to know!  Is it possible that Hubbard or someone other than Cumulus can swoop in and save CBS Radio from the Cumulus merger.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hamburger Helper & Radio

General Mills is changing the name of its very popular and lucrative “Hamburger Helper” to just “Helper”.

No more Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper.

One product, a new name and lower operating expenses.

Same with the radio industry.

Competing against Hamburger Helper radio.

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  1. The thinking behind changing brand names when the public is comfortable with the old name. 
  2. The reason why companies like General Mills, Radio Shack and many media companies are hell bent to re-launch popular products and services.
  3. The way Clear Channel got caught rebranding a news bulletin when the George Zimmerman verdict came in to make it appear as if iHeartRadio was doing the news.  You’ll laugh until you cry.
  4. The best mission for a radio format in the digital era – this one thing can transform your station against mistakes of the evil empires.
  5. What everyone is wondering!  How to stick it to your competitor’s for making rebranding mistakes.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Zimmerman Media Circus

Cable news and talk radio put on a clinic during the just ended George Zimmerman trial – a clinic on how not to program content for money demos.

They pandered and wound up with lots of old people while they turned off the audience they really needed.

Now, 5 things that talk radio should do right now to get its mojo back.

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  1. The one thing not to do if you want a shot at younger money demos.
  2. Revealed!  The change in your talk format that can make it listenable even to young people.  One thing.
  3. The way to handle commercials and stop sets without losing younger money demos.
  4. The way to handle Arbitron PeePee M ratings service that is killing talk audience estimates.
  5. And the proven way to attract 25-54 year olds in great numbers!  This never fails and no one is doing it.  You can go first.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Clear Channel On Lockdown

The same people who are partying with media buyers on the corporate yacht at Cannes find themselves having to make drastic cuts in order to keep spending on irrelevant projects.

Corporate is under financial lockdown.

New details on desperate attempts to cut costs.

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  1. The next service that is getting outsourced to Mexico to save money.
  2. The unthinkable way Clear Channel is handling their vendors while they fly high on corporate jets – exposed!
  3. A garage sale at Clear Channel – believe it.
  4. The latest on relocation plans looking for major cost savings at their San Antonio headquarters.
  5. Here’s what’s next!  On severance pay, benefits and job security.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

Bulletin: Over 60 More Cumulus Layoffs

It’s back to mass firings at Cumulus.

Over 60 layoffs and even more on the way.

The urgent new layoffs at Cumulus Media.

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  1. New details on over 60 more layoffs (almost 70, actually) – documented and confirmed.  The thing that is triggering this round of mass firings.
  2. The one surprising Cumulus employee (other than Dickey relatives and top execs) who is immune from these firings. 
  3. What it takes to survive a Cumulus layoff at this point.
  4. The plans CEO Lew Dickey has to again remake the company he has already remade a number of times.
  5. At long last – the answer to the question who should be worried!  The next words Lew Dickey is about to eat gives early warning of where the next Cumulus cuts will come from.  

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Friday, July 12, 2013

Clear Channel’s November Surprise

Two “right-sizings” for the Evil Empire in 2013.

A massive workforce reduction within weeks.

And now fears of a November surprise.

New details …

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  1. The two surprising options for Clear Channel to do the soon to begin four-per-market layoffs.
  2. The alternative way they may have to do it if the heat is too much for Pittman to take.  Plan B.
  3. For those who survive this round, a nightmare scenario – this potential new bullying tactic that has some employees worried already. 
  4. The chances of a third annual November surprise – just 4 months away.  Will it be less than last year’s 7% reduction?
  5. Most importantly!  How sources close to corporate think the layoffs will proceed.

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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Alert: Clear Channel Eyes Layoff Dates

CEO Bob Pittman is going to force employees to in essence self-fire themselves.

It’s about Stupid Human Capital Tricks – the new plan to get Pittman his four per market, 624 employee layoffs soon.  The bankers are becoming impatient.

New approach.

New D-date.

His email memo to employees turns out to be a set up.

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  1. The ingenious but wicked plan that is now being put into place to rid the company of as much as 7% of its workforce by having employees in essence self-fire themselves. 
  2. The new designated “hit man” – Pittman wanted the board to suggest layoff victims, now he has come up with this approach instead.
  3. What’s that creepy Human Capital manager’s webinar all about – and how it fits in to the mass firings ahead.
  4. The “pre-firing” changes that are coming to vacation and sick pay, and “instant” termination to thwart potential “after-firing” lawsuits.
  5. And the critical question!  What day can Clear Channel employees expect Pittman’s latest firing plan to begin.  Wait ‘til you see it.

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Good Radio Groups Prepare Panic Plans

It had to happen.

Sooner or later, even the good companies start to act like the Evil Doers and Evil Empires.

Radio revenue is down, digital competition is up.

Enter, the Good Groups Panic Plans.

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  1. COX– the likelihood of more station sales by year’s end and the chance they will continue to selectively combine jobs and eliminate people.
  2. BONNEVILLE & HUBBARD – Two of the best operators but one has an insurance policy against a bad year and the other has a plan for cutting costs if necessary.
  3. SAGA – A surprising prediction about a radio group that rarely makes the headlines.
  4. ENTERCOM – the trigger that will make them become more like Cumulus. 
  5. CBS RADIO – How long it can go without having to reduce staff.
  6. And what everyone is wondering!  What is the bellwether for radio’s future – it’s not Clear Channel, not Cumulus.  It’s how this one company does.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

1/3 of Clear Channel Workforce Now in Jeopardy

An additional 7% of Clear Channel’s workforce was targeted for elimination by its board just one month ago.

There are now several options for making good on those firings.

But that’s not all – here’s how Clear Channel is “testing” other breathtaking job reductions secretly in other parts of the company.

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  1. We now know the two most likely ways 624 people – four per market – will be laid off and when they start.
  2. The Clear Channel division that already cut one-third of its employees and is going for more – with examples of how.
  3. The thing that is going to be sold soon to cut jobs.
  4. The professional job assassinator rising through the ranks of Clear Channel.  Do you know who this is?  It’s a name you don’t know – yet.
  5. Think you’ve heard it all!  See the most all-encompassing outsourcing company scheme ever and it’s already being rolled out at Clear Channel.

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Monday, July 8, 2013

Caught On Tape: Gestapo-like Cumulus Tactics

New Dickey leaks.

Tactics caught on tape that will defy imagination even in an industry that is used to getting screwed by their consolidated employers.

Documented evidence.

Gestapo-like tactics being leaked by angry current and ex-employees as a warning to others.

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  1. A new non-compete so onerous, you’ve never heard of one this bad – until now.
  2. Revelations about continuing employee threats even after Cumulus non-competes have expired plus what to do about them.
  3. How to stop the bullying – here’s how one employee fixed their asses without them knowing who it was. 
  4. The never-ending non-compete – watch out for this one – it’s here.
  5. And the big question everyone asks – “Do I have to take this sitting down or are there options?”

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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Which 624 Clear Channel Employees Will Get Whacked

The Clear Channel layoffs are still on.

The Board has refused to rescind authorization of massive mid-term layoffs.

We’re now learning more about how these massive cuts – some 7% of the current workforce – will be made.

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  1. The model Clear Channel has used at its outdoor division that has enabled them to cut their workforce by one-third since Bain took over.  Keep an eye on how it works.
  2. The role of local management in deciding who gets fired – with a surprising new twist.
  3. The over/under on two implementation plans – one big firing all at once like the Christmas 2012 layoffs or 624 departures done under the radar in a progressive period of time. 
  4. The only thing that is keeping these massive layoffs from happening immediately as CEO Bob Pittman has demanded.
  5. What everyone is talking about!  What’s the new target date?  How much time is left to find a new job?

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Clear Channel’s Strategic Play Book Revealed

There is no way a radio company can keep whacking employees – 624 more before the end of summer – and still run 800 plus local radio stations.

Way!

We’ve broken the code to CEO Bob Pittman’s Strategic Game Plan.

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  1. The reason CEO Bob Pittman is so hell bent to turn a local radio company into a national app – answered at last!
  2. The dysfunctional plans to change the way each individual Clear Channel radio format is done.
  3. The new ad model that is unlike anything ever seen in radio to date.
  4. The thinning is just beginning with Clear Channel’s Strategic Game Plan, they won’t need to keep cutting 4 people per market.  They will only need 4 – if that.
  5. Yes or No!  Is iHeartRadio going to remain an app or become a replacement for local radio?

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Monday, July 1, 2013

Clear Channel Board Pissed At Pittman

Turns out the spineless appointees on the Clear Channel board of directors are suddenly pissed at their CEO and Director Bob Pittman.

Major potential repercussions that could affect the outcome of Pittman’s plans to downsize the company are now possible.

What happens when the Clear Channel board turns into “Mad Men”?

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  1. The straw that broke the camel’s back – even Pittman’s “puppets” have had enough.  A look into the big chill.
  2. Is Pittman’s job jeopardy?
  3. But the Board approved a 624 person massive layoff just a few weeks ago – how is this possible?
  4. The reason the board is suddenly concerned about what’s happening with surviving Clear Channel employees as a disaster waiting to implode.
  5. The critical importance of the next 6 months to Pittman’s “Strategic Game Plan” – yes, that’s what it is called.
  6. Hold Everything!  Could an angry board scuttle Pittman’s plans to layoff 4 people per market?

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Friday, June 28, 2013

CBS Is Creeping Out Employees

Secret deals.

Corporate pressure.

Something is up at CBS Radio.

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  1. Bet you’ve never heard of a 26% commission rate in radio.  Here’s what now earns a 26% commission at CBS Radio.
  2. The critical importance of this day – June 30th.
  3. The switch CBS Radio is pulling on advertisers if they will just do this one thing.
  4. Why the CBS balance sheet is all of a sudden a monster issue.
  5. And the $64,000 question!  Does this whacky behavior mean the rumored merger with Cumulus is ready to happen sooner than 2014?

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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Cumulus Layoffs Rapidly Expanding

The next round of Cumulus cutbacks and layoffs are now underway.

10 victims in one day – in one place – with more to come.

Something just got worse.

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  1. The next target for a shutdown previously thought to be off-limits.
  2. The reported secret deal the Dickeys are working on now to create the next national format and induce more firings.
  3. Their exit from talk radio is becoming more evident – how, where and when.
  4. Why Cumulus can no longer afford to fire people slowly under the radar and what it means to current employees.
  5. Finally, the question people are afraid to ask!  When do the “real” layoffs begin – so massive by comparison they will make the jobs lost to date seem small.

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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Stop Defending Radio – Attack It

The crybabies who think if you criticize radio you don’t love it are doing more harm than good.

Where are our balls?

Where is our innovation?

Don’t just blame the consolidators who richly deserve plenty of it, look in the mirror and make a difference.

10 things you can do to shake radio awake.

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  1. The one strategy that would turn radio around on a dime – in fact, our competitors are already doing it.
  2. If you can fix only one thing on a radio station today, this move gets the most audience and revenue back.  One smart move.
  3. The most impressive digital strategy that will blow away all competitors because none of them do this.  Yet audiences crave it.
  4. What’s worse for audiences and advertisers than an 8-minute stop set – fix this and you’re printing money again.
  5. And, what everyone really wants to know:  Can good radio work in a world where venture capital-backed consolidators dominate.

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Lenders Demand More Clear Channel Cuts

Clear Channel lenders know nothing about radio so the changes they are imposing next are so scary as to be unbelievable.

But believe it.

The Clear Channel mandate to make more drastic cuts.

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  1. One coming budget cut is so controversial Clear Channel is actually asking the perpetrators involved not to discuss it. 
  2. When the first of the big changes is slated to start.
  3. Excerpts from this secret email that says:  “In the coming weeks we will have a strategic game plan”.  About what?
  4. Three huge cuts I guarantee you have never seen implemented at any radio station.  In fact, you’ve never even heard about them, but you will because they are coming.
  5. And will somebody please reveal what’s in the works at Clear Channel!  A new name for the radio stations.  A new look for offices.  Yet another new way to drastically slash expenses.

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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Enormous Manager Purge Coming To Clear Channel

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman has just come off a wonderful “work” trip to Cannes and has had to put up with walking around the deck of the company yacht in his socks for a week.

Now he’s prepared to sock it to another category of employee – the one that thought they had the most job security.

Market managers.

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  1. The brutal way Clear Channel will now target their “capos”, appointed managers who blindly carried out execution orders.  Now they are the targets.
  2. Will the coming managerial purge be counted toward the four per market mandate to achieve 624 more layoffs this summer?  We do the math.
  3. Real time examples of firings – who, where and how these new firings are being conducted as a warning of what’s to come.  
  4. Red ink and piles of debt have forced Clear Channel to think more aggressively about layoffs.  Here’s their scary new plan.
  5. What we’re all wondering!  Pittman has board approval to layoff four employees from each market – when he is going to use it.

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Monday, June 24, 2013

Cumulus Bombshell Coming Next Week

Here is 7 days advanced warning for fireworks to be set off at Cumulus and I don’t mean a July 4th celebration.

The Dickeys are making a huge move with implications that will affect their current staff and the size of that staff in the future.

Lew Dickey declaring independence from more employees.

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  1. The move that will launch a ton of layoffs.  No one saw this coming.
  2. The new way corporate will be making local decisions.
  3. This is bigger than syndication – and it’s scarier.  Clear Channel has toyed with this kind of move but hasn’t had the guts to go where Cumulus is going next week.
  4. How the groundwork is already laid to expand what you’re going to see happen by July 4th.
  5. If you’re wondering why now!  This explains it all and gives you a roadmap to what Cumulus is planning to shakeup next in talk, music and sports.

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Clear Channel Doubling Down On Layoffs

Clear Channel is not even trying to hide the excesses that a handful of corporate honchos are piling on themselves.

Meanwhile 4 employees per market will be fired – 624 total – signed, sealed and delivered by the Clear Channel board.

As you’ll see, the more CEO Bob Pittman’s cohorts take, the more their employees give up in jobs.

You can predict the next layoff.

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  1. Less than two weeks after asking for the heads of four employees per market, guess what Bob Pittman is getting ready to spend more money on today.
  2. Caught on Facebook!  Clear Channel employee bragging about corporate partying while 624 fellow workers face the ax.  With “compromising” photos.
  3. The real reason behind Clear Channel’s move to costly bigger headquarters and posh digs.
  4. The Imperial Pittman:  an employee reveals what His Majesty requires an employee to do before he enters a room.  Eyewitness account.
  5. What everyone wants to know!  How these out of control corporate excesses can actually predict the next round of layoffs.

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Friday, June 21, 2013

The Samsung Jay-Z Deal

Jay-Z and Samsung just did a $5 million dollar deal that is setting the record business back again.

It’s time to disrupt the old record business model with some concepts that actually have a chance of working.

The way out of the mess.

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  1. A prediction of what is actually going to happen to music sales within the next 3 years and the labels don’t see it coming.
  2. The labels’ major revenue strategy that will actually backfire – it’s starting to happen right now.
  3. Why royalty fees will be forced to decline – that’s right, forced.
  4. What you’ve been asking:  the sweet spot for pricing music today.
  5. The solution!  This disruptive strategy that can make buying music as addictive and profitable as texting.

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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Cumulus, CBS Radio Merger – Game On

Another piece to the eventual merger of the worst radio company with the best is now in place.

CBS employees don’t want to believe that their excellent company could wind up in the hands of Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.

And Cumulus employees don’t know what to believe.

Game on.

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  1. The sale price in dollars and multiples from people close to the situation. You heard it first.
  2. Why CBS finds Lew Dickey, an underachiever and toxic employer, so attractive.  Some things are more important than looks.
  3. The real deal behind all these collaborations between CBS and Cumulus.
  4. The reason why Cumulus sacrificed 67 stations to the national sports radio network launched by CBS that will never see a 1 share and just yesterday scheduled a new play date with each other.
  5. And what everybody is asking!  Is there any way – any way at all – that CBS keeps the biggest and best stations for themselves and sells only the others to Cumulus?

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Now Cumulus Is Gearing Up For Layoffs

Yesterday Cumulus just took the first step to substantially cut its staff again.

And it looks like they are going to slip one in even as Clear Channel lays off 624 people, which have also been approved to avoid the bad publicity.

The Cumulus layoff plan is underway.

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  1. Here is the giveaway for this round of cutbacks.  The mandatory spreadsheet form that local stations were told to fill out.  Read that form and you can see which jobs are being targeted. 
  2. Two things that could save your job from this round of Cumulus layoffs.  If you’ve got one of these, you’re golden.
  3. The next plug-in national format after all sports that Cumulus is said to be secretly working on.
  4. The big time partner in crime developing this new 24-hour format that will allow them to fire even more local staff.   You’ll be surprised.
  5. The slick programming change that is being made in some markets to cut another position from the budget.
  6. Finally, the thing we all want to know!  When. 

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Product Placement

Two-thirds of the huge expense to make Superman “Man of Steel” was already paid for by 100 product placements before it even arrived in theaters.

It’s time to take a serious look at the advantages and disadvantages of product placement on other platforms.

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  1. The way to make Twitter pay off financially for the first time with this shrewd move.
  2. How product placement will sit with the change-maker next generation – safe or risky proposition?
  3. Pricing – what to do and not to do in building a sustainable rate.
  4. The thing that is more important than programming, price or whether it is digital enough or social enough – know this one thing and you’re about to tap a new revenue source.

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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Clear Channel Mad Men

Bob Pittman is making his play to buy the major assets of Clear Channel.

If you think he’s been a little erratic lately, wait until you see what he’s working on now.

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  1. Why Pittman is sticking to his 4-per market layoff goals while at the same time handing out raises, bonuses and benefits to his top henchmen like it’s going out of style.  There’s a reason.
  2. The strategic reason Clear Channel asked advertisers a few days ago to stop making “lame ads”. 
  3. A major programming move coming to a Clear Channel station near you that will further stretch out an overworked air staff.
  4. How Clear Channel has finally resolved who will decide which employees will be getting the axe – forget the optics, it’s going to be done like this.
  5. Most Important!  Are the worst of the layoffs over after these four per market (624 total) firings happen?  The mind-blowing answer.

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Monday, June 17, 2013

Zero Dark Clear Channel 624

Now it is known.

Here’s how Clear Channel intends to pull off the firing of four employees per market when they can catch them most off guard.

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  1. The secret plan from a source close to Clear Channel corporate on exactly how CEO Bob Pittman will use shock and awe to complete the firing of 624 employees.
  2. How Pittman is trying to distance himself from the decision he personally made to exterminate a massive number of employees unexpectedly in the middle of the year.
  3. Even as you read this, people are working for Pittman to come up with a list of expendable employees.  The down low on their dirty work.
  4. The one thing other than his own image, Pittman worries about the most.
  5. The surprising revelation of who will be the ones who will determine which employees get fired.
  6. And what everyone wants to know!  Is there any circumstance under which the four per market firing mandate can be rescinded if things get bad enough.  The surprising answer and the specifics.

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Friday, June 14, 2013

Bye Bye Jan Jeffries

Cumulus is getting to be like “Keeping Up with the Kardickeyans”.

They have publicly given their senior programming VP a vote of confidence and you know what happens when they say the coach isn’t getting fired.

But it’s even more dysfunctional.

John Dickey is going to be making the music decisions from now on and there is not a lot of room to fire more people.

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  1. Even “family” members aren’t safe from CEO Lew Dickey’s firing rampage so what does this mean for the coming round of layoffs.
  2. The new apparent shakedown of the record industry.  How the sham will work.
  3. What’s in it for you now that the two largest radio groups are aggressively dictating music airplay?  Their plan.
  4. How Clear Channel forced its stations to play a song from an artist without a recent hit and without even a record label in return for an appearance at a recent concert.  It’s true.
  5. The Big Question!  What Clear Channel is paying the 10 record labels who have done direct licensing deals with them.  You won’t believe it.

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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Clear Channel Panics Into More Cutbacks

Another huge cutback is coming.

In addition to the four per market firings that the Clear Channel board approved last Friday.

This one has major repercussions for the local market employees.

But there is good news for this one job category, only one – not because Clear Channel values them but because another company wants to hire them away.

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  1. The major expenditure that is being rescinded with reverberations to be felt at all regional and major market clusters.  Top secret – until now.
  2. Surprise!  What expenditures will be immune from cutbacks?
  3. The job you want to have at Clear Channel right now because you are virtually safe from being one of the four per market the company is looking to axe.  Only this one job is safe.
  4. Why?  I’ll tell you why.  Another company is going to make a run at these Clear Channel employees.
  5. The name of the company that sources say will stand up and call CEO Bob Pittman’s bluff.  They’ll take his unwanted workers and now he’s panicked at the thought of it.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Evil Empire Strikes Back At Employees

Bob Pittman is pissed.

Forced to postpone but not retract his orders to fire 4 employees per market by the end of June or sooner, he’s now about to retaliate big time. 

You’ll agree – what he’s planning to do next is a total outrage.

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  1. What’s the last thing you would do if you had to fire 624 people in less than a month?  Pittman is doing it anyway but it’s a secret – until now.
  2. The developing mutiny from within including top executives that are beginning to see their leader as being out of touch.
  3. How ordinary employees are actually growing a pair and for the first time courageously taking this action to stand up directly to the Clear Channel CEO.
  4. Pittman’s big changes ahead for President John Hogan and his format captains.
  5. The major top-level defection that promises to embarrass Pittman.
  6. And the most important answer!  How much time do 624 targeted layoffs really have before they are out of work even with Pittman’s last minute delay? 

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How to be Persuasive

Monday, June 10, 2013

Clear Channel Blinks On Massive Layoffs

Still on. 

But, new plan. 

New date. 

And an unprecedented and devious way to decide who gets the axe never before used by a radio company.

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  1. The new drop dead date for 4 layoffs per market.
  2. How the Clear Channel Board reacted Friday when Bob Pittman asked them to go ahead and approve 624 layoffs anyway. 
  3. Who Clear Channel employees will be seeing from corporate starting this week to distance the firings from CEO Bob Pittman.
  4. The unprecedented strategy Pittman is employing that no radio company has ever used before to determine who will lose their jobs.
  5. Exposed!  The ironic plan from a company that has moved radio operations from local to corporate to shift the onerous firings from corporate to – sit down for this one – back to local radio management.

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The Benefits of Being Fired

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Monday, June 10, 2013

Privacy vs. Security Media-style

Radio talkers and cable news were just handed the ticket out of ratings jail with the recent national security leaks controversy.

No, not all that bloviating that talk radio and cable news will do.  That’s just more of a losing formula.

Here’s the winning road back to relevancy.

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  1. How to stop losing audiences by changing the way talk radio and cable news talks to its viewers and listeners.
  2. Usable strategies including topics to make even a non-talk listener or viewer join the conversation.
  3. Why the recent national security leaks are a generational bridge between traditional media and the young audience they are hoping for but haven’t figured out how to get.
  4. Which talk radio issues are absolute losers with a Millennial audience (but they will continue to pump up your over 65 ratings).
  5. How Millennials, the generation that will never listen to a radio talk show, are future conservatives in waiting if only radio would change the conversation – here’s how.

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Friday, June 7, 2013

4 Employees Per Cluster To Be Fired By Clear Channel

Today is D-Day. 

Clear Channel’s puppet board finalizes CEO Bob “Hangman” Pittman’s plan to eliminate another 5% or more of the workforce.

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  1. Wednesday Clear Channel corporate made managers update their CORE programming list looking for potential cutbacks.  And then just yesterday, they got more aggressive and did this.
  2. The over/under on which jobs are the most vulnerable as of 24 hours before D-Day.
  3. Why the easiest to fire may go first and here is who they think are “easiest” to fire.
  4. What about engineers and salespeople – safe or not safe?
  5. PLUS … a free link to help potential victims of this midyear layoff:  “Seven Ways to Get The Job of Your Dreams”.  I developed it when I was a professor at USC and it works.  This alone is worth joining our group.

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ALSO FROM JERRY THIS MORNING: The Happy Pill

Thursday, June 6, 2013

624 Clear Channel Layoffs Underway

Lists are being prepared.  Positions targeted.  Deadline Friday.

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  1. Details of a private Clear Channel email that went out within the last 24 hours revealing which employees are most at risk for being laid off.
  2. Which layoffs get priority.
  3. Who will take the brunt of the layoffs – there are 3 categories that appear targeted in the email.
  4. Why Clear Channel is targeting people who can be fired on or before the end of the month.
  5. We now have a better idea of which management position is most at risk.

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ALSO FROM JERRY THIS MORNING: Self Confidence On-Demand

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Copycat Cumulus Cutbacks

Will Cumulus do copycat layoffs like it did last November under the cover of Clear Channel’s 7% workforce reduction?

As I reported yesterday Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman has approved four firings in every radio market by the end of June or sooner!  (See: Massive Clear Channel Layoffs Approved).

Now here’s Lew Dickey’s next move.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Best estimate of how many Cumulus employees will get the axe over the next few months.  It’s significant.
  2. Believe it or not – this one Cumulus position has job security, at least for now – here’s why.
  3. Main firing targets:  these two jobs.  No excuse for not knowing.
  4. Secondary firing targets:  this position. 
  5. What is the fundamental change now taking place in the way Cumulus is running their failed clusters – a scary new approach that they’ve recently turned to.  Even their market managers have not been consulted.  Jobs will be in jeopardy.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Massive Clear Channel Layoffs Approved

Every market.  Very soon.  Official. 

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  1. Exactly how many employees will be fired in this extra layoff – it’s massive and it’s official.
  2. How soon.
  3. Excerpts from CEO Bob Pittman’s secret email to his board of directors containing his thoughts, desires and demands.
  4. Who will decides which unfortunate employees will be losing their jobs – it’s not who you think it is.
  5. Why Clear Channel market managers don’t even know about these layoffs as late as last night.
  6. What about the annual holiday layoffs – still on or now off?

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The Shift From Broadcasting To Real Time Media

The future of media and content has just moved to real time.  Here is how broadcasters and even digital startups are going to have to radically change what they are doing to observe an entirely new set of rules or become extinct forever.

Click “read more” to learn more. 

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Monday, June 3, 2013

7 Major Surprises Radio Owners Plan

It’s the calm before the storm …

The radio industry has never been quieter which means trouble.  Debt mounts for the two biggest groups.  Time spent listening declines.  Radio listeners get older. Even some good groups look to reduce their presence or get out.

But the numbnuts who ruined the radio industry aren’t done. 

Now, 7 major surprises they have planned.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is a great day to go past the teasers and get the answers.

  1. The timeframe for CBS to sell some or all of its radio division.
  2. The only format that is safe from the Cumulus wrecking ball – it’s not the one you’re thinking.
  3. What dirty trick Lew Dickey is planning to do to Rush Limbaugh and talk radio next.
  4. What major move will Clear Channel make?  Major.
  5. Why a big Clear Channel housecleaning of employees due this fall is not the only housecleaning they have planned.  Read their target for cutbacks.
  6. Surprising info on who may reduce their station portfolios next.
  7. How the last way to save some good radio brands goes out the window.

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Friday, May 31, 2013

How To Leave Cumulus & Clear Channel

Interested in taking your radio skills where they will be appreciated and compensated?

This piece is about how to work a game plan.  The specific skills you will need to work in the growing digital space and four fantastic new opportunities that will more than pay for your subscription. 

1.  Who is hiring radio people and which companies might be favorable to you approaching them?

2. If you’re an entrepreneur, an idea worth stealing today before someone else takes it. 

3. An opportunity so ripe for social media only a person with radio experience could do it. 

4. The pay day to end all pay days – the one you never thought you could get in digital is here for those in the know.

For the answers, click “read more”.

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Binge Viewing

Binge viewing is the rage …

Downloading content and consuming it all at once the way audiences are downloading “House of Cards” from Netflix or shows from HBO has major repercussions for content providers.

Learn about the trend here.  See the four entertainment content companies that will survive in tact.  And let me show you how a radio station can package content the way Netflix original series do – and make a ton of money. 

For the answers, click “read more”.

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Radio Branding Crisis Developing

A disturbing new trend that threatens to uproot established radio brands.

Get the first intel on how pressure from digital competitors is forcing radio stations into making strategic blunders that will be unfixable.

Then see what steps can be taken to protect the best radio formats and brands.

1.  How radio is starting to make an irreversible mistake in branding terrestrial stations so you can avoid this fatal error.

2.  What’s the new standard for protecting a brand?

3.  Five specific ways a radio station should protect its brand in the digital age.

4.  I’m just going to flat out tell you one thing you should never do – don’t aggregate digital content from other sites under your brand.  For more mistakes to avoid, read on.

5.  The best idea you’ll hear all year on how to protect your radio brand from the growing popularity of short form video. 

For the answers, click “read more”.

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

More Clear Channel Cuts Coming

New intelligence just in …

Be the first to know which job category Clear Channel will eliminate in the next few weeks.  They met and approved it a few days ago.

Then, see whose head is on the chopping block for the rest of the year.

For the answers, click “read more”.

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Friday, May 24, 2013

Reversing the Radical Shift of Advertising Away From Radio

Chrysler is going to transfer about a third of its advertising budget away from radio to digital – a platform on which radio spends only 1% – or less, believe it or not.

It’s inevitable that other national and local advertisers will follow these drastic cuts.

Here are 6 solutions radio should counter with things that digital cannot do.

While radio geniuses remain in denial, you can beat your big competitors to the punch.

1.  How to create content so appealing to car dealers that you could be a broadcaster using two tin cans linked by a string and they would buy it.  That compelling!

2.  How to drive so many people to the dealer lot that the police have to turn them away.  It’s a promotion that can only be done by a radio station – albeit, one with balls.  It’s powerful – you could take it from dealer to dealer every weekend and obliterate a digital competitor for the same buy every time.  They can’t compete against this.  Don’t let your competitor read this before you do.

3.  Stop doing car lot radio remotes this minute!  They make you look old in the digital world.  Here’s a great alternative advertisers will look up to and support.

4.  What to do on-air when you are also doing digital promotions.  On-air support of digital campaigns are often weak.  Let me show you how to make them strong.

5.  Here’s a social media strategy that is better than Facebook, better than Twitter and costs you nothing.  That’s right – nothing!  You just have to know the secret.  Stop driving listeners away to social media when you can own this approach.

6.  A killer innovative idea that’s both digital and dealer-friendly that will blow away anyone looking to steal auto dollars – or any dollars – from your radio station.  Game over.

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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Oklahoma City News Coverage

Here are four things radio stations are generally missing during their news coverage – or non-news coverage – of the recent Oklahoma City tornado tragedy and the “fix”.

No tragedy?  No problem?

Do them anyway and win fans + ratings:

1.  Next time a bigger than life event takes place in your market, borrow this strategy that always works for – believe it or not – hit radio.  Your listeners will thank you and you’ll reap the ratings rewards.

2.  Here’s a social network that hardly any radio stations know about that can be up and running within minutes when a disaster hits your market.

3.  The last thing radio stations think of in the wake of a big overriding news story should be the first thing.  Do you know what it is?  Now you do along with its track record for working.

4.  On what day should the big news coverage end?  Take a thousand guesses and you’ll be wrong every time.  Know when and everyone wins.

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Winning Millennials Back To Radio

Selling ice to the Eskimos might be easier, but there is a ray of hope to tempt the 80 million members of Gen Y to give a second listen to radio.

How not to do it:  keep doing what you’re doing now.

It’s dated, contrived, disrespectful (15 unit stop sets, etc.), not compelling – not local, not live and not authentic.

It’s the losing formula most radio companies – even the good ones – follow every day that is driving the essential next generation away from radio.

And even if every smartphone was personally blessed by Jeff Smulyan and activated with an FM chip, Millennials still wouldn’t listen. 

I’ve written courses and taught generational media at The University of Southern California. 

My background is radio, television, publishing and digital media.

And still I’m here to tell you that broadcasting in and of itself is not necessary to this generation and increasingly to older listeners but there are proven ways and innovative new approaches to win them back.

You supply the guts.  Here are the ideas:

1.  The one thing a Millennial cannot resist on the radio – one thing and it’s powerful if you play it up.

2.  How to program a Millennial-positive broadcast day from 5am until 7pm with key attractions they cannot and will not ignore.

3.  No traffic, no weather and none of this radio staple either.

4.  Finally!  How to do great youth-oriented radio and innovative digital content all at the same time.  And it’s very inexpensive, but shrewd if you know the plan.

5.  The new rules on formatics – the total makeover I’m about to describe will be necessary first.

6.  Six keys that are worth their weight in gold.  And, they’ll even work wonders with older listeners.  Hey, older people buy iPhones, iPods and iPads, don’t they? 

7.  How long to make the content to maximize results in attracting Millennials.

8.  No radio station has even a small chance of winning back Millennials if they don’t have this feature.  Steal it now before your local competitor does.

Plus …  One more thing!  You’re going to have to reinvent radio commercials.  The current way will no longer work with young audiences.  Peek at the radio commercial that definitely will.

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

13 Radio Turnaround Strategies

The radio industry has stopped being a growth business and now fights each quarter just for zero growth.

Digital devices are not going away.  YouTube is used like a radio by teens for music and content.  Attention spans are growing shorter.  Advertisers are heading to digital (9% increase last quarter) and social media has replaced djs as music authorities.

So does that mean shut down the transmitter and quit?

Not if you build a recovery plan around the new ideas I’m going to share with you.

1.  Win back your audience TSL by changing the way you run commercial sets.

2.  What one thing a music station should do every 15 minutes that they’re not doing now to gain listeners.  That’s right, I said gain not just keep the ones they have.  And what one thing should news or talk stations do every quarter hour.

3.  Something that is on every smartphone that ought to be on every radio station.  Do you know what it is?

4.  A better solution to deal with listener-hated voice tracking that is economical and sensible.

5.  What you should stop doing right this minute, it’s killing radio listening.

6.  The one thing that is so important to Millennial audiences that if you add it right now, you have a chance to win many of them back.

7. The big mistake radio stations make that is killing their billing.  Try this and your revenue will go up even without attracting more listeners.

Plus … 5 digital strategies to jumpstart digital (YouTube, paid sites, what’s more saleable then “clicks” and “likes”, smart streaming)

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Yahoo’s Tumblr Deal

Yahoo just dropped a cool $1.1 billion to buy a fledgling blogging/social media hybrid that only bills $13 million a year.

And that’s the good news!

There is a fundamental change emerging about the digital space and advertising.

1.  How Yahoo is doing business the old fashioned way – by paying for an asset and then selling ads but archrival Google appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

2.  Why digital is running out of advertisers.

3.  Everyone – even you – will be monetizing their digital businesses a drastically different way within the next couple of years – here’s a preview of what it will be like.

4. Why Yahoo didn’t buy Tumblr for its 100 million social media contacts.

5.  Yahoo plans to keep Tumblr management in place and semi-autonomous.  Can you image Cumulus doing this when they buy CBS Radio?  Here’s Yahoo’s grand plan.

Plus … why we’re moving away from an advertising-based model and what it means to your business.

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Shocker: Time Spent Listening To Radio in Free Fall

An industry source close to the situation says radio time spent listening is in “rapid and drastic decline” – that’s a quote.

Now we know why radio groups have been recently trying to deceive advertisers about troubling audience erosion that they are trying to keep secret. 

Trumped up research studies.  A media buyer’s bash.  Even a Rod Stewart concert to say it isn’t so.

1.  How widespread is the time spent listening decline? 

2.  How long has TSL been declining this badly? 

3.  Which format is immune – talk, news or music? 

4.  How big is the decline year to year? 

5.  The one type of listener to target who is still listening like it’s 1999.

6.  How low one group just went to deceive advertisers. 

Plus, two proven strategies to reverse the continuing time spent listening decline that most stations overlook.

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Fantasy Sports

How snake oil salesmen are talking desperate AM and FM radio owners into dumping talk for a format that is going to lay an egg.  But here’s the one compelling new format for stations wishing to successfully compete in the digital age.

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Paul Drew

When I worked for Paul Drew, one of the most successful and influential program directors of the second golden age of radio, I lived in fear of making a mistake.

Blow the format and Paul was on the batphone taking you to task. 

There are many of us out there who suffered the same fate.

And for those who have never been on the receiving end of a batphone, it’s a high intensity floodlight that flashes so it doesn’t ring in the studio when the boss calls.

If I learned anything from Paul, it was to be thorough and hardworking – something that served me well later as a program director and in life.

Paul Drew died yesterday in his beloved state of California after years of a distinguished career in radio and music at the age of 78.

He was a mentor and one of the most colorful people that I have ever known in radio.

Today’s suit and tie CEOs are operating in an alien world compared to the days of Bill Drake and Paul Drew and a handful of other talented and great program directors.

Everyone has a Paul Drew story – and even if you dismiss half of it as embellishment, these tales are real and define this colorful man.

Paul worked at some big radio stations achieving success by adhering to high on-air programming standards. 

KHJ, Los Angeles.  KFRC, San Francisco.  WQXI, Atlanta.  And, of course, “The Big 8” CKLW in Detroit.  He was Vice President of Programming for the RKO Radio group at one point, the most powerful radio chain in the country.  He traveled with The Beatles on their U.S. tour along with my WFIL friend Larry Kane.  Dabbled in the music business with a Japanese act called Pink Lady and not long ago appeared once again on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.

Paul Drew also worked at the less memorable WIBG in Philadelphia where I worked for him. 

The station’s signal was so bad, you had to rent a helicopter at night if you wanted to hear it.

On the night I was to do my first show, he sent me a memo that said, “Jerry, your name is Jim Barber.  Paul”. 

That’s it.

Paul didn’t see the need to share this type of information in advance and I had such a hard time remembering my name that I wrote it in big black letters and put it on the glass in front of me.

Paul once lectured me on the importance of a big news story.  He said, “A really big news story is a power hit and should be played as such”.

When I returned to WIBG to become the program director, I inherited his office and his files filled with memos to staff.  But I could never fill his shoes.

Paul loved to write memos – short, sweet, sometimes appreciative, sometimes critical.

Among the qualities I admired is how determined he was to stick to the format.

When he was going to launch the “All Time Top 300” Friday at 3pm running until midnight Sunday night, he secretly bought an ad in an afternoon newspaper with the “Top 300” printed in time for Friday afternoon so listeners could follow along.

Unfortunately, Jimmy Hilliard who was running WFIL (and with whom I was also privileged to work for) picked up a copy of the newspaper before 3pm and launched “WFIL’s All Time Top 300” at five minutes before three using our playlist.

WIBG’s 300 playlist, five minutes ahead of Paul full well knowing Paul would rather die than skip a record or two to catch up.  As a result, WIBG ran five minutes behind WFIL with WIBG’s exact Top 300 hit playlist all weekend.

Paul refused to skip a number and catch up.

The night before as we were auditioning Bill Drake’s top of the hour station break cut for the occasion, I noted that it said, “You’re listening to the All Time Top 300 counted down in order from” – and then an a cappella singing station ID “WIBG, Philadelphia”.

I said, Paul “Why is Drake saying counted down in order?”

Paul answered, “That’s the magic of a countdown”.

I knew he would never interrupt the magic to one up his able competitor.

Paul could be tough, very tough.

He fired one jock a week from the previous format every Friday.  You can imagine our nerves.  Once he joked to me and Jerry Stevens, the holdover afternoon personality, “It’s Friday”.  Stevens said, “So what”?  And Paul said, “you’re still here”.

A few weeks later, Stevens was fired.

The kind of firing that went on then was nothing compared to what happens in radio now because we could always get another job across the street.

There were no Clear Channels or Cumulus Medias owning all the stations.

For all the radio stories about Paul, my favorite is personal.

When my son decided to go to college at The University of Southern California 3,000 miles from Philadelphia, Jerry ran into Paul at a music school event.

All Paul had to do was hear the name “Jerry Del Colliano” and the conversation began.  They had not previously met because he was only a gleam in my eye when I was working for Paul.

Paul and his wonderful and kind wife, Ann, the best radio spouse I have ever met, took young Jerry under their wing, invited him to their LA home for dinners and kept a watchful eye on him. 

Paul and Ann attended Jerry’s graduation party.

Jerry had been used to hearing my stories about the batphone and how terrifying it could be working for a perfectionist like Paul Drew.

In a late night call, my son said to me “Paul Drew is a teddy bear”.

I had an immediate allergic reaction to that imagery.

But in the end, his public persona and private side were very different, as I knew well.

Indeed, he was a teddy bear.

Paul Drew mentored a lot of radio people in his time and I am grateful to be counted among them.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Cumulus’ Next Two Moves

While Lew Dickey is raising $4 billion to buy CBS Radio, he has two earthshattering moves in the works.  One is really drastic, but believe it or not Cox is already doing it secretly under the radar.  This is double scary.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Damning Evidence About Radio’s Continued Viability

Even old people are now starting to turn on radio – the research I’m about to share will shake you awake.  But, I’ve also got some positive, doable strategies that can spit in the face of the industry’s demise.  Beat your competitor to them.

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Google To Disrupt Music Radio Next

Google is going to announce that it is launching a massive streaming music competitor to Pandora and the much-awaited Apple Radio later today.

But they’re not really going after them – there’s no money to be made there.

Google is targeting radio and make no mistake about it.

Now, what Google’s real intentions are and how smart radio operators can cut them off at the pass before they damage free radio.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, here are the questions that will be answered.

  1. Which radio operator does Google want most to be like?  Be careful, it’s a trick question but the answer tells you where they are headed.
  2. What’s the one surefire way for radio to come roaring back against the growing popularity of streaming music providers.
  3. Why selling downloads is fast becoming like selling vinyl – a sea change of consumer sentiment is taking music in an entirely new direction.
  4. But what is not being said – and you likely will not read it anywhere today – is that Google is really looking to deliver a deathblow to music radio.  Here’s why.
  5. Important!  Google has two new music services heading to market.  The other one is a killer. 

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The FM Chip Dumbphone

It’s just 60 days away.

Participating stations must cough up millions of dollars to one cellphone carrier in advertising trade for the next few years to get their FM chip activated.

Now, the return on investment.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, here are the questions that will be answered.

  1. Does the FM smartphone chip have a chance of turning a cellphone into a radio and increasing overall listening?  Even a slim chance?  You may be surprised.
  2. What’s the maximum increase in radio listening that can be expected once a station activates its FM chip according to results elsewhere?  We now know the accurate number.
  3. What broadcasters should be fighting for – a fight that could bring them even more listening on cellphones and other devices even faster and attract younger listeners.  But they’re not.
  4. What local stations can do to maximize a return on investment for their FM chip radios.
  5. Finally!  If the FM chip fails to deliver, this is the one thing every radio station must do to remain relevant with younger audiences.

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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Panic in Network Television

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Monday, May 13, 2013

Radio Without Talk

Now that Cumulus is getting set to pull out of talk and is publicly trashing its demographics and Rush Limbaugh, its biggest star, the radio industry will soon find itself with one less viable format.  What then?

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Google Glass

Google is less than a year away from selling wearable computer eyeglasses known as Google Glass that could be the next iPad. 

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If that’s not a big enough innovation, Google has decided not to allow advertising on Google Glass apps – an unthinkable turn of events.

Radio, TV, newspapers and magazines could be further up against the wall unless they do some major disruption of their ad model.  Here are some ideas.

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pandora’s Next Massive Assault on Radio

Today I want to share with you just how dead serious Pandora is about bleeding the radio industry dry of advertising money.  I have uncovered just how deep and expansive their next plan is.  Actually, radio ought to steal it fast.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

What Lew Dickey Didn’t Tell Analysts

They heard we lost money again and everything is great – blah, blah, blah.  But Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey didn’t dare tell them what he’s up to.

Click “read more” below for Dickey’s real plans

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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Non-Competes After The Michael Savage Ruling

Can Lew Dickey and Bob “Clown Hall” Pittman still enforce employee non-competes in the wake of talk show host Michael Savage’s court victory over his former employer, Talk Radio Network?   It’s complicated.

Click “read more” below for the new rules and the “safety zone”  

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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

YouTube’s Paid Model

Google, the great disruptor, is at it again in a YouTube experiment that could undo the cable television industry and provide content providers like radio stations with a solid path toward monetization. 

Click “read more” below for how to get in on it

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Monday, May 6, 2013

Dickey Targets 36 Markets

Lew Dickey plans to disrupt as many as 36 Cumulus markets in the very near future by doing the unthinkable.  It’s a dangerous move with lots of downside and very little upside.

Click “read more” below for where, when and why.

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Monday, May 6, 2013

Matt Lauer & Anderson Cooper

Comcast is opening Pandora’s Box by replacing Jay Leno and considering replacing Matt Lauer.  Learn an important media lesson at their expense because getting younger is suddenly harder than hiring younger.

Click “read more” below for how to transition to the money demo.

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Town Idiots

Clear Channel called all their radio employees back to work to attend an important virtual town meeting but it isn’t what they said that was cause for grave concern, it’s what they didn’t say.

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sell Apple, Buy These Media Stocks

I just sold all my Apple stock and placed a new bet on the future of digital content.  And as you’ll see, the future suddenly becomes clear when you’re spending your own money on it.

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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Clear Channel Bombshell

Clear Channel is ready to unleash an unprecedented company wide move as early as this week that could reveal where they’re headed for the first time in years.

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Monday, April 29, 2013

Dickey Dicking With New Cutbacks

Cumulus uses a growing list of techniques to cut operating expenses including layoffs, 50-60% pay cuts, voice tracking and syndication, one PD per major market and no market managers.

This is what’s next.

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Friday, April 26, 2013

The Next Big Media Disruption

Startling new research shows that audiences have changed their media preferences in the past year alone while radio, TV and the entertainment business stubbornly refuse to give them what they want.  If you’re a radio station, here’s how to disrupt them back.

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Thursday, April 25, 2013

All Market Managers Wiped Out in Two Large States

It’s happening faster than anticipated.  Another radio group has eliminated all market managers in two large states – almost 50 stations – choosing to run everything from headquarters.  Here’s how they are pulling it off and which other groups are slobbering over the possibilities.

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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Here’s Where Your Listeners Are Going

Not your smartphone.  Not Apple or iTunes.  Not Netflix or YouTube.  No to radio and TV.  What you’re about to see is the future of content in the media business and you’re not going to like it, but at least you’ll know what you’re going to face.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

“F” For Boston Bombing Coverage

Media coverage of the Boston bombings was a disaster for TV, cable, news services, radio and yes, even social media.  But next time a critical news story occurs, there is a better way within the skill sets we already have to come up bigger and better.  Here is that plan.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

What’s Really Driving Music Sales

What if I told you that iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, radio and social media are all not what you may think they are to driving music sales.  Dangerous new studies are being floated to mislead but new evidence suggests something off the radar is driving song sales and there’s a new use for radio that fits in perfectly.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Massive Radio Audience Theft

It’s not digital that’s killing radio ratings.  Radio is losing significant audience that it has legitimately earned because a few powerful radio groups are playing with their low-powered “translators” when they should be demanding a fix for this astonishing problem.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Twitter Music

I would be surprised if the just-released new Twitter Music app revolutionizes a music industry that has reduced itself to being a condiment instead of a main course and yet, believe it or not, the old analog radio industry could outperform digital wonders like Twitter if it would just do this one thing.

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Monday, April 22, 2013

Country Nash FM Number 1 in Bullshit

What most people don’t know is that the new Cumulus Nash FM in New York, a city that has clearly rejected country radio previously, isn’t chasing ratings or even on-air advertising.  If they get away with it, this tricky little plan I’m about to share with you will make the business of “losing” a big winner.

Click “read more” below for how.

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Minot Happened Again At Clear Channel

Clear Channel got caught with its pants down big time Wednesday saving money over saving people’s lives.  It’s real embarrassing and you won’t read this anywhere else.

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Cumulus Starts Purging

A dangerous stealth plan to conduct major personnel cutbacks is being slowly rolled out right now in Cumulus test markets, but the real blow that’s coming will devastate career radio people like no “layoff” before and set a bad example for other radio groups to follow.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Lew Dickey’s Talk Radio Plans Revealed

The CEO of Cumulus was overheard saying some drastic things about his plans for talk radio that included the fate of Limbaugh and Hannity, a bizarre move to make the format skew younger and a startling move that could happen in less than 12 months.

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Tragedy of Radio Covering a Tragedy

How do you thank a radio industry in which 99% of its stations don’t program news, or have a newsroom, a reporter, or a budget for covering a tragedy like the one in Boston a few days ago?  You don’t. 

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Losing Takes Care of Everything

Radio’s most influential groups are losing their way to success so effectively that if you want to see what’s in store for the industry next, consider this MBA-driven next phase of radio consolidation.  The next Cumulus is coming and I’m not talking about Entercom – although them, too!

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Employee To Entercom: CEO Is “Kim Jong” Field

It’s worse than most people know at Entercom as critical talent is quitting under its CEO strongman, which is why Friday’s “town hall” meeting at the troubled Boston cluster does not bode well for the rest of the company and for that matter the next radio group planning to pull a “Cumulus”.

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Monday, April 15, 2013

Rebellion At Entercom

At least when Cumulus fires an employee, they leave scared to death to open their mouth.  Not at Entercom where an ugly and fearless uprising of employees at one of their clusters threatens to spread to other cities and bring CEO David Field down.

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Friday, April 12, 2013

Radio Managers Being Eliminated

There is an alarming trend in radio to eliminate market and general managers and operate under this new less expensive structure that allows groups to shield themselves from wrongful dismissal lawsuits and radically redefine the radio station of the future.

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Friday, April 12, 2013

Radio’s JC Penney Problem

The sorry industry of retailing is starting to look like the sorry industry of radio after retailer JC Penney just fired their “golden” CEO after only 18 months.  Both industries have a lot in common and they’re both going to end up the same.

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Dickey Disease Spreading To Another Radio Group

Which major radio group is in such financial trouble that it is demanding big pay cuts from existing employees?  It’s the kind of raw deal you’d expect from Clear Channel or Cumulus not this company begging the question what other draconian measures are radio’s cheap bastards planning next?

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

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Talk to Jerry privately here.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

WABC Employees Openly Mocking Lew Dickey

What few Cumulus employees are left in New York City are openly laughing at their boss because they know as WABC goes, so goes talk radio at Cumulus and that means a format change. 

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

You’re in my Witness Protection Program when you report news here.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Empty Promises For AM Radio

The FCC is pandering to AM radio operators with a new series of “solutions” that will never work.  Here’s what will.

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The Final Nail In TV’s Coffin

Fox is threatening to put all its TV shows on cable while cable is bundling itself to death with consumers, but nothing is about to kill television as we know more than this move that gained momentum in the past 7 days.

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Next Big Cumulus Management Move

Lew Dickey’s anticipated purchase of CBS Radio and a new corporate business plan will force him to make these big, bold scary decisions that will impact every one of his 570 stations in 150 markets.

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

You’re in my Witness Protection Program when you report news here.

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Monday, April 8, 2013

CBS/Cumulus Merger Developments

Clear Channel has some doubts about the kind of merger CBS Radio would be willing to do with Cumulus next year, but because of recent developments the way it is shaping up now, they may not be the only radio group that winds up shocked and disappointed.

To access this article, click “read more” below for the answers.

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Cumulus A Seller

Cumulus is circulating a private list to potential buyers that for the first time helps reveal what their secret future plans are.

To access this article and try a subscription to Inside Music Media for one month, click “read more” below for the answers.

You’re in my Witness Protection Program when you report news here.

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Late Night With Comcast NBC

The smartest way to handle the generational handoff from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon is not the one NBC is choosing but this more effective strategy works equally as well for radio stations looking to attract younger audiences without making NBC’s big mistake.

To access this article and try a subscription to Inside Music Media for one month, click “read more” below for the answers.

You’re in my Witness Protection Program when you report news here.

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Thursday, April 4, 2013

YouTube Gate

Leave it to the record labels to be so desperate that they actually cheat on their metrics.

A lot of you have responded to my revelation a few days ago that media companies are buying Facebook “likes” from Bangladesh.

But that’s no joke.

Clueless radio companies are doing it to make their social media numbers bigger than they actually are.

And now this bombshell that the major record labels are cheating – let’s just put it out there – on the popularity of their artists’ social media numbers.

This is idiotic.

Maybe it makes them feel more powerful and mighty.

And maybe the stations doing this are pandering to media buyers who want some type of Arbitron service for new media because they’re lazy.

And face it, that’s the knock on media buyers.  They’re lazy.

I know lots of radio stations that think their social media efforts are world class because they aggregate content and race to the finish trying to get clicks and likes.

Good luck with that.

Two things.

You don’t want to be caught doing the things I’m about to share with you.

And, there is a better way to master social media and it’s legal and powerful.

A surefire better answer that brings you abundant and legal social media followers whether it’s a radio station or music artist.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Radio Research, My Ass!

Whenever an establishment media company like Arbitron that exists because Clear Channel is its main client says radio is the first choice for music discovery, I check my wallet next.

Yes, the happy talk radio press is slobbering all over themselves again saying that the 21st Arbitron-Edison study firmly concludes radio is great and digital media is not so great.

That radio is the number one source for music discovery.

Try to catch a young person, the people who buy the most music, listening to a radio. 

Go ahead, try.

But the study says it’s 78% and it includes AM radio so you would be wrong and they would be right if you believe this stuff.

Then friends and family are the next most influential.

Are they kidding?

That’s right, you parents know how often your sons and daughters sit around the dinner table and ask you, “What good music have you discovered lately?”  It’s 73% in the Edison-Arbitron study.

In fact, who has dinner together anymore?

Okay, maybe you do.

But who has dinner together without your kids on their smartphones?  I got ya! Only 53% of 12+ respondents had a smartphone in this study.  What world are they living in?  I mean, come on.

Only 75% have smartphones among the 18-34 demo.  I ask again, what world are they living in?

I could go on but you know the answer already.

Radio is right up there on top of the world and everything else is not exactly radio. 

This delusionary thinking is brought to you by people with a horse in the race – radio.  The research, I’m sure was professionally conducted because Edison is a very reputable company, but the findings are useless in the end because everyone with two eyes – okay one eye – knows that the conclusions are wrong.

In fact, if you only knew the disturbing information about listening habits and your audience, you’d cut the bullshit and start concentrating on things that can actually be done to save radio and music.

So here we go.

What’s the real threat to radio – not the imagined threat.  This one disrupter is what you need in your sights.

The one hope for an AM station – and after that there is no hope.

The overlooked source for music discovery among radio audiences – better keep an eye on it.

The renewed threat of music television with a new twist you should know about.

At last – what Millennials want for news/talk radio. 

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Take This Country Music and Shove It

Cumulus CEO Lew “Tricky” Dickey is at it again.

His half radio station in New York “Nash FM” is the biggest thing since ESPN in the world of brands – or should I say in the fantasy of his mind.

A 1.6 first book rating with a signal that doesn’t cover the city but I hear it booms into Newark for all those long lost country lovers there.

The hype.

The deals.

Why, it’s enough to make rival Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman wet – you know, tearful.

Dickey is playing with us.

New York doesn’t need a country station (as preceding radio operators found out).

“Nash FM” is not a brand.  It’s an excuse for something to sell advertisers – not even radio.

But there’s a lot of dirty doings going on behind the scenes that people don’t know about.

And it has to do with the record business where there appears to be some serious shenanigans going on.

Fake numbers.

Favors.

It’s embarrassing if not questionably legal.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Phil Ramone

Legendary engineer and producer Phil Ramone passed away over the weekend at the age of 79 and that’s just it.

He was 79.

Never retired.

Never got old.

Never got arrogant even working with Sinatra, Billy Joel, Paul Simon and just about all of the highly regarded music acts of his time and after his time.

The eulogies have been glowing as expected but the real gift of Phil Ramone is something we should bottle and make available to ourselves for future reference and the next generation of people who really care about music.

Get this and you have the way the record industry can come back.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Monday, April 1, 2013

How To Get Out Before the Next Layoff

Radio people love to say they have no choice but to put up with the likes of Lew Dickey, Bob Pittman, John Hogan and other radio Simon Legrees who are deleterious to their careers.

Not true.

I’ve got 3 great moves right here – and radio people are more than qualified to get into something that has some life left in it, rather than something that is sucking the life out of them.

3 things that can change their lives.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. First, what’s the outlook for more layoffs ahead – this is crucial for those who care about their careers.  My updated timetable.
  2. Now the options – the biggest, best and most attractive industry to get into with your radio skills.  I’d do this.  In fact, I’m going to.
  3. What’s the next big option made in heaven for radio people who want to stay connected to audiences.
  4. What you need to know from all those radio people who left the industry.
  5. If you do one thing and nothing else to advance your radio career – do this.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Saturday, March 30, 2013

CNN’s New Morning Show

Jeff Zucker, the new head of CNN who is already itching for his new boss Jeff Bewkes’ job at Time Warner is ready to bring some of his network TV “magic” to cable.

The only problem is – who cares?

Cable disrupted network television decades ago and digital is disrupting cable now.

Millennials who account for 80 million people – a potent audience to advertisers – don’t care about cable.

Hate CNN, Fox and MSNBC.

Love Jon Stewart but on YouTube.

And want content anywhere not from a screen hanging on the wall.

Even older audiences are rejecting traditional cable so with the wonderboy of CNN ready to pair 42-year old Chris Cuomo with a 29-year old up and coming reporter named Kate Bolduan, Zucker thinks he’s found the magic formula.

By the way … Earth to Erin Burnett who Zucker originally wanted to pair with Cuomo.  She invoked a clause in her CNN contract that says she must be on in prime time.

There is no prime time for a network that can barely get a half million viewers each night and Burnett underperforms that.

Maybe Zucker should pair Cuomo with Kate Upton to get an even younger audience.

Okay, maybe that will work.  Sorry, I got distracted for a moment.

The problem is that Zucker is ten years behind the times like many of the people running radio stations, record labels, TV networks and newspapers.

One mistake separates them from successfully disrupting cable and turning it into the biggest thing since Apple, Google and Facebook.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Friday, March 29, 2013

Clear Channel’s Next 7 Shocking Moves

Now we know what’s coming next at Clear Channel.

CEO Bob Pittman becomes Chairman of the Board in a few months and has all the power he needs to disrupt the company.

Here are the next 7 steps but they are not what you think they are – even more drastic and shocking.

A shakeup – a break up – and a makeup. 

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. For the first time, see which largest and quickest cost-cutting layoffs will be targeted to set the table.
  2. What Pittman is likely to sell – and when – to reduce the $20 billion debt that saddles Clear Channel.
  3. Carnac sees a buyer for some very valuable Clear Channel assets – which ones and where.
  4. What about iHeartRadio and Premium Choice?
  5. Which exit plan does Pittman have in mind because it’s sure not going be business as usual anymore.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Clear Channel Readies New Ways To Fire People

Look out! 

It’s coming.

Clear Channel has been methodically setting the stage for some (more than one) massive layoffs this year.

That’s why they forced employees to take the online survey about work conditions a few months back.

And that’s why they just a few days ago, put the second piece in place to allow them a wider range of firing possibilities for the next round.

I’ve gone over the document thanks to a number of newstipsers (and newly installed members in my witness protection program).

Here’s some of the stuff to look out for.

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  1. Awful new spying rules that gives the Eye in the Sky the ability to track employees’ every move – and fire them at will.
  2. Why a previously little known new rule that gives employees who want to report wrongdoing is a Trojan Horse that may see the end their career if they try it.
  3. What happens from now on if a Clear Channel employee takes a second job?
  4. Why their new rules on ethical selling only apply to employees and not corporate dealmakers who can get special waivers to get around them.
  5. Plus, which new corporate “gotchas” should Clear Channel employees be aware of.
  6. What about the timing of these new trumped up rules – why now?

Click “read more” below for the answers.  

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Spotify On the Brink

The record labels made Spotify and now they’re killing it. 

Monumental change is happening right now that is redefining radio’s role in music without helping digital streaming media services help replace lost music revenue.

It’s worse than that.

There’s no way out.

Wait until you see this new, critical information about subscribers, revenue and licensing fees.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How much of Spotify’s revenue goes to music licensing fees.
  2. What’s the sweet spot for Millennials, a consumer group necessary to the growth of the music business, for paying streaming music services like Spotify.
  3. What’s the most important feature a streaming music service must have?
  4. How radio’s demise as a hitmaker among Millennials is actually weakening the negotiating position of record labels in licensing issues.
  5. How YouTube could kill radio, Spotify AND the music industry – it’s no joke.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Cable News Wars

CNN is being reinvented.

MSNBC is picking up steam.

Fox is still on top.

And it all doesn’t matter because big changes are coming for the cable news wars.

In fact, I’ve got the eventual winner of the cable news wars for you right here and you’ll never guess who it is.

No, not Jon Stewart.

I said you’d never guess!

What’s critical is that you don’t want to make the mistakes these three big corporate media companies are making and we’ll go over that, too.

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  1. Which one will emerge the victor in the cable news wars – MSNBC, the new CNN or the old reliable Fox?
  2. Why does an erectile dysfunction drug tell you all you need to know about cable news?
  3. How threatening is on-demand “TV anytime” programming to the cable news wars?
  4. What has happened for the first time since TV was invented that indicates a big change coming in the living room?
  5. Where the real news battle will be next after CNN, MSNBC and Fox fight it out.

Click “read more” below for the answers. 

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Cumulus’ Mr. Mean Genes Strikes Back

Mr. Mean Genes has become The Town Clown of radio.

Cumulus CEO Desperate Lew Dickey is losing employees at a record rate and thinks suing them helps him recruit better replacements.

But believe it or not, Dickey’s days are numbered.  

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

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  1. Why a desperate March Madness revenue-raising scheme backfired.
  2. How long-suffering employees are beginning to standup to Mr. Mean Genes.
  3. He can’t even keep super top executives – here’s a big departure Dickey failed to mention while he was bragging about his accomplishments – but we will.
  4. Mr. Mean Genes has replaced 40 of 55 Citadel managers so what’s in store for the 15 remaining survivors.
  5. What’s “compensation day expiration” and why is this self-inflicted policy making it hard to hire people for needed jobs.
  6. And the Big Question!  How long before Dickey gets his comeuppance.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Leno vs. Fallon

Comcast is itching to get Jay Leno off The Tonight Show so they can have a younger face to compete with ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel.

A no brainer, right?

More like no brains.

It’s right to put young entertainers on as the 80 million Millennials come of age, but they’re missing a big, bad unexpected consequence.

Learn from their coming mistake – don’t let this happen to you.

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  1. How to get younger without firing your popular older talent to do it.
  2. Why NBC will be blindsided by its decision to turn Leno loose.
  3. The one mitigating factor that makes the late night decision wrong no matter what NBC – or for that matter, or ABC does.
  4. How CBS CEO Les Moonves who has the oldest, grumpiest late night talent in Dave Letterman is outsmarting the other networks.
  5. Why you must never, ever violate one important rule when trying to go younger – or pay the price NBC is about to pay.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Monday, March 25, 2013

The Little 225-Watt Translator That Could

Here’s the feel good radio story you thought you’d never hear about.

Clear Channel gets knocked off in a big radio market by a teensie-weensie 225-watt translator.

Emerging as number one persons 18-34 beating no less than a full power heritage station personally programmed by a big John Hogan-appointed programming honcho, which has now simultaneously dropped to #3 persons 18-34 and 25-54.

Imagine THAT on his resume.

Now you had better watch your flank.

Here’s how it happened and how other shrewd operators can pick the pockets of the big boys while they are busy cranking out their sanctimonious bullshit.

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  1. Which radio company kicked Clear Channel in the nuts and won in a major city with a lowly 225-watt translator.
  2. Guess how long it took to become #1 – you can’t, you won’t, but they did it.
  3. So this little pimple on Clear Channel’s butt isn’t making money, right?
  4. Why you should protect your brand now – if a competitor gets ahold of this game plan and has a translator available, your dominance can be eviscerated like that!
  5. The only way to defend against another rogue translator that comes after you.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Friday, March 22, 2013

Cox Channel

NO!  NO!  NO!

Say it ain’t so.

Cox Radio is starting to operate from the Cumulus and Clear Channel playbooks.

Not mean. 

Just lean – increasingly lean.

Some people are really worried and here is why.

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  1. Once and for all, can we rule out the sale of more Cox Radio markets?
  2. Who knew that Cox thought it had a ready and willing buyer for the recent non-essential markets it sold – and maybe even a buyer to sell the entire company.  Guess who it was and why they are not interested.
  3. Why most present and ex-employees think Cox is a human radio operator, but not all.  Their gripe has some substance.
  4. Cox doesn’t do mass firings, but they are using another tactic to cut costs.  You be the judge.
  5. How long before Cox makes a major move to get out of radio – my best estimate.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Thursday, March 21, 2013

50 Ways To Leave A Dickey

Michael Baisden was fired yesterday for daring to negotiate with Lew “Tricky” Dickey and his “Other Brother” Elroy, I mean John.

It’s an ugly new chapter of hardball Dickey style as the firing of Baisden is a perfect example of what new dirty tactics Cumulus employees may face as the company struggles with bankruptcy concerns and waits for the 2014 acquisition of CBS Radio.

Now, 50 ways to leave a Dickey.

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  1. What one thing a Cumulus employee must never ever do when they are negotiating with a Dickey.
  2. The only person who ever sliced and diced the Dickeys in a contract negotiation.  And here’s how he did it.
  3. What stops the Dickeys from going through with enforcing a non-compete for employees they’ve either fired or who have left on their own.
  4. Why Cumulus is now letting contracts expire without serious negotiations in advance of this sucker punch.
  5. Finally!  The answer to the question why would Cumulus fire employees like Michael Baisden who are making them tons of money rather than keep him at a pay cut he was willing to take.

Click “read more” below for the answers.

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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

New Cumulus Management Crisis

Top managers are walking out on Lew Dickey.

It’s so bad, that less than 2 weeks ago one market manager quit after just four months on the job and this is becoming more prevalent.

And he was the latest of 6 managers to run the cluster since 2006 – even more failed since Cumulus bought the station before that.

Long-suffering Cumulus employees vowed that they were waiting for one thing to happen before they walked.  I’ll tell you what that one thing was.

So what do these suddenly empowered ex-employees of Cumulus plan to do for their “next” job?  This one radio company loves to hire Cumulus employees.

Cumulus often reacts liked a jilted girl or boyfriend to the news that their employees are leaving before they can be fired.   When they get this pissed, they turn to tactics like the ones I’m going to share with you. 

Then there’s their latest ploy to advertise for top jobs that have been vacated, but you won’t believe what Cumulus does to these positions while they are searching for a replacement. 

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Radio Pay Cut Scam

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman has no trouble throwing a lavish party for the debut of an electronic dance music format that isn’t even on a real radio station (EDM is only on a TRANSLATOR in Miami!)

Both Clear Channel and Cumulus top execs take bonuses even in bad times – like now – and simultaneously with massive layoffs that they impose on key staffers.

Top talent is being dismissed and the people who have been getting fired – 10,000 alone at Clear Channel over the past years – turn out to be the LUCKY ones.

Survivors beware.

The Evil Empire and the Cumulus Game of Clones have a plan to bend you over and screw you out of even more salary.

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  1. How contract employees are being fooled into either quitting or taking a big pay cut. 
  2. The new hardball – what to expect when you’re expecting to go to work for a better station across the street.
  3. Whopping pay cuts – you won’t read about how they’re doing it in the happy talk radio trades but you get the figure here.
  4. What’s going to happen next to market managers, programmers, sales managers and commission rates.
  5. How Clear Channel plans to screw market managers out of their bonuses.

If you would like to be advised of radios developing pay cut scam, click “read more” below.

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Monday, March 18, 2013

Randy Michaels Blows A Gasket

Michaels turns on an old friend – WWIQ PD and morning personality Al Gardner.  But the parting was ugly.  I’ve got the details from inside.

Randy is under great pressure – the rest of Merlin is being sold off right from under him by the investment people he got into bed with.  Here’s how the sale of the remaining Merlin stations is going.  Merlin thought it had the station sold to CBS Radio.  I’ll update the likely Philly buyer for you and the price.

Meanwhile WWIQ-FM’s plug and play conservative talk station with Limbaugh, Hannity and other syndicated hosts is creaming CBS’ WPHT-FM driving one of their stars, Michael Smerconish to satellite.

How can this happen?  No promotion, no commitment, no permanent owners, no help from PPM.  Here’s how to learn from Michaels mistakes and blow the ratings wide open.

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Friday, March 15, 2013

The Next Deathblow To Talk Radio

Michael Smerconish is leaving a sinking ship – he was whipped by Merlin’s fledgling Philly FM station and now he’s escaping to the greener pastures of satellite radio.

Talk radio is in deep trouble.

Get ready for not one but two new deathblows headed straight at talk radio – and they are all self-inflicted wounds.

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  1. Talk radio audiences are about to be even more undercounted.  I’ll fill you in on the latest.
  2. Some talk stations have huge online listening numbers – why is this turning out to be a big problem.
  3. But wait – Nielsen’s proposed purchase of Arbitron and plan to count digital listening is actually a fraud in the making.
  4. Which one radio group that is doing more to hurt talk radio than any other.  The answer may surprise you.
  5. Two sure things that will fix talk radio ratings but would you believe the major talk operators are doing the exact opposite.  Believe it.
  6. How long does talk radio like this have left.

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Thursday, March 14, 2013

$1 Million Per Year For Each Clear Channel PD

Not $1 million per year in SALARY compensation.

$1 million a year in NEW BUSINESS that each PD must now generate to keep his or her job at Clear Channel.

As incredible as it may seem, Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman came up with this new demand at his just-concluded top executive retreat in Florida.

Let me more blunt.

Each Clear Channel program director the company designates has just nine more months to generate $1 million in revenue even if they’re already 3 months into the year with this crazy idea.

Who knew the program director’s job was to directly increase billing – accountable down to the dollar.

These morons who have gutted radio stations of live, local programming have a helluva nerve to come back at top programming people and demand – not ask – that they help solve the company’s substantial financial problems.

I thought you’d like early warning on this because – and I hate to say it – the other lemmings who call themselves radio groups like to copy their failed leader.

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  1. Why such desperation now?  Even $1 million per year per market won’t make a tiny dent in their $20 billion debt load.
  2. Which markets.
  3. The crazy things Clear Channel is going to demand of its program directors.
  4. What if their designed PDs don’t hit $1 million by December 31st.
  5. What the real motivation is for fattening the revenue for the next 9 months.

If you would like to see why Clear Channel is going to demand $1 million in new business from its PDs and how they’re going to do it, click “read more” below because other groups are likely to do the same thing.

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Exact Number of Years Left For the Car Radio

Toyota now talks publicly about the day when they won’t be offering radio in their cars.

It gets worse – a representative of a “Big Three” automaker is unabashedly saying he “can imagine a day in his lifetime when cellular networks are reliable enough to put no-radio into the realm of possibilities”.

Automakers are now using words like radio is safe – for the foreseeable future.

Let’s be honest – what’s foreseeable mean?

How long does radio have left as a major staple in cars because a car will soon become a digital center with four wheels – and no radio!

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  1. Cut to the chase – how many years before radio gets demoted out of the dashboard.  Carmakers know.  You should, too.
  2. What specific evidence do automakers have that their customers don’t want a radio in their car. 
  3. What 80 million Millennials want when they buy a car – an expert says ignore this at your own peril.
  4. Positive steps:  What key things can a good radio operator do now to prepare for when automakers stop putting radio in the dashboard.
  5. Getting on iHeartRadio is your insurance policy against no radio in the dashboard, right?  But there’s an even better plan.

If you would like to see exactly how many years radio has left in the car dashboard and how to prepare to overcome it, click “read more” below.

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Clear Channel’s Surprising New Business Plan

Yesterday I shared with you information from a source close to Bob Pittman, his former partner in Double O Radio Bob Sherman and others in which Pittman revealed his eventual plan for Clear Channel.

It’s not owning 850+ stations, that’s for damn sure.

It’s about this crafty new business that these sources say Pittman is looking to roll out.

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  1. The timeline – how long things continue the way they are and when this new disruptive plan kicks in.
  2. If you’re asking why would anyone in their right mind buy a Clear Channel station that is not making money and actually costs money to run – well, as you’re about to learn Pittman has a brand new business for that.
  3. The startling changes Pittman plans to make to Premium Choice. 
  4. You know how Pittman is spending this year personally tending to a handful of major market stations that are key to his new business.  Now we know why. 
  5. Pittman’s new Clear Channel has very low debt (compared to the current $20 billion) and generates tremendous free cash flow.  And you thought he lost his mojo.
  6. Finally – the answer to why Clear Channel is doing record label deals, doing hourly airplay for artists, concerts that don’t make money, it just doesn’t make sense.  Until now.

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Pittman Overheard: “I Know Clear Channel’s Plan”

I know what Bob Pittman’s plans are for Clear Channel.

What if I told you that this information comes from sources close to Pittman and his former partner Bob Sherman who insisted he knew Pittman’s plan shortly before Sherman died one year ago?  

It explains his odd behavior.

His obsession for iHeartRadio.

And why he’s personally getting involved with operations.

Tells us about his plan to carve up the Clear Channel assets.

And then drops this bomb on the company and the radio industry.

None of this has been written about before – I was even surprised by Pittman’s determination to wreck the company and pilfer the parts.

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  1. Once and for all – why is Pittman so obsessed with that silly and corny app iHeartRadio and now you’ll see why it is critical to what he plans to do.
  2. What Sherman said Pittman’s plans are for the next 12 months or less and then the bombshell.
  3.  90% of Clear Channel stations are likely to be disrupted big time after that with Pittman’s ingenious and up to now secret strategy.
  4. And the other 10% will be safe, right?
  5. But there’s more – this doesn’t end once 90% of Clear Channel stations have been pilfered and, as you’re about to learn, it’s just the beginning of a new way to make money.
  6. The new Clear Channel revealed.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Radio’s Biggest Lies

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  1. The big lie about country radio.
  2. About Cumulus not doing any more big deals.
  3. About the Bobby “Bare” Bones country morning show.
  4. About electronic dance music (EDM).
  5. The lie about hiring radio salespeople with no experience.
  6. About the digital dashboard.
  7. About the Sprint deal to unlock radio chips for local stations.
  8. The lie about the CBS Radio Sports Network.

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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Digital Fraud Exposed in Radio

There is so much pressure to get Facebook “likes” and clicks today that radio stations may be turning to an old trick – fraud – to make them look better.

To trick advertisers and partners.

To fool media buyers.

I’ve uncovered some embarrassing and, frankly, questionable social media and digital strategies reportedly being employed at stations from Virginia Beach to New York City.

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  1. Which small market R&B station suddenly became more popular in Facebook “likes” over in Russia than in the U.S. raising the question of what made that happen?
  2. Which R&B station wound up with embarrassing metrics such as “likes” from 83% Caucasians with a typical age of 63?  I want to know their programming secret.
  3. How local stations in small markets are winding up with more listener “likes” in New York than in their own market area. 
  4. And what about the New York station that got a 102% increase in Facebook “likes” in just three days.  Can’t be buying “likes”, can they?
  5. The one thing radio stations desperate to win in Facebook “likes” and clicks are missing – and it’s big.

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cumulus Forcing DJs To Sell Used Cars

I know.

Used car sales and the way the Dickeys run Cumulus go hand in hand. 

I get it.

But what I am about to tell you is absolutely true -- that Cumulus is making car salesmen out of some of its jocks.

And I’m not talking about selling cars by doing commercials.

Here’s the latest indignity sure to arrive in other Cumulus markets.  Hell, a bad idea like this is perfect for Clear Channel, too. 

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  1. Where it happened and where it is likely to happen next.
  2. All the details of the most bizarre remote you have ever heard of and may actually have to do some day soon.
  3. The startling talent compensation package.
  4. The new normal for bully tactics at a consolidated radio group.

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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Brilliant Digital Strategies For Radio

Pay Sprint to make their smartphones a radio station if you want.

Or invest that money in these brilliant digital strategies that will force media buyers to overpay for your innovation.

That’s right, overpay!

But radio broadcasters don’t have to be clueless any longer.

Here are the opportunities ahead that are worth time, money and corporate focus.

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  1. Millennials download (and pay for) entire series of TV shows on Netflix and HBO Go.  How to do radio’s version.
  2. Three killer things you can add to your digital strategy that will wow media buyers in addition to radio.
  3. How to invent your radio station’s own local Facebook – not Mark Zuckerberg’s.
  4. I’m going to give this one away in the teaser – fantasy sports.  But wait I’m not talking about MLB, NFL, NBA or NHL.  It’s even better.
  5. Run all the way to the bank with this non-streaming digital idea.

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Monday, March 4, 2013

Is Bob Pittman Angling to Buy Clear Channel Assets?

Bob Pittman’s TV company Barrington Broadcasting – the one he purchased through his venture capital firm Pilot Group was sold last week to Sinclair effectively cashing him out.

Pilot got out of Double O Radio, the small market radio group by taking an even bigger haircut.

Pittman, as the self-proclaimed inventor of MTV and the boy wonder of AOL, is no stranger to raising more capital if necessary.

The question is, will it be necessary.

Only Pittman knows for sure but he appears to be running Clear Channel’s radio stations deeper into debt these days.  The debt meter is at $20 billion and growing.

But people inside Clear Channel think that the sly fox Bob Pittman is up to something.

He cannot possibly survive more years of decline for the media and entertainment company even if he finds a way to kick more debt down the road.

Here’s how Pittman could direct assets right into the hands of his very own venture capital company.

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  1. Why Clear Channel has not sold off any of its 800+ stations even though reducing the total could raise enough money to help pay down their $20 billion in debt.
  2. Why Clear Channel doesn’t run ads on iHeartRadio, a Pandora lookalike that could raise some additional money to go towards debt.
  3. Why Clear Channel is pricing their stations at such high multiples that no one in their right mind would buy them – at least right now.
  4. What 3 main assets would Clear Channel likely consider selling as the debt situation gets worse.
  5. Venture capital owners Lee & Bain have had Clear Channel long enough – here’s the startling way they get their money out now.

If you would like to see how Bob Pittman may be angling to buy some Clear Channel assets, click “read more” below.

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Friday, March 1, 2013

Clear Channel Debt Worse Than Reported

Clear Channel is not telling the whole truth about their mounting debt.

To listen to their fourth quarter revenue results, you would think they have matters under control.

But no – it’s worse than they’re letting on.

And yes – it’s bad news for their employees.

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  1. The five options Clear Channel has left to keep them afloat over the next few years – most of these have not been publicly discussed before now.
  2. The truth serum for claims that the 4% increase in revenue is actually real.
  3. That $16 billion in unpayable debt that we’ve reported is inaccurate – it just went up to this.
  4. Outdoor can save Clear Channel’s bacon, right?
  5. What Clear Channel left out of its 4th quarter numbers that the company called “transformational”.

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Thursday, February 28, 2013

5 Secrets of Radio’s Survival in the Digital Age

Damn! 

No sooner than Billboard decides to include YouTube listening in its chart compilation then one day later a viral video that has been out since last spring becomes the number one popular song overnight.

What happened to radio?

And what’s going to happen to radio if it doesn’t heed the 5 sacred secrets of survival in the digital age.

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  1. Radio’s answer to Pandora, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube.  Unfortunately, they’re not doing it.
  2. Then, the “magic pill” that can transform radio into the digital age.
  3. The one thing not to do on a radio station above and beyond playing the same old hits over and over again if you want to win listeners under 30 years old.
  4. How to take your radio station viral – just like YouTube does.
  5. Why you do not want to be swayed by the one thing that will be the death of music radio.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Radio’s Dirty Laundry Outted

Failing radio groups like Clear Channel and Cumulus are always saying they use “best practices” to run their companies.

But look what I’ve discovered.

Dirty laundry that they’d rather not have anyone know about.

Which is why, today I’m going to tell you about it.

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  1. Forget the headlines, guess what Cumulus paid an employee they axed within the last few weeks after 20 years of service – and you’ll be surprised to know that it was not nothing.
  2. In which major market did this station’s sales manager go on the air desperately recruiting salespeople. 
  3. Better yet, look at what even Clear Channel would rather not have you know about how it fired an almost 30-year employee.  Why so secret?  Because they may want to try this tactic on you, too.
  4. When is it okay for Clear Channel to whore itself out to, of all competitors, CBS for what’s tantamount to prostitution money.  Names and call letters.
  5. Why Clear Channel doesn’t want anyone to know that it is doing extensive renovations of some radio facilities – Clear Channel Extreme Makeover Radio Edition.  Here’s why.
  6. Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman is reportedly about to take another haircut in a business deal.  You’re 30 days ahead of it.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Entercom’s Secret Strategy

Entercom is getting more evil.

Like working on plans to adopt foolish and abusive Clear Channel and Cumulus “worst” practices.

And Entercom employees are not going to like it one bit.

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  1. How Entercom is now acting like Cumulus and Clear Channel – in the words of their own employees.
  2. Why Entercom is using a new talent contract – more for less with an ugly twist.
  3. Harsh multitasking dictates that make it downright impossible to do a good air shift.
  4. How Entercom gets around bonus agreements.
  5. Plus, tricks that Clear Channel and Cumulus would love coming soon to Entercom stations.

If you would like to see Entercom’s secret strategy to be more like Cumulus and Clear Channel, click “read more” below.

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Monday, February 25, 2013

Clear Channel Stealth Firings Begin Today

What if I told you around 50 or so radio stations are going to eliminate an on-air position today?

Would you call that a layoff?

These radio groups would call it a sendoff and they’ve got cheatin’ on their minds.

If you’re looking to keep up with the devious new ways companies like Clear Channel and Cumulus are planning to use to fire lots of folks and not even have you notice, read on.

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  1. How 50 (maybe more) on-air people will be eliminated this morning on a stealth layoff.
  2. The dangerous new practice of mixing format DNA to create programs that claims lots of jobs.
  3. The next innovative and devious way to empty a radio station of air personalities – it’s happening this morning and will likely continue all year.
  4. What happens when dangerous and powerful radio CEOs start meddling in programming – that’s happening this morning, too.
  5. What is the disease known as “The Elvis Duran Syndrome” – check for the symptoms because as you’ll see there is no cure.

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Clear Channel Invents a 3rd Way To Cut Staff

Clear Channel has just invented a third way to reduce their workforce.

You know the other two, but this new mean-spirited, humiliating approach comes out of nowhere and hurts your self-esteem and pay.

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  1. How a Clear Channel lifer just took it where the sun don’t shine after being blindsided by corporate.
  2. Their template for playing Russian roulette with your career.  It’s actually waterboarding because they ram this down your throat with no choice.
  3. How Clear Channel is leaving itself open to big lawsuits.
  4. Why they do this under the radar to avoid unfavorable publicity – it’s that evil.
  5. Plus, the big question – how far will these reductions in force go.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

All Out Radio Rebellion

Employees of companies like Clear Channel and Cumulus are madder than hell and aren’t going to take it anymore.

There is evidence everywhere that as much as suffering radio people would like to keep their jobs, they’re increasingly walking away from abuse, neglect and no pay raises.

Maybe it’s the economy getting better.

Or maybe it’s their employers getting worse.

Here is some documented evidence of a monumental change that can even hurt two arrogant consolidators who think they can fire people and get to keep the best of the best.

Now the best are heading for the door.

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  1. What consolidator is now down to just 7 salespeople in a multi-station cluster with red ink all over the company.
  2. The major issue that is finally pissing people off so much that they want to exit radio – even without another job lined up.
  3. New evidence that top management is fleeing.
  4. The handwriting on the wall – what is making radio people give up.
  5. My latest updated list of the best companies – the ones I would work for as well as the ones that are riskier.  You already know the two to avoid.

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Cumulus-Type Cuts Rock CBS Radio

CBS Radio is pulling a Cumulus and Clear Channel.

It’s sad to say but as of a week ago CBS Radio is doing the exact same kind of thing that got Cumulus into trouble.

For some employees of major CBS properties as many as three major sources of income were adjusted downward.

And one change arrived just ahead of a major sales initiative.

Some incentive, eh?

So what’s up with a good company like CBS Radio acting like Cumulus?

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  1. Which CBS employees get burned the most under this new plan.
  2. The surprising revised sales commission package going into effect at some CBS Radio stations.
  3. The company’s unique excuse for slashing commissions.
  4. Which lucky CBS Radio employees dodge the new rules.
  5. The doomsday digital announcement employees have feared.  But wait -- other groups may try this same stunt next.
  6. How CBS blew a major revenue initiative with these 3 rules changes.

If you would like to see the surprising Cumulus-type cuts CBS Radio just made, click “read more” below. 

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2 Clear Channel Meetings To Change Everything

I’ve just gotten wind of two important Clear Channel meetings that are being scheduled – one will happen this very week.

Their net effect is to blow up current operations and move to a new system.

Quickly.

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  1. The info I’ve discovered about a high level Clear Channel New York management powwow that takes place this week.
  2. Best thinking on why they are having this meeting.
  3. The surprising choice of who is running it.  Not Pittman.  Not Hogan.  This speaks volumes.
  4. How the connection begins to become clearer between what top management is up to and – believe it or not – the just completed employee survey.
  5. What I’ve uncovered about another meeting – this one with Bob Pittman in Florida that is so secret that only a select few trusted people are invited.

If you would like to be in on the 2 meetings that Clear Channel is planning that will change everything, click “read more” below.

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Friday, February 15, 2013

Clear Channel May Be a Seller

$16 billion in debt is a big burden to carry around and for the next few years CEO Bob Pittman is going to struggle with ways to deal with it.

But no one overcomes that kind of imbalance without a bold move.

You may remember that Lee and Bain tried to get out of their 2009 Clear Channel acquisition before it was too late and changed their minds at the last minute.

Something to do with threatened lawsuits if they backed out.

They’re in it to lose it.

To wreck the company and sell off the parts kind of like Hostess did with Twinkies.  Did you see that New York Times article on how Hostess is worth more dead than alive? 

Clear Channel is radio’s Twinkies.

Here are some of the bold moves you will see sooner rather than later:

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  1. What is the surprising way for Clear Channel to raise $4-5 billion to pay down debt.
  2. Why selling some key market stations is not off the table.  I’ll name an example.
  3. How laying off more employees will be so very different this year.
  4. How Clear Channel plans to operate more like Pandora than the top radio group.
  5. The move that is currently underway to drastically reduce programming expenses (with a perfect example).

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

7 Things Clear Channel Plans After Their Employee Survey

Everybody is talking about the “zombie” hackers who broke into radio’s Emergency Alert System (EAS).

But no one is paying attention to the hacks that are about to use the so-called Clear Channel Employee Engagement Survey results to totally reshape the company.

They managed to bully most of 73% of their terrified employees to “voluntarily” take the online survey. 

And John Hogan, Clear Channel bad cop (CEO Bob Pittman is the good cop) sounds like a man of the cloth when he talks in the soothing terms he used in a recent follow-up employee email.

Don’t fall for the schmaltz.

I know how Clear Channel is going to use all that warm and fuzzy employee engagement stuff to get what they really want – not what employees’ think they want.

Let’s have John Hogan have a seat on the psychiatrist’s couch for a second to analyze his brain.

Okay, well then, his mind.

Alright, then – his motives.

Wait until you see the transcript I have for you and the 7 changes Clear Channel plans to hide behind based on the just-completed Employee Engagement Survey.

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  1. How Clear Channel plans to use the Employee Engagement Survey results to initiate a series of unprecedented cutbacks across its 800+ stations.
  2. Why Clear Channel came up with the post-survey “action steps” they are about to take before the survey results came in.
  3. Does the new tone of this survey mean even a small chance that the worst of the Clear Channel employee cuts are over?
  4. How Clear Channel plans to shrink local studio and office space while redirecting their attention to employee attitudes.
  5. What the company plans about ending an 8-year drought on pay raises – the first real answer.

If you would like to see 7 things Clear Channel will do after their Employment Engagement Survey is revealed, click “read more” below.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Critical New Social Media Discoveries

In five years of writing Inside Music Media, this is in my opinion the most important article I have ever written.

It’s the best and I think you’ll agree.

We’ve got it backwards.  Digital media is not what we think it is and it has just begun to change again.

Operate off the old assumptions at your own risk.

Get over Facebook – most of their users have.

Stop mistaking Twitter as a short form communication tool – there are some things it can be and some it just can’t be.

There’s a new trend toward self-destructing social communication that is here for a few seconds and gone the next that you should know about because already millions are embracing it.

The missed opportunity for radio stations who actually have social media ass backwards.  You’ll change your social media plans immediately because you’re going to say – that’s right. 

Here are the social media discoveries that are either going to upset your current strategies or make you a lot of money for jumping on them now.

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  1. The major way social media is changing – even the crazily popular YouTube. 
  2. Why a radio station should never, ever ask a listener to “like” them.
  3. How “clicks” and “likes” are blowing up in the face of content producers who are overlooking something even more important.
  4. The major attitude change that surveys are picking up about Facebook users.  Do you know this because whatever you’re doing that involves Facebook depends on it.
  5. The very latest trend in social media – an app that attracts over 60 million users a day and you probably have never heard of it.
  6. The movement from ad serving, polished social media and websites to the ephemeral – short-term content.  

If you would like to see critical new social media discoveries, click “read more” below.

Report Newstips privately under my witness protection program here.

Visit my blog here.

Fix subscription issues here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Clear Channel Employees Being Set Up

Employees have finally figured out why a brass knuckles company like Clear Channel is making nice to surviving workers by doing an online survey to tell them how the company can improve their toxic work environment.

Many are convinced that the answers that Clear Channel insists will remain anonymous can and will in fact be used against them in some way.

But the growing feeling within the company is that Clear Channel employees are being set up.

And now we’ve uncovered 5 potentially very scary ways.

You may want to watch your back.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Specifically how participating in the Clear Channel employee survey can blow up in your face.
  2. What employees now fear Clear Channel will do if they take the questionnaire even if their comments are glowing.
  3. How your comments can come back to haunt you should you be laid off later.
  4. This is the second time Bain/Clear Channel forced an attitudes survey on its employees.  Learn from the last time.
  5. What are the possible severance repercussions whether you comply or not.
  6. Why one Clear Channel cluster went so far as to force each and every employee to take the questionnaire immediately. 

If you would like to see how Clear Channel employees may be getting set up for a big fall, click “read more” below.

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Visit my blog here.

Fix subscription issues here.

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Monday, February 11, 2013

Cumulus Talk Shakeup Coming

Lew Dickey is out trashing talk radio in the business press.

His Bloomberg interview last week is as subtle as an erection in a leotard.

Dickey is quoted as saying this about talk radio:  “People may be tired of all the partisan bickering.” 

This is from a man who airs Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity on his air.

The one who invented Mike Huckabee as a Rush Limbaugh replacement.  After all, Cumulus has to pay to run Limbaugh but they pay Huckabee spit for money to get low ratings on their affiliates.

This is the genius behind Geraldo.

The savior of Savage.

Can you imagine Dickey trashing country music, or Nashville to the business press the way he dumped on talk radio?

I thought so.

Something big is brewing and I have it for you here.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The next big major market format shakeup Dickey is signaling to the ad community.
  2. The startling move ahead involving some iconic major market stations.
  3. Why the Dickeys took Geraldo Rivera to the woodshed and bullied him into backing off of talking publicly about a senate bid – and believe it or not it has nothing to do with politics.
  4. Other Cumulus talk show hosts that are on thin ice.
  5. Why the Cumulus CEO publicly trashed his talk stations instead of just changing their formats – why this way?

If you would like to see the Cumulus talk shakeup coming, click “read more” below.

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Fix Subscription Issues here.

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Friday, February 8, 2013

YouTube’s Radio Knockout Punch

Google’s YouTube is going to a paid model.

And whether you know it or not – YouTube is radio’s most fearsome competitor.

That’s right – competitor to hit music radio stations among Millennial teens.

YouTube is doing what radio stations need to do.

But look out for YouTube’s knockout punch because it’s coming soon.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What YouTube plans to charge millions of premium content subscribers who now get the service for free.
  2. Why while YouTube tries to become subscription television, radio should go after YouTube.
  3. What will happen to YouTube’s pre-roll ads under the new subscription plan.
  4. Why ad revenue is no longer enough for YouTube and what that portends about radio.
  5. Two urgent things radio companies large and small must do not to become irrelevant and cash poor – specific first steps.

If you would like to see YouTube’s radio knockout punch, click “read more” below.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Media Attention Span Shocker

I can’t watch TV in real time. 

Maybe you’re like me.

In fact, I am increasingly growing impatient with my media and now I have uncovered research that shows people like us are not alone.

If you believe a major university’s new research that I am going to share – and I do – radio stations are in great peril not only with 80 million short attention span Millennials and among every other available age demographic.

You’ll agree that this research is so shocking that it upends lots of assumptions good programmers are making about how they need to present content to audiences in the digital age.

First, the research.

Then, onto some effective ways radio stations can deal with just how short attention spans are becoming.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How long it takes audiences to bail on a video as they lose patience.
  2. Why half the respondents in this study proved this length of time is too long to wait for content they like.
  3. The almost unbelievable abandonment rate for each additional second that viewers lose patience with content.
  4. What radio talk stations could do to not run afoul of these new documented audience attention spans.
  5. Why scheduling your commercials like I’m going to describe cooperates best with the increasingly short attention spans in this study.
  6. What not to do in music sweeps.

If you would like see a major university’s media attention span shocker backed up by research, click “read more” below.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Sticking It To Clear Channel

The Evil Empire is so hell bent on getting employees to spend 10 minutes to respond to an online survey about the company that they are panicking.

The company promised anonymity but employees aren’t buying it.

The response rate is so low that Clear Channel management is now reportedly pressuring local managers to force their reluctant employees into participating.

Now it’s getting ugly because people are feeling that they will be punished if they don’t answer the survey questions.

Answering is dangerous, because as you’ll learn, there are easy ways Clear Channel can trace you.

So some ingenious employees have found ways to stick it Clear Channel when they are being bullied into answering the questionnaire.

But there are things you should know about what Clear Channel and other evil radio empires can do to unsuspecting people who give honest answers.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Three different ways to fill out the online employees’ survey and protect your job.
  2. The 6 revealing things a company like Clear Channel can reportedly learn about you when answering their questions even when anonymity in guaranteed.
  3. A sample survey strategy from one Clear Channel employee who says he “said everything by saying nothing”.  Here’s how.
  4. What the safest strategy is now that the company is really pushing reluctant employees to take the survey.
  5. What Clear Channel’s real motive in asking employees for criticism.

If you would like to see how employees are sticking it to Clear Channel, click “read more” below.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Crackdown Coming for Cumulus Employees

I am still shaking my head at the Cumulus memo recently circulated by their Memphis market manager and director of sales.

Spoiler alert.

The way this manager talks down to employees is sickening, embarrassing and, frankly, abusive. 

I cannot imagine the memo I am about to reveal could be circulated without at least one of Lew and John Dickey’s mindless henchmen signing off on it.

Therefore, these tough new rules are likely to spread to other Cumulus stations next.  And then by lemmings at other radio groups.

Here are direct quotes from an unbelievably abusive employee memo that is the worst I’ve seen in many years titled “Sales Policies and Expectations” along with my comments.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What happens from now on if you show up late to a sales meeting.
  2. The new minimum number of cold calls mandated each week and the drastic punishment for not reaching that goal.
  3. The new dress code being put in place by Cumulus while you’re making all those cold calls to prospects that Cumulus wants you to sell.
  4. What happens if you use your computer for anything other than work during business hours.
  5. What Cumulus will do to sales reps who have worked for them for only 3 months if they don’t sell 5 new accounts in the first quarter.  Hint: firing would be a better punishment.

If you would like to see the crackdown coming for Cumulus employees, click “read more” below.

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Fix Subscription Issues here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Clear Channel’s Latest Commission Atrocity

Employees of Clear Channel were just sent new commission agreements they must sign.

Like in “keep your job” type of sign.

No way out.

And the company that wants their employees to think they care about them – the company that is begging reluctant employees to respond to their online questionnaire – is sticking it to their sellers at the very same time.

And, after all, that survey is not really about improving relations with workers.

I can prove it.

Employees are really going to be pissed at The Evil Empire now because of this new mandatory contract I am going to reveal to you today.

And caution – once Clear Channel gets away with it, the other radio groups are going to follow.

Here’s the raw deal with actual quotes from the commission contract.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Good news first – higher rates if you sell this.  Now the bad news, lower rates if you sell that.
  2. What Clear Channel intends to do about bonuses.
  3. Why the meaning of “new business” has just been refined.
  4. What happens to sales made before the new commission agreements kick in less than a month.
  5. How Clear Channel expects to better litigate against you with this agreement with special rules to combat new employee-friendly laws in California.

If you would like to see Clear Channel’s mandatory new commission atrocity, click “read more” below.

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Clear Channel’s Employee Survey Sneak Attack

Finally!

The real reasons why Clear Channel – a company that fired 3% of its workforce just 7 weeks ago – is so hell bent to make employees take their online survey.

The one that has almost no one complying to date.

The one that Clear Channel executives are getting pushy about now.

Why did Bob Pittman and John Hogan all of a sudden take a “nice” pill?

You’re about to find out.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How Clear Channel honchos are now starting to bully employees into taking the survey.
  2. What’s the giveaway – the one big mistake Clear Channel appears to be making that makes employees think their comments will be tracked.
  3. Two ways the information could be used against unsuspecting employees if they make the mistake of answering the questions.
  4. How taking the survey could help the company decide who stays and who goes in the next round of RIFs (reductions in force).
  5. When the RIFs will startup again – they are becoming more urgent and you’ll want to know the earlier date that is being discussed. 

If you would like to see why Clear Channel so badly wants their employees to take their online survey, click “read more” below.

Thanks for making my fourth annual Media Solutions Lab the best ever.  98% of those who attended said in an exit “report card” that it met or exceeded their expectations.  This teaching seminar is never recorded so plan on attending next year.

Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

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Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

The New Music Format Radio Ignores

Is country the hot new format for radio?

I’ll give you that answer – no. 

It already was. 

So Cumulus arrived late to that party and you may remember tried to end the party with a political controversy over the Dixie Chicks.

Radio continues to cling to the same old formats and wonders why the money demo isn’t going wild for radio.

But there is hope and help.

Millennials who make up two-thirds of the 18-49 year old demo over the next decade have some new music demands that radio can easily meet.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What’s the one new music genre that is not on radio’s radar screen and should be – in fact, it had better be to stay relevant with the increasingly important Millennials.
  2. What should radio do without totally trashing its current formats?
  3. One clever programming plan that would please the People Meter ratings and Millennials at the same time.     
  4. The critical hot button for Millennials that every music station cannot afford to ignore.
  5. The key mistake to avoid with a music-centric generation that radio needs to win over.

If you would like to know the new music format that radio ignores, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – your name will not be used.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Talk Radio Nosedive

Cumulus-owned WABC, New York has hit an all-time ratings low.

WABC's 2.2 ties their absolute worst share since they dropped Top 40 music and became a talk station.

Back then – all the way back in the Winter of 1984, WABC posted a 2.2 share.

It took almost a year for Cumulus to do what hadn’t been done in almost 30 years – tank the talk station.

Look, I could dump on Cumulus but what’s the use.

They just don’t know what they’re doing in any format and don’t seem to care.  That’s not their game.

What I am really interested in is why a radio staple, the talk format, is not just declining but taking a nosedive.

But there are a few things that could be done …

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Why an aging audience is not the real culprit and what is.
  2. What the next generation – the one that represents two thirds of the money demo 18-49 for the rest of this decade – considers real talk radio.
  3. The biggest talk radio turnoffs to young listeners.
  4. Why the really big killer of talk radio isn’t even something that is happening on the air – and it’s scary.
  5. Two instant fixes that could help a declining talk station now – one costs money and one requires the smarts to do it before it’s too late.

If you would like to see why talk radio is taking a nosedive and what can be done to reverse it for now, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – your name will not be used.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Secret Memo Exposed: iHeartRadio To Move To Radio

I just knew Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman was going to hide behind an app to cover up the failings of his radio company.

When a CEO’s first action when taking over is to rename the radio company and leave the word radio out of it, he is telling us something we don’t want to hear. 

Clear Channel morphed into Media + Entertainment right down to the plus sign (+) and the word “Media”.

But an app is not media.

It’s an app to everyone but Bob Pittman.

Now it is official.

But the title of Pittman’s secret memo to his executive staff in San Antonio said it all – “Subject: Expanding iHeartRadio onto the Terrestrial Platform”.

This is what Clear Channel employees have feared.

And here’s what Pittman has in mind:

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What comes first – fixing those 25 local radio stations that Pittman vowed to “fix” or migrating the entire radio group over to iHeartRadio? 
  2. What’s Pittman’s so-called “Second challenge”?  Better sit down for this.
  3. How Pittman is changing the main goal of Clear Channel radio.
  4. What Pittman sees the Clear Channel stations turning into – revealed from this secret memo in his own words.
  5. Pittman’s next threatened action step and when.

If you would like to see Bob Pittman’s secret memo that exposes his plan to make iHeart “our main source of revenue”, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – your name will not be used.

Fix Subscription issues here.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab Agenda

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

The fourth Media Solutions Lab begins Wednesday, January 30 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ and it will not be videotaped or recorded for later sale.

If your schedule allows you to make it, you will not be sorry.

The seminar leader is Jerry Del Colliano, recognized expert in traditional and digital media.  Visiting instructors are:  Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum:  How a New Generation Is Remaking America” and Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, the company that has helped successful radio stations like Jerry Lee’s B-101, Philadelphia create more effective advertising.

Here is the agenda and some helpful information as you prepare for the event.

Wednesday, January 30th Ballroom B

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)

10:15 am        Break

10:30 am       Disrupt the Media Business/Master Digital (Jerry Del Colliano)

11:45 am        Lunch

1:00 pm         A Dozen Ideas for Succeeding With Millennials (Morley Winograd)

1:45 pm          Break

2:00 pm         Facial Coding/Emotion Recognition (Dan Hill)

2:45 pm          Break

3:00 pm         Action Steps/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

4:00 pm         Conclusion of Day 1

Thursday, January 31st Il Terrazzo Salon & Patio
Optional Working Breakfast (Separate Registration required)

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities

11:00 am       Conclusion of 2013 Media Solutions Lab

A few notes in preparation for the meeting:

  1. Dress is casual – the weather should be around 70 by day and in the 40’s at night.
  2. This is a learning event and there are no sponsors nor has anyone paid a fee to speak. 
  3. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks are included in your registration.  Refreshments will remain in the room during the program.
  4. The sessions are fast moving and they start and end on time. 
  5. There are no materials in preparation for this conference, however, Jerry’s notes, slides and some interesting source material will be made available through Google Drive after the meeting limited to those who have attended.
  6. This conference will not be streamed or taped for sale later.  Recording this event by participants is prohibited.
  7. The working breakfast with Jerry requires a separate registration.  Please contact Cheryl Del Colliano if you would like to reserve a seat (480) 998-9898 or cldel@earthlink.net.
  8. A few dining suggestions:  My favorite burger place in the world is Relish, on site at the Phoenician.  Get the tater tots with the meal.  My radio buddies here and I love that place.  Favorite restaurant is Roka Akor for sushi and Asian fusion (480-306-8800).  I’m hearing Chelsea’s Kitchen, also nearby, is new and outstanding (602-957-2555).

Content Preview:

Among the topics to be discussed in the Media Solutions Lab Wednesday: 

How bandwidth issues will affect content providers; the radical changes ahead this year for hit music; what is becoming more important than ratings or even metrics; what Apple plans to do to disrupt content providers in the next 12 months (with product launch projections); Adapting content for tablets; the real or perceived threat of subscription services; major radio upheaval ahead in 2013 and how to deal with it; digital prospects for reach and revenue; Groupon’s anticipated next move; latest research on new attention spans that must be your guide for on-air and digital and the one business you must be in – and dominate – by December. 

How To Disrupt the Media Business & Master Digital:

The most innovative new streaming music radio station idea ever; the startling thing that happens to advertisers when you use two voices in their ads; The end of radio formats and the beginning of cross media branding; how to attract young listeners by giving them the one thing they really crave; the change you must make to music formats before the year arrives; how to rename your terrestrial radio station and cash in; Finally, what to do with your website that isn’t making lots of money; a better use for your top air personality; the growing importance of games and contests; A truly new use for your radio station; replace the “hot clock” with the “cool clock”; how to build content pods; How to replace Facebook; how often should you make a format change in the digital age; the best solution for stop sets ever; the new thinking about music sweeps; a huge way to beat the People Meter at its own game; the biggest favor a competitor can do for you; the way to win the money demos has changed; if you can afford to do only one thing well on a radio station, make it this.

Action Steps:

30 action steps – things you should consider implementing or brainstorming when you return home from this year’s Media Solutions Lab. 

Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities Thursday

Innovative new ideas that will change you and the way you think of content creation; latest discoveries in media that are ahead of the curve; new business opportunities for innovative stations or entrepreneurs looking for the next best thing; work with Jerry and the group on extracting the media lessons from this year’s conference to customize it for your specific needs.

Thank you again for choosing Media Solutions Lab in a critical year ahead for content creators.

I’m excited about being with you.

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Forget Nash FM, Cumulus Up To Evil Plan

I guess it’s now Country Lew and the Fish.

Oh wait, that’s not country.

But then again, the Cumulus Nash FM scheme has less to do with country music than you might think.

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey has seemingly discovered country music in a big way with the purchase of a poor-signaled New York FM station that is bringing the format back to the Big Town for the first time in almost two decades.

See, country doesn’t work in New York City or else Dan Mason would have done it.

Jeff Smulyan would have done it.

Hell, Clear Channel with ex-country PD Bob Pittman now its CEO – would have done it.

WYNY did it but bailed out in 1996 to become WKTU.

In other words there is a reason no smart broadcaster has done country in New York City – at least successfully – and why most refuse to go there.

But that Nashville Cat himself, Lew Dickey, Jr. knows more than anyone else so he and Other Brother John have invented Nash FM 94.7.

Something is seriously wrong here suggesting that the Dickeys are working a greater, dangerous plan that I’m about to reveal here.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Why installing country on their new New York FM station is a smokescreen for something more dangerous.
  2. What’s the real motivation for Nash FM – it’s sure as hell not ratings as you’re about to find out.
  3. The big media company Dickey recently met with to buy into his crazy plan.
  4. What’s ahead for Cumulus salespeople who think they are going to have to sell this new country format but are in for a big surprise when they find out what corporate really has in mind.
  5. Warning:  A Nash FM brand across all their country stations is nothing compared to the next radical move in the works.

If you would like to see the evil plan Cumulus is working on that’s bigger and more wicked than Nash FM, click “read more” below.

Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, January 28, 2013

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab Agenda

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

The fourth Media Solutions Lab begins Wednesday, January 30 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ and it will not be videotaped or recorded for later sale.

If your schedule allows you to make it, you will not be sorry.

The seminar leader is Jerry Del Colliano, recognized expert in traditional and digital media.  Visiting instructors are:  Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum:  How a New Generation Is Remaking America” and Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, the company that has helped successful radio stations like Jerry Lee’s B-101, Philadelphia create more effective advertising.

Here is the agenda and some helpful information as you prepare for the event.

Wednesday, January 30th Ballroom B

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)

10:15 am        Break

10:30 am       Disrupt the Media Business/Master Digital (Jerry Del Colliano)

11:45 am        Lunch

1:00 pm         A Dozen Ideas for Succeeding With Millennials (Morley Winograd)

1:45 pm          Break

2:00 pm         Facial Coding/Emotion Recognition (Dan Hill)

2:45 pm          Break

3:00 pm         Action Steps/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

4:00 pm         Conclusion of Day 1

Thursday, January 31st Il Terrazzo Salon & Patio
Optional Working Breakfast (Separate Registration required)

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities

11:00 am       Conclusion of 2013 Media Solutions Lab

A few notes in preparation for the meeting:

  1. Dress is casual – the weather should be around 70 by day and in the 40’s at night.
  2. This is a learning event and there are no sponsors nor has anyone paid a fee to speak. 
  3. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks are included in your registration.  Refreshments will remain in the room during the program.
  4. The sessions are fast moving and they start and end on time. 
  5. There are no materials in preparation for this conference, however, Jerry’s notes, slides and some interesting source material will be made available through Google Drive after the meeting limited to those who have attended.
  6. This conference will not be streamed or taped for sale later.  Recording this event by participants is prohibited.
  7. The working breakfast with Jerry requires a separate registration.  Please contact Cheryl Del Colliano if you would like to reserve a seat (480) 998-9898 or cldel@earthlink.net.
  8. A few dining suggestions:  My favorite burger place in the world is Relish, on site at the Phoenician.  Get the tater tots with the meal.  My radio buddies here and I love that place.  Favorite restaurant is Roka Akor for sushi and Asian fusion (480-306-8800).  I’m hearing Chelsea’s Kitchen, also nearby, is new and outstanding (602-957-2555).

Content Preview:

Among the topics to be discussed in the Media Solutions Lab Wednesday: 

How bandwidth issues will affect content providers; the radical changes ahead this year for hit music; what is becoming more important than ratings or even metrics; what Apple plans to do to disrupt content providers in the next 12 months (with product launch projections); Adapting content for tablets; the real or perceived threat of subscription services; major radio upheaval ahead in 2013 and how to deal with it; digital prospects for reach and revenue; Groupon’s anticipated next move; latest research on new attention spans that must be your guide for on-air and digital and the one business you must be in – and dominate – by December. 

How To Disrupt the Media Business & Master Digital:

The most innovative new streaming music radio station idea ever; the startling thing that happens to advertisers when you use two voices in their ads; The end of radio formats and the beginning of cross media branding; how to attract young listeners by giving them the one thing they really crave; the change you must make to music formats before the year arrives; how to rename your terrestrial radio station and cash in; Finally, what to do with your website that isn’t making lots of money; a better use for your top air personality; the growing importance of games and contests; A truly new use for your radio station; replace the “hot clock” with the “cool clock”; how to build content pods; How to replace Facebook; how often should you make a format change in the digital age; the best solution for stop sets ever; the new thinking about music sweeps; a huge way to beat the People Meter at its own game; the biggest favor a competitor can do for you; the way to win the money demos has changed; if you can afford to do only one thing well on a radio station, make it this.

Action Steps:

30 action steps – things you should consider implementing or brainstorming when you return home from this year’s Media Solutions Lab. 

Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities Thursday

Innovative new ideas that will change you and the way you think of content creation; latest discoveries in media that are ahead of the curve; new business opportunities for innovative stations or entrepreneurs looking for the next best thing; work with Jerry and the group on extracting the media lessons from this year’s conference to customize it for your specific needs.

Thank you again for choosing Media Solutions Lab in a critical year ahead for content creators.

I’m excited about being with you.

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

Friday, January 25, 2013

How Cumulus Will Change CBS Radio

It looks as if the Cumulus/CBS merger is on track potentially for 2014.

If CBS CEO Les Moonves gets his billions and Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey gets to takeover CBS Radio, seismic change is ahead for the last big radio group standing.

This is about how Cumulus intends to run CBS Radio.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What promise Dickey is likely to make to his lenders that will adversely affect CBS stations within the first few months after closing.
  2. What happens to CBS Radio President Dan Mason and his strong bench of talent under Dickey.
  3. What is the fate of 1010 WINS, WFAN and other iconic CBS stations in major markets around the country.
  4. The big management shakeup in markets where CBS and Cumulus currently operate – who stays?  Cumulus management or CBS market execs?
  5. An even more shocking move – unthinkable just a year ago – would shake CBS radio to its roots.

If you would like to see how Cumulus would change CBS after the merger, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here. 

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, January 25, 2013

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab Schedule, Content

Less than one week to go and there are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference.  Take a look and see if you would like to join us – reserve a seat here.

Thank you for registering for the fourth Media Solutions Lab that begins Wednesday, January 30 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

The seminar leader is Jerry Del Colliano, recognized expert in traditional and digital media.  Visiting instructors are:  Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum:  How a New Generation Is Remaking America” and Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, the company that has helped successful radio stations like Jerry Lee’s B-101, Philadelphia create more effective advertising.

Here is the agenda and some helpful information as you prepare for the event.

Wednesday, January 30th Ballroom B

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)

10:15 am        Break

10:30 am       Disrupt the Media Business/Master Digital (Jerry Del Colliano)

11:45 am        Lunch

1:00 pm         A Dozen Ideas for Succeeding With Millennials (Morley Winograd)

1:45 pm          Break

2:00 pm         Facial Coding/Emotion Recognition (Dan Hill)

2:45 pm          Break

3:00 pm         Action Steps/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

4:00 pm         Conclusion of Day 1

Thursday, January 31st Il Terrazzo Salon & Patio
Optional Working Breakfast (Separate Registration required)

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities

11:00 am       Conclusion of 2013 Media Solutions Lab

A few notes in preparation for the meeting:

  1. Dress is casual – the weather should be around 70 by day and in the 40’s at night.
  2. This is a learning event and there are no sponsors nor has anyone paid a fee to speak. 
  3. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks are included in your registration.  Refreshments will remain in the room during the program.
  4. The sessions are fast moving and they start and end on time. 
  5. There are no materials in preparation for this conference, however, Jerry’s notes, slides and some interesting source material will be made available through Google Drive after the meeting limited to those who have attended.
  6. This conference will not be streamed or taped for sale later.  Recording this event by participants is prohibited.
  7. The working breakfast with Jerry requires a separate registration.  Please contact Cheryl Del Colliano if you would like to reserve a seat (480) 998-9898 or cldel@earthlink.net.
  8. A few dining suggestions:  My favorite burger place in the world is Relish, on site at the Phoenician.  Get the tater tots with the meal.  My radio buddies here and I love that place.  Favorite restaurant is Roka Akor for sushi and Asian fusion (480-306-8800).  I’m hearing Chelsea’s Kitchen, also nearby, is new and outstanding (602-957-2555).

Content Preview:

Among the topics to be discussed in the Media Solutions Lab Wednesday: 

How bandwidth issues will affect content providers; the radical changes ahead this year for hit music; what is becoming more important than ratings or even metrics; what Apple plans to do to disrupt content providers in the next 12 months (with product launch projections); Adapting content for tablets; the real or perceived threat of subscription services; major radio upheaval ahead in 2013 and how to deal with it; digital prospects for reach and revenue; Groupon’s anticipated next move; latest research on new attention spans that must be your guide for on-air and digital and the one business you must be in – and dominate – by December. 

How To Disrupt the Media Business & Master Digital:

The most innovative new streaming music radio station idea ever; the startling thing that happens to advertisers when you use two voices in their ads; The end of radio formats and the beginning of cross media branding; how to attract young listeners by giving them the one thing they really crave; the change you must make to music formats before the year arrives; how to rename your terrestrial radio station and cash in; Finally, what to do with your website that isn’t making lots of money; a better use for your top air personality; the growing importance of games and contests; A truly new use for your radio station; replace the “hot clock” with the “cool clock”; how to build content pods; How to replace Facebook; how often should you make a format change in the digital age; the best solution for stop sets ever; the new thinking about music sweeps; a huge way to beat the People Meter at its own game; the biggest favor a competitor can do for you; the way to win the money demos has changed; if you can afford to do only one thing well on a radio station, make it this.

Action Steps:

30 action steps – things you should consider implementing or brainstorming when you return home from this year’s Media Solutions Lab. 

Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities Thursday

Innovative new ideas that will change you and the way you think of content creation; latest discoveries in media that are ahead of the curve; new business opportunities for innovative stations or entrepreneurs looking for the next best thing; work with Jerry and the group on extracting the media lessons from this year’s conference to customize it for your specific needs.

Thank you again for choosing Media Solutions Lab in a critical year ahead for content creators.

I’m excited about being with you.

Less than one week to go and there are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference.  Take a look and see if you would like to join us – reserve a seat here.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

New Clear Channel Contract Tactics Exposed

Last week, a Clear Channel Premium Choice Ops conference call revealed how the company wants all contracts negotiated.

New rules.

New repercussions.

Here are their secret 11 points of how to negotiate contracts with Clear Channel employees that they think you don’t know.

Now you do.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How Clear Channel wants their managers to handle bonuses and deferred compensation from now on.
  2. Who is now doing the negotiating for Clear Channel – you won’t believe this.
  3. Who has to make a public presentation to corporate for every local contract being recommended and is on the hook for it.
  4. How Clear Channel wants its contract dates organized going forward – read their own words.
  5. Why the company is now insisting on a Plan B even before negotiations ever begin.

If you would like to see Clear Channel’s new contract negotiating tactics in their own words, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privatelyhere – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab Content Revealed

Less than one week to go and there are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference.  Take a look and see if you would like to join us – reserve a seat here.

Thank you for registering for the fourth Media Solutions Lab that begins Wednesday, January 30 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

The seminar leader is Jerry Del Colliano, recognized expert in traditional and digital media.  Visiting instructors are:  Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum:  How a New Generation Is Remaking America” and Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, the company that has helped successful radio stations like Jerry Lee’s B-101, Philadelphia create more effective advertising.

Here is the agenda and some helpful information as you prepare for the event.

Wednesday, January 30th Ballroom B

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)

10:15 am        Break

10:30 am       Disrupt the Media Business/Master Digital (Jerry Del Colliano)

11:45 am        Lunch

1:00 pm         A Dozen Ideas for Succeeding With Millennials (Morley Winograd)

1:45 pm          Break

2:00 pm         Facial Coding/Emotion Recognition (Dan Hill)

2:45 pm          Break

3:00 pm         Action Steps/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

4:00 pm         Conclusion of Day 1

Thursday, January 31st Il Terrazzo Salon & Patio
Optional Working Breakfast (Separate Registration required)

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities

11:00 am       Conclusion of 2013 Media Solutions Lab

A few notes in preparation for the meeting:

  1. Dress is casual – the weather should be around 70 by day and in the 40’s at night.
  2. This is a learning event and there are no sponsors nor has anyone paid a fee to speak. 
  3. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks are included in your registration.  Refreshments will remain in the room during the program.
  4. The sessions are fast moving and they start and end on time. 
  5. There are no materials in preparation for this conference, however, Jerry’s notes, slides and some interesting source material will be made available through Google Drive after the meeting limited to those who have attended.
  6. This conference will not be streamed or taped for sale later.  Recording this event by participants is prohibited.
  7. The working breakfast with Jerry requires a separate registration.  Please contact Cheryl Del Colliano if you would like to reserve a seat (480) 998-9898 or cldel@earthlink.net.
  8. A few dining suggestions:  My favorite burger place in the world is Relish, on site at the Phoenician.  Get the tater tots with the meal.  My radio buddies here and I love that place.  Favorite restaurant is Roka Akor for sushi and Asian fusion (480-306-8800).  I’m hearing Chelsea’s Kitchen, also nearby, is new and outstanding (602-957-2555).

Content Preview:

Among the topics to be discussed in the Media Solutions Lab Wednesday: 

How bandwidth issues will affect content providers; the radical changes ahead this year for hit music; what is becoming more important than ratings or even metrics; what Apple plans to do to disrupt content providers in the next 12 months (with product launch projections); Adapting content for tablets; the real or perceived threat of subscription services; major radio upheaval ahead in 2013 and how to deal with it; digital prospects for reach and revenue; Groupon’s anticipated next move; latest research on new attention spans that must be your guide for on-air and digital and the one business you must be in – and dominate – by December. 

How To Disrupt the Media Business & Master Digital:

The most innovative new streaming music radio station idea ever; the startling thing that happens to advertisers when you use two voices in their ads; The end of radio formats and the beginning of cross media branding; how to attract young listeners by giving them the one thing they really crave; the change you must make to music formats before the year arrives; how to rename your terrestrial radio station and cash in; Finally, what to do with your website that isn’t making lots of money; a better use for your top air personality; the growing importance of games and contests; A truly new use for your radio station; replace the “hot clock” with the “cool clock”; how to build content pods; How to replace Facebook; how often should you make a format change in the digital age; the best solution for stop sets ever; the new thinking about music sweeps; a huge way to beat the People Meter at its own game; the biggest favor a competitor can do for you; the way to win the money demos has changed; if you can afford to do only one thing well on a radio station, make it this.

Action Steps:

30 action steps – things you should consider implementing or brainstorming when you return home from this year’s Media Solutions Lab. 

Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities Thursday

Innovative new ideas that will change you and the way you think of content creation; latest discoveries in media that are ahead of the curve; new business opportunities for innovative stations or entrepreneurs looking for the next best thing; work with Jerry and the group on extracting the media lessons from this year’s conference to customize it for your specific needs.

Thank you again for choosing Media Solutions Lab in a critical year ahead for content creators.

I’m excited about being with you.

Less than one week to go and there are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference.  Take a look and see if you would like to join us – reserve a seat here.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Clear Channel Moves Up Next Firings

My sources say that conversations are now underway as part of a series of Clear Channel management conference calls to move up the company’s usual end of the year reduction in force to the first quarter of 2013.

This has many serious ramifications for Clear Channel employees.

I wanted to get the information I have gathered out to those affected and to employees of other radio groups who are also feeling financial pressure to fire employees.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How soon could the end of year cutbacks (usually 3% of the workforce) be moved up.
  2. Does that mean that the traditional holiday firings are off.
  3. What’s the trigger that Clear Channel is waiting for to advance the firings.
  4. Who will be included in the hurry-up firings – the positions easiest to eliminate quickly.
  5. How massive would this staff reduction be.

If you would like to see the contingency plans Clear Channel has to move up their usual Fall firings, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab Agenda

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

Thank you for registering for the fourth Media Solutions Lab that begins Wednesday, January 30 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

The seminar leader is Jerry Del Colliano, recognized expert in traditional and digital media.  Visiting instructors are:  Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum:  How a New Generation Is Remaking America” and Dan Hill, President of Sensory Logic, the company that has helped successful radio stations like Jerry Lee’s B-101, Philadelphia create more effective advertising.

Here is the agenda and some helpful information as you prepare for the event.

Wednesday, January 30th Ballroom B

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)

10:15 am        Break

10:30 am       Disrupt the Media Business/Master Digital (Jerry Del Colliano)

11:45 am        Lunch

1:00 pm         A Dozen Ideas for Succeeding With Millennials (Morley Winograd)

1:45 pm          Break

2:00 pm         Facial Coding/Emotion Recognition (Dan Hill)

2:45 pm          Break

3:00 pm         Action Steps/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

4:00 pm         Conclusion of Day 1

Thursday, January 31st Il Terrazzo Salon & Patio
Optional Working Breakfast (Separate Registration required)

8:00 am         Registration/Breakfast

9:00 am         Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities

11:00 am       Conclusion of 2013 Media Solutions Lab

A few notes in preparation for the meeting:

  1. Dress is casual – the weather should be around 70 by day and in the 40’s at night.
  2. This is a learning event and there are no sponsors nor has anyone paid a fee to speak. 
  3. Complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks are included in your registration.  Refreshments will remain in the room during the program.
  4. The sessions are fast moving and they start and end on time. 
  5. There are no materials in preparation for this conference, however, Jerry’s notes, slides and some interesting source material will be made available through Google Drive after the meeting limited to those who have attended.
  6. This conference will not be streamed or taped for sale later.  Recording this event by participants is prohibited.
  7. The working breakfast with Jerry requires a separate registration.  Please contact Cheryl Del Colliano if you would like to reserve a seat (480) 998-9898 or cldel@earthlink.net.
  8. A few dining suggestions:  My favorite burger place in the world is Relish, on site at the Phoenician.  Get the tater tots with the meal.  My radio buddies here and I love that place.  Favorite restaurant is Roka Akor for sushi and Asian fusion (480-306-8800).  I’m hearing Chelsea’s Kitchen, also nearby, is new and outstanding (602-957-2555).

Content Preview:

Among the topics to be discussed in the Media Solutions Lab Wednesday: 

How bandwidth issues will affect content providers; the radical changes ahead this year for hit music; what is becoming more important than ratings or even metrics; what Apple plans to do to disrupt content providers in the next 12 months (with product launch projections); Adapting content for tablets; the real or perceived threat of subscription services; major radio upheaval ahead in 2013 and how to deal with it; digital prospects for reach and revenue; Groupon’s anticipated next move; latest research on new attention spans that must be your guide for on-air and digital and the one business you must be in – and dominate – by December. 

How To Disrupt the Media Business & Master Digital:

The most innovative new streaming music radio station idea ever; the startling thing that happens to advertisers when you use two voices in their ads; The end of radio formats and the beginning of cross media branding; how to attract young listeners by giving them the one thing they really crave; the change you must make to music formats before the year arrives; how to rename your terrestrial radio station and cash in; Finally, what to do with your website that isn’t making lots of money; a better use for your top air personality; the growing importance of games and contests; A truly new use for your radio station; replace the “hot clock” with the “cool clock”; how to build content pods; How to replace Facebook; how often should you make a format change in the digital age; the best solution for stop sets ever; the new thinking about music sweeps; a huge way to beat the People Meter at its own game; the biggest favor a competitor can do for you; the way to win the money demos has changed; if you can afford to do only one thing well on a radio station, make it this.

Action Steps:

30 action steps – things you should consider implementing or brainstorming when you return home from this year’s Media Solutions Lab. 

Big Ideas/Discoveries/New Business Opportunities Thursday

Innovative new ideas that will change you and the way you think of content creation; latest discoveries in media that are ahead of the curve; new business opportunities for innovative stations or entrepreneurs looking for the next best thing; work with Jerry and the group on extracting the media lessons from this year’s conference to customize it for your specific needs.

Thank you again for choosing Media Solutions Lab in a critical year ahead for content creators.

I’m excited about being with you.

There are only a few seats left to this outstanding conference – reserve a seat here.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Clear Channel Blows Up Commissions

Cumulus recently hired a non-radio guy to set up a direct buying plan to bypass local selling.

Now sources close to Clear Channel reveal a plot that may even be illegal that screws salespeople out of their full commissions.

And they’re getting away with it.

Until now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How long Clear Channel has been fooling with commission rates.
  2. What a document called “commission rates for 2012” is and how it is used to rob employees of their earnings.
  3. How Clear Channel changes rates hourly like airlines and what happens to their sellers when they do.
  4. Amazing examples of how the company punishes its sellers even as it sometimes encourages smaller buys – that’s insane!
  5. How Clear Channel is asking for an employee lawsuit as a new California law now spells potential trouble.
  6. Cumulus’ plan to dodge seller commissions and deal directly with advertisers.

If you would like to see how Clear Channel is blowing up its commission rates for sellers, click “read more” below.

Contact me privately to Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Register for my January 30th Media Solutions Lab here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Disrupt the Media Business

The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging and difficult because the same old answers will no longer work.

For example, if the latest trend of streaming on-air content online without inserting separate commercials is all the radio industry can come up with, then a rude awakening is ahead.

Video is hot, but content providers are looking the wrong way.

Social media is changing yet clinging to Facebook and Twitter as the prime solution is no solution at all.  In fact, it’s a deadly diversion.

Mobile content is morphing into something different than even new media experts had expected.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in town for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is Thursday January 30th at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Monday, January 21, 2013

CBS Radio Eyes 2014 Cumulus Merger

The end of CBS Radio as we know it is in sight.

Cumulus and CBS have reportedly discussed the framework of a potential deal as I reported back in June. 

Now it’s scary real.

Here’s what’s happening secretly behind the scenes about the merger of two companies that badly need each other for all the wrong reasons.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.  This is the kind of honest reporting you’ll be getting.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is courting CBS CEO Les Moonves on a regular basis – right now.
  2. The complicated timeframe that turn CBS Radio into Citadel within 18 months.
  3. Why both sides are still bargaining on price and why it is not enough to blow the deal up.
  4. More signs that the Cumulus/CBS merger is on.
  5. How the biggest investor in Cumulus may have just given the “secret deal” plans away.
  6. What’s next – Mike McVay programming 1010 WINS?

If you would like to see how the Cumulus/CBS Radio merger is on, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Become Skilled At Digital Content

By all measures, the digital future has arrived and it’s more important than ever to gain expertise in creating saleable content for the new medium.

Mobile revenues alone are projected to increase to $12 billion by 2016 – that’s about what radio is doing now although radio revenues are not climbing every year as mobile is.

And that’s just one segment of digital – mobile.

Starting now, you have to pass through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps to remain vibrant in the media business.

But to succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • Digital Detox.  The big elephant in the room that threatens runaway growth is the adverse affects of being connected 24/7 on consumers, their lives and your business.  Let’s start now by isolating the potential trouble spots so you can avoid them.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is Wednesday January 30.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Big Clear Channel Cutback Being Scrapped

A major Clear Channel financial cutback is being scrapped.

What has to go so wrong to get Clear Channel to put an urgent stop on a big project designed to save money and eliminate more people?

It’s bad.

It’s embarrassing.

It backfired.

Hundreds of employees will now escape the axe that was intended for them.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Which position at Clear Channel is now “safe” after a corporate plan to target their jobs failed miserably.
  2. Which big Clear Channel exec actually stood up to the company to stop the insanity arguing that it was bad public relations. 
  3. All the details on high level meetings that Clear Channel held to save an embarrassing and massive secret downsizing initiative.
  4. What Clear Channel has now decided to do instead now that their cost savings plan fell apart.
  5. Amazingly, which two other radio groups are now considering the same thing.

If you would like to see the big Clear Channel cutback that is being scrapped and what Plan B is now, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privatelyhere – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Master Digital Media

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry will also be meeting with attendees who want additional private time.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 2 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

The current discount is ending so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Radio Merger Matchups

There is no way out for radio owners.

Radio industry revenues are declining every year.

This year when 2012 numbers are tallied, an industry breakeven will have the happy talk trade press gushing.

Analysts are already predicting a 5% decline in radio industry revenue for 2013.  So if you could manage to cut that down to -2% or breakeven, you’d be doing great.

That’s not a growth industry and as pained as it makes me to say it, radio has seen its finer day.

But don’t take it from me because the major radio groups already know this.

The next big thing is mergers.

Merger of equals.

Merger of unequals.

Just merge with anyone to bury the debt and go big.

You may not want to believe that the radio industry is going to see more consolidation but it’s going to happen even without changes in the Telecommunications Act.

This is a big deal.

And it may begin by the end of 2013 and certainly in 2014.

Once radio groups start merging, those that remain won’t want to be the last one out.

Let’s look at the potential matchups.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How many mega media companies might be interested in buying Bob Pittman’s media + entertainment company.  I’ve counted 3.
  2. Does Cumulus have another merger option other than CBS Radio.
  3. What might the new owners of SiriusXM like to put with their newly acquired satellite radio company.
  4. Could Barry Diller buy a radio company – I’ve got the surprising one I think he’d jump at.
  5. Which non-radio and TV companies are potential owners of a radio group at the right price.  Keep an eye on these two big merger possibilities.
  6. Why – suddenly – are buyers interested in radio groups that are losing money. 

If you would like to see the radio merger matchups that are now developing, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privatelyhere – it’s always kept confidential.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Improve Social Media Strategies

13 days left to register for my January 30 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Last discount available now here.

Social communication continues to grow in popularity and significance but traditional media companies such as radio stations continue to miss the opportunity to breakaway from contest texting, jock posting, website babysitting and relying on streaming for their digital future.

The timing is right to focus on social media strategies that will work.

Analysts say radio revenue will continue to decline in the year ahead and by December – 12 short months from now – total ad revenue will be down another 5%.

Now is the time to learn the new opportunities ahead for social media and we’ll cover them at the upcoming Media Solutions Lab.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

13 days left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

The current discount is ending so if you’ve been thinking about getting primed for social media strategies that will turn into money, this is a good way to start the year.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Revenge Radio

Radio owners are getting angrier.

They have applied the whip to their programming, sales and management people like a jockey lays into a racehorse.

But in their minds, the employees are coming up lame.

Not able to save Cumulus from another consecutive losing revenue month that started in 2009 and an apparent growing intolerance by Clear Channel management of its employees in a company that yearns to be anything but a radio company.

This time it’s nasty.

Owners are getting revenge.

Putting a big time hurt on employees by affecting their wages, benefits and whatever is left of their job security.

Here are some of the outlandish things radio groups are doing to get revenge on employees they clearly don’t value but who are too dependent on their jobs to quit.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The name of the radio company that is pulling the plug on severance – any severance at all.  Not even a nickel.
  2. The employee benefits shakeup at a major radio group.
  3. If you work for Clear Channel, meet your new replacement – right here.
  4. The latest trend of recruiting for non-existing jobs. 
  5. Which company is approving lavish spending on non-essential items (like entertainment) while planning to axe hundreds of employees.    

If you would like to see how radio groups are getting revenge on employees who have not been able to help them make a profit, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privatelyhere – your name will not be used.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Master Digital Media

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry will also be meeting with attendees who want additional private time.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Exactly 2 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

The current discount is ending so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Early Firings On the Way

Usually radio professionals can stop worrying about massive cutbacks after the holidays.

But this year is different.

Conditions are worsening by the minute.

Two critical things have suddenly changed that are forcing the hand of major radio groups.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Which radio groups are likely to have early 2013 cutbacks and firings – very early.
  2. When – I picked up rumblings about the exact week which is unconfirmed (they never confirm these things in advance) but I thought you’d like to know just in case.
  3. Now what’s the chance of the better-run groups being able to make it through the months ahead without downsizing.
  4. Scary new firing schemes.
  5. The cluster reduction plan from hell. 

If you would like to see the early firings on the way, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately here – your name will not be used.

Fix Subscription issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

21 Ways to Disrupt the Media Business

15 days left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Info/Register here.

I’ve been working on the Lesson Plan for my upcoming seminar and just wanted to share some of the things I will talk about that can help you disrupt the media business in the coming months.

Changing it, modifying it or keeping it the same just will not work in an era when digital technology and a new generation is impacting the industry.

  1. Radio that plays only the latest releases from any artist.
  2. New research that shows how to use two voices to get better ad results (and ratings).
  3. Build brand names not radio formats.

DISRUPT!

  1. A guaranteed way to attract young listeners to radio that they cannot resist.
  2. Rename your radio station after this big promotion, not the format on the air.
  3. Go heavily with games and contests.  In an era when games drive digital use, radio stops playing them.  That’s so wrong.  The new age way to do radio games and contests.  Maybe even every few minutes.

DISRUPT!

   7.  Tell media buyers you will build a digital content site for advertisers spending over X   dollars a year.              

   8.   Turn your station into a Preview Channel with this content on it (this alone is worth the conference registration price alone).

   9.  Kill the hot clock – got the guts?  Here’s how to build something money demos will like better.

DISRUPT!

10. Build revenue streams around content pods.

11. Create your own social media network – Twitter and Facebook won’t do.  I did it.  I’ll show you.

12. Make station format changes every week (you read that right!).

DISRUPT!

13. Kill long stop sets with this approach no one has ever thought of.

14. Game the People Meter – outsmart it.  It’s easier than you think.

15. Learn from the enemy – what your digital competitors can do to make you stronger.

16. New evidence – what young listeners (two-thirds of the 18-49 money demo for the rest of this decade) want if they are to listen to radio in the digital age.

17. Do an expensive, over the top live 6-hour morning show and then repeat it all day.

DISRUPT!

18.And here’s one more move to make after that makes you rich.

19. Air programming with no beginning and end.

20. How to play news like a hit record (and I’m not talking about Total Traffic’s news). 

21. For increased billing, add your salespeople into content creation.

DISRUPT THE MEDIA BUSINESS!

You can see, I’ve been busy and excited about bringing you the very latest intelligence to get a leg up on the year ahead.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

Here’s the schedule:

            8:00 am         Complimentary breakfast/registration
            9:00                Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)
            10:15              15-Min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            10:30             Disrupt the Media Business (Jerry Del Colliano)
            11:45              Complimentary Buffet Lunch
            1:00 pm         12 Ideas for Success with Millennials (Morley Winograd)
            1:45                15-Min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            2:00                Increase Ad effectiveness By 80% (Dan Hill)
            2:45                 15-min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            3:00                Master Digital Media/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is 15 days from today.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Digital Dashboard Shocker

OMG!

The world of radio is about to be turned upside down even before the digital dashboard is in the majority of cars.

It’s not about the latest new digital radio at the recent Consumer Electronics Show.

It’s that the digital dashboard is a turkey.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How radio will kill itself off even faster if it doesn’t stop doing this right now.
  2. Why making the digital dashboard work for radio stations has nothing to do with the digital dashboard – it’s all about this.
  3. Why Millennials make up 2/3 of the money demo for the rest of this decade and they won’t buy a car with a radio.
  4. What’s quickly becoming more important than high ratings or tons of digital clicks.
  5. Solutions that cost the average radio station not one dime.

If you would like to see the digital dashboard shocker, click “read more” below.

Report Newstips confidentially under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Become An Expert At Digital Media

17 days left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Info/Register here.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

Here’s the schedule:

            8:00 am         Complimentary breakfast/registration
            9:00                Emerging Trends for 2013 (Jerry Del Colliano)
            10:15              15-Min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            10:30             Disrupt the Media Business (Jerry Del Colliano)
            11:45              Complimentary Buffet Lunch
            1:00 pm         12 Ideas for Success with Millennials (Morley Winograd)
            1:45                15-Min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            2:00                Increase Ad effectiveness By 80% (Dan Hill)
            2:45                 15-min Break/Complimentary Refreshments
            3:00                Master Digital Media/Q&A (Jerry Del Colliano)

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is 17 days from today.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Clear Channel Screwing Fired Employees

Clear Channel reportedly is treating some of its recently fired 700 employees so poorly, it’s like getting fired a second time.

Sources close to the situation have outed some serious meanness that has ex-employees very concerned.

This is ugly – I’m warning you in advance – but it gives insight into what is in store for the remaining employees that Clear Channel plans to fire this year.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Why some of the fired employees are now getting so desperate.
  2. What they are trying to do to get their severance packages.
  3. All the details about the new “hard ball” severance agreements being forced on fired workers.
  4. Why fired employees under 40 are suddenly worried about their benefits.
  5. The unthinkable response when fired employees try to contact HR for benefits.
  6. A first look at the new Clear Channel severance packages. 
  7. Health care crisis for employees as Clear Channel misses an important deadline.

If you would like to see how Clear Channel is reportedly screwing their recently fired employees and what it means to the next batch to go, click “read more” below.

Contact me privately to Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Register for my January 30th Media Solutions Lab here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, January 11, 2013

How To Disrupt the Media Industry

Perhaps you saw the new Arbitron RADAR numbers for radio that came out recently.

Weekly time spent listening dropped 28 minutes a week from March 2011 to March 2012.  More disturbing news was that in some key demographics that men 25-34 are spending 51 minutes less with radio each week.

These declines are nothing new, but they are getting more drastic and more persistent.

It doesn’t mean that radio content is dead.  It means that it’s time to wake up and disrupt the radio business.

Just as Google disrupted the Internet and Apple disrupted the music business, phones and tablets.

The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging and difficult because the same old answers will no longer work.

But the solutions are not going to find you.

You have to act to find them.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

17 days until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Pittman’s Programming Rescue Plan

CEO Bob Pittman’s plan to get personally involved in fixing 25 struggling Clear Channel stations just got uglier.

But if you think Pittman is doing this for a rating point or two, you’re in for a big surprise.

Pittman is about to remake Clear Channel programming in a way only an investment bank like Bain Capital would like.

He wants you to think it’s about ratings.

Here’s what he’s really up to.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Why Pittman is personally visiting 25 struggling stations.
  2. Which new market has been added to the Pittman itinerary.
  3. What type of markets will Pittman “fix” first.
  4. What part iHeartRadio plays in the repair of Clear Channel stations.
  5. Why Pittman would personally stick out his neck at 25 top market stations – ratings?

     

  6. Doomsday scenario:  what if it doesn’t work?  Who pays the price?

If you would like to see Bob Pittman’s new plan to fix 25 broken Clear Channel stations, click “read more” below. 

We pay $100 for the best Newstip of the month – Enter our confidential Witness Protection Program here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

How To Profit From Digital Media

Media buyers are buying digital media at a record pace.

Forget the economy, they want all things digital.

The best producers of digital content should be radio stations or the people who have worked in the radio industry.

But that’s not going to happen when stations won’t budget even 1% for digital and radio people won’t budget even 1 day to learn first hand from experts of the opportunities, challenges and skills necessary to succeed in the digital revolution.

That’s where my Media Solutions Lab comes in.

In one day, see the future. 

Grasp the opportunities. 

Form a game plan.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • 12 Steps To Success with 80 million Millennials.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.  Among his revelations: There are no car radios in Millennials' cars and theme Parks are the best business model for monetizing Millennials' love of music.  This steps the table for you with the largest, most desirable media growth market.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is 21 days from now.

Miss it and you miss a lot.

Reserve a seat and save $100 here.

Inquire about group rates (3 or more) here.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Secret Plans of Radio Owners

Six of the biggest radio operators have secret plans they are working on right now.

Big change is coming.

More cutbacks and firings – I have a time frame.

Here’s what I am hearing from sources close to the situation about the startling things radio’s biggest companies are working on.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What the top priority is for CBS Radio.
  2. How and where Cumulus intends to lay the groundwork this year for massive firings to reduce costs.
  3. The shocking non-radio move CEO Bob Pittman is reportedly considering behind the scenes.  Plus a timetable for their next big “layoff” (I called it to the day last November) and the kind of station Clear Channel is likely to actually sell.
  4. Townsquare is on alert – here’s why.
  5. What Entercom is up to after being quiet for years.
  6. Pandora’s next move that targets radio owners.

If you would like to see secret plans of radio owners, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately with news here (Witness Protection Program)

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Sprint FM Radio Trojan Horse

Finally, radio gets a dedicated FM receiver on Sprint smartphones!

Great, right?

Be careful what you wish for because there are some new developments that are being overlooked while the radio industry is high-fiving itself.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Startling new research on 80 million Millennials that radio owners must target – about how they buy cars.
  2. The one thing smartphone users want the most on their smartphones other than texting – know it and grow it.
  3. What Sprint’s decision yesterday to manufacture smartphones with an FM tuner has against it.
  4. Four better strategies than putting a radio station on a Sprint phone.
  5. What is the hottest new thing that must be on a smartphone.

If you would like to see the dangers of putting radio on smartphones plus 4 better ways to invest in digital, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately with news here (Witness Protection Program)

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Media in the Millennial Era: 12 Ideas for Success

Millennials will comprise two out of every three members of the key demographic of 18-49 year olds for the rest of this decade.

No media company can succeed without reaching Millennials where and how they live with a message that they will respond to.

Morley Winograd, one of the nation's leading experts on the generation and co-author of two books about Millennials, will present his insights at the next Media Solutions Lab on how media executives will have to change to thrive in this new world.

Here are a couple of nuggets:

1. There are no car radios in Millennials' cars.

2. Theme Parks are the best business model for monetizing Millennials' love of music.

Ten more will be presented at the January 30th Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Morley’s presentation is a must if you are serious about mastering the growth generation that will account for your success going forward.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available on the Friday for private sessions.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is 22 days from now.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group rates (3 or more) here.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Clear Channel Declares War On Cumulus

Radio’s two “bad” boys are starting to make it personal.

Clear Channel’s CEO Bob Pittman and Cumulus’ CEO Lew Dickey are getting in each other’s faces.

Forget the wholesale stealing of WABC, New York people now and soon to come by Clear Channel’s WOR.

The developing fight is bigger than that with thousands of employees’ necks on the line.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What will happen when Sean Hannity’s joint Cumulus/Clear Channel contract is up?
  2. The secret Clear Channel plan to out automated Cumulus to the disadvantage of many employees.
  3. What ammunition Clear Channel is stocking up on for this battle with Cumulus.
  4. Why Cumulus COO John Dickey is holding an “emergency” meeting at WABC, New York even as you read this today.
  5. Cumulus’ next big, bad idea.

If you would like to see the war developing between Clear Channel and Cumulus that threatens thousands of employees, click “read more” below.

Talk to Jerry privately with newstips here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Update Your Digital Media Skills

Traditional media is heading for a massive collision with digital and social media in the year ahead.

This will not be an ordinary year.

In fact, you can’t get enough good, solid intelligence about audiences, advertisers and emerging technologies to keep you prepared. 

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available on the Friday for private sessions.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is 23 days from now.

Reserve a seat, claim the last available discount here.

Inquire about group rates here.

Monday, January 7, 2013

2 CBS Radio Deals Ready To Detonate

There are two big deals ready to happen that could involve CBS.

One actively.

One as an outside party but to the benefit of CBS.

And it shakes up radio in two of the largest markets in the country.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Where CBS becomes a buyer and where it becomes a beneficiary of a separate and very secret potential deal.
  2. Over/under on the deal happening – quickly.
  3. How CBS Radio may pull off a shrewd move to grow an existing station and protect another in a tough situation.
  4. The touchy negotiations taking place between CBS and a major market seller that resemble a fiscal cliff-type last minute decision.
  5. Why one of three additional major market stations is still available for an additional format switch should CBS decide.

If you would like to see the secret deals CBS is working on that are close to fruition, click “read more” below. 

Contact me privately to Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Register for my January 30th Media Solutions Lab here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Solving Media in the Millennial Era

That’s what is causing all this confrontation between traditional and digital media.

Baby boomers vs. Millennials.

That changes now at the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

There is no way a broadcaster – traditional or digital – can succeed going forward without mastering the needs, desires, sociology and technology of the Millennial generation.

No way.

But you’re going to hear an expert, arguably the best there is and author of books on the 80 million Millennials shaking up society and the media business.

Morley Winograd is preparing a session on "Media in the Millennial Era: Ten Tips for Success."

Some of the tips will be about understanding Millennials which radio people currently don’t get.

And some of the tips will be about using that understanding to generate some new opportunities for their stations.

If you’ll forgive me for being blunt, this type of knowledge about the essence of the future is not going to jump off this page and find you.

You must commit a day to go after it.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available on the Friday for private sessions.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is less than a month away.

Reserve a seat, claim a discount here.

Inquire about group rates here.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Lew Dickey’s Next Firing Plan Exposed

What is a company known for shitty local ratings doing spending multi-millions on a ratings deal with Arbitron?

You can bet your pinup picture of Vanessa Hoelsher that Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey isn’t spending all that money he doesn’t have to give local sellers more tools to get it up – the billing, that is.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What Dickey plans to do with 44 more rated markets – and it has nothing to do with selling local radio.
  2. How the millions he just spent on more Arbitron ratings will come out of the hide of these employees.
  3. Dickey’s next move – the most bizarre use of audience ratings ever conjured up.
  4. What this means for local stations.
  5. Why you need to keep a watchful eye on Los Angeles.

If you would like to see how Lew Dickey’s evil plan to buy ratings in 44 markets will mean more deep cutbacks, click “read more” below.

Contact me privately to Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Register for my January 30th Media Solutions Lab here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Avoiding Digital Disaster

A friend recently said to me “if your conference is as good as your promos, I need to send several people”.

Well, it’s better and you need to be there if you are serious about avoiding digital disaster in 2013.

There are no excuses to sit home and miss the one day a year that you get to re-chart your priorities for the year ahead.

One day that can make a difference in your career and in your business.

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available on the Friday for private sessions.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

Go through that list again.

If you could get a handle on these issues alone, you’re going to be dangerous in 2013.

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is less than a month away.

Reserve a seat, claim a discount here.

Inquire about group rates here.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Cumulus Plan to Eliminate Sellers

CEO Lew Dickey is looking to do for sales what he has done to programming – cut it back to nothing and automate.

Now, sources close to the situation explain just how this may be possible probably soon into the year ahead.

In fact, the first clue is who Dickey recruited to make these changes.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What’s the model that Cumulus is likely to use?  Clue:  It’s been used only once in local radio and it failed.
  2. How Cumulus changes the role of ad agencies and buyers.
  3. What kind of fees Cumulus is likely to pay agencies for helping them eliminate sales jobs.
  4. What will happen to remaining local sellers under this new scenario?  And what about Key Account Managers (KAMs).
  5. How Cumulus thinks it will increase volume on lower rates.

If you would like to see how Cumulus could automate sales and eliminate jobs as they did in programming, click “read more” below.

Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Become An Expert At Digital Media

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available on the Friday immediately following this conference privately for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is less than a month away.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Clear Channel’s Seismic Programming Shakeup

This is big – really big.

Clear Channel is panicked and about ready to turn over programming at many stations to this man.

I’ve got the memo.  The info.  And the ramifications for many Clear Channel employees.

And the trouble starts within days.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Who is the new programming czar at Clear Channel starting later this week – I guarantee you, you won’t believe it, but every word of it is true.
  2. What is the first of the new age Clear Channel formats that will begin to start hitting the air.
  3. Which three markets are first for a major programming shakeup.
  4. Then, do you know the 25 stations that Clear Channel thinks needs a format fix?  Their board seems to know and they’re turning this maniac loose on them starting now.
  5. Why Clear Channel is so worried about declining ratings and what John Hogan plans to do about it.
  6. How these new formats will impact remaining live djs in Clear Channel markets.

If you would like to see the seismic programming shakeup starting today including who their new programming savior is, click “read more” below. 

Report Newstips under my witness protection program here.

Fix Subscription Issues here.

Talk to Jerry privately here.

Media Solutions Lab Info/Registration here.

Follow Jerry on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Top New Media Discoveries

Great change is coming as traditional media collides with new media at full force in the year ahead.

And, audiences are changing forcing media executives to look for answers in places they’ve never gone before.

For instance, consider these audience-driven changes coming your way in 2013:

  • The importance of personalization.  Tough for radio.  Even tough for digital.  We’ll identify the new path toward personalization.  Without personalization, you’re done.
  • That building influence is becoming more important than audience.  Learn how to build influence (not to be confused with ratings) for a better return on revenue.
  • The end of the digital download.  First, broadcasting declines.  Now digital music downloads.  What’s next is what we will focus on at this year’s Media Solutions Lab.
  • Facebook’s replacement has arrived.  Good news unless your social media efforts center around Facebook.  Even Twitter has peaked.  But I’m going to show you what your audience is falling for right now – and in a day or two you can be there, too.

With four weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab, it is time to make the decision to pursue new media discoveries you don’t currently know about to remain competitive.

2013 will be the most challenging year for traditional media – radio, video and music.  The same old strategies will not work as audiences have morphed into voracious users of listener driven content. 

And there will be no easy answers for digital media, either.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a special full-day teaching seminar and refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  Here is where we isolate the key discoveries about content, audience and revenue for the year ahead.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available privately when the seminar concludes for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis – a great chance to personalize your game plan with the latest intelligence and Jerry’s best advice.

Here’s more of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers.
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only 4 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

You’ve got to be there to be aware of the digital future.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales with additional discounts for 3 or more people here.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Today Is the Last Day To Save $200 — Media Solutions Lab

With four weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab, today is the last day to lock in a $200 discount for every person who registers by midnight December 31st – that’s today.

2013 will be the most challenging year for traditional media – radio, video and music.  The same old strategies will not work as audiences have morphed into voracious users of listener driven content. 

And there will be no easy answers for digital media, either.

Streaming hasn’t been the cash cow broadcasters had hoped for.  Websites are yesterday’s news (in more ways than one).  Video is the star of the future yet few content providers know the new rules of short form video and how to monetize it.  An app is an idea waiting for a grand plan.

The 12 months ahead constitute a “must” year to master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous or else risk being left behind.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a special full-day teaching seminar and refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  Here is where we isolate the key discoveries about content, audience and revenue for the year ahead.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available privately when the seminar concludes for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis – a great chance to personalize your game plan with the latest intelligence and Jerry’s best advice.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only 4 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

And today is the last day to save $200 so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales with additional discounts for 3 or more people here.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Last 2 Days To Save $200 — Media Solutions Lab

I hope you’ve been considering attending my upcoming Media Solutions Lab this year. 

If so, this reminder that the $200 discount ends December 31st just two days from now.

Just look at the topics below and you’ll agree that this year ahead is a must year to master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous or else risk being left behind.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 5 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Just 2 days left to save $200 so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Radio Personnel Nightmare

You won’t believe where Cumulus is looking for market managers.

Yes, they are looking.

Or where Clear Channel is trying to recruit senior sales people.

Oh yes, they want sellers but not what you’re thinking.

Before the New Year even begins we have documented a growing trend that will turn the radio industry on its heels – again.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The unbelievable thing Cumulus did just yesterday to replace a key market manager.  And, they’re going to being doing more of this.
     
  2. Where Clear Channel is now actively looking for senior salespeople – 100 chances and you still won’t guess.
     
  3. Why mass recruiting is about to begin again.  That’s actually the bad news.
     
  4. What is the New Multitasking – how radio jobs will change this year.
     
  5. How poaching great talent from the two biggest radio groups will hurt the others.

If you would like to see the unbelievable recruiting trends for the biggest radio groups, click “read more” below. 

Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.  At my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.  Learn more here.

Report news in strict confidence here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Media Solutions Lab Discount Ends Dec 31st

I hope you’ve been considering attending my upcoming Media Solutions Lab this year. 

If so, this reminder that the $200 discount ends December 31st. 

Just look at the topics below and you’ll agree that this year ahead is a must year to master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous or else risk being left behind.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 5 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

The current discount is ending so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Cumulus Strikes Again Today

Cumulus put out an urgent email yesterday.

Mandatory meeting.

Important.

Their words, not mine.

But what’s going to happen is tantamount to a sucker punch thrown by CEO Lew Dickey’s Christmas email where he made nice to his “team”.

Now, just two days after Christmas, as you will see, it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. First, the “sucker punch” Dickey used to throw his employees off guard for what’s about to happen next.
     
  2. The urgent memo calling for mandatory attendance at a meeting this morning – this will set the tone for where Cumulus is heading.
     
  3. Why there will be mass cutbacks in more than 67 stations.
     
  4. CBS’ response to rumors that they are trying to buy one of Lew Dickey’s major market stations.
     
  5. The two killer strategies Dickey plans to employ to cut costs and personnel in the next six months starting now.

If you would like to see what is so urgent that Cumulus has to do it two days after Christmas, click “read more” below.

What are the most effective new social media strategies?  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed.  Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.  To get media solutions, attend my January 30 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Less than 5 weeks from now.  Learn more here.

Talk to me confidentially here.  I’ve got your back in my witness protection program.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Master Digital Media

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The answers are not going to find you.

You are going to have to go after the answers.

That’s why the next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30th with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 5 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

The current discount is ending so if you’ve been thinking about going after the answers for the digital future, you’ll want to reserve your seat today.

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Clear Channel Christmas Firings

With just days to go before Christmas, Clear Channel is at it again.

Some last minute firings ahead of what will be the worst year for radio careers in the history of the industry.

I’ve got a line on their dirty tricks and cover ups that will follow.

Plus a new “heads up” to Clear Channel employees.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. A big firing on the eve of the holidays – talent, newspeople, board ops – all the details.
     
  2. What’s the chance of more firings Christmas week.
     
  3. Warning:  John Hogan is up to something and you need to distance yourself from it.
     
  4. Where is CEO Bob Pittman and what is he up to.
     
  5. The Clear Channel cover up that is coming. 

If you would like to see Clear Channel’s unprecedented Christmas firing plans, click “read more” below. 

How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.  The digital future is not going to come after you.  You have to go after it.  Get media solutions at the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.  Learn more.

You are covered by our witness protection program when you report news. Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Thrive in the Digital Future

The next Media Solutions Lab scheduled for January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industry.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The full Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

At 8am Wednesday, January 30 there is a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Thursday, January 31st in the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

And Jerry is available for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 6 weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

CBS Looking To Buy a Major Cumulus Station

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey and CBS Chairman Les Moonves are partners. 

Lew is contributing 67 affiliates to the startup CBS Sports Radio Network that debuts January 3rd and now Wall Street money people say Dickey is trying to raise money to buy some or all of CBS Radio.

So what’s Lew Dickey doing reportedly talking about the sale of a major market FM station to CBS?

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. All the details where a meeting took place – when, who attended from each side from sources close to the situation.
     
  2. What Dickey has been openly telling the station’s staff and why a sale coincides with the “new missions” he is promising them.
     
  3. What the two sides likely discussed.
     
  4. How far advanced are the negotiations.
     
  5. What’s going on between Dickey, who wants to buy CBS Radio and Les Moonves who reportedly would sell some or all of it.

If you would like to see what CBS and Cumulus are negotiating in a major radio market, click “read more” below.

Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers. 

The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 

When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale – less than six weeks from now.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Become Skilled At Digital Content

By all measures, the digital future has arrived and it’s more important than ever to gain expertise in creating saleable content for the new medium.

Mobile revenues alone are projected to increase to $12 billion by 2016 – that’s about what radio is doing now although radio revenues are not climbing every year as mobile is.

And that’s just one segment of digital – mobile.

Starting now, you have to pass through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps to remain vibrant in the media business.

But to succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers.  
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • Digital Detox.  The big elephant in the room that threatens runaway growth is the adverse affects of being connected 24/7 on consumers, their lives and your business.  Let’s start now by isolating the potential trouble spots so you can avoid them.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is less than 6 weeks from today.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Nielsen Schmielsen

The $1.26 billion merger of Arbitron with archenemy Nielsen has major ramifications for radio.

This is a game changer.

There is a reason the stock market rewarded Arbitron for the merger by raising its share price by almost $9 just yesterday alone.

I guess that means that Wall Street has radio’s back, right?

Well – not exactly.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What will become of the controversial PPM ratings in the short-term and within the next 5 years.
     
  2. How the major radio groups who prop Arbitron up will respond to the merger.
     
  3. The big elephant in the room is online streaming – how the merger deals with radio simulcasts online.
     
  4. Which company can become a competitor to the merged Arbitron/Nielsen.
     
  5. What’s the most effective new way to measure radio audience now that PPM has peaked.

If you would like to see what’s behind the Arbitron/Nielsen merger and how it will change radio ratings, click “read more” below.

New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers.  When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Learn more. 

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Become An Expert At Digital Media

The media future passes through digital content, social networking, short form marketable video and mobile apps.

To succeed in the changing media business, we need to add expertise in these areas now more than ever because the year ahead will be one of great change and many opportunities.

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is exactly 6 weeks from today.

Reserve a seat here.

Inquire about group sales here.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Happy New Year Firings

With a week to go before Christmas, it appears that even the Scrooges at Clear Channel and Cumulus have settled in for a long winter’s night.

No more firings until the New Year.

But that doesn’t mean no more firings after New Years.

Once Ryan Seacrest rings in the New Year on TV, Clear Channel and Cumulus are all in to make 2013 the worst year the radio industry has ever seen.

What is so deadly is that they are going to use creativity, technology and just meanness to “fix” a business they can’t run.

Here’s what’s ahead after the ball drops on New Year’s Eve:

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Eyewitness report:  Clear Channel is ready to outsource this job in the year ahead.
     
  2. The new way to reduce sales management by 50% -- Clear Channel is hot to do it.
     
  3. Transferring market managers with no experience to run programming.  A source describes how hybrid jobs are being created in his own words.
     
  4. The major market Cumulus station reported to be on the block to eliminate costs not make a profit – a trend you will see more of.  I’ll identify the station.
     
  5. How competitor’s talent is being poached to leave their markets and help consolidators fire 20, 30 – even 50 more people.

If you would like to anticipate the cutbacks and firings sources have uncovered that consolidators are planning for after the New Year, click “read more” below.

The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.  When you want real media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Less than 7 weeks to make plans to attend.  Learn more.

I’ve got your back when you report newstips in our witness protection program. Talk to me confidentially here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

How To Disrupt the Media Industry

Perhaps you saw the new Arbitron RADAR numbers for radio that came out yesterday.

Weekly time spent listening dropped 28 minutes a week from March 2011 to March 2012.  More disturbing news was that in some key demographics that men 25-34 are spending 51 minutes less with radio each week.

These declines are nothing new, but they are getting more drastic and more persistent.

It doesn’t mean that radio content is dead. It means that it’s time to wake up and disrupt the radio business.

Just as Google disrupted the Internet and Apple disrupted the music business, phones and tablets.

The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging and difficult because the same old answers will no longer work.

But the solutions are not going to find you.

You have to act to find them.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in town for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 7 weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Clear Channel/Comcast Blockbuster

Behind the scenes Clear Channel is getting ready to ingratiate itself again to Comcast/NBC in the hopes that some day soon Comcast will marry them.

I’m hearing that within the next 3 to 9 months, Clear Channel will offer up some of its radio stations to NBC to help it strengthen a new initiative that is important to Comcast.

This means the potential loss of many more radio jobs both on the air – and as you will soon see – in sales.

Another radio abortion is in the works.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The big partnership that allows Comcast to create a new entertainment venue and Clear Channel a chance to fire more local people.
     
  2. Why they think they have discovered the perfect new radio format.
     
  3. How they plan to make money on increased sales while cutting expenses.
     
  4. Why this is just the beginning – not the end of new programming ventures by multimedia companies.
     
  5. Which Clear Channel stations are likely to be sacrificed to Comcast.

If you would like to see what sources say is the next Clear Channel/NBC partnership that jeopardizes more radio jobs, click “read more” below. 

5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization. When you want real media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Less than 7 weeks to make plans to attend.  Learn more.

When you report newstips, I protect your anonymity in my witness protection program.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Master Digital Media

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 7 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Untold Post-Massacre Secrets

Those cheap bastards who run radio groups are already back at work planning their next draconian cuts -- just one week after 600 employees were fired.

Some things on the drawing board are so shocking even for companies that don’t care about people.

But there is stuff going on according to my sources in our witness protection program that these consolidators absolutely don’t want the public to know.

So, here it is.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What a top radio group CEO actually said to reassure staffers that has scared the living hell out of them instead.
     
  2. Which group is now demanding career busting national non-competes. 
     
  3. All the details on the new normal severance packages you can expect if your luck runs out next.
     
  4. The new tactic being now rolled out that allows a consolidator to fire more people and then do this to the poor sucker who survives.
     
  5. The mass stampede by radio salespeople looking for new jobs and which company is offering this awesome deal to steal them away.

If you would like to see the secret post-massacre plans being made for further cutbacks, click “read more” below. 

New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers.  When you want real media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Less than 7 weeks to make plans to attend.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Disrupt the Media Business

The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging and difficult because the same old answers will no longer work.

For example, if the latest trend of streaming on-air content online without inserting separate commercials is all the radio industry can come up with, then a rude awakening is ahead.

Video is hot, but content providers are looking the wrong way.

Social media is changing yet clinging to Facebook and Twitter as the prime solution is no solution at all.  In fact, it’s a deadly diversion.

Mobile content is morphing into something different than even new media experts had expected.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in town for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis.

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Less than 7 weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Cumulus Lockout

Things are so bad at Cumulus right now that corporate has taken to locking its own employees out.

What’s worse, scared workers are leaving at the worst time possible for the company.

Big billers, big talent – it’s falling apart.

My sources say reporting on Cumulus right now is like reporting on Syria – waiting for the downfall of the dictator.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How locking out key employees works for Cumulus in two critical ways.
     
  2. Why you can expect more lockouts as the New Year unfolds.
     
  3. All the details on an embarrassing lockout in a major market where another manager was left with egg on his face.
     
  4. How Cumulus will lockout as many as 50 or more people from important local radio positions.
     
  5. The scared employees the company cannot afford to lose who are bolting Cumulus for this job that pays more, with more benefits.  Maybe you can, too.
     
  6. The big name Cumulus talker who reportedly has eyes for – Premiere.
     
  7. What’s up with a major programmer who Lew Dickey is threatening to buy out. 

If you would like to see the many ways Cumulus plans to lock people out of their local radio jobs, click “read more” below. 

How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s Media Solutions Lab January 30, make it this one.  When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Master Digital Media

2013 is the year that you must master digital media to be viable, employable and prosperous.

The next Media Solutions Lab January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is a meaningful refresher for digital media in the year ahead.  It is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industries.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

It begins Wednesday, January 30 with a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be so critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Then the next morning, Thursday, January 31st, is the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

Jerry is also available separately while you are in Phoenix to attend the Media Solutions Lab for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • The biggest digital threat to traditional media in 2013 – not streaming, not mobile, not apps, not websites.  It’s critical to know and you will.
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only 7 weeks left until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Death Wish Radio

How do you take a perfectly good industry like radio and shipwreck it in less than ten years?

It’s still going on as recently as the last two weeks  – the shameful secrets of radio owners that they would rather not have you know.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What laughable thing Cumulus is actually spending 1-hour a day on to increase local sales.
     
  2. Exposed:  Clear Channel’s new Hollywood-style firings that create a super hero and dispatch victims to radio’s version of Siberia.
     
  3. The reason the Dickeys are now yelling at their format captains.
     
  4. Which radio company invites employees to a Christmas party and starts staff reductions at the very same time?
     
  5. All the details on the radio group that read a personal email to an employee on a conference call to show how closely they were being watched – you can’t make this stuff up.

If you would like to see the vindictive management tactics that are now being used against radio professionals that are blowing up in their faces, click “read more” below. 

How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s Media Solutions Lab January 30, make it this one.  When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Thrive in the Digital Future

The next Media Solutions Lab scheduled for January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industry.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The full Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

At 8am Wednesday, January 30 there is a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Thursday, January 31st in the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

And Jerry is available for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only eight weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cumulus Merger – Plan B

Things are going from bad to worse at Cumulus this week.

They’re not going to make their quarterly revenue numbers and more firings are in the works before the end of the year to reduce expenses.

But their debt is so massive that only a merger with a company that could help them dilute their spiraling debt will save Cumulus.

I have identified that company and have the latest on the desperate housewives of radio – The Dickey brothers.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The radio company Dickey reportedly is saying he would like to buy under the right conditions if his CBS merger doesn’t happen.
     
  2. The latest on Dickey’s attempt to buy some or all of CBS Radio – is he still alive or is the deal dead?
     
  3. Which competitor do the Dickeys hate so much that they would like to merge with them as punishment?
     
  4. The hidden benefit of a Plan B acquisition that the CBS deal doesn’t have.
     
  5. What’s the latest being heard on the street in financial circles about what kind of money is available to take out another radio competitor.

If you would like to see the devious “Plan B” Cumulus is reportedly considering in case they can’t get the financing to buy all or part of CBS Radio, click “read more” below.

How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s Media Solutions Lab January 30, make it this one.  When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thrive in the Digital Future

The next Media Solutions Lab scheduled for January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industry.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

The full Media Solutions Lab is an all-day interactive learning experience in which the teacher and the taught together do the teaching.

At 8am Wednesday, January 30 there is a complimentary breakfast; 9am class starts.  Jerry Del Colliano presents the emerging trends for 2013 and then delivers the answers to key issues (listed below) that will be critical to your success.  A complementary lunch is served at The Phoenician 12 noon.  “Visiting professors” join Jerry in the afternoon.  Complimentary breaks are offered all day.

Thursday, January 31st in the optional Next Day Big Ideas roundtable breakfast where Jerry shares the best new thinking that will help you achieve your personal and business goals in 2013.  A complimentary buffet breakfast is served.

And Jerry is available for private optional strategy sessions with groups and individuals on a per hour basis for anyone interested. 

Here’s a preview of what you will get at the Media Solutions Lab:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies.  Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only eight weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Group sales here.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Cumulus Targeting 60-75 Top Execs

A mass reduction in work force the nature of which the radio industry has not previously seen is underway now with the firing of hundreds of Clear Channel workers that began late last week.

Clear Channel is not done by any means.

But Cumulus, in short pants and facing bankruptcy, is planning some earthshattering cutbacks starting with big management positions, but not stopping there.

You know how good my sources are.  Here’s what they’ve learned:

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The important question:  when do the next round of Cumulus firings start.
     
  2. How and why Cumulus is going to fire 60-75 key local executives.
     
  3. More talent will also be targeted with new evidence of how they will thin the programming ranks and insert mandated national syndication.
     
  4. How Cumulus will take the next step to move away from local sales – complete with examples.
     
  5. All the details about a staff reducer to force a new syndicated show down the throats of local stations not once but twice – the same show twice each weekend in primetime.

If you would like to be first to see the big workforce reduction plans coming next to Cumulus, click “read more” below.

New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers.  When you want media solutions, get them at my January 30th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Learn more.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Be Inspired Not Fired

The next Media Solutions Lab scheduled for January 30th at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ is the most comprehensive, up-to-the-minute source of reliable information for the changing radio, media, digital and music industry.

Our mission is to provide those facing the many challenges ahead with authoritative, cutting edge information to not just survive in changing times, but to thrive.

Here’s a preview of what you will get:

  • New evidence that you can now slow the decline of radio audiences and revenues by making a few strategic moves.  One actually improves PPM ratings at the same time it commands premium rates from media buyers. 
     
  • Increase the effectiveness of advertising by 80% to double billing even in a soft economy.  You’ll hear Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill outline the plan he put together for Jerry Lee’s B101, Philadelphia.  And, boy, is that making money.
     
  • Two new digital strategies that should be added to all media proposals in 2013.  Irresistible, easy to implement digital packages worth investing in now.
     
  • What are the most effective new social media strategies. Twitter and Facebook are the wrong direction of where social networking is headed. Hear this and you’ll chart the right direction.
     
  • How to disrupt your radio station before a traditional or digital competitor does.  If you take only one blueprint away from this year’s conference, make it this one.
     
  • 5 great new businesses you can start in 2013.  All with clearly defined paths to monetization.
     
  • The biggest on-air promotion that can attract lost listeners.  Not trips.  Not cars.  Not even money.  Finally -- the PPM-friendly radio promotion that hooks listeners.
     
  • The importance of rebranding in the digital age.  We’ll show you how to stop building your brand around what’s on your station and rebrand it around what your station stands for.
     
  • Why the biggest popular music hit of 2012 involved little to no radio airplay.  You will reconsider how you choose music and how to play it.
     
  • Think “clicks” are so important to digital media?  Hear the latest evidence and you’ll think again.  Learn what blows away “clicks” when making proposals to media buyers.
     
  • The awesome power of “Two Voices”.  New research shows that two voices are more popular than one and more effective for entertainment and commercials. 
     
  • How to attract the next generation – 80 million strong.  You could be turning them off instead of engaging new fans.  Morley Winograd, an expert on the next generation shares opportunities you will not want to miss.
     
  • Become an expert at video or be left behind.  The new rules for video, the space your brand must dominate in the next 12 months.
     
  • How to take an insurance policy out on your career.  The skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of digital media. 

The most important decision you will make about your ability to be viable in this era of great change requires investing just 1 day to guarantee success in the coming year.

Only eight weeks until the 2013 Media Solutions Lab. 

Reserve a seat here.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Clear Channel Exodus

We called it to the day – hundreds of Clear Channel employees fired en mass Thursday in small and large markets.

An evil plan put together months ago and held back until after Bain founder Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign was over.

But I’m afraid this turmoil is just the tip of the iceberg as you’re about to find out.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Who was targeted in the Thursday mass firings and which two job descriptions are now in jeopardy of being next at Clear Channel.
     
  2. When the current firings will subside and when the next ones will begin (remember, we’ve got a great record of predicting Clear Channel layoffs).
     
  3. The total number of employees fired by Clear Channel since consolidation began.
     
  4. Why $11 billion in debt will force this new version of local radio.
     
  5. Warning:  Cumulus is next up and their debt will force them to make even more drastic cuts than Clear Channel.

If you would like to see when the current firings will end, who is next and what cutbacks are in the works, click “read more” below. 

Become more skilled at digital by attending my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale.  See the benefits you will receive by clicking here.

Thanks for trusting that I will protect you when reporting news.  I’ve never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Big Media Trends of Next Year

Here are some of the benefits of attending the 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30 at the Phoenician in Scottsdale that focuses on the emerging media trends for the 12 months ahead:

  • How to disrupt radio – attack yourself before competitors and new technology do.
     
  • What new social networking trend is critical to get in on right now.
     
  • How to rebrand a radio station not by what’s on the station but what the station stands for.
     
  • How to legally drive up People Meter ratings with this one strategic move.
     
  • What’s better than streaming -- cheaper and more profitable.
     
  • Ten opportunities to push saleable content to 80 million Millennials from generation media expert Morley Winograd.
     
  • How Jerry Lee’s B-101 helps local advertisers increase their effectiveness by 80% -- with the person who showed him, Dan Hill of Sensory Logic.
     
  • The hottest digital packages that media buyers can’t say no to.
     
  • 7 winning digital startup ideas for broadcasters or entrepreneurs. 

PLUS more …

Interactive classroom.  No sponsors or commercial agendas.  One year’s worth of useful ideas in one day.  Jerry is available for optional private work sessions with individuals or groups the next day.

Register here.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Stealth Firings Explode

Under the radar firing has picked up in the past few weeks.

Both Clear Channel and Cumulus are rushing to reduce operating expenses before the next fiscal year starts January 1.

They plan to reduce their radio platforms and do it rapidly.

Here’s evidence of what I call the worst cuts in the history of radio now gaining momentum.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What Clear Channel plans to force on major markets.  In fact, they’re going to start in one market by the end of this week.
     
  2. What gets nationalized next.
     
  3. Why Cumulus is targeting market managers.  More are dropping every day.
     
  4. All the details on how one company is planning to sell without salespeople – an employee reveals how they believe it’s going to be done.
     
  5. How Clear Channel and Townsquare have come up with the cheapest way yet to program a radio station and it may be coming to a market near you.

If you would like see how under the radar firings have exploded and what unbelievable cutbacks are coming next, click “read more” below. 

If you’re considering attending my Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, save $200 per person today -- here. 

Talk to me confidentially here.  I’ve got your back with my witness protection program that has never revealed a source.

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

How To Compete With Digital

Why is it that the radio industry is so clueless about digital?

They think it’s an add-on to what they’re programming over the air.

And they don’t assign even 1% of their operating budget to developing new media.

That’s insane.

Meanwhile, media buyers are continuing to spend on digital – up another 9% this year alone.

Something is seriously wrong with this picture.

Streaming isn’t the answer.

And not streaming isn’t the solution.

Station websites are money losers, and still stations make websites their most visible offering online.

Video is the biggest, hottest, most important thing a radio station needs to get into. Believe me or wait until it’s too late.  Yet, radio stations don’t get how to do audio and video at the same time.

Radio’s idea of social media is Facebook and Twitter.

Two years ago at my Media Solutions Lab – two years ago – I told those in attendance that Facebook and Twitter were over.  Tools, yes!  Social media solutions for radio, no.

There’s something better and easier to do if you know how.

Apps?

Forget it.

The radio industry thinks apps are chunks of existing radio content.

And they think clicks are digital ratings when it’s really influence and effectiveness that wins the day.

Keep this up and here’s what the radio industry will get.

More declining revenues.

Fewer listeners – RADAR has already confirmed it.

And no new media revenue stream to satisfy the hunger of media buyers.

You need to be rethinking what a radio station is.  How it is organized.  How it generates content ideas.

You need to become skillful at rebranding radio to reflect what a station stands for not what is on the air – they’re different. 

It’s time to disrupt the radio industry because if you don’t do it, new media is doing it right under your nose.

You’re not going to get those skills by reading trade publications or hanging in the hallways of conventions and shows.

So I’d like to invite you to my fourth annual Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, recognized as the thinking executives strategic retreat.

Notice it is a “lab” – not a convention.

That we teach each other in an interactive format.  We don’t listen to superficial panel discussions.

It’s about solutions – as many as I can give to you in a day and a half – to take home and put into action.

Like how to attract some of the 80 million Millennials who are not likely radio listeners – Let me show you their hot buttons.

The blueprint for building content stations not radio stations.  You can’t do that any more.  There is no good “hole” in the market.  That ship has sailed.  It’s now about owning different content brands and pushing them out on the air and digitally.

Becoming a marketing powerhouse – not dropping rates or throwing in digital to get a radio buy.  Creating premium content that media buyers have proven they will pay for.

How to increase the effectiveness of your local advertising so their budgets will be addicted to your station.

Creating a social media platform that is so influential that it dwarfs Twitter and Facebook.

Then adding paid content as a revenue stream.

If you’re interested in real solutions, make it your business to join us at the interactive Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.

Register here.

Talk to me personally about attending here.

Want to work with me privately after the conference with your key people?  Inquire  here.

You always ask me to show you the future.

Now’s your chance.

Save $200 off the registration price for my January 30-31 Media Solutions Lab.  Lock it in here.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Clear Channel Merger Talk

Clear Channel is facing bankruptcy if it can’t pay about $12 billion in debt between now and 2016. 

And they can’t buy CBS to save them.

So what are owners Lee & Bain to do?

They’re certainly not going to do local radio.

They’ve got much more ambitious survival plans that will make life tough in local markets.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. When it all blows up for Clear Channel – we now know the real drop dead date.
     
  2. The impossible numbers Wall Street is demanding that Clear Channel make every year from now to 2016 just to survive.
     
  3. All the details on a coming Clear Channel merger – who, when, how.
     
  4. Who would have an interest in merging with Clear Channel.
     
  5. Why hundreds of Clear Channel stations may wind up for sale to small groups and individuals.

If you would like to see the Clear Channel merger that is shaping up, click “read more” below.

Learn how to rebrand a radio station around what your station stands for and not what’s on the air.  See more “take home” pay from the upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale here.

Talk to me confidentially here.  I’ve got your back in my witness protection program.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

How To Rebrand Radio For the Digital Age

Radio stations are headed in the wrong direction and they couldn’t choose a worse time.

With 80 million “next generation” listeners at stake, most stations are branding themselves based on what they play on the air.  Not what they stand for.

And that’s a key and critical change successful operators will have to wrap their arms around in the 12 months ahead and why I am adding this topic to my lesson plan for the 2013 Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, January 30-31.

  1. Why branding a station as “Hot” or “Hits” or “Talk” or “The station everyone can agree on at work” is likely to become a losing strategy before another year passes.  That fast!
     
  2. How building the new brand around what the station stands for, not what it does cooperates with how listeners relate to media these days.  For example, YouTube is not really a website.  It’s a place where everyone can post and see a short video.  That’s what it is.  Radio must become more than a repository for music or talk.  The very station name must mean something more and it’s critical to get this right.
     
  3. Why identifying a cause or sympathetic need is the correct path to rebranding radio for the digital age.  I’ll show you some possibilities and offer useful idea starters.
     
  4. In the next 12 months it will be entirely possible that a great radio station’s brand will have less to do with what it plays and more to do with why it exists.
     
  5. Why you alone as smart as you are cannot and should not decide what your station stands for using traditional means.  Here are the new rules for finding out and coming away with the right direction.

I love teaching my Media Solutions Lab.

This will be our fourth year and many people have told me the cutting edge ideas they come away with are so valuable, The Media Solutions Lab has ignited their careers and changed their lives.

Just confirmed:  Dan Hill of Sensory Logic on what he advises WBEB, Philadelphia owner Jerry Lee that increases local advertiser results by 80% and revenue along with it.

Also confirmed:  Morley Winograd, co-author of "Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America" with new opportunities to appeal to the next generation and win new fans.

This is a great learning experience worthy of your consideration.  It would be an honor to work together at the next Media Solutions Lab.

To inquire about attending my Media Solutions Lab and qualify for a $200 discount, click here.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Cumulus Strikes Again

Lew Dickey is pissed.

He struck again last week at his own employees whipping them furiously to overcome all the obstacles he is putting in their way.

It was ugly as you’ll soon see.

But Dickey is running out of options.

He needs a big merger.

CBS is the one Wall Street people are talking about.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What Lew Dickey did at a sales beating last week just after he told employees “You’re just a number on a ledger”.
     
  2. All the details on how Dickey threatened and disrespected a room of people who had every reason to get up and walk out.
     
  3. What else Dickey is doing to save Cumulus from bankruptcy even as he is applying the whip harder to the backs of his employees.
     
  4. What a CBS local manager told his employees in a meeting a few days ago about the possibility of an acquisition by Cumulus.
     
  5. Which 3 other merger targets does Cumulus have on its backup Plan B list.

If you would like to see how Cumulus is now punishing employees -- plus the latest on a potential CBS merger, click “read more” below. 

Discover how “Two Voices” can increase audience and grow revenue at my 2013 Media Solutions Lab. Save $200 off the registration price. Lock it in here.

Report news confidentially in my witness protection program here.  

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The Only Answer To a 2013 Turnaround

The radio industry is in for a rude awakening next year!

RADAR weekly radio listening numbers have finally leveled off – a bad sign but one you could have seen coming.

Very few owners are posting quarterly earnings – Clear Channel is losing in radio and just getting by in non-traditional. 

Cumulus has no digital to speak of and is headed for more red ink and bankruptcy.

And they are the two largest radio companies we have in the industry.

The industry as a whole is looking at 0 percent growth for this year and that’s the best-case scenario according to industry analysts.

Meanwhile, radio execs spend their good money to see the biggest money losers of all, Lew or John Dickey, give keynotes on how to raise revenue at numerous industry shows and conferences.

The radio business is in denial.

No plan for digital.

Even stations that think they are pretty digitally savvy, still sell advertisers “clicks” as if “clicks” are the digital version of ratings.

They aren’t.

We can do better!

So I offer you some answers, some straight talk, experts and a game plan for the 12 months ahead by joining the smart executives who have signed up for my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale.

Look at your “take home” pay:

  1. Why influence is more saleable than “clicks” and yet not one radio station knows how to create digital influence let alone sell it.  That changes for you when you register for the Media Solutions Lab.
     
  2. Why radio stations are running out of new “leads” and why cannibalizing digital with on-air is not going to create higher revenues.  I’ll present an approach that will let you rethink revenue creation by making more with less (My God, did I say less is more backwards!).
     
  3. How to increase the effectiveness of your advertisers ads by a whopping 80% -- documented and guaranteed.  I’m bringing in the man who built this plan for WBEB, Philadelphia’s Jerry Lee.  Jerry hauls in big money even during radio’s worst times.  Except now, you’ll hear how right from the man who helps him, Dan Hill and leave with a game plan that will more than pay for your registration. Time to stop hearing about Jerry Lee and being more like him.
     
  4. How to stop turning away young listeners who would gladly listen and listen longer if you would stop building your station’s brand around what’s on the air and start building it on what your station stands for.  Luckily your competitors don’t know how to do this either – until after January 30th, that is.
     
  5. How to attract Millennials.  Everybody wants a piece of 80 million potential listeners, but they are not easy.  The music, the content, and the conversation they want to stick with radio.  Morley Winograd, co-author of "Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America" will rattle off a list of opportunities you should run with. 
     
  6. The awesome power of “Two Voices” – information I have garnered about radio stations who have scratched the surface of a new approach to ratings and commercials. 

Save $200 off the registration price for my January 30-31 Media Solutions Lab.  Lock it in here.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Clear Channel & Imus KO Dickey

Cumulus “Other Brother” John Dickey thought he would try to get aging WABC, New York morning show personality Don Imus to go for the company’s standard cut in pay to bully him into a renewal.

What happened next was an almost unbelievable series of events that ended up with CEO Lew Dickey trying to clean up the mess for his little brother.

But Imus emerged victorious in using a playbook that will no doubt be copied by other Cumulus talent looking to stand-up to the company’s salary bullies.

Here’s the heavyweight championship of morning show negotiations round by round.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The Cumulus Imus offer revealed.
     
  2. How the Dickeys reportedly trashed Imus while they were negotiating that made him put up the gloves and fight dirty.
     
  3. What Clear Channel offered Imus that upped the ante for Cumulus.
     
  4. Why Clear Channel and WOR made the Imus offer and what they planned to do with him.
     
  5. What was stopping Imus from not accepting the WOR/Clear Channel offer and how the heavyweight battle ended.
     
  6. The knockout punch Clear Channel is now ready to throw at Cumulus.

If you would like to see what Don Imus did to get Cumulus’ demand that he cut his pay boomerang -- plus the playbook he used for a 100% contract renewal, click “read more” below. 

Learn how to create your own ESPN-type high school sports franchise – perfect for a digital radio revenue stream or for media entrepreneurs at my January 30-31 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  Registration information here.

Report news confidentially in my witness protection program here.  

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, December 3, 2012

How To Be Disruptive

Here are 7 key strategies to disrupt sleepy and declining media businesses and catch a tiger by the tail at my upcoming teaching seminar.

  1. Create content centers in your radio station to replace on-air formats.  How to staff and operate these centers and push the content from content centers to digital, on-air, video, text and social media.  Not the other way around – radio driving digital.
     
  2. Stop building your station’s brand around what’s on the station.  Build it around what your station stands for.  Blindside your competitors with this strategy.
     
  3. The one thing that is guaranteed to make more under-30 listeners addicted to your radio station.  The missing link they can’t resist.
     
  4. Throw away how you do local commercials and increase their effectiveness by 80%.  Dan Hill, the expert who works with Jerry Lee at WBEB in Philly will get you started.
     
  5. Stop looking for listeners in the same old places (i.e., stealing them from competitors), author Morley Winograd will lead you to 80 million prospective new listeners somewhere you’re not looking.
     
  6. Disrupt station streaming and spend your time and effort on new digital businesses like these.  One of them is a local ESPN-type high school sports operation from content to fantasy.  Bulk up on startup ideas.
     
  7. Change the way you use Facebook and Twitter.  Facebook has maxed out.  Twitter is just a tool.  Something bigger will emerge in the next 12 months.
     
  8. Can you name the 10 critically important trends for 2013?  It’s not likely you will disrupt anything in the year ahead without this information.  Example:  do you know that the next YouTube is coming after your local revenue?

Be proactive!  Join the executives who will get the answers to these and other issues at my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31.

Register here.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Important Message From Jerry Del Colliano

Dear Friend …

I would like to personally invite you to attend my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, AZ.

You need another industry seminar, show or convention like you need a hole in the head.

But this is not just another conference.

It’s one you should seriously consider reserving a seat for.

In a post meeting exit poll last year 100% of our attendees – that’s everyone who attended – rated the Media Solutions Lab as meeting or exceeding their expectations. 

Let me tell you how this one and a half day investment on your part can reap tremendous career and personal benefits all year long.

Radio has digital backwards

Stations think digital is an add-on to FM but it’s the other way around.  I’m going to show you how to create content centers in your stations that will create saleable audio, video, text and social media in a very different way.  You then push it to FM or to digital.  But you have to monetize it differently.  New content and sales skills will be required.  This alone could put you into the digital game like never before as media buyers continue to demand better digital solutions.  Learn the new plan.

The missing link to building brands

Most radio stations build brands around their content.  That’s counter intuitive in the digital world.  I will show you how to build an even stronger – almost impenetrable brands constructed around what your station stands for, not what it is.    Wait – most stations stand for “hits” or “talk” or something their owners value.  My system focuses on audiences.

The one thing that can make a Millennial addicted to radio

Keep doing radio as usual and there will be more audience erosion and sales declines.  I’ve said this for years and it keeps happening.  The answer is transforming your radio station into something so big, so attractive, so close to young listeners hearts that they will become radio addicts.  Assuming the content improves.  This strategy will change the way you will look at the elusive audiences that are straying from radio and win them back.

Case closed:  increase billing without begging for advertisers

I’m bringing in Dan Hill from Sensory Logic who advises Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia which has documented 80% increases in ad effectiveness.  WBEB makes tons of money in all economies.  We should all do so well.  Now, we can.   Dan will be here to get you started.

Attract 80 million new listeners

Morley Winograd is co-author of “Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation Is Remaking America”.  I’ve asked Morley, a former colleague of mine at the University of Southern California, to pinpoint ten golden opportunities for broadcast and digital media as it pertains to Generation Y.  You’ve been promising to learn more about the next generation.  This guy wrote the book.

Streaming is so out but these new digital businesses are waiting for you

Whether you are a station or a digital entrepreneur, I’m going to load you up with potential new digital startups that either a station can do or a smart media executive can exploit.  You’re wasting your time on streaming, a business that has failed to make money for anyone.  These new digital business ideas are so promising, you’ll want to steal the playbook.  Game on for all in attendance.

Facebook and Twitter are over

That’s right.  They don’t make money.  The faltering Facebook stock says it all.  And Twitter is fun but social networking is not a moneymaking business.  I’ll tell you what is – a tool for you when you build your own closed social media site that is the future of networking.  I’ve studied it.  I’m doing it.  I’ll share it with you at the Media Solutions Lab.

Paid is the new free Internet

If you’re not setting up subscription programs for P1 audience members, you’re leaving money on the table.  But there’s a right way and wrong way.  I’ve done both in my digital businesses.  This is a potential huge cash revenue stream for a media entrepreneur or an additional cash flow stream for an existing media operation like a radio station or group.  Ca-ching – money waiting to be made.

Identify the critical emerging trends in the next 12 months

You can’t expect to be on it in 2013 if you’re the last to know what trends are developing.  So, take notes and you’ll come away with what you should anticipate, deal with, exploit and monetize for the rest of 2013. 

The Media Solutions Lab is not a show, not a series of panels with people who could learn more from you then you can from them.

It’s an interactive learning event for smart media executives where the teaching and the taught together do the teaching.

Won’t you accept my invitation and join me for this career changing event?

To register now for my 2013 Media Solutions Lab, click here.

Talk to me privately here.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Hot Digital Startup Ideas

Whether you’re a radio station exec looking to do something more significant than just streaming audio or an ambitious entrepreneur looking for hot digital startup ideas, I thought you’d like to see some of the concepts that I will present at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31.

  1. A digital business built around fashion.  This is going to be hot and I will show you how to create a successful new business built around fashion on television shows – with examples.  But this is just the beginning.
     
  2. Your own local high school sports version of ESPN with stats, home videos and these elements of content.  Every parent will be your subscriber and they will take it viral for you.  Ask me about how to do Fantasy High School Sports for your station or new business.
     
  3. The next step beyond dating services.  People meet on Internet dating services now which tells me that the next step is beyond boring matchups and onto exciting “radio type” contests and promotions that bring people together.  Even “Survivor” type elements. 
     
  4. Managing money.  No, not preachy advice counselors but closed social network groups where members invest together for fun.  A local Intrade where people come together virtually and place small money bets on local things.  The advertising potential alone is staggering.  A radio person would have a field day with this.
     
  5. Causes and charities.  Before everyone else figures it out, the 80 million members of Gen Y care about causes and want to support people who also do.  There is a movement to be harnessed bringing people together to accomplish things for the greater good.  And it doesn’t have to be a non-profit business.
     
  6. Music discovery.  While radio stations are playing the same 30 songs over and over again, a station or smart entrepreneur can put together this digital business that uses music discovery in a game of finding the next star, big song or new genre.  It’s a game and it has sponsorship capabilities that will exceed that of music radio.
     
  7. Zip News.  How gathering local news for one or more zip codes can turn into a vital information franchise to rival traditional radio all-news stations.  Digital drives the video, audio, text and social networking and you can sell it to advertisers by zip code.

Ideas you won’t hear anywhere else.

Not in print.

Not at media seminars.

If you would like to hear the blueprints for these and other hot digital startup ideas, register for the 2013 Media Solutions Lab here.

Real, promising digital businesses for radio stations or better yet, media entrepreneurs looking to get a leg up on the next big thing in digital.

My annual Media Solutions Lab is all about solutions:

Also check out the program for:

• 24 Killer Ideas For Radio & Digital

• Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Won’t you devote a day and a half to mastering media opportunities and challenges for the year ahead?

Wednesday January 30th is the interactive learning session that includes the emerging new trends for the year ahead.  All meals and breaks included.

Thursday morning January 31st is for those of you who would like to join me in a roundtable with other interested media execs to customize this year’s intelligence around your specific interests.  Breakfast is on me.

This event will not be recorded.

The Fourth Annual Media Solutions Lab with me, Jerry Del Colliano at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

Reserve a seat today and save $200 per person here.

P.S.

Want to set up a private group meeting with me while you’re in Scottsdale?  Click here to inquire.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Cash Starved Cumulus Turning Down Business

Just as Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is crying poor mouth to Wall Street analysts and blaming his own major markets for continuing losses, it has been revealed that Cumulus is turning away advertising.

Salespeople are left dumbfounded. 

Advertisers are even reportedly walking away from next year’s budgets.

Cumulus micromanaging is getting in the way of advertisers who could actually help the company lose less money.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. All the details on what happens when a seller tries to put in a new advertising order that corporate thinks is below the average rate they will accept.
     
  2. How advertisers have been punished by one Cumulus cluster right smack in the middle of their on-air ad campaign.
     
  3. How advertisers are getting so pissed, they’re reportedly pulling their budgets for next year.
     
  4. New ways local sellers are being micromanaged by corporate know-it-alls who keep interfering in the buying process.
     
  5. What is the cataclysmic event about to take place at the red ink drenched San Francisco cluster within weeks that will guarantee more losses from their second most important market.

If you would like to see how Cumulus is turning down business when it can least afford to, click “read more” below. 

Imagine a seminar where you can come away with more new radio and digital ideas than you can use for the rest of 2013.  The 2013 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Cumulus Spy Pictures

As you know I lie about everything.

That’s what the Dickeys have accused me of in the happy talk trade press.

I don’t know why, but somehow these bald-faced “lies” keep coming true.

Take my revelation that the Dickey Dynasty was spying on their employees.

That was shocking when I revealed it years ago. 

Of course, Cumulus denied it.

Now, we’ve got pictures along with new information that these control freaks are about to step up their efforts to monitor employees everywhere, all day long.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Pictures of actual spy cameras at one of their major market stations – so many that there are few safe havens for employees from being caught on tape.
     
  2. What CEO Lew Dickey is threatening to do to make sure his salespeople are going on the calls they say they’re going on.
     
  3. How employees in one cluster are creeped out so much they have taken to doing this to protect what’s left of their privacy.
     
  4. What happens when you walk into the sales managers office at one Cumulus cluster.
     
  5. What’s the next lie that the Dickeys will deny but will come true probably within 12 to 18 months.

If you would like to see pictures of Cumulus spy cameras and learn their plans to clamp down further and monitor employees, click “read more” below.

60 days to make travel plans and reserve a seat for the 2013 Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale January 30-31.  Last chance to save $200 off each registration here. 

Join our Witness Protection Program every time you report news -- the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

CBS Fundraising Begathon Begins

If you don’t believe CBS Radio is in play, I won’t tell you about Santa Claus just yet.

But something’s up and now we’re getting word that wannabe potential buyers are actually trying to find ways to come up with the billions it will take to wrestle it away from Les Moonves.

Moonves likes reality shows and this one is going to start getting crazy.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The current list of “suspects” scoping out financial resources for a potential run at CBS Radio.
     
  2. Which one potential buyer is actually headed to a city where sources say he is supposedly meeting with a large non-radio company – this week!
     
  3. Which potential buyer has an interest in actually running up any CBS sale price – and why?
     
  4. What investment banks think of a possible acquisition this large.
     
  5. Why all of a sudden maybe even more than just CBS could change hands.

If you would like to see the latest on fund raising for a potential purchase of CBS Radio, click “read more” below.

Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Moneymaking Morning shows • PPM’s emphasis on afternoons for peak listening • More interruptions mean more listeners • Importance of varying format content radically each hour • A new way to schedule stop sets for best results and audience retention • Found money on ignored dayparts • Pull the plug on the station website for this great moneymaker • How to make local radio ads 80% more effective • Safeguards selling radio with digital • Rename your station after this big on-air promotion.  More at the Media Solutions Lab January 30-31.  Register here.

Join our Witness Protection Program: the smartest, safest way to report news – 100% anonymity guaranteed –here.  

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Cumulus Panics

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey, facing increasing debt and decreasing revenue, panicked into several moves already this week that he thinks will give him some wiggle room.

The repercussions are seismic for those who work at Cumulus and will also be felt at other groups in markets where they compete.

A full court press to get San Francisco generating the kind of money Dickey needs to help cut into his earnings deficit is obviously failing.

We have reports that even the bread and butter small Cumulus markets are missing their projections for the fourth quarter so Lew Dickey is faced with meeting analysts just after the first of the year to either blame his major markets for letting the company down (for the third quarter in a row) or try something different.

Here’s what’s different.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What big announcement Dickey will use to get the financial world to stop thinking about another quarter of Cumulus not making their numbers.
     
  2. Why salespeople at Cumulus should seek cover right now because Dickey is coming after them. 
     
  3. How selling at Cumulus will change from commissions to who gets to keep accounts and worst of all – total sales automation.
     
  4. How the mass conversion of local stations to a new strategy will show Wall Street that Cumulus is serious about reining in the costs.
     
  5. All the details about the multimedia platform Cumulus says it is building but what they’re really going to do instead.
     
  6. How long to bankruptcy court for Cumulus.

If you would like to see how Cumulus is panicking over increasing debt and decreasing sales, click “read more” below.

The man who helps Jerry Lee build 80% more effective commercials for WBEB, Philadelphia advertisers will be sharing his method at my January Media Solutions Lab.  What bad economy?  Once your advertisers can learn this system, they will be addicted to you and will pay a premium for running commercials on your air.  The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is the only industry learning event that’s all about solutions.  See what else is on the agenda at the 4th Annual Media Solutions Lab here.

Join my Witness Protection Program when you see or hear news – Newstip Hotline.

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Earthshattering Changes in Radio

It’s the calm before the storm.

But sources close to the major radio groups say work is underway for what promises to be some dramatic if not game changing events in the months and year ahead.

The moon and planets are in alignment for some terrible things to happen.

Here’s a heads-up.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What radio group could be headed for bankruptcy soon and I’m not just talking about Cumulus.
     
  2. The amazing race to buy CBS Radio is on with financial sources tattling on who is seeking big loans from investment banks.
     
  3. Which second bidder could emerge as a buyer for CBS Radio.
     
  4. Why would CBS want to sell its radio division.
     
  5. Which group of Clear Channel employees will become toast sooner rather than later.
     
  6. Why has Entercom all of a sudden swallowed its tongue.
     
  7. Why Cox Radio’s strategy will be so different next year.

If you would like to see what earthshattering things are now being kicked around by major radio groups, click “read more” below.

See the 24 Killer Ideas for Radio & Digital that will be presented at the 2013 Media Solutions Lab here.

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford To Ignore

Did you know that there are exciting cost effective new ways to run a successful and even profitable radio station in the era of digital media?

Unfortunately, most broadcast operators are relying on old habits or new tricks that are compromising local radio at the expense of cutting costs.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Radio can be reborn with a new focus on what changing listeners are expecting from radio in the digital age and the new economics of doing local radio in a stagnant economy.

I find the list that I’m going to share with you empowering and encouraging.

I’ve been working on this module for my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in January and wanted to share it with you:

  1. If you do nothing else, do a live local morning show.  It doesn’t have to break the bank, but media buyers will still pay a premium for a live morning show.  50-60% of a radio station’s total income should come from the morning show if you want a shot at being super successful against digital competition.
  2. A live afternoon show should be next when affordable.  It is a way to put the station in the profit column no matter what happens in any other dayparts. In other words, this is a guarantee of fiscal success.  It is no accident that the top consolidators who have gutted morning and afternoon drive cannot post a profit.  You should know that there is a controversy as to whether radio attracts more listeners in the morning or afternoon according to new People Meter data.  This is something we should strategize together.
  3. Live without PPM ratings.  This huge expense is not necessary.  There are workarounds that are better and will satisfy media buyers.  Less money.  Just as effective.  What’s not to like if you know how to carry it off.
  4. Rethink the hot clock to include many content types and lots of interruptions contrary to our old way of clumping spots together with only one type of content.  Big groups and their followers just don’t get it, but short attention span listeners will actually stay with you longer and come back more often if you interrupt (or disrupt) your traditional approach to programming.  You’ll want a list of potential ways to disrupt listeners’ pre-conceived ideas about radio.
  5. Variable hours with different content.  That’s a big change.  I’m going to show you how to build variable hours that don’t look or sound like each other and stand back to watch what happens next.
  6. Shorter stop sets that never run at the same times but progressively keep moving.  I’d like to draw the plan for you when we meet in person and take your questions and get input. 
  7. Discover “found money” on the all-night show.  Stop trying to put the cheapest thing on the air to fill time and space until morning drive.  Here’s a plan that will cost pennies and I’ll bet it reaps many dollars right away.
  8. Schedule Saturday and Sunday night programming that is disruptive to your format.  Do you have the guts to do it?  Would you like to see the plan that more listeners would like?
  9. Pull the plug on your station website and instead do these separate sites that directly link to the airplay content that I’m going to ask you to adopt.
  10. A new way to do news that will not be cost prohibitive and will payoff with listeners and advertisers within the first few months.  It can be really different and even non-traditional using listeners to submit pictures, audio, text and keep the conversation going.
  11. Get familiar with Tumblr.  If you don’t have a Tumblr site, let me help you build it the right way because it is going to be the hottest new tool for acquiring on-air listeners.
  12. The magic bullet is to research how to make advertising more effective.  Stop running spots that advertisers can easily walk away from when their campaign is over.  Make their ads on your station compelling.  I’m bringing in Dan Hill to share show how to make advertising 80% more effective for your local clients.  He ought to know.  His system helps Jerry Lee and Blaise Howard rake in the renewals at B101 in Philadelphia.
  13. Include salespeople in the daily creation of content.  Do this wrong and it will backfire!  Do it right and watch the revenue go up without having to offer a single new sales incentive.  You’ll want to take notes on this.
  14. Never ever sell on-air along with digital.  There is a better way and it will get you a premium for both instead of conceding a discount for each.  After you hear this, you’ll never offer the excuse “I can’t afford a separate radio and digital sales staff”.
  15. The one on-air promotion that can even attract non-radio listeners and make them addicts.  Yes, addicts!  Never stop running this promotion that I will share.  And don’t let a competitor get to it first.
  16. Name your radio station after the promotion not your format brand as everyone does now.  Do I have your interest?  You don’t want a competitor to do this because being number two on this is deadly.
  17. A way to try these ideas safely until you convince yourself of what I am saying -- that this disruptive change in the direction for radio would be welcomed by both listeners and advertisers.

My January 30-31 Media Solutions Lab will be at held at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona when it will be 70 degrees and sunny.  Many of our previous attendees add a few days to warm up or share some family time in mid-winter.

The Media Solutions Lab -- 7 hours of interactive learning on day one.

The next morning we collaborate around the table to build custom strategies together.

If you would like to learn the vital new radio strategies you can’t afford to ignore, reserve a seat at this year’s conference here.

Take a look at the 24 Killer Ideas for Radio and Digital Media that will also be revealed at this conference here.

The Media Solutions Lab – not a convention or show.

Number one in media solutions for four years running.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Big Cumulus Management Shakeup Ahead

Cumulus is in short pants and headed for bankruptcy.

They are trying to get the funding to buy some or all of CBS Radio to dilute their red ink with CBS’ black ink, but time is short.

So, Plan B is ready to be implemented.

Not just personnel cuts – that’s nothing new for them – this is a radical redesign of local radio and it’s not pretty.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Who will be running many if not most Cumulus stations over the next year – and it won’t be the people who are running them now.
     
  2. Which position will be the most overworked, underpaid and least appreciated by the time this shakeup is complete -- the radio job from hell before long.
     
  3. All the details on a major sales shakeup that has never been tried by any other radio group. 
     
  4. How and why local station operations will be downsized in a way consistent with the new Dickey shakeup.
     
  5. Which sellers will get screwed out of their clients as Plan B is installed at Cumulus stations nationwide.

If you would like to see the drastic Cumulus management shakeup that has already quietly begun in some markets and will soon spread to others, click “read more” below. 

Only 2 months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees or have company meetings with me?  Contact me directly here.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Radio’s Dark, Dirty Secrets Exposed

New initiatives, partnerships, best practices – that’s the deceiving lingo of radio consolidators who are operating themselves into bankruptcy.

But there are dark, dirty secrets they would rather have the public not know because it shows how clueless they really are.

A nationwide network of newstipsters has exposed what consolidators think would be better not said.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. How Cumulus offers some of its people “employee pricing”.
     
  2. Why KABC’s Larry Elder should work on his resume.
     
  3. What one radio company in a major market is telling its employees to keep them working for peanuts.  
     
  4. How a major station secretly tried to fudge Hurricane Sandy storm coverage and got caught.
     
  5. Which radio group is running 16-18 minutes of commercials hour after hour and still losing money.  You’ll never guess this one.
     
  6. How Clear Channel makes its long-term talent contracts short-term – revealed here.  CBS may be doing it, too.

If you would like to see radio’s dark and dirty secrets exposed, click “read more” below.

2 more months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees or have company meetings with me?  Contact me directly here.

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.   

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Cumulus Money Scheme Uncovered

Lew Dickey has come up with another hair brained idea but if he gets away with it, you’ll wish for the “old” Cumulus – the one from only a week ago.

Game on for Dickey’s answer to freefalling revenue.

And it starts this morning!

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Why some sources say the latest scheme looks like an arguably illegal shakedown in return for much needed revenue.
     
  2. All the details on how the scheme works – who gets their arm twisted, how and what Cumulus is willing to do in return.
     
  3. How Cumulus will further disrupt their local programming by adding these new elements posing further potential ratings erosion that Lew Dickey will not be taking the blame for.
     
  4. Who the Dickeys are trying to play for fools, but here are a few money people who will slam the door in their face.
     
  5. How Cumulus will expand this major disruption of local radio if it works.
     
  6. Where the revenue will go – you won’t believe it.
     
  7. Is Mike McVay in trouble – they left him out of this major decision.  What that’s all about.

If you would like to see the shakedown Cumulus is launching today in a desperate attempt to raise revenue, click “read more” below.

Just 2 months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees?  Contact me directly here.

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

Talk to me privately here.

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Monday, November 19, 2012

24 Killer Ideas For Radio & Digital Media

My annual media conference is only two months away – January 30-31 at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

The way it works is on Wednesday, January 30th, we offer a seven hour interactive learning session where I share what I have learned in the key media areas of new age radio and digital media and we have an interactive discussion.

I am guided by my motto:  “the teacher and the taught together do the teaching”.

And we work in an atmosphere of approval and acceptance.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab helps you understand the critical changes that are happening to audiences of all ages, the changing technology that affects them and new digital platforms.

The conference also offers tips on how to approach radio and new media in the year ahead and how to be first to take advantage of 10 emerging trends that you will want to completely understand.

One of the key components of the 2013 Media Solutions Lab is building an individual game plan customized for your interests and goals.  The seminar is put together to enable building your own blueprint.

As part of the full-day training, you will hear two guest professors talk about perhaps the most important topics of the year ahead. 

How to improve results by 80%.

And next unlocking the keys to winning over the next generation of radio listeners.

Breakfast, lunch and all breaks are included and the food is fabulous at one of America’s top meeting venues, The Phoenician resort.

For those of you who want to take what you’ve learned, you can also attend the optional Next Day Big Ideas Strategy Session Thursday where we work collaboratively around a table as ideas are introduced for discussion.  

Breakfast is included and you’ll still have time to make your return flight home before noon.

There are a lot of conventions, seminars and shows in the radio and media industry, but this one is influenced by some of the techniques I developed as a Professor at the University of Southern California.

Your tuition may be tax deductible.

Last year an exit survey showed that 100% of the attendees said the Media Solutions Lab met or exceeded their expectations.  We’re motivated by that unusually high satisfaction rate.

Please consider attending this year’s Media Solution’s Lab.  The year ahead is going to be challenging and this conference will fill you with useful ideas, trends and concepts to get a leg up on the industry and economy.

But enough of the details, here’s what you will learn when you attend the 2013 Media Solutions Lab:

  1. Why digital media is not making money and how to fix it.
  2. New evidence that building brands instead of formats and streams is a sustainable, prosperous future.
  3. Two types of digital options that can make big money in under 12 months.
  4. The one guaranteed way a radio station can attract young listeners even if the format skews older. 
  5. Must-hear hot spots for media entrepreneurs along with the projects to absolutely avoid.
  6. How to increase revenue by improving marketing results by 80%.  Dan Hill, author of “About Face – The Secrets of Emotionally Effective Advertising” will join our faculty.
  7. Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation Is Remaking America” will also join our faculty.  He will explore how Gen Y will change the way America lives and learns and works and plays.
  8. The biggest mistake radio stations make when they launch a stream – and how to remedy them in less than a month.
  9. The pros and cons of streaming in the age of apps.
  10. Where to find the skills necessary to operate effectively in the digital space.
  11. Five great new businesses you can start when you return home from this seminar – all with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  12. How to maximize radio formats for the digital age.
  13. The digital ideas media buyers are clamoring for.
  14. How to build a revenue stream around content pods.
  15. Reorganizing your physical facility to include and encourage digital initiatives.
  16. How to redesign traditional sales staffs to fully benefit from growing digital budgets.
  17. What are the most effective new social media strategies.
  18. Why Facebook and Twitter are tools when used properly and why they can hurt you as consumers begin to grow wary of social media.
  19. How a radio station can become number one in video production and establish a parallel revenue stream to augment traditional media.
  20. How CBS beats the People Meter – the tactics they use to get credit for listeners who are now falling through the cracks.
  21. Why Pandora is a big threat to radio and what to do about it – now, before it’s too late.
  22. How young listeners feel about commercials, morning shows, music discovery, contests, websites, social networking and digital integration so you can win them over.
  23. The appeal and danger of the sports radio trend that will explode in 2013.
  24. How to buy “Career Insurance” – skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of radio and digital media.

Claim a $200 per person discount when you register today.

For groups wishing to attend the 2013 Media Solutions Lab, contact me directly.

To inquire about private pre or post meetings with Jerry, click here.

The one investment to make in your future is participating in the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

Register here.

Hope to see you in person in a few weeks!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Secret Cumulus Programming Memo Revealed

Cumulus hasn’t learned its lesson – yet!

Starting next week, the money losing company is again clamping down on local programmers in a big way and moving more critical decision making to Atlanta.

A new startling secret memo not meant for public consumption outlines some of the drastic steps the Dickeys plan to take.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Which one format will be singled out for drastic national programming control. 
     
  2. How local stations will be neutered under the new plan.
     
  3. Who will be calling the shots from now on at Cumulus programming – you won’t believe it.
     
  4. What a “Cattle Call” is – that’s right, their term, not mine and the imagery fits what they are going to make local programmers do.
     
  5. What decision will be made every week from now on out of Atlanta that will be giving their PDs fits.
     
  6. What their end game is – and they have one that they think is better than letting their own people run radio stations.

If you would like to see what’s in the just-issued top secret Cumulus memo that will redirect even more local control to Atlanta, click “read more” here. 

Just added to the 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale:

  • The secret to attracting younger listeners to radio and getting them to listen longer.  It’s not money.  Not vacations.  It’s something no radio station has ever tried, but it will work within one month. 
  • How to knock a media buyer off their chair with this proposal which includes your station and the digital project I will share.
  • 5 new digital content businesses – and how to launch them – that will provide a cash stream to you in 6 months or less.

Get real solutions at the Media Solutions Lab.  Learn more here. 

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here.

Talk to me privately here.

 Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thanksgiving Surprise

The bird on your Thanksgiving table isn’t the only turkey that will raise its ugly head in the coming weeks.

A record number of operators are panicking.

Revenue is way off and not tracking up for early next year.

What’s a poor radio owner to do?

Cutback and fire.

It’s all coming to a head around Thanksgiving.

Their secret plans – revealed.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Which good radio operators are now resorting to dirty tactics.
     
  2. Which major radio group is planning an ugly Thanksgiving surprise and their employees think they are safe.
     
  3. What chincy tactic CBS is using right now that will impact its operations for the rest of 2012 and into the New Year.
     
  4. Which operator is laying the groundwork for a national takeover of local sales.  An eyewitness account.
     
  5. Exposed!  The radio group that is losing money and turning away substantial business at the same time.
     
  6. The new competitor not on radio’s radar screen that is planning to blindside operators by invading their local markets and using the old radio sales playbook.

If you would like to see who is at risk in the coming Thanksgiving Surprise being readied by numerous operators, click “read more” below.

We’re here to help you master digital media and new age radio.  Attend my January Media Solutions Lab. 

Report News in confidence.  I have never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.  

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Clear Channel’s Plans To Screw Cumulus

No more Mr. Nice Guy for Clear Channel.

Clear Channel has a big surprise planned for Cumulus that may push them even closer to bankruptcy.

Ironic because Clear Channel is loaded with debt it just kicks down the road, but Cumulus is shopping for a debt-free acquisition in order to live another day.

The last thing Cumulus needs is this dirty trick from Clear Channel.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. What Clear Channel is planning to do to Cumulus in New York City.
     
  2. How they are going to hit debt-ridden Cumulus while they are down with this ploy.
     
  3. How the Clear Channel sneak attack that Cumulus does not see coming could push Cumulus into pre-bankruptcy mode.
     
  4. The stupidest mistake Cumulus is making at one of their essential big market stations that is playing right into the hands of Clear Channel.  And, how to fix it.
     
  5. The stealth Clear Channel plan that will start a war between the two biggest radio consolidators.

If you would like to see the sneak attack Clear Channel is ready to launch against Cumulus and how it threatens to change the face of radio, click “read more” below. 

7 Ways To Guarantee Media Success in 2013:

  1. Change the way you stream.  24/7 simulcasts of on-air programming has limited appeal and PPM doesn’t currently give stations credit for online streaming.  What if you could install a way to more than double your reach and monetize it at the same time.
  2. Send your morning show to the chop shop.  Learn how PBS is contouring content for iPad and smartphone listeners that is like catnip to audiences.
  3. Don’t switch to news or talk.  That doesn’t mean don’t do news or talk but there is a new, digital way to approach these former radio formats for those who have the vision and guts.
  4. Be careful of Apple.  Apple has been a good barometer of consumer needs and desires but there is evidence that those days may be over.  Apple is still an important consideration to digital content, but now there are other factors equally important.
  5. Avoid bandwidth problems.  The elephant in the room is how mobile carriers are suckering monthly plan users into more and more bandwidth.  This has repercussions for content providers because if you develop content that hogs bandwidth, you may shoot yourself in the foot.
  6. Don’t listen to media buyers.  Respect them, but don’t turn to them for great digital media ideas.  There is a litmus test for digital ideas that media buyers will pay a premium for – and you’ve got to know how it is different from what they say they want and what they will pay handsomely for.
  7. Master the changes ahead in social media.  No content provider can exist in a world that uses just Facebook and Twitter.  Now there are ways to create your own custom social media tools that grow fans as well as revenue.

Learn about these and many other evolving trends at my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Get more information and register here.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

CBS Double-Shocker

CBS has been in talks to sell some or even all of their radio group.

A deal is possible sooner rather than later if talks continue to be productive.

Any potential sale of some or all of CBS Radio would turn the radio industry upside down with ramifications that would be bigger than any other event since consolidation began.

This is real and developing.

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  1. Which radio group is now hot to buy CBS – revealed here.
     
  2. How recent were the reported talks.
     
  3. What new venture CBS is eying even as they say publicly that they think radio is still a great business.
     
  4. How the potential buyer is putting their money where their mouth is.
     
  5. What will happen to thousands of CBS Radio employees – will they stay or will they go?

If you would like to see which company is now in negotiations to buy CBS Radio, learn what’s being discussed and see when a deal could happen, click “read more” below.

Just added to my January Digital Media Conference:  Morley Winograd, co-author of Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America.  Master the needs and desires of Plurals (the youngest generation), Gen Y and Gen X as it pertains to radio, music and media.  Two months and counting, register now to save $200 -- The 2013 Digital Future Conference.

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Owners Revenge

Left without a new Republican president and facing continued erosion due to digital media, some of radio’s biggest owners are now working on secret plans to make someone pay for their mistakes.

Just like some non-radio businesses promised to reduce their work force if President Obama was reelected, the big radio groups are seeking revenge if they don’t get what they want – Plan B.

How all major groups are beginning to deal with the reality that radio is going to have to be downsized – again.

And some of the owners are thinking about flexing their political muscle this time as a final Hail Mary pass to make consolidation work.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

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  1. New intelligence about some of the most powerful groups that are considering banding together to get bailed out.  
     
  2. Sad to say Cox is looking a lot like Clear Channel these days.  Here’s what we believe Cox is up to.
     
  3. Expect a war on radio personalities.  Several groups are going to play hardball with their most expensive talent and here’s how they are going to do it.
     
  4. CBS is under pressure from two down quarterly earnings reports – losing money means disruption ahead.  Here’s what I see happening.
     
  5. Two groups will kill off a popular radio format.
     
  6. Clear Channel’s little surprise for Rush Limbaugh.

If you would like to see the shocking plans radio owners are plotting to avenge their inability to show growth and profit, click “read more” below. 

How To Make Radio Commercials 80% More Effective.  Better results.  Higher premiums.  More renewals in an iffy economy.  Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill who showed Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia how to do it, will show you at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Real help in being the best that you can be from the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.  Start the year right, bring your best people.

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Post-Election Firings Begin

The post election shenanigans are already underway.

Firings at one major group will start as early as today and next week.

New ways to screw sellers out of commissions.

Draconian ways to ride herd on what few overworked employees remain.

Here’s the latest from my network of sources close to the situation.

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  1. A big shakeup is coming within a week to Clear Channel’s Total Traffic with major ramifications to hundreds of local markets.  Their secret plan – revealed.
     
  2. One major consolidator is ready to risk flying above the radar and cleaning out employees – as soon as next week!  This is an early warning.
     
  3. You won’t believe what CBS is now doing to micromanage its employees.  Freakin’ CBS, even!  Is no big group safe from Big Brother management?
     
  4. Two additional groups have activation systems that tell them when to come down hard on underachieving employees and with most radio companies announcing disappointing revenue numbers, this is just the beginning.  We out them.
     
  5. Beware of the Ides of March 2013 – if you work for this company, look out for what happens on the 15th.  Their cover is blown.

If you would like to see what the three radio companies are planning to do to cut costs – some as soon as the next few days – as well as micromanage the employees that remain, click “read more” below.

I am personally inviting you to attend my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  It’s an interactive learning session where we will identify the 10 emerging trends for the year ahead and how to take advantage of them.  And a next day strategy session where we work collaboratively with each other to determine how to use this intelligence.  Plus guest professors speaking on how to win favor with the next generation and how to help advertisers perform better and buy more – the plan used by Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia.  This continuing media education is worthy of your consideration.  Learn more here.  Beat the next tuition increase.

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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Nuclear Option for Cumulus

No positive quarterly numbers since 2009.

Local billing in the toilet.

Programming that can’t get ratings.

What is a CEO to do?

Lew Dickey, with bankruptcy in his sights, may have no choice but to detonate the nuclear option with lenders breathing down his neck.

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  1. A wholesale firing of this job description over the next 12 months.
     
  2. Implementation of new daily report cards that employees will be forced to fill out.
     
  3. Blowing up existing big stations – unthinkable, but on the radar screen according to sources.  Some examples.
     
  4. A radical answer to replace lost local billing.
     
  5. Targeting one last safe haven for programming.
     
  6. How many jobs could be lost once the trigger is pulled.

If you would like to see what will happen when Cumulus is forced by lenders to cut costs immediately, click “read more” below. 

Coming soon – two new teachers added to my January Media Solutions Lab – one devoted to how you’ll have to change your media culture to gain the next generation’s allegiance.  The other, how to make advertisers buy more ads by making them more effective. The man who does it now for Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia will tell you January 30-31 in Scottsdale at 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Radio Blindsided by Music Changes

Radio is slipping as an effective means of exposing and discovering new music.

Billboard’s new Maximum Exposure chart lists about 95 other ways more potent than radio.

This means trouble for over 90% of America’s radio stations relying on music for their formats.

Here’s the big stuff that is blindsiding radio and some solutions that are long overdue.

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  1. What is now mightier than radio airplay?  Period.  Do you even know?
     
  2. What’s the hottest new genre of music most of which is not being played on a U.S. radio station?  And what happens if it continues to be ignored?
     
  3. What happens in country’s where legal music downloads cost only 5 cents?
     
  4. How does forced hourly airplay of artists – the kind Clear Channel does as part of its “non-payola” music partnerships – rank for maximum exposure?
     
  5. Six solutions to wake up your station before it becomes musically irrelevant.

If you would like to see what is blindsiding radio stations playing music and some steps to turn it around, click “read more” below 

More questions that will be answered at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale January 30-31:  1) Where should I put my resources in the year ahead – in streaming, mobile content or on-air promotion?;  2)  What is the eventual next use of radio beyond 24/7 formats?;  3)  How can a radio station get into video cost effectively and come away with a profit by the end of 2013?;  4)  Is Apple’s new music service anything I should be worried about in my local market?  Are there things I can do to protect my station(s)?;  5) Give me one moneymaking idea and I’ll be there (Think Tumblr – I’ll show you how).  See more take home pay at 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Cumulus Headed for the Fiscal Cliff

Cumulus local billing is falling apart and now the company faces serious financial troubles – as big as the ones it faced when it was forced to acquire Citadel, which had emerged cleanly from bankruptcy.

It’s going to be ugly.

More than the usual cutbacks and personnel reductions.

A total contraction of Cumulus operations and sales.

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  1. New information from sources within Cumulus that stations in a second region of the country are not even going to come close to producing a fourth quarter profit. 
     
  2. How CEO Lew Dickey intends to fix his underperforming top ten major market stations.
     
  3. The big play Cumulus is going to be forced to make within the next year – the sooner the better for them.
     
  4. Why the usual end of the year firings will not get the job done this time around – expect this remaking of the entire company.
     
  5. What Cumulus will soon look like and the only options left on the table.

If you would like to see how hard pressed Cumulus is financially and their two major options to survive, click “read more” below. 

Questions that will be answered at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31in Scottsdale:  1) How can I once and for all use social media to increase my station’s billing; 2) Which 10 emerging trends must I spot before March 1 or be hopelessly left behind; 3) Is there a way to actually give my on-air station a digital facelift without hurting listening; 4) Can you give me one game changing idea on each of these topics -- commercials, morning shows, music discovery, contests, websites, social networking and digital integration?; 5) What one skill will I need before the end of 2013 – where to get it and what happens if I fail to recognize its importance.  This conference is about media solutions – check out the take home pay here -- 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Decision Time at CBS Radio

CBS Radio is facing some heart-wrenching, tough decisions in the next few months.

Their overall plan to double down on only a handful of formats may force some format changes and the loss of some iconic stations.

And market conditions are deteriorating in some cases.

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  1. Whether CBS will do a local FM sports station in Los Angeles, the number two market, in light of their success with the format in other major markets.
     
  2. Which music stations could be sacrificed for a local CBS FM sports station.
     
  3. Where to put the CBS Radio Sports Network in LA.  Why a competitor could wind up as the affiliate in one large market.
     
  4. Safe CBS stations and one’s in harms way.
     
  5. Which big city CBS FMs are potential homes for its staple all-news format. 
     
  6. What to do with the classic hits format, which is working and not working on various CBS stations due to the fact that the format has an expiration date.

If you would like to see the major decisions CBS Radio must make – some of them within only months – click “read more” below. 

More take home pay from my upcoming January Media Solutions Conference in Scottsdale:  1) The overriding change in what listeners now expect from media that has evolved in just the past year; 2) Which new startup businesses to avoid and which ones have the greatest potential; 3) How increasing mobile bandwidth consumer costs will create new opportunities for free radio; 4) How to launch an NPR-type station stealing their model but taking it to new levels; 5) Scrap your digital plan and reinvent digital around content pods.  See the full list here from my 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Friday, November 2, 2012

Clear Channel Truth Squads

Clear Channel has come up with a lot of crazy new policies over the past few years but in every case, they chose to implement them without a lot of in-person training.

Until now.

What could possibly be so important to Clear Channel that they are actually sending truth squads to local stations to indoctrinate them?

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  1. How a truth squad recently conducted an indoctrination meeting – where, when and how.
     
  2. What was so important that they had to actually divide the sales and programming staff up and do separate meetings.
     
  3. The big plans Clear Channel regional people revealed that they said would create the billing of an entire additional radio station.
     
  4. How Clear Channel is aiming to increase their revenue while decreasing the pay of the people they are asking to help them. 
     
  5. The direct threat that was made to those attending because this threat may be repeated elsewhere.

If you would like to see the Clear Channel plan that is so big (and secretive) that it requires a truth squad to indoctrinate their employees, click “read more” below. 

Working on my January 30-31 Media Conference in Scottsdale.  Here are some of the questions that I will address: 

  • If I’m a radio station, what is the best and most lucrative use of streaming
  • What words every media buyer now wants to hear from a radio salesperson
  • How should I deal with the People Meter to get the best results
  • Is there a better way to add digital on to radio
  • What are the best new digital cash streams
  • (For entrepreneurs) What digital content business will emerge in the next 12 months that I can get a jump on now
  • How can I guarantee that I will not be one who gets fired in the next round of cutbacks

See more answers that will be offered at this year’s Media Solutions Lab here.

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

CBS Goes Clear Channel

Just at the time when stations need every listener they can get, thousands and thousands of radio stations are in the midst of adopting a new policy that effectively drives listeners away from the station they are listening to.

Not just online to their own streams but, amazingly, to competitors and dreaded customized music services.

But now it’s not just a vague concept.

It’s policy.

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  1. CBS – that’s right, CBS – just recently mandated some of their stations to offer their on-air listeners other options in real time.  Here’s how they do it.  I I’ve documented it for you.
     
  2. Why a smart company like CBS is now joining Clear Channel and taking the risk to lose on-air listeners.  What recently happened to make them get a jump on competitors.
     
  3. Cumulus, Entercom and even Greater Media are driving listeners away from local radio stations at a time when average quarter hours continue to erode and Pandora is making inroads. 
     
  4. What was in a couple of huge crates dropped off at a Florida Clear Channel cluster a few days ago?  This they can’t live without.  Talent, not so much.
     
  5. WTOP, KYW, 1010 WINS and WCBS attracted new listeners who wanted information and companionship during Hurricane Sandy, but Clear Channel and Cumulus in hard hit New York City drove listeners away in two very different ways.

If you would like to see recent examples of why major radio groups are willing to risk driving listeners away from their on air stations, click “read more” below.

I hope you will join me as I teach my upcoming fourth annual Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale.  A full-day of interactive learning about radio and the digital future and a next day Big Ideas strategy session where we can roll up our sleeves and work across the table with each other. 

Here’s one sample from the 13 learning modules: 

“Digital Ideas Buyers Are Clamoring for”
Useable, ready-to-implement ideas you can package and take to buyers alone or as part of a radio/digital package.  Pricing traps to avoid.  Ways to get a premium for digital instead of giving away to earn a spot buy.  What they don’t want (i.e., streaming, banner web ads, etc.).  Customizable digital ideas built for your local clients but that you continue to own (DIY mobile platforms for local advertisers). The most desired new digital options for 2013.

See all the Learning Modules and Register for my 2013 Media Solutions Lab.  Tuition increases soon so now is a great time to reserve a seat.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Clear Channel Unhinged

The nation’s number one radio group is now losing it.

Competitors have big plans.

CBS is moving with surgical precision to own the last viable radio formats without much public fanfare.

Even Cumulus has plans to grow the group next year.

Clear Channel is doing some of the most cockamamie things that make no sense.

But, it gives you an idea where they are coming from and where they are headed.

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  1. How Clear Channel plans to replace its market managers.  It’s not based on performance.
     
  2. Big time intimidation tactics:  They’re now doing in-station seminars for talent and salespeople on – sit down for this – how to do an endorsement.  But that’s not why they’re doing them.
     
  3. How Clear Channel is now using Cumulus-type non-compete threats – with a new twist.
     
  4. Why they are making deals with record labels for music that they don’t play on any of their stations. 
     
  5. The payola disclaimer that some employees attach to their emails even though we all know Clear Channel doesn’t take payola for playing the same record every hour on the hour.

If you would like to see what Clear Channel is doing right now that clearly shows what they have up their sleeves next, click “read more” below. 

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The first topics have been posted for my January seminar, here’s a preview …

2013 will be the most critical year for radio, media companies and new age entrepreneurs.

Adapting radio for the digital age.

Creating new digital products and streams that advertisers are clamoring for.

Choosing the correct social media strategy because Twitter and Facebook alone will no longer do.  We don’t want to be on the wrong side of that trend.

And monetizing our digital efforts to create a growth business or an additional cash stream for existing media companies.

To get a leg up on these changes it will take mastering the new rules of traditional and digital media and acquiring enhanced skill sets to be successful.

This year, the fourth annual Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31 is devoted to “Radio & The Digital Future”. 

It’s a full day interactive learning seminar and a next day Big Ideas Strategy Session with skill sets training.

Wednesday, January 30th is the full-day interactive learning session that includes 6 critical areas to master.

  • Emerging Media Trends
  • Digital Content
  • Revenue Streams
  • Social Media Advances
  • Digital Businesses to Start
  • The Growing Importance of Video

Plus, intelligence on how audiences are changing even over the past year.

Thursday, January 31 is “Big Ideas Strategy Session” where we roll up our sleeves and collaborate to customize the opportunities that will be presented in the form of “30 New Ideas” ready to take home and implement.  The most useful new media secrets for 2013.

And skills training – what we’ll have to do to be qualified and ready for a new age of radio in the digital future. 

Learn more: Go to Conference Page to Register

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Cumulus Local Billing Tanking Nationwide

Big trouble for CEO Lew Dickey.

Dickey is like an animal backed into a corner threatened not by a lack of revenue – after all, investors aren’t afraid of a little debt or a lot of it.  He’s pissed that his company, systems and people are not doing what he’s demanding.

Big changes are on the way and it could be ugly.

Heads are going to roll.

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  1. How the Midwest region is missing their numbers. 
     
  2. The plan Dickey has for anyone who would dare let him down.
     
  3. Why in spite of sales systems (CSOS), hard-driving corporate execs and threats his company is underperforming in a big way.
     
  4. Why revenue is tanking in both major and smaller markets for Cumulus – not everyone else.
     
  5. The impact of missing his projections again on the further growth of Cumulus.
     
  6. Who will pay the price and when.

If you want to see how Cumulus revenue is tanking and what CEO Lew Dickey is threatening to do if it doesn’t get turned around, click “read more” below. 

Transition from only broadcasting to meaningful and profitable radio and digital together in the year ahead.  Attend my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician In Scottsdale.  See the seminar preview. 

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Storm Warning For Radio

The once in a lifetime east coast Hurricane that hit late yesterday and continues this morning has also become a storm warning for radio.

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  1. What the Frankenstorm says about online streaming.
     
  2. What radio’s best companies tried to pass off as storm coverage.
     
  3. One sure way to make radio better the other 364 days a year based on how a station responds during a local emergency.
     
  4. What listeners now expect from content providers.
     
  5. What The Weather Channel and most of local radio has in common.

If you would like to see the storm warnings ahead for radio, click “read more” below. 

Transition from only broadcasting to meaningful and profitable radio and digital together in the year ahead.  Attend my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician In Scottsdale.  See the seminar preview.

We’ve got a reputation for protecting our news sources -- the 100% confidential Newstip Hotline.  

Talk to me privately here.

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Monday, October 29, 2012

Radio’s Secret Cutback Plans Exposed

Reducing expenses has become a high art form for the greedy bastards at Cumulus and Clear Channel.

It’s almost November – do you know where your job is going?

These two leaders in unemployment have discovered so many more complicated and devious ways to cut expenses.

I’m going to share them with you because they are likely to happen – some time very soon.

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  1. High pressure selling tactics designed more to get employees to quit rather than to motivate them to increase sales.  A case study.
     
  2. How one consolidator has found a new way to double down on repeater radio.  It’s in place right now and will likely expand over the coming months.
     
  3. How one radio group is actually playing hardball when their employees do more than they’ve asked them to do.
     
  4. Why Clear Channel is beginning to send in a new breed of corporate trainers to win air talent and salespeople over to their way of doing things – or else.
     
  5. How one group is forcing salespeople to piss off their advertisers because this one thing is even more important to them than increasing ad revenue.
     
  6. Clear Channel’s next big new thing to save high priced talent salaries in one move.
     
  7. The major strategic programming shift coming to Cumulus stations – it’s starting to happen already.
     
  8. Forced selling in lousy time periods and new ways to steal big accounts from star salespeople – documented. 

If you would like to see the secret plans of Clear Channel and Cumulus that are expected to be rolled out soon, click “read more” below.

Learning from each other.  Not preaching to each other.  I invite you to participate in my fourth annual Media Solutions Lab “Radio & the Digital Future” January 30-31 in Scottsdale, AZ.  Here is a first look at the Learning Modules plus information on attending – learn more.

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Friday, October 26, 2012

How to Annihilate Apple Radio

Apple has given the green light to launch the much-awaited Apple Radio for a winter startup.

Along with greedy record labels, Apple is targeting Pandora and commercial radio.

But Steve Jobs is no longer making the decisions.

And Apple is making some big mistakes.

Here they are and here are the ways to get ready to pounce on them.

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  1. Why our friends at the major record labels are setting Apple Radio up to fail.  Their demands.  And Apple is going to give in.
     
  2. How Apple Radio will be out of sync with the next generation and what to do about it.
     
  3. What is the meaning of “cool” today and why Apple Radio won’t have it, but Pandora still will.
     
  4. The music service that will kick all their butts – Apple included.  If you take nothing else away from this article, learn from this.
     
  5. The one thing a radio station could do right now – months in advance of the Apple Radio launch – to stop the new service dead in its tracks.

If you would like to see the previously secret plans that Apple and the major labels are making to disrupt radio and how to shut them down, click “read more” below.

Where is the one place you get to work across the table with impressive radio and digital media thinkers rather than be lectured by them?  The Media Solutions Lab “Strategy Session” January 31 at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.  The full program is outlined here.   Won’t you join us this year?

Talk to me privately here.

You are protected by my witness protection program – safe, anonymous and confidential -- when you report news here.  

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Cumulus Dodging Bankruptcy

Clear Channel is not the only major consolidator with debt so high it faces bankruptcy.

Cumulus is also in big trouble and the company is starting to panic.

CEO Lew Dickey shrewdly stole Citadel a year ago, which had just screwed its investors and banks by entering bankruptcy to emerge with very little debt.   Dickey needed Citadel’s balance sheet to keep Cumulus afloat.

History may repeat itself.

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  1. Why even the Cumulus whip and verbal abuse in the form of sales beatings is not apparently reversing the losses at their critical major market stations.
     
  2. Yet, Cumulus keeps buying major market stations with more likely on the way.  What’s up with that?
     
  3. The ingenious failsafe plan that actually allows Cumulus to keep expanding its holdings in major markets while not having to be responsible for programming.
     
  4. Remember the “partnership” they enter into with CBS to turn over 67 of its affiliate stations to the CBS Sports Radio Network?  What if they did another deal like that?  Read on.
     
  5. Something’s fishy with that WFME-FM purchase from Family Radio in New York City.
     
  6. Why it’s beginning to look like the Dickey’s are going to run their radio properties like the hotel industry -- Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton.

If you would like to see how close to bankruptcy Cumulus is and the radical plans they are considering to survive, click “read more” below. 

Only 1 radio/digital media conference got a grade of 100% in meeting or exceeding expectations last year as rated by attendees.  See the full program for next 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, AZ here.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Mel, Malone & the Death of SiriusXM

Mel Karmazin is leaving.

John Malone is taking over SiriusXM.

And satellite radio as we have come to know it is over.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, SiriusXM’s role has less to do with how successful it is and more to do with what benefits it can bring to the new owners.

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  1. The death knell for satellite radio.  Big changes ahead in 2013 for them and for those who compete with them.  I’ll detail it.
     
  2. Why John Malone bought enough stock on the open market to push Mel out.  The answer may surprise you.
     
  3. What’s next for Mel Karmazin after running Infinity, CBS and SiriusXM.  I think he’s got a job in his sights and we’ll talk about it.
     
  4. Is Mel about to become a CEO at another radio company?  Imagine if he and not Bob Pittman had been hired by Bain to run Clear Channel.  We’re not the only ones asking that question.
     
  5. What happens to the 25 million SiriusXM subscribers who were used to a radio guy running the company. 

If you want to see how Liberty Media’s takeover of SiriusXM will impact the company and what Mel Karmazin may have in mind as a next act, click “read more” below.

For 4 years running, the radio/digital media conference that has changed lives – The 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, AZ.  See the full program here.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Clear Channel Out of Control

Clear Channel is feeling the pressure of competitors who are breathing down their necks.

CBS.

Cumulus.

That’s why they are apparently sinking to tactics that not only screw minorities, advertisers and even successful employees but also are spitting in the face of what some perceive to be the law.

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  1. How Clear Channel is blatantly screwing advertisers in some markets.  This is unthinkable for any buyer or advertiser who is spending money with them – that is, if they are aware of it.  They will be now.
     
  2. At last, the real answer what’s in it for Clear Channel when they give favored artists unprecedented airplay every hour on the hour.  And it’s not just limited to their iHeartRadio fest.
     
  3. How the company got caught playing dirty politics in several crucial swing states where they apparently were looking to suppress the vote for their Bain founder Mitt Romney.  Here’s where and their eventual mea culpa.
     
  4. How success apparently doesn’t matter at Clear Chanel anymore.  Some people say the company is undermining market managers – good and successful ones.  Here is a scary case in point.
     
  5. Funny business with the Jingle Bell Ball Christmas concerts. 

If you would like to see the dirty tricks Clear Channel is trying to get away with on and off the air, click “read more” below. 

A conference for industry people who want to be more skilled at radio in the digital age – attend my 2013 media conference January 30-31 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  Here are the initial Learning Modules: 

  1. 10 Emerging Trends to Watch for 2013
  2. How to Maximize Radio Formats for the Digital Age
  3. Digital Ideas Buyers are Clamoring For
  4. Building a Revenue Stream Around Content Pods
  5. The Most Effective New Social Media Strategies
  6. The Growing Importance of Video
  7. How to Game the People Meter
  8. Music Radio’s Best Options Against Pandora
  9. Brands Instead of Radio Formats
  10. The Class of 2016
  11. The Best New Digital Cash Streams
  12. Technology Advances To Watch Like a Hawk
  13. Career Insurance:  Skills You Need To Succeed in Digital Media

A full day interactive learning session and next day Big Ideas Working Strategy Session with me to help you develop an effective blueprint for your priorities.  

View details of the Learning Modules and registration information here.  Today you can also reserve a $200 per person discount. 

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Clear Channel Shakeup

Clear Channel appears to be chomping at the bit to begin what could be their most drastic downsizing yet of the company.

There is increasing evidence that Clear Channel is ready to again cut deep into the bone of its management structure.

Some significant changes occurred as recently as last week and more are planned for after Election Day so as not to be a distraction to Bain founder and presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

What’s going to emerge from this shakeup – and let’s call it that because it is going to be very disruptive – is a skeleton of a company on the brink of financial disaster.

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  1. Where high profile major executives are being targeted as a run up to the firings that are coming.  Some happened as recently as last week.  Where and how.
     
  2. Sources within Clear Channel say another Hogan shrink down is in the wings for after the election.
     
  3. You’ll now know which position is being targeted most but you’ll also find out which job is about to get expanded – without additional compensation.
     
  4. What’s really driving another expense dump at Clear Channel even as the company struggles with disappointing revenue.
     
  5. The big push ahead in programming which will save huge sums of money – Here are the economies of scale, you do the math. 
     
  6. What it takes to be bulletproof from this coming drastic cutback.  If you have this going for you, you are as good as gold. 

If you would like to take a look at what promises to be the biggest and most painful shrink down of Clear Channel – who gets fired, who gets more work with no additional pay and who is safe, click “read more” below.

Just added to my Radio & The Digital Future Conference in January: 

“How to Maximize Radio Formats for the Digital Age”
Reliable new information on how mobile and digital devices are changing the way audiences use traditional media.  Things that turn today’s audiences on and off.  Elements listeners could become addicted to if they were added.  What to do about personalities.  Commercials that digital audiences would love (no station does them, so you can be first).  Programming music in the age of Pandora.  Operating cost effectively in tough times.  What changing audiences want from your website, mobile devices and social media.

See conference registration information here.

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Friday, October 19, 2012

Cox Radio Buyers Revealed

You will not believe who is turning out to be a major bidder for the six Cox Radio spinoff markets. 

I fell off my chair when I heard.

And it’s not Lew Dickey!

I’ve got names, info and a prediction of who will emerge the winner.

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  1. The bidder from hell with what looks to be a very substantial offer.
     
  2. Five others bidders – and I’m going to identify all of them – and what they are after.
     
  3. What’s really telling is which companies did not even try to bid – and I’ve got their names for you as well.
     
  4. The unusual litmus test that Cox is said to be using to determine which buyer will emerge with their six spinoff markets.
     
  5. I’ll handicap each bidder and arrive at who I think will win the six Cox spinoff markets by year’s end.

If you would like to see who is bidding on the Cox spinoffs, what we know about their offers and what the likely outcome will be, click “read more” below. 

New! Detailed Learning Modules for my “Radio & The Digital Future” Conference in January.  Register for that seminar as well as the next day working strategy session with me here. 

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Panic in Talk Radio

Things are not going well for one of radio’s most important formats.

The numbers are old – too old to be attractive much longer and advertisers are spooked.

And there are no reinforcements in sight.

But that’s not all.

For the first time the radio groups that have been propping up talk radio are beginning to show signs that their attitudes are changing now as well.

Some problems are self-inflicted.  

The good news is that they can be fixed.  The bad news is venture capital radio companies are not in the mood to fix them.

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  1. Rush Limbaugh has new problems bigger than the Sandra Fluke controversy.  That’s bad for talk radio.
     
  2. How Cumulus signing Michael Savage is a predictor of things to come for talk radio and it’s not very pretty.
     
  3. How PPM is killing talk ratings and what can be done about it.
     
  4. Why Glenn Beck has the same problems but he’s in a better place.
     
  5. And why Sean Hannity is immune from the decline of talk radio. 
     
  6. The 5 biggest talk radio problems and how to attack them now.

If you would like to see specifically what’s panicking group owners about talk radio and learn what it takes to fix the problems, click “read more” below. 

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Startling CBS/Cumulus Partnerships

Cumulus is ready to go on a tear acquiring more big radio stations.

Lew Dickey started yesterday with New York – buying an FM.

But that’s only the beginning.

Wait until you hear what he’s going to do with that FM station and where he’s looking to expand the company that can’t make a profit.

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  1. Why Dickey bought WFME-FM, New York and what he’s likely to program on the station.
     
  2. Mind-blowing options between Dickey and CBS potentially involving more than carrying CBS sports network. 
     
  3. While Clear Channel is selling snake oil in the form of a simple-minded app, Dickey and CBS CEO Les Moonves are busy making bigger plans together.  What we know.
     
  4. CBS has one more move to make in New York City and it could be a whopper.
     
  5. Next likely large acquisition for Cumulus.
     
  6. A serious Cumulus shake-up could come in the former Citadel markets as soon as the next two months.

If you would like to see what Cumulus and CBS are up to together – and what it means for both companies, click “read more” below. 

Today is the final day to save $300 on my “Radio & The Digital Future” Conference in January.  See the learning modules and claim your discount here. 

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Bob Pittman’s Secret Plan

The Wall Street Journal just slobbered all over itself yesterday when it did a puff piece about Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman and failed to mention the firings, Bain and the real $16 billion debt problem that threatens to throw the company into bankruptcy.

They left out Pittman’s end game for Clear Channel and what he’s planning to do between now and then to get what he wants.

Here’s Bob Pittman’s secret plan that is never discussed publicly.

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  1. The Journal says Pittman wants to reinvent radio.  He has no intention of doing that.  He’s going to do this instead.
     
  2. Pittman is not just taking every speaking gig he can because he needs time off from the arduous task of reinventing – here’s what he wants from Clear Channel personally.
     
  3. How Pittman is trying to make radio “cool again” – for his buddies, not listeners. 
     
  4. The genius plan – you know what CBS and Cumulus are going to do but Pittman has thus far been secretive.  Picture Clear Channel local clusters running like this because it’s on its way.  Specifics.
     
  5. Pittman’s plan is so off the wall, look how he intends to actually ask listeners to tune out.  That’s right – so cool – he’s asking them to tune out.
     
  6. Evidence that the transformation of Clear Channel due to start after the election is already under way.  Look at this station for starters.

If you would like to see Bob Pittman’s secret plan that is immune from $16 billion in debt and fits into the Clear Channel end game, click on “read more” below.

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Clear Channel’s Post-Election Surprise

No, not a mass firing. 

That, too!

Something even bigger.

We see how the new CBS strategy is evolving but Clear Channel is headed in the exact opposite direction.

I’m hearing about a grand new plan ready to be unleashed that does not even look like the radio business.

It’s dramatic – and scary.

But unlike CBS which has a more traditional radio model, as you’ll see, Clear Channel is working on a secret, new age scorched earth approach that is designed to allow them to operate the majority of their radio stations remotely, keeping some part-time local presence on others and allowing a few highly competitive major market stations to operate more traditionally.

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  1. It has to do with iHeartRadio – now you will see why Clear Channel has been so willing to turn their local radio stations into bitches for an app and free promotional machines for record labels.
     
  2. The new local management structure being floated that eliminates key managers.  Even big names.  Out the door in a scenario that only Bain could come up with.  (The victims don’t know it – yet).
     
  3. The fate of remaining traffic, programming and promotion people under this new concept.
     
  4. What will inevitably happen to medium and, yes, even some major market stations that was unthinkable just 9 months ago.  This is far worse than even voice tracking.
     
  5. A Clear Channel initiative that targets some of their competitor’s best talent (interviews have already taken place) but, incredibly, they don’t want to hire away these people to put them on their local station. 
     
  6. The developing new Clear Channel, CBS and Cumulus game plans explained and compared in plain language.

If you would like to see Clear Channel’s post-election surprise, their radical plans and new strategies, click “read more” below. 

The first topic list for my January seminar is here.

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Radio & The Digital Future

The first topics have been posted for my January seminar, here’s a preview …

2013 will be the most critical year for radio, media companies and new age entrepreneurs.

Adapting radio for the digital age.

Creating new digital products and streams that advertisers are clamoring for.

Choosing the correct social media strategy because Twitter and Facebook alone will no longer do.  We don’t want to be on the wrong side of that trend.

And monetizing our digital efforts to create a growth business or an additional cash stream for existing media companies.

To get a leg up on these changes it will take mastering the new rules of traditional and digital media and acquiring enhanced skill sets to be successful.

This year, the fourth annual Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31 is devoted to “Radio & The Digital Future”. 

It’s a full day interactive learning seminar and a next day Big Ideas Working Breakfast with skill sets training.

Wednesday, January 30th is the full-day interactive learning session that includes 6 critical areas to master.

  • Emerging Media Trends
  • Digital Content
  • Revenue Streams
  • Social Media Advances
  • Digital Businesses to Start
  • The Growing Importance of Video

Plus, intelligence on how audiences are changing even over the past year.

Thursday, January 31 is “Big Ideas Working Breakfast” where we roll up our sleeves and collaborate to customize the opportunities that will be presented in the form of “30 New Ideas” ready to take home and implement. The most useful new media secrets for 2013.

And skills training – what we’ll have to do to be qualified and ready for a new age of radio in the digital future. 

There are no vendors.  No pitchmen.  No commercially sponsored topics.  Breakfast, lunch and breaks are included.  We work in a positive atmosphere of approval and acceptance.

A little about me.  I am a traditional and digital media advisor, speaker and educator and publisher of Inside Music Media.  I was appointed Professor at the University of Southern California where I developed many of the techniques that I employ in my brainstorming seminars.

Last 3 Days to Save $300 – Go to Conference Page to Register

Learning Modules

“10 Emerging Trends to Watch For 2013”
Worth the price of admission alone according to attendees from previous years.  The trends for the 12 months ahead and the solutions to take advantage of them.

“How to Maximize Radio Formats for the Digital Age”
Reliable new information on how mobile and digital devices are changing the way audiences use traditional media.  Things that turn today’s audiences on and off.  Elements listeners could become addicted to if they were added.  What to do about personalities.  Commercials that digital audiences would love (no station does them, so you can be first).  Programming music in the age of Pandora.  Operating cost effectively in tough times.  What changing audiences want from your website, mobile devices and social media.

“Digital Ideas Buyers Are Clamoring for”
Useable, ready-to-implement ideas you can package and take to buyers alone or as part of a radio/digital package.  Pricing traps to avoid.  Ways to get a premium for digital instead of giving away to earn a spot buy.  What they don’t want (i.e., streaming, banner web ads, etc.).  Customizable digital ideas built for your local clients but that you continue to own (DIY mobile platforms for local advertisers). The most desired new digital options for 2013.

“Building a Revenue Stream Around Content Pods”
Radio formats are out.  Content pods are in.  Try the system you’ll learn at this year’s conference to build a brand and then push out content to radio, digital, mobile and social media.  It’s opposite the way we do things now when most stations start with an on-air format and struggle to add-on digital media.  We’ll cover:  How to set up a content pod.  Where to find the talent.  A different way to sell it (sales reps become part of the content pod but you’ll require special skills to make it work together).  Social media from the pod.  How to reconfigure your radio station from studios and offices to a moneymaking content pod that breaks down walls and encourages creativity and sales.  This is the future because radio formats adding on digital content is so not going to work. 

“The Most Effective, New Social Media Strategies”
2 years ago we predicted Facebook was already over even as it was experiencing its greatest growth.  Last year we added Twitter to the endangered species.  They’re now tools and not destinations.  But the social networks you will learn how to create at this conference are what is next after Twitter and Facebook.  Privacy concerns and the changing needs and attitudes toward social media promises to shake everything up again.  Closed groups.  Private.  Where members also create content.  Fees may be charged.  New ways to monetize. 

“The Growing Importance of Video”
YouTube is the new hit radio among teenagers.  And tablets are being embraced to watch full length TV shows as well as short form videos.  Why the radio industry must establish a foothold in video content or lose brand loyalty.  We will cover: The best video projects to start.  Marketing beyond pre-roll commercials.  The new rules of video content – length, professionalism, message.  How to compete with professional TV videos and popular viral amateurs.

“How to Game the People Meter”
Be like CBS, among the best radio groups at beating Arbitron’s People Meter at their own game.  They can’t tell you, but we’ll explore what works for them and other companies looking to fight erratic meter placement, faulty weighting and unpredictable ratings results for proven stations.  A list of things you can and should do the moment you return to your market.  We’ll cover how best to slot commercial sets, the kinds of content that turn PPM listeners off, tricks to keep them listening longer and most importantly, how to get your station to be played publicly so you can benefit from PPM’s major flaw – drive by listening.

“Music Radio’s Best Options Against Pandora”
If you want to stay in music radio, changes will have to be made.  Pandora-like customizable music services are growing in popularity.  Learn the new elements that can actually still make radio preferable over these music services.  Playlist management.  Formatic adjustments.  Different kinds of personalities.  A list of things you can add right now that customizable music services cannot compete with.  

“Brands Instead of Radio Formats”
How to get beyond format radio and build multi-platform brands.  The first important steps.  The fine margin of error between changing a format to a brand and losing the audience.  A checklist of things to do:  porting radio listeners over to brand delivery.  Reconfiguring marketing and sales – and charging a premium, too.  Cost savings that will not hurt the brand.

“The Class of 2016”
Your emerging new audience is telling you what they want.  Here’s the best way to listen and adapt now, ahead of competitors.  The absolute 100% sure way to lure the next generation to radio and your separate digital content.  How they feel about commercials, morning shows, music discovery, contests, websites, social networking and digital integration.  On-target strategic adjustments to give the next generation the radio they will embrace.

“The Best New Digital Cash Streams”
Paid subscriptions are taking off; why not get in on them.  I’ve done it and I’ll share what works and what doesn’t.  Digital businesses that are made for radio people looking to become entrepreneurs.  We will cover:  Tablet content.  Micro-content.  Sports driven new digital businesses.  Local mobile startups.  Building your own social media network. 

“Technology Advances to Watch Like a Hawk”
We will preview what is in the works for Apple and other leading technology and content companies.  The battle for the dashboard has already changed! The products we expect by the end of the year and beyond.  (In the four years I have been doing this seminar we’ve been deadly accurate).  The next generation smartphones.  Changing tablets.  Mobile TV.  Best options for dashboard content.

“Career Insurance:  Skills You Need to Succeed in Digital Media”
What it takes to succeed in the digital space requires new skill sets.  Where to get the skills you’ll need.  What to read, what to learn and acquiring needed new age skills will all be specifically tied in to the subject matter of this conference.  We’ll offer a primer on skills you’ll want to enhance for:  Digital content creation. Twitter, Facebook and social networks.  Mobile marketing.  Acquiring fans.  Tracking changing audience media preferences.  Startup skills.

Last 3 Days to Save $300 – Go to Conference Page to Register

Comments

“I like you the best, Jerry, because you know how to help people push the boundaries of what they think they know and help me push the boundary of what I think I know.”

“Met my expectations – which were high!”

“Great discussions.  Great dissemination of knowledge.”

“All of it – especially the open forum for discussions.”

“I always enjoy an open conversation of the challenges that our industry faces.”

“Your ideas stimulate my thought process.”

“Great road map.”

“The positive thoughts and advice.”

“You have inspired me to push forward with everything I do in the digital world at work.”

“Your presentation sparked so many thoughts and ideas.”

“Third year – best one yet.”

100% of those attending last year’s conference said it met or exceeded their expectations.

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Friday, October 12, 2012

Blockbuster Cumulus/CBS Deal Brewing

Keep CBS employees in all but major markets away from windows and sharp objects.

I’m hearing that Cumulus is considering buying what could be a significant number of CBS clusters.

CBS and Cumulus are already in bed with the CBS Radio Sports Network and now it appears CBS is considering unloading some markets to Cumulus.

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  1. I’ve heard these 5 markets are being discussed in a potential deal.
     
  2. One market will blow your mind because, like me, you’ll be surprised that CBS might exit this large city.  But that’s what sources tell me.
     
  3. There may be a sports radio network component to these deals.  Here are the details.
     
  4. Cumulus is also said to be looking at other major markets to cherry pick unwanted stations – all this even as they can’t seem to stop losing money in the Citadel markets they already own.  What’s up with that?  The answers.
     
  5. There appears to be a major strategic radio change going on at CBS that will differentiate it from other consolidators and may be a model for radio groups – if it works.  This is worth understanding.

If you would like to see the multi-market deal that appears to be brewing between CBS and Cumulus and the strategic radio ownership changes CBS is starting to implement, click “read more” below.

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I post what I hear during the day on Twitter & Facebook.

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Format Changes Threaten Some CBS FMs

CBS is getting ready to launch a national sports radio network January 3rd and needs as many affiliates as possible before then.

But the real thing making some CBS FM stations jittery is that the company has a ratings and sales hit with its local FM sports format when it is ported over to FM.

Now, it is likely CBS is looking to FM outlets they own that can be sacrificed for the FM sports franchise.

CBS is doing what you’ll see other companies do more of next year – protect its brands and put them on FM.

But what about those FM stations that have to be sacrificed?  Some of them are doing well.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Two FM stations in Los Angeles are candidates for CBS local sports (not the network product).  I’ll handicap which ones have the biggest chance of seeing a format change.
     
  2. Other CBS markets where FM migration could kill an existing music station.
     
  3. What about the beloved classic hits WCBS-FM in New York?  Safe or not safe?
     
  4. The CBS strategy is to protect its branded formats so why is Cumulus in business with them on the sports network?  In other words, what’s in it for Cumulus?
     
  5. Which format is a goner more than classic hits as next year unfolds not only at CBS but at other radio groups taking notice of the CBS winning brand strategy.

If you would like to see which CBS FM stations may be in jeopardy and the shrewd changes that CBS plans for the year ahead, click “read more” below.

Now group members can join the conversation and add to the story you just read by clicking “comment” below. 

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Lew Dickey Caught On Tape

I just finished listening to Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey lay into his San Francisco cluster sales management and staff in a way that is so demeaning that I’m shaking my head in disbelief.

The ass kicking happened late last week – I’ll tell you all about it – along with the reaction of his employees.  (Wait until you hear what they did when he ended).

What Dickey said on tape was revealing about the company, his attitude toward people, his future plans, what he thinks of competitor Entercom and how things are going to change at Cumulus.

This dog and pony show may be on its way to other Citadel markets.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. Direct quotes from the meeting – Lew Dickey’s threats, his lecture about selling bananas, the demand to become a world-class sales organization and what happens to his audience if they don’t deliver – in his own words.
     
  2. Dickey’s shot at Entercom – unfiltered.  Tell us how you really feel about Entercom, Lew.
     
  3. The contract he is offering his salespeople – would you take it?  And how he wants to pay them.
     
  4. Dickey revealing his plans for Cumulus expansion.  Warning:  if you work for another group, you’ll want to read this.
     
  5. Dickey’s strategy to sell the 0.1 rating 6am to 7pm on the totally shipwrecked KGO. 

If you would like to see Lew Dickey’s plans for Cumulus -- unfiltered -- and the repercussions they may have, click “read more” below. 

Last few days to save $300 on my 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

CBS Shocker

Everybody knew CBS was looking for an FM station in New York to simulcast sports radio WFAN, but paying $75 million for a stick!

That’s real sticker shock.

Even WOR in the same city with an audience and billing to go along couldn’t get more than $30 million a month earlier.

But that’s not the big story.

CBS is up to something bigger.

They are leaving Clear Channel in the dust with a consistent new strategy that will continue to unfold in the months ahead which is going to force major group operators to reconsider their radio strategy going forward.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. I’ll tell you CBS’ next major move – it’s going to happen in just two weeks. You can count on it.
     
  2. Whether CBS is still shopping for yet another new station for Philadelphia where number one all-news KYW is still doing it alone on AM.  Here’s how CBS is planning to solve that problem.
     
  3. There is one major thing that can make $75 million seem like chump change even to CBS.  Here’s what it is.
     
  4. How CBS is actually forcing Clear Channel to see them and raise them in pure play radio.  The problem is, Clear Channel doesn’t get it – yet.
     
  5. Randy Michaels is telling his employees that Merlin no longer needs to sell the remaining stations now that they pried $75 million from CBS.  Can they finally rest easy?

If you would like to see how CBS is starting to double down on radio and daring the other major groups to put up or shut up, click “read more” below. 

I think you’ll love my upcoming media solutions seminar on “Radio & The Digital Future”.  

  • We’ll open with the “10 Emerging Trends For the Year Ahead” with solid solutions on how to take advantage of them for your business. 
     
  • Then, “How to Maximize On-Air Radio in the Digital Age”.  Ways to go on the offensive in a digital era. 
     
  • “How to Build a Revenue Stream Around New Content Stations”.  This is the opposite of how radio now adds on new media but it pays off within a year.  I’ll show you how. 
     
  • Onto “The Most Effective New Social Media Strategies”.  Beyond Twitter and Facebook so you can get there before your competitor whose learning is limited to bsing in the hallway at the NAB Radio Show. 
     
  • “Best New Digital Options for 2013”.  Want new ideas to develop and sell, you’ll return home with them. 
     
  • “Radio’s Video Future” – a blueprint on how to start a video presence in your market that will rival your on-air station when it comes to revenue.  

All this and more in an interactive classroom setting at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale January 30-31.  Not available on tape or online.

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Revenge of the Fired

Finally, a guy screwed and tattooed by a radio consolidator who came back bigger and richer in less than a year!

How he overcame adversity – a family member with cancer and a firing all at once.

Big money, big opportunity, big break.

One of the most important stories I have ever written because if radio people follow what you are about to read here, hostile employers are going to see their best remaining people quit them.

This is the story of a guy screwed over by a radio consolidator who got even.

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  1. How this radio manager left for dead in his career turned down an offer from another radio company to form his own venture that now includes radio stations and other entrepreneurial growth businesses. 
     
  2. How he even hired back some fired Cumulus workers and helped another person with cancer get a second chance at just the right time.
     
  3. The way he made tons of money in less than one year from the time he was fired.
     
  4. You’ll read his own words and learn his name because he wants this story to be public so others might live to fight another day in radio.  How he did it.  What he read to get maximum motivation.
     
  5. His two-line mantra that every radio person should save or print and read every day.

If you would like to know how to return to radio and become even more successful after becoming the victim of consolidation, click “read more” below. 

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Friday, October 5, 2012

The Most Important Ratings Tactic

How does CBS do so well gaming the ratings?

Why do boring music stations with hardly any talk beat out great stations?

I’m going to give you the most important, proven ratings tactic that will work immediately if you’ll start using it now.  (You can buy me a Philly cheesesteak later when your ratings go up).

Plus, a big helping hand of other effective tactics to increase radio audiences based on what is working now in markets across the country.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (you really ought to try it unlocked) and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

  1. The one thing that always works to increase today’s ratings – always – based on several years of proven results.  And I’ll show you what happens if you double down on this major tactic – you’ll double up your ratings.
     
  2. How to compete better when ethnic weighting is severe in your market short of switching to an ethnic format.  There is a way but most people don’t know it yet. 
     
  3. The best way to handle jock chatter and talk formats – Arbitron ratings don’t like either, but this is about gaming their faulty methodology.  So there!
     
  4. How to get people to play their radios in public – the better for your station’s encoded signal to be picked up by an unsuspecting drive-by meter wearer.
     
  5. Ways to stop taking inferior ratings sitting down when you know your station is more popular than that!  A handful of additional helpful new ways to stand up and be counted – literally.

If you want to know the one thing that works better than anything else for increasing audience ratings as of 30 days ago, plus a heap of other proven tactics, click “read more” below. 

My January Media Solutions Lab is going to be major this year: 1) Re-launching on-air stations for more listeners and increased revenue; 2) Building a strong new revenue stream around a new kind of “content” station; 3) Social media strategies that leave competitors in the dust; 4) Digital options that are licenses to print money; 5) Video products that you can create to monopolize and monetize.  Plus, the emerging 10 newest trends to watch like a hawk for 2013.  Don’t miss this year.  Register here. 

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Blockbuster Radio Merger Coming

No, no, no – I’m not talking about the measly sale of four Merlin stations.  Everybody knows that.  Anyway, that’s small potatoes.

I’m talking about a blockbuster deal and I’m saying it’s coming soon. 

Some of the acquisition partners will not surprise you.  But one will absolutely knock you off your feet.

Things are too quiet lately and it’s the calm before the storm.

The kind of money that is lurking out there for a big media acquisition involving radio is ready to pounce.

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  1. Why now?  I thought there was no investment money out there for big, blockbuster deals.  What is happening?
     
  2. How much investment money will come available for radio acquisitions – I’ll crunch the numbers.
     
  3. Two kinds of big mega media deals can happen – both involve radio. 
     
  4. Which two companies could strike first – but, there are even more suitors behind them as you’ll see.  I’ll name them.
     
  5. Four of the best acquisition targets – and one of them will absolutely shock you.
     
  6. Now it will all make sense.  You’re wondering why big radio groups are adamant about doing repeater radio.  Here’s what big money is shopping for in a radio group.

If you would like to know who these radio merger companies are and why a big deal is coming, click “read more” below. 

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Radio Groups With the Happiest Employees

In an industry that is being ravaged by mismanagement and the strategic screw-ups of investment banks, is it possible to work in radio and have a future?

Is it possible to be happy?

Is there a place where you could work and also buy a car or house at the same time?

I converse with thousands of radio people every year.  Here’s my sense for what’s a happy place for them – and why.

My list has 15 radio groups on it.

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  1. What the top four happiest radio groups to work for have in common.  This says it all.
     
  2. There is a red-inked, failed radio group that, believe it or not, is starting to turn it around.  This will floor you as it did me when I talked to employees of what used to be a “joke”.
     
  3. Shocker!  The majority of this list is composed of great radio companies to work for.  The snakes in the grass that you may or may not know about are the critical ones to avoid.
     
  4. Which previously good “happy place” for radio employees is beginning to turn.  Don’t panic, but keep your eyes wide open.
     
  5. Discover the company that always makes a profit and has no debt.  The one with virtually no employee complaints.  The most tolerable of the “bad guys” operated by investment banks.  The most useful career tool I have offered to date.

If you would like to know the radio groups with the happiest employees and why, click “read more” below. 

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The Bungeroth Cumulus Firing

The Market Manager for Cumulus San Francisco got it Boardwalk Empire style Sunday night.  CEO Lew Dickey is sending a message.

  • Why Bungeroth, an original founder of Cumulus, was fired in cold blood.
     
  • How he got it and who flew in to fire him will be sweet revenge for former employees Bungeroth let go.  All the details.
     
  • What’s the game plan – because you may see the same strategy employed in other former Citadel markets?
     
  • Why Dickey is on a mission – what could Bungeroth possibly have done to make Dickey this angry?
     
  • Who should be looking over their shoulders next.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Educated Listeners Abandoning Radio

There’s new evidence – and a study to go with it – indicating rough waters ahead for radio broadcasters and educated listeners.

  • How NPR is fighting back, but avoid the one big mistake they are about to make.
     
  • Why listeners are especially bolting from morning and afternoon drive.
     
  • Action steps to stop losing listeners to smartphones when they wake up.
     
  • Hold the promotional blitz and fix this first.
     
  • The danger of making digital platforms out of on-air shows and talent.

If you would like to see why radio listening is plummeting and learn steps that can be taken now to battle back, click “read more” below.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Another Radio Group Develops Cumulitis

Ask the employees of KGO, San Francisco if they’d rather have Cumulus run their cluster or whether they’d give anything to get former Citadel CEO Farid Suleman and Judy Ellis back.

The Dickey Brothers have been brutal to local radio.

They’re quick on the trigger to fire people and have a small group of trusted henchmen carrying out orders.

Plus lots of cockamamie ideas to gut local programming – no matter how iconic a station may be – for cheap programming solutions.

I’m here to tell you that the destructive Cumulus game plan is so popular with investment banks and greedy owners that another radio group is getting a bad case of Cumulitis – the disease that eats away at a radio station while lining the pockets of chief investors.

And even good groups are now open to some of their policies.

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  1. The latest major group to go over to the “dark” side.
     
  2. A total of four radio groups that are now adopting Cumulus tactics and policies.  Some are damn good which worries loyal radio people.  Here’s who they are.
     
  3. Specific ways these companies are becoming more like Cumulus.
     
  4. How long can good, local and people-friendly radio groups hold out until even they succumb to Cumulus operating policies.

If you would like to see which radio groups are beginning to adopt Cumulus strategies and what the strategies are, click “read more” below. 

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Friday, September 28, 2012

Gutting the Major Markets

  • Why Clear Channel is handing over the talk franchise in Atlanta to Cox along with the keys to success:  Rush Limbaugh.  You don’t do that without an alternative plan.
     
  • The end of AM as we know it.  Why it’s no longer worth it for large radio groups to even run cheap syndication on AM stations. 
     
  • How Clear Channel is in behind the scenes negotiations right now to steal talent away from competitors.  Here’s what they plan to do with this talent.
     
  • The timetable on the gutting of major market FM music stations complete with the extent of the damage and timeframe.
     
  • Come away with a look at how major market radio will change in just one year for now.
Thursday, September 27, 2012

Merlin’s Meltdown

  • What went so wrong at Merlin after less than two years.  Let me count the ways – 8 to be exact! 
     
  • What one move – not commonly known publicly – sealed Merlin’s fate.  Not the firing of Walter Sabo.  That, too!
     
  • Specific evidence that CEO Randy Michaels’ denial the stations are for sale is a fib.  And why he’s making it up?
     
  • Who might want to buy the 4 major market Merlin stations.  Yes, I’ll name names and I’ll betcha I’m right.
     
  • The surprise buyer no one is tracking that could buy one or more Merlin stations and knock your socks off.   That big a deal.  That surprising.
     
  • Is Emmis a buyer – or a potential dealmaker since it owns about 50% interest in 3 of the 4 Merlin stations?  It’s complicated.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Clear Channel Firings Exposed

Clear Channel is in the middle of another massive reduction in force – especially in certain types of targeted markets and for a sustained period of time.

Already, a troubling pattern is emerging.

The firings are becoming more brutal and the way they make the decision to fire an employee has actually been outsourced.

Here’s how it’s now being done with actual quotes from fired employees and insights as to the reductions in force ahead from people close to the situation.

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  1. How many?  How long?  How brutal is brutal?
     
  2. How Clear Channel by and large outsources who is to be fired by people outside the market.  Way outside.
     
  3. What it’s liked to get fired after more than a decade of employment from soup to nuts – the call, the axing, the aftermath.  A recent victim confirms the coldblooded firings in detail.
     
  4. The “dog whistle” phrases used by firing managers to prevent lawsuits.  The coded language that appears to mean one thing to the victim but has a different meaning to corporate lawyers.  Here’s one:  “today is your day”.  You won’t believe the others.
     
  5. What kind of severance to expect.  As Bill Clinton says, do the arithmetic using what a decade-long employee got.  And work downward.
     
  6. The one – and I mean one – stay of execution that I have heard of in four years of Lee & Bain’s ownership.  How lucky do you feel?  Or unlucky as you’ll see in this case.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, learn how to have access to my entire archive (1,700+ pieces) and get daily email delivery, click here for your choices.

I’m putting together a working conference for radio executives who plan to do innovative things in the digital space other than streaming and praying for FM chips to be activated on smartphones.  A curriculum for media people who desire to get a leg up on digital content.  And a stronger game plan for radio executives who want to stay in radio and thrive in the digital age.  Get a first look at the program and put a hold on the best price that will be offered for my 2013 Media Solutions Lab here 

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

New Radio Firing Ploy

Just when you think the radio industry ran out of ways to fire people, they come up with another.

Except this time, they’ve actually got the attention of the employees they are firing.

And if this approach catches on, it may be coming to a station near you soon.

If you would like to read this story, get daily email delivery and learn how to have access to my entire archive of 1,700+ stories, click here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Apple, the Failure

What could possibly make Apple, a company that sold 5 million iPhones over the weekend alone a disappointing failure?   And I’m not even talking about Google Maps here.  The same bad rap is starting to happen to media companies.

If you would like to read this story, get daily email delivery and learn how to have access to my entire archive of 1,700+ stories, click here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Warner Music’s Sweet Revenge

Universal Music finally won approval to buy EMI last week, but not without a troublesome divestiture mandate that could end up backfiring.

This is like a bad soap opera.  UMG is forced to spin off a major part of EMI’s European assets.  But it’s who could make the winning bid for them that is UMG’s dilemma.  One is another label.  The other is a wannabe label.  And because UMG already paid Citibank the $1.9 billion price for EMI before the divestiture requirement was known, it may have to take the highest bid even if it screws them.  Why the last 3 labels standing have weakened their ability to be all-in digital.  What about higher consumer prices and creating a new tax on digital innovation.  Thank this merger for what’s coming next.

If you would like to read this story, get daily email delivery and learn how to have access to my entire archive of 1,700+ stories, click here.

Monday, September 24, 2012

The iHateRadio Train Wreck

Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio concert series and app are starting to backfire

Employees and people familiar with what they are doing now say that the costs are going through the roof and the benefits are declining rapidly.

Too bad most major radio groups have hitched their future to iHeartRadio.

They’re going down.

  1. Clear Channel is making apparent false messaging claims related to the just concluded Las Vegas music festival.  What receiving and replying to their claim of 50 million messages really costs them – from an industry insider who knows.
     
  2. Deep resentment is building at local radio stations over iHeartRadio (which employees even refer to as iHateRadio).  Here’s the little known rub that really burns them up.
     
  3. What iHeartRadio partner companies – their actual radio competitors – are coughing up to be part of this sinking ship.  Yes, even down to the deal details – here.
     
  4. The new trend in radio right now is not so much that Clear Channel and Cumulus are fantasizing about not being local radio companies but that something even more troubling is starting to happen.
     
  5. The real unvarnished reason iHeartRadio is worth all the hoopla and expense to Clear Channel – and no, it has nothing to do with getting listeners or making money.  Even more important!

If you would like to read this story, get daily email delivery and learn how to have access to my entire archive of 1,700+ stories, click here.

Monday, September 24, 2012

John Hogan For President

John Hogan is my choice to cure the problems of the Romney presidential campaign.

He’s Bain trained.

Here’s how John Hogan can save the election or better yet how Bain (with Thomas Lee Partners) can return Clear Channel to the state it was in when it completed the purchase for $24 billion four years ago.

  1. Dump Romney & Paul Ryan and go with Hogan and this Clear Channel choice for VP.
     
  2. See the people President Hogan would pick as Secretary of State and press secretary.  Plus what he would do to build a strong military and repeal and replace ObamaCare.
     
  3. How President Hogan would close Mitt Romney’s gender gap with women based on many years of Clear Channel experience.
     
  4. Most importantly, how Hogan would deal with the deficit.
     
  5. Oh, and why John Hogan should show all his tax returns every year he worked for Bain because – well, because he’s in the 1% and he didn’t build that.

If you would like to read this story, get daily email delivery and learn how to have access to my entire archive of 1,700+ stories, click here.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Clear Channel’s WOR Sale, Z-100 Renewal Challenged

By another radio company – not a community group.

Are these guys crazy or do they have another motive?  Nobody takes on the Evil Empire, unless…

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  1. The premise for the petition to deny – How Clear Channel is being accused of warehousing radio stations – operating them even when they are under legal mandate to divest the stations as part of previously approved deals.
     
  2. What company bought the most stations in the Clear Channel Trust so far – you’ll never guess which one it is.  Never.
     
  3. Even if the license challenge is unsuccessful, what this maneuver could do to the WOR-Clear Channel purchase.  This could be one shrewd move.
     
  4. Why would David pick this losing battle with Goliath?  It makes no sense – until you read this.

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Submission Marketing

Few people realize or care that in the “terms of service” to use Facebook, they consent in advance to participate in ads.

That means if you “like” something and a Facebook partner likes how you like it, you could become the ad – and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Seth Godin who wrote Permission Marketing defines permission marketing as “the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages to people who actually want to get them”.

But I call what Facebook and other social networks are doing in an effort to monetize their platforms “submission marketing” – the action of accepting or yielding to a powerful social media force that may transform the products or services you like into an uncompensated endorsement.

That may be great for Facebook, but the ruination of social media appears to be happening before marketers figure out how to actually use social media effectively.

Things like this are making young people – the drivers of Facebook’s success – wary of what they hoped would be a safe place to connect.

Now things are changing and you want to be on the right side of these developments.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just a quick-click away from reading this piece about not making the mistake Facebook and other social media sites are making – critical early warning.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group – it’s worth it.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Signs that young people are for the first time beginning to withhold information from social media sites.  Proceed carefully. 

2.  Why blocking information is becoming more prevalent and how it impacts the potential of social media for connecting as well as marketing.

3.  The shocker about targeted advertising.  This has major impact on the entire premise of monetizing social media.

4.  What may soon be worth a thousand words?  In fact, if you heed this advice, you’ll get a leg up on competitors who are misreading a social media change that is starting to take place right now.

5.  What could be a look so different for social media sites like Facebook that you will not recognize them in five years?  Why wait to be late?

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Radio Kool-Aid

If you believe Arbitron that radio listening is growing and young people are fueling that growth while older listening is eroding, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.

The latest radio Kool-Aid covers up the real problem in advance of the feel good NAB Radio Show that should be dealing with the industry’s digital deficit instead of throwing red meat to members.

The truth about radio listening takes some courage to hear.

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  1. Young people are not listening to radio – they are glued to their digital devices.  How to tell and what to do about it. 
     
  2. Why the last thing radio needs is PPM ratings to judge audience growth.
     
  3. Why market managers are scared shitless when their stations get a good PPM rating.  That’s right, panicked. 
     
  4. Why Hispanics are the bright spot for radio and how radio is starting to let them down – too.
     
  5. Okay then, what are the 2 biggest actual problems facing radio listening.  And here’s how to start fixing them. 

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Clear Channel’s Radical New Plan

Clear Channel is facing the financial cliff so they are readying a plan to cut costs and try to get some more revenue in the company.

There are two viable options down the road ahead for Clear Channel – both lousy for employees.

And there is evidence that the pieces are being put into place now to work the plan that gives Clear Channel the most options to kick the can down the road.

Here’s what I’m hearing on the ground.

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  1. Their new way to fire that – believe it or not – comes off looking like a station promotion!  Unless, of course, you’re the victim.  You’ll see more of this.  Sly foxes that they are.
     
  2. A big programming push is coming, but it’s not what you think.  This one has nothing to do with Clear Channel employees.  Fascinating and kind of dirty.
     
  3. Why they are getting ready to put many markets on autopilot in all ways even management.  But it’s how they plan to do it that has brass!
     
  4. Something is up with that Clear Channel/Big Machine record deal to share revenue in return for digital and on-air access to music and artists.  Notice no other label has stepped up to do a similar deal.  Bob “Pitchman” is taking it on the road to the NAB Radio Show but he’s not telling them the real story you’re going to hear.
     
  5. Clear Channel’s latest idea for boosting ad revenue – and it has nothing to do with how well salespeople sell advertising.  Yet, this initiative will be rolled out in many markets in the days ahead.

If you would like to see the changes ahead at Clear Channel starting soon, click “read more” below. 

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Monday, September 17, 2012

The Cumulus Station of the Future

The Cumulus’ hit music station in Birmingham is the prototype for the radio station of the future.

A station with no one at home.

And they love it so much, you are soon going to see the station that I describe here in many, many Cumulus markets.

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  1. How Cumulus stations will be handling sales and programming.  This is ingenious if not disgusting.
     
  2. The minimum number of live full-timers and part-timers on the Cumulus station of the future (now broadcasting 24/7).  We do the arithmetic.
     
  3. How Cumulus plans to handle client-based personal appearances on a dime – and they’ve been getting away with it!  Dumb advertisers.
     
  4. The new way potential advertisers are put through the wringer to actually buy ads – but it saves money.  Get used to it, it’s coming to your market soon.
     
  5. The creative (and destructive) new ways that this radio station is being managed right now.

If you want to see the plan Cumulus is going to be rolling out system wide soon, click “read more” below.

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Monday, September 17, 2012

The End of SiriusXM

John Malone’s Liberty Media is this close to taking over majority control of Sirius XM.  It can happen any time now.

It’s the end of SiriusXM.  Mel Karmazin will be out.  A new CEO in.  And that’s nothing compared to what will happen to the media industry landscape.  What is Malone up to?  He’s a savvy investor.  Why is he so hot to buy a company with a measly$2.47 per share stock price like SiriusXM?  What’s about to happen to SiriusXM has so many reverberations for the radio industry, it’s hard not to be fearful of the big changes ahead.  What Malone is likely to do after he boots out Karmazin.  And what if Karmazin wound up running Cumulus?  What’s about to happen is major – not just for the two big egos in the game but also for the media industry.  This changes everything.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

How Long Before FM Music Formats Vanish

Everyone seems to think spoken word formats will be replacing music stations. 

Cox recently deboned The Bone in Tampa and took the music off.

It’s true, music radio is eroding – and we’ll give you the time frame as well as the extent of the damage. 

But be careful how you respond – there are some dangerous roads ahead.

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1.  How many fewer music stations will there be in the next 5 years?  Let’s nail that down right now.

2.  And what about the music radio stations that do survive – what one thing will they have in common to beat back increasingly popular customizable streaming music competitors.

3.  The erosion of music radio means everyone will now make money if they switch to spoken word formats, right?  What are the best options?

4.  What is the biggest threat to a good, strong, financially successful news or news/talk station?  Most operators chose to ignore it.

5.  For music stations and spoken word formats looking to replace them, what is the one variable that is not likely to change?

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, September 13, 2012

iPhone 5

If you think the new iPhone 5 is a big deal, think again.

Yes, it’s faster on Verizon LTE and a little lighter and larger.

Stop this!

Stop being nerdy and get your content creating thinking cap on.

This new iPhone will be a best seller worldwide and it means that content providers like radio stations had better wise up and get into the game.

I’m going to show you how.

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1.  Why radio stations need to brainstorm about beating their on-air radio stations by using mobile content.  Here’s the unexpected benefit that will come. 

2.  Wouldn’t you like to get your audiences to spend more for something you do every year as Apple does with its iPhone users?  Here’s how.

3.  You know texting has replaced making phone calls, right.  How would you like to know what is going to replace texting?

4. What Apple’s real strategy is on FM chips in future iPhones.

5.  What’s the best way to brainstorm with your brightest people on how radio can compete for content space on smartphones.  Warning:  you’ll have to attack your own stations to do it.  See the details.

The answers start here. 

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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Disrupt Your Digital Tormentors

Apple is disruptive. 

Amazon is disruptive. 

But traditional media such as radio, records, TV and newspapers play it safe and wait for someone else to attack them.

I think you’ll want to hitchhike on the ideas I present in this piece for traditional media to go out, turn the tables and disrupt their digital tormentors.

  • Radio should rip a page out of Apple’s playbook and make this earthshattering disruptive move that would get everyone to stop thinking it was yesterday’s technology.  Here’s the plan.
     
  • Record labels could stop playing defense and go on the offense if only it would swallow its pride and go into business with the very people I am about to describe.  They’ve never thought of this, but now you’ll know.
     
  • Yes, yes – traditional media can even disrupt Facebook and Twitter.  Here’s the blueprint.
     
  • You can’t make money by making life miserable for your new age tormentors, right?  Wrong!  Let me show you how.
     
  • Do you have the guts to even entertain the idea of disrupting the ad business – that’s the hand that feeds you?  Learn what my USC students would do to advertising if they took over your radio station.  And they are absolutely right.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Jay Leno’s 50% Pay Cut

Comcast forced Jay Leno to take a 50% pay cut but that’s nothing new for our brethren in radio.

I’m here to tell you most radio people would be happy – that’s right, happy – to take a 50% pay cut rather than what consolidators have in mind for them next year.

The noose is tightening on consolidators as digital is starting to erode radio revenue and the economy is not likely to comeback any time soon no matter who is elected president.  Their backs are against the wall and it’s going to be ugly.

So what could be worse than a 50% pay cut?  

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1.  How consolidators plan to program, operate and sell radio ads in 2013 (and I’m not talking about voice tracking and syndication).

2.  You can make a station sound passable with voice tracking and Ryan Seacrest but this game changer coming to a station near you makes operating that station successfully impossible. 

3.  How owners could keep more talent employed – here’s a plan everyone will like.

4.  Why owners are moving in one direction but now media buyers and advertisers are moving in another direction. 

5.  The calm before the storm has arrived – companies are quietly firing, but will that be enough?  Notice how no one talks about RIFs or layoffs any more?

6.  The most dangerous part of the year to be in radio and not get laid off.

7.  Will the firing ever end?  You can’t fire everybody, can you?

8.  The expected layoffs at Clear Channel have been called off, right?

The answers start here.

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Monday, September 10, 2012

Apple vs. Pandora

Why would any radio station want to be in the music business today?  Pandora is eating radio alive and now Apple is threatening to gobble up Pandora.

Here are the odds for Apple, Pandora and the radio operators who are forced to stand on the sidelines and watch this epic event hurt their stations over the next few agonizing years.

Or do they?

So, let me tell you what I think is going to happen and what you should look out for.

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  1. Why Pandora is not running scared.  In fact, why they’re lovin’ it. 
     
  2. The odds that Apple actually launches its Pandora imitation and the likely damage to Pandora.
     
  3. The bigger story The Wall Street Journal missed on Friday. 
     
  4.  Oh no!  What happens to iHeartRadio and Clear Channel’s two men and an app strategy if Apple succeeds?  
     
  5. Clear Channel’s Plan B.  John Hogan whistling Dixie or a real alternative?
     
  6. What’s left to happen to Spotify, Rhapsody and the other Pandora wannabes? 
     
  7. You want to know what Apple’s “Pandora” will be like?  Here it is.
     
  8. If Apple fails at beating Pandora and Pandora fails at lowering their music royalties, what does it mean for music radio.
     
  9. So everybody rushes to spoken word formats, right?  There’s a better option and it’s not on anyone’s radar -- yet.

The answers start here.

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Friday, September 7, 2012

YouTube Is The New Music Radio

A hot new song has amassed 112 million YouTube views in no time and it has happened largely without the help of radio begging the question – ignore it or respond?

Article highlights:

The most effective way to fight back against YouTube’s encroachment into radio music and news. 

How young people have turned YouTube into what their parents used to call a Walkman. 

Details on how they discover music, consume it and make the hits.  

Radio’s counter argument that 112 million views doesn’t mean it makes money. And then the facts. 

Where YouTube is leaving big deals like the Clear Channel/Big Machine partnership to license music.

The error even smart radio programmers make over and over again when they try to innovate in digital media (now you won’t have to make it). 

A way to test this new approach on-air or online before rethinking your programming.  No risk.  It’s fun and you’ll learn a lot.

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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Jail Time Risk For Radio Ad Bribes

Cumulus has publicly admitted to paying rebates to ad agencies that give it a large chunk of advertising without the advertiser sharing in the rebate. 

How widespread is bribing agencies to get buys and what makes it illegal.  Evidence that executives are facing jail time in Europe and the U.S. for this illegal activity.  How the offending media outlets hide these rebates from internal and outside auditors.  From pitch to rebate – how the scam works.  What a law firm found when they investigated corruption in the ad business.  Where radio ranks out media in bribing ad agencies to beat their competitors out of a buy.  The reason consolidators are turning to this tactic now.

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Cox vs. Cumulus Court Ruling

A Federal Court in Connecticut just handed down a ruling in the case involving Cumulus vs. Cox and it has major implications for everyone in radio.

Cumulus was looking to prevent an ex-employee from working for Cox and spent $400,000 to stop her – did they prevail?  What the judge ordered the parties to do.  Why any employee who is being threatened by a radio company will want to become very familiar with this case.  Now it can be told – just how mean did Cumulus get during the 3 years of litigation.  Lew Dickey’s deposition testimony – his cognitive problems. 

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The First Robo Station

The first of many robo radio stations has now arrived with all the usual cost saving, job eliminating tricks that are customary today, but these stations are prototypes for even more radical reductions of radio on and off the air. 

We examine the robo radio station of the future being launched right now.  Why what you hear on the air is just the tip of the iceberg – what happens off the air is even more dazzling.  The new approach to on-air promotion.  The robo sales concept coming next.  How you will be able to fit an entire radio station into one small office with nobody at home.  It’s coming.  Here’s your advanced preview.

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Friday, August 31, 2012

The Anti-Dickey

First CEO Jeff Smulyan gives $250-$1,000 bonuses to all Emmis employees and now another radio company comes forward and is offering to hire more than 10 employees who were fired just this week.

How the company doing the firing is reportedly scurrying to get their fired employees to sign non-competes to keep them from taking these lifeline jobs.  How sincere is this unprecedented move to hire so many fired competing workers.   Do they get their same jobs at the new company?  Do they get the same pay?  All the details on the deal.  How the Anti-Dickey is actually calling each employee to extend the offer.  This story is going to make you feel good and be proud.

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Emmis Pay Raises

Emmis awarded bonuses to every full and part-time employee after they lowered they debt by $80 million by selling a Los Angeles FM station.  But if you don’t work for Emmis or one of the 5 good radio employers, here’s how you can protect yourself, your career and your family without a kind owner.

The best and only good indication of when it is time to leave your position and move on.  How to respond when your company fires a well-respected associate (do this and they’ll stop firing people).  The best use of your time to overcome a bad radio employer.  Where is the best place for a radio person to look for a career that will be even more rewarding in the years ahead.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Digital For Free But Reported As Revenue

Clear Channel has been caught automatically switching ad money from advertisers specifically requesting radio and redirecting a percentage of the buy to digital thus devaluing radio and falsely boosting digital.

Where it’s being done.  How the auto switch to digital works.  The way they get away with it (legally).  How Clear Channel hopes that radio advertisers won’t notice.  The actual percentage of radio budget automatically switched to digital if the client doesn’t notice.  What type of content passes as digital.  How Clear Channel even does this to clients who owe them money.  And, the commission rates for auto switching to digital ads.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Class of 2016

Master your knowledge of the Class of 2016 and you’ll own them for decades.

How they hold the key to digital media.  The chances of winning them back to radio.  How they’ve also bolted from television and why this is good for you. The ways around their attention deficit.  Their hot buttons – the things they care about most.  5 things you can do right now that will have you up to speed by the time the Class of 2016 graduates.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

The End of Clear Channel As We Know It

The departure of Tom Owens from Clear Channel research and programming has great significance to anyone who wants to see the future of Clear Channel and the future of radio.

How many original Jacor execs and top 50 market managers are left in the brain drain that evolved over the past ten years.  I’ll name them.  With Owens out of the way, the new Clear Channel programming plan can be implemented and many more local programming jobs can now be eliminated.  The latest estimate of layoffs I am hearing and when.  What Clear Channel will look and sound like within 6 months.  The questionable practices you’ll likely see.  And what Clear Channel is hot to target next in the name of efficiency.  Be the first to imagine Platform Radio.

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

How to Work for a Radio Jerk

Today I’m going to answer the question I’ve been hearing a lot lately – how can I work for the jerks that are ruining the radio business. 

If you’ve thought of quitting, wait long enough to read this.

And if you think all the pain and suffering of working for people who don’t trust you and don’t care about you is for naught, help has arrived.

So don’t quit -- yet.

1.  The line you should memorize and say in the car on the way to work every day that will fundamentally change your attitude about working for incompetents.

2.  How would Dale Carnegie tell you to deal with, say, Lew Dickey, John Hogan or their minions?  I’ll tell you.

3.  An outstanding mantra that when repeated several times a day can make a bad situation better – maybe even more tolerable.  Doubt me?  Try it for a week and see.

4.  The most important thing to do when corporate tries to shut off your brain and make you do stupid things (like being ordered to play the same song on the top of each hour or force you to sell to local prospects they identify from thousands of miles away). 

5.  How to deal with being fired or demoted.  This is more than worth the 27 cents you’ll pay for today’s piece.  And I’ll bet you’ll send me an email to thank me for sharing it. 

6.  How to balance your need to support your family with the growing inability to handle the stress of working for jerks.

One of the benefits of membership is that you get ideas like this to take you to the next level.

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Radio’s Answer To Apple’s Ad Skipping

Apple is actually doing radio a favor by winning a patent on commercial-blocking technology for radio and other content.

I’ve already got a great workaround for radio.  How to deal with the inevitable ability of mobile devices to block unwanted content.  How to come up with a digital strategy that cannot be blocked out by this or other technology.  The blueprint you should follow today to avoid future commercial ad blocking.  And the best way to lure a mobile listener into what could be a groundbreaking new way to co-exist with the arrival of anti-advertising technology.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Quit Radio, Start This

This morning I’ve got something very different for you.

If you’ve ever thought of quitting radio (or maybe you’ve been laid off), I’ve got 5 great ideas for new digital businesses that cost little or no money to start.

And they are perfect for radio talent, managers, program directors and sellers.

I was preparing some of this for my January 30-31 digital media conference in Scottsdale but I just can’t wait to share them. 

So quit radio, start this.

1.  The video project I would do that can’t miss.  Benefit:  income from day one.

2.  Make money from being an aggregator of content.  No investment necessary.  Just the foresight to jump on it now.

3.  A business that you can own and operate now that allows you to keep fans you may already have from radio.  I’ll tell you the service I like best so you can get started.  And it’s even free.

4.  Remember those closed social networks I always tell you about?  Here’s how to start one for nothing.  They are the future.

5.  My favorite way to build digital cash flow out of the box.  If you use only one of these ideas, make it this one.

One of the benefits of membership is that you get ideas like this to help take you to the next level.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The KLOS Abortion

The great KLOS, Los Angeles is melting down.

Mark & Brian are gone. 

The duo Cumulus fired in LA a year ago, Heidi and Frank, are back at a bargain basement price.

Sales are down.

Programming is in free fall.

Ratings were off even before Mark & Brian left.

What’s going on?

A special report begins here – now.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Unintended Consequences of AM Moving to FM

Wait until you see the latest report card on AM formats moving to FM.

Owners have been switching and comboing AM formats at a record pace over the last year and now we can draw some conclusions.

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1.  Which one format does fairly well when it combos an AM on an FM. 

2.  Which format strikes out almost every time when its AM version is also simulcast on FM.

3.  When to forget switching to FM – believe it or not these formats just do better on AM.

4.  How could KGO, San Francisco be saved.

5.  Will the AM to FM trend continue.

The answers start here.

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Monday, August 20, 2012

My Annual Generational Media Report

I’m back from my annual pilgrimage to Mecca – for me, that’s the Jersey shore.

And, did I return with some observations and thoughts about why traditional media companies are so disconnected from how consumers actually live.

Here’s what I’m vowing to think about.

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1.  There is a major change away from radio for entertainment and information – and it’s all around us.  Best not to ignore it.

2.  The king of the beach?  iPhones, iPads, Kindles, radios?  You may be surprised.

3.  What’s the latest new use for smartphones?  No, not to swat greenhead flies.  I think you’ll be fascinated if not blown away by how ordinary consumers have found yet another critical use for their cell phones.

4.  How cool mobile devices on a hot beach reveal a major problem for traditional media.  And, a few solutions.

5.  Newspapers are still dead, right?

6.  And Jeff Smulyan is not wasting his time trying to get manufacturers to put FM chips into cell phones, is he? 

7.  How a bikini clad gal untied the strings to her top to sun her back with the help of – as amazing as it may seem – her iPhone.  The sacrifices I make to observe the trends for you!

8.  Seriously, I’m thinking about how our audiences are changing.  You will, too.

The answers start here.

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Monday, August 20, 2012

The Post Labor Day Layoffs

Layoffs and cutbacks are not just a Cumulus or Clear Channel thing anymore.

Radio is hurting so when the going gets tough radio companies start firing again.

Except this time – and after Labor Day – even the better companies are feeling the pressure to cut and layoff. 

I’ve had pretty good instincts about radio layoffs these past couple of years so here is my current rundown of what I think is in store for 7 top radio groups plus independents.

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1.  If you work for these two radio groups, you’re likely very safe through the New Year.

2.  You’re on the endangered list if you work for several others I’ll identify – beware!

3.  There is a new kind of “hamburger helper” in the pipeline that will allow three major groups to slash personnel costs and I’m not talking about voice tracking here.  More evil.

4.  How long before ad sales perk up and radio companies can start making money again.

5.  An honest yes or no on employee layoffs and cutbacks for these radio groups by year’s end:  Entercom, CBS, Clear Channel, Cox, Saga, Townsquare, Cumulus and the outlook for mid to small independents.

The answers start here.

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Friday, August 17, 2012

Make Millions in Closed Social Media

Social networking is all the rage.

But it may not be a viable business (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) even as its popularity grows.

There is an important change coming that you’ll want to watch carefully in which social media makes a complete U-turn from where it is at today.

And I’ll share a shrewd way to monetize your social media simply and effectively.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Details on the anti-Facebook and anti-Twitter model that may soon evolve.

2.  How limiting the number of “friends” or “contacts” will make social media more valuable.

3.  The one thing that is a must for closed social networks – without this asset, you might as well keep using Facebook exclusively.

4.  What will augment, if not replace, commenting or senseless posting of gibberish.  You’ll want to stay a step ahead on this because lots of changes are coming relatively soon and this approach makes your social network addictive.  (I’m working on this right now but I want to share what I know).

5.  How to make your social media sites profitable without having to serve lots of cheap advertising.  If Twitter employed the strategy I’m going to share with you, they would turn a one billion dollar profit immediately.  Beat them to it.

This is the kind of take home pay you just can’t get anywhere else.

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Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Next Big Thing in Radio

While Clear Channel is out buying standalone AM stations, let’s move on to the next big thing in radio.

You’ll want to know what it is because not one media company is on track to unlock the next big thing.

But I’m going to identify it for you right now.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  It’s more important to a radio station than mobile, Internet, streaming or even social media.  That’s right, more important.  Do you know what it is?

2.  How 80 million young desirable target demos will use it as a radio and yet station owners still remain clueless.  (No Jeff Smulyan, it’s not a cellphone with an FM chip).

3.  Why consumers will be pulling out their phones and going right to it.  (It’s not an app).  Better yet, you can be what they turn to if you beat your competitors to it.

4.  Four ways you can get into the next big thing for radio right now.  Little to no upfront expenses.  It’s so much more valuable than that stream you’re running that Arbitron refuses to count it in the ratings.

5.  How you can use The Next Big Thing in Radio as value-added for advertisers – and get a premium instead of taking a discount. 

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Cumulus Paying 50% Commissions (Not a Typo)

This is unbelievable and I have confirmed it – it’s true.

Cumulus which is sinking deeper into debt every quarter is so hard put for revenue that it is willing to pay some sellers a total of 50% in commissions.

That’s right – a whopping 50%!

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, here’s what you’ll get:

1.  Details on the new Cumulus plan now being offered to select agencies in which they are willing to pay an eye-popping huge commission to steal the business from competitors.

2.  Which agency is already taking the bait – why not, if Cumulus is willing to overpay for their business.

3.  Oh, one more thing – that whopping commission they are paying this agency is in addition to other commissions all for the same sale.  The commission scheme exposed.

4.  The first real glimpse of how a centrally controlled sales operation that favors heavy corporate discounting will impact margins.

5.  Why Cumulus wants to keep the fact that it is willing to take only 50% of the buy as their profit secret.

The comment I hear the most from new subscribers is “I wish I had subscribed sooner”.  

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Clear Channel’s Drone Attack on Cumulus

If you’ve been waiting for two of the most evil radio operators to bash each others brains in, you’re in luck.

It’s happening now.

It’s WAR not WOR!

Clear Channel bought WOR, New York to protect its syndicated talk programming that Cumulus is carrying on WABC (and elsewhere) and looking to drop and compete against.  And the Evil Empire is on the warpath.

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• The purchase price of WOR • Clear Channel’s next strike against Cumulus • The secret Clear Channel offer to let Cumulus out of their talk contract • CC plans for a virtual programming hub in New York • Their plan to even bypass Manhattan and program WOR remotely

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Monday, August 13, 2012

The Employment Outlook Ahead

1. How radio companies are getting increasingly nasty with talent – not the personalities they are firing, the ones they want to keep!

2. The employment outlook six months to a year out – a pretty accurate read on opportunities and challenges to working in the radio industry.

3.  What’s the most effective tactic being successfully used by radio groups – even some good ones – to bully departing employees into signing questionably legal non-competes.

4.  The best way to initiate and survive a lawsuit against a consolidator for unjust termination. 

5.  What’s the chance of a pay raise in the foreseeable future at a decent radio group.  

Friday, August 10, 2012

Mom & Pops Reinvent Digital

Article Preview:

1.  The secrets of why mom and pop operators, believe it or not, are light years ahead of their big competitors in digital.  Read it, learn from them and be proud.

2.  Why small local operators are giving media buyers the digital products they want while big operators are giving them the one size fits all template they hate.

3.  The best example of a small market group innovating in digital – and their revenue shows it.

4.  The best radio station in the nation for producing digital revenue – look to this station for ideas – not the big consolidators.

5.  What to do when you don’t have the budget you need to answer media buyers demand for creative digital.  Do what mom and pops do.  I’ll share.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Partnering Instead of Competing

1.  What scares consolidators more than anything else?  It’s not you. Not me.  Not even massive debt.  Even scarier than that!

2.  The main reason why just about every broadcaster is rushing to do partnerships.

3.  What are CBS Radio and Cumulus doing in bed together? 

4.  The real reason radio groups are partnering with apps like iHeartRadio instead of competing with them. 

5.  Actual examples – and you’ll shake your head in disbelief – of what other radio groups are having to do to promote Clear Channel stations, not their own, in return for getting on the overblown iHeartRadio app. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Cumulus Flirting With Legal Disaster

Article Preview:

1.  Why Cumulus is increasingly concerned about allegations it has kicked back money to ad agencies in return for big radio buys – discounts that their advertisers may not be sharing in or even know about.

2.  Last time Cumulus blamed its accounting problems (also known derisively as “cooking the books”) on founder Richard Weening.  Now what’s their excuse?

3.  How even an outside auditor may miss the so-called “exchanges” with ad agencies unless, of course, they know exactly what to look for.  Here’s exactly what to look for.

4.  How two Cumulus top execs react to my allegations – and then you decide whose nose is growing faster than Pinocchio.

5.  What the legal repercussions could be if Cumulus can’t make this whole thing go away by gagging those responsible.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Les Wants More Than CBS Radio

Article Preview:

1.  What CBS CEO Les Moonves inadvertently signaled to Wall Street when he gave a vote of confidence to radio.

2.  What “Cumulus-like” strategy is starting to pop up more and more at CBS Radio. 

3.  What it is going to take for CBS “all-news” station WNEW-FM, Washington to pay off.  I’ll give you a number.

4.  Why CBS is high-tailing it to all-sports as if there is no tomorrow.  Here’s what tomorrow will look like.

5.  How to decode Moonves and look at the options he’s hoping for at CBS Radio.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Monday, August 6, 2012

Promoting the Internet on Radio

Article Preview:

1.  What listeners assume about every radio station in the country and yet radio stations are unaware of what listeners expect from them.

2.  What’s better than sending listeners to your website?  Learn from this radio station that has it right.

3.  What’s the fastest way to get on the wrong side of a target demo listener?  Plus, the cure.

4.  A better alternative to driving listeners away from your on-air product to your website or digital content.  This way you can have both without the downside.

5.  How to make a desirable target demo listener find and listen to your on-air station and make money from digital at the same time.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Friday, August 3, 2012

The Most Endangered Radio Formats

Article Preview:

1.  The 5 most endangered FM radio formats and why. 

2.  The hottest radio formats and why.  The “why” is the important part.

3.  Why investment bank radio is moving toward, you should pardon the expression, derivative content.  You can finally see the hand of investment banks in the formats they favor.

4.  Two unthinkable and previously untouchable FM formats that I believe will soon be a goner.

5.  My advice:  how to run a radio station that competes with Pandora and Spotify.  The best options.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

Clear Channel Implements Sales Cutbacks

Article Preview:

1.  Major compensation changes forced on salespeople at Clear Channel Phoenix that likely if not probably will be implemented in their other markets.

2.  How consolidators like Clear Channel and Cumulus aim to start thinning their sales forces by employing a tactic called pissing them off. 

3.  What is punitive compensation – the consolidators’ new tactic for hitting salespeople in their paychecks.  Under the new sales plan, a seller who accepts punitive compensation will have their hands full.

4.  How the two big consolidators are planning to eliminate local commissions by doing something questionable and maybe even illegal.  Nonetheless, be warned.

5.  Now that all major consolidators are eliminating local programming, they still need a full force of local sellers, right?

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, you’ll find this story is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The End of Radio Consolidation

1.  Big layoffs are coming this fall – credible sources say 1,250 of them in one company alone.  I’ll name the company.

2.  The new virtual radio station that is ready to allow consolidators to eliminate more personnel. 

3.  See how one big consolidator plans to use “knockoff brands” to cut the payroll further.

4.  Have consolidators finally hit the wall on more acquisitions or will the configuration of some of the groups substantially change?

5.  The next place consolidators cut costs – as soon as early next year.

6.  The timeframe for the end of consolidation as we know it – plus the business model that will replace what Clear Channel and Cumulus are doing now.

7.  The end game after consolidators finally cut all the costs they can and amass all the stations they are able to.  New options other than operate.

8.  What will happen to Lew Dickey, Bob Pittman, John Hogan and the other evildoers who many say wrecked the radio industry?  One will get off scot-free.  One could be in big trouble.  And the third, well – you’ll slap your knees laughing.  You’ll want to save this piece and use it as a roadmap for the future.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative reading worth every penny.

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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Unsocial Media

Social media companies are in the process of melting down.

Facebook, the game maker Zynga and Twitter are popular but they’re having a hard time finding a profitable business model.  A real hard time.

Yet, radio stations, media companies and record labels lean on social media to be their link to a connected world.

Boy, are they in for a disappointment.

This article is all about how to make informed decisions that are going to put us on the right side of what’s next in social media.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What our number one mission will be in social networking – nothing like what we’re doing now if we’re doing anything other than Facebook and Twitter.

2.  Why thinking that advertising is the answer to monetization of your social media is wrong – but there is a way, a great way that you probably have never considered until now.

3.  What’s more important than time spent on your social media sites?  Know this and you’re golden.

4.  What a radio station or record label should build instead of Facebook and Twitter.  This advice is worth the price of the piece alone.

5.  The one thing that people crave about social media that is actually being taken away slowly by Facebook and Twitter.

You can’t get intelligence reports like these anywhere else.  Unlock the full stories and join our group.  This is a great day to start.

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Monday, July 30, 2012

How to Game The People Meter

You’ve asked me and I’m going to do it – today.

What does Dan Mason know that you don’t about The People Meter?  Why let the big consolidators have all the fun.

They love Arbitron these days because Arbitron made their dreams come true by providing a PPM ratings system that shows more audience than the old diary even when fewer people are listening to radio.

What’s not to like.

If you want what they’re having, then you’re going to love this.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What is the sure PPM format that never loses and always wins even if you do a lousy job with it.

2.  A new PPM tactic being tried right now in Philly at Greater Media’s WMMR – you’ve never heard this strategic move before – until now.

3.  How to game the morning show once and for all exactly the way consolidators are doing it now.

4.  The new most important daypart.  Forget what you’ve heard because it isn’t what you think it is.

5.  How consolidators who get big PPM ratings handle commercials, stop sets, talking, voice tracking, playlists and promotions.  This is their game and they’re damn good at it.

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Friday, July 27, 2012

Tricky Dickey’s Advertising “Accounting Errors”

CEO Lew “Tricky” Dickey is at it again.

This time he’s turning his attention to the hand that feeds Cumulus – advertisers.

Cumulus is allegedly using a tactic imported from Europe that could be construed as sketchy at best in dealing with their rep firm and major advertisers to coax them into spending more.

This raises at the minimum a question of potential unethical behavior that in theory could give companies like Cumulus an unfair advantage competing for business.

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1. How the scheme works from the moment these kinds of so-called “exchange” deals are done to the way they wind up on the books. 

2.  Who is doing them?  I’ll name a rep and three advertisers for starters.

3.  The tricky accounting tactic reportedly being used that some could say opens Cumulus up to the charge that they are giving kickbacks to the agencies who give them the most business.

4.  COO John Pinch caught red handed in a memo asking for a corporate “lift”.

5.  How the scheme ends up as a “billing error” and begs the question is the advertiser getting the additional discount or is the agency keeping all or some of it without their knowledge. 

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Radio’s Last Election

Enjoy the vitriol and shouting. 

Enjoy the ambushes and name calling.

And the big ratings they get!

The November election is radio’s last because listeners have changed, owners are the same cheap bastards and talk show talk hosts are increasingly talking to themselves.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The prognosis for political advertising beyond 2012.

2.  How consolidators are damaging their best and most profitable talk brands to the point where in four years they will be rendered impotent.

3.  What the most popular talk show hosts are doing wrong (you may be making this same mistake).

4.  What one thing owners should do to reinvent talk radio to stop the damage – and best of all, it won’t cost an additional cent.  They’re not going to take this advice, but there is nothing stopping you.

5.  The critical secret to getting young people to listen to a reinvented version of talk radio.

6.  How long does talk radio have?  How long does radio have?

What a great day to start a subscription that will help you see the future.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Winningest Radio Group

Next time Clear Channel CEO Bob “Pitchman” Pittman tries to tell you he runs the best radio group in the world, you will know that he may only be half right.

And that’s like being half-pregnant.

Useless.

I’m going to share some research with you from PPM markets that is eye opening to say the least.

Which radio groups win the most in PPM ratings.

There are a few names on this list that I know will shock you (they shocked me) but it proves a great point.

We now have two radio industries.

One dominated by monopolies backed by venture capital.

The other, mostly small companies that operate local radio stations.

So let the listeners decide, whose is the winningest?

Lew or Bob or well, you’ll see.

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1.  How the big boys rank in ratings based on their sheer size.

2.  But when expressed as a percentage of stations, which groups win the most.  I’ll countdown 11 of them in order.

3.  Which one broadcaster is so surprising, you may not even be aware that they are in business, but boy, they sure are according to this.

4.  How the big getting bigger and the small (by comparison) getting smaller will impact the radio industry going forward.

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Stop Streaming

There are a ton of new reasons to stop streaming terrestrial radio stations online.

There’s new research on the attention span of consumers that you’ll want to know.

But also a fundamental change in the sociology of technology or how real live listeners now use their mobile devices including radio.

I am going to share the latest on what I’ve learned about how our listeners are changing and what steps we can take to keep up with them.

Can we make a smart phone a “Walkman”?

Can a Walkman even work for today’s listener?

Radio is making decisions that are directly opposite to what their listeners actually want from them and we’re going to straighten that out right here.

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Follow the Smart Money Out of Radio

There is a new trend developing in the radio industry that promises to reshuffle markets and clusters in a way not seen before.

It’s happening now and with the recent announcement that Cox will be selling stations in six markets, the handwriting is on the wall.

Here’s a look at what’s going to happen to radio groups, the industry and a new type of media company emerging only a few years from now.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What Cox is really up to by selling six radio markets, shuffling staff and buying more TV.  The end of radio for Cox or the beginning of something new?  You may be surprised.

2.  The radio group that is changing the ownership model.

3.  Here’s the future of radio in a nutshell – how the industry may start to look in as few as five years (or less).

4.  How Cumulus and Clear Channel fit into the radio selloff that is beginning to happen.  What if they don’t?

5.  Radio used to be a service and lifeline, but now bigger media companies want to own stations for an entirely different reason.  You’re probably not going to like what they have in mind for radio when they buy it.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Cox To Announce Sale of 30 Stations Today

Cox Radio is set to announce today at noon that it will sell 30 stations in 5 markets.

This is major because Cox is generally acknowledged as an excellent radio operator and taking the step of reducing its portfolio of stations is unsettling in an industry where consolidators are ruining stations.

Here’s the information from my network of news sources ahead of the Cox announcement today.

Plus, something you will not get anywhere else – the truth about how it will impact the future of Cox, their competitors and the radio industry.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of accurate and intelligence information you get.

1.  Is this the start of Cox’s eventual exit from radio?  Yes or no.

2.  Which specific markets are going to be sold.

3.  Big markets?  Small markets?  How Cox made the decision to sell these clusters.

4.  What are the chances Cumulus buys some or all of the 30 Cox stations where they don’t have ownership overlaps?

5.  What’s the over/under that Clear Channel could cherry pick these markets?

6.  Which potential buyers have the strongest chances.

7.  What problems does Cox face in trying to sell these 5 markets.

8.  Two new ownership trends are developing.  You should see them and know them now.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Sketchy New Clear Channel & Cumulus Tactics Exposed

Clear Channel and Cumulus are doing some pretty sketchy things behind the scenes.

Luckily for them, very few people know about them.

Until now.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  A new way to program multiple stations with virtually the same music and content in virtually the same order without making it a network or syndication thus keeping in “local” in a convoluted way.  Wait until you see this “local” programming trick.

2.  One major group has locked out its local program directors from their computer system.  Here’s the new deal.

3.  Cumulus caves – that’s right, caves -- to our pressure to keep one of its promises.  See which one.

4.  A new round of forced endorsements is underway at Clear Channel except as one source reports the product they are being forced to endorse may be harmful to their health.  You can’t make this stuff up.

5.  The 2nd annual iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas sold out within minutes.  But listeners are pissed about how Clear Channel is making it up to them – like getting screwed twice.

6.  How successful are Clear Channel and Cumulus when they cut on-air personalities’ pay by 50% or more.  Here are some actual numbers. 

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

What’s Becoming More Important Than Ratings

Arbitron won Media Rating Council accreditation for five more markets yesterday and renewals in nine others. 

Los Angeles, Baltimore and San Antonio are now kosher according to MRC.

The news watch stopped for trade publications most of which put out bulletins to announce the “big” story.

But they are missing the big story.

It’s not about People Meter ratings.

It’s what’s becoming more important than PPM – and why it’s critical to know the difference.

Read this article and you’ll be armed for the future and in step with the revenue trail.

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1.  Forget cume.  Forget quarter hour.  Radio stations that can prove to advertisers and agencies that they have this are able to stabilize rates and even get a premium.

2.  Why total audience is more meaningless than ever to advertisers.  If you keep bringing it to them, they’ll keep giving your rates a haircut.

3.  Why media buyers have been having a field day with radio sellers lately and why they fear stations will wake up to the one metric that is more important than quarter hour or cume.  The PPM killer!

4.  How stations are playing into the hands of media buyers who let them brag about ratings and then whack them with this tactic.  Now you know better and can be ready for them.

5.  One major radio group has gone so far as to sweeten the pot for buyers so much that, well – you won’t believe what radio is now giving back to advertisers as an incentive to buy.  And it’s not more spots.  It’s not more digital add-ons.  It’s worse.

6.  How to take a clue from our digital friends who sell more things without big expensive ratings services – often getting a premium for their effort.

Get past the teasers and unlock the full story – you can’t get this elsewhere for nothing and it only costs you 27 cents a day.

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Randy’s Midas Touch

It turns out that almost a year after buying majority interest in several Emmis Broadcasting stations in Chicago and New York, Merlin CEO Randy Michaels is truly the magician Merlin Media is named after.

He made two news formats go away at the wave of his magic wand yesterday – in Chicago and New York and put lots of good news folks out of work.

The stations were an absolute abortion because the Power Pig guy doesn’t know how to do all-news. 

So, we know what Randy is going to get for the moves that he pulled yesterday.

Now, here are the mistakes he’s making that you will want to avoid:

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1.  The format Michaels should have invested in instead of switching to all-music in Chicago and New York.  A proven winner and he left it out there untouched.

2.  The biggest mistake Michaels is making in Merlin’s two new music formats. 

3.  Why buyers are going to beat the hell out of his salespeople even if they get a ratings bump.  This could happen to you so learn from his mistakes.

4.  Yet another boo-boo – a big one.  One that tells the world Merlin is running scared.

5.  The biggest format errors Randy is making from day one.  Behind the scenes he’s already got trouble.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Clear Channel, Cumulus Reinvent “Layoffs”

As Chubby Checker sang in “Limbo Rock”, “How low can you go”?

You’re about to find out. 

Both Clear Channel and Cumulus are reinventing the way they do layoffs to give them even more bang for the buck.

You might ask, “How can these SOBs save more money than the money they already save from firing people?”

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The new tactic that is being used to get additional savings – in fact, it happened again just yesterday.  And will happen many more times in the next six months.

2.  Go into the Don Imus/Cumulus contract negotiations and you’ll see a handful of new tactics that are no longer reserved for just big names.  I’ll spell it out because it shows you where their heads are at (I’m not touching that one!).

3.  The new try before you buy “non-existent” talent contracts.  How one major group is touting one talent’s availability to advertisers and affiliates and with only a few weeks to go they still haven’t signed him.  Hardball 101.

4.  What big name radio talent is so pissed at one of the major radio groups that he won’t even talk to them.  Are you asking yourself what could possibly piss this personality off?  You should be because the same tactics are waiting for you next.

5.  Look at the dance Cumulus is doing in LA with Brian of Mark & Brian fame.  A few weeks left on Brian’s contact.  He wants to stay and look what Cumulus is ready to hit him with.  Layoffs are becoming more complex.

There is nowhere else you will get this stuff.

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Monday, July 16, 2012

9 Social Media Trends To Watch

Social media is a lot more than Facebook and Twitter and even Facebook and Twitter are morphing into something else lately.

My background as a USC professor and teacher of generational media makes me want to stand up and scream out 9 things everyone needs to know about changing trends in social media.

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1.  The hottest trend of all – no, it’s not another social media site, it’s even bigger than that!

2.  The crisis ahead in email.  That’s right – email!  You’re going to rethink how you use email after you read this.

3.  If there is only one thing to indelibly burn into our brains, it is that the next generation cares most about something more important than the way media people promote themselves and their products.  Get this right and you’ll always win at social media.  Always.

4.  Why baby boomers and Gen X managers can’t name the two things people under 30 care about most.  Do you know?  Can you name one?

5.  Why radio is uncool to Gen Y.  It’s not that radio is analog and is delivered on the FM band – it’s something right under your nose.  And you can fix it if you’re getting it wrong.

6.  Okay, this is worth the money to subscribe – and shouldn’t you be subscribing by now anyway?  The next talk radio.  There, I said it.  I’m going to tell you the next talk radio before anyone else and even how you can adapt today’s talk radio to the trends we’re seeing.

7.  The folly of relying on Facebook as your main social networking tool.

8.  Why Twitter, Facebook and even LinkedIn are headed for big trouble.  You don’t want to go there with them.

9.  The hot new social network of the future.  It’s not Facebook, Twitter or any of the other challengers.  It is this social phenomena waiting to happen next.

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Friday, July 13, 2012

How Radio Is Killing Itself

Video didn’t kill the radio star.

Apple didn’t do it, either.

Music file sharing was an add-on and didn’t have to become a replacement.

And you can’t even make social networking the villain.

Some of the best brands in radio are being hung up to dry by owners who are actually doing the exact opposite of what keeps would-be listeners from coming back for more.

Here’s how radio is killing itself and what owners should have done instead.

It’s too late for them, but not for you.

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1.  Talk radio listeners are getting old, but that’s not terminal.  What big media companies are about to do to talk radio – that’s terminal to the format and even the big name stars who will go down with it.

2.  Classic hits stations are disappearing faster than Lew Dickey’s admirers, but some classic hits stations are getting gigantic “money demo” ratings.  Even number one!  Would you believe me if I said it’s not in the music so much as this one critical strategy for all stations that do well.

3.  Soon Clear Channel and Cumulus will really start laying off program directors.  But look what I found out about program directors and why before you fire one more PD, they had better read this first. 

4.  The myth of online radio.  To a person, radio CEOs think online radio is their ticket to the digital future.  Wrong again.

5.  Quick!  Name a voice tracked show that listeners love so much they are addicted to it.  But I’m going to be blunt with you.  The problem isn’t so much as radio shows are voice tracked, it is something else more important.  I’ll share.

6.  Radio is shooting itself in the foot when it uses PPM ratings in the following way.  Go ahead, brag about being number one or having a 2 million cume, but if you use PPM this way, you’re dead.

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

How the Tricky Brothers Ruined Citadel in 10 Months

Harvard Business School does case studies to document useful business practices.

But you won’t see Cumulus in a Harvard Case Study any time soon even if its CEO is an alum.

In less than a year, through a series of botched moves and cheap operations, Cumulus has managed to piss away the economic advantage of owning Citadel in the first place, the company they told shareholders was critical to their success.

Turns out it was only critical to save Cumulus from bankruptcy.

By buying Citadel, which had just emerged from bankruptcy with an almost clean financial ledger, Cumulus lived another day.

Then, it ruined the group that saved them.

My network of tipsters who safely reside in our Witness Protection Program provide details that will stand your hair on end about the damage and the future.

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1.  The radical management cutback that Cumulus is now testing that is killing off station billing but saves lots of money.  Worst of all – it is likely to expand throughout the rest of the group next. 

2.  The real reason Cumulus revenue is declining and it’s not Rush Limbaugh’s dust up with Sandra Fluke that lost advertisers.  That’s a Dickey excuse.  Here’s the real answer.

3.  The dirty little secret at Cumulus that they don’t want anyone to know.  On the surface, they make a big deal of firing people, but here’s what they are covering up.

4.  How Cumulus dried up all that Citadel money from the ABC legacy stations and what they plan to do next.

5.  The litmus test for whether Cumulus is doing the best thing for its shareholders.  This says it all.

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

July Axe to Fall on Clear Channel

Bob Pittman just gave it all away.

More layoffs – probably in or around this month, July.

It’s not like Clear Channel employees can’t see it coming.  Here’s an email that says it all:

“Hard to describe.  Just a feel in the building I spoke to of a RIF upcoming.  I think you’re spot on that it’s in programming. PDs beware.”

Now, Pittman actually tipped us off to what’s going down and I’ve got all the evidence for you.

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1.  The public giveaway that Pittman is ready to let Hogan fire again.

2.  The private clue that the layoffs are coming on or about July.

3.  Would you believe that there is a second layoff coming before the end of the year as well?  Here’s how I am seeing the timetable for that layoff.

4.  Why all the pieces that weren’t in place prior to now are ready to go allowing Clear Channel to reduce the work force several times this year. 

5.  You probably know who is going to get fired in July, right?  If not, I’ll tell you.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Dickey Dating Dees

From now on if you want to know whether your Cumulus programming job is being combined with a sister station to save money, get a hold of Jan Jeffries travel schedule.

He was in Washington yesterday and wasted longtime WRQX Ops Manager Kenny King – Jeffries third programming assassination in a week.

In related news, Lew Dickey is dating Rick Dees. 

Dees wouldn’t have quit Clear Channel without a job so something is up – good for Dees, bad for everyone else.

Cumulus is up to something bad as I have been telling you and now we can see the picture more clearly.

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1.  I predicted that Cumulus would start firing essential programming people and they’re doing it at a record pace.  Guess who’s next?

2.  While the Dickeys are gaga over Dees, they are going for the “firing fences” with this grand slam of layoffs.  I’ve told you programmers are toast at Cumulus.  Look who they are targeting next.

3.  The secret Dees-Dickey affair.  What the Dickeys want from Dees that is so important to them.

4.  All the details on what’s going on behind the scenes.  Move over TMZ – we caught Lew and Rick together in a public place one day after Dees walked out on Clear Channel.   We dish.

5.  Why Clear Channel loved their Dees deal and were caught by surprise while he was being wooed away.  You don’t think Cumulus would put Dees on mornings on one of their LA stations, do you?  It’s even bigger than that.

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Monday, July 9, 2012

Cumulus Punk’d

How about a couple of laughs on Cumulus, the radio company with the mean genes?

My “Repeater Reporters” have caught Cumulus in the act of screwing up so I thought I would share this for everyone who has ever been the victim of the Dickey Dynasty.

They miss you!

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1.  The general manager forced to mow the station’s front lawn.  First the water machine goes and now this!  I’ll tell you the market where this GM was reportedly seen cutting the station’s grass.

2.  The $30,000 ad for a sales manager that says don’t even call unless you are an overachiever.  Only one problem, the ad says they’ll take an “average” candidate for $30,000 or a super achiever for $120,000.  If you promise not to have a heart attack when you see $120,000 in a Cumulus ad, I’ll show it to you.  Oh, they’re having trouble hiring salespeople in this market.

3.  More people are saying, “Screw you, Lew”.  The latest “You can’t fire me, I quit” move.  This is getting to be a trend.

4.  One manager for an entire state – it’s happened!  I’ll tell you where and how they do it on one person for an entire big state.

5.  The problem with Cumulus innovation – traffic on the 5’s.  You won’t believe it.

6.  You’re unfired!  That’s what Cumulus is doing now that they can’t find good people for the few jobs that remain.  Here’s what to look out for, they may try it on you.

7.  How Lew Dickey reportedly let an on-air host take a slam at Bob Pittman’s looks during an interview with him and let the host get away with it.  Way off base.  You’ll want to hear it from someone who heard it.

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Friday, July 6, 2012

Rick Dees Paid For the Clear Channel Yacht

Bulletin!

Rick Dees paid for the recent Bob Pittman advertisers bash on the Clear Channel yacht “Les S More” in the Mediterranean.

You know that Clear Channel can’t really afford to hurt Bain alum Mitt Romney by firing tons of people before Election Day – so they’ll wait until after.

The coming firings are a given, but look at the major glitch that is developing on the consolidation programming strategy.

Big firings are still allowed.

And major changes are coming to how Clear Channel will be run.

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1.  New strategy is coming for how to deal with the loss of money by firing morning personalities and losing all that revenue.  This is it.

2.  How Clear Channel has backed itself into a corner with advertisers by firing morning personalities.  No wonder they’re doing Elton John yacht trips to make them forget.

3.  Bain MBA’s have discovered the way around morning personalities without losing lots of money. 

4.  This explains why digital revenue has grown all through the weak economy and yet radio consolidators are by and large ignoring digital revenue except in name only.

5.  The major goal on consolidators like Cumulus and Clear Channel before the election and after.

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Friday, July 6, 2012

Cumulus Reinvents Firing

On the eve of the July 4th holiday, Cumulus came up with a new way to fire an employee but they’re not really fired and they sure as hell ain’t workin’ – if you know what I mean.

It seems Cumulus is trying a new tactic ostensibly to keep from paying unemployment benefits to its employees and it’s outrageous!

I’ve got the important details because Cumulus may be making this a new firing policy and what Cumulus does Clear Channel copies and vice versa.

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1.  I’ll name the market and tell you how the firing went down starting from when this poor sucker – I mean, employee – was unwittingly called to the manager’s office.

2.  I couldn’t believe the ruse that this GM used to fire his worker – the accusation was not only unbelievable but according to the employee totally untrue with no way to prove it.

3.  The main reason Cumulus is now apparently trumping up accusations to fire people when all they used to do is say, “you’re fired”.  This is major.

4.  Here’s the catch – you knew there was one, didn’t you?  Except this one is off the planet.  But be prepared, I don’t think you’ve seen the end of this scam.

5.  Sit down for this – Cumulus purportedly used an advertiser as an accomplice to carry out this firing.

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Thursday, July 5, 2012

Media Impact of NFL’s Inability to Fill Seats

I found it hard to believe that the mighty NFL is having attendance problems and has been having them for the past five years.

Sports experts think that turning stadiums and arenas into WiFi hotspots with souped up special coverage is the answer.

I say no.

In fact, the NFL is experiencing slumping attendance for the same reasons radio is losing time spent listening.

So here are some actionable thoughts to fix both.

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1.  What is missing at live events such as NFL games and music concerts that is also missing from radio in the digital age.  Know this and you’re back in command.

2.  What radio stations should do to their hot clocks that will cooperate with the desire for listeners to be in control.  It’s easy – if you know what to do.

3.  Take an axe to your radio formats and rebuild them to cooperate with listeners who are becoming bystanders.

4.  Why the Internet itself is not that important to radio.  But there is something more important and, like the NFL, most stations are ignoring it.

5.  Ironically, there are 3 things the NFL needs to do to get fans through the turnstiles again and radio stations need to do the same 3 things.

Don’t punt, stop the teasers and get the full benefits.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Pittman Pleasures Himself as 2nd Half Layoffs Loom

You have to hand it to Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman.

He just doesn’t give a damn what people think.

And doesn’t care that the company he runs is $16 billion in debt.

Sources inside Clear Channel say that the big second half layoffs I’m about to reveal are coming while Bob Pittman entertains the media elite at an international advertising festival in Cannes, France.

After all, yachts, private jets, very expensive tequila (he owns the company) and Elton John are so very important to his radio business, don’t you think?

Let the “pitchman” do his thing, but don’t be caught not seeing what is ahead:

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1.  Layoffs – I’m talking massive layoffs.  Two phases.  One slow, one rapid.  Here’s my best timetable.

2.  Another reorganization is coming – this one sets up the big firing.

3.  Pay raise possibilities for the survivors.

4.  When the downsizing of offices and studios is set to get underway.

5.  The Clear Channel radio station of the future!  Want to see what it will be like? 

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Clear Channel Eliminating Offices/Studios

Get this – once consolidators fire their employees, guess what is next?

Office space and studios.

And never fear, Clear Channel is on it.

I’ve got information for you about a company survey they are doing that will allow them to cutback on physical plants including offices and studios.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing this is a great day to get beyond the teasers and read the entire story.  Let me tell you what you will get.

1.  I’ll share parts of the June 26th email that went out to local stations looking for information that will help the company rethink how they use their studios and office space across the country.

2.  Bet you’d like to see the kind of questions they asked!  I’ve got 9 of them, which should give you a pretty clear picture of what they are up to.

3.  Up until now the only way to cutback and save money was to sell the Clear Channel yacht (they have one) and cancel the lease on Bob Pittman’s private plane.  Silly me.  They’re not going to do that.  But wait until you see what is on the chopping block.

4.  Why this drastic move is only the beginning of phase II. 

5.  How far will they go?  After you read this, the closet thing to a radio station will be your memories of that reunion you went to.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this.

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Friday, June 29, 2012

The Radio Axe Is Ready To Fall Again

Hold on tight.

Over the next six months radio consolidators will make drastic personnel cutbacks due to strategies that they’ve been working on behind the scenes that are now ready to roll out.

In fact, one big group couldn’t wait – they started firing big name people yesterday.

If you want to know what the rest of the year is going to look like for radio (and we’ve called just about every move in advance), get off the teasers and subscribe to unlock the story where you’ll learn …

1.  Which group has already started up again to eliminate significant salaries that will no longer be necessary when their computerized software update is up and running?

2.  How Clear Channel is actually making station execs sign their own death warrants in a sense – this is a fascinating study in deceit.

3.  Imagine getting a SurveyMonkey questionnaire in your email and then by the end of that day you must return it and in effect sign off on more moves to cutback and eliminate local radio.  I’ll out the group that’s doing it with all the little details.

4.  If you’re doing this job at Cumulus or Clear Channel, go online right now and check out how to sign up for unemployment benefits.  Sadly, you’re going to need it.  This is massive.

5.  Believe it or not, some stations will be decimated, full staffs fired and syndication installed.  Here are the kinds of facilities most likely to be targeted.

6.  Watch out for the Clear Channel overnight “experiment” where they pipe in Steve Harvey, Elvis Duran and repurposed programming to save money.  But wait, they are already saving money during the overnight hours.  What’s their real plan?  Now you’ll know.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this.

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Bye, Bye Classic Hits

If CBS dropped all-news from one of its stations, that would be the end of all-news as a format.

As of today, classic hits is out in Boston as WODS becomes an AMP hit music station positioned to go after Clear Channel’s Kiss WXKS.

These two formats are synonymous with CBS so this is a big deal.

More change is coming and it’s going to reshuffle markets everywhere.

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1.  The other CBS classic hits station now on “death watch”. 

2.  The big consolidators are changing their strategy and looking to lock in a handful of bread and butter formats.  Here’s what they’re thinking.

3.  How the CBS deal with Cumulus to do a 24/7 sports network plays into this strategy. 

4.  What about WCBS-FM in New York – is it safe from the demise of “classic hits”?  I’ll give you a direct answer and you can take it to the bank.  No waffling.

5.  By winnowing down to a handful of popular formats, look how radio groups are handing their audiences over to new media.  I’ll give you a great example you can learn from.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this. 

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Creating Great Content For Apple’s New Podcasting App

Yesterday, Apple launched a new app that will surely be popular with consumers because you not only subscribe to audio and video podcasts as before, but can easily manage them in one place as well.

And they go everywhere – on the cloud or download for listening later.

This is a talk radio killer and you don’t want to miss the first opportunity to create content with this Podcast app in mind.

Here are some things you can do if you’re a radio station, former on-air talent or entrepreneur to optimize and even monetize the new Apple podcast app.

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1.  Length of show – what is the optimum length for a successful audio or video podcast.

2.  This advice alone is worth the subscription price for today’s story – how to present the podcasts to the millions of people who will be searching this new Apple podcasting app.

3.  Do you run commercials in the podcasts to make money or do something different?  Try something different – it works better.  I’ll explain.

4.  If you insist on running commercials to monetize your blog, here is the best blog I know for doing it.

5.  The one thing not to do if you’re a local broadcaster who wants to get in on this app the right way.  None of the big boys will do this, but you can get ahead of them.

It’s time to get off the “teasers” and unlock the stories. 

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Coming Advertiser Revolt Against Radio

I can think of many ways that advertising is going to change for radio stations.  You may be able to add more.

The writing is on the wall as you will see, and I have also included some new opportunities to jump on immediately.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The new trend in media buying that will redefine how stations must sell spots.

2.  Advertisers don’t want what radio stations are selling them – here’s what they want instead.

3.  The best way to walk a media buyer away from taking your on-air spend and give it to digital.

4.  Speaking of digital, the best way a station can sell both digital and on-air together.  The new rules and expectations you’ll have to deal with from now on.

5.  Commercial breaks must be reinvented – buyers are forcing it.  Here’s the best approach.

6.   An entirely new and potentially huge stream of revenue for a radio operator and it’s not digital.  Plus … two more.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this.

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Apple Raises Employee Pay and Gets Richer

Apple’s CEO makes more money than any other top executive and now he’s giving out raises as high as 25% to 30,000 retail store employees.

Don’t try that in radio.

Unless you want to win.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What are the best ways to motivate an employee?

2.  Why bad things happen to good people at Clear Channel and Cumulus.  It’s not just the greedy investment banks; it’s something else, which is really unnecessary.

3.  Make sure your next employer does these things well or don’t take the job.  Seriously.

4.  Even Bain and Pittman and Cumulus and Dickey will come on hard times.  Here’s when I think it all falls apart for these guys.

5.  What’s even better than a raise?  I know, money talks but nobody walks when they get this one thing.

It’s time to get off the “teasers” and unlock the stories. 

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Monday, June 25, 2012

After CBS Sells, 4 MORE Blockbusters

Forget the petty little b.s. games Bob Pittman, Lew Dickey and the major radio consolidators are playing.

The big boys have different plans.

If you’re worried that CBS Radio may go away, here’s what else you may want to worry about as well.

I’ve tracked 5 “humongous big” and potentially disastrous events that are awaiting the radio industry as soon as the next few years – maybe sooner.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Let’s start with CBS.  Do you believe me now that CBS Radio could be in play?  That’s not the worst of it – as you’re about to see.

2.  Quick – name the one big radio company that’s just sitting there minding its own business waiting to be taken over.  No, not Clear Channel or Cumulus. Something major is up with them and I’ll tell you why.

3.  Some big corporations have been sniffing around the radio industry lately.  I’ve mentioned a few in this space, but take a look at who is interested now – this will totally redefine radio – again.

4.  The move to eliminate local radio is under way, but did you know the new plans one group has for non-major market stations?  But if you pay attention to how they are redefining their assets right now, you can see radio’s future now.

5.  The big kahuna on the sideline.  Try as you might, you probably can’t name this big, rich and powerful non-radio man who is getting close to impacting radio in the most significant way.  I haven’t let you down yet in seeing the future.  This one will say it all.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this.

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Friday, June 22, 2012

The CBS/Cumulus Deal

I know – you laughed when I published an article only last Tuesday saying that Cumulus wants to buy CBS.

And on April 13th when I did an intelligence report that said Cumulus was talking to CBS about doing a 24/7 sports network together. 

The sports network was announced yesterday.

And now I am going to show you how, God forbid, Cumulus could be the buyer for CBS Radio.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Study the deal Les Moonves just announced with Lew Dickey and you’ll see at least one more option for how they could do business again.  If you’re working at either Cumulus or CBS, this will open your eyes as to what’s up next and when the time is right.

2.  What does CBS get out of this Cumulus deal in the meantime in which they create the content and Cumulus syndicates CBS Sports Radio.

3.  I’ll bet you’re reading all the fluff in the happy talk trades today with flowery quotes from Moonves and Dickey, but do you want to know what’s really up and why is it happening at this point in time?  Ignore this deal at your own peril.

4.  If you’re scoffing at how Cumulus could even entertain buying CBS when virtually no bank loans are available in the current financial climate, look at this ingenious way CBS and Cumulus could become one. 

5.  By my count CBS and NBC/Comcast have n their hats in to the next expansion of consolidation.  Catch an early glimpse of what it looks like here.  Mark my words, the pieces are being moved into place for consolidating without Congress ever passing another law.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get intelligence like this.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Why Format Flips Aren’t Working

There’s a record number of format changes taking place in radio currently and a record number of flops.

What’s up with that?

Yes, they save money because switching formats usually means clearing out expensive employees.

Here’s why format flips fail but with a couple of easy adjustments could be built to succeed.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The biggest missing piece of the puzzle.  If you do this, you improve your chances of getting significant ratings and making money.

2.  Why on and off air promotion is leaving new listeners unimpressed and how to fix it.

3.  It used to be that stations looked for the “hole” in the market.  Today there is no significant “hole” or need so what are you to do now?

4.  What type of format flip works best in terms of ratings and money.  What’s the safest format to choose?

5.  One of the most popular formats to dump – but do it and you’ll be making a big mistake.  Dump something else.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Real Game Changer in Cars

Everyone says Spotify’s new free custom streaming service is going to kill Pandora and Pandora is going to kill radio.

They’re wrong on both accounts.

But something is going to kill radio and I’ll bet you can’t name it.

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1.  Something is coming soon to the digital dashboards we have all been expecting that will seriously impede radio’s dominant position in the center console.  It’s not Pandora or Spotify – I’m not playing with you here.  This is something you’re probably missing but it’s going to be a killer.  Know it now before it’s too late.  

2.  With everyone rushing to do online music streaming services, what options are left for terrestrial radio stations?  I’m going to reveal one that makes you bullet proof.  Is it that worth $9.99? 

3.  Want an early look at the new world order for media in a car?  I’ll list the 5 most dominant competitors for radio.  Radio made the list but some of the top 5 will shock you.

4.  This dangerous new addition coming to cars within the year will either make you or break you depending on how you embrace it – not fight it.

5.  Great news!  If you’re air talent and you’ve been fired from radio in the past few years (and who hasn’t?), this little known addition to almost every car is your way back “on the air” within the year!  Come on!  Unlock the story or keep reading the free happy talk trades as they write more useless propaganda about the Big Boys.

Only in Inside Music Media can you get useful intelligence like this.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Cumulus /Bill Bungeroth Mystery

One of the oddest things in radio is that Bill Bungeroth is working for Lew Dickey.

Odd because back in the days when Cumulus emerged, a lot of funny stuff allegedly went on when Dickey, Richard Weening and Bungeroth were running the company. 

Bungeroth eventually disappeared for a long time.

This thing reads like an Agatha Christie mystery.

It’s a hard story to put together, but there is apparently more meaning to the relationship between these men than most people know.

1.  Rumors of financial impropriety.

2.  The auditing firm that apparently discovered the books were allegedly being cooked in the early days of Cumulus – an allegation but one that will not go away.

3.  The payment Bungeroth allegedly received in the early days when Cumulus bought a new station.  

4.  Who walked the plank, who got kicked to the curb and why no one ever heard from either of them again until Bungeroth emerged as the San Francisco market manager.

5.  How Lew Dickey fixed the problem and eventually took control of what is today the number two radio group in the country.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Innovating When No One Is Listening

One radio group just informed its local stations that they are going to experiment with overnights and create new ideas.

That’s not going to work because the ideas are coming from corporate down to the local stations.

But if you want to be more innovative, I’ve got some good usable ideas for you.

1.  The one thing that will guarantee your success in making programming changes – but you can’t skip this step and most stations do!

2.  To succeed in the digital age you’ve got to throw out the “hot clock” and replace it with what I call the new “digital clock”.  I’ll explain.

3.  Why format changes are failing more than ever in radio.  What to do that will guarantee upward movement in audience ratings.

4.  One word from you to your people will bring more good useable ideas than ever before.  Here’s the word.

5. The way to turn terrestrial radio stations into a big asset in the digital age.

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Bob PACman

No pay raise in 6 years and now Bob Pittman wants you to give money to the re-launched Clear Channel Political Action Committee otherwise known as a PAC.

But wait until you hear what happens if you give – or if you don’t.

Waka waka waka …

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Who Clear Channel will tell if you make a donation – better know this before you do anything.

2.  Your rights – be prepared for overzealous managers who step over the line and make you uncomfortable about giving.

3.  How much money Pittman needs to raise pronto!

4.  The repercussions to donating to the Clear Channel PAC – tax consequences, employee rights and legal rights.

5.  Oh, and I will tell you who Blinky is – one of the four enemies who is trying to get money from you.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

What I’m Hearing About Cumulus Buying CBS Radio

This is a horror story based on speculation that I have been hearing for quite some time. 

So, is it true or false?

I’m going to answer that question directly with a yes or a no.

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1.  True or false, CBS CEO Les Moonves doesn’t like radio.

2.  Why the rumors won’t go away that Cumulus wants to make a big play for CBS Radio and is there anything to them.

3.  How do money people think such a deal could get done. 

4.  How much revenue does CBS Radio contribute to the parent company and what would CBS do next with the proceeds if it sells.  

5.  The answer – will CBS end up selling to Cumulus yes or no – and the likely scenario I see for the future of CBS Radio.

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My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Madonna’s Nipple & Adele’s Voice

I know why Madonna flashed her nipple at a concert recently and Adele kept her shirt on.

One of them can’t keep traction going on her album long enough to coincide with the end of her world tour and the other one defies the record industry by using more traditional record promotion.

Here’s how making a hit record has changed.

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1.  Why the labels are so willing to do “partnerships” for forced airplay.

2.  How airplay is actually hurting record sales – you read that right.  Because one gatekeeper is missing.  I think you’ll agree.

3.  Why unprecedented repetition used to sell records and now shuts down music sales.

4.  The new normal for a “hot” song or album – except for Adele.

5.  The major reason record sales drop so drastically and so quick now when they never used to – and what the fix is.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Apple’s 400 Million Credit Cards

If Apple can get 400 million active credit cards, you can, too.

Here’s how.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How to get your audience to gladly give you their credit cards – that’s right, a station or mobile media site with listeners’ credit cards at the ready.

2.  The first thing you should do that will start the cash flowing that will make your audience hooked from day one. 

3.  How to build an app and make money from it.  Then multiply them to cash in.

4.  Some sample ideas on what types of apps to build and how you can brainstorm for more.  Then go to it.

5.  Additional ways to easily monetize your new app business and make listeners just have to give you their credit cards.

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Tricky Dickey

Lew Dickey and Cumulus are talking out of both sides of their mouth.

What you see is not what you get as witnessed by these recent events at Cumulus.

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1.  Mark and Brian – What’s really going on at KLOS?  Is John Dickey seriously negotiating with Brian to stay?

2.  KGO is an abortion!  From first to 24th mostly on the Cumulus watch.  If you want to know why it doesn’t bother Lew Dickey to blow up iconic stations, read on.

3.  Lawsuits against the company – they’re actually not winning.  Encouragement for the brave.  They are not to be feared.

4.  Faux recruitment – Look how Cumulus is actually turning firing people into an on-air promotion.  No kidding.

5.  Diminishing employee benefits.  You know Captain Lew earns $20 million a year, right?  Take a look at how he’s forcing the other side to live.

6.  Commission rates – if I told you that in some cases Cumulus sellers could make more money selling vacuum cleaners, would you believe me?  Better believe it.

7.  Mike Wannabee – How Lew and John are fantasizing about Mike Huckabee as Rush Limbaugh’s replacement even though he’s not and they don’t really care.  How Dickey uses Huckabee as a hostage.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Start This New Media Business

Here’s a business you need to pay attention to.

It’s a business that was made for radio people especially when consolidators decide they are no longer needed in radio.

Perfect for taking your radio or media skills and finding that new career that is increasingly becoming so urgent.

A major star has launched a venture in conjunction with ABC – I’ll show you a sample.

And give you 5 critical things you’ll need to do to make it work. 

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What kind of content.

2.  Who is best suited to succeed at this.

3.  Formatics.

4.  How to monetize it.

5.  How to amass a large following and what to do with the following once you’ve got them.

The answers begin here.

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My next conference is now set for January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.

Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, June 15, 2012

The Salvation of Terrestrial Radio

Something happened a few days ago that is potentially terminal for digital and believe it or not helpful to radio.

But the buffoons running consolidated radio aren’t going to go there.

You need to go there right now.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Believe it or not, if you switch your radio strategy to this radical plan, you will create a new franchise that can actually compete favorably with digital.

2.  Scrap your format unless it is still a moneymaker and do this – a new use for radio that no one has ever tried.  Eventually, even number one stations are going to have to make the switch.

3.  Great for talk, news and information franchises, but I’m even going to show you how to make it work for music.  That’s right – an attractive new music franchise that’s like nothing you’ve ever heard on good old terrestrial radio.

4.  The nuts and bolts of this new approach – if you can do it this way, you can win now.

5.  How to retool and get the benefits now. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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My next media conference (and, yes, I will be discussing the salvation of radio) is January 30-31/Scottsdale.

My book on overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship and innovation – preview it here.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Cumulus Clamps Down On Freelancing

More chicken-shit tactics from Cumulus.

No more moonlighting without permission – and it’s retroactive.

Who it applies to, the new form that must be filled out, when it has to be in, how long it will take to get an answer and more importantly, what’s the real reason Cumulus is cracking down now with such force so fast.  And, it applies to volunteer work!  Really!

I’ll share the memo and the answers.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Commercial Skipping

Dish Network is creating a lot of controversy over its new feature – “The Hopper” that allows consumers to skip TV commercials.  Ironically, commercial broadcaster Clear Channel is partnering with Dish to eradicate TV commercials.  What about radio?  And why is digital advertising even worse?  

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Bain Created 1,800 New Clear Channel Jobs

The numbers are in – and they are from Clear Channel’s own financials.

They make a fool out of me because Bain actually created 1,800 new jobs since taking over from the Mays family and now I have egg on my face.

I’ve got to start drinking their Kool-Aid from now on like the other happy talk trade publications and stop with being so suspicious all the time.

I must go to confession and seek penance for my sins.

I deserve what I am going to get – say two “Our Fathers”, repeat 10 times “Bob Pittman invented MTV” and make a good act of contrition.

Oh – wait!

I forgot to tell you what jobs Bain actually created at Clear Channel.

I know what you’re thinking – part-time jobs.

Nope.

It’s so much worse that you’ll never guess.

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1.  Finally – their own number on how many “domestic” jobs they’ve eliminated since Lee and Bain took over.  And by domestic, I’m talking housekeepers here (or am I?).

2.  The number of operations jobs that have been lost forever in just the last three years alone.  Important because Clear Channel is getting ready to fire more operations and programming people than ever before.  This will give you an idea of the carnage you can expect.

3.  Clear Channel’s likely excuse for the cutbacks.

4.  The one positive is that Bain indeed created 420 new “domestic” jobs in the last two years alone.  A trend?  A sign of hope?

5.  What you can expect in January when the new firing figures come out.

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Hogan Shuffle #1,378

You’ve gotta hand it to John Hogan.

He punts on 2nd down.

Yesterday’s Clear Channel management shuffle in which Hogan screwed one of his favorite henchwoman came much earlier than usual because Clear Channel has urgent plans and nothing is going to stop them.

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1.  Clear Channel has now dreamed up a new form of consolidation – that’s what the Hogan Shuffle was all about yesterday.  This is what you’re going to have to look out for now.

2.  When is the detonation date?  I’ve been getting a feeling that something really big is going to happen and I’ve been fortunate to predict these dates.  Here’s the month the axe drops.

3. What the new model Clear Channel will have – or should I say not have – that the old model had.  Lots of jobs will be lost over this – the pieces are now in place to make it happen.

4.  How big are Clear Channel’s plans?  Your jaw will drop when you see how they plan to operate major market stations.  Go ahead guess!  No, even worse.

5.  Something is up for mid-July.  And it isn’t comforting to people working at Clear Channel.  What you may be doing on your summer vacation.

The answers begin here.

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Armageddon Coming To Major Markets

The major radio consolidators are now getting ready to decimate the ranks of radio employees in their major markets.

No longer can large market station people console themselves that the software programs, job rollups and staff reductions that are virtually wiping out local radio on Main Street is just for small cities.

Lew Dickey’s revenge is coming now big time – as soon as this week.

At Clear Channel, only the presidential election that has focused Mitt Romney’s detractors on Bain Capital, their part-owners, is forcing CEO Bob Pittman to go under the radar until after November. 

But Clear Channel is still firing and ready to blow.

This is major and it’s going to be ugly.

Here’s what’s developing now and what’s likely to play out over the months ahead:

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1.  The Dickeys just detonated a major PD/Ops consolidation in one big market and is turning its eye toward another on Tuesday. 

2.  Which major market position is most expendable?

3.  How will entire clusters be structured and run regardless of market size by the end of next year – earlier in some Clear Channel and Cumulus cities.

4.  How the unthinkable is about to happen regarding major market air talent – the ones that survive, that is.

5.  What is the future of the live and local morning show in light of massive contraction that is beginning to penetrate the larger markets.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, June 8, 2012

The Problem With Music

The 5 critical mistakes the record industry is making and how to fix them.

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Friday, June 8, 2012

The Affordable Record Label Act

You’ve heard of Obamacare?

Say hello to Pittman Don’tCare. 

I want to be on the record very early as saying – while everyone is hailing Bob “Pitchman” Pittman as the genius who reshaped music radio – be careful what you wish for because you’re about to get more than you bargained for.

Did you know that Bob Pittman invented MTV?

If not, what planet are you living on?  He doesn’t miss an opportunity to take all the credit for the music channel that succeeded when it was not a music channel and he was long gone.

But it gives you a Freudian idea about what Pittman is up to.

He’s gotten rich over the years.

Taken on the persona of the snakes in the grass he buddies up to in the world of investment banks and hedge funds.

Now, he really wants to show you he’s important not impotent.

I’ve been saying for years (it’s all in my archive for subscribers to see) that the radio industry should stop playing as many licensed songs as they do and do deals directly with unknown artists.

My thinking was and is – audiences could live without the repetition of the 24 records it plays over and over again and appreciate some of the new blood.

At the same time, radio would be sending a message to the major labels to drop their demand that the industry pay a performance tax (that Pittman has obviously acceded to) and make streaming digital music more cost effective for radio owners.

I did not say to negotiate with the big labels and screw everyone else.

As a result, look at the mess that is going to affect everyone that owns or operates a radio station in the near future.

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1.  Pittman tried to sell this revenue sharing deal to other labels but only Big Machine bit.  So now what do other labels do and how do competing radio companies defend.

2.  What do we know about the terms of the Pittman/Big Machine deal?

3.  What happens now to everyone else not named Clear Channel?  Is the NAB proposal for a radio performance tax going to be revived?

4.  The little known secret about the evil Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) as it pertains to this deal.  They didn’t go away!

5.  Winners and losers.  Labels?  Radio?  Pandora?  New artists?

The answers begin here.

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Friday, June 8, 2012

Radio Severance Pay Next To Go

Say it ain’t so!

Those cheap bastards running radio’s biggest companies aren’t really going to cutback on severance pay.

They can’t – can they?

They won’t – will they?

I’ve talked to industry sources and labor lawyers so get ready to defend yourself against the next potential indignity from consolidation.

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1.  Radio companies are not legally bound to pay severance compensation in every state but here’s some great ammunition for you – the one thing to look for that will force them to pay you no matter what.

2.  What about vacation pay?  Safe?  Don’t even tell me.

3.  The devious ways severance may be used selectively or strategically as big consolidators continue to cut expenses.

4.  Reports of new talent contracts that are said to reduce “earned” severance by mutual agreement.  Beware.  They make you give up benefits and often don’t even give you a raise.  What’s up with that?

5.  Defending against bully tactics of radio companies that are starting to use severance to get what they want or just not pay it at all.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Pittman’s Plan To Reinvent Clear Channel

That direct deal between Clear Channel and Big Machine records is nothing.

Just the tip of the iceberg.

Look what’s next.

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1.  Clear Channel is signaling other record labels that it will soon have them by the balls.  Here’s how.

2.  All jokes aside, is iHeartRadio really what Clear Channel is morphing into?  Here’s a look at a realistic new model.

3.  How Pittman is working right now to handle the $16 billion in debt that haunts Clear Channel over the next few years.  He can’t do a partnership on debt – or can he?

4.  People close to Clear Channel say they currently have a layoff moratorium in place.  Find out for how long and what happens then.

5.  Future partners?  You’ve heard me tell you who Pittman’s merger partner could be a few years from now.  Now, see who he is getting into bed with in the meanwhile.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

If Newspapers Can Cut to 3 Days a Week, Can Radio?

The Times-Picayune in New Orleans is the latest newspaper to stop publishing daily and go to a three times a week schedule to cut costs and keep the print advertising.

That got me to thinking, what would you call radio if it just turned off its transmitter several days a week or, say, from 7 pm until 5 am? 

Would it work?

I’m asking because if we’re thinking about it, investment banks must also be thinking about it.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just a quick-click away from the pros and cons of something we never thought could take place in radio – occasional broadcasting.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  It’s time to get the piggybank out.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Why would anyone dare to do this?  Take a look at the debt figures I’m going to present based on the most recent financials for radio companies and you’ll see that they can’t keep operating doing business as usual.

2.  Why can’t radio simply get better at digital and use digital as the fuel for continued growth?  They’re making one fatal mistake over and over again.

3.  What do you call a radio station that only broadcasts part-time?

4.  Is it possible to just run cheap programming 24/7 – the newspapers can’t do that!  Well, it’s not making money for radio companies – even companies cutting expenses at a rapid pace.

5.  What’s “The Answer”?  No, not Allen Iverson.  What is the prudent thing for radio to do in the digital age?

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Other Side of the Clear Channel/Big Machine Royalty Deal

I don’t want to miss any opportunity to say that Bob Pittman has done something good. 

It’s hard to do lately.

But in negotiating a royalty deal yesterday with the record label Big Machine, he has done something that on the surface appears to be good.

Trying to come up with better ways for the radio industry and music to prosper together are worth consideration.

My job is to shed light on the law of unintended consequences – that’s why you pay me the big money. 

And most certainly there will be unintended consequences in what Clear Channel has just done.

The radio and record business may be able to live with some of them but others – well, be careful what you wish for applies here.

I’ll lay out the other side of the so-called historic Clear Channel rights deal with Big Machine and you decide.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  Who is getting screwed if Clear Channel is getting all the purported record label accommodations?

2.  Why Bob Pittman announced this “breakthrough” on the eve of Congressional hearings about “The Future of Audio”? 

3.  What is likely to happen if Clear Channel and/or other radio groups decide to do more direct deals with record labels – you’re not going to like it because you are likely to be left out.  If listeners don’t like corporate playlists, this is not going to change anything.

4.  What’s left for Clear Channel’s radio competitors who don’t have a direct deal with labels?  Lew Dickey and Cumulus could always use their size to negotiate one, too, but what about smaller radio operators and mom and pop owners?  Problem?

5.  What’s the worst case scenario – I’m not predicting it, but I’m worried about it after talking to people in the know in the music and broadcasting industries. 

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Social Media Screens

Restaurant chains such as P.F. Chang’s and Applebee’s, among others, are currently testing new ways for customers to eat and have nothing to do with them and the people they walked in with.

Caution:  if you think I’m going to call for the good old days when no one had a mobile device in their hands so that they could use a fork and spoon at the same time and talk face-to-face, you will be disappointed.

The social media revolution is unstoppable and while aspects of it are odious to some, here is where content providers get to test their knowledge of generational media.

Are they going to crank out more distractions for people who want to stay connected day and night or are they going to master the art of compelling and unique content in places that were previously off limits?

That’s why I’m writing this piece about generational intelligence that gives some potent advice about attracting positive attention in a world full of distractions. 

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1.  How not to get lost in the noise of social media – it’s everywhere so now your product, service or message has to change.  Here’s how.

2.  Great ideas to get social media users hooked as screens start proliferating.  I’ve got a wonderful one for radio operators or ex-radio people who want to get in on this.  Read on.

3.  How to get, say, a diner to be hooked on the coupons, contests and social interaction that could be offered by tableside screens.  If it works in restaurants, imagine what you could do with it elsewhere.

4.  How to build loyalty through social media.  If screens are in our future – and they are – you’ll want to get a leg up on loyalty programs to keep eyes glued to you.

5.  How Dale Carnegie inadvertently gave the best advice for succeeding at social media even though he died 57 years ago!  I live by this and I share it with you.

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Pimping Out Clear Channel Airwaves

A new, important programming memo was issued Monday to Clear Channel stations from Central Command.

The charade continues that national “integrated advertising campaigns” (as CEO Bob Pittman calls them) are supposed to be embraced as local even when they are being rammed down the throats of local PDs and ops managers.

I’m not blaming any radio company for wanting to do income producing advertising promotions for clients.  In fact, there’s nothing new to that.

But the three “new” mandated promotions that Clear Channel local stations are being forced to do are so – well, old – that you’re going to say “did that” years ago.

As more and more companies consolidate not only positions but also real live thinking individuals, this one is going to knock you off your feet.

The past is the future from the less is more company and the future involves a scary mixture of Big Brother and Up With People that is coming to a station near you – not just Clear Channel.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just a quick-click away from reading about the new normal at Clear Channel – and you’ll soon see more evidence why program directors and ops managers are a thing of the past.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What Clear Channel is forcing their stations to do every night at around 6 pm.  Read it to see how national programming is being amped up to the destruction of local radio.  I’ll quote the memo.  If you’re a competitor, “you’re welcome”.

2.  Why sales promotion #2 – this “brand new” once-a-day promotion is right out of the – well, the freakin’ 60’s.  No kidding.  And no thinking is required.

3.  From the company that plays the same record every hour on the hour in return for their potential free participation in the next iHeartRadio music fest, you now get this third gem for Dish Network for the next 19 weeks.  Have a seat and remove all sharp objects before opening.

4.  What if a Clear Channel PD or ops manager doesn’t want to go along with this foolishness?  Believe it or not, corporate has a solution for that as well.  It’s only two lines, but even I’m scared!

5.  Why Clear Channel is infiltrating local stations with national integrated advertising campaigns now – why now?

The answers begin here.

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Publishers Learn From Record Labels Mistakes

It’s been ten years since the record labels wiped Napster off the face of the earth.

Unfortunately for them, hundreds of millions of songs still get shared every month and the music industry is no better off than when the digital revolution started.

Still losing money after all these years.

Book publishers went to school on the labels as e-books came into prominence.

They licensed their books to make it easy for consumers to buy them on these new mobile devices whereas the record labels did their first deal to sell downloads five years after MP3s were introduced – and didn’t issue streaming licenses until relatively recently.

It may seem like history to you, but it’s only rock and roll to me because the labels are still headed the wrong way while book publishers are suing for the right to price their own books potentially making prices more attractive for consumers.

Pandora is the largest source of Internet music royalties to the record labels and Sirius XM is suing for the right to negotiate directly with individual artists. 

Now it’s time for the labels to learn their lesson.

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1.  Why the music industry is in more trouble than the labels are letting on.  Sales were up only one year out of the past decade but their math is fuzzy.

2.  The big mistake that the labels are making – again – by charging draconian fees to Pandora, the other streaming services and Sirius XM satellite radio.  Here’s the opportunity they shouldn’t miss this time.

3.  Why the labels will be fatally wounded if Sirius XM wins the right to negotiate individually with artists and how every ex-radio disc jockey will be up and running doing this the next day.

4.  At least the labels are going to win charging radio stations a performance fee, right?

5.  What’s the best way for the labels to turn it around and start making big money from the digital revolution?  I’m going to spell it out right here and see if you agree with me that this would work where everything else they’ve done has failed.

The answers begin here.

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Clear Channel’s New Game of Hangman

The good news is that if you work for Clear Channel, you will likely never again see a massive layoff all in one day.  (Cumulus employees, you’ll soon see why you’re not included in this).

The bad news?

More people will be fired over the next few years than the total number of victims who lost their jobs previously since Lee & Bain took over.

It’s a new game of Hangman in which one player (the manager) tries to guess the next thing corporate wants them to do to outsource local radio and failed attempts are recorded by drawing a gallows and someone hanging on it, line by line.

Then guess who hangs?

If you’re wondering why Clear Channel is so concerned with dictating the end of local radio, I am, too.

As you’re about to see, they even want nationalization of local radio to originate from individual markets and clusters – here are the specifics.

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1.  The systematic process now used to eliminate local shows because Clear Channel wants the local manager to opt in rather than being ordered, as was the case previously.

2.  Why you should beware of your summer vacation.  Here’s a Clear Channel memo that makes it so easy to replace you this year that they may be tempted to give you a permanent vacation.  Read it for yourself and you’ll get the drift.

3.  Why Clear Channel is only a few months away from being able to make live, local talent disappear in thin air in every market not just some like David Copperfield.

4.  How programming interference will continue for what local PDs remain – and I say that because Clear Channel won’t need all their current program directors soon.

5.  What is Clear Channel so afraid of?  They can fire people anytime they like.  How they suddenly so badly want it to appear as if the local stations are asking them for canned, national syndication or voice tracking.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, June 1, 2012

Celebrities Hijacking Social Media

Ryan Seacrest is getting into a new business.

He’s not in enough media deals and apparently has too much free time on his hands.

Seacrest is in talks to help celebrities create photos and videos to share on Twitter. 

And why is Twitter interested in Seacrest and the celebs he can attract? 

More chances to monetize.

You’ll be hearing a lot more about the importance of celebrities to social networking but I’m going to warn you way in advance that you don’t want to do what they’re doing.

Celebrities can make money from almost anything – and often do.  You can’t blame them and I don’t.  But the way they use social media and the way everyone else should use it are two separate things.

This new trend toward celebrity-based social media is dangerous and missing the real power of connecting to others.

I’m going to share with our group a handful of immensely more effective ways to make social media pay off now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just one quick click from great advice on social networking that even big companies and celebrities are not following.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Why the trend toward celebrity in social media is the wrong direction for you.  Turn back now before it’s too late.  Here’s how.

2.  Which comes first – connecting or monetizing?  I’ve got some shocking news for you.  I’m saying social networking may not be a business. 

3.  How a hot British boy band is on the brink of turning their growing mass appeal into a virtual junk mail campaign.  What they did and what they should do instead.

4.  How to kill your social network in one tweet or post.  That’s right – the most toxic thing you can do to ruin your social media.  So please avoid doing this.

5.  If you want to strengthen your social media network almost overnight, this is the best advice I can give you because chances are about 100% that you are making this mistake right now.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, June 1, 2012

Cumulus Pitting National Telemarketers vs. Local Sellers

The cumuloids are now apparently pitting phone bank telemarketers in Atlanta against local Cumulus sales teams being forced to sell SweetJack couponing.

And, they’re pissed.

If you want a glimpse of where radio sales is headed, you can’t ignore this story about how aggressive Cumulus is getting with a new type of sales approach that castrates local sellers even as they are trying to carry out orders.

To make matters worse, I believe the details that I am about to share with you are also in the plans for Clear Channel.

So hold your nose and read on:

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How “double pitching” works.  I mean, doesn’t work.

2.  Two of the markets where sources confirm the practice of selling against local salespeople has emerged.

3.  How double pitching is bollixing up the revenue stream – in the exact words of someone close to the situation.

4.  Which clients are the ones the national Cumulus phone bank is targeting.  I’ll name some categories and tell you an actual client reportedly caught in the middle of Atlanta and local radio by name.

5.  What the blowback is from advertisers – that’s right, advertisers – now they’re pissed, too.  And this is what they’re doing about it.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

7-Eleven or Facebook?

7-Eleven as a social network?

You’ve got to be kidding me.

After what I’ve found out and I am about to share with you, I’d own 7-Eleven stock before Facebook.  (I told you not to buy Facebook!)

More importantly, 7-Eleven is getting it right about social media and there is a lot the music industry and radio could learn from a convenience store.

Oh thank heaven for 7-Eleven!

But first, imagine how shocked I was to hear that 7-Eleven used social media so effectively in Asia where they actually attract customers to hang out in their stores. 

Shocked, because I just can’t imagine hanging around a 7-Eleven in New Jersey except maybe to witness an in-store robbery or get mugged myself.

But I’m jaded.

Still, look at how 7-Eleven is outsmarting us.  And learn.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re one quick click away from strategies to make your use of social media much more effective.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How 7-Eleven is turning outdated convenience stores into hang outs that greatly increase in-store sales and attract a preponderance of under-30’s.

2.  The music industry should be ashamed – 7-Eleven is doing live in-store concerts.  You read that right.  I’ll tell you what it means to us.

3.  The one mistake radio stations need to fix right now – stop doing this – to make social media help grow their audiences instead of clutter the air.

4.  Why a station can’t attract an audience the way a personality can – and how to go about it differently. 

5.  How to rethink radio social networking from asking listeners to choose the next lame song of the 30 on your corporate playlist to doing this which will ignite the masses to your brand.  

The answers begin here.

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Keep January 30-31 open for JD4 – my next media conference.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

How Bain Continues To Rob Clear Channel Blind

There is increasing evidence that Bain Capital in cahoots with Lee Capital Partners continues to pillage what was once a great radio company driving it deep into debt as it collects huge fees and makes unbelievable profits even as employees get sacrificed.

We’ve all known something is fishy but the details I am about to share are staggering.

The situation is getting worse even as I write this which means that you will be shocked and perhaps amazed at how deeply Clear Channel will have to further reduce its work force to keep paying its investment banks.

Bain is not creating jobs. 

It is robbing Clear Channel blind.

And ready to layoff large numbers of people, as you will soon read.

Here’s how bad things are and how Clear Channel employees are going to have to pay the price again – soon.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re one quick click away from getting documented evidence about the sorry future of the largest radio group. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the kind of reporting you get when you join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What Clear Channel will lose this year – a whopping number and nowhere near the $1 billion it used to make.

2.  What owner/investment banks Lee and Bain make in fees every year.  Go ahead and guess.  You’re too low!  I’ve not only got the accurate number but how much they made in fees in the first three months of 2012.  Plus, when this sweet arrangement ends. (This is why you’re being laid off at Clear Channel!)

3.  How Lee and Bain came up with the money to do the original Clear Channel acquisition and how they plan on paying for it.

4.  The number of layoffs at Clear Channel since Lee & Bain took over – I’ve been looking for an accurate number and I’ve got it for you.

5.  Why Clear Channel is on the default list – that’s right, default is expected and only 10% of the money they borrowed is likely to be recovered – if that.  This is incredible!

6.  Why shell-shocked employees don’t want to believe the massive layoffs that are yet to come.  As the Boy Scouts say “be prepared”.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Connect with me on Twitter – I share what I’m hearing all day.

Keep January 30-31, 2013 open for JD4 – my next media conference.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Radio’s Best Way To Use Social Media

I’m asked this question constantly – how should radio and recording artists use social media?

The answers are clear.

Not the way most radio stations and bands use it.

You see, radio is used to adding on digital even as they make their on-air programming less compelling by removing popular personalities, doing vanilla voice tracking and importing syndicated programs from out of the market.

So, before I answer the question – and you’ll like the answer because you can take my advice and try it right now – some context.

What’s on the air should not be on your digital platforms. 

I know many people hate when I say this but think about it – a small percentage of listeners actually listen to a radio stream.  By making that your digital strategy you lose twice.  On-air is separate.  Online and mobile is different.  If you’ll give me that, look at this great strategy I have for you.

This is one of the most useful pieces I have offered.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  One-click gets you the full story.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, we have 7 thousand people who now get these various emails, but I’d love you to join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How to supercharge your Facebook posts and Twitter tweets. 

2.  How the social media world is tiring of posts and tweets as usual and what they really crave and can’t resist.

3.  An example that will knock you off your feet from someone who uses Facebook so effectively, you’ll finish the article and try it yourself.

4.  A major change you can make on how to use Twitter that may even wind up being more effective than what you currently do on Facebook.  One thing.  I did it and I’m never going back.  I share it now with members of our group.

5.  Klout is the Arbitron of social media effectiveness.  How to get your Klout score to go up over 40 points within weeks!  In fact, less effort, more brains. 

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

Converse with me on Twitter.  Connect on Facebook.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Why is Warren Buffett Buying Newspapers?

Radio revenue is down 1% for April.

Revenue for the year will likely be flat or plus 1% -- that’s the best it can do.

Lew Dickey launched an all-news radio station in Atlanta that sounded better on day one than Randy Michaels’ stations did. 

Does that make Lew a better PD than Randy or does it make him a better manager than The Noise You Can’t Ignore?  After all, Michaels dispatched COO Walter Sabo after only six weeks even though Michaels had no credible news background.

All questions I will answer.

But if you think for one minute that I have not noticed Warren Buffett buying up local newspapers, you would be wrong.

I’m going to share with you what’s up with that because it is a warning signal everyone in media should heed.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group. You’re one click away from the full story.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the way media people now get their intelligence reports – thanks for joining our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

  • Has Warren Buffett all of a sudden gone dumb?  Is he getting old and farty?  What does Warren Buffett think he knows that we ought to pay attention to? I’ll lay it out and you decide.
     
  • The one thing Buffett looks for that newspapers have and radio does not – at least in his view.
     
  • Why Buffett would never buy a radio station – and it’s not what you’re thinking.
     
  • And, I will answer the question is Lew Dickey a better program director than Randy Michaels?  Believe it or not, there are some people who would say yes.  I’ll explain.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.  Love to connect with you.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

30 Bold Media Predictions

We have previously predicted both the Clear Channel and Cumulus layoffs with laser like precision; the fall of Farid Suleman when it was unthinkable while he was at the height of power; acquisitions, trends in music and more.

But wouldn’t you like to know when John Hogan will be out at Clear Channel or Lew Dickey will get what he deserves?  Or a six-month advance warning on what position will be targeted next for layoffs at Cumulus, Clear Channel and the lemmings that always follow them.

Then, you’ll want to read this piece.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story – you picked a great day to start.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1. Why we may look back on Mel Karmazin – that’s right, that Mel Karmazin – as every djs savior. 

2. Arbitron’s worst nightmare that could ruin its business model.

3.  When the reign of Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey will end in his family business.  I’ll tell you how many years he has left.  How long does programming henchman Mike McVay have to say “yes sir” to Lew Dickey before he’s on the street?  Here’s my best estimate.

4.  And John Hogan, when does he get thrown under the bus at Clear Channel? 

5.  Who will buy Clear Channel and the likely time frame?  Plus, what happens to Bob Pittman for those of you who are worried.  What Clear Channel will sell before it gets acquired.

6. What big news is coming from Bonneville?

7.  Which major top 5 consolidator will soon be caught between a rock and a hard place?  Not Cumulus.  Not Clear Channel.  Do you know?

8.  The next innovation from Apple that you don’t see coming.

9.  If John Malone takes over SiriusXM, here’s what I think his next earthshattering media move will be.  Did I say earthshattering?

10.  What will annihilate local music radio within 5 years?

11.  The present Clear Channel work force will be reduced by this many people by the end of this year – just seven months from now. 

12.  How many local personalities will be left on-air within two to three years?

13.  The next reduction in work force for Clear Channel and Cumulus – and which position is being targeted for massive extermination starting as early as the end of this year.  They’re coming after this position!

14.  The number of years left before those great mom and pop operators still doing local radio will have to sell to consolidators.  Plus, 16 more bold predictions you will want to know now.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Radio’s Believe It Or Not

You go to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for stories like the Vegas hamburger stand called The Heart Attack Grill with the sign outside that says: “Caution, This establishment is bad for your health … There have been several real heart attacks at The Heart Attack Grill”.

Or a boy’s soccer ball lost in a Japanese tsunami last year that was found in Alaska.

But you come here for a collection of the unbelievable but true things that are happening in the radio industry right now.

Some will make you laugh.  And some will make you cry.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the 5 real life screw-ups that you won’t believe.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell what you will get:

1.  A top ten market on-air promotion that actually asks listeners to tune out!  I’ve pulled it off Facebook for you to see while you scratch your head and say – huh?

2.  You’ve heard of the vanity City of Hope radiothon that 850+ Clear Channel stations were forced to do a month in advance of CEO Bob Pittman getting an award from the charity?  But have you heard of the “Help Fight Letting Bob Pittman Down” campaign on equally as many stations?  You will now.

3.  A company that is putting a radio format where no listeners can hear it?  And, unbelievably, put a news release out to brag about it.

4.  Or, a talent contract even worse than the ones offered by Cumulus & Clear Channel.  In this one, you can’t quit for 5 years but they can fire you every 13 weeks.  And it isn’t coming from Cumulus or Clear Channel – believe it or not!

5.  Why it would help to have an MBA to be an engineer at Clear Channel these days. 

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Connect with me on Twitter & Facebook for stuff that makes you smarter.

Russ Oasis weighs in on my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”:

“I have read a lot of inspirational books from authors such as Scott Peck and Mitch Albom. Del Colliano's book is right up there with them. He takes his experiences and life lessons and presents them in a way that allows the reader to see opportunity everywhere, even from events that seem bad. I keep a copy of this book close by and if feeling askew over something, I stick my finger in ANY page and start reading. This is a must read for anyone who wants to lead a positive and productive life”.   Check it out here.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Clear Channel Plan To Replace You

I’ve got “the memo” dated May 18th about what’s next for Clear Channel stations.

I’m going to quote it, interpret it and reveal how the plan I was supposedly making up over a year ago is ready to be rolled out now.

If you think your market is too large to see this implemented, remember, you were warned.

No market is too large or too small.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get:

1.  How corporate is demanding – not asking – local stations to comply with a 4-point plan designed to operate Clear Channel stations on autopilot.   Hello!  That means they are asking the victims to participate in their own execution.  Wait until you read it.

2.  The scary, creepy “big brother” paragraph dealing with “Show and Talent”.  Now there’s no hiding, read through the lines – it’s out in the open.

3.  How corporate wants local stations to turn over their on-air schedule to them but they want the local stations to actually punch it into the computer and take ownership of it.  Is that what keeps local?  National?  Screwed up?

4.  A better way to manage Premium Choice or as some proud local programmers might be soon calling it – garbage in and garbage out. 

5.  When will all this happen?  All I can say is the deadline for compliance is … well, hurry!

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

If you haven’t already done so, please connect with me on Twitter & Facebook.  

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Best New Businesses For Radio People

There’s no stopping Lew Dickey and Bob Pittman from having their way with the radio industry.

Soon there will be no stopping you from taking your media talents and starting something new, exciting and profitable.

Because you’re in my group, I want to share these 5 new businesses that are made for people like us.  In fact, I’m hot on two of them already – I like them that much and think you will, too.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a click away from unlocking all the inspiration you need to start a great new media business.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, go for it – if you like the teasers, you’ll really like reading the full story because good, honest intelligence is hard to come by these days.   Let me preview my best new businesses for radio people.

1.  Start a Video Station.  You’ve heard of a radio station, well, you’re going to really like this idea.  Costs very little.  Big upside.  Thousands of people are reading this today so you’ll want to get on it – now.  This is my favorite new business opportunity for media people.

2.  Startup money a problem?  You’ll like #2 – you can start this business on virtually nothing – and when you read it, remember the key word is “virtually”.  No matter what your financial situation, this is an entry-level new business that does not require an investment.

3.  Start your own social network.  Mark Zuckerberg just got his Facebook payday.  Why not you?  If you’ve ever attended one of my conferences you know that I believe the future is not Facebook or Twitter but social networks built around you, me, our products and services.  Here’s how.

4.  Start blogging for money.  I know, everyone’s a blogger but hardly any blogger makes money.  I’ve got a way that involves no paid subscriptions and no advertising sales.  You pick the area of interest or your expertise and I’ll show you a great money making alternative for professionals.  Hey, I’m going to do this for my book – I like it that much!

5.  Start your own radio station.  After all, Lew Dickey has his, now you can have yours without all the expense.  And you won’t need towers and transmitters. Oh, I am not talking about streaming, either.  Interested? 

The game plans begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Rusty Walker

An appreciation of a radio icon who faced personal adversity yet plied his trade gracefully even during the era of consolidation.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through to read about why I will continue to hold Rusty in great esteem.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, honest reporting is what we do whether it’s seeing the future, making sense of the radio and music business or writing about great people who are role models to all of us.

Click “read more” below to learn more about our group and read this piece.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Sham Exposed: Doing Radio But Calling It Digital

Radio’s digital revenue is a sham.

It’s not what it is purported to be.

CBS, Cox, Hubbard and Bonneville are among the leaders in digital revenue creation but no one is more gung ho than Townsquare, a company that is demanding 40% of its total revenue from digital.

And apparently no one is playing more foot loose and fancy free with what the meaning of digital is.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock an amazing inside report from sources familiar with the situation.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, go for it – if you like the teasers, you’ll really like reading the full story because good, honest intelligence is hard to come by these days.   Let me tell you what questions will be answered about the same of digital radio revenue:

1.  How radio groups increasingly flip on-air spot revenue to digital at will to make it appear that they are a growing digital company.  See an example of what passes for a digital pitch – complete with on-air radio along for the ride.

2.  See for yourself what is on the Townsquare digital pitch sheet.  Then you tell me where the digital money is coming from.

3.  What’s the big deal in trying to steal on-air money to pump up digital when radio is barely able to break even on broadcast ad revenue?  There’s a reason alright – but it’s not what you think.

4.  How digital is reportedly not a function of profitability making it easier to post big numbers that are meaningless.  A source familiar with how this works breaks it down for us with specifics.

5.  What my real definition of digital is.  Do this – at least know what this is – and stop the games if you want to strike it rich in digital and run a successful radio station, too.  Worth accessing this piece for this alone!

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Monday, May 21, 2012

Lew Dickey’s Happiness Pep Talk

I’ve got the Lew Dickey pep talk for you – the one that transformed a recent managers meeting into a love fest.

How did Lew do it?

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and find out.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing – what a great story to start with.

Click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 21, 2012

New Ugly Clear Channel Sales RIFs Underway

This is scary – really scary.

We know consolidators are hell bent to inflict “no one is home radio” in their local markets.  Clear Channel and Cumulus have turned it into a new art form.

Now, what I have been predicting is coming true.

The downsizing of local sales forces in ways that are so creepy that companies like Clear Channel can’t possibly care about having a local sales force a year or two from now.

Here’s the bad and the ugly – according to employees on the ground, there is no “good”.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the tactics that are beginning to pop up all over the Clear Channel group.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing – this is a great day to stop reading just part of the story and get fully informed.  Our industry has changed a lot and the way we now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Serial firings.  You read that right.  Timed, spaced out and delivered from beginning to end as if Clear Channel has a mission – a new mission.  It looks like it’s coming to a market near you.

2.  How Clear Channel is replacing the fired salespeople.  Hint:  they’re not running ads or actively recruiting.  Of course, they’re giving their accounts to corporate to save on commissions, but you will never believe who they are relying on to do the sales pitch of the future.  In fact, I’ll tell you how.

3.  Why some clusters are corralling their salespeople out of offices and into cubicles like cattle while the offices sit empty.  What’s that move all about?  Just happened again and I’ll tell you where.

4.  Why this sign says it all – you need no more than to read what’s on a motivational sales sign now plastered every few feet in the sales area.  Try selling radio every day with signs like this around you.

5.  Brutal firings – I’ll share the names of some respected sales veterans who were reportedly just fired and left with nothing.  That’s right – a pat on the ass, maybe. And they had to sign their life away to get this token.

The answers begin here – go for it.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (now over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Friday, May 18, 2012

Donna Summer

An appreciation of Donna Summer that goes beyond disco.

Why she was bigger than the genre that helped to take down Top 40 radio.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the story of how Donna Summer’s fame was tied so closely to the demise of a radio format.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is a piece you’ll want to weigh in on so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How disco killed the biggest Top 40 radio station in the country back in the Donna Summer days.

2.  What had even more effect on killing off Top 40 radio in the day than Donna Summer and disco?

3.  Why Donna Summer belongs in the group of musical icons who transcended one musical genre and went on to distinguish herself in another.

4.  How radio responded to her death yesterday compared to the recent loss of Whitney Houston.  Some interesting changes.  Wait until you hear what print publications did – and I’m not talking about online, either.  You won’t believe what they did to jump on the story.

5. What made a New York City radio station in the 70’s take to programming one disco record at the start of each quarter hour all day and night?

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, May 18, 2012

A Cumulus Station Actually Trying to Lose Listeners

Did you ever hear of a radio station that was actually trying to lose listeners?

I’m going to tell you about a major market Cumulus station that is running promos to get listeners to stop listening to one radio program and tune in to another station that are both owned by them.

And in the same daypart – even!

And, I promise you, you will not believe what the two shows are.

Guess what Uncle Lew is up to now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just a quick click away from unlocking one of the most devious tactics that threaten to drive listeners away from one of their own stations. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What is going on in this major market where Cumulus owns two stations and is actually running on-air promos to get listeners to tune out.  Incredible, you say? Here’s how they are doing it. 

2.  Why would anyone ever want to demoralize a staff to siphon listeners from one station to the other almost as if the one – a big and proud Citadel station – didn’t matter.  I’ll tell you the station and Dickey’s apparent reason.   

3.  What the perceived value is for trashing your own programming on one station while building it up on another.  Cumulus is dead serious about it.

4.  What their competitor ought to do once the ratings come out to embarrass Cumulus with advertisers – if it is possible to embarrass Cumulus.

5.  Don’t dismiss this as Lew being Lew where the owner actually tries to drive their audience away from one station to the other because it may come to a market near you and I’ve got a strategy to hang them with it.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

Converse with me on Twitter.  Connect on Facebook.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Beyond Facebook

What’s not to like about Facebook.

A $100 billion social networking empire that in eight years has changed the way people connect.

Nothing – if Facebook is used as the tool that it is – to gather people up for your new social network of the future.

The challenge that Facebook faces is that one size doesn’t fit all. 

Here is a look at social networking 2.0 – the one you should jump into now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a quick click away from unlocking six ways social networking will radically move away from the Facebook model. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What will the replacement to Facebook look like – and will Facebook, Twitter and the other existing social networks have any part in it?

2.  How the mission of social networking is about to change and you don’t want to be on the wrong side of it – especially in the media business.

3.  Why users will not voluntarily use social networking sites in the future?  There will have to be something more – much more.  I’ll tell you what it is.

4.  Why social networks will go from anyone-can-join to a much more exclusive club and there are ways to make money from it.  In other words, you, your brand or group can be Facebook and keep all the money. 

5.  Why you’ll have to throw all the current advertising models away if you take my advice and build your own social network.  But what to do?  Here’s a great idea.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

Converse with me on Twitter.  Connect on Facebook.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Not Counting on Crows

Counting Crows is giving away a promotional package of music that seems so authentic but is really nothing more than hype for their coming tour.

Artists are getting desperate.

Some, like String Cheese Incident appear to be attacking Ticketmaster in the name of their concert-going fans, but others are not so sure.

I’ve got some good advice for anyone who wants a future in the evolving music industry.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is the best way to gather intelligence in a new era so welcome to our group.  Here’s a sample of what you’ll get:

  1. The best advice I could give to an artist, label or venue is to be authentic.  Be real.  Be honest.  Fans know Apple makes a nice profit on their products and you rarely hear them complain out loud.  Be what you are – an artist in business.  A label discovering artists for profit.
     
  2. The album is irrelevant (except for Adele).  Feed the monster.  Fans like music fed to them because they consume it and want more.  Even Adele’s album is a bunch of singles. 
     
  3. No need to make albums.  They are not the art form they were once considered.  They are generally not a body of work put together for a reason.  In the digital world, they don’t need to be.
     
  4. Making money by selling records is no longer a viable business.  I advise young artists to sing if they want to, but do something else along with it.  Act, write, perform but don’t think waiting to score a hit album, then tour and then get rich is in your future.  It was always a long shot.  Now it’s no shot.

To read the rest of my recommendations for anyone who wants success in the music industry, click “read more” below.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Clear Channel’s Boston Acquisition Reveals the Future

What kind of a sick business is radio where a company with $18 billion in unpayable debt buys a major market radio station and on the day it is announced, fires 17 people and leaves just four to run it?

It’s a wake-up call!

Clear Channel is rehearsing what is coming to 850 plus stations near you.

And it isn’t pretty despite the fact that Clear Channel thinks its hands are clean because it will eventually change to a spoken word format.

While the happy talk radio trade press will try to put lipstick on this pig, let me tell you what Clear Channel is really up to.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through, unlock the content and see the first sneak peek at what Clear Channel is planning.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, would like to access this story, and want straight talk instead of trade press happy talk, welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Is Clear Channel planning to strategically purchase more radio stations and then dismiss 81% of the staff the day the deal is announced?

2.  What about Clear Channel’s reported desire to unload smaller market clusters – has that strategy now changed?

3.  Why Wednesday’s Boston acquisition is the poster child for what Clear Channel has in mind for its 850 other stations.

4.  If you work at Clear Channel, are you safe from the kind of one-day decimation of staff that we saw with the acquisition of this Boston FM station? 

5.  What is the timeframe for the battle of Boston to rear its head in other markets?

6.  Clear Channel’s plan to eradicate programmers, talent and ops managers is bad enough, but wait until you see what they’re thinking they can live without next.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – talk to me confidentially here: NewsTip Hotline. 

Converse with me on Twitter.  Connect on Facebook.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Buying Airplay at the Top of the Hour

Forced hourly airplay of certain singles is now increasing.

If it hasn’t happened at your station already, it will likely arrive at one near you within a year – or several years at the most.

But legalized payola is not really the issue here.

These decisions are being made in direct opposition to generational listener trends and the blowback threatens music radio now – not later.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a quick click away from unlocking toxic music policies that are starting to spread.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What Clear Channel doesn’t get about forced airplay at the top of the hour.  I hate to tell them, but I will.

2.  What’s so special about the top of the hour?  To an investment bank-owned radio group it’s very important – here’s why.

3.  Why forced hourly airplay is actually proven to be bad for the artists themselves but it’s too tempting for labels to turn down.  See how.

4.  Why the neutering of program directors at Cumulus and Clear Channel will bite them on the ass – within the next six months.

5.  Is there enough new music that can be rotated effectively to take advantage of exposure from other sources like Pandora, iTunes, iPods and file sharing? 

6.  A better way to program music in an era when new songs spike on the sales charts quickly then drop down – often within only weeks.

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Clear Channel Escalates Its War On Program Directors

Looks like the war on program directors is backfiring on Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman and President John Hogan.

So they took to a conference call last week to help quell the unrest and what happened instead is it blew up in their face.

The virtual meeting speaks volumes about where Clear Channel programming is headed if you know how to interpret bullshit.

We do, so here we go …

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a quick click from unlocking what happened on that programmer’s call that pissed off some PDs and revealed Clear Channel’s hand.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Why did Pittman and Hogan talk about the outdoor division for the first time ever in a program director’s conference call?  What’s up with that?

2.  What was the snake oil they tried to sell programmers about digital?  Even Brother Love wouldn’t buy this and from what I’m told neither did Clear Channel’s PDs.

3.  So iHeartRadio is no longer the tail that wags the dog at local stations, right?  Not so fast, look what they said about this amazing app and get your bullshit decoder out.  In case you forgot yours, I’ll use mine.

4.  How Pittman and Hogan embarrassed themselves in front of their PDs when they said the iHeartRadio music fest sold out quickly.

5.  What really matters to Clear Channel PDs -- what about their jobs, will they be allowed to program again without inference and what about those mandated featured artists they are being forced to play every hour on the hour?

6.  What’s the best way to tell if the axe is hanging high for the next round of layoffs?  This method is foolproof.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,600 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Merlin To Dump All-News in New York, Chicago

Which Merlin Media spoken word station will be the first one to get a one share?

Big changes are coming and there are increasing indications within Merlin Media that the ill-fated all-news challenge to CBS in New York and Chicago is about to come to an end.

This means a new format.

Competitive changes in these markets affecting a lot of stations.

More people out of work.

The situation is fluid but here’s what we know.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a quick click away from unlocking how the radio landscape is about to change in New York, Chicago and Philly and even beyond.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What’s the final decision on a spoken word format that can no longer be news but can actually get some ratings and upset competition in three big major markets?

2.  Why Merlin’s New York all-news WEMP should probably be rebranded “WIMP”.  Why Michaels’ infamous bully tactics called Power Pig have left the pen.

3.  Why Michaels is now reduced to launching radio stations the way Cumulus or Clear Channel would.

4.  Earth to John Gehron!  Is it time for an intervention or is the mad magical Michaels betting everything to get the last laugh.  What’s up with Gehron?

5.  Why the anticipated coming format dumps in New York and Chicago will have employment consequences for good radio people.

6.  What does Michaels mentor, Sam Zell, figure into this – I hear he’s baack!

The answers begin here.

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Friday, May 11, 2012

Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me

Can’t take any more bullshit from radio CEOs after another week of earnings reports and doubletalk.

How about some straight talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is how thousands and thousands of people like you now get their media intelligence – so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Which radio group reportedly spent $13 million dollars on building new studios in one city?  Of course it’s not Clear Channel or Cumulus.  You may know who built the studios but bet you didn’t know what they squandered – I mean, paid.

2.  If you work in some Townsquare markets, what’s your new digital mandate up to the minute?  And, lots of luck with that.

3.  When will the Dial Global 24/7 sports talk network deal be done and who are the big partners? 

4.  What is the next likely big employee cutback at Clear Channel stations for those who survive the layoffs?  No they’re not stopping the layoffs, just finding this way to squeeze some more savings out of employees.

5.  Which radio CEO – not the usual group of double-talking spinmeisters – is starting to sound a lot like John Hogan?  Seriously!  And I’ll break down his syntax and you tell me!

The answers begin here.

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Friday, May 11, 2012

How To Stop Pandora Dead In Its Tracks

Here’s why radio hates Pandora.

Radio listeners are loving it.

Pandora listening hours are up this April 87% compared to last year.

So, here’s a real and timely plan to stop Pandora in its tracks – but time is a-wasting.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the 7 moves you should make now to protect yourself against the rise of Pandora.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, this is how thousands and thousands of people like you now get their media intelligence – so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Specifics on how to take out an insurance policy against further damage from Pandora and the wildly popular subscription services that are eating into radio listening.

2.  What almost every radio station is now doing that is playing right into the hands of Pandora.  Stop this now.

3.  The best ways to position your radio stations against mobile music services – and creating apps and imitating Pandora is not the way.

4.  Why your station should never link to iTunes.  Plus other cautions – assuming you want to keep your listeners.

5.  What one strategic move when it comes to adding and removing music from your playlists can do more to help radio in its battle against Pandora-like services than anything else you can do.  One thing.  Do you know what it is?  You’re about to find out.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Whoa! The Big 3 Radio Groups Underperform Everyone Else

If you have it in for the big investment bank-owned consolidators who have ruined the radio industry and fired tens of thousands of people in the past few years, don’t be that way!

It’s not nice.

Look what they are doing to themselves.

I got an old school analyst to shovel the horseshit that Clear Channel, Cumulus and others are peddling for first quarter earnings lately.

But you can’t put lipstick on a PowerPig, right?

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock what major consolidators don’t want anyone to know about how they perform vs. traditional broadcasters.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Okay – let me have it straight – what’s the real number for radio’s projected revenue growth or lack of it in 2012? 

2.  What is more important to radio’s growth – what Clear Channel and Cumulus do or what Saga, Radio One and the other smaller groups earn?  Not a simple answer, but an honest one.

3.  How much of radio’s total earnings will come from the Big 3 (compared to last year’s Big 4)?  Take a guess:  start at 50% then guess again.

4.  Was Lew Dickey right when he blamed the Rush Limbaugh controversy for 1% of his 3.5% decline in revenue for the first quarter? 

5.  Whose is bigger?  Dan Mason or Lew Dickey and Bob Pittman?  Sorry to leave John Hogan out of this, but you understand.  Why the dynamic duo wants what CBS CEO Les Moonves is having.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Things Displaced Radio People Can Do

One of my readers tweeted me yesterday to write a story on “things displaced radio folks can do to apply their skills for a living NOW, while we're waiting for New Media to come of age..."

Let’s get to work.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You are a quick click away from unlocking 6 of my best ideas on how to get your mojo going again – with instructions and comments.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me describe what my best new career options are while you’re waiting for the digital revolution to kick in:

1.  A local media business you can start from your home on virtually no money and be in on what I think is going to be a hot craze for iPad and mobile content.  I’m even going to link you to a great example you can copy.  I may do this one.  I like it so much.

2.  For the displaced music lover, personality or air talent, a music-based idea that you can do even cheaper than nothing if that’s possible.  You get the idea.  Bonus: how to legally get around music royalties. 

3.  For radio people with sales skills, one of my best ideas that you and a group of buddies can do full or part-time.  You can keep it to yourself and make money or take it to a local radio group.  But heed my advice, you own it, they rent it.  Take a look.

4.  My number one suggestion for how to put the time between radio and the coming digital revolution to best use.  This is the first thing I recommend when asked. 

5.  I found a radio company that wants you.  Really.  One that doesn’t have a toxic workplace and pays good money and great benefits.  For folks who aren’t quite ready to step away from radio.  It’s all here.

6.  If you’re really creative, I’d go with number 6.  You’ll be happy and I’ll show a path to monetization.  I’ll suggest a resource for you with a link.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Radio’s Investment Banks Are Starting to Sweat

What’s going on?

I can name two radio groups that are positioning themselves as digital companies.

But why?

The great selloff is about to begin.

More mergers.

More consolidation.

Less radio.

Fewer commercials.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and be among the first to see the blueprint for what is ahead for radio. 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Why is one radio group doubling down on itty-bitty radio markets now when everyone else wants to get bigger?  Smart or desperate?  Both?

2.  Which radio group needs to do something big soon – investors are breathing down their necks.  Watch them sweat.

3.  Which group is now going around portraying itself as a digital company (out of the Clear Channel book) while it is buying up radio markets so small you need GPS to find them?

4.  Whoa!  Wait until you see the corporate mandate to individual markets by this group to increase the percentage of digital billing this year with only 7 months left to comply. Hubbard is around 10%.  So is Bonneville.  Would you guess this company is forcing their markets to do 15%?  20%?  30%?  Your guesses would be wrong.

5.  What’s the one thing this emerging group needs to do with great urgency that will also affect the rest of the industry when it comes to the multiples it can get when they sell stations?

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Creepy New Radio Rules in the Works

Wait!  Wait!  Don’t Tell Me.

I mean – don’t tell me that more radio companies have come up with these outrageous new rules and policies that for obvious reasons they don’t talk about publicly.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the most amazing and idiotic rules that are now being foisted upon our radio brethren.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot and the way you now get intelligence has also changed so welcome to our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  What major group now operates without any general managers or national program directors?  Of course, I’ll name names.  I’m talking a big market operator here.  Betcha can’t guess.  Nope, you’re wrong.

2. What sizeable radio group has developed new software to track its salespeople all day every day?  Don’t just take my word for it, here it from an actual victim – I mean, employee.  Here’s what they track. How they will do it.  Just hope that it’s not coming to a station you work for.

3.  Which radio company wants to track employee whereabouts by GPS  – lucky ducks!

4.  What company forces its talent to do three free endorsements a year and non-paid appearances?  Your worst nightmare is about to happen.  That’s free like in no pay for extra work.

5.  Sit down for this one and remove all sharp objects – which radio company will soon require talent to do three – count them, three – personal appearances a week in addition to air time without additional pay.  

6. Which radio company will soon consider the voice tracking you do for them on the house?  See the new rules here and remember what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.  And poorer.  You can’t get this stuff anywhere else.  

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more”.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Radio Knows Mitt Romney Is Lying

I can’t stand to hear Mitt Romney say one more time that the American people need to elect him because he knows how to create jobs.

We in radio know best – that’s a lie.

Take Bain Capital’s role in Clear Channel – please.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, here are the questions that will be answered:

1.  Decide for yourself on Romney’s answer to Obamacare or al-Qaeda, but here is his undeniable record in an industry we are very familiar with – radio.  If only the real world knew of what radio has been through.

2.  How the new investment bank Monopoly Game is played in the media sector.

3.  The real purpose of firing tens of thousands of radio people from the Bain Capital point of view.

4.  Why Pinocchio has a smaller nose than Mitt Romney on job creation.

5.  Hard evidence the radio industry could offer voters before they believe Romney’s job creation lies.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Clear Channel’s New One-Sided Employment Contracts Exposed

This is one of the most upsetting stories I have ever had to write.

I’ve got inside information from Clear Channel employees that the company is now implementing tough new, brass knuckled employment changes on compensation, severance, bonuses and restrictions.

Not one – lots of them.

Some are so unbelievably one-sided; I wanted you to have early warning.

And if you’re not a Clear Channel employee and think you’re safe from what I am revealing to you today, remember Lew Dickey and most other consolidators read this site every day and consolidators are copycats. 

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  In one click you will unlock 17 Clear Channel employment changes ready to go into action that you will not read anywhere else.  Nobody is going to risk pissing Clear Channel off this badly.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, our industry has changed a lot (as witnessed by this report) and the way we get intelligence now on what’s really going on has changed, too – this is a great day to join our group.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered.

1.  How Clear Channel is gaming bonuses when they offer new employee contracts – and how Bain Capital, believe it or not, is using a new non-radio formula their very own wonks came up with for what your daypart is worth to them!  Incredible!

2.  Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio is today’s Big Kahuna, right?  Wait until you see how they are going to figure in streaming numbers in relationship to bonus requirements.

3.  How Clear Channel’s new one-way guaranteed contract will work with virtually nothing guaranteed if they don’t want it to be.  I’ll break it down for you.

4.  The new way contract negotiations will be handled at Clear Channel from now on. 

5.  When is severance not really severance?  Clue:  starting soon, you could get 3 months severance but you’ll be expected to give Clear Channel a 6-month non-compete in return.  It’s happening today.  But wait, it’s even worse than that!

6.  What you can expect your base salary to be now that these new hardball tactics are being employed across 800+ stations.  Employees who have been burned give you this warning.

7.  How Clear Channel is targeting big name talent on a market-by-market basis.  I’ll name two people who sources say caved in to keep their jobs on Clear Channel’s not so generous terms.

8.  Talent endorsements count toward the new contract goals, right?  Oh, I didn’t tell you?

9.  How Clear Channel/Lee & Bain will alter your locked in, guaranteed, rock solid bonus goals in the new contracts they will be rolling out.  That’s right, a signed contract that changes like this at their will.  Plus 8 more employment changes ahead.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, May 4, 2012

Did Radio Make Adele “21”?

If there was no digital world and Adele’s “21” was released, would radio have sold 9 million units?

More importantly, what did sell 9 million units of an entire album in the era of easy piracy?

Bottle that, and we’re good to go.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell the questions that will be answered:

1.  Is it Adele or is it digital file sharing that is fueling unprecedented album sales – almost 100,000 more this past week alone?

2.  Radio’s new role in hitmaking.  Here’s what artists must do to sell the digital they need to succeed.

3.  Why the record industry has absolutely no credibility when it claims that music piracy is killing them.

4.  The best advice on how to take your talent and thrive in an era when traditional media is waning and digital has not quite come of age.

5.  Adele’s secret sauce can be bottled and used by aspiring artists that are wary of record label execs who don’t know what they’re doing.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more”. 

Friday, May 4, 2012

Stupid Radio Tricks

You can’t make these stories up.

Real life screw-ups that will either leave you laughing or scratching your head.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re just a click-through away from unlocking the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, I hope we’ve earned your trust because you can’t get this stuff anywhere else.  Let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  Why any radio owner who tries to force an employee into signing a departure agreement in order to get their severance pay is in violation of Federal Law.  I’ll give you the lowdown.  You start dialing your lawyer.

2.  Why the new Clear Channel NexGen software that now makes it possible to insert “placeholders” for breaking local news stories has failed before it started.  Just days ago – big news happened only 3 blocks away from these studios and never made it on the air.  Talk about stupid.

3.  Why even a written agreement with employees to pay air talent for extra services is not worth the paper it is written on.  They think no one is looking.  Oops.

4.  How about the top ten-market owner who is actually programming to get no listeners.  You read that right!  Sound insane?  Here’s a dumb move and I can safely say no able radio programmer would give them a chance to get even 1,000 listeners – total.  In a month.  Did I say, top ten market?

5.  The radio owner who threatened to sue 3 listeners who didn’t like their new morning show.  All they did was this …

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

“The Towers Will Be Coming Down Soon and Everything Will Be Online”

Guess who said that?

The quote is attributed to a Clear Channel executive by a Clear Channel worker.

What’s scary is – I didn’t say it!

But, is it true?

And is it coming soon?

There is a lot going on behind the scenes at Clear Channel that helps drill down to the bottom what changes are emerging.

I’m not talking about five or ten years here. 

I’m talking about now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group, you are about to find out.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered.

1.  True or false – are the towers coming down?  Are they even thinking about it?

2.  How Clear Channel plans to save on newsgathering.  This is a must see TV. I’ve got CEO Bob Pittman caught on video and it’s in a word – ugly.  But this is their boss – so I’d listen.

3.  How Bob Pittman invoked Steve Jobs – you can’t make this stuff up – in describing how he plans to handle digital’s attack on traditional media.  This is scary.  But it tells you how the big boss sees where radio fits in with new media.  Go ahead, be brave.

4.  Watch him suck up to Comcast and you’ll want to take a shower immediately.  Am I right, or what?  Comcast buys Clear Channel.

5.  Now you’ll understand better why Clear Channel is firing under the radar to avoid blow back when you learn what part of their employee diet is up next. Charles Barkley, eat your heart out.

6.  Who is not immune from the Clear Channel axe?  These two groups of employees are in for a rude awakening because they think they are safe.

The answers begin here.

Read this story by clicking “read more” below.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Rape on the Radio

What appears to be Clear Channel’s corrupt ethics is increasingly seeping onto the air.

This Dominic Dieter – the WMMS, Cleveland jock – has his ass in a ringer for recently making this comment on the air:  “You should get one of your friends to screw your daughter straight.”

Gay rights groups and for that matter parents are up in arms.

Dieter apologized and Clear Channel has suspended him but what’s going on at Clear Channel is an example of what happens if your name is not Rush Limbaugh.

Double standards.

Mixed messages.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re going to want to weigh in on this one.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story remember radio has changed and the way we gather intelligence about media has also changed – so go for it.  Let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  Who is responsible for the war on women going on at Clear Channel talk stations?  You can’t blame Bob Pittman alone but you can blame someone.

2.  Test yourself.  Can you answer this question about women today?  Know Dieter’s answer.

3.  What audience changes (warning: I’m going to be graphic when you click through) are taking place that has passed radio by?

4.  Why uncool translates to inappropriate more often than not.  Here’s a great example.

5.  What would have happened to Rush Limbaugh if he had told a father who saw his daughter kissing another girl to get one of your friends “and screw her straight”.

6.  Do young girls actually kiss other girls?  My observations from the campus of USC.  This may resolve the whole issue – right here.

7.  The one broadcast group where this outbreak of trash talk could never have happened.  I think you’ll agree.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for two great and affordable choices. 

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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Cumulus Calls Roto-Rooter

Don’t believe it!

Cumulus and Townsquare didn’t do a massive small market station swap.  There was no swap.

It was investment bank plumbing and wait until you see what is going to happen next.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  The main motivation for the deal – and it wasn’t money, it wasn’t really getting better markets.  It’s devious.

2.  Why Oaktree, the investment bank, is committing radio incest. 

3.  Why this coup by Lew Dickey sets the table for the next Cumulus acquisition.  Don’t worry. I’ll name the two leading candidates to sell to Lew.  One of them will make your jaw drop, I guarantee you.

4.  Why this so-called “swap” which was really not a swap is the beginning of a new corporate strategy for Cumulus and the Dickeys.  Here’s how it is different from the way they have been operating.  

5.  What Cumulus is likely to do with the $116 million check Townsquare is giving them.  You are being warned.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Monday, April 30, 2012

The New Clear Channel Ambush

Coming soon to Clear Channel and Cumulus – stealth firings and more brutal tactics then we’ve seen so far.

And I’ve got the details of what went down in the most recent career assassination from a source who is now in my Witness Protection Program.

It isn’t pretty.

Late last week Clear Channel had their way with a 64-year old morning personality who worked for his station for 23 years.

Prior to firing, they allegedly bullied him, set him up, threatened him if he didn’t sign 3 pieces of paper on the spot, then kicked him to the street.

Before that they fired his producer, reportedly drove a wedge between him and his on-air sidekick and got rid of local news and traffic just as a warm up.

This is the way of the future for Clear Channel and Cumulus and employers who follow their lead.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You are a click away from this unbelievable story about personnel abuse in radio.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing to my work and would like to access this story, you probably realize that radio is changing and the way we get no nonsense intelligence is changing.  Let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How this successful, award winning 23-year morning personality was set up, knocked down and forced to either sign a 3-page document admitting to Clear Channel inferences about his work or be fired.  (Believe me, not for an empty stomach).

2.  What was in the three pages that he didn’t sign and you wouldn’t either?  Even if it meant your job.

3.  The Ambush – a timeline of how Clear Channel hunted their victim until they either got him to sign off on their complaints or fire him.

4.  The Legal Bullying – how they approached him, what they allegedly said and did.

5.  Questionable Legal Maneuvers – Why Clear Channel would have been wise to consult a lawyer and why the fired personality probably will.

6.  What were the unreasonable demands?  I’ve got a sampling of them including the one that this personality called “crazy” – and it is.

7.  What are your legal rights they don’t want you to know regarding severance pay and non-competes.  You’ve already made your subscription back in one day.

The answers begin here.

Friday, April 27, 2012

An Algorithm That Can Write News

This is an amazing story I can’t wait to share with you.

But don’t tell Lew Dickey or he’ll be on the phone dialing for dollars before he launches the new Cumulus all-news format he’s planning for Atlanta and eventually beyond.

Okay then, it’s just between us, right?

I’m going to tell you about a company that has developed an algorithm that can actually replace real, live, breathing, educated news reporters.

Scott Herman, stop!!!  Don’t read this, either.

The prospect of news being written in an instant by an algorithm is both really neat and scary at the same time.  I know you’ll want to be first to get the no-nonsense scoop on this technology.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content and take a glimpse at the future that is here today.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story remember the radio industry has changed and the way you gather intelligence has changed, so go for it.  Join our growing group.  And let me tell you what questions will be answered:

1.  How computer-based algorithm news writing actually works, which company developed it and just how good can an algorithm write a news story.  I’ll tell you this – they can do in a split second – take a look at this and you tell me how good it is. Employers also don’t pay for health care.

2.  Where an algorithm writing news, sports and weather can actually fit into media and how we must all change to be more valuable and more creative than an algorithm.  (I’m starting a free blog on this soon for my readers, more in today’s article).  An algorithm can’t write a “teaser” like this, can it? 

3.  If “All Algorithm News All The Time” can happen, can Siri read the stories?  Seriously?  Click through and find out.

4.  What is more important than a college degree (or even Masters) going forward if algorithms like this one are going to find a place in the media business – and believe me, they are.

5.  Where you can learn more to keep you ahead of the trend that most people don’t even see coming.  Great source material with a link you’ll really appreciate.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for 2 great options. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Tragedy of Emmis Broadcasting

Emmis Broadcasting has been reduced to renting out its big market signals to keep the wolf away from the door. 

Thursday’s rental deal with ESPN in New York and sale of Kiss 98.7’s intellectual property as a result is the last straw.

But it isn’t.

There are things you probably don’t know yet about how bad things are for Emmis and how some other radio broadcasters are also going to be toast in the not too distant future.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group. Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (it’s time to go ahead and do it – two great subscription options) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  How Sam Zell of Randy Michaels fame could bring Emmis down. 

2.  The interest rate of Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan’s latest loan – but take a seat because you’ve probably never seen a number this high or desperation so great.

3.  Where Emmis is getting the money to stay afloat.

4.  What five other radio companies will either have to grow or go – and do it soon.

5.  Which three groups will be among the few that will be left standing when several more radio companies dissipate and go away and the almost unbelievable scenario for ones that survive.

The answers begin here.

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How to gain control by giving up control – go to chapter 3 here

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Bob Pittman’s Private Jet

I’m not in a very good mood right now.

I’m choking over the departure of WBT, Charlotte morning talent Keith Larson who was told by Greater Media – get this -- that they are not picking up his contract, but that they’d like to keep him as a part-timer!

Greater Media now is acting like Cumulus and Clear Channel – what’s up with that?

That’s why every chance I can get a good laugh, I take it. 

So, a few days ago it was Lew Dickey’s Playboy Playmate girlfriend who I learned was a subscriber of mine – leaving me to do a lot of explaining to my wife.

Today, Bob Pittman’s private jet.

One of my “repeater reporters” slacked off from his real job all day to uncover some of the most fascinating if not funny facts about Pittman Airways.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content and scratch your head in amazement at how Pittman has gamed the system again.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, now’s a great time because radio has changed and the way you get intelligence has also changed.  Let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  The tail number on Pittman’s private jet – a vanity plate of sorts?

2.  What the Pitchman has managed to pitch to the FAA – and they bought it!

3.  How ex-employees could have been able to track his whereabouts if not for this one thing.

4.  What Pitchman managed to talk Bain Capital into – a sweeter arrangement you’ll be hard put to find.

5.  Why the trappings of arrogance and financial success almost always lead to the downfall of radio’s 1%.  I called it on Farid Suleman at Citadel.  Now, I’m going on record as to which spoiled brat is next.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Pimping Out Radio For Record Label Partnerships

It’s bad enough that record labels can get Clear Channel to mandate airplay for certain artists every hour on the hour for days on end.

Now this.

News that a major artist’s new song is going to become a top 5 featured hit without ever being released or even spending one day on a music chart.

Everyone is supposed to act like they don’t know anything because what is going on is sickening and, frankly, unbelievable.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re a click through away from unlocking the content and getting the full story.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (you really should – it’s time) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What was in that last minute Clear Channel memo yesterday that once again ordered CHR stations to play a phantom song – no questions asked?  I’ll tell you who sent the memo out, too.

2.  Where was this “top 5” song on the Mediabase Top 150?  I’ve got really good eyes and I’m still looking.  Maybe you can help me find it?

3.  What Clear Channel gets in return for whoring out its CHR stations again?

4.  Ever hear of a song making a Clear Channel top five list and not getting any airplay at all?  You’ll hear about it now.

5.  What’s going on behind the scenes that Clear Channel doesn’t want anyone to know about this?

The answers begin here.

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Did you know that even thinking you have an edge over others, gives you the edge -- here

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Employees Rate the Best & Worst Radio Groups

You better sit down for this.

There are worse radio companies to work for than the Evil Empire and The Dickey Dynasty.

And it’s not just me saying this; it’s a real time poll that I am going to share with you where radio employees get to grade their owners.

And there are lots of surprises.  Honestly I was taken aback by some of the results so I know you’ll want to know.

If you’re expecting to be in the market for a new radio job someday, you’ll also want to see the radio groups that employees absolutely love.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group – you are about to see the results on more than 15 radio groups along with my recommendations and analysis.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (radio has changed and the way radio people get their intelligence has also changed, so please join us) and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What are the 6 very top groups for employee satisfaction?  Two of these employee-based ratings really surprised me.  Let’s see what you think.

2.  Which two radio companies both earned a 50% satisfaction rating from their employees, which means – guess what the other 50% gave them. 

3.  How badly did Clear Channel and Cumulus rate with their employees?  They have about the same rating but was it better than we’re giving them credit for.  I’m secure enough to put it out there.

4.  And, which two radio groups actually scored below Cumulus and Clear Channel in workforce satisfaction?  What a distinction!  One radio group actually got a zero from its employees.  Beware of that one.

5.   How Pandora’s employees rated them – after all, they call themselves a radio company and just for fun, what do Sirius XM workers think of working for Mel?

6.  Quick, which radio company got a perfect 100%?  Say it now before you click through and let me know if you guessed it.

7.  How you can vote your conscience in a no nonsense way – a link. 

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Expect Something Big & Bad From Clear Channel in July

I’ve finally figured out a more exact time for the next big Clear Channel cutbacks.

I know.

They fire people every week.

But I’m talking about the magnitude of the layoffs they did last fall that really reduced the workforce.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You are a quick click away from getting the target date and latest information. Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story go for it and let me tell you the questions that will be answered.

1.  Which month I’ve pinpointed for a layoff the size of, say, the ones last November.  I think you’ll agree when I explain it like this.

2.  What the giveaway was – Bob Pittman’s behavior tipped me off.  I’ll tell you how.

3.  Why another big layoff is possible beyond the one I’m pinpointing here.  I’ve got the same feeling I had the last time I called one.

4.  Why Clear Channel employees who think they are safe for now are looking in the wrong place for future firings.  It could be uglier.  I’ll explain.

5.  Where to send your resume now – not later.

The answers begin here.

Read this story by clicking “read more” below. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Lew Dickey Exposed

Lew Dickey’s boys like to tell their employees that Jerry Del Colliano is making up all the stuff he’s reporting about Cumulus. 

Well, wait until you see what I “made up” today.

Lew Dickey has been subscribing to Inside Music Media under an assumed name.

That’s not a crime, but wait until you hear who it is and why he would do it.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  You’re about to find out just how tricky Lew can be.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing (you know you want to) and would like to access this story, did you pick a great day to start! Let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What name did Lew make up so he could read Inside Music Media every day when he could have done like ever other CEO and used his real name? 

2.  Is this other person Lew is hiding behind actually paying for Lew’s subscription, too?  Now that would be really cheap, wouldn’t it?

3.  No, it’s not Bill Bungeroth.  Okay, I can’t hold it anymore.  Lew is subscribing under the name of – well, let’s just say it’s a woman, a beautiful woman.  And I’ve got pictures.

4.  How an investigation turned up this lie.

5.  What I am offering Lew Dickey to never say another critical thing about him again.  And I’m even willing to pay him!  A must read.

The answers begin here.

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How to double your professional confidence -- here

Monday, April 23, 2012

Cumulus Working on 3 New Ways to Layoff More Employees

John Dickey is going to be real pissed.

He has sworn his inner circle to secrecy because he doesn’t want this to get out.

But I’m going to share with you 3 new initiatives Cumulus is working on that will allow it to make many more personnel cutbacks.

Cumulus is up to something big and it is only one of three planned moves that will shakeup the company and scare employees before the year is up.

Wednesday, Dickey calls his loyal lackeys to Atlanta to start one of them.

If you are a subscriber you will be among the only people to know details on all three.  Thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what questions will be answered.

1.  Exactly what John Dickey is going to start this Wednesday.  Who is coming to Atlanta and what they will be working on.  If they can pull this off, Cumulus will then be able to fire a lot more employees by the end of the year.

2.  What the two new programming projects are that will provide Cumulus with programming Hamburger Helper – and when.  The Dickeys don’t want their employees to quit until they have these things in place.  Then they can fire them.

3.  Who Cumulus corporate has been hiring in the past few months.  No, not more managers.  Not more local air talent.  Not more salespeople with no radio experience from Cintas Uniform Rental.  They are hiring someone else’s leftover talent.  See who here.

4.  Where beta testing begins in three weeks on a second moneysaving initiative that will allow remote control operation of all their local stations.  You’ll want to know when this is coming so you can get another job in advance.

5.  Why the Dickeys are about to have a baby.  Let’s see – a baby takes nine months to be born, right?  I’ll tell you the name they are considering.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Clear Channel’s City of Hopelessness

It really pisses me off that Bob Pittman ordered every one of his Clear Channel clusters to raise approximately $100,000 for a charity he chose (“City of Hope”) and do it by June when Pittman can hand them a big check in LA and they can give him a major award.

It’s kind of like Bain does charity.

So, I’ve put together a way that even Bob Pittman can harness the power of Clear Channel beyond charity while he’s out raising money to refinance $18 billion in debt.

And, it’s a moneymaking idea for the company, too.

After all, charity begins at home.

Read this story by clicking “read more” below.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Cumulus Dirty Tricks

How far will Cumulus go to screw an employee?

To quote Ed McMahon as he used to talk to Johnny Carson’s Carnac the Magnificent who could psychically “divine” unseen answers to unknown questions:

“I hold in my hand the envelopes. As a child of four can plainly see, these envelopes have been hermetically sealed. They've been kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall's porch since noon today. No one knows the contents of these envelopes, but you …”

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group, you are about to find out. Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you the questions that will be answered:

1.  What do you get from Cumulus when one of your employees is called to jury duty and cannot get out of it?  As smart as my readers are, you will never ever guess!

2.  What do you call a sales team that turns down a free company-issued iPod?  Why would all of them look a Cumulus gift horse in the mouth?  Wait until you see (and by the way, isn’t this a good time to stop reading these teasers and get the whole story by joining our group?).

3.  What do you call an Instant Pay Cut?  Yes, Cumulus has found a new way for some of their employees to make less without even docking their wages or hours.  John Hogan, don’t you read this!

4.  What does a Cumulus worker have to do to make a quick, no questions asked $500 bonus on the spot?  No kidding, here’s their deal.

5.  What is worth more to Cumulus than cutting a worker’s hours and making them part-time?  This is it!

6.  What is the dirty little secret about Cumulus and Citadel non-competes that they don’t want you to know?  One of my readers found out and is in a sharing mood.

The answers begin here.

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13 steps to a career comeback -- here.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Dick Clark

Here’s a more appropriate appreciation of Dick Clark that is designed to counteract the negativity of music blogger Bob Lefsetz who trashed him in an obituary yesterday before his body was cold.

God forbid when Lefsetz dies, I want write his obit.

In the meantime, here’s a side of Dick Clark you won’t get elsewhere.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

This is a great time to join our group. 

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Radio Layoff Timeline

Major layoffs are coming to radio within months. 

I’ve had a strong record of predicting cutbacks and firings over the years and now it’s time to warn you about what’s next.

I’m hearing increased chatter that the two largest employers – Clear Channel and Cumulus – are getting set for what will turn out to be a major dilution of its workforce over the next couple of months.

What I’m talking about is massive and, when completed, will help owners attain their goal of nationalizing local radio.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  By late spring/summer, Clear Channel has these plans to eliminate two targeted station positions that will save them a ton of money.

2.  Which markets are safer – major, medium or small?  Or are they all targets?  I’m hearing one market size will be relatively safe – at least until the end of the year.  I’ve got it for you here.

3.  By summer/fall Cumulus will likely be employing this strategy to stretch their exiting on-air personnel further. 

4.  New outside of market programming is being prepared for the two largest operators possibly as early as this summer.  You’ll want to track this one.

5.  The bare bones model for local radio is emerging.  How much is local.  How much is syndicated and how soon will it happen.

The answers begin here. 

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Merlin Media 911

Randy Michaels is ready to launch his new Philly FM format any day that will never be an all-news station.

And he’s got two more big FMs to fix in New York and Chicago that could have been all-news stations, but won’t.

I’ve talked with top programmers who I respect and their 911 ideas are so good, you might want to steal them because Randy’s not going to use them:

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The killer format.  Not news.  Not talk.  Not music.  Curious?

2.  I’m going to get two programmers in trouble because I’m naming them without asking first.  Each could transform a big market FM station into a moneymaker –tomorrow. 

3.  How’s this for an off-the-wall option – a local station that is cheaper to run than conservative talk or an imitation of WINS and WBBM.  Plus, with more upside. 

4.  Okay – what about this one!  Cheap news but big ratings.  Maybe a 3 share with all sorts of digital revenue opportunities.  (As I said, Randy won’t do it, but you should).

5.  There is a format that is rising in ratings all across the country and no one dares to do it.  In fact, it’s killing in a major market right now up against all-news.  It’s right in front of our eyes!

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The New Transmedia Companies

Here’s why Cumulus and Clear Channel never mind cutting radio back to the bones.

Because there is something else emerging that is more important than just radio and they want in on it. 

In fact, they have to be in on it.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The Magic of Bain Capital’s Profits in 8 Easy Steps – here’s the list and a short video you will really enjoy and want to share.

2.  The rush to create transmedia companies is so urgent that it explains some of the things Cumulus and Clear Channel are trying to do that make no sense.

3.  The main reason Clear Channel can no longer afford to be a radio company.

4.  Three examples of mega media companies on the prowl to become transmedia.

5.  The types of companies most likely to be merged – and we name some names.

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Clear Channel Preparing For Its Biggest Announcement

Clear Channel is preparing to do one of two things.

Yesterday, we got a big clue as to which one it is.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Clue #1 – Here’s why Clear Channel pulled the trigger on a well-respected sales executive yesterday and replaced him with an individual who has never sold an ad.  In fact, never been in radio. 

2.  Why Clear Channel’s rep business, national sales and even Premiere syndication should worry.

3.  The big announcement – maybe their biggest ever and the one that will shape Clear Channel’s future.  If you work for them, you’ll want to see this one coming.

4.  The trail leading to the big announcement.  Think loaning Seacrest, a guy with whom they just did a $300 million deal, to Comcast NBC.  Think recent personnel changes.  My sources connect the dots.

5.  The fall back plan.  If CEO Bob Pittman’s big announcement flops, he’s always got this.

The answers begin here.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

SHOCKER: CBS West Palm Employees Told Cluster Was Off the Market

Whoa!

Market sources in West Palm say CBS employees were mislead when they were assured the West Palm cluster was taken off the market.  They were blindsided by news of last week’s sale to a local competitor.

Looks like no one is telling the truth.

CBS may sell more stations.

Clear Channel is apparently forcing its air talent to lie in live commercial testimonials.

And Clear Channel market managers apparently didn’t get the straight scoop when they were ordered to raise money for CEO Bob Pittman’s favorite charity.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How in retrospect some CBS employees should have seen the sale of West Palm coming?  It makes sense now but the workers chose to believe CBS’ assertion that they were not going to sell the cluster.

2.  Insiders tell me that it is actually worse than I reported last week about Clear Channel forcing on-air talent to do live endorsements for Burger King.  Wait until you hear what Clear Channel did next.  And they’re in trouble!

3.  Back to CBS.  I’m hearing that as many as four more CBS markets could also be sold.  Here’s how a financial guy told me how to determine which other CBS markets are most likely to be dealt.

4.   Remember that Bob Pittman City of Hope mandate to force every Clear Channel cluster to raise money before he receives an award from the group in June?  There has been a slight change in plans.  Brace yourself.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

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Friday, April 13, 2012

Secret Talks on 2 New 24/7 Radio Networks

Three major broadcast companies are presently deep in secret discussions to form what will likely be two new 24/7 national sports networks to join Disney’s ESPN Radio.

You’ll be surprised at who is talking to whom – and we have a reliable inside narrative of what’s going on and when it will become public.

1.  The four players – and they are big.

2.  How the same companies are pitching each other – may the best one win.

3.  Which one partnership is so unlikely you’ll probably dismiss it except for the fact that they are negotiating even now.

4.  One big operator is hell bent to be in the 24/7 radio sports business and will go it alone if they are rejected by one of the two high profile partners.

5.  The web of complications making a deal difficult between two of the partners.

6.  What’s the big attraction with 24/7 sports networks or should I say two new 24/7 sports networks when ESPN radio has been unremarkable.  What do they know that we don’t?

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Another iHateRadio Every Hour Record

This just in – and you won’t read about it in the happy talk trade press!

Clear Channel is mandating another recording artist’s “world premiere” record played every hour on the hour.

As odious as this is to a local program director, I think we’ve got Clear Channel beginning to look over their shoulder.

Read on.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Which three Clear Channel formats are being forced to play this artist every hour on the hour.

2.  What Clear Channel says it is getting in return for the favor.

3.  The programming instructions (caution: read only if you have a strong stomach).

4.  What programmers, talent or anyone concerned about this “worst practice” of turning a radio station into a potential payolathon can anonymously do to stop it. I’m going to do it and you can, too.

5.  Why the new payola works like premature ejaculation – yes, I’ll explain.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline. 

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

The Madonna One and Done Fiasco

Madonna has established a lot of records over her years as a performing artist with the help of radio stations nationwide.

Now, she has also established a dubious record of falling from the top spot where she debuted one week earlier on the Billboard chart to set off the biggest decline in the history of Billboard charts from her high to a new record low.

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1.  How was it possible for Madonna’s “MDNA” album to debut at number one and the very next week experience the biggest decline in the history of the Billboard charts?  Here’s how.

2.  What Madonna didn’t know about how the record buying public has changed even in the short time since her last album was released.  You’ll know.

3.  What was really behind Madonna’s deal with the Evil Empire that got her single unprecedented and mandated airplay on Clear Channel hit music stations.

4.  Ever ask yourself why recording artists need a record label?  Madonna is making Prince look like a seer and soothsayer. 

5.  What TV huckster Ron Popeil could teach recording artists about selling product compared to selling out.

6.  What one thing is the music industry consistently not giving consumers?  Know this and you win in the digital age.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Clear Channel Stiffing Talent Endorsements

Clear Channel has been caught forcing alleged phony endorsements for Burger King.

And without pay to the talent at that!

If this ever got out, Burger King would come under social networking scrutiny – a whopper of a flame-broiled controversy.

But you won’t tell, will you?

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1.  The true story of Clear Channel air talent ordered to taste the new Burger King menu and told what to say on-the-air.  No ifs, and buts – or compensation.  Thanks to our Witness Protection Program, you’ll get it straight from the source.

2.  Their instructions – sit down for this part.

3.  Why good sympathetic local Clear Channel managers have a problem with not paying their talent for endorsements and what they are going to do about it.

4.  Big changes ahead as Clear Channel is implementing a new employee contract.  You’ll see it first.

5.  Screwed over Clear Channel employees have to take this stuff, right?  Or else be fired?  Not necessarily.  This is red meat for people wanting to see BK with burger all over their face.  How to pressure Burger King into owning up.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The REAL CBS Palm Beach Deal

The $50 million sale by CBS of five Palm Beach stations to a local competitor is not what it seems to be on the surface.

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1.  Does this start a trend in radio station sales?

2.  Is the effective multiple in future deals closer to the 12 times that CBS CEO Les Moonves just got?

3.  Is CBS done selling?  And, if not, which markets are next.

4.  How does the buyer (led by Dean Goodman) actually pay for the stations when virtually no loans for station acquisitions are available currently?

5.  Does the CBS high multiple sale impact the next purchase by Cumulus, which is expected sometime this year?

The answers begin here.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Randy & Rush – Death Star

Rush Limbaugh being yanked off CBS in Philly for Merlin’s upstart FM faux news station is just the tip of the iceberg.

Wait until you hear what Merlin boss Randy Michaels has finally come up with to save his ratings-starved stations and his neck with investors.

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1.  If you think the Limbaugh announcement was major, there is something afoot that could be available to provide Michaels with other program and even format options in Philly, New York and Chicago.

2.  How Merlin will use Limbaugh as Death Star.

3.  The realistic chances of Rush’s show winding up on Merlin’s New York and/or Chicago all-news stations as well as Philly.  We handicap it.

4.  The thing that is forcing Merlin is say it’s doing news but opting for non-news programming.  In other words, Michaels may have boxed himself into a corner.  You’ll understand.

5.  Why Randy is madder than hell and isn’t going to fake it anymore – the coming high profile relaunch of Merlin news stations.

The answers begin here.

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Monday, April 9, 2012

Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace had one quality that we all need to have more of.

I have it and when you read this I think you will agree.

Don’t let this man pass on without keeping alive this one crucial quality that will surely help you in life.

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Monday, April 9, 2012

The New Music Industry

Mark my words – there is a war coming pitting record labels against artists and everyone against streaming music services.

It’s starting already.

And here’s how it will end.

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1.  Who wins the battle with music pirates?  Interesting evidence is emerging.

2.  What happens if this year’s Adele doesn’t sell 6 million records like she did last year to carry the record industry.

3.  How consumers use music differently than they did decades ago. 

4.  Own or rent – which one do consumers now prefer?

5.  Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody and the plethora of streaming music services – does this eventually stop music piracy?

6.  The new model for the music industry – how artists get their songs played, purchased and how they sell merchandise and concert tickets.  The labels won’t recognize this different model but it’s coming anyway.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

How to Outsmart Evil Consolidators

Mark Davis is going to have to leave WBAP in Dallas after 18 years because his employer, Cumulus, didn’t want to offer a fair contract to keep him.

Clear Channel did programming layoffs as recently as a few weeks ago and both Clear Channel and Cumulus are readying another round of programming firings to happen soon.

Is there any way to defend yourself and your career against radio companies that are brutally eliminating local radio?

You bet.

There is great opportunity ahead for talented radio people and I’ve got some great and useful strategies for you today.  Take a look.

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1.  There is a way to beat the bomb when your employer wants you to take a salary cut.  Here it is.

2.  The only 3 radio companies I would work for (revised for 2012).  Work hard to get in to one of these companies if you love working in radio.  Call them every week!

3.  The 3 companies I would not work for if they were the last radio groups on the planet.  You can guess two of them but the third one you will never guess.  I’ve got some inside stuff on them and I’m going to share it with you.

4.  The 3 radio groups that are risky but may be worth pitching.  Remember I said “risky” so I’ll tell you what the risk is and you’ll be prepared in advance.

5.  Want to get out of radio but still do the things about radio you like to do?  Here is an opportunity to jump on before someone else reads it.

6.  The clincher – next time you write your resume, prepare this one-sheet that will absolutely get your resume to the top of the pile.  It never failed when my USC students used it and now you can, too.

How to beat consolidators at their own game begins here.

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Spotify’s Awful Madonna Concert Gimmick

The fledgling music subscription service Spotify is doing something so uncool that it needs to be exposed so you never make this mistake.

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1.  The one thing never to do when you are making music or playing it.  Never!

2.  The absolute best way to get fans to pay for concert tickets.

3.  What is missing between artists and fans that has yet to be created.  Can you say opportunity?

4.  The unbreakable rule – violated at your peril – about creating buzz, fostering positive social media and selling music and merchandise.

5.  If you can finish this sentence, you get it – “music is a (blank) for our digital devices”.  I’ll explain.

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Next Stage of Media Consolidation

The next big play in the media business is not growing radio groups – although some like Cumulus will expand.

It is huge media mergers – music, television, cable, satellite, Internet and digital – many of which will be in the same companies.

Companies like Netflix, Verizon, AT&T, SiriusXM, Liberty Media, Barry Diller, Comcast and Clear Channel.

And radio will have a new role – not a lead role this time around, but an important and different mission for the emerging media conglomerates that are planning the future of media companies. 

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1.  Intelligence on how soon these new mega mergers will happen – the model is already taking shape in other countries.

2.  Some of the possibilities.  Who will Sirius XM wind up with?  How about Clear Channel.  Or Pandora?  I’ve got some intriguing combinations to track.

3.  The best media merger targets.

4.  Evidence of who is at work right now dreaming up deals. 

5.  Radio will be a desirable part of these mega deals and if you’re thinking what I’m thinking then you are wondering how they will be able to pass Justice Department muster.  Here’s how.

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Apple’s Way To Motivate Employees

Steal these ideas.

Apple has some lessons for the radio and record industries about getting top productivity from employees, winning their 100% loyalty and getting them to help sell even more.

Finally, I got an Apple insider to talk and I thought you might like to have access to what I learned.  I’m going to do these things. 

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1.  The Apple way to conduct staff meetings.  How long to make them.  What to do and not do.  Try one of these and you’ll never go back to the old way.

2.  Training and education – now this is how you help employees help you.

3.  How to get someone to happily work for less than what they can make elsewhere and pledge their loyalty to you.

4.  Scary trends from the Apple retail stores.  What I’m going to tell you scared me when I learned it!  What we in the media business need to prepare ourselves for which is coming soon.  I’m rethinking my plans based on what I’m going to share with you.

5.  Inside stuff you’ll want to know like how Apple gets all of its corporate propaganda into, say, its retail outlets before a product launch.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Clear Channel Ups Mandates on Airplay for Potential Favors

Playing Madonna’s new single a few days before her Super Bowl halftime appearance once per hour turns out not to be a special one-time event on some Clear Channel stations. 

It’s now expanding to other artists and other formats – as recently as yesterday!

Here’s how Clear Channel is getting away with flexing its radio muscle while insisting it is an entertainment company and why they are leaving themselves open to be investigated on potential payola charges.

Where is Eliot Spitzer when we need him the most?

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1.  They’re really sneaky this time – the airplay appears to be out of the goodness of their hearts (I’m kidding).  The potential payoff is bigger than the worst case of convicted payola in the history of radio.

2.  Here’s the dehumanizing way Clear Channel is ordering local program directors to play favored artists so frequently -- you won’t believe it.  And yes, they are doing all of this by easily recoverable email.  One of my tipsters in our Witness Protection Program has seen them.

3.  Some pretty keen speculation of what Clear Channel wants from the artists it is giving heavy rotation to.

4.  An actual Clear Channel employee on how the music mandate works – in their own words.

5.  How Clear Channel is leaving itself open to trouble if and when the feds figure out what is going on.

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Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Clear Channel’s Future Tied to Today Show/Comcast

Tuesday morning during The Today Show, NBC/Comcast and Clear Channel’s very own Ryan Seacrest are going to make what is billed as a big announcement from Studio 1A.

To the world, that is likely to be about the increased presence of Seacrest on The Today Show.

For everyone else – including radio junkies – the announcement will give us a clue about the future of Clear Channel, a debt-ridden company whose future is inextricably and increasingly tied to one air personality.

I am going to show you how Clear Channel, Seacrest and Comcast are increasingly looking like partners in a way that could change the media business in even a bigger way.

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1.  Clear Channel has to be really in on what’s going down with Comcast and Today – here’s what they are after.

2.  I’ll answer the question why Bob Pittman is not just willing but eager to share his biggest star with a TV/cable company.

3.  What’s so big to Clear Channel in this expanded relationship between Seacrest and NBC that they might be willing to make him available to Comcast for a price?  And I’m not talking about money.

4.  The reason the iHeartRadio announcement of a second Vegas music fest with Ryan Seacrest was made on the eve of the NBC Today announcement.

5.  What to watch for as the number one radio company morphs into the number one talent pimp.

The answers begin here.

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Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Clear Channel is Desperate for Money

Radio’s two biggest consolidators – Cumulus and Clear Channel – are in economic trouble.

But one of them – Clear Channel – faces Armageddon type debt that even they admit could eventually take the company under.

But a series of recent events is shining light on just how desperate Clear Channel is for money and the almost unthinkable place they are turning to get the cash to stay afloat.

The strategy is controversial and some say illegal but you should know about it because you’re not going to see it elsewhere.

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1.  Would you believe that Clear Channel sweeps the account of the alleged poor victim company I am going to name daily and deposits large amounts of cash to keep the radio division operating?  Believe it!

2.  That the company Clear Channel is allegedly draining so that they can continue to operate cannot or will not defend itself thus putting their own company in potentially great peril.

3.  The analyst who recently said default is a “real possibility” for Clear Channel.  The analyst’s words, not mine.  I’ll tell you who said it.

4.  The place Clear Channel is looking to borrow up to $1 billion over the next few years.

5.  This is so arguably egregious that lawsuits are being considered to stop Clear Channel from allegedly poaching money to stay afloat.  

The answers begin here.

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Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, March 30, 2012

Details on Yesterday’s Massive Clear Channel Cuts

The entire Metro Traffic division shuttered. 

Many medium size markets hit by massive firings. 

Here is team coverage from my network of courageous news sources on the ground at Clear Channel.

The real story of what is going down. How long before it happens again.

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1.  Are they done now?  How long before it happens again?

2.  Look into Clear Channel’s RIF Game Plan to see why PDs have increasingly become expendable.

3.  Chilling eyewitness account:  A former employee familiar with GSelector beta reports on all the things corporate will soon be able to do without a program director or local talent.  In his own words!

4.  Clear Channel employees still don’t think corporate will fire PDs in major markets.  They need to read this.

5.  The end game – how many live PDs per market.  Three?  One?  None?  I’ve got Clear Channel’s new minimum number for you.

6.  UGLY!  A report of four police squad cars called to a major market Clear Channel facility while the firings were happening systemwide.  I’ll tell you where.

The answers begin here.

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Media Solutions Lab 13 set for January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Throughout life, people who get hit with bad luck turn it into success and wealth.  What they know that we can now go to school on in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Limbaugh Losing Ground

When the general manager of a sports team gives a public vote of confidence to his embattled manager, the manager usually gets fired shortly thereafter.

Yesterday, Clear Channel’s “general manager” Bob Pittman gave his star a rousing public vote of confidence.

Guess what’s happening next.

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1.  Limbaugh haters are about to get something even better handed to them than Rush being fired.  Here’s what it is – and it’s going to happen.

2.  The plan that Limbaugh’s detractors are using that is still working – showing no signs of letting up. 

3.  What made Pittman finally make a public statement in defense of Rush.

4.  Oh, and Cumulus got caught lying about the affiliates it has lined up to be the more conversational and less confrontational Limbaugh replacement.  Tricky!

5.  How long before Limbaugh non-Clear Channel affiliates will be able to last without making any money.  

6.  Prediction:  what Rush Limbaugh is likely to do next now that advertisers are still not coming back and Pittman says his job is secure.  Lookout!

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Consolidators Begging Fired Employees to Return

The most brutal of the radio groups are trying to hire back the talent they let go – even paid off with severance pay – but you won’t believe what their new deal is.

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1.  A major consolidator had to eat crow and offer at least 5 fired air people their jobs back even as they were browbeating employees at one of their clusters. 

2.  Another operator fired over 20 people in one cluster last year alone.  Here’s the package they offered some of their ex-employees to get them to return to work.

3.  Cumulus paid out the last of their “Stay Bonuses” last week – $50,000 to remain at their Citadel station for six months after Cumulus took over.  Now what?

4.  A report on what happened when one key big market sales executive was hired back after being fired from Cumulus.

5.  Even with the ascent of voice tracking and syndication, have we seen the end of wanton firings as consolidators discover that they can’t make it on that alone?  Or not?  Our read on the situation.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  The year ahead in radio, music and digital.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Questionable Radio Deals With Record Labels

Lucky no one is watching the store.

Radio groups are reinventing how they get in bed with record labels for special favors to their stations.

Some groups may be doing it legally and one, which we’ll name, may not.

This is a trend worth watching as the radio industry morphs from a local service into an appendage for investment banker portfolios and eventually larger media companies.

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1.  At least two big radio groups are getting into practices that may blur the line between what winds up on the air and what the stations get from artists and labels in return.  I’ll name the two groups.

2.  The heavy-handed technique one group used to deliver for the record label at the expense of the station.

3.  The more careful and legal approach used by another group that benefitted the group and pleased the label.

4.  The details on how radio groups get around the favors they do for labels.  I’ll explain.

5.  The bareknuckle approach some groups use to bully local PDs into fulfilling these sleazy deals corporate puts together.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  The year ahead in radio, music and digital.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Clear Channel Targeting PDs

There is now evidence from people who work at Clear Channel that a massive purging of program directors is coming.

New technology being implemented currently is going to make it possible for Clear Channel to rid itself of program directors in all but the most critical situations.

There are signs that are apparent to those who work in programming at Clear Channel and I will share their views on when, how and where these changes will take place.

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1.  The giveaway – one thing Clear Channel is doing almost everywhere that signals an end to program directors except in the most competitive situations.

2.  Who will be spared and who will lose their PDs.

3.  The time frame is rather urgent – maybe more urgent than a lot of people in Clear Channel think.  I’ll zero in on it to give the best guess as to when these changes will take place.

4.  The thing that emboldens consolidators like Clear Channel to make such a drastic move to rid themselves of a once indispensable part of every radio station.

5.  There is a ray of hope – but it may be temporary – until all the Clear Channel stations make the change. 

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  The year ahead in radio, music and digital.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Rush Limbaugh and Freedom of Speech

One month since Rush Limbaugh called Georgetown student Sandra Fluke a “slut” and “prostitute”.

Lots has happened.

Cumulus is now insulting Limbaugh in marketing its Rush substitute, Mike Huckabee.

Why Clear Channel still hasn’t said a peep and how they are thinking this thing eventually plays out.

But big trouble is still ahead.

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1.  Rush Limbaugh’s people have been counterattacking lately by blaming accusers of trying to impede freedom of speech.  Is that strategy beginning to payoff?

2.  Rush has dinged talk radio, no doubt, but look what Cumulus is doing to the genre in trying to sell their new Mike Huckabee Show as a better alternative. 

3.  How long before the renegade Limbaugh advertisers return?  Here’s an up to the minute head count.

4.  First look at Huckabee’s affiliate lineup and ad rates.

5.  The chances of Huckabee hurting Rush Limbaugh and what will hurt him even more.

6.  Prediction:  when the controversy will blow over, when his advertisers will return and what happens next to Limbaugh’s ratings.

The answers begin here.

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Thanks to everyone who attended yesterday’s 90th Anniversary of WIP Philadelphia celebration that I was honored to moderate and emcee.  Great radio came alive again if only for a few hours.  It makes you appreciate the importance of live and local management, talent and sales. 

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

12 Listener Changes You May Not Know

Here are changing listener attitudes about things like …

Commercial breaks … music sweeps … Facebook and Twitter … a new popular social network  … the uncoolest thing you can do on the air … the best new social network that listeners want from radio … the biggest listener addiction you need to feed … a shocker about community involvement … a changing attitude about games … the new “dirty word” you will want to avoid.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, the list begins here. 

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Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline. 

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Cumulus Now Posting Spy Warnings

You’re not going to believe this but Cumulus is now posting notices that officially put their employees on notice they are being spied on.

But not all employees are taking this outrage sitting down.

An eyewitness report from a newstipster in our witness protection program is also spying on them.

Here’s what we’ve found out.

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1.  An actual picture of the Cumulus spy notification posted in the break room of a Cumulus cluster.  Rod Stewart was right – every picture tells a story.

2.  The market where this sign is currently posted to serve as an apparent legal notice to employees thinking of suing Cumulus for invasion of privacy.

3.  How the Cumulus spy cam works and what Atlanta gets to see not only when sales meetings are being held but also when they are not being held.

4.  One vital employee quit in the spy cluster recently after almost 10 years.  Wait until you hear what Cumulus lost.

5.  This is the market run by Lew Dickey’s new best friend.  How’s that recent firing of local air people working out for you?  We’ll breakout the ratings and see.

The answers begin here.

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Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline. 

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Defending Against Declining Radio Rates

Radio’s new obsession with pricing advertising the way airlines price their seats is starting to have deleterious results.

And it doesn’t help that the industry’s number one group, Clear Channel, is fully operational with a national rate pricing system that actually pressures radio rates down.

Radio One CEO Al Liggins blasted Clear Channel for that approach late last week but there are positive things that can be done now to offset the effects of selling down rates. 

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1.  Media buyers are increasingly emboldened – they are squeezing radio rates on a good day even without Clear Channel’s bouncing rate card, but here is one specific thing buyers will pay a premium for.  Do it.

2.  A pro-active way for radio owners to not only hold the maximum rate but actually increase it among current advertisers.  It’s being done right now.  I’ll tell you where, who and how.

3.  Distance your station from rate droppers with the solution I explain in this piece is easy to implement and fast working.

4.  And, be careful of selling digital along side of radio -- here’s how buyers have wised up to getting top rate for both.  From now on rate cutters will be on their own.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Clear Channel Turns On Its Memphis Henchman

Updated Version – new information

In the trade press, the firing last week of a Memphis market manager was described as a routine change in management, but it was far from that.

In fact, they left out two key elements.

That after doing all their firing and cutting back, Clear Channel wasted him in the worst way for all his blind loyalty to the Evil Empire. 

And, even as they threatened their surviving employees with their jobs in a meeting right after the management change, Clear Channel was simultaneously trying to rehire people they fired months and even years ago – people who they also threatened on the way out the door.

Here’s a first person account of the real story:

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1.  Brutal firing tactics – how one of “Hogan’s Henchmen” axed the market manager who until last week was their henchman.

2.  Details of the 7-minute ensuing staff meeting that sounded like it came right out of the Bill Bungeroth Cumulus playbook not Clear Channel’s – a meeting in which employees were insulted and threatened.  I’ve got the quote.

3.  The real reason Clear Channel may have acted in cold blood and believe it or not it had a lot less to do with underachieving than something else.

4.  Lew Dickey is kicking Clear Channel’s butt in Memphis and the way Dickey is managing this market is unlike how he runs his others.  I’ll explain.

5.  Fired employees revenge – the Clear Channel station that fired four key air people last fall, WDIA is trying to hire them back even as they were threatening others last week.  The dysfunctional details.   

The answers begin here.

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Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline. 

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, March 16, 2012

Townsquare Aims for a 2014 Merger with Cumulus

New reports from inside Townsquare Media indicate that the company is beefing up its revenue stream, especially digital, for what some managers say is a poorly kept secret – a 2014 merger with Cumulus.

Cumulus will no doubt make another acquisition if not more than one prior to any potential Townsquare merger.

Here’s what I’ve learned that you will want to know.

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1.  What market managers have been told that no one else knows about the possible exit strategy for investment bank Oaktree.

2.  The wallet cards given out to managers that tell the story as a constant reminder of where Townsquare is heading.  I’ll tell you what’s printed on the cards that managers are told to carry with them.

3.  Plan B – if Cumulus doesn’t pay a pretty penny for Townsquare. 

4.  How some say Townsquare’s digital exit plan includes some fuzzy math when it comes to digital dollars vs. radio dollars.  Read it in a top executive’s own words.

5.  You won’t believe the percentage of business Townsquare is mandating by 2014 that is not to be radio income.  Go ahead -- take a guess.

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Join our witness protection program:  the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline. 

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Never fear life’s disadvantages again – in fact, you’ll relish them, put them to work for you and be happier and more successful than ever.  Discover how in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Billboard’s New “Not 100”

What the heck is Billboard doing now by adding on-demand streaming to its Hot 100 hit lists?

Shouldn’t they be going to school on Pandora instead?

Why it’s wrong to track popularity if you want to be popular in the digital age – and I’m going to prove it.

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1.  The reason Pandora, the most popular streaming service is not included in the new Billboard charts. 

2.  How the new look of Billboard Hot 100 is actually going to be dangerous in the hands of label executives.

3.  The labels are not going to like the results because – and I’ll tell you how – on-demand streaming popularity proves that piracy is not what is hurting record sales.  They don’t want to know what really is.

4.  And piracy is rampant worldwide – still.  Why the labels will never stop it.

5.  Steve Jobs is talking from his grave warning the music industry that they are headed in the wrong direction.  His advice here.

6.  Why CD sales were up 2% worldwide in 2011 and why they could have easily been down 2%.  Predictions for 2012.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  It’s about media solutions.

Chapter 10 – the one sheet wonder that will put your resume on the top of the pile for your next job search.  Read it in my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Rush Limbaugh’s Secret Comeback Plan

Bain Channel has hired a top public relations crisis management expert to advise them in the Rush Limbaugh controversy.

Limbaugh’s neither playing defense nor offense.

He’s looking for a game change.

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1.  What the Bain PR whiz is likely telling Rush and Clear Channel to make this all go away.

2.  The two words you will be hearing from now on from Rush and his handlers instead of “slut” and “prostitute”.

3.  The surprising role social networking will play in the comeback of Limbaugh.

4.  How Clear Channel will manipulate traditional media to come out ahead.

5.  Forget paying all those fees to that PR whiz, here’s a surefire way to make Rush good again with his advertisers and safe from his detractors who are trying to take him down.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Save the date.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Cumulus to Crack Down on Employees for 2011 Losses

Cumulus announced yesterday another unprofitable year in 2011 and not much hope until at least July this year.

Now according to sources in various markets Cumulus is going to crack down on the real culprits for their poor performance – their employees.

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1.  Who is coming to take you away, Ha-haa! – starting next week.  Which Cumulus workers should look out!

2.  Those “Stay Bonuses” are due to be paid by Friday to Citadel sellers who agreed to stay on for 6 months with Cumulus.  Then, guess what happens.

3.  The surprising results of massive Citadel firings the past 6 months.

4.  Reducing sales commissions and eliminating local programming are now over at Cumulus, right?

5.  The Huckabee abortion – my sources close to one major market says Cumulus doesn’t have the balls to replace Limbaugh’s advertising (even as it declines) with Huckabee’s lack of income.  Media buyers tell all.

The answers begin here.

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My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Save the date.

Turn adversity into success.  Read a chapter of “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Monday, March 12, 2012

$450,000 Radio Jobs

One company that I am going to tell you about is reportedly paying up to $450,000 to hire a radio salesperson and others systematically being stolen away from the big boys who are not appreciating them.

Here’s the latest I am hearing from the ground.

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1.  Who is defecting from the big radio groups?  Which markets.  Which groups.

2.  What are they doing to earn so much money in their new jobs?

3.  Wait until you read the benefits!  This is the real deal.

4.  The next market where these big bucks are now being thrown around – a heads up. 

5.  And, the big question – are there any more jobs like these still available?

The answers begin here.

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Always 100% confidential – my NewsTip Hotline

My next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Save the date.

Turn adversity into success.  Read a chapter of “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, March 9, 2012

IPOHeartRadio

Breaking News:  sources say Clear Channel’s parent Bain Capital is mulling an iHeartRadio IPO. 

Why now?  What new features might be added to make it attractive to investors?  Some big players could be “partners” – we’ll name them.  What’s radio got to do with it?

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, the answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

iPad 3

The tablet business is fast becoming more important than the broadcast transmitter, movie theaters, the bookstore, radio, newspapers, the desktop PC and even the Internet itself.

In this piece, you’ll read the specific repercussions of how Apple’s new iPad 3 HD will affect content creation for television, radio, music, websites and social networking plus one big roadblock you are going to have to face sooner or later.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, the answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 9, 2012

The Pandora Problem

This article is about the danger of writing off Pandora because it can’t overcome high royalty fees to make a profit.  Why the music industry may soon be Pandora’s bitch and new intelligence about just how aggressive Pandora is getting in hiring away radio’s best people.  It’s happening now.  Here’s where.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, the answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Cox Radio May Be In Play

Before you say “hogwash”, remember it’s March 8th, do you know where Lew Dickey is?

Well, okay – it’s not Lew Dickey – kind of, sort of.  I’ll explain.

What we’ve been seeing at Cox lately shows a company that to me at least is looking toward the exit.  Let me tell you how this may play out.

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1.  The most likely buyer – the best fit.

2.  Plan B – who might be interested if Cox decides to sell and divvy up the stations to more than one buyer.  As you’ll see, this gets very interesting.

3.  The radio groups that are not likely to get to first base with Cox if they become a seller. 

4.  Have you heard the rumor on the street that Cox is up to something big?  I’ve heard it, too – and I’m hearing a time frame.  Sit down.

5.  Wait!  Could Cox pull a reverse pivot and buy an existing radio group?  Here is the over/under on that because something is up with Cox.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline

See me live in Philadelphia as I moderate and emcee the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia with Dick Carr, Howard Eskin, Mel Stewart, Tom Lamaine, Bill McCloskey, Tom Moran, Bob Russo, Bill St. James, Dean Tyler, Marc Rayfield and via phone Allan Hotlen.  Plus a few stories about my time working at one of America’s great radio stations.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  The Broadcast Pioneers Luncheon 12 noon at the Bala Golf Club March 21st.  For reservations call (856) 365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.   Save the date.  You deserve the best media intelligence.

If you’re looking for a new job or want to change careers, see the chapter on “Career Chaos” in my book Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages.  I’ll show you how to put together one page that is better than a resume and how it will put you ahead of other candidates. All the details on how to do it plus build your confidence.  Sample a chapter here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Rush Limbaugh: Too Big To Fail

Rush Limbaugh and Clear Channel are playing with us.

We think the blowup over Sandra Fluke is about social justice and common decency.

But they know better.

Look at how they are handling this – it’s a promotional scheme out of the Randy Michaels dirty tricks playbook.

Here’s the backstory you’re not hearing about Clear Channel + Rush Limbaugh or as I call it Clear Channel’s new Media + Entertainment.

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1.  Quick!  What’s worse than Rush Limbaugh losing 20 advertisers?

2.  What about the Cumulus plan to make Mike Huckabee Mike Wannabe, the cheaper Limbaugh replacement.  Now will it work?

3.  Clear Channel’s aggressive ad revolt defense explained. 

4.  Which competitor is benefiting most from Rush Limbaugh’s troubles?  I’ll bet you a Philly cheesesteak you can’t guess. 

5.  What will happen next?  How will it end?  My surprising predictions in chronological order from now to a month from now.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

When you see or hear news, contact the Inside Music Media NewsTip Hotline in strict confidence.

Come see me live as I moderate and emcee the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia with Dick Carr, Howard Eskin, Mel Stewart, Tom Lamaine, Bill McCloskey, Tom Moran, Bob Russo, Bill St. James, Dean Tyler, Marc Rayfield and via phone Allan Hotlen.  Plus a few stories about my time working at one of America’s great radio stations.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  The Broadcast Pioneers Luncheon 12 noon at the Bala Golf Club March 21st.  For reservations call (856) 365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.   Save the date.  You deserve the best media intelligence.

If you’re looking for a new job or want to change careers, see the chapter on “Career Chaos” in my book Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages.  I’ll show you how to put together one page that is better than a resume and how it will put you ahead of other candidates. All the details on how to do it plus build your confidence.  Sample a chapter here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Cumulus Planning Bold Changes

A few weeks back I tipped you on the Cumulus plan to start its own traffic service so it can be more like Clear Channel and get a piece of the revenue pie.

Cumulus officially made the announcement yesterday.

So, if you’re wondering what big plans Cumulus has next, here they are:

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1.  More firings but in this specific sales category.  I have evidence that Cumulus is recruiting for your replacement right now.

2.  Katz – Lew Dickey has a better idea. Wait until you hear it.

3.  Jan Jeffries, the national programming chief  – out to pasture.  Here’s the new deal with Jeffries. 

4.  Traffic – they announced yesterday a partnership with Radiate to handle Cumulus traffic in its top 75 markets but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

5.  Give Lew Dickey 22 minutes and wait until you see what he is launching next.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – NewsTip Hotline

See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations can be made by calling 856-365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.   Please save the date.  You deserve the best media intelligence.

Making your own good luck, how to bat .406 on everything you try, control what messages get into your psyche, how to beat out everyone else for that next job by doing this one thing on one page, surviving divorce and putting together a game plan that makes you powerful, positive and purposeful.  Read a chapter of “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Monday, March 5, 2012

Rush Limbaugh Meets John & Ken

There is a meltdown going on in radio right now – Rush Limbaugh (“slut” and “prostitute”) and John & Ken (“crack ho”) that is actually losing audience and alienating listeners at the worst time possible.

Radio is pissing away the all-important female listener – the ones ad agencies already distracted by digital media demands of radio.

This piece is about how things got so bad so fast and positive steps that can be taken now by any station wishing to save themselves from the fate of irrelevancy that is coming.

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1.  The significance of Rush Limbaugh’s apology for going over the top and what it means to talk radio.

2.  The new audience hot buttons – I run them down from top to bottom for you.  This is the way to reengage listeners who think stations are out of touch with them.

3.  Here’s what listeners who are increasingly offended by corporate radio want in plain terms and actionable steps.   Do this not that.

4.  Ways to prevent the People Meter from forcing you into bad audience decisions. 

5.  The first steps you’ll want to take to get back in touch with audiences that Limbaugh, John & Ken and for that matter most radio stations are now losing.

The answers begin here.

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Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Save the date.

Read about the advantages of disadvantages, three steps to a meaningful life, how to gain control through submission, The Jealousy Diet, The Shame Game and the Happiness Formula (plus 7 more life changing concepts) in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Friday, March 2, 2012

Dial Global, Clear Channel Want Comcast to Buy Them

Yesterday NBC News Radio was announced.  It means nothing – just a replacement to the CNN Radio service that is shutting down April 1.

What’s of major magnitude – an 8 on the Radio Richter Scale – is that Comcast wants to be in the radio business in a big way and they are entering into a courtship with Clear Channel and Dial Global.

The repercussions will shake up the radio business.

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1.  The reason NBC, owned by Comcast, is now so hot to be a major player in radio.  Remember, NBC got out of radio under GE.  What changed?

2.  How Dial Global stuck it to Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman who I wrote this week would like to get Comcast to buy them.  Here’s my view of Dial Global’s strategic move against Pittman.

3.  This is radio incest at its best – the same investment groups tend to own a piece of each other and by doing these cross pollinated deals it’s like marrying their cousin.  Well, take a look at the shotgun wedding that is in the works here.

4.  So if Pittman has the inside track – as I’m saying – why is Comcast now getting into bed with Dial Global? 

5.  The end game.  What Pittman wants.  What Dial Global wants.  And who is in the driver’s seat.

The answers begin here.

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See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations: 856-365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Save the dates.  Great pricing is coming soon.

Read about the advantages of disadvantages, three steps to a meaningful life, how to gain control through submission, The Jealousy Diet, The Shame Game and the Happiness Formula (plus 7 more life changing concepts) in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here

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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Cumulus Looking To Cut AP and Traffic Costs

Lew Dickey now wants to be cheaper than his archrival Saga’s Ed Christian.

He’s targeting the large lucrative contracts AP has with Cumulus and is ready to dump his traffic services to go with a cheaper vendor.

The other shoe is about ready to drop.

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1.  Who the new Cumulus traffic provider will be and approximately when that bombshell will hit.

2.  Next target:  Associated Press.  How Cumulus expects to save and the two leading candidates to replace AP.

3.  The former Clear Channel employee that was recruited at the time of the Citadel takeover under the radar by the Dickeys to cut news expenses across the group.

4.  Once a deal is in place, the strategy Cumulus will implement to guarantee that the costs continue to go down. 

5.  And, ironically, how former Citadel CEO Farid Suleman actually made it possible for Lew Dickey to completely gut his news agreements and start over at a lower rate.

The answers begin here.

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See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations can be made by calling Broadcast Pioneers at 856-365-5600.

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How Cumulus May Buy Dial Global & Westwood One

I’m hearing a scenario where Lew Dickey winds up with all the radio networks he needs to compete against Clear Channel’s Premiere.

It’s a fascinating play.

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1.  How Dickey lost out on buying Westwood One that he could have merged with Citadel Media.

2.  Which venture capital group actually screwed him out of buying Westwood One.

3.  Which investment group is willing to put Westwood One and Dial Global in Dickey’s hands.

4.  Cumulus is the hottest radio stock in the industry – at a mere $3.57!  What insiders know that outsiders don’t know.

5.  The new double standard on Wall Street for media deals that allows bankers to compete with investors and then sell them assets in return for a bigger share of the company.

The answers begin here.

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See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations can be made by calling 856-365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Please save the date.

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Clear Channel’s Buyer

I’ve got a big one for you today.

I am going to identify the company I think is on track to buy Clear Channel.

It’s not a radio company.

They don’t even own a single radio station, yet you will soon see how this helps explain the erratic behavior lately of CEO Bob Pittman.

Print and save it but don’t bet against it.

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1.  I’ll name the company you probably would never name that I’m betting Bob Pittman is wooing right now to acquire Clear Channel. 

2.  The time frame – not this year but not that far off, either.  There are certain things Pittman must do that will prepare Clear Channel to be acquired.  If radio must suffer, so be it. Here’s how.

3.  Why everyone is misreading Pittman’s appointment of John Hogan to a promotion! Pittman is grooming Clear Channel to be purchased by this company and is changing it right before our very eyes to fit their needs not Clear Channel’s. 

4.  Evidence that Hogan will not be running Clear Channel radio soon – maybe within six months although no announcements will ever be made.  And you’ll see who Hogan’s replacement will be because sources close to Clear Channel say he is already “in the house” and going on station sales calls.  Now.

5.  Hint:  Mel Karmazin tried to buy CBS Radio from Viacom’s Sumner Redstone and Redstone bought Infinity and then hired Mel to run it all.  I’ll tell you what Bob Pittman likes about Mel’s strategy and why he may borrow it.

The answers begin here.

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See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations can be made by calling Broadcast Pioneers at 856-365-5600.

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Trouble at Cox Radio

Big trouble is brewing within Cox Radio.

Cumulus and Clear Channel open their big mouths and even brag about firing people, but Cox has kept it all on the down low.

Until now.

Through my confidential newstip network I’ve got 12 credible examples of why things are beginning to trend the wrong way at a formerly excellent radio group.

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1. All the details on the latest cost cutting right down to which market and what the estimated savings were.

2.  Examples of Cumulus-type cutbacks.  That’s right, at Cox!

3.  The almost unthinkable post-Bob Neil serial cutback of program directors and where it is likely to lead next.  Market manager/station manager cutbacks, too.

4.  How Cox is pissing all over Bob Neil’s 8 units per hour commercial dictum.

5.  The vanishing research and consultation arm of Cox Radio.

6.  The answer to whose watching the store.  Neil had been the “ground stop”, but this story will show how decisions are being made fast and furious no matter what the implications.

7.  The next Cox cluster likely to get a “haircut”.

8.  And heartbreaking stories from within the company to show alleged shoddy treatment of loyal employees that will make you wonder whether we’re talking about Cox or Cumulus. 

The answers begin here.

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See me live as I MC the 90th Anniversary of WIP, Philadelphia and recount my own experiences for the Broadcast Pioneers at the Bala Golf Club March 21st at 12 noon.  Open to the public.  Lunch is $25.  Reservations can be made by calling 856-365-5600.

Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Clear Channel’s Madonna Flop

Even hourly airplay on Clear Channel hit stations couldn’t prevent Madonna’s “Give Me All Your Luvin’” from being a flop.  Forget the Super Bowl.

This new corporate payola – “you give us a partnership and we give you the world” should be prosecuted in court.  It’s worse than djs or PDs taking payola.

But, there is more to the Madonna-Clear Channel flop than meets the ears.

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1.  What they are saying in the UK about Madonna’s first studio album in years even before she launces a worldwide tour.  Ouch!

2.  Why Bob Pittman who could never beat the giant WABC in New York when he was at rival WNBC is making the same mistake as Programmer in Chief of Clear Channel.

3.  So Madonna has a stiff – does that mean that from now on radio stations have to play it in return for favors?

4.  Why playing Madonna every hour on the hour is about as cool as Mitt Romney saying he is against ObamaCare every time he opens his mouth.

5.  And speaking of uncool – how Bob Pittman is killing program directors at Clear Channel who know how to program.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

The Pittman-Hogan Team

Everything CEO Bob Pittman has been doing lately is painting a picture of where Clear Channel is headed and it may not be where you think.

Why would Clear Channel extend once again the contract of the inept John Hogan to run its radio stations if they were serious about being in the radio business?

Hell, they’d hire a Dan Mason type.

The end is in sight for Clear Channel as you know it and hate it.

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1.  How long before Bob Pittman exits?  I’ll tell you the number of years he and his minions have.

2.  What is now the end game for Lee and Bain, the investment bank owners of Clear Channel.  You’ll see it more clearly after this.

3.  Is all this iHeartRadio stuff really serious or just a distraction?  And what’s up with that ad they bought for iHeartRadio on the CBS Evening News the other night?  Is that where their concert going audience now spends their time?

4.  Madonna’s flop that Clear Channel played at the top of each hour – and why Pittman’s partnership act has a limited life – very limited.

5.  Debt and Acquisitions.  Can Pittman refi $18 billion in debt?  Will they buy something?  What will it be?  Or sell the entire company.  Hint: I’m now convinced they are looking to sell the entire company and I’ll tell you when.

6.  Losing key people.  Clear Channel is keeping it quiet but I’ve got news for you about major personnel defections in a little market named New York and you’ll split your sides laughing when you hear who they went to work for.  Don’t even try – you’ll never guess.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

MUSIC: The Beatles Get Into Ringtones Too Late

What’s up with Adele and McCartney getting out of Spotify when Spotify is supposed to be the record labels great hope against piracy?

And then The Beatles get into ringtones just as the ringtone market peaks.

Here’s what’s up.

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1.  The projected ringtone, ringbacks and wallpaper market in just 3 years from now.  How it compares with the latest sales figures.

2.  What’s up with Adele – as smart and young as she is – dumping Spotify?

3.  What’s up with Macca – as smart and old as he is – dumping Spotify?

4.  Why the wheels are coming off of the record industry even as record execs are loosening the lug nuts.

5.  The one sure way – that none of these artists are paying attention to right now – to avoid big mistakes like these.

The answers start here.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Secret Plans of Radio Consolidators

Notice how quiet it is out there in radioland?

Not for long.

Clear Channel, Cumulus and one other radio group is hell bent to thin out their workforce even more and put more programming on autopilot.

Here’s what people on the ground are telling me about reductions in workforce at two serial offenders and one new perpetrator.

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1.  If you’re in this size Clear Channel market, look out!

2.  My sources close to the action tell me there are big changes ahead for Cumulus clusters and I’ve got them for you right here.  And, by the way, is something up with Jan Jeffries?

3.  Believe it or not – one radio group is starting to head in the wrong direction.  I’ll tell you how and who it is so you can be warned in advance.

4.  The two big radio groups that are – so far, anyway – refusing to do any more major downsizing.  If you work for them, you can feel safe.  And believe me, I don’t use those words very much.

5.  The radio group once on the radar screen but lost in space that actually has a chance at a comeback.  No promises, but this would be major.

The answers begin here.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Digital Radio Is a Fraud

The radio industry says that digital is up 15% while radio revenues are up 1%.

Huh!

And what is their definition of digital?

Radio, the industry that sat out the Internet revolution and lost an entire generation of future listeners to file sharing and mobile devices is flirting with danger again.

This article tells you why and names four things you can do right now to get real about digital content developed by radio and/or radio people.

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1.  The four big digital hot buttons – Siri, content dumping, you as the new social network not Twitter or Facebook and setting up shop with listener’s credit cards. No one in radio is focusing on this – here’s how you can.

2.  The medium ad agency buyers prefer after they buy spot TV.  You won’t believe it but a new study that I will quote says it is so.

3.  The real digital strategies of radio groups – even good ones – and why they aren’t ready for prime time.

4.  The big radio group that is known to require sellers to make their digital numbers even if they take drain money from radio buys.

5.  Four radio groups that have a reputation for not giving away streaming as value added to a radio buy.  You’re going to want to sit down for this intelligence.

6.  Why individuals or startups can jump on the four digital hot buttons today and get way out ahead of radio if they want to pursue a real hot growth business.

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Friday, February 17, 2012

KFI, Los Angeles – Idiots Playing With Whitney Houston’s Fans

Can radio find another way to screw up Whitney Houston’s death?

Now there is news of two more horrific examples of consolidated radio blowing it.

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1.  What at least one Cumulus classic hits station was ordered to do last Monday morning?  

2.  John & Ken weren’t the only idiots at KFI, Los Angeles when they called Whitney Houston a “crack ho” on-air yesterday.  There’s a bigger one than that.

3.  Why radio has all of a sudden started acting uncool and 7 surefire ways to please your audience instead of piss them off. 

4.  New social networking concepts that radio would be smart to employ a.s.a.p. because listeners would perceive them as positive.

These daily teasers will soon come to an end.  Hope you will continue on and join our group.

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Sony Music Dances on Whitney Houston’s Grave

How stupid is a record label that tries to gouge consumers by exploiting the death of a music superstar?

Not as stupid as we might be if we fail on these 5 New Rules of Social Media.

How do you stack up?

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1.  Sony did the opposite of what they should have done.  Learn from their mistake and do this instead when faced with a social media crisis.

2.  Apple stores have the answer for Sony.

3.  How a company that owns the beached Italian cruise ship and Sony Music did the same thing to piss off customers.  Don’t do this.

4.  How social media – Twitter, Facebook, and networking – has changed in the past year.  Keep up.

5.  Do you know the new goal of social media?  Sony didn’t, but you will.

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Radio’s Broken Word Format

Spoken word is not the salvation of FM.

Even Randy Michaels can’t make it work.

Only the radio brands that have paid attention and protected their flanks will survive the future.

But here are 5 formats that I’m saying will work on radio.

First one in – wins.

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1.  No format radio.  I’ve got the blueprint for how to do it and where the cash streams come flowing in.

2.  Music discovery.  You won’t do regular hit radio even if PPM blesses it once you hear this version of the hit music station listeners will crave.

3.  Daypart radio.  How to build one 4-6 hour station with great local content and then what to do with it that keeps costs so low even Lew Dickey would love it.  Okay, I’m lying about the Lew Dickey part.  The rest – all true.

4.  Radio as a mobile online sampler.  You’ve never heard this idea.  If you’ve got an open mind you can beat your competition to it.  Radio’s future right here.

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

How Radio Should Have Handled Whitney

When Whitney Houston died the other day, I told you in graphic terms what didn’t work about radio’s lack of response.

Now, I’m going to offer what works.

On-air.  Digital.  And social networking.

It’s not too late.  She’s being buried Saturday and there will be a next time so be ready.  Steal these 10 strategies now.

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1.  Rule #1 – get this right and you’re off and running.  Blow it and everything else you do doesn’t really matter.  Did you do this right last Saturday?

2.  The single, coolest and impressive thing a radio station can do when their audience loses a huge artist.  And virtually no station does it – until you do.  A complete playbook.

3.  What to do on-air – day of a big event and in the days after.  Don’t think you know what today’s listeners really want.  Look here first.

4.  Best new ways to connect with the audience.

5.  A new, better way to use Facebook and Twitter.

6.  A new social networking service I highly recommend you embrace – you’ll thank me.

7.  Some very cool things your station can do to win the hearts of fans and future fans but even read this if you don’t have the guts, because you’ll need them.

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Next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ.  Please reserve the date now.  100% of attendees in 2012 said it met or exceeded their expectations.  I thank you!

Motivational reading …

See latest new reviews on my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Free sample here.  Buy the paperback or download now for under $9.99 here.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Huckabee as the New Rush Limbaugh

Cumulus is spitting in the face of Clear Channel now.

Lew Dickey is pulling Rush Limbaugh off his air no matter how good the ratings and revenue to save more money.

And now Bob Pittman is stuck with a talker who is used to getting paid licensing fees just to be on the air.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The real strategy behind Cumulus replacing the highly rated Limbaugh with the lower rated Huckabee.

2.  What happens if the ratings decline once Limbaugh is off.

3.  The new model we’re now seeing at Cumulus inspired by the people who will help them buy one or more of these three radio groups I am about to name.

4.  Clear Channel’s dilemma.  Cumulus pulling Limbaugh isn’t just a programming change, it upsets the kind of money Clear Channel can get for its expensive talk star.  Here are the gory details.

5.  Guess who may turn out to be the big winner.  Not Rush.  Not Huckabee.  You’ll never guess.

6.  What both Cumulus and Clear Channel can’t see coming directly at them from left field.  But you will and you may want to use it to your advantage.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Next Conference  …

January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  It’s time that you save the dates and make plans to attend what those who do say is the best media conference of all.

Customer Reviews of my new book …

“As a recently beached (by choice) morning radio personality and regular reader of your email updates, I assumed that you would be writing about the state of radio and "music media". I was pleasantly surprised by the broad subject matter of your book that could apply to any industry. I felt like I was reading the right thing at the right time. Thank you. I finished reading it on an airplane shuttling between the market that I left and the market where i(sic) soon will be working. Thanks for the fresh set of tools. I took your "seven ways to get the job of your dreams" segment and ran with it anyway, thanks again. I'm going to reread it again soon”.  Order it in paperback or download it right now for under $9.99 here.

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Monday, February 13, 2012

Whitney Houston

One of radio’s brightest musical stars died Saturday and another part of radio died, too – but not the part you think.

Since Michael Jackson’s death, radio has become frightening and disturbing in ways you don’t want to be.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How radio consolidated the death of one of its greatest musical divas.

2.  How Michael Jackson’s death and Whitney Houston’s death compared in today’s radio.  

3.  Who and what cleaned radio’s clock on reporting and remembering the loss of their latest musical icon.

4.  Adele vs. Whitney as far as radio is concerned.  This says everything you need to know about the future of music on radio.

5.  If radio is dying and the Internet is no viable alternative, this one thing is and you need to become the master of it.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thank you to everyone who attended my annual media seminar Thursday and Big Ideas Breakfast Friday and for telling me it was the best ever.  Plan ahead and block out the date for next year’s Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  No more staying at home and missing out.  Ask anyone who attended how so worth it it was. 

Also, thanks for the kind words about my new book on human potential.  I gave away free copies of “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” at the event but you can read it right now by downloading it for under $9.99 here.

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Friday, February 10, 2012

Merlin Reloading For Its Next Attack On CBS

There is growing evidence that Merlin Media head Randy Michaels is plotting the second launch of his failed Merlin Media news stations.

Key people are following former COO Walter Sabo out the door and Michaels is surrounding himself with familiar faces who understand what he does.

The second foray against CBS is about to begin.

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1.  The new go-to person for Randy Michaels now that he has forced Walter Sabo out.  And it’s not John Gehron.

2.  How Merlin hopes to develop a flagship station and replicate it in other markets.  And no, that flagship station will not be in New York.

3.  Don’t bet that Merlin sticks with its all-news imitation of 1010 WINS.  Here’s a better bet.

4.  The gaping hole in Merlin’s model that won’t get fixed even if the ratings go up.

5. Randy isn’t going to buy another big market station next, right?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Save the date right now.  Make plans to attend.  Get the lowest rates.

Read my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99.  Check it out here.

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Radio’s Bold Predictions From My Conference Today

I am conducting my Third Annual briefing to the media industry on the emerging trends for the year ahead.

There are two big major things I see happening that I want to share with those of you who couldn’t make this year’s event because you are a valued member of our group.

The two big things involve new delivery systems and the new forms of content you will likely have to create.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How a radio station or even an ex-radio personality can use Siri, Apple’s talking mobile phone, to connect their content to fans in seconds without having to type anything.  No towers or transmitters are needed.

2.  What is “content dumping” – this is a term I have coined for what you will be doing in the future if you plan to be around for it.  You can bet on it.  Why not get out ahead?

3.  How to make the listener talk to the “radio” and access content instead of having radio play content for them. 

4.  An example of how personalities, news stations, even djs will be connected with fans by Siri in the car.  This is bigger than a remote control – and as you’ll see, better.

5.  How you will have to create content dumps instead of 4-hour long shows.  I’ll describe it.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Save the date right now.  Make plans to attend.  Get the lowest rates.

Read my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99.  Check it out here.

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

CBS Rethinking FM

Changes are anticipated at CBS Radio.

They have big decisions to make not only about protecting a few more revenue producing AM brands but what to do with FM music in the era of Pandora.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The next sports and/or news AM stations that CBS needs to protect by sacrificing an existing FM outlet.

2.  The changing view of music FM stations at CBS.

3.  Why is CBS waiting so long in New York to protect 1010 WINS?

4.  A surprising, highly-rated and profitable FM station that someday may have to become a simulcast to protect a profitable AM brand.  The toughest call of all.

5.  The safest CBS FM music station.

6.  What happened to CBS President Les Moonves’ assertion that he’s open to selling some smaller markets.  An update.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The next Media Solutions Lab is January 30-31, 2013 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Save the date right now.  Make plans to attend.  Get the lowest rates.

Read my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99.  Check it out here

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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Susan G. Komen & Social Media

What if Merlin Media’s Randy Michaels actually used social media the way the protestors who stopped the Komen Foundation from pulling their Planned Parenthood grant.

He can and you can, too.

But it requires change – using Twitter and Facebook as strategic tools and you as the social network.

Here’s how.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The key strategic element – the one that is absolutely necessary for viral promotion – and how to unleash it.

2.  How you can organize anybody through social media – with an example of how Randy’s Merlin Media should be doing this to rally future listeners to his all-news stations.

3.  Once you attract a firestorm of support, do this to keep them engaged. 

4.  The biggest mistake most media companies make when using Twitter and Facebook.  Cure it right here.

5.  How Merlin Media should have attacked CBS using social media with all the details Randy missed.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Just two days until my February 9th Media Solutions Lab – I’m getting excited.  A full day of strategic media information and a next day Big Ideas Breakfast with 99 Ideas to take home and implement.  Count them!

Read the first chapter of my book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” here.  Buy it here.

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Monday, February 6, 2012

Madonna & the Clear Channel Super Bowl

Bob Pittman pulled off another one of his corporate partnerships Sunday when Madonna and Clear Channel entertained during the Super Bowl that the Eagles did not play in.

You’ll see Pittman doing more of these partnerships so I got to thinking if I competed against Clear Channel, I’d wipe them all over the floor because of their failed strategy on music and radio.

Here are 5 specific things I’d do and I suggest you consider if you want to hang corporate radio on their own bad decisions.

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1.  A radically different approach to music playlists – force corporate radio to look and sound even worse than it sounds.  After all, the Madonna single that got all that publicity may not be a hit.

2.  The social media network I would start aimed at corporate radio, which would hamstring them on the air as well.

3.  How to answer the big corporation that can do two Las Vegas concerts every year with the biggest names.  Clear Channel would never think of this response.

4.  What you ought to do tonight at 12 midnight and every night from now on.  It will start buzz and give you music cred that corporate radio cannot earn.

5.  I would do this Bain Capital promotion on-air and show your listeners you not only have a sense of humor but you are as cool as Barack Obama singing Al Green.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale Thursday.

Read the first chapter of my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” free here.  Buy for under $9.99 here.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

Cumulus Closing In On Next Acquisition

Cumulus is poised to strike again and I wanted to bring you up to date on the repercussions and give you a sense of time frame.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  It appears a major broadcast group has just put itself into play and Cumulus wants it.  I’ll tell you who.

2.  Telltale signs that this group is getting itself ready for market.

3.  Nerves are getting frayed at this fairly well run radio group because the rumors are getting louder that Cumulus wants to buy them.  If you work in radio, you’ll want to know which group is being targeted by Lew Dickey.

4.  The one radio group that stands the most to lose if Cumulus adds another 200 stations this year, which is not only possible but also likely.

5.  Time frame.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at The Big Ideas Breakfast the morning after my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  Tons of opportunities to pounce on plus 99 tools and strategies to give you the edge in the year ahead.

I will preview my new book at the Media Solutions Lab.  Get your copy of “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” in print and e-reader for under $9.99 here.

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Next Facebook

Facebook will have 1 billion users by the end of this year and a new IPO to raise $5 billion.

But Facebook is over – peaked, grown out.

A better investment is to get in on the Next Facebook, which this article is all about.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  First, is it worth buying in on the Facebook IPO.  Here’s what I plan to do.

2.  Undeniable evidence that Facebook has peaked.

3.  Would you like to know what the “Next Facebook” is?  I’ll tell you and explain how you’d be wiser to invest in this than the Facebook IPO announced yesterday.

4.  The mistake most content providers continue to make when integrating social networking into their businesses.

5.  What is Content Dumping?  It’s your future.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me next week at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.

I’ve got some chapters in my new book that will make you rise up and turn adversity such as we are now seeing into success -- “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – paperback or e-reader for under $9.99 here.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Real Reason Lee & Bain Gave Ryan Seacrest $300 Million

$300 million is far more money than Clear Channel saved by using Ryan Seacrest to replace local talent in 170 markets.

But when Clear Channel’s investors spend that in one day to buy into Ryan Seacrest you know a different kind of radio business is coming.

Here’s what people on the ground are saying about how the Seacrest cash influx will help transform Clear Channel beyond radio.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Why Clear Channel’s owners are investing $300 million in their signature syndication property.  Sit down for this.

2.  Is there more investment money available from Wall Street for other talent at Clear Channel or elsewhere?  If so, how do you get some of it?

3.  Would Lee & Bain spend $300 million without getting something back in return that they want more than anything else?  You bet.  Here it is.

4.  Why the word radio did not appear even once in the Clear Channel news release yesterday announcing the $300 million Seacrest deal.

5.  Air talent – look out!

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.

There is hope for tomorrow – check out my new inspirational book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now in paperback and e-reader for under $9.99 here.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Madonna’s Puny $1 Million Record Deal

Springsteen’s last contract with Sony Music was for $100 million.

Madonna’s new contract with Universal is for a mere $1 million.

Per album.

What’s that all about?

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and read about what’s going on right now in the music industry that is diminishing even the prospects of big music stars.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The Big Ideas Breakfast at this year’s conference has the best ideas to pounce on in the year ahead, 99 strategies to help you succeed (i.e., proven ways to use Twitter, how to make people like you instantly, the best meeting you could ever hold plus 96 more) and facetime together between 8-10 am.  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab February 9-10 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Cumulus Would Consider Selling Some Stations

About 1 week until my February 9 Media Solutions Lab and LAST DAY to save $200 on each registration here.

There is new evidence that Cumulus would like to sell certain radio stations ahead of acquiring even more.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What sources say Lew Dickey is willing to sell.

2.  Their new emerging strategy that is similar to Clear Channel in one key way.

3.  Now we know why both Cumulus and Clear Channel were ferociously firing people at some clusters but not others in the last quarter of 2011.  The mystery is solved.

4.  Why as a result of what’s going on between Cumulus and Clear Channel Entercom is soon to be the odd man out among radio groups – a dangerous place to be.

5.   You can now predict the Cumulus and Clear Channel markets that will be downsized and which ones will be spared.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me in about one week at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.  This course will help you master the emerging opportunities ahead in the next 12 months along with the personal skills to be successful.  Today is the last day to save $200 on each registration here.

“In jealousy there is more self-love than love” from Chapter 4 of my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99 here.

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Monday, January 30, 2012

The Cumulus Cost Cutting & Acquisitions Plan

Something is up at Cumulus – something big. 

Don’t let the quiet fool you.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  All you need to know about a sales commission plan that is being quietly implemented at some Citadel stations that effectively screws the sellers out of their expected and fair profit.

2.  Two new Cumulus programming initiatives that are going into high gear that will now target these two formats.

3.  Something is up with SweetJack, the company’s radio alternative to Groupon – and the one in which Clear Channel is a partner.

4.  First alert on the new Cumulus employee self-evaluation form that some employees think will be used to help the company fire them.  Wait until you see some of these sample questions they are demanding answers to.  How would you answer them?

5.  What Lew Dickey is working on right now to keep the momentum going in his bid to surpass Clear Channel as the world’s largest radio group. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

It’s almost here – just a week and a half until my February 9th Media Solutions Lab at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  This day-long interactive media seminar is focused on the challenges and opportunities in the next 12 months and the Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast from 8-10am offers specific game plans, strategies and intelligence to give you the edge.  Last two days to save $200.  Register.

The average baseball player hits only .250 (failing 75% of the time) and makes millions of dollars in big contracts.  We fail once or twice and give up.  Here is the secret to turning failure into success in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – print or download now, under $9.99 here.

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Radio Picking the Wrong Fight With Pandora

Radio says it has 14.6 billion monthly listening hours – a stat it specially compiled to counter Pandora’s growing 125 million subscriber base.

Spin is not the answer.  Radio is picking the wrong fight with Pandora.

To slow Pandora’s growth into local markets, here is what radio must do.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Pandora has an Achilles heel – and it’s not what the radio industry is targeting.  Here is the Pandora weakness that every station can exploit.

2.  How does radio ever begin to compete with a popular customizable music service when it has to use a 30 record playlist.  There is an easy way, but most stations aren’t doing it – yet.

3.  Radio’s biggest advantage over Pandora and the growing list of Pandora imitators – no one else can do what I am about to tell you, but radio. 

4.  The one thing radio can do to make the next generation put their mobile devices down and turn up the radio. 

5.  What happens if the radio industry doesn’t start taking Pandora seriously – then what?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in less than 2 weeks.  You’ll come away with enough useful intelligence and strategic information to make your year and make the time spent worthwhile.  Reserve your seat here.

It is not the end of life if you are consistently hit with problems.  It is life.  Read the 5-step action plan for combating adversity in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – Read it now for under $9.99 here.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Cumulus & Clear Channel’s Nuclear Options

What’s left to ruin after you’ve decimated your programming, management and sales staffs in massive ongoing cutbacks?

How can you sink any lower than “no one is home” remote radio stations?

Is there anything left to destroy after you’ve killed off your popular morning shows?

Wait until you see what the two largest radio groups are up to now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The current setup of station management, sales and studio – big changes are coming.

2.  If you think cutting sales commissions – which they will continue to do – is all they have planned, wait until you hear about the nuclear option.

3.  The next breed of endangered jobs at both Clear Channel and Cumulus – and these people think they are now safe.

4.  Where Clear Channel and Cumulus are on the same track and one big way they are different. 

5.  The biggest change that could happen as early as this year is unthinkable, but Bob Pittman and Lew Dickey are thinking about it nonetheless.

6.  One of the two big consolidators is on their way out of radio and the other is on their way to reinvent it.  Don’t be too sure you know which is which until you see this.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in two weeks from today.  You’ll come away with enough useful intelligence and strategic information to make your year and make the time spent worthwhile.  Reserve your seat here.

“When it comes to what gets into your psyche, be in charge” Chapter 9 of my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – Read it now for under $9.99 here.

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PERSONAL NOTE:

My old buddy Jim Carnegie, Publisher of RBR, is mourning the death of his delightful and talented wife and partner, Cathy who died at the age of 59 after a short illness.  Jim and I worked together, socialized together and I can tell you that Cathy made all the difference in Jimmy’s life.  Everything that is great about radio is that we are a family – sometimes dysfunctional, but none the less joined by our love of what we do and of each other.  The outpouring of support we are witnessing during the time of his loss is what we do.  My heart aches for Jim.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Merlin’s Answer to CBS: Power Pig FM News

The ratings are out and Merlin’s all-news WEMP in New York needs a defibrillator to bring it back to life -- a 0.5 share (same as before) for 30th place overall.

Things are not that much better for FM News in Chicago which still hasn’t gotten anywhere near a 1.

And Merlin Philadelphia is getting ready to fire up against CBS very soon.

What will Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media do now? 

Here’s the latest plan.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How Randy Michaels will do Power Pig on FM News.  Seriously.

2.  The new hot clock that Randy thinks will drain off enough CBS all-news listeners to make Merlin competitive at last.  Wait until you see what’s coming.

3.  Randy Michaels taking a page out of Jerry Lee’s B-101 Philadelphia book – as incredible as it may seem.

4.  Randy’s best strategic move against CBS in both New York and Chicago.

5.  PREDICTIONS about the best share possible up against CBS.  Will Power Pig tactics work in all-news?  Next format and when if it doesn’t.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab for actionable info for the next 12 months. 

Conference Preview:  The threat of Siri, the talking iPhone and what you should do about it at this point.  Why you should get into the content dumping business now.  How to build new social networks around you – not Facebook or Twitter.  Harnessing the coming trend of continuous consumer buying.  What you can do to reverse radio’s downward spiral.  Safest formats.  The most endangered and what to do about them.  Brainstorming the new radio format for the digital age (we’ll do this together).  Get into iPad radio – Clear Channel won’t.  Get in early on the paid Internet.  Work session Thursday.  Big Ideas Breakfast Friday so you can head home with an Action Plan.

Read my book for a winning formula of turning bad into good. “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it now on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99 here.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Mandatory Programming Changes Coming to Clear Channel

Mandatory changes are weeks away from going into effect.

Changes that will pave the way for even more cutbacks of live talent, especially on morning shows.

With this, Clear Channel will be well on its way to running its prized radio stations on nothing but spit.

Here’s what’s about to happen next.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The big bang – how Clear Channel will expand getting rid of morning talent to pocket the savings. 

2.  The new systems that will enable a cheap morning show to replace live and local personalities.

3.  What the new Programming czar is mandating on local music choice and local content.

4.  The new rules for local operation of automated stations – the future for more Clear Channel medium and small markets as well as an aid in reducing major market costs.

5.  How they hired what staffers call a “trained monkey” to make all of these new changes work and what they are paying this person to help them fire more people.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.  More useful ideas in one day than you are likely to gather in an entire year.  Topics like:  the missing link to make radio work on the mobile Internet; the most important skills you need to come away with for 2012; how Apple will revolutionize radio in the year ahead (and it’s scary); radio as a growth business as advertisers demand digital and on-air listening erodes; the new local; the most endangered format and the one that you should be doing in all genres (we will brainstorm it together); the end of social networking as we know it and what will replace it.  And more.  Be there.

Here’s what got me through that $100 million dollar lawsuit with Clear Channel and why the Evil Empire lost.  The principles are in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” at bookstores, Amazon.com or download it now on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99 here.

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Monday, January 23, 2012

When A $22 Million Station Is Put Up For Sale On eBay

5 years ago this 100,000-watt medium market station was purchased for $22 million.

Today, you can buy it on eBay for $8.9 million.

But nobody wants it.

Best bid is around $80,000!

What’s wrong here and what does it say about where the radio industry is headed?

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Find out how you can make a bid for this station but caution – first learn why the major consolidators don’t want it – and it has nothing to do with the coverage area.

2.  Why has the value dropped from $22 million to next to nothing in 5 years even as consolidators continue to consolidate?

3.  What would happen if Jerry Lee decided to sell his great standalone B-101 in Philadelphia – one of the perennial top billers even if he used a reputable media broker?

4.  What consolidators are now shopping for instead of expensive, top performing stations?  This speaks volumes.

5.  What are the safe radio markets?

6.  The three emerging new radio business models – CBS, Cumulus and Clear Channel and their chances of success.  

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Clear Channel Discounting Radio to Sell Digital Ads

Clear Channel has been caught red handed enticing advertisers to buy digital ads at the expense of their radio spend.

New evidence indicates media buyers are being lured to purchase digital as Clear Channel sellers are being forced to be “illusionists” by cutting the radio price and allocating it to create a phantom digital buy.

This is major.

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1.  An actual large market and stations by call letters where Clear Channel is robbing radio to pay digital – there are others, many others.

2.  Which major competitors are not stooping to create a digital buy by discounting the advertiser’s radio spend.  You’ll be surprised!

3.  What the overall radio rate looks like once the digital buy is created.

4.  I’ve seen and analyzed some actual invoices and I will share the way that Clear Channel pulls off the phantom digital buy. 

5.  A media buyer on how widespread this practice is becoming so you can counteract it before it gets to your market.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab and come away with a realistic blueprint to reinvent your station or grow your media company in the digital age.

If you’re a victim of radio downsizing, my new book is an uplifting game plan for how to turn adversity into future success. “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – in print or digital, under $9.99 here.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Cumulus Now Offering 40% Salaries (Down from 50%)

Cancel that erroneous half-salary story I recently wrote about Cumulus.

It’s now 40% of your current salary if you want to keep your job.

Here is a story with names and circumstances that will be impossible for Cumulus to deny.

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1.  What longtime talent was given the axe for the first time in his career after he refused to take 40% of his current salary to work in 2012?  I’ll name names.

2.  The unbelievable thing Cumulus did to him even before he had a chance to give them an answer.  I’m telling you, you won’t think this is possible even from Cumulus.

3.  Two Cumulus henchman rising in prominence you should look out for (in other words, when they come to your city, be afraid). 

4.  The botched handling of this 40% salary cut execution – all the details and timeframes.

5.  Cumulus had one more kick in the balls for this talent when he said no to their take it or leave it 40% salary demand – here it is.

6.  How making employees work for less is starting to spread to other areas of Cumulus.  Who could be next?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab. Learn the many opportunities ahead for radio people who want to advance their career in a phenomenal growth industry.  Leave with an Action Plan.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” – Viktor Frankl.  The “change” game plan is in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – print or digital, under $9.99 here.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Clear Channel’s Exit Plan

Clear Channel is preparing its exit plan in real time.

The hiring of Bob Pittman.  Gutting the medium and small local market clusters Cumulus-style.  The name change. 

From my sources on the ground – here’s the Clear Channel exit strategy with time frames and all the little details to help their recent strategic decisions make sense.

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1.  Pittman’s MTV buddy John Sykes was just hired to do what for Clear Channel?  Not what you think.

2.  Who the likely buyer is.

3.  The over/under on more cutbacks as part of the exit plan.

4.  The difference between investing and partnering – and which one Clear Channel will choose.

5.  The expected IPO and when.

6.  Penis envy – what media executive does Bob Pittman want to be?  Understand this and you’ll master Clear Channel’s next moves.

7.  The time frame for Clear Channel to be sold – mark you calendars.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  Come away with an Action Plan for the next 12 months.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s Rebranding Farce

The much-publicized recent Clear Channel name change is a sham.

The company is in bigger trouble than they let on and their future is not assured.

Here’s what’s really behind the so-called “rebranding”.

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1.  Why Clear Channel believes the name radio has to go – and now!

2.  Are they getting ready to sell some stations?

3.  Is one simple app (iHeartRadio) the future Clear Channel is betting on, or is something big in the digital space on the way?

4.  One of the biggest digital entertainment platforms in the world thinks that Clear Channel is crazy to blow off the name radio.  Do you know who it is?

5.  What Wall Street loves about the name change. 

6.  CEO Bob Pittman is so shameless I wouldn’t be surprised if he shocked everyone and announced this strategic initiative next.  Don’t count me out, I’ve been deadly accurate about Clear Channel all along.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

23 Days Until My Media Solutions Lab.  $200 off here.

Benefits of Attending: • A realistic blueprint to reinvent your radio station or company in the digital age • Prevent audience erosion to digital • And, the flow of radio dollars out of local markets • Give media buyers the digital they’re clamoring for (then charge them more) • New media growth businesses radio people can easily start • Track this new and unseen competitor before anyone else • Be first to build this unbeatable radio format for the digital age (We will brainstorm it together only at the Media Solutions Lab) • Best new ways to monetize digital – to date, the hard part • Master mobile content – iPad, smartphones, Siri • A better idea than daily deals • How to build your own social networking beyond Facebook & Twitter • 10 critical trends to watch for in 2012 • 99 new tools, strategies & advantages in content, selling and marketing • Reinventing you for the digital era.

Leave with an Action Plan.

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Friday, January 13, 2012

Creative Destruction Strikes Radio Again

Mitt Romney is getting nailed during the presidential primaries for his relationship with Bain Capital and his love of “creative destruction”.

How he likes to fire people.

Well, forget presidential politics for a moment.  We in radio know what creative destruction is first hand and can give the rest of the country a live audition of what they could get.

And, it just happened again two days ago – venture capitalists acting badly.

And wait until you see what creative destruction is ahead for these radio groups.

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1.  The DNA of a venture capital group that helped bankrupt a radio group so they could control it – meaning sell it.  Here’s who gets to buy it.

2.  Where the heck is Cumulus going to come up with a couple of hundred stations to be as potent a consolidator as Clear Channel?  Your wait is over, here’s where.

3.  If I’m working for this one broadcast group, I’m not buying a house or using my credit card.  I’m looking for a job because you are going to be creatively destructed soon.

4.  Bain wouldn’t hurt Clear Channel, would it?  But guess what creative destruction will be implemented to deal with Clear Channel’s $18 billion in unpayable debt.

5.  Clear Channel and Cumulus can’t merge – it’s illegal.  Believe it or not, there is something better and it is the bain of their existence.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Get more new ideas for entrepreneurial media and digital businesses as well as edgy advice on how to profit from what’s ahead at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  Stay home and miss out.  Or be there and be set for the year.  Last days to save $200 off by registering today – The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Simply thinking and believing that you have an edge, gives you the edge.  How to do it is in my new book (chapter 7) on making your own good luck. “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99 here.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Danger of Keeping Pureplays Out of Radio Ratings

Radio is about ready to make another big mistake.

One that can be avoided.

You don’t keep pureplay music streams out of the Arbitron ratings. 

You invite them in.

But make these strategical moves first.

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1.  Local radio is radio’s advantage over online pureplays, but there is growing evidence that the term “local” is becoming tainted in many markets.  Here’s your solution.

2.  The move you want to make now – ahead of every competitor – before Arbitron sends you their news release that they will indeed be rating radio along side Internet-only stations.

3.  The biggest impediment for joint pureplay/radio ratings and believe it or not, it is not Arbitron.  It’s worse.

4.  The one thing you will never want to do while your radio station is being rated now or when pureplay ratings become part of the ratings “book”.

5.  The absolute best strategic move to make to guarantee your radio station will never lose even a little market share to a pureplay station.  Delay implementing this move at your own peril.

6.  I think Arbitron has an earthshattering surprise for the radio industry coming one day relatively soon.  I’m going to ruin their surprise today.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

More SH*T I Made Up About Cumulus

Bring it on, John Dickey.

You want a piece of me? 

Come on!

You don’t scare me.  I was born in Hoboken and I boo Santa Claus at Eagles games in Philly!

I saw you crying in RBR the other day that I made things up about Cumulus paying half salaries.  You saw what happened to Clear Channel when they accused me of making up stories. 

Ok.

Here’s more SH*T John Dickey says I am making up.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  How Cumulus gets around New York union rules for some air talent.

2.  The next Cumulus format to be gutted and replaced by what’s left of the brain of Mike McVay. 

3.  The bald-faced Cumulus lie in the top of the hour liner on KABC, Los Angeles.

4.  The Cumulus station that let their announcer contracts run out at the end of 2011 with the excuse that corporate is too busy to deal with them.  Don’t be surprised if a Cumulus Hamburger Helper format right out of the box replaces them.

5.  And yes, another city where Cumulus just two days ago hired back some fired employees at – you guessed it, half-salary.  No.  I’m wrong.  Not even half-salary.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Last 29 days to register for my upcoming Media Solutions seminar.  The consolidators have their NAB.  This one is for independent thinkers. Join me for the day February 9th Media Solutions Lab

Ever think the evil Cumulus and Clear Channel do to careers will actually turn into good fortune?  I can prove it.  It’s in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – bookstores, Amazon.com or download it on your Kindle, Nook or iPad, under $9.99 here.

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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

CBS & Merlin: The Breaking News vs. Broken News Fight

In this corner, the undefeated heavyweight champion of DC, WTOP.  In the other, the curator of radio’s all-news franchise and challenger, CBS.

In this corner, the undefeated heavyweight news champion of Philadelphia, KYW and in the other, that brash bully from his Jacor Days weighing in at – well, never mind -- Randy Michaels!

The news fights are starting a week from Thursday in DC and soon thereafter in Philly.

But wait – there is big trouble brewing.

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1.  Why news is radio’s hottest FM format when hardly anyone knows how to do it or is willing to pay for it. 

2.  The Philly/Chicago/New York Merlin news battle with CBS – what’s next?

3.  CBS as the attacker against WTOP in DC – could both groups wind up losing?

4.  Merlin’s muddle – I can guarantee you that this is where Randy Michaels is heading with Merlin all-news in the year ahead.  Okay, I’ll tell you – a format change!  That’s right.  Not all-news.  Here’s the format I think he defaults to next.

5.  Why radio is like Kodak, which thought it was in the film business and is now nearly bankrupt.  Radio is not in the news business.  Hasn’t been for years.  But here is the business radio should be in now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Just 30 Days left to register for my February 9th Media Solutions Lab

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Cumulus To Tighten the Noose

Come on! 

Is it even possible that Cumulus Media could tighten the noose any further on employees they asked to work for less, do more and be treated like pawns to the wishes of investment banks.

Wait until you see what Cumulus is up to now.

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1.  The new Cumulus tactic for enforcing non-competes.  This is above and beyond the restrictions they have previously strictly enforced.

2.  Allegations of bait and switch from employees who are actually hired by Cumulus and then quit them quickly.

3.  Mandatory instructions to Cumulus stations about their daily deals program SweetJack and what is reportedly actually happening. 

4.  Why employees of one potential 2012 acquisition target are shaking in their shoes.  Names and reasons.

5.  The last place you would think a company like Cumulus that is doing away with local programming would cut more people.  Surprising yet telling.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

One month and counting!  Join me February 9th at the radio & media seminar for independent broadcasters.  Get the edge on better on-air radio and digital content that will ignite another cash flow stream.  New and improved careers are made here.  To reserve a seat -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

I’ve got some chapters in my new book that will make you rise up and turn adversity such as we are currently seeing in radio into success.  Under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Cumulus Moving to Half Salary Compensation

Things are about to get worse for Cumulus employees as Lew Dickey and company are emboldened by getting away with the gutting of local radio.

Look at what’s next.

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1.  More employees on half salaries – but wait until you hear about how they are getting people to take such big pay cuts.

2.  Right now salespeople are also being put into a tough position.  If it hasn’t happened at a station near you, it very well could happen sooner rather than later.

3.  A radical new approach to radio sales is coming – that’s what I’m tracking and when I say radical I don’t mean business as usual.  Here are the details.

4. My prediction on where all of this is leading for Cumulus and their follower, Clear Channel when it comes to outsourcing.  You won’t believe what I think they will outsource next after programming.

5.  New evidence of an alarming increase in employee abuse that I define as firing someone when they have a serious health problem.  It happened again yesterday at Cumulus.  Beware.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

If you miss my upcoming Media Solutions Lab, you’ll miss a lot.  Hundreds (that’s right, hundreds) of useful new ideas, tools, strategies and advantages.  Never recorded.  The magic is collaborating together in person.  Join me February 9th at the 2012 Media Solutions Lab

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When Clear Channel sued me for $100 million a decade ago, I used the things in my new book to survive, get stronger and eventually prevail.  With what’s happening in radio right now, this book may be just what you are looking for.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – print, Amazon.com, Kindle, Nook and iPad for under $9.99 here.

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Next Group Thinking About “Going Cumulus”

Another radio group (other than Clear Channel) is now thinking about adopting some of the non-local, bare bones cutbacks that Cumulus is implementing.

Thousands of jobs may eventually be at risk.

This is about the next likely group to “go Cumulus” – firings, cutbacks, non-local radio and all.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The almost unbelievable excuse this next group will likely use to “go Cumulus” by initiating major cutbacks and staff reductions.

2.  I’ll name the group that I think will “go Cumulus” next.  I won’t hold back or equivocate.

3.  The ways in which this company’s cutbacks and reductions will differ from Cumulus.

4.  Which companies are vulnerable to adopting Cumulus (and Clear Channel) tactics of “no one home” remote radio.  There are 5 I can name and if you work for one of them you’ll want to know who they are – now.

5.  The safest radio groups – least likely to “go Cumulus”.  I list 6 solid ones and one I’m not too sure about.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab – I will be sharing the best radio, digital and entrepreneurial opportunities for 2012 and how to be first to get in on them. 

How to turn your luck around even as things are getting more difficult – stories and inspiration from people who turned adversity into success.  Plus, a game plan to get started.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – paperback or eReader, under $9.99 here.

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Clear Channel’s Secret Plans for Q1

Okay, okay … we all know that Clear Channel is going fire more people in 2012.

But do you know how they are going to do it?

They do and after you read this piece, you will, too.

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1.  Whatever happened to those cuts President John Hogan asked larger market managers to make at the end of last year?

2.  Clear Channel has yet another secret plan to get around local radio – beyond syndication and voice tracking.  Here it is.

3.  Wait until you hear who Clear Channel is targeting next as “no longer needed”.

4.  More managers are said to be in the line of fire – here’s where.

5.  The four elements of Clear Channel’s secret plan to dump expenses.

6.  Just how massive Clear Channel cutbacks will be.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Only 5 weeks left until my February 9th Media Solutions Seminar in Scottsdale. I’ve just added a segment on how to innovate like Apple.  I’ve been trying some of these ideas and they really work.  I’ll share them with you.  Plus, I’ve added “99 NewTools, Strategies & Advantages” for only you at my optional “Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast” because you won’t hear them anywhere else.  Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab

How successful people fail their way to success and turn adversity into achievement and happiness in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – paperback, Amazon.com or eBook -- under $9.99 here.

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Cumulus Axe Hangs Over DC

Cumulus unveils its next strategic move tomorrow starting with Washington, DC.

And it will become a template for other Cumulus stations.

Now they are looking to make strategic format changes and a new direction that is worth tracking because if they get away with it, even good operators will eventually follow suit.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Changes Cumulus is likely to make in DC in advance of the all-news CBS/WTOP battle – a template for similar moves elsewhere.

2.  What a Cumulus format hub is and how it affects the rest of the chain.

3.  The new Monday through Friday mentality that promises to save Cumulus lots of bucks. 

4.  The most endangered radio format in the Cumulus chain.  If you’re working in this format, here’s fair warning -- get those resumes ready.

5.  My prediction on local studios – unimaginable just a year ago but inevitable today.

6.  The next way Cumulus will reduce its workforce from here on out and starting when.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  I have just added a segment on Apple innovation with specific concepts you can adopt to be more successful.

Radio people have told me this book is just what the doctor ordered in an industry that ties your hands and saps your confidence. “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – paperback or digital, under $9.99 here.

The smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed -- NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook.  

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Randy’s Plans for Merlin Without Sabo

Here’s what I’m hearing …

1.  What led to Sabo’s departure after only a few months of his Merlin all-news and who influenced Randy Michaels the most in making the decision.

2.  Sabo’s departure could cause an even bigger problem for Michaels and it’s not on the air.

3.  What happens to Merlin all-news formats in New York, Chicago and soon the one they are planning to launch in Philadelphia.  Plan B to beat CBS.

4.  Countdown to music.  How long before Michaels has to go back to something he knows – music radio.

5.  But what “Hail Mary” will Michaels try before he converts to music radio.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Join me at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  I have just added a segment on Apple innovation with specific concepts you can adopt to be more successful.

Radio people have told me this book is just what the doctor ordered in an industry that ties your hands and saps your confidence. “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” – paperback or digital, under $9.99 here.

The smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed -- NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook.  

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Apple Innovation Added at 2012 Media Solutions Lab

I will be revealing the emerging new media trends for the 12 months ahead plus 99 new ideas, strategies and opportunities to get a leg up on the significant changes coming in 2012 February 9th at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.

On the morning of the 10th, The Big Ideas Breakfast focusing on tons of info that you can take home and put to good use.

Just added:  a segment on Apple Innovation.  Apple has a university devoted to thinking differently and I am going to suggest some specific ways you can apply these concepts to your businesses, stations and careers.

Here are a few of the emerging trends that I will reveal at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.

  • There will be more audience erosion in radio in the one year ahead than in the past 5 years.  Competing mobile media is one factor.  The movement by radio companies away from local radio in favor of national syndication and voice tracking is another.  People Meter ratings methodology is also a factor because it tends to reward radio for drive-by listening while many listeners are actually saying “bye bye”. But there is a solution to radio audience erosion and we’ll discuss it together.
 
  • Media buyers will up their demands for their digital spend even as radio tries to sell them podcasting, streaming and banner ad-populated websites.  But few stations have tried the approach that I am going to share with you that promises to dazzle buyers and even get them to up their on-air spend to be part of the new package.  Your competitor isn’t going to get this type of information at their next convention.
 
  • Think the Internet is radio’s competitor?  Think again.  Siri is.  Siri, Apple’s talking personal assistant who resides on the next generation of iPhones.  It used to be that radio’s talked to people.  Now people talk to mobile devices.  This is major – bigger than even the iPad tablet revolution.  Radio will fight it, of course.  But you won’t because you will come away with a plan to put Siri to work for you.
 
  • Listeners are now consumers.  Consumers will want to be the program director and sales manager of their mobile devices.  Attention spans are decreasing again.  Music is fast becoming a non-attraction for younger radio listeners because they have Pandora and subscription music services.  Video will have to become a bigger part of audio.  Social networking is changing so rapidly that while we think Facebook and Twitter are the ultimate social tools, you and your products are going to become the new social networks.  We will discuss, plan and attack.
 
  • Video will be the king of all media.  That presents a problem for those luddites at Clear Channel and Cumulus.  But radio is actually in the best position to quench consumers’ thirst for meaningful video, as you will learn at the conference.  Radio with pictures is coming to a station near you.  Why not make it yours.
 
  • The daily deals ship has sailed.  No need to prostitute advertisers to fight Groupon.  In fact, Groupon will be over soon.  But I know a way that radio stations can get more ad dollars – repeat business, longer term contracts – by thinking like Apple – differently.  I will walk you through a sales proposition that advertisers will not be able to say no to.  And this couldn’t be a better time to discover the secret because economists are predicting a flat economy again in 2012.
 
  • What if I told you about a new radio format that is very tuned to short attention spans, is so compelling and addictive that even young people – the ones bolting for the mobile Internet – will return to find your station on the radio.  Why streaming on-air stations is going to be a no-no and broadcasting in the present (with no Internet replay) will be the future.  And the future is 2012! You’d think I’m nuts, right?  Well, I’m going to describe all the little details about a radio station that will do just this for you, if you attend my 2012 Media Solutions Lab, and your competitors back home won’t know what hit them.

Already you can tell, my 2012 Media Solutions Lab is unconventional. 

No sponsors.

No speakers paying me to pitch you.

No b.s.

All Interactive.

After all, it’s a “lab”!

Tons of useful intelligence that will keep you busy and productive in the year ahead.

Then, the morning after the Media Solutions Lab, I will rattle off one innovative idea after another to help you digest your breakfast and the content from our full day together in the optional Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast.

Take notes because you won’t hear this anywhere else and we never sell audio or video tapes of the conference nor do we stream it online.  The magic is collaborating together.

You can’t make it through the next 12 months if you’re the last to know which remarkable trends are coming at you.

I’ve been making these calls for years with great precision.

Invest in the future.

Invest in your career.

Stay relevant.

Reserve a seat for the The 2012 Media Solutions Lab and "Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast"

Read chapters in my new book that will make you rise up and turn adversity such as we are seeing now into success – “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” print or digital, under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline – tips, emails, eyewitness accounts.

Talk to me privately here.

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Friday, December 30, 2011

FINAL 2 Days to Save $300 – 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Here’s what you get when you register now and save $300 on the 2012 Media Solutions Lab February 9th at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

It’s a learning conference about the emerging new trends that you can expect to impact the media business in the next 12 months.

Take a look …

EMERGING TRENDS

  • Before 2012 is over – just 12 months from now – radio will experience more audience erosion than in all the past 5 years put together.  PPM ratings are deceiving in that they reward drive-by listening from devices picking up encoded radio station signals. But radio’s audience losses will be palpable for the first time in 2012.  I will share a solution that costs little money but takes an entrepreneurial spirit to buck radio erosion on your station(s). 
     
  • Media buyers will force budgets into even more digital over radio.  They will reject radio’s usual answers:  podcasting, streaming and banner ad-populated websites.  But I am going to show you an on-air solution – that’s right, I said on-air – that will dazzle media buyers and up their spend with you.  Lucky your competitor isn’t going to attend this year’s Media Solution’s Lab.
  • Siri will now become radio’s worst nightmare.  That’s right – Siri, Apple’s personal assistant who resides on the next generation of iPhones and I’m on record with this warning.  You see, radio is used to talking to listeners, but consumers are falling in love with talking to their mobile phones.  The end of radio?  Maybe – for budget cutting wonders, but not for us.  I’ve got an easy to implement plan that gives you a leg up on other media – a plan that actually makes Siri your best friend.  Interested in getting ahead of this trend?
     
  • Listeners will become your new program director and sales manager.  On-demand is now expected.  That’s why Pandora is ably competing with music radio stations in local ratings and Pandora’s ratings are having no problem growing every month.  Stations will have to add video – yes, video – to radio to compete and why social networking will have to be better than Facebook or Twitter add-ons or else you miss the wave.  At this Media Lab we will discuss, plan and attack.
     
  • Video will be the king of all media and during the next 12 months if you don’t get the right plan in place, you will be at a great disadvantage going forward.  I’m going to show attendees how to think video and make it compelling.  I’m not just talking YouTube on your website or mobile add-ons for iPhones.  Better than that!
     
  • Daily deals will peak.  Groupon and SweetJack have missed their opportunity to hook both listeners and local advertisers.  You’re going to hear me outline a plan that is more promising than daily deals – a hybrid of the best of couponing and what radio should have been doing all along – creative promotion.  Idea starters.  Hints.  Packaged and ready to go.  Take notes and return home armed and extremely dangerous.
     
  • If I told you I have a new way to make all radio formats more compelling for digital users without streaming or putting it on a mobile device would you be interested?  You’ll hear my blueprint to make your on-air product so addictive that radio listeners will forget about digital (while they’re listening)  and when they pick up their phones, do what I’m going to share with you and you’ll own them a second time.
     
  • What to do if you’re working for a clueless consolidator who is hell bent on cutbacks and firings even though you know they could do better.  Stop frustrating yourself.  Attendee lists are private and not shared.  You’re safe boning up on your next move with us.
     
  • Plus many trends – look at this list.

NEW SKILL SETS

  • How to think different like Apple without going broke.  Apple now has a university to make their strategic approach second nature to employees.  Here are some practical ways to come up with better ideas and better ways to implement. 
     
  • Mining the great ideas of others.  Meetings won’t do it.  Threats won’t either.  I’ll show you a way to get the people you hired to give you their best thinking all the time if – and this is a big IF – you are willing to learn to do the one thing I’m going to ask of you. 
     
  • Digital brainstorming.  I’m so big on this I opened a new office in Scottsdale to teach my USC-tested brainstorming sessions to stations, entrepreneurs and individuals.  Join me at my Media Solutions Lab and you’ll come away with the basis for generating many new and saleable ideas that otherwise might be impossible.
     
  • And more …  check it out.

INNOVATION

  • My (optional) “Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast” lets us go one-on-one to drill down into content that we covered together the day before.  The better to help you build a blueprint for the year ahead.
     
  • The Big Business Opportunities ripe for starting in the next 12 months.  Worth the price of admission all by itself!
     
  • Know the next generation the way 50-something Steve Jobs did – they are the change makers.  I’ll show you how to hook them and then expand your reach to older audiences. 
     
  • Big Ideas to stimulate your thinking on new media, radio, social networking, video and new age businesses.  For example, I’ll give you an unfair advantage over competitors for using Twitter and Facebook.  The first digital content idea for you to go beyond the usual.  Hints on how to make money without selling spots online and without having to sell online ads along with radio.  Key concepts ahead.  Trend trackers.  Managing your time better in a digital world.  And if you ask me at the breakfast, I will share a proven formula I taught my students on how to beat out even the most qualified competitors for the job you want next. 

Whew!

This event is so full of take home pay.  So much fun to do because we learn together.  At the end of day one, I’m dead tired from standing on my feet but my attendees are still raring to go. 

Already you can tell, my 2012 Media Solutions Lab is unconventional. 

The 2012 Media Solutions lab has no sponsors – you pay tuition, that’s good enough.

No speakers paying me to pitch you – you can get that anywhere.

No b.s. – I’m a straight talker, but you know that already.

All Interactive.

After all, it’s a “lab” – I teach the way I taught as a professor of music industry at The University of Southern California.

It’s collaborative.

Tons of useful intelligence that will keep you busy and productive in the year ahead.

Then, the morning after the Media Solutions Lab, I will rattle off one innovative idea after another to help you digest your breakfast and the content from our full day together in the optional Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast.

You can’t make it through the next 12 months if you’re the last to know which remarkable trends are coming at you.

I’ve been making these calls for years with great precision.

Invest in the future.

Invest in your career.

Stay relevant.

Just 2 days left to claim a $300 discount on your registration by clicking here.

Learn more about saving $300 -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here

•  Here is what Laurie Spoon said about my new book:  “In addition to my other all time favorite books about life--books that are so important and have tremendously influenced my life, ("Man's search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, "What Happy People Know/What Happy Women Know" by Dan Baker), I have to add Jerry Del Colliano's book- "Out of Bad Comes Good--The Advantages of Disadvantages". A short book that is worth reading and re-reading”.  Read Jerry’s New Book

•  My Confidential NewsTip Hotline is open over the holidays.

•  Talk to me privately here.

Please feel free to share this info with your friends by clicking “share this” on the blue bar below.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Last 3 Days to Save $300 — 2012 Media Solutions Lab

I will be revealing the emerging new media trends for the 12 months ahead plus 99 new ideas, strategies and opportunities to get a leg up on the significant changes coming in 2012 February 9th at the Phoenician in Scottsdale.

On the morning of the 10th, The Big Ideas Breakfast focusing on tons of info that you can take home and put to good use.

Here are a few of the emerging trends that I will reveal at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.

  • There will be more audience erosion in radio in the one year ahead than in the past 5 years.  Competing mobile media is one factor.  The movement by radio companies away from local radio in favor of national syndication and voice tracking is another.  People Meter ratings methodology is also a factor because it tends to reward radio for drive-by listening while many listeners are actually saying “bye bye”. But there is a solution to radio audience erosion and we’ll discuss it together.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Emerging Trends for 2012

Here are a few of the emerging trends that I will reveal at my February 9th Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ.

  • There will be more audience erosion in radio in the one year ahead than in the past 5 years.  Competing mobile media is one factor.  The movement by radio companies away from local radio in favor of national syndication and voice tracking is another.  People Meter ratings methodology is also a factor because it tends to reward radio for drive-by listening while many listeners are actually saying “bye bye”. But there is a solution to radio audience erosion and we’ll discuss it together.
     
  • Media buyers will up their demands for their digital spend even as radio tries to sell them podcasting, streaming and banner ad-populated websites.  But few stations have tried the approach which I am going to share with you that promises to dazzle buyers and even get them to up their on-air spend to be part of the new package.  Your competitor isn’t going to get this type of information at their next convention.
     
  • Think the Internet is radio’s competitor?  Think again.  Siri is.  Siri, Apple’s talking personal assistant who resides on the next generation of iPhones.  It used to be that radio’s talked to people.  Now people talk to mobile devices.  This is major – bigger than even the iPad tablet revolution.  Radio will fight it, of course.  But you won’t because you will come away with a plan to put Siri to work for you.
     
  • Listeners are now consumers.  Consumers will want to be the program director and sales manager of their mobile devices.  Attention spans are decreasing again.  Music is fast becoming a non-attraction for younger radio listeners because they have Pandora and subscription music services.  Video will have to become a bigger part of audio.  Social networking is changing so rapidly that while we think Facebook and Twitter are the ultimate social tools, you and your products are going to become the new social networks.  We will discuss, plan and attack.
     
  • Video will be the king of all media.  That presents a problem for those luddites at Clear Channel and Cumulus.  But radio is actually in the best position to quench consumers’ thirst for meaningful video, as you will learn at the conference.  Radio with pictures is coming to a station near you.  Why not make it yours.
     
  • The daily deals ship has sailed.  No need to prostitute advertisers to fight Groupon.  In fact, Groupon will be over soon.  But I know a way that radio stations can get more ad dollars – repeat business, longer term contracts – by thinking like Apple – differently.  I will walk you through a sales proposition that advertisers will not be able to say no to.  And this couldn’t be a better time to discover the secret because economists are predicting a flat economy again in 2012.
     
  • What if I told you about a new radio format that is very tuned to short attention spans, is so compelling and addictive that even young people – the ones bolting for the mobile Internet – will return to find your station on the radio.  Why streaming on-air stations is going to be a no-no and broadcasting in the present (with no Internet replay) will be the future.  And the future is 2012! You’d think I’m nuts, right?  Well, I’m going to describe all the little details about a radio station that will do just this for you, if you attend my 2012 Media Solutions Lab, and your competitors back home won’t know what hit them.

Already you can tell, my 2012 Media Solutions Lab is unconventional. 

No sponsors.

No speakers paying me to pitch you.

No b.s.

All Interactive.

After all, it’s a “lab”!

Tons of useful intelligence that will keep you busy and productive in the year ahead.

Then, the morning after the Media Solutions Lab, I will rattle off one innovative idea after another to help you digest your breakfast and the content from our full day together in the optional Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast.

You can’t make it through the next 12 months if you’re the last to know which remarkable trends are coming at you.

I’ve been making these calls for years with great precision.

Invest in the future.

Invest in your career.

Stay relevant.

The Last 4 days to claim a $300 discount on your registration by clicking here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here

•  Here is what Laurie Spoon said about my new book:  “In addition to my other all time favorite books about life--books that are so important and have tremendously influenced my life, ("Man's search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl,"What Happy People Know/What Happy Women Know" by Dan Baker), I have to add Jerry Del Colliano's book- "Out of Bad Comes Good--The Advantages of Disadvantages". A short book that is worth reading and re-reading”.  Read Jerry’s New Book

•  1010 WINS is right – the news watch never stops -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline is open over the holidays.

•  Talk to me privately here.

•  Follow me on Twitter & Facebook

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Only 5 Days Left to Save $300 – 2012 Media Solutions Lab

My February 9th seminar at The Phoenician in Scottsdale is devoted to identifying the most important emerging media trends in the next 12 months and offering practical solutions for new and traditional media.

And for just 5 more days – or while these specially priced seats last – you can take $300 off every registration. 

Plus there is an optional Big Ideas Breakfast early on February 10th where participants will learn how to get involved in the most promising media businesses as well as hear my list of innovations you can take home and put to work in your business, life and family.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll get when you register for my 2012 Media Solutions Lab:

  • “The 10 Most Important Emerging Media Trends for 2012” – one full year ahead of everyone else.  I’ve been making these predictions for years with great precision.  In fact, I will also review my 2011 predictions with updates and more information to help you keep track of these trends as well.
     
  • What to do about new media – media buyers want it, but radio stations are missing the solutions that would make them open their checkbooks and say, “how much do you want for that idea”.  You can bet I’m going to tell you.
     
  • What to do about radio – lots of listening but fewer listeners.  I’m going to answer the question what would I do to make on-air radio not only more competitive with emerging mobile and Internet content, but how to make it more compelling.  I’ll have a list of practical solutions.  And you can interrupt and hitchhike on any idea.  You will not get these solutions anywhere else.
     
  • Apple has big plans for 2012 but don’t get caught flatfooted.  I’m going to reveal – just as Apple has changed the music business – it is about ready to change radio and most radio people don’t even see this coming.  The Apple innovation that is targeting radio and how to wind up on the right side of it – early.
     
  • Start This Business Not That!  Many new opportunities exist for people who have spent their careers in radio.  I’ll name and explain.
     
  • A better idea for radio than “daily deals” – one that is unique, compelling and addictive.  But you have to get there first in your market.
     
  • Stop the flow of radio dollars out of local markets by rethinking “radio” – media buyers increasingly want new media in their spend and radio stations want to give them websites, podcasts and banner ads.  None of these are the answer.  You leave Scottsdale with our blueprint that will at the very least dazzle media buyers.
     
  • Critical changes in audience habits ahead.  Can you name the biggest threat to radio listening?  It’s not Internet streaming.  Not podcasting.  Not Pandora.  You will not only be able to name them when you leave my seminar, but know the almost unbelievable desires of changing audiences and how to get them addicted to radio.  That’s right – radio.
     
  • Where to acquire the skill sets you will need to keep up with these monumental changes.  Do these things and you’ll be more relevant than ever. 
     
  • The new social network built around you!  How to build a clubhouse with passionate fans.  Monetize it.  Even charge money for it.  I’ve done it and will share what I’ve learned because Facebook has peaked yet audiences remain addicted to social networking.  Raise your hand and tell me what you want to do and I’ll show you the most fabulous social networking alternatives to Twitter and Facebook.

One career changing idea would make this day worthwhile, but you won’t get just one new idea.  If you’re like attendees of my previous Media Solutions Labs you’ll come away with dozens – even more for some of you.  That’s why exit surveys show 92% of the folks attending my Media Solutions Lab say it met or exceeded their expectations.

I teach the way I engaged my young students as a professor of music industry at The University of Southern California – open dialog, frequent use of a brainstorming technique I developed at USC and collaborative learning.

This is not a convention.

Not a show.

No sponsors, no speakers paying me to sell you something.

It’s a “lab” – about experiments, research and teaching what is about to happen in our media world in real time.

It will not be recorded or videotaped.  The magic is being there.

My 2012 Media Solutions Lab and Next Day Breakfast is the learning event that helps smart media executives start the New Year ahead of the curve.

Join me for complimentary breakfast, lunch and breaks on February 9th in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona for my Third Annual Media Solutions Lab.

And if you like tons of useful ideas that cooperate with the changes ahead, don’t leave until you attend my “Next Day Big Ideas Breakfast”.

Register now while you can still save $300 on every registration.

Click here to learn more and register.

Please feel free to share this with your friends by clicking “share this” on the blue bar below. 

While they last, get a special Phoenician On-site hotel discount here

Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Pittman Moves To Consolidate Power

CEO Bob Pittman is now showing you Clear Channel’s cards.

During the holiday lull, he consolidated power and has set the stage for some major changes ahead in 2012.

Make no mistake about it this is a Christmas gift – to Wall Street.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What Pittman did that shows he is going to take Clear Channel in a radically different direction in the year ahead.

2.  The end game can now be seen – the way owners Lee & Bain get their money and Pittman makes his. 

3.  By consolidating power Pittman is setting up his next play – and you won’t believe the possibilities here.  A thousand guesses won’t help.  He’s thinking way out of the box and now controls the company and influences the venture money enough to make the bizarre happen.

4.  Why Clear Channel employees have real reason to be concerned in the next 12 months.  More than just cutbacks.  This year could be an assault on the radio workforce because of what Pittman is planning to do.

5.  Specifics – the year ahead for Clear Channel summarized in two new strategies.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Only 10 days left to save $300 on my upcoming February 9th conference.  There’s no way to make it in 2012 without seeing the emerging trends and developing opportunities before they happen. That’s what this is.  Guarantee a $300-off seat by registering here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

My new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is the study of successful and happy people who have overcome the disadvantages that life in our fast times can bring complete with a formula for turning bad into good that can be put into action immediately.  Available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Wall Street Money never sleeps but neither does My Confidential NewsTip Hotline. 

Talk to me privately here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to a very special group of people I admire so much.  Thanks for your support and I give you my best wishes to make 2012 a great year!  

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Social Media Crisis

Social media is undergoing a monumental change that could affect everyone who uses it.

And content providers trying to figure out how they should use it.

This report is about how media companies are headed one way while social networks are beginning to act like them even as audiences are headed in an entirely different direction.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1. Facebook is in trouble – yes, the great Facebook.  Here’s what’s going to be better than Facebook and how you should get ahead of it.

2. Twitter is it!  How to harness Twitter.

3. Radio treats social media as an add-on.  Here are some better ideas. 

4. What radio can learn from how consumers are now watching TV – that’s right, consumers are telling us something important.

5. The digital dashboard that we keep hearing about is immune from this social media crisis, right?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Last 11 days to save $300 on my February 9th Media Solutions Lab.  At that seminar, I will explain how I would redesign radio stations to make them better competitors to digital content.  Programming.  Sales.  Marketing.  Social Networking.  Digital products. Save a seat(s) by registering here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Here is what one of our own, Laurie Spoon, said about my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” (unsolicited):  In addition to my other all time favorite books about life--books that are so important and have tremendously influenced my life, ("Man's search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, "What Happy People Know/What Happy Women Know" by Dan Baker), I have to add Jerry Del Colliano's book- "Out of Bad Comes Good--The Advantages of Disadvantages". A short book that is worth reading and re-reading. If you’d like to read it, order here for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book.

When you see news – go to My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here. 

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Cellphone Ban’s Impact on Radio

The proposed NTSB ban on cellphones is drastic and draconian.

The implications are so significant that it could change everything.

But once you read what is really going on with this proposed 50-state ban that even includes hands-free cellphone use, you will rethink your initial thoughts.

And start preparing.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What’s the likely impact of the NTSB’s proposed cellphone ban on radio.

2.  The effects of the cellphone ban on the digital dashboard of the future being manufactured right now.

3.  Will the ban kill texting, calling and other digital distractions and force listeners to return to listening exclusively to radio while driving.

4.  The chances of the proposed ban becoming law – 9 states now outlaw handheld cellphones, 35 already ban texting while driving. 

5.  How consumers may react and what you need to know about them before taking away their mobile devices.

The answers start here.

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Clear Channel Prepares for the Big Bang

If you think Clear Channel is through firing because it is Christmas, think again.

Clear Channel can no longer hide from its mounting debt in which Standard & Poor’s has voiced concern.

There are a series of painful changes ahead for Clear Channel.

In operations and personnel.

In finance.

And, and, believe it or not, an exit strategy.

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1.  The chances of Clear Channel remaining solvent in the year ahead and 2013. 

2.  Why Clear Channel cannot pay the smallest of its debt bills in 2014 -- $2.9 billion dollars and what two strategic moves are very much on the table.

3.  Then the Big Bang – 2016 when $12.3 billion in debt comes due with no way to pay it back except this.

4.  Selling assets, making an acquisition – both seem plausible well in advance of the Big Bang.  Here’s how I see it going down.

5.  Will Pittman stay or will he go?  My timeline on how Bob Pittman maximizes his investment or as some might put it – takes his money and runs.

The answers start here.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Warner Music After Bronfman

The record industry has been realigned.

EMI is broken up.

Warner is in new hands.

Universal hopes to get bigger.

What’s up with all of that – and how does the departure of Edgar Bronfman from Warner reshape the music industry now?

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1.  The likely effects of Universal’s purchase of EMI’s music division on Warner.

2.  Is the record business ready for a turnaround or growth years?

3.  What the record industry is still missing that it must have no matter who buys what or who spends what.  Without this, the labels continue to decline.

4.  How the labels shoot themselves in the foot – and I’m not talking about suing music pirates.

5.  The fastest way all record labels could increase their legal sales – and yet they won’t do it.

The answers start here.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Market Managers Are Out

There’s a bounty on market managers.

Cumulus and Clear Channel are moving in another direction but so far you’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg.

There is mounting evidence that the two largest radio groups are preparing to move to a model that is even more drastic.

This is what we’re hearing from people close to the situation.

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1.  A new way to run local radio clusters with minimal expense and tighter controls.  It’s drastic.

2.  A drastic new sales model.  The system the Dickeys think this system that I am about to reveal will revolutionize radio sales.  It will sure shake it up.

3.  The next step to nationalize Cumulus and Clear Channel programming is a blockbuster.  The one thing that had been considered off limits is now fair game.

4.  We know that program directors are a vanishing breed, but there will be a place for good PDs in the new model, right? 

5.  The biggest shocker of all is the magnitude of the management change coming within months to the two largest radio groups and likely later from those that follow.  The unthinkable thing they will do to oversee their local stations.

The answers start here.

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Even Steve Jobs had to be fired, humiliated and rehabilitated before he returned to rule Apple.  My new book, “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is about turning bad luck into good luck.  Inspirational examples.  The method.  How to expect bad things to actually lead to a happy life and much success.  Now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 here -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Cumulus Slow-Walking Required Spinoffs

Looks like Cumulus is toe-dragging the required spinoffs for a number of markets that put it over the legal limit.

This – along with the prepackaged bankruptcy of four stations they could not run profitably – shows a clear picture of how this company may be run as it grows.

What is Cumulus up to by slow-walking these spinoffs.

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1.  The two stations that some believe Cumulus wants to hold onto in spite of the fact that they are under orders to spin them off.

2.  Allegations in one market that Cumulus continues to in essence run two stations earmarked for spinoffs.  Wait until you hear how blatant it appears.

3.  A few days from now, Cumulus will also attempt to take four stations that are losing money into a pre-packaged bankruptcy channeling former Citadel CEO Farid Suleman.  Here are their chances.

4.  How they can get away with this with the FCC watching.

5.   Why selected Cumulus bankruptcies portend their firing schedule for next year.

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Even Steve Jobs had to be fired, humiliated and rehabilitated before he returned to rule Apple.  My new book, “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is about turning bad luck into good luck.  Inspirational examples.  The method.  How to expect bad things to actually lead to a happy life and much success.  Now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 here -- Read Jerry’s New Book

The best network of reliable sources – report news here -- NewsTip Hotline.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Business Startup For Fired Radio Executives

Let’s get serious about how former radio execs – and fed up current managers – can start a digital business that audiences will love and sponsors will support.

I’ve got one I’ve been working on for my upcoming media seminar, but you’ll want to see if this works for you right now.

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1.  Who should be involved in this project – see if it matches your skill sets.

2.  The answer to the question, how much investment money will you have to come up with to get started.

3.  How to attract the talent without paying a nickel in advance – this plan is built for entrepreneurs on every level and is easy to operate even without venture funding. 

4.  The secret to monetization.  I can tell you right now selling spots and banner ads are not what I have in mind.  But this is.

5.  The formatics – how what you will do is so unlike a radio station and yet no one could do it but a person who understands how to create content for a radio station.

6.  The risk that even out of touch radio operators might give this startup a try which is why I am offering it to you now.

The answers start here.

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Learn the one thing that guarantees you will never become discouraged from attaining your goals – even if you hit a patch of bad luck.  It’s in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 --Read Jerry’s New Book

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Matching Radio To Geographic Audiences

The next big trend is emerging.

Matching radio to specific geographic areas.

Sounds good, right?

Don’t be so sure.

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1.  How significant is an emerging new trend that shows radio, records and digital companies second-guessing what consumers want without first giving them a chance to experience it?

2.  Metrics abuse – the dangerous new trend that tries to prove that numbers don’t lie.

3.  What Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman and Pandora’s Tim Westergren have in common – amazing as that seems.

4.  How to make better consumer-centric audience decisions based on not relying so heavily on metrics.

5.  A better way for radio to find new audiences

The answers start here.

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“Seven Ways To Get The Job of Your Dreams” page 76 in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  Available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Report news, memos and eyewitness accounts on my Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

How 5th Largest Salem Fires

Christian broadcasters like Salem don’t apparently have a high moral ground on secular giants like Cumulus and Clear Channel when it comes to a more humane firing.

Troubling accounts of several Salem firings within the past year that I am about to share from my Newstip Hotline raise some troubling questions.

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1.  Two executive firings in the past year where Salem did something that even Clear Channel and Cumulus don’t dare to do.  I’ll tell you what it is.

2.  Post-partum follow-up that almost never takes place when other large radio groups fire.

3.  The safety net that Clear Channel and Cumulus builds into termination that apparently Salem leaves out.

4.  What to watch out for if an employee is terminated by Salem.

5.  Sit down for this – getting fired is always unpleasant but the Clear Channel and Cumulus way may actually be better.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Only 19 days left to save $300 on your registration for my upcoming media seminar February 9th at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  This forward-looking interactive conclave will track emerging trends for the year ahead -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

“Seven Ways To Get The Job of Your Dreams” page 76 in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  Available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Report news, memos and eyewitness accounts on my Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Monday, December 12, 2011

Protesters Target Clear Channel Today

If Internet postings are true, today (Monday) is the day for the first real protest against a major abuser of local radio – Clear Channel.

If it works, there are plenty more consolidators around to target.

The strategy is simple, legal and could prove useful to people who want to legally protest the downsizing and firings that have put local radio in peril.

Here’s all you need to know about the protest plan and 5 additional strategies – all legal and effective.

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1.  Details on the epicenter of the first protest – where, why and how.

2.  The legal strategy that owners cannot deny and techniques that consolidators may not reject.   Plus a resource link.

3.  The best way – step-by-step – to occupy the station legally and what to do when you gain access.  Watch local management sweat – if you can find anyone home.

4.  What to do if there is no one at the station – an increasing problem with local radio.  You have a right to gain access and a right to get information.  I’ll tell you two specific things to seek when you get in.

5.  Five other strategies that are all legal, effective and cannot be stopped by consolidators if your goal is to stir up some blow back for their firings and gutting of local radio.

The answers start here.

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Coke’s White Christmas Cans

Coca-Cola has another “New Coke” moment on its hands this holiday season that reminds me of radio.

Here’s how Steve Jobs would have handled the latest Coke blunder and you can extrapolate how he would have handled voice tracking as well.

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1.  How did Coke make such a big mistake (again) by switching the color of its cans for the holidays? 

2.  The reason even mega large research budgets are worthless without innovation.

3.  The difference between Apple’s innovation and Coke’s.

4.  Voice tracking is to radio what white cans are to Coke.

5.  What one radio pioneer from decades ago had the right balance between innovation and monetization?

The answers start here.

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Friday, December 9, 2011

Career Alert: $75-125,000 Radio GSM Opening Plus Equity

This is a career alert on a radio position that is being made available to subscribers of Inside Music Media.

The employer is a member of our group and would like to hire someone who shares our views on the future of radio.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and good luck in applying for this position with an independent radio company.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this group benefit as well as read the daily content, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Job description and location of the radio stations looking for a GSM.

2.  Background information about the employer who is not a consolidator.

3.  Salary and equity.

4.  Benefits.

5.  Duties and responsibilities.

6.  How to apply – the contact information you will need.

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Last 20 days to save $300 on your registration for my upcoming media seminar – Claim the last discounted tickets by registering here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Hear my interview on KTRS, St Louis about my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 --Read Jerry’s New Book.   Hear Jerry’s interview here.

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline – sunshine is the cure for the radio industry.

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Friday, December 9, 2011

Radio’s Believe It Or Not

To borrow a phrase from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not here’s “everything odd, weird and unbelievable” in the radio industry.

10 of the most bizarre, sickest and hilarious examples of a radio industry gone wrong.

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1.  What happens when you go to iHeartRadio?  Guess what is no longer there?

2.  The new McCumulus format is coming to the former legacy ABC AM stations and maybe even others.  I’ll tell you the hot rumor of which station gets this “dollar” meal next and what it is.

3.  The Cumulus Grim Reaper is headed to Citadel next week, right?  According to this report, an original Cumulus cluster is shaking in their boots because of what they hear is going to happen next week.  I’ll name it.

4.  “Stay Bonuses” – what they are and who got them. 

5.  The secret “pardons” Farid Suleman offered to some of his employees on the eve of the Cumulus takeover of Citadel.

6.  The outstanding Detroit station that is rumored to be in the Cumulus line of fire.

7.  The new Cumulus initiative to get scared stiff employees to volunteer innovative ideas to the company.  Details from a scared stiff employee.

8.  Jetscam – the part of Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman’s private jet lease you don’t know about.

9.  The laughable insult Clear Channel President John Hogan hurled at Steve Jobs in public several years before his death.

10.  The radio group that is not Cumulus and Clear Channel that is now making their fired employees sign a non-compete before they can get their severance pay.

The answers start here.

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Hear my interview on KTRS, St Louis about my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 --Read Jerry’s New Book.   Hear Jerry’s interview here.

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline – sunshine is the cure for the radio industry.

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Think Clear Channel Has Stopped Firing?

There is a major transformation going on at Clear Channel that people are missing.

It is moving away from radio – and with it – the need to employ radio people.

1.  When do the major market Clear Channel cuts kick in?

2.  New evidence that there is no ceasefire in Clear Channel firings – the latest reductions in work force.

3.  The massive cutbacks ahead in 2012 – potentially bigger than 2011.

4.  Will firing take a holiday for Christmas at Clear Channel?

5.  The greatest predictor of what is ahead for Clear Channel.  Bob Pittman is signaling Wall Street and the media what he is going to do with Clear Channel and it is not exactly what he is telling the radio industry. 

6.  The new platform for Clear Channel that you have not seen yet – but is on the way in the next few months.

Clear Channel is up to something.

The answers start here.

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Last 24 days to save $300 on your registration for my upcoming media seminar – Claim the last discounted tickets by registering here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

“In jealousy, there is more self-love than love” – Francois VI.  Jealousy is one of the relationship and career killers that I deal with in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

12 Radio Groups That Could Sell

We know Cumulus is reloading to buy more stations next year.

And that Clear Channel may want to reduce its radio platform a bit.

Each year there are fewer radio groups and next year at this time will be no exception.

So let’s grade the chances of 12 groups buying or selling in the next 12 months.

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1.  The companies that are definitely in – not selling radio stations.

2.  The groups that are being targeted by consolidators looking to fill out their rosters.

3.  Straight forward yes or no answers on the 12 radio companies most likely to be involved in cashing out or buying more stations.

4.  Grading the likelihood of these groups selling everything, some assets or staying put.  You may be surprised that more radio groups than not might be willing to sell in the next 12 months.

5.  Projections on these groups:  Entercom, CBS, Hubbard, Bonneville, Saga, Inner City, Clear Channel, Emmis, Townsquare, Lincoln Financial, Merlin and Greater Media.

The answers start here.

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Last 24 days to save $300 on your registration for my upcoming media seminar – Claim the last discounted tickets by registering here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

“In jealousy, there is more self-love than love” – Francois VI.  Jealousy is one of the relationship and career killers that I deal with in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The First AM/FM Simulcast Evidence

Let’s get right to it.

What’s the first evidence on whether it’s worth blowing up an FM station and firing everybody to simulcast a strong AM brand?  Some numbers are coming in.

Take a look at CBS-owned WIP in Philadelphia for an early indication.

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1.  Did the audience shift from AM to FM actually take place as hoped for?

2.  Did the audience increase when the simulcast became established?

3.  An eye-popping early indicator in the WIP Philadelphia case that may have owners reconsidering their strategies.

4.  What happens to FM shares when the AM brand is simulcast but what is also happening to the AM station – is it still worth keeping on the air or is its role critical to the simulcast?

5.  Did the AM/FM simulcast bring in younger numbers?

6.  The three options (not just two anymore) going forward to save an important AM brand.

7.  What now appears to be the best move on protecting important AM brands from what we know at this point in time.

The answers start here.

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“Without faith a man can do nothing, with it all things are possible” – Sir William Osler quoted in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” which is particularly timely in an era when radio groups are firing thousands of talented people who are naturally down on their luck.  Not any more.  See how successful people turn adversity into success.  This book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Randy Buys Philly FM – Options Besides All-News

Merlin Media struck again yesterday buying a Philly FM station to do some kind of spoken word format.

Most assume it will be some form of all-news to once again compete against CBS but competing against CBS news in Chicago and New York isn’t working.

But another giant option looms.

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1.  The one format Merlin actually has experience doing because of one of its principals that could actually make some noise in Philadelphia.

2.  The company that reportedly almost bought WKDN-FM – the station Merlin just bought.

3.  Where this leaves CBS which gutted a music station to find an FM home for its sports/talk WIP but now finds its legacy all-news brand KYW unprotected without an FM simulcast.  The options.

4.  Whether it is possible or even likely that Randy and his Merlin investors could actually buy more FM major market stations without earning as much as a 1 share anywhere it operates.  Someone is selling Chicago-based venture group GTCR a bill of goods or they know something we don’t.

5.  Is an FM simulcast partner for AM brands still as much of a necessity as group owners thought even six months ago?  The first ratings might be an indication.

The answers start here.

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Only 25 days to save $300 off each registration at my upcoming media seminar at in Scottsdale -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab and last chance to book a Phoenician room -- On-site hotel discount here

“Without faith a man can do nothing, with it all things are possible” – Sir William Osler quoted in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” which is particularly timely in an era when radio groups are firing thousands of talented people who are naturally down on their luck.  Not any more.  See how successful people turn adversity into success.  This book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bay Area Listeners Threaten To Occupy KGO-Lite

An advertiser boycott.

The format dump picks up again.

Trouble is brewing in the Bay Area.

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1.  The unusually angry listener reaction to the Thursday format dump and what they’re doing about it.

2.  An advertising boycott is rumored – and we have the name of a possible first defection.

3.  How PETA, the animal rights group, pinned back Clear Channel over a decade ago in Florida and why those tactics could bring any consolidator to their knees.  I’ll explain it.

4.  More cutbacks – nights, overnights, weekends that spell weak programming but less expense for Cumulus.

5.  Finally, the cutbacks are over at KGO, right?  And they wouldn’t think of doing the same thing in any other market, would they?

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Get a jumpstart on many new business opportunities ready-made for talented radio people at my upcoming management seminar.  Big ideas and specific game plans.  Just 26 days left to save $300 off the registration price while the remaining “early bird” seats last.  Register here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

“Without faith a man can do nothing, with it all things are possible” – Sir William Osler quoted in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” which is particularly timely in an era when radio groups are firing thousands of talented people who are naturally down on their luck.  Not any more.  See how successful people turn adversity into success.  This book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Clear Channel/Cumulus Merger

The Clear Channel/Cumulus merger is underway.

Just look at the deal Clear Channel made with Cumulus involving iHeartRadio and SweetJack, the local couponing beta test from Cumulus.

Wait until you see what Clear Channel and Cumulus are up to next.

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1.  The role of Pittman to sellout the radio industry to help investment banks that have an interest in both Clear Channel and Cumulus.

2.  The real impact of Cumulus joining iHeartRadio and Clear Channel promoting SweetJack.  This is going to surprise you.

3.  How the DOJ and FCC will react – after all, this smells like collusion, doesn’t it?

4.  The SweetJack/iHeartRadio deal is a prototype for a bell ringer so big – well, see for yourself.

5.  The ways Clear Channel and Cumulus could collaborate next if they get away with this – you better have a seat for this one.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Get a jumpstart on many new business opportunities ready-made for talented radio people at my upcoming management seminar.  Big ideas and specific game plans.  Just 26 days left to save $300 off the registration price while the remaining “early bird” seats last.  Register here -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

“Without faith a man can do nothing, with it all things are possible” – Sir William Osler quoted in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” which is particularly timely in an era when radio groups are firing thousands of talented people who are naturally down on their luck.  Not any more.  See how successful people turn adversity into success.  This book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me privately here.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Cumulus Firing Surrounds Employee Suicide

A Cumulus employee got fired last month. 

Then she reportedly went home and killed herself.

Related?  Or coincidental?

Consolidator’s hell bent on squeezing every cent out of employees and every ounce of work out of survivors may soon have another price to pay.

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1.  Details of this tragic suicide that coincides with an employees firing.  Plus the scuttlebutt as best as we can put it together from our Newstip Hotline.

2.  The standard firing approach – one that was used as recently as Friday at KGO in San Francisco.

3.  The companies that, in my opinion, hardball their employees on the way out the door.

4.  The radio groups I’d love to be fired from!  The good ones who know how to leave your dignity and finances in tact.

5.  A sampling of other brutal radio firings.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Extend on-air brands beyond radio.  Content – it’s not just for radio operators anymore, you can get a leg up on the digital future.  It’s part of my upcoming media seminar at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale February 9th.  Last 27 days to save $300 on your registration --  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Questions for me about my upcoming seminar – here.

Management guru Peter Drucker said, “a man should never be appointed into a managerial position if his vision focuses on people’s weaknesses rather than on their strengths”.  Drucker, who spoke to one of my management conferences, hit it out of the park again when it comes to radio.  In my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” I expand upon Drucker’s warning and help outstanding people unlock a strength they can develop that guarantees success.  It’s available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline. 

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Randy’s Next Big Move

Forget those 0.6 shares (or less) in Chicago and New York, it appears Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media is sniffing around for even more major market FM stations.

Looks like a good chance that “the noise you can’t ignore” may have some “news you can’t ignore”.

I’m going to share what I’m picking up and tell you why his timing couldn’t be any worse.

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1.  Four major markets where we hear Merlin is looking to acquire FM stations to do more spoken word formats.  One of the four may be available due to a potential bankruptcy.

2.  Merlin’s surprising strategy to fix its foundering all-news stations in New York and Chicago begging the question:  is Randy still in charge?

3.  What’s up with all those stations switching to news lately – who has the best chance of succeeding – CBS, Cumulus, Merlin’s relaunched news format?

4.  The odds that Cumulus implodes other Citadel (former ABC) news/talk outlets the way it did KGO, San Francisco on Thursday.

5.  The one thing that is critical to get huge news ratings.  And it hasn’t little to do with the station’s format.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Extend on-air brands beyond radio.  Content – it’s not just for radio operators anymore, you can get a leg up on the digital future.  It’s part of my upcoming media seminar at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale February 9th.  Last 27 days to save $300 on your registration --  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Questions for me about my upcoming seminar – here.

Management guru Peter Drucker said, “a man should never be appointed into a managerial position if his vision focuses on people’s weaknesses rather than on their strengths”.  Drucker, who spoke to one of my management conferences, hit it out of the park again when it comes to radio.  In my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” I expand upon Drucker’s warning and help outstanding people unlock a strength they can develop that guarantees success.  It’s available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline. 

Talk to me privately here.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Cumulus Bloodbath At KGO, New Direction

Massive firings. 

A format change.

A new direction.

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1.  How Cumulus gutted its entire lineup except morning drive – and what manager Bill Bungeroth reportedly said in an incredible mass firing.

2.  The “new direction” for KGO.

3.  The Bay Area station Cumulus is targeting.

4.  How morning personality Ronn Owens avoided being fired but why his longtime survival is uncertain.

5.  The strategy behind the Cumulus decision to blow up a station that is one of the Bay Area’s top billers.

6.  An early warning that the KGO bloodbath and format change could be a template for other Citadel stations next.  Here’s how.

The answers start here.

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Page 76 – Seven Ways To Get The Job of Your Dreams – proven results in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”. Now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Cumulus Eyeing CBS

Say it isn’t so.

Not CBS.  It can’t be.

It is.

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1.  CBS CEO Les Moonves’ latest position on selling off some of the radio group.

2.  What CBS wants and what Cumulus will have to do to walk away with the CBS properties it may covet.

3.  The circumstances that could lead Cumulus investment banks to overpay for their next few acquisitions now that the word is out that they are horny for some deals.

4.  The likely CBS markets that are most vulnerable to being sold to the Grim Reaper.  There is one big market on my list.

5.  The chances that Cumulus can wrestle some major market radio clusters away from CBS.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Digital content – it’s not just for radio anymore.  Learn the many opportunities ahead for radio people who want to advance their career in a phenomenal growth industry.  Last 29 days to save $300 on your registration -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Talk to Jerry about his upcoming conference here.

Page 76 – Seven Ways To Get The Job of Your Dreams – proven results in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”. Now available in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and on your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

When you see or hear news -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Work Here – Not There

7 fabulous growth opportunities for current or ex radio people:

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1.  The four companies I would send a resume to if I wanted to stay in radio. Know who is the best if you want to stay in radio.

2.  An additional three radio groups that I will name because I rarely hear a complaint about them.

3.  The next career for a radio program director (since Clear Channel and Cumulus are firing PDs in record numbers and other groups will likely follow).  Don’t wait until it’s too late.

4.  The next best growth business for radio personalities fired from their shows and disconnected from their loyal audiences.

5.  Selling spot radio is out, but this is in.  Know this option because it is going to be a moneymaking growth career.

6.  The missing link to digital has been making money.  Now there is a better way to have some big days.

7.  Groupon has peaked.  It’s over.  But don’t let anyone get ahead of you on what’s after Groupon.  It was made for radio people.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

One new media business startup idea every hour at the upcoming The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Only 31 days left to save $300 on your registration while the discounted seats last. 

Losing faith in yourself and your career leaves you with nothing.  But with it, all things are possible as you will see in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  See why as Scott Peck says, “our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled”.  The book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and through the major e-readers for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Another Blockbuster Acquisition Target for Cumulus

We know two of the biggest takeover targets that Cumulus has in mind  – perhaps as early as this coming year.

Now, your jaw will drop when you hear the third potential source of new stations – at least if you’re working at one of these potential Cumulus acquisitions.

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1.  The last place you would ever think Cumulus could go to buy stations – some financial people are warning they could go there.  This would be big.

2.  The strategy behind Crestview and Oaktree Capital upping its investment in Cumulus even as the radio industry ends the year as a 1% growth business.  What does Crestview and Oaktree know that we don’t?

3.  How can it be that Cumulus’ share price is only about $3 but venture capitalists are rushing to buy even more of Cumulus.

4.  The real reason Cumulus must buy more stations in the next 12 months or else they’re in big trouble.

5.  Why cutbacks are back on the table again at all Cumulus outlets after the Citadel stations are initially downsized.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

One new media business startup idea every hour at the upcoming The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Only 31 days left to save $300 on your registration while the discounted seats last. 

Losing faith in yourself and your career leaves you with nothing.  But with it, all things are possible as you will see in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  See why as Scott Peck says, “our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled”.  The book is now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com and through the major e-readers for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline – join the best network for exposing the truth.

Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Sellout of EMI

Look no further than the recent sale of EMI’s assets by the investment bank Citigroup to see what fate eventually awaits the radio industry.

It’s going to turn out the exact same way.

With one possible exception – if you are an entrepreneur or innovator, this might be worth watching closely.

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1.  Even now, investment banks are increasing their stake in a handful of consolidated radio companies and the EMI sale will tell you why.

2.  Why banks can invest money in declining industries – what they know that you need to know.

3.  What is now more attractive then selling music or making money on radio station ad sales?  If you already know this, you’re smarter than investment banks think.

4.  The big stick that venture capital has over the record industry and radio.

5.  The end game – what Bob Pittman and Lew Dickey know deep down inside that makes them put people, listeners and even the radio industry second to their dream.  Understand this, and you’ll see the next year ahead clearer than ever.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

We regrow radio careers – yes, you read that right!  At my upcoming media seminar, you will come away with more ammunition for succeeding in a fast changing industry than anywhere else.  Just 32 days to save $300 on your registration.  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here

My new book is about people who have overcome adversity to find success and happiness.  What they have learned can re-launch your life.  Available now at bookstores everywhere, online at Amazon.com and at all the major e-readers for under $9.99. Read Jerry’s New Book

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Now it’s Half Commission at Cumulus

Cumulus is now drastically cutting commissions at its radio stations.

This move is likely to go viral elsewhere.

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1.  The plan Cumulus is now introducing that effectively cuts the income of account executives by 50%.  Here’s how.

2.  The reason behind why Cumulus commission cuts always come after the mass firings.

3.  What happens to account executives who make their budgets.

4.  The market where AE’s just lost 50% of their income in one move and what they are doing about it.

5.  The Cumulus Plan B should every last one of their salespeople quit – which they don’t think they will.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

We regrow radio careers – yes, you read that right!  At my upcoming media seminar, you will come away with more ammunition for succeeding in a fast changing industry than anywhere else.  Just 32 days to save $300 on your registration.  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here

My new book is about people who have overcome adversity to find success and happiness.  What they have learned can re-launch your life.  Available now at bookstores everywhere, online at Amazon.com and at all the major e-readers for under $9.99. Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline – what makes us what we are is you being what you are.

Talk to me privately here.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The SiriusXM Rate Hikes

Have you seen what Mel Karmazin is up to with his hefty new round of SiriusXM rate increases?

This is textbook Karmazin.

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1.  The SiriusXM plan to give less for more and wrap it in a holiday greeting.  You’ve got to see this to believe it.

2.  Want to raise $360 million more on the backs of your subscribers, do this.  Mel’s doing it.

3.  How SiriusXM pays music royalties while the radio industry fears getting hit with them.

4.  The SiriusXM plan to offer price breaks by giving customers less or asking more from them.

5.  Satellite radio’s chances against the free mobile Internet coming to cars everywhere.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Number one for coming up with new business startup ideas for radio and media people –The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Attend this year and get yours.  Just 33 days left to save $300 on your registration. 

No one successful or happy has gotten there by good fortune alone.  My new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” tells how you can reset your life and career by taking charge of your destiny and feeding on adversity.  Examples.  Suggestions.  Strategic changes that can be implemented now.  Available in paperback at bookstores everywhere, Amazon.com and through your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.Read Jerry’s New Book

Sunshine disinfects the radio industry – My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Clear Channel Cutbacks Coming

It’s the calm before the storm as radio companies prepare to gut local stations as never before to reduce costs and recast an industry.

Rumblings of more firings at Clear Channel and even Cumulus.

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1.  What ever happened to all those major market managers that met with John Hogan a month ago to take their corporate flash drives back and make cuts?  Is the firing still on?

2.  Both Clear Channel and Cumulus are likely to continue their cutbacks but one of the two radio groups is going to change its approach to how it fires. 

3.  Why did Clear Channel really hire former consultant Guy Zapoleon and why did Cumulus really hire former consultant Mike McVay?  You’ve only just seen the tip of the iceberg here.

4.  The two reasons why Cumulus could lead another massive industry-wide firing before next December. 

5.  Both Cumulus and Clear Channel have gone as far as they dare go to eliminate local talent and salespeople, right?

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Number one for coming up with new business startup ideas for radio and media people –The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Attend this year and get yours.  Just 33 days left to save $300 on your registration. 

No one successful or happy has gotten there by good fortune alone.  My new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” tells how you can reset your life and career by taking charge of your destiny and feeding on adversity.  Examples.  Suggestions.  Strategic changes that can be implemented now.  Available in paperback at bookstores everywhere, Amazon.com and through your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.Read Jerry’s New Book

Sunshine disinfects the radio industry – My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Monday, November 28, 2011

The Safest & Most Endangered Radio Jobs For 2012

On-air radio talent is marked for extinction as radio consolidators implement their work force reductions in 2012, but who else’s job is in jeopardy and which remaining few are still the safest?

There is new evidence that downsizing is about to take another sharp turn putting many more radio careers on the line.

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1.  The three safe radio careers in the next 12 months.

2.  The best bet for staying employed – at least for the foreseeable future plus some options that may work for you but you will probably not like.

3.  The six most endangered radio careers and why they are endangered. 

4.  Of sales or programming, which one is the safest career in the year ahead?  Don’t be too sure you know the answer to this one.  Things are changing – again.

5.  With all the new news stations that are going live, news should be a growth career this year, right?

6.  The one indispensible, local radio job that – believe it or not – is going to be targeted in 2012.  

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Now there’s help for radio people who can’t tolerate what’s being done to the industry but want to catch the next wave.  My upcoming media seminar at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  Just 34 days left to save $300.  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here.

No one successful or happy has gotten there by good fortune alone.  My new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” tells how you can reset your life and career by taking charge of your destiny and feeding on adversity.  Examples.  Suggestions.  Strategic changes that can be implemented now.   Available in paperback at bookstores everywhere, Amazon.com and through your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

When you see or hear news, contact My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Group Cumulus Wants To Buy Next

Lookout!

Lew Dickey is not done.

If you work for one of the groups I’m about to mention, consider this a fair warning.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The radio group Lew Dickey covets most – I’m going to name it – the one observers believe he would like to roll into Cumulus, Susquehanna and Citadel maybe as early as 2012.

2.  The thing Cumulus looks for the most in targeting its climb up to 800 plus stations – the number Clear Channel has that Dickey wants to exceed.  We know it’s not people.  Not even solid formats.  It’s something completely different that will help you fine tune your antenna to predict his next acquisition.

3.  The one other potential group besides Cumulus that might be a bidder for attractive radio groups in the year ahead.

4.  There are two groups that could be prey for Lew Dickey and his financial people in the next 12 months.  If you work at one of the two, you’re probably safe as long as your boss remains the boss.  If you work for the other, all bets are off.

5.  The group that could be in play because they have the same DNA as Cumulus.  If you work there, you’ll want to know.

6.  One owner who absolutely won’t sell – for any price.   Period.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Now there’s help for radio people who can’t tolerate what’s being done to the industry but want to catch the next wave.  My upcoming media seminar at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  Just 34 days left to save $300.  The 2012 Media Solutions Lab  & On-site hotel discount here.

No one successful or happy has gotten there by good fortune alone.  My new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” tells how you can reset your life and career by taking charge of your destiny and feeding on adversity.  Examples.  Suggestions.  Strategic changes that can be implemented now.   Available in paperback at bookstores everywhere, Amazon.com and through your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

When you see or hear news, contact My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What Cumulus and Clear Channel Will Do Next

Both Bob Pittman and Lew Dickey will be very active in the next 12 months.

What one does, the other will copy and there are now signs that a few other major radio groups will not be far behind. 

Bob Pittman is morphing into Lew Dickey and that spells trouble.

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1.  You’ve heard of Randy Michaels’ hub-and-spoke system of regional radio, well look at how Lew Dickey will take it to a new level at Cumulus in the next 12 months.

2.  Star Trek sees the future again – if Clear Channel is Radio Borg than guess what Cumulus will become?  You can predict what is going to happen next.

3.  How low can Lew Dickey go – when it comes to staffing a local cluster?  I’ve got the lowest number of employees you may see operating some Cumulus clusters next year.

4.  What is worse than Cumulus and Clear Channel continuing to reduce the work force?  Here it is and it’s even more deadly. 

5.  What happens to radio sales?  Cumulus fires its sellers and then runs ads to hire cheap replacements.  That can’t be the model, can it?  And don’t tell me Clear Channel would copy that model, would they?

6.  How Bob Pittman will resolve his $18 billion debt problem and who will be his role model.  You’ll never guess.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Don’t leave yourself exposed to a contracting radio industry.  Use your many skills to develop some of the 10 emerging trends in media for 2012 that I will identify at my upcoming media conference.  Get a jump on the trends and don’t lose another year.  Register now at The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Questions about my media conference?  Talk to me here.

Luck is the residue of design.  Simply thinking and believing you have an edge gives you the edge.  It’s from my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now available at bookstores, online at Amazon.com or for your e-reader at under $9.99 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Tough Year Ahead for Music Formats

The next 12 months are actually more important to music formats than to all-news formats migrating from AM to FM.

And, here’s an early warning -- there’s big trouble ahead for a number of key reasons I am going to tell you about.

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1.  The biggest deterrent to music format growth in the next 12 months that basically didn’t exist just one year ago.  Track this one and don’t take your eyes off of it.

2.  The decline in ad revenue on local music stations that can be stopped in the critical year ahead if you brainstorm these strategies.

3.  The number one thing young listeners want from radio that they are not getting – do you know for sure the answer?  It will change everything.

4.  New technology that is perilous for radio that hasn’t ever existed before and will come of age starting in 2012 – and it’s not the iPhone or iPad.

5.  A music radio station that has it right – what we could learn from them about maintaining fan bases.

6.  The plan a music station should follow – or at least be aware of – if it is going to compete with customizable digital radio.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

I’m going to lay it all out at my upcoming media conference February 9th – one topic is the survival of radio music formats in a digital world.  Two strategies that can be employed side by side for best results.  You’ll leave confident, not fearful.  With answers, no unanswered questions.  Register now for The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Questions? Larger groups? Talk to me about attending my media conference here.

How to keep your motivation high and expectations low in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now on sale in bookstores, online at Amazon.com or at the major e-readers for under $9.99. Read Jerry’s New Book

This site is what it is because you are who you are -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Monday, November 21, 2011

Why Cumulus Is Playing the Bankruptcy Card

Lew Dickey is up to something big again.

While he finishes firing $50 million in personnel by year’s end, he is showing us his next card.

Bankruptcy.

Be afraid.  Be very afraid.

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1.  How Cumulus can be both the bellwether of radio and filer of bankruptcy in Delaware Court at the same time.  He knows what he’s doing and now you will.

2.  Why Cumulus needs protection from somewhere under 1,000 creditors – how can that be?

3.  The prepackaged bankruptcy plan Dickey is using that sounds just like what Farid Suleman did when he took Citadel bankrupt.  Here’s why.

4.  The possibility that Cumulus is in short pants already and what the consequences could mean within the next 12 months.

5.  What slight of hand trick by Cumulus could you expect after bankruptcy?  As hard as you’ll try, you’ll never guess.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come to my upcoming media conference.  The year ahead is going to be devastating to those who rely on traditional radio companies to grow their businesses.  This event is designed to identify the ten biggest emerging trends ahead in the next 12 months and details how to get in on them.  Register and save $300 at my website -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Talk to me about attending the February 9th media conference here.

One of the paradoxes in life is that we gain control by submission.  That’s why control freaks rarely last and are never happy.  Where your head is at is the most relevant marker for an outstanding career and it’s all in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  Now in bookstores, Amazon.com and your favorite e-reader for under $9.99.  Read Jerry’s New Book

Don’t get mad, get even -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Friday, November 18, 2011

8 Great Radio Predictions

Tough questions at the end of the year about where radio is headed.

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1.  Will Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media buy more stations considering the two flops they have had in very high profile markets?

2.  What other big radio group besides Merlin may like to buy that Family Broadcasting FM station in Philadelphia?

3.  Will Cumulus and Clear Channel get away with all their current downsizing they are doing?  I think my answer will shock you.

4.  Speaking of shock -- Who will buy WTOP?  Who already tried and failed?

5.  Which group will acquire the most stations in 2012? 

6.  Will radio finally embrace digital in 2012?

7.  What is the future of the program director’s position? 

8.  Besides downsizing what threatens radio the most in the next 12 months?  I bet you will not see this one coming.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Don’t let another year go by missing out on opportunities to use your radio skills in new media, mobile media or the digital dashboard.  Come to my upcoming media conference and come away with the emerging trends for the next 12 months and a game plan for how you personally can reignite your career.  Register now at -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Questions for me about attending my media conference here.

Career advice from my new book:  become a free agent just like a sports star.  It’s all in there in “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in bookstores, at Amazon.com or the major e-readers for under $9.99 --Read Jerry’s New Book

Keep them honest -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Extreme Cumulus Dirty Tricks

Firing shouldn’t have to be this mean.

There is new evidence of hardballing employees who are caught off guard when they are fired and – as you’ll read – down and out in ways that are sad.

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1.  The cluster manager with a seriously sick child – wait until you see how Cumulus handled him.

2.  The morning personality with multiple sclerosis who was canned even as he is fighting the disease.  See the reaction advertisers had.

3.  Severance arm-twisting that makes it impossible for employees who feel they’ve done wrong to file suit. 

4.  Cumulus M.O. if you sue them – what to expect and what they almost always do.

5.  Forced contract renegotiations!  Wait until you see the tactics Cumulus is using to win pay reductions from employees with long-term existing contracts.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Don’t let another year go by missing out on opportunities to use your radio skills in new media, mobile media or the digital dashboard.  Come to my upcoming media conference and come away with the emerging trends for the next 12 months and a game plan for how you personally can reignite your career.  Register now at -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

Questions for me about attending my media conference here.

Career advice from my new book:  become a free agent just like a sports star.  It’s all in there in “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in bookstores, at Amazon.com or the major e-readers for under $9.99 --Read Jerry’s New Book

Keep them honest -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Updated Firing Timetable

Notice how Clear Channel is as quiet as a church mouse lately – stung by the massive layoffs that happened to coincide with the Cumulus bloodbath.

Cumulus has an end of year deadline to realize its $50 million in operational cutbacks – the one that promised lenders who funded the Citadel takeover.

But both Cumulus and Clear Channel have changed their tactics.

Here’s the latest information from those on the ground.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  A very recent example of how Clear Channel is now “quietly” firing people in major markets.  But they are finding a new way to insulate the shock like this.

2.  Latest on the approximate time frame for the major market Clear Channel firings some of which have already begun (see item above). 

3.  The coming of stealth firings – mostly at Clear Channel but Cumulus did one this week at a station it devastated a week earlier.  

4.  The pro-active Cumulus plan on and off the air to make it appear like the industry’s largest “Unemployer “is actually hiring.  Wait until you see these tactics.

5.  Even Cox is acting funny by kind of distancing itself from Clear Channel and Cumulus as they fire for the sake of local radio.  Here’s how Cox is getting away with it.

6.  Once the year ends, the firings end, right?

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

If there was ever a year to attend my annual media conference, it is February 9, 2012.  It is about seeing future emerging trends clearly enough to take action.  Register for The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Questions for JD about the conference here.

Why do we remember the bad things people say about us and replay them on a continuous loop in our head? It demotivates us.  How to take charge of your own positive powers is in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now in stores, on Amazon.com and the major e-readers for $9.99 or less.  Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Winner of the CBS-WTOP All-News Fight

In one corner the best all-news operator in the country.

In the other, arguably the best all-news operation in any one city.

It’s a shame one of them has to lose.

The battle lines are being drawn and here’s an early call on who will win the Battle of the Potomac.

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1.  The critical difference between what Randy Michaels did when he went after CBS in New York and Chicago and how CBS is planning to compete against WTOP in Washington.

2.  The news format type that CBS will put up against the established DC news leader WTOP.

3.  An assessment of whether there is enough advertising revenue to go around for two news stations.

4.  The secret that nobody is talking about that must be absolutely on target or else CBS could have Merlin-type egg on their face.

5. WMAL’s chances of making this a three-way battle after new owner Cumulus took the station over, migrated to an FM outlet but just cut expenses.

6.  The competing radio format likely to take ad losses with two operators doing all-news.

7.  And, the winner is …

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

If there was ever a year to attend my annual media conference, it is February 9, 2012.  It is about seeing future emerging trends clearly enough to take action.  Register for The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Why do we remember the bad things people say about us and replay them on a continuous loop in our head? It demotivates us.  How to take charge of your own positive powers is in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now in stores, on Amazon.com and the major e-readers for $9.99 or less.  Read Jerry’s New Book

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

RIAA Threatens Reselling Digital Music

You can resell a CD but you can’t resell a digital copy of a song.

That’s the latest fight the RIAA is taking on against a new company called ReDigi whose new technology would make it easy for consumers to sell digital copies of songs while submitting to having the same songs erased on their hard drives.

This new fight is going nowhere good and helps explain why the labels are looking in the wrong place to adapt to today’s market.

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1.  How ReDigi works and why the RIAA says it violates their copyrights.

2.  The legal argument for reselling consumers’ digital music and the one labels are using against it.

3.  Why the labels fight so hard to keep music out of the mainstream when you would think they could collect something from just about everyone.  ReDigi is even willing to tip the labels for their help.  But it’s not good enough for the RIAA.

4.  It is now clear which digital model the labels want.  But it doesn’t work for anyone other than the labels.  Not for purveyors.  Not for consumers.  Only the labels.

5.  The likely outcome.  Who will win – the labels saying you can’t resell a digital song or the consumer saying they have the right to resell their digital music as they would a CD.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The 10 Emerging Media Trends for 2012 – opportunities you will want to identify and stake out at The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

The answer to career chaos is in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now in stores, on Amazon.com or your favorite e-reader for under $10.  Sample:  How to find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.  Read Jerry’s New Book

If they get away with it, it’s on them.  If you say nothing, it’s on us.  My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Cumulus Takes Off The Gloves

Cumulus is taking off the gloves.

No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Get ready for bareknuckle firing tactics that are being used after employees are fired.

CEO Lew Dickey is almost at the finish line to achieve his promised $50 million in cost savings, but now he is also playing a new brand of hardball being used on fired employees, survivors as well as advertisers – if you can believe that!

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1.  The way Cumulus is now punishing former Citadel station advertisers because of their own financial woes.  This tactic either takes guts or no brains, but it is very extreme, as you will see.

2.  The one thing that makes fired and surviving Cumulus employees see red.  Hint:  it is something Cumulus is doing on the air after the firings which, to say the least, is hypocritical. 

3.  What’s the last thing you would do if you went into a station and had to fire a massive number of people?  Well, Cumulus just did it and is now doing it in many markets where they have fired people.

4.  Would you go on the air and tell listeners that you make more money after you’ve been docked than before?  Are you sure?  Read this.

5.  If you are a loyal Citadel manager and fire over 20 people, your job is safe, right? 

6.  Okay, you’re a salesperson and quit and some of your clients ask you to recommend a new account rep.  Quick, you’re Cumulus – what do you do?

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The 10 Emerging Media Trends for 2012 – opportunities you will want to identify and stake out at The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

The answer to career chaos is in my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” now in stores, on Amazon.com or your favorite e-reader for under $10.  Sample:  How to find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.  Read Jerry’s New Book

If they get away with it, it’s on them.  If you say nothing, it’s on us.  My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Most Promising Media Careers In 2012

Here are three really good ones that are worth looking into if you are ready for a new challenge and want to stay in the content, marketing or sales end of the media business.

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1.  My favorite content business for the 12 months ahead that can allow anyone from radio, the music industry, TV and video or print to set up a game plan to use new technology in your favor.  I’ll give examples of what works and how to make money from them.

2.  The paid Internet.  There will always be a free Internet but soon the good stuff is going to cost you.  I’ve got a year’s experience on this one and I’ll share it.  Works for video, print and audio based content.  There’s even a workaround for music licensing.

3.  The business of social networking.  Not Facebook or Twitter.  You.  Me.  Our products.  Take a look at what I am predicting will be a hot prospect for some of us going forward and you don’t have to be Mark Zuckerberg to get started.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Want more ideas like these, register for my upcoming The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Cumulus Firings May Come in 3 Waves

Lew Dickey’s plan to fire more Citadel employees just got rougher.

More people are quitting before the axe falls.

But we’re getting a first glimpse of what the survivors may have to live with.

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1.  After the first firings, Cumulus sticks it to the survivors.  Here’s how.

2.  The Citadel market where people on the ground are now expecting Cumulus cuts to potentially be in as many as three waves – not one. 

2.  The person Cumulus sends to some Citadel markets before the axe falls – and what they are doing there.

3.  What top Citadel achievers are now doing before the slaughter begins.

4.  The new Cumulus compensation plan for the survivors.

5.  New deals for all remaining salespeople.  They don’t like it.

6.  The corporate ad Cumulus runs on some radio stations after the firings that have ousted employees seeing red.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Register for my upcoming media conference -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab and reserve one of the remaining Phoenician room discounts. On-site hotel discount here

Viktor Frankl who was incarcerated in a World War II prison camp emerged saying there is always hope.  How could he say that and why is it important to us now?  It’s in my new book – “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available now in stores, on Amazon.com or on Kindle, iBooks and Nook for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Expose the scoundrels! -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Tricks Competitors Are Playing on Clear Channel

There is a revolt going on.

Radio people out there are now taking matters into their own hands.

Competitors embarrassing and then hanging Clear Channel because of their staff reductions.

Even respectable group operators are getting a taste for firing.

I’ve picked up on things Clear Channel and Cumulus competitors are beginning to do now to “brand” them publicly as losers.

In fact, if you’re a competitor, you may want to try one of these gutsy moves on them in your market.  They are defenseless.

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1.  The most hilarious yet effective tactic that one station is using in a Clear Channel market where they’ve fired almost everybody.  This involves listeners.  Brilliant.  You’ll piss your pants – it’s that funny or maybe Clear Channel will.

2.  What the first thing you should do when a consolidator fires a long time or popular talent in your market.  You only have one first chance to maximize their loss and this is how.

3.  What some competitors of Clear Channel and Cumulus are swearing they will do when (not if) the next firings come.  

4.  In sports, teams protect themselves against losing talented players.  Consolidators think a non-compete is protection.  Here’s how to hang them on their own non-competes.

5.  The reason so many salespeople are getting fired under the radar and one stealth move you could make as a good operator in your market that will not cost a single cent.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Only two and a half months left until my 2012 learning conference.  The rates go up the closer we get. This year we’ll isolate the biggest challenges and opportunities for the 12 months ahead and how to be the one to take advantage of them.  Register for my 2012 Media Solutions Lab here.

The right book for our times – about turning adversity into success.  Order a copy of my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” in stores, online in paperback at Amazon.com or for your favorite e-reader.  Under $10 here.

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Clear Channel Selling #1 Station Ads For $20 a Pop

Clear Channel doesn’t really care if it gets out that they are aggressively firing talent and reducing costs. 

They never complain about that publicity because that’s “good news” to Wall Street.

But what Clear Channel doesn’t want you to know is how they are blowing huge amounts of money they could easily make by mismanaging sales in markets of all sizes across the country.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The strategy that is hurting them and if you think we’re just talking tiny markets here, you’re going to be surprised.

2.  How $20 a pop is not their final answer.  And there is no lifeline call allowed.

3.  The estimate from people in one market including ex-employees about how much easy money Clear Channel is leaving on the table.  Whatever your guess is, I’ll bet it is too low.  I was shocked.

4.  What the fatal flaw is – the thing you never want to do – that helps advertisers make Clear Channel their sales bitch.  Don’t make this mistake unless you want to lose your sales leverage.

5.  Compared to about 10 years ago, what the same stations with the same ratings and the same avails are now making in a typical Clear Channel market.  This is what Clear Channel does not want to get out. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Only two and a half months left until my 2012 learning conference.  The rates will now go up the closer we get – the early bird got the worm. This year we’ll isolate the biggest challenges and opportunities for the 12 months ahead and how to be the one to take advantage of them.  Register for my 2012 Media Solutions Lab here.

The right book for our times – about turning adversity into success.  Order a copy of my new book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” in stores, online in paperback at Amazon.com or for your favorite e-reader.  Under $10 here.

Sunshine kills germs.  My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

His company is going to hell in a handbasket, but Bob “Pitchman” Pittman just picked up another speaking gig at an Arbitron event this winter to add to the country radio group.  He’s the darling of the establishment but remember what I always say – Pittman’s the absolute king of leaving before the ship sinks.  And don’t fight him for the last lifeboat.

Friday, November 11, 2011

The 8 Dirtiest Firing Tricks

You won’t believe how nasty radio companies are getting in the latest round of massive firings.

I’ve been making a list, and today I want to share it with you with thanks to my Newstipsters who have freely shared this information.

It’s bone chilling.

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1.  The number one requirement that radio consolidators are now demanding of employees that they are kicking to the curb.  What chutzpah!

2.  Think of the worst possible way that you could get fired and then think again – I’ve got a better one – or should I say, a worse one for you right here.  No, I’ve got two bad ones that I still can’t believe employers are doing.

3.  Playing games with severance pay – what some fired workers are being asked to do is downright criminal in my view.

4.  The tactic to tease an employee into believing that they have a chance to compete for a job and then – well, you’ll see.

5.  If you’re number one in ratings, sales or revenue for the cluster you’re safe, right?  Wrong – here’s the new normal for keeping your radio job.

6.  You’ve heard the phrase “don’t let the door kick you in the ass on the way out the door” – well, here’s radio’s version.

7.  My demands for Cumulus and Clear Channel to treat fired employees with dignity and respect and no, it won’t cost them a cent.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Plan to attend my next learning conference at The Phoenician in Scottsdale – get away from the cold and get a clear picture of opportunities ahead in the next 12 months at The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Every success in life has turned disadvantages into advantages.  That’s what my new book is about.  Available in book stores, in paperback at Amazon or on your favorite e-reader for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Speak up – don’t let them get away with it -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Shakeup Coming At Merlin

How long before Randy Michaels and Walter Sabo kill each other?

I mean, Merlin News is laying an egg both in New York and Chicago and I hear that things are going to change.

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1.  Who is to blame for this debacle?  Randy or Walter?  Then, I’ll answer the question who is going to get blamed.

2.  Why some of the changes that are going to be made to the ratings anemic New York and Chicago Merlin all-news stations will likely fail. 

3.  What many think Randy is going to do to right the ship.  The question is – will it be enough?  We’ll answer that question straight on.

4.  The big strategic mistake Merlin made from day one that hamstringed its efforts to be a viable competitor with CBS.

5.  What about that odd couple of Michaels and Sabo – how did that happen?  How long will it last?

6.  What’s wrong with Randy Michaels – he can do better than this.  What’s eating Randy?

7.  That possible purchase of more potential FM spoken word formats in, say, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.  Still on?  Still targeting CBS?

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come to my learning conference this year – the year of great change and opportunity -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

Remarkably enough, simply believing that you have an edge, gives you the edge.  I write about the evidence to prove it.  How appropriate at this time of great media change.  It’s in “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” -- Read Jerry’s New Book.

My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Clear Channel’s Angry Birds

What’s worse? 

Pissing off your listeners by firing their favorite local talent or pissing off their investors?

Here’s a sampling of what actual listeners are saying on social networks about repeater radio and why Clear Channel and Cumulus continue to ignore them.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The kinds of things that angry listeners are complaining about in the recent and massive Clear Channel cutbacks – it’s like looking for trouble.

2.  How radio companies do just fine even when they lose audience and income – if you’ve ever wondered, here is the answer.

3.  What type of gene does it take to make a consolidator in essence brag about angry listeners by letting them post negative comments on their sites?

4.  Put on an asbestos suit before you see these Clear Channel corporate comments coming in from around the country. 

5.  The latest example of how investment banks – the kind that own radio companies – laugh all the way to their own bank!

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Do this right now for you – plan to attend my upcoming learning conference in Scottsdale to get the real picture of where content is headed in the next 12 months and how to get in on it.  Register here for The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  Grab these on-site Phoenician room discounts while they last right here.

On page 43, I have a chapter on “Making Your Own Good Luck”.  It isn’t esoteric or complicated – it’s great advice that resonates right now for all of us in the radio and music industry.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is in bookstores, in paperback at Amazon and on all the major e-readers for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

Even Clear Channel in 2002 couldn’t make me violate a confidence – report radio’s scoundrels to my confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Cutbacks Spreading to Other Groups

I recently added Cox to the list of groups trimming staff.

Now I am getting signals that even more major radio chains may be looking to consolidate their key positions.

What about CBS?  Or Entercom?  Saga?

Are Bonneville and Hubbard still off limits to mass firings?

Time for answers in light of the changes that are taking place.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What’s really behind groups other than Clear Channel and Cumulus considering more staff cutbacks?  It comes right down to this.

2.  Even though the economy is still bad, there is one thing that broadcasters continue to overlook that is starting to kill them.  Few companies are prepared for this challenge, which forces them into more personnel cutbacks.

3.  Update on the Cox situation.

4.  The potential of CBS cutbacks if they have another quarter as bad as the previous one.

5.  Entercom took a hit with investors this quarter but are they planning to adopt some of Clear Channel’s tactics?  Here’s my best thinking of Entercom’s strategy going forward.

6.  Saga is an old school operation – could they be thinking of imitating Lew Dickey if he gets away with massive reductions in personnel?

7.  Tell me that Bonneville and Hubbard will not adopt even some of Clear Channel and Cumulus’ repeater radio tactics even if they get away with them.  Please!  My thoughts follow.

The answers begin here.

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On page 43, I have a chapter on “Making Your Own Good Luck”.  It isn’t esoteric or complicated – it’s great advice that resonates right now for all of us in the radio and music industry.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is in bookstores, in paperback at Amazon and on all the major e-readers for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mel Sticks It To The Record Industry

Mel Karmazin is starting a fight with the record industry that we should all hope he wins.

He is exposing the labels for what they are and challenging them to stop him.

Music royalties are a big deal and Mel’s got the first decent plan to lower them.  

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1.  Mel can’t do anything about the SoundExchange royalty fees he was so quick to agree to, but he can cause the labels a lot of trouble by doing this.

2.  If I asked you to guess how much of the $250 million in royalties each year goes to starving musicians (the labels favorite way to characterize artists), what would you say?  I’ve got the real numbers and you won’t believe it.

3.  SoundExchange is the group that collects royalties for artists but they also issue a surcharge to each artist for administrative fees.  Mel is pouncing on this.

4.  Even though the iPad is the mobile device of the future, guess what is not licensed to be used on an iPad as part of an app or “radio” program designed especially for it.

5.  Why the NAB is going to beg the labels to accept more royalties from terrestrial radio even though only the big consolidators want to do a deal. 

The answers start here.

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If there was ever a year to tune in to where the content business is headed, it is the next 12 months.  I’ll reveal the opportunities and challenges ahead at my learning seminar -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

There is life beyond radio.  In “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” there is a game plan that will help talented people deal with adversity and turn it into opportunity.  Available at bookstores, in paperback at Amazon and on your favorite e-reader for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

They can run but they cannot hide -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Cox Steps Up the Cutbacks

What is it with radio groups that begin with the letter “C”?

I recently explained that Cox was looking to get in on some savings by trimming expenses here and there, but late last week it pulled a Cumulus in Birmingham by dismissing anywhere between 10 to 13 people all at once according to sources.

This is major because Cox had been the anti-Clear Channel and Cumulus.

But now everything is changing.

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1.  The prospect of whether more cutbacks may be ahead for Cox stations.

2.  And if Cox keeps going down this road, what about other groups not named Clear Channel and Cumulus. 

3.  The two safest positions now at Cox.

4.  How much are Cumulus and Clear Channel influencing Cox either directly or indirectly in their quest for cutbacks – after all, a lot of people lost their jobs on a Friday in Birmingham.  Isn’t that the Clear Channel/Cumulus MO?

5.  The odds that Cox will head down the road of repeater radio at some point.  Here’s our best estimate on what we are hearing from sources familiar with the situation.

6.  Which groups are left as the role model for good live and local radio – without Cox, there aren’t many, but we will name a few.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

If there was ever a year to tune in to where the content business is headed, it is the next 12 months.  I’ll reveal the opportunities and challenges ahead at my learning seminar -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab

There is life beyond radio.  In “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” there is a game plan that will help talented people deal with adversity and turn it into opportunity.  Available at bookstores, in paperback at Amazon and on your favorite e-reader for under $10 -- Read Jerry’s New Book

They can run but they cannot hide -- My Confidential NewsTip Hotline

Talk to me privately here.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Latest Cumulus Firings More Brutal Than Expected

Clear Channel seems to be getting all the bad press because of its poor handling of staff cutbacks, but you ought to see what Cumulus is doing.

This morning, I’ll take you to the scene of a massive firing of about 20 people – how it came down and how unbelievably bad it was handled.

Then, I’ll show you where CEO Lew Dickey himself addressed the staff of a medium market cluster that is still awaiting the axe.  Did it make a difference?

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1.  The reason why some people left standing after the recent massacre say it was handled in a way that would make Dale Carnegie turn over in his grave.

2.  Does it win you a stay of execution if you are a top biller or top-rated talent? 

3.  The most unbelievable account of how Cumulus delivered the bad news in Colorado Springs.  You’ll never guess unless you have an evil mind and to make it worse – they did it that way twice in one day!

4.  An early look at how Cumulus is going to use its Citadel Media (formerly ABC) hamburger helper programming instead of other syndicators.

5.  The cutbacks are now over, right?

6.  What CEO Lew Dickey said when he addressed the Albuquerque staff ahead of firings that some believe will come this week.  They are nervous even though Dickey performed like a trained seal.  I’ve got a report directly from that meeting.

The answers start here.

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Remarkably enough, simply believing that you have an edge, gives you the edge.  I write about the evidence to prove it.  How appropriate at this time of great media change.  It’s in “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” -- Read Jerry’s New Book

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Coldplay’s No Play on Streaming Music

Coldplay – one of the biggest groups in music today – refuses to let online subscription services like Spotify and Rhapsody play their new album.

Good decision or bad?

If they succeed in selling more product by not streaming, the game for monthly online paid services could be over before it really starts.

Today, the lines are drawn in the sand – digital or streaming?  The outcome matters to everyone.

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1.  The cold hard evidence that Coldplay is using to freeze out Spotify and the other online streamers.

2.  How Coldplay’s tactics could stop online streamers dead in their tracks.

3.  Why the labels finally decided to license monthly subscription services after refusing for years.  This is the main reason that changed their minds.

4.  What we know at this point about the positive and negative impact of online streaming on sales.  Let’s look at the numbers.

5.  Own or buy?  Why are more CDs sold than digital downloads in the era of iPods and mobile devices?

6.  Compare revenues from selling music in the iTunes store to income derived from online streaming contracts.

7.  To what extent do online streaming services discourage illegal file sharing.

The answers start here.

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Report news confidentially at my NewsTip Hotline.

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Nationally Branded Radio

With yesterday’s appointment of 24 brand managers for 11 formats, Clear Channel has just put another piece of the puzzle together for all to see.

I’m going to project how radio will operate at Clear Channel based on what they have done in the past two weeks – the clearest picture ever.

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1.  How can 24 brand managers for 11 formats handle the creative content of over 800 Clear Channel stations?  Here it is all laid out for you.

2.  National Brand Managers, local Premium Choice Captains, Regional Market Managers and Regional Programming Managers – what is that all about?

3.  What will the new national imaging director do?  You won’t believe this one.

4.  Clear Channel is morphing into this national platform at lightning speed – when will it be ready to be implemented.

5.  How venture capital values are taking over radio programming.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

If you want to stay on site at the Phoenician for my upcoming learning seminar, get the last available on-site rooms here.  Register for The 2012 Media Solutions Lab here.

My new book has a game plan for turning disadvantages into advantages and in our industry there couldn’t be a better time for it.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is in bookstores now or order the paperback in Amazon and all the major e-readers for under $10 here

Report news confidentially at my NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me privately here.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

New Date For Clear Channel’s Major Market Firings

I’ve been hearing what I now think is reliable information from within Clear Channel about a new date when the expected major market firings will occur.

There are also new dynamics breaking that factor into when it will happen, who it will happen to and why now.

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1.  The latest and best estimate of when Clear Channel will start relieving itself of major market salaries.  I don’t know whether the changing timeframe is good or bad but it is apparently different.

2.  Signs that corporate is communicating face to face with some of the trigger pullers even as I write this.

3.  New estimates on how many employees will be fired in the major markets.  Remember, it was 200 plus a week ago in medium and small markets.  Is that still the target?  More?  Less?

4.  CEO Bob Pittman may have signaled who is being targeted this time in a report to analysts a few days ago.  Here’s Pittman’s clue.

5.  Who is in charge of all this firing?  Hogan?  Pittman?  What if I told you that in reality it is neither.  Guess who may be more influential than you could ever know in these sudden and massive Clear Channel employee firings.

The answers start here.

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

“Premium Choice Captain” Are the New Clear Channel PDs

I’m not kidding!

This is your future.

The mad scientists at Clear Channel – most of whom haven’t worked at a radio station in decades if ever have come up with what employees think will be their replacement for program directors – in smaller markets first.

Today, I’m going to share with you what I am hearing on the ground about “Premium Choice Captains” – what they do and who they are.

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1.  Just how many stations can one “Premium Choice Captain” handle – here’s what they are starting with.

2.  Why Clear Channel is employing “Premium Choice Captains” with program directors simultaneously and how long that will last.

3.  Extra pay?  STOP that laughing right this second.

4.  The job description of Clear Channel’s new “Premium Choice Captains”.

5.  When the boom may fall on some remaining local PDs who survived the massive firings last week but won’t survive “Premium Choice Captains”.  What is Clear Channel waiting for?  I’ll tell you.

6.  Things are getting so bad in some local markets that corporate is tracking this element of the remaining few live and local personalities.  You’ll never guess – it’s that unbelievable.

The answers start here.

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A quote from my new book:  “The best career advice to give the young is ‘find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it’.”  After last week’s firings and an unstable radio industry, this emphasizes the better days ahead.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

You can’t keep the truth down – my confidential NewsTip Hotline.

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Clear Channel’s Two Market Strategy

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman is leading Wall Street to believe that he is cutting hundreds of jobs because the small market talent he employed just wasn’t good enough.

That he didn’t do it to save the money.

But dodges whether the firings are all over.

This morning, I am going to decode Pittman.  Take what he has started saying publicly in the wake of the firings and overlap it with what he is actually planning to do.

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1.  Pittman says he had to fire those inferior local people because major market talent is better.  Does that mean that major markets are safe from the axe?  Pittman wouldn’t say but I’ll lay out the time line and even say how long the firings will go on.  Let’s see who is right.

2.  Then, major markets won’t see any firings like their small market brethren did last week, correct?

3.  All that good national programming is going to make for better local programming if you listen to Pittman.  But guess who is in the line of fire for losing their jobs within the next 30 days.

3.  When Pittman says Clear Channel is making up for 200 plus firings by hiring more national staff, just exactly what does he mean? 

4.  Will there be a new two market strategy in which bigger cities get to do real local radio and smaller markets have to program Premium Chuck repeater radio?

5.   No matter what he says there are 3 things that Bob Pittman must do within the next two years or he’s going to wind up back at Century 21.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come learn with me at my interactive teaching conference, February 9th and get in on the $300 discount before time runs out – The Media Solutions Lab.

A quote from my new book:  “The best career advice to give the young is ‘find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it’.”  After last week’s firings and an unstable radio industry, this emphasizes the better days ahead.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

You can’t keep the truth down – my confidential NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me privately here.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dickey’s Plan After the Firings

Lew Dickey is screaming at you – telling you what he is going to do with Cumulus after the first round of firings are completed at his Citadel stations.

Some of what he is going to do is so outrageous, you may not believe it.

But today, I’m going to lay it out for you.

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1.  The psychology behind how Dickey degrades Citadel, the company he acquired and what it portends for the future of Cumulus.  Dickey was interviewed by Dave Ramsey at a recent talk radio conference in Dallas.  You won’t believe the bizarre things he said in public.

2.  Dickey says the Citadel firings have been limited to 5% of the workforce or 200 people.  You can believe that or take a look at this number.

3.  The chip on his shoulder about the former ABC Radio Networks acquired in the Citadel purchase.  Cumulus has different plans for a radio network.

4.  There’s no way lenders in this stagnant economy are going to give Dickey more money to substantially grow Cumulus again, right?

5.  You’ve heard of AM formats migrating to FM – don’t be surprised at this potential Cumulus tactic that takes it one step further.

6.  Would Cumulus ever sell you or someone you know with capital a few of his stations?  Good question. 

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come learn with me at my next conference at The Phoenician in Scottsdale February 9th  -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

My new book will pick you up and get you motivated for the challenges and opportunities ahead.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is now available in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

Sunlight cleanses the dirty deals from radio consolidators – my confidential NewsTip Hotline.

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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cox Cutbacks

Cox – considered one of radio’s best groups – is currently under mandate from corporate to tighten up.

That is sending chills through an industry currently being ravaged by Clear Channel and Cumulus firings.  And those firings continue as we speak.

Today, I’ve got a look at Cox’s cutbacks for you.

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1.  Cox is making some big moves in talent – new formats and letting go a 20-year popular show in San Antonio.  How bad is it going to be?

2.  Will Cox markets continue to be run by local general managers or has corporate decided to take a page from John Hogan’s regional set up?

3.  The Cox severance package – you can now compare it with the ones in place at Clear Channel and Cumulus.

4.  The places Cox is most likely to trim.  Is sales safe?  Doubling up on jobs?

5.  The prospect of more voice tracking at Cox.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come learn with me at my next conference at The Phoenician in Scottsdale February 9th  -- The 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

My new book will pick you up and get you motivated for the challenges and opportunities ahead.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” is now available in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

Sunlight cleanses the dirty deals from radio consolidators – my confidential NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me personally here.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Changes Ahead At Cumulus and Clear Channel

Last week’s firings have caused lots of disruption to the lives of fired employees, to Cumulus and Clear Channel radio stations and to the audience.

As the dust settles, you can now piece together not only the human impact that is often overlooked, but also the potential indications of what is to come:

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1.  The line you’ll likely hear in future firings from an 11-year radio vet with a 21 share who was fired last week by Clear Channel.  This one line tells you where they are coming from and where they are headed.

2.  The one virtually safe Clear Channel job – safe from the major market firings due very soon.  If you’re in this situation, you’re probably okay for now.

3.  What will become of the former ABC Radio Networks now under the ownership of Cumulus.  It has a new mission.

4.  Unconfirmed but continuing reports that one of the two major consolidators has become a slow pay or no pay operator even as cutbacks are taking place.  Find out which one is being accused of dragging out accounts payable.

5.  In the wake of Clear Channel’s Metro Traffic firings last week, guess how many markets and stations a traffic reporter has to handle every morning in, say, Columbus.  You’ll never guess.

6.  The one consolidator in the midst of a firing spree, according to a report, that is allegedly making his salespeople sell “Putting America Back To Work” campaign.

7.  The fate of the legendary KLOS-FM in Los Angeles under the control of Cumulus.  One scary scenario is so goofy that I wouldn’t bet against it.

8.  An inside account of how Clear Channel New Orleans is directing radio sales people to sell iHeartRadio spots – you knew that was going to happen – in what this former employee says is deceiving to advertisers.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Prepare for a career beyond cutbacks and repeater radio.  This is the year to come to my annual teaching conference to get updated and motivated.  If you tell a friend about it, you can save $300 off your registration – act now because the tuition increases the closer we get to the event – 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

In the very first chapter of my new book, I quote holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl as saying, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”.  This also applies to the insanity going on right now in the broadcast industry.  I’ve devoted an entire book to “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in paperback and e-reader for under $10 here.

My NewsTip Hotline.

Contact me personally here.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Clear Channel’s Next Two Moves

After last week’s massive firings, you’re probably wondering two things.

Are there more massive firings ahead?

And how in the world are companies like Clear Channel and Cumulus going to do even an imitation of local radio without people.  They can’t just use voice tracking.

Wait until you see the new computer system that allows San Antonio (or in this case Cincinnati) to hijack 850 radio stations.

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1.  First, the firings.  Are there more?  When?  How massive?  I called all of this last week to the specific day.  Here’s what I’m predicting now.

2.  First details on the new computer system that allows Clear Channel regional people to program everything from afar.  And when they will start being installed at local stations.

3.  How the new system will work – and how it prevents a local program director from doing very much to music and formatic elements – that is, if you can find a local program director.

4.  The first information on the new system that is a nightmare for local markets.  What people close to the building of the new computer system privately think will happen once it goes live.

5.  This new control freak’s dream couldn’t wind up on Cumulus stations, could it?  You won’t believe who owns the rights.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Prepare for a career beyond cutbacks and repeater radio.  This is the year to come to my annual teaching conference to get updated and motivated.  If you tell a friend about it, you can save $300 off your registration – act now because the tuition increases the closer we get to the event – 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

In the very first chapter of my new book, I quote holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl as saying, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”.  This also applies to the insanity going on right now in the broadcast industry.  I’ve devoted an entire book to “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in paperback and e-reader for under $10 here.

My NewsTip Hotline.

Contact me personally here.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Guy Zapoleon, Tell Me It Ain’t So

Yesterday, a day after firing over 200 people in one day (not to mention the thousands previously), Clear Channel President John Hogan made a big announcement that four people will replace them.

Say what?

Four people to replace hundreds?

Look beyond the spin to see the real intentions of Clear Channel as they await yet another bloodbath.

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1.  The real purpose of Clear Channel’s new National Programming Platform.  It’s not what they want you to think.

2.  What’s up with Guy Zapoleon pulling a Mike McVay and joining the executioners of local radio?

3.  How dangerous apologists for Clear Channel and Cumulus are and how they are helping the radio industry lose jobs. 

4.  The Clear Channel strategy to run local markets from far away and call it regional and local.  How it will sit with advertisers.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The best way to build on a radio career is to check out the many new opportunities I will be identifying in the digital future at my 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

There is a chapter in my new book on luck – how, believe it or not, good luck often turns into bad and bad into good.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

Earning your trust every day on my NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me personally here.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Prepare for the Next Round of Firings

Wait until you see the firings that both Clear Channel and Cumulus have planned for the rest of this year.

I’ve got the playbook for you for what these two companies plan to do – and when. 

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CLEAR CHANNEL ...

1.  All about the computer upgrade that is coming to Clear Channel stations that will give corporate unprecedented control of local station content in real time.

2.  How extensive the use of Premium Choice (canned programming) will be.  25% of all Clear Channel markets?  You wish.

3.  Clear Channel has 12,000 employees right now.  Guess how many will be left in two years.  Here’s my best estimate.

4.  Why the major market firings that are coming will be even bigger than what we’ve seen in medium and small markets this week.  A bonanza for bean counters.  And a heads up on when the major market firings will start.

5.  Why you won’t be seeing Clear Channel migrating big AM brands to FM so much.  There is a reason and here it is.

CUMULUS …

1.  The unanticipated consequences of the massive Citadel firings going on right now.  Who has to worry next when the Dickeys finish with Citadel.

2.  Lew Dickey is hell bent upon doing something big in 2012 – and he’s not about to let the lives of fired employees get in his way.  Here’s what Dickey is after.

3.  The hidden problem in the Citadel-Cumulus acquisition that threatens the entire merger.  No one talks about this, but it could fatally damage the merger.

4.  Who the two most dangerous people in Cumulus really are – and, no – they don’t even have Dickey in their names.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

The best way to build on a radio career is to check out the many new opportunities I will be identifying in the digital future at my 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

There is a chapter in my new book on luck – how, believe it or not, good luck often turns into bad and bad into good.  “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” available in paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

Earning your trust every day on my NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me personally here.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Next Cumulus and Clear Channel Firings

Okay, we know that Clear Channel is only in day two of its massive firings with more coming in the days and weeks ahead.

And that Cumulus is literally gutting its Citadel stations one at a time until every one is reduced to a tower and transmitter.

So what cutbacks are next?

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1.  The next potential job category to be drastically downsized may surprise you.  They thought they had job security, but Clear Channel came up with this new plan.

2.  What one tipster says Cumulus is doing before they fire programming people. A hint:  it’s online and not in person.

3.  Clear Channel is not through blowing up Metro Traffic.  Here’s how.

4.  The big bang didn’t happen yet at Clear Channel in spite of the many firings yesterday.  Here’s when it will and what kind of blow it will be.

5.  Which company is more blood thirsty to keep the firing up – Clear Channel or Cumulus?

6.  If you work in sales at Clear Channel you may be safe if you have this one kind of job and may be the next victim if you have the other.  I’ll explain.

7.  The rest of the radio groups will sit out this massive replacement of local talent with national syndication, right?

The answers start here.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

More Widespread Radio Firings Coming

A heartbreaking first day of Clear Channel firings took place yesterday with an estimated 200 people let go.

Meanwhile Cumulus took a wrecking ball to KLOS, Los Angeles claiming almost 20 jobs. 

But the bad news is that the firing is not over.  In fact, it is just starting.

Today, I want to give you a feel for the cruelty with which the firings were implemented and look ahead to what’s next.

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1.  Clear Channel mandates a Benefits Enrollment Supervisor to sit down with fired employees although the benefits are lean.  How lean?

2.  What one job category got slammed in almost every market where it exists – giving a clue to Clear Channel’s eventual end game.

3.  Why there were only sporadic firings in large markets like New York yesterday and when that is likely to end.

4.  How badly Metro Traffic was slammed and why nothing stopped good people from being thrown under the bus.  The prospect of more Metro firings.

5.  The follow-up plan to firing big name popular talent in medium markets.  Why Clear Channel is so anxious to waste popular talent.

6.  How it felt to get fired in the exact words of a Clear Channel employee who made the long walk to the conference room.  It’s chilling.

7.  One coward of a manager left town and let a minion do the firing.  I’ve got the sorry story.

8.  Severance packages that reward fired employees who worked far less time than others.  The inequity of botched severance pay as an added insult.

9.  And what happened in John Laton’s Iowa cluster now that he walked out on John Hogan.  You’ll never believe what Clear Channel did.

The answers start here.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Clear Channel Firing Timeline

Do you ever get the feeling the executives at Cumulus and Clear Channel actually like making people worry about their jobs? 

It sure seems that way since reducing work force is done all the time in other industries without all the drama and needless worry.

This morning the clock is ticking with regard to the expected next round of Clear Channel massive cutbacks thought to coincide with President John “Flash Drive” Hogan’s major market managers meeting underway today in Chicago.

It’s hard to know exactly when the detonation will occur, but there are some things about the timeline that are very predictable that I will share with you today.

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1.  What must happen first before cutbacks can begin in any given Clear Channel cluster.  In other words, if this hasn’t happened, you’ve probably got a few more weeks.

2.  The elapsed time between when Hogan hands off his flash drives to regional managers and actual firings.  A pretty good estimate – right here.

3.  My best assessment of which job position has a three times greater chance of being eliminated in this round of firings than any other job.  It’s my estimate based on sources who are on the ground at Clear Channel.

4.  When are the majority of the firings to be completed? And do they start up again?

5.  What is the safest position in at a Clear Channel station right now as the firings commence – and why that position is in jeopardy next year.

6.  Where is designer CEO Bob Pittman and what is he working on while Hogan drops the axe.

The answers start here.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

How The Clear Channel Firings Will Go Down Today

John Hogan will be passing out those infamous flash drives to major market managers starting today in Chicago when he meets with them.

But the cost cuts Hogan mandated a little over a week ago to smaller market managers should kick in.

There is a pattern to how this executioner does it and I am going to share that with you today.

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1.  Where the most cutbacks will come from.

2.  The Clear Channel plan that brings double savings!  That’s right – double.

3.  When the first firings should commence.

4.  There will likely be some survivors – this is my best thinking as to who the lucky ones may be and why they won’t be lucky for long.

5.  An idea of how pressured some regional managers are feeling to fire people, some do not want to terminate.  Hogan is holding them to the fire with this one comparable statistic – and they had better show Hogan a way to reduce it.

6.  Voice tracking is safe, right?

7.  One programming arm is going to look like a war zone when their cutbacks are implemented.  I’ll tell you which one is about to get annihilated.

The answers start here.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Bizarre Firing Tactics Revealed

Cumulus is methodically traveling from market to market firing significant numbers of Citadel employees and any day now, Clear Channel is expected to initiate massive firings.

That we know.

What isn’t known is how dirty, petty, insulting and often illegal their tactics tend to be.

Today, I am going to share with you what I am hearing from the field and it’s not for the faint of heart.

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1.  The most cockamamie severance option I’ve ever heard from one of the biggest consolidators.  If it weren’t so serious, you’d die laughing at this ploy.

2.  One consolidator has a perfect way to get you to take a huge pay cut.  I know what you’re thinking – I’ll take the cut, at least I didn’t get fired.  Well, turns out they’re thinking the same thing, but their approach is both creative and evil.  I’ll give you all the details.

3.  What’s the last thing you say to an eight-month pregnant employee?  Okay, that’s YOU, but wait until you see what this employer said. 

4.  An unreported and unnoticed twist in the Clear Channel Regional Market Manager’s line of command.  Whoever thought of this is the one who should be fired because it’s going to backfire.

5.  How many managers does it take to manage a Clear Channel cluster?  Are you sure?  I’ll tell you the number that I’m thinking and I’ll back it up with evidence.

The answers start here.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

What It’s Like When Cumulus Takes Over a Citadel Station

We now have a clear example of how Cumulus is invading the Citadel stations it took over a month ago and making wholesale changes whether they need to be made or not.

Employees are on edge and frustrated by some of the most confounding new policies you’ve ever heard.

I’m going to share with you what I’ve learned from Citadel markets where the Dickeys have come into town with guns blazing.

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1.  What the first thing Cumulus did to the existing managers when they took over the station.  Even the managers who were outperforming their markets are forced to do this.

2.  The new normal in sales at Cumulus.  If it ain’t broke, here’s how Cumulus is fixing it anyway.

3.  Evidence that contrary to popular opinion, Cumulus is hiring.  Wait until you hear what positions they are filling.  And, don’t worry, they are still firing more folks than they hire.  It’s just taking longer.

4.  What would you do if you wanted to attract the best and the brightest – well, forget that because here’s all you need to know about the Cumulus “Open House” system for hiring inexperienced and inexpensive future employees.  

5.  What happens every other Thursday at the new Citadel stations?  No, it’s not a Skype sales meeting from Atlanta.  Think again – it’s even worse.  I’ll explain.

6.  Why unnecessary changes are being made at perfectly successful Citadel stations that have already been paired back to the fewest number of employees possible.  This gives you an idea of what the Dickeys have in store for their stations in the future.

The answers start here.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

The New Clear Channel “No Local Staff” Prototype Is Up and Running

The new “No Local Staff” model of a Clear Channel cluster is up and running in some markets and I’ve got a sobering look at one of them and what you can expect to spread across the platform.

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1.  Dramatic evidence that Clear Channel intends to run four or more stations with virtually no people.  But how?  Here it is.

2.  Walk through the mind of John Hogan or Bob Pittman – we’ll do the new math for you.  The Clear Channel station of the future is operating now and being readied in other markets and the savings are dazzling. 

3.  Which cities are immune from the Clear Channel  “No Local Staff” concept. 

4.  What Clear Channel is willing to forego that a traditional radio station would never do without.  Is anything still sacred?  Read on.

5.  How important is the morning personality now under Clear Channel’s new No Morning Show Left Behind concept.  Take this example and see.

6.  How Clear Channel is likely to roll out these new “No Local Staff” stations going forward.  And real soon.

7.  Come to understand why iHeartRadio is so important to Clear Channel – not for its programming, but for this. 

8.  You’ll now understand Clear Channel’s end game because we can now see it in operation.

The answers begin here.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Firings Get Uglier This Week

Week two of the Cumulus bloodbath continues and the expected start of Clear Channel’s massive force reduction begins this week.

Already, a troubling pattern is emerging.

Here’s what people on the ground at both companies are saying about the next week of major force reductions at radio’s two biggest companies.

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1.  Westwood One – look out.  

2.  Metro Traffic – my sources close to the action say big changes are coming and I’ve got them for you here.

3.  Where Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is traveling this week on the day his competitor is ready to detonate their major reductions in work force – and it’s scaring the hell of out one Cumulus cluster.  

4.  The template for Cumulus firings at Citadel going forward.  Yes, there is a trend here and it gives you an idea of what to expect when the Grim Reaper of Cumulus shows up at the door.

5.  What to expect in the week ahead if you work at Cumulus or Clear Channel.

6.  For Cumulus – will the firings escalate, who is immune from the axe at the cluster level, a new twist in severance benefits.

7.  For Clear Channel victims:  When this week’s massive firings are expected to get underway, which job categories are protected, how long will this wave of firings persist.  

The answers begin here.

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Friday, October 21, 2011

How About a 50% Music Royalty?

It’s been called the “perfect storm”.

Few talk about it, but the courts will be ruling on copyright issues that will soon radically redefine the music industry – maybe even kill off record labels as we know them.

But if you run a radio station, a streaming music service or plan to be part of the mobile future, be afraid – be very afraid.

I’ll detail the threat for you here today.

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1.  Yes, you read the headline right.  How about the prospect of musicians getting a 50% royalty payment from their labels.  So what does that mean if you’re the one paying the royalties to the record labels.  You don’t want to know.

2.  Part 2 of the “Perfect Storm” for musicians and artists – what happens in 2013 that will change the entire ecosystem of the music business.  You’ll want to know.

3.  Did you know that Bruce Springsteen, Prince and other well-known artists were employees of their record labels?  Apparently they didn’t either.  And wait until you see the cockamamie defense the labels have against their artists.  Promise me you won’t burst into laughter when you read the labels’ defense.

4.  New legislation that completes the “perfect storm” for musicians if it is enacted – but a powerful Congressman is all over it already.

5.  How NAB CEO Gordon Smith’s itchiness to cut a deal with the record labels over royalties factors in.  

6.  Why a handful of large radio groups are backing the NAB effort to make them (and every other station owner) pay more money in royalties ahead of any resolution of the artists and musicians demands.  And why local operators are united in their opposition and vehemently against the NAB sellout to the RIAA.

The answers start here.

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Friday, October 21, 2011

The Clear Channel Plan After the Firings

If you read my piece yesterday, you know the huge scale of the firings that Clear Channel will begin to implement next week.

But I’ve since learned that these are not just regular personnel cuts.  CEO Bob Pittman has a crazy plan to operate the largest radio group with the smallest staff humanly possible and he’s going to do it under the cover of his special brainchild.

Today, I’ll tell you all the details.

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1.  The best picture yet of Bob Pittman’s Blueprint for the Future – the details as gathered by observers on the ground and elsewhere.  And the slight of hand trick he plans to pull so advertisers don’t notice that he is going to kill off local radio.

2.  What will Clear Channel’s local stations look like now.  One major change means there can be no going back.  I’ll tell you all about that change and what to watch as a gauge for the future.

3.  What’s to become of the local cluster concept.  Hardly anyone talks about that, but you’ll soon see that the Pittman Master Plan threatens to alter the radio group concept like never before. 

4.  How can a group as large as Clear Channel eliminate so many programming jobs – as they are about ready to do.  It can’t just be syndicated programming to the rescue.  Here’s what we’re missing.  You’ll see it is much more.

5.  When will the Pittman plan be fully deployed.  It can’t happen overnight, right?

The answers start here.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Now, Cumulus Employees Quitting

Cumulus now has its very own John Laton – a former Citadel manager who graciously but firmly quit Lew yesterday.

And John Laton’s reward for not suffering fools lightly at the Flash Hogan Clear Channel management meetings last week, well – read on.

Radio employees are beginning to wise up before Dickey does them in and I’ll tell you why and where they are going.

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1.  More solid evidence that great employees need not wait for the axe to fall to advance their statue – and career. 

2.  If Citadel employees made it this far, are their jobs now safe at Cumulus?  The latest on what’s going on at Cumulus where, sadly, the firing is just beginning.

3.  The best place to look for a new solid radio job if you happen to be targeted by Cumulus – or Clear Channel for that matter.

4.  The window of opportunity for getting one of the remaining few great local radio jobs.  Make sure you know this because it is vital.

5.  One destination that is no longer guaranteed to be safe from big market cutbacks.  I think you may be surprised.

6.  While Cumulus and Clear Channel grab all the headlines, guess what other companies are going to trim (hint:  it’s not the Christmas tree). 

The answers start here.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Details On Massive Clear Channel Cuts Next Week

Up to 50% of the workforce in one major market I will tell you about and an ugly picture of firings group wide and in at least one non-station entity.

Here is the latest I am hearing from the ground.

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1.  The cut list is done for this Clear Channel-owned division.  I’ll fill you in.

2.  One daypart systemwide will virtually be non-local everywhere.  This is that daypart.

3.  25% of this daypart will likely lose local programming after next week.  And another daypart I’ll tell you about will be without local talent across the board in most markets.

4.  The Clear Channel plan for how to handle program directors.  It ties directly into the master-firing plan you’ll soon be hearing about.

5.  This big and painful firing will be Clear Channel’s last, right?

6.  Plus, the big question – When?

The answers start here.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Occupy Radio

When Clear Channel Market Manager John Laton walked out on John Hogan’s Flash Drive meetings in Atlanta recently, he may not have realized how he inspired others to stand up and be counted.

Radio could – and should – have its own Occupy Wall Street except it should be called Occupy Radio – and do what has been missing for a decade.

Pressure the investment banks into either selling or feeling the pressure and backing off.

I have your plan right here.

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1.  Blockade the talent because if these bean counters actually had to run a radio station without radio people, well, you know what would happen.  Here’s where to start.

2.  How to blockade the advertisers who blindly support these Wall Street creeps and put a real hurt on investment banks that hurt people.  Yes, this is a plan for hitting radio’s investment bank owners right in the pocketbook.

3.  How to stop letting local stations owned by far away consolidators get away with not serving the community.  This part is doable from day one.  If a disaster happens and a big consolidator misses it because they were voice tracking, you no longer have to watch them get away with it while the disaster is being cleaned up.

4.  A precedent setting boycott of Bubba the Love Sponge that was so powerful it brought the Florida station to its knees.  Here’s how they did it.

The answers start here.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Life At Citadel Stations After Cumulus’ 1st Month

Cumulus is chipping away at the $50 million in efficiencies it promised lenders who funded their Citadel acquisition, but now it has become evident that the savings don’t stop with firings.

And firings definitely won’t stop.

Here’s the first report of what it is like at Citadel stations taken over by Cumulus after one month.  It isn’t pretty.

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1.  The most unbelievable expense reimbursement system you’ve ever heard.  We report, you will cringe.

2.  An employee benefits plan that no one will talk about – maybe Cumulus is hoping it will go away.

3.  How directions are being communicated to the troops.  Here I rely on an employee on the ground and you’ll get it straight from this employee's words.

4.  How Lew is managing the payables.  Read this and you’ll see where they are coming up with $50 million in savings.

5.  Ever wonder who at Cumulus must pre-approve an expenditure?  I’ll tell you what the new Citadel people have to go through to get a $50, $50 to 500 and over $500 expense approved – and, remarkably, each one is different.

6.  Finish this line:  If a Citadel station needs something that they must have, I must first do (blank).  No, not get approval.  No, not shop for the cheapest price.  You will not believe what Lew Dickey is making his employees do when they need essential things.

The answers start here.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Randy Michaels

Randy Michaels couldn’t hurt a flea right now.

The reason his Merlin news stations are doing so poorly with so many talented people is not because they are all dumb but because Randy Michaels keeps making a big mistake he never made at Jacor or Clear Channel.

He’s making his competitors stronger.

Here’s what’s going to happen with Merlin News, with Michaels and with anyone who uses strategic planning that shoots themselves in the foot.

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1.  Three mistakes Randy Michaels made that he would have never made at Jacor and Clear Channel.  Never.

2.  His Merlin News can be reinvented every month for the next year and it’s too late to beat or even take a piece out of CBS all-newsers in Chicago and New York.  The missing piece of the puzzle no one is talking about.

3.  The new rules for making a targeted competitor make all the mistakes so that you can take advantage of them.

4.  You can predict how the Merlin News experiment will turn out by watching these telling signs.  If not, I’ll tell you what I think is going to happen.

5.  I rarely talk about when Randy Michaels sued me for $100 million when he was at Clear Channel and how I beat him.  Looks like CBS was paying attention.  They are doing the same thing. I share it all.

The answers start here.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Clear Channel is Next

Flash Hogan is ready to strike.

The upcoming firings at Clear Channel will be significant but will be handled very differently than the ones going on at Cumulus.

I’ve got the latest intelligence on what’s really going down next at Clear Channel.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The reason lenders insist on massive employee cutbacks even though they add up to a miniscule savings.  If you’ve ever wondered, here’s the answer.

2.  The size of the coming Clear Channel cuts.

3.  When.

4.  Who.  Clear Channel has done a pretty brutal job of cleaning out their business offices.  That leaves sales or programming.  As Dirty Harry would say, “how lucky do you feel?”

5.  The big not so obvious clue as to how Clear Channel will operate so many stations with radically smaller staffs.

6.  The Clear Channel method for mass firings.  Cumulus has its way, but wait until you see how Pittman and Hogan are going to try and fire under the radar.  Pittman has already tried his smoke screen out and it worked.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Don’t miss my conference this year – a good time to retrain yourself for the future at the 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

The first step in gearing up for a career change is my new book on self-empowerment – “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages”.  Order paperback or e-reader for under $10 here.

Sunshine exposes a lot of bad radio operators – my Newstip Hotline.

Monday, October 17, 2011

A Day in the Life of a Cumulus Mass Firing

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it is like to have Cumulus sweep into town and fire people, I’ve got it for you here from eyewitness accounts.

It was ugly at KGO and KSFO last week.  In fact grotesque. 

The details from the scene of what it was like and how it may be at other Cumulus stations as the company races to cut the $50 million it promised to lenders by the end of the year.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What it is like at a Cumulus station the day of a mass firing – sad but true.

2.  Why some describe firing day as a scene from the George Clooney movie “Up In the Air”.  

3.  What order do they start executing from top to bottom or bottom up? It appears to be a well rehearsed routine.

4.  The technique Cumulus uses to call a person to the firing room.

5.  The post-firing walk – you won’t believe what they make each employee do.

6.  The lies that were told just week’s earlier and how previous assurances proved to be untrue.

7.  Employees were promised a chance to vie for jobs – what John Dickey called a “jump ball” but instead they got this.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come to my conference and learn how valuable your skills can be in the year ahead – 2012 Media Solutions Lab.

My book “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” could really come in handy now.  Under $10 here.

You can’t stop them but you can shed light on them – my Newstip Hotline.

Monday, October 17, 2011

The Clear Channel Manager With Balls

If you haven’t heard about this hero, you must.

Finally, a manager – a high up, well-respected executive – who confronted one of radio’s biggest fools with a message he didn’t like.

And he walked away.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  All the details – how it happened.  And believe me, you’ll be inspired.

2.  A four point plan for getting your act together if you want to stand up for what you believe in and walk away from a radio company that doesn’t appreciate you.  Worth it – you’ll see.

3.  The best way to look for a new job when you’re still employed and, as you’ll see almost nobody does it this way.  But this way always works.

4.  The best advice I give my young college students – and I hold nothing back here – but it changes their lives and hopefully will help you change yours.

5.  The gut check to see if you have what it takes to stop working for fools and start enjoying the fun of doing what you love to do again.

The answers start now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Come to my next Media Solutions Lab.

My new book is called “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” about unlocking your human potential.  Costs under $10 here.

Newstips?  No one has your back better than I do.  Newstip Hotline.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Movies Coming to iCloud

Movie studios are ready to sign up for the cloud.

They are working out the final details now with Apple and the addition of new movies on the iTunes store changes everything again.

There are lots of implications that you will want to know about if you are in the media business.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What is more important than marrying new technology.  If anything shows you, what’s about to happen with the movie studios and Apple does.

2.  How often can technology changes expect to challenge present business models (yearly, every decade – what?). 

3.  How new rules for digital are on the way already – and digital isn’t that old. 

4.  What the guaranteed way to prosperity is no matter how technology or consumer behavior changes.  Do this and your business will never be antiquated.

The answers start right here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, October 14, 2011

Hogan’s Brain on a Flash Drive

The Clear Channel managers meeting in Atlanta is over.

Now we know the future of Clear Channel.

It’s not what they are saying in press releases. It is the next phase of contraction that will sound great but further gut the company of talent.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The real reason behind naming high performing smaller and medium market managers to Regional Market Managers.

2.  Why 21 Regional Programming Managers have not been appointed to program local radio.  Their one mission is to do this.

3.  Why you should keep an eye on iHeartRadio.  After all, it is just an app, but I believe it is also a Trojan Horse and I’ll tell you what is hiding in it.

4.  Kiss-Ass Management has arrived at Clear Channel.  Managers with integrity are getting out because of what Clear Channel is going to make them do.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, October 14, 2011

Randy’s Merlin News Makeover

Randy Michaels has had enough.

His two all-news stations that were supposed to compete with CBS in New York and Chicago are barely showing up in the ratings and he’s vowing to change all of that.

I’ve got the apparent changes Randy is going to make plus the ones he needs to make if Merlin Media wants to compete with CBS.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Do Lightning News – news at the speed of light.  I’ll tell you what it is and how it should be done.  And nobody will confuse this for WBBM or 1010 WINS.

2.  How to deal with news anchors.  Not dual anchors, not a trio of anchors – Randy needs to use four or five anchors every hour.  No, not what you think – no small talk, happy talk or extraneous talk, but this short attention span winner.

3.  A sure way to take advantage of big breaking news stories that cannot currently be done in the present Merlin News format. 

4.  How to handle staples like traffic and weather that so far make Merlin sound like CBS.  Right now Merlin news stations are doing identical traffic and weather breaks as its competitors.  Here’s a great way to handle traffic in a non-CBS way and an even more effective way to do weather.  

5.  Why Randy’s news stations should not have a program director.  But they should have this job – and I guarantee you no radio station you know has one of these people running the format.  But they should.

6.  What the newsroom should look like if Merlin is serious about showing listeners that CBS is old news.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

How to build amazing radio stations that appeal to younger listeners, at my conference.

Want the skills to adapt to a changing world?  Check out my book

30% of all our story ideas come from readers, here’s the newstip hotline.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

New Type Of Morning Show That Pays For Itself

Here’s a great new way to keep your morning show without paying the talent any salary.

I am going to share with you an ingenious new plan developed by an innovative owner where the station pays the talent no salary and doesn’t just save money but increases revenue every month.

What follows is a real life case study successfully working now.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What the talent gets in return for doing the morning show for free and what the station gets by keeping him employed and not opting for voice tracking or syndication.  The entire plan is right here point by point.

2.  How this station is actually substantially increasing its billing every month while the morning personality has never been happier.

3.  A new way of selling for this show that goes way beyond selling spots and can be a motivation to stations elsewhere so they can steal these new buying opportunities in the show.

4.  Six new ad revenue streams that are reaping additional profits at this innovative radio station.  If you try just one of them, you’re bound to add more revenue.

5.  The one thing that sponsors are lapping up when this radio station makes this guarantee.  No prospect has turned it down yet.

6.  How this new stream of revenue is in addition to, not part of traditional sales techniques by account execs so the cash flow potential is endless.

Get ready to be inspired.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Attend the 2012 Media Solutions Lab

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Send a newstip

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Media Moneyball

First Wall Street took over and bean counters ran roughshod on radio and the music industry.

Now, there is a change afoot that is directly related to the subject of the popular book and movie “Moneyball” that portends the coming of analytics.

But there is a better way.

If you are planning to continue a career in the media business, you’ll want to know what it is so you can plan for it.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The more you cut, the more you save or is it the more you spend, the more you make?  Which way is it? 

2.  Why the reign of terror at Cumulus, Clear Channel and lesser radio dictatorships is going to come to an end – not because the CEOs will stop it, but because “Moneyball” analytics will. 

3.  Your best career move could be not thinking like an investment banker or an analyst.  I’ve got a better solution for you that almost always works.

4.  Soon you may have to choose doing things by the numbers or by instinct.  Here are some likely outcomes.

5.  The repercussions for radio and records if investment bank owners start thinking like the person who inspired “Moneyball” – Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Netflix and New Coke

They had them right where they wanted them!

No, not Netflix.

Their customers.

Yesterday, Netflix ate crow and put their snail mail DVD business back with their online movie delivery the way consumers demanded.

Netflix has a lot of crow to eat and while they are eating it, I’ve got 5 important lessons we can take away from their strategic mistake.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Dale Carnegie, believe it or not, has the best advice I have ever heard on how to handle a customer crisis like this – nine words that will stay with you forever.

2.  What speaks louder than words – the thing customers cannot resist and something Netflix is not doing to make it all good with credit card customers.

3.  What’s more important – what’s good for business or what’s good for customers?  If Netflix had taken this advice, they would not have gotten into this mess in the first place.

4.  What to do when a competitor comes straight at you.

5.  The real reason behind Netflix’s miscalculation, which is very similar to a mistake that is being made in radio and the music business right now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Radio Station of the Future

Quick. 

Name a radio station that you think has the potential for being the radio station of the future.

I have found one and I want to share with you what this station is doing that cannot be compromised by iPad, iPhone or streaming music service competitors.

That’s right, the bulletproof radio station of the future.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What is the most important thing to do with your brand to create the radio station of the future.

2.  Two great ways to endear yourself to listeners and join them the way they want to listen to you.  

3.  Take this litmus test -- one critical question that will tell you whether listeners are likely to stay with a station or continue to migrate to new media.  One question.  Plus, the solution (if you fail this test).

4.  Forget Twitter.  Forget Facebook.  Okay, don’t forget them but grow beyond them to this better type of social media connection that can be easily done.  And an added benefit over Twitter and Facebook – monetizing it!

5.  The most promising way to attract new listeners to radio yet most operators don’t do it. 

The radio station of the future, starts here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, October 10, 2011

Bold Predictions for 2012

3 months until the start of the New Year and I already have some big predictions for you on radio, the music industry and new media.

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If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  There is a 50/50 chance that the cost of running a radio station will go up in the 12 months ahead.  Here’s why.

2.  Slow year ahead for radio station acquisitions, but this group may surprise you that they are shopping.

3.  One big radio group could actually become a seller in 2012.  See what they may sell.

4.  The odds that Clear Channel President John Hogan will be ousted in the year ahead and what is the alternative if he stays.

5.  Massive cutbacks – more in 2012 or has it peaked?  Plus, what one indicator should you watch to see when cutbacks will let up.

6.  Consumers armed with iPads are getting ready to decimate another medium.  Do you know which one it is likely to be?

7.  The record labels are betting big time on subscription music services to create a new revenue stream.  Is 2012 the year the cash kicks in?

8.  Something major is going to happen to Facebook in 2012 – I’ll tell you what it is and how you can take advantage in your own way.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, October 7, 2011

Steve Jobs

An appreciation.

And prediction of how the music industry and radio will likely change now that Steve Jobs is gone.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What would have happened, had Jobs never returned to Apple to invent iPods, iTunes, iPhones or iPads.  And what it is likely to look like now that he’s gone.

2.  Jobs the technological guru.  The gift that he has was not really in technology and we can channel it in our businesses.

3.  Jobs, the music industry savior.  The record business years after Steve Jobs is gone.

4.  Jobs, dealing with adversity.  If you were fired (as he was), Steve Jobs’ has your answer.  If you have serious health problems, Jobs shows us how to use adversity to take risks and innovate.

5.  Of all the products and services Jobs innovated, one will be with us for the rest of our lives.  The one you need to embrace.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (1,400 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Inside Music Media’s 1st Anniversary

Actually, as many of you remember, this site was available free for four years prior to switching to our present paid model.

That’s a long tryout!

I am sincerely grateful to all of you who have joined our group and subscribed.

A little context on our first anniversary.

I was teaching at USC, consulting, writing a book and trying to write a post a day for Inside Music Media.  I named the site Inside Music Media because I believed – and still do – that music, media and the mobile Internet cannot all go together in the digital age.

And as a professor of music industry at USC, I devoted my time to writing courses and teaching generational media to amazing young people of the next generation – that’s why generational media is an integral part of this publication.

I used to get 300 emails a day on average from readers of the free model about the stories I wrote and tried to answer every one of them – as you probably know if you contacted me then.  I still love the back and forth with readers today.

So it came down to this – either, stop writing it and get on with business or making Inside Music Media a bigger part of what I do.

Many doubted that this pay model would work but in the first year our group has grown consistently month after month.  I hardly ever take a day off from writing it – actually, I love to write about these topics.  I have the most understanding wife in the world, Cheryl, who knows practically all of you because she handles your subscription questions and conference registrations.  

After all, I met her when she worked at Inside Radio and I wouldn’t let Clear Channel have her when they bought the company!  I married her and took her with me.  What a deal.

Half of all subscribers sign up for a one-year subscription from day one.

There is a 95% renewal rate on the monthly subscriptions.  We lost a monthly subscriber because he had to save up for an engagement ring but he came back this week and wrote me a nice note to tell me. 

We caught a big radio CEO stealing a subscription by using another person’s password.  No, it isn’t you-know-who or that other guy.  This CEO used to steal Inside Radio when I published it as well.  You’ve just gotta laugh.  People who make ends meet, pay and millionaires steal. 

I have found that operating a pay site is more difficult than I thought but I have this wonderful developer named Brock Ferguson from a company called Caribou who is responsible for most of the good things the site does every day.  Brock and I are working on plans for the year ahead to connect the group further and enrich the experience.

We had one server problem in the first year and Brock stayed up all night, fixed it and then changed servers so that we could be even more reliable. 

I am often asked where I get my story ideas from. 

Well, about 30% come from you.  In fact, I get lots of great links, stories and emails that are usually very reliable.  Of course, we do our best to check them out before deciding whether to run with a suggested story.

Some things are confidential.  Some are not.  I never exposed a source – not even when Clear Channel was trying to sue me ten years ago.  I’m proud of that.

I don’t sell email addresses.

Don’t overly commercialize my seminars.

Never let a vendor take the microphone to pitch you their wares.

No, I don’t hate Lew Dickey. 

If you know me, you know that is true.

Bob Pittman is a nice guy and I say it over and over in print.

I dislike the deed and not the person – that’s what we taught in Dale Carnegie and it’s good advice.  I was a Dale Carnegie instructor for many years.

I am friends with some media people but when we disagree they don’t seem to get mad – maybe that’s why we are still friends. 

And overall, everyone in our media group is so nice.  It helps because in radio today the mood is gloomy.  People are treating other people in ways no one could imagine even ten years ago. 

My readers are a diverse group – young, mid-career, accomplished media types who, believe it or not, are still keeping up with the many changes that affect the media industry.

I have great love of musicians and young music industry entrepreneurs.  They remind me of my students – bright, engaged and passionate. 

You’ve no doubt noticed that I like to write about mobile content as much as I like writing about radio and music.

My readers have great interest in what’s new, what’s next and what skills they will need to be part of it.

The iPad is a game changer and it will be entrepreneurs like many of you who will innovate in content and marketing.  I’m going to try to call the trends in advance for you.

One of my good friends – a fellow publisher – told me “JD, this will never work.  People will not pay $99 to read you”.

I said, that if that’s the case, then they will be doing me a big favor by reminding me to go do something else.

Fortunately, my friend’s prediction has not come true and you subscribed.

And I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who reside in our group for inspiring and enabling this effort.

I will keep the stories coming if you will keep reading them.

And hope to see old friends and new in person at my next Media Solutions Lab.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Fixing “Commercial Free”

The giant supermarket and radio advertiser Kroger is madder than hell and isn’t going to take it anymore.

Kroger doesn’t want to advertise on radio stations that run “commercial free” days or dayparts.

The fact that an advertiser is speaking up now says radio needs to nip this one right in the bud.

I’m preparing a segment on more effective, less offensive “commercial free” strategies that work better ahead at my upcoming 2012 Media Solutions Lab.  But, this can’t wait so I want to share a few now.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The answer to the question why do all-news stations run so many spots, make so much money and have so much audience.  They have the answer and here it is.

2.  The one workaround to “commercial free” that you will want to avoid like the plague because it’s less offensive but doesn’t work any better.  Take note.

3.  The next thing advertisers are getting itchy about.  You will want to be prepared for their next complaint.

4.  How much longer will listeners put up with commercials in a digital world of banner ads and interactive pre-roll videos?  But, here’s a way around the problem.

5.  The shrewdest strategic move that far outperforms “commercial free” days or dayparts.  The best plan – bar none – for radio stations wishing to get credit for playing lots of music without pissing off their advertisers.  Try it in off hours and you’ll adopt it.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Apple’s Changing iPhone Strategy

Apple pissed off Wall Street yesterday when it introduced what looks like the same old iPhone and not the much-awaited iPhone 5.

Wall Street never sleeps and never gets it right, either.

What we’re seeing now is a marked change in Apple’s strategy that you will want to understand and follow.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  Why the old phone renamed 4S – why not a new phone that meets the out of control expectations that surround all Apple product introductions.  Here’s the reason and it’s a damn good one.

2.  Apple is also selling a $99 iPhone and a free one (with a cellular contract). Here’s why.

3.  The big news was about artificial intelligence – a phone that takes directions, knows where you are, talks to you and brings up the results on phone simultaneously.  If consumers like it, you will be changing the way you do mobile content so read up about it now.

4.  No FM chip again.  After yesterday, here’s why you should be careful what you wish for.

5.  The real reason Apple is changing course – and it has nothing to do with new CEO Tim Cook and more to do with this one competitor. 

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Games Consolidators Plan to Play

Radio groups are committed to cutting costs but what they’re planning now is really off the Richter Scale.

Here’s what I am hearing about radio groups, further cutbacks and other amazing moves that may come to a station near you soon.

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1.  One radio group is rumored to be thinking about tracking their salespeople by GPS.  We’ll name names.

2.  The chance of more cutbacks before the holidays.  Most of the big consolidators are going to let additional people go, but one company may be ready to make the most cuts.  We’ll tell you who and why.

3.  There has been a change in the way radio groups are getting more national programming by local managers who oppose it.  It’s pretty slick, actually.  Here are two revealing case studies.

4.  Sit down for this.  I’m hearing some healthy FM stations are in jeopardy even though they are making money and attracting sizeable audiences.  Here’s what local market sources are telling me.  Simulcasting out of control – Phase 2.

5.  The legal and financial problems radio stations may run into if they continue to pursue daily deals instead of selling on-air advertising.  A large national newspaper confirmed the many problems of couponing that stations are ignoring.

6.  Defending sexual discrimination lawsuits instead of spending what is tantamount to wasted legal fees on sensitivity training.  It is 2011 and here is what one radio company is doing instead of innovating.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Rhapsody and Napster Together

Rhapsody just bought Napster’s 800,000 subscription list.

Rhapsody is battling Rdio, Pandora, iHeart Radio and Spotify in a game of last music streamer standing.

But things are unsettled going forward.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The number one reason Rhapsody had to buy Napster from Best Buy and had to do it now.

2.  The real state of monthly paid subscription music services and how that is likely to change dramatically by the end of the year.

3.  The elephant in the room is Apple’s cloud discovery service due to be introduced soon – its impact and how it will alter the competition.

4.  The missing element from all these music services that even Pandora cannot provide, but a local radio station or sharp entrepreneur can.  Here’s how.

5.  Why consumers are so reluctant to put music services on their monthly credit card plus the only way around it.

The answers start here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Digital Sales Panic

Station operators have been thrown into a panic.

On-air ad sales alone can no longer help owners meet their projections without digital and now everything is about to change.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What is waking radio executives up to digital – a business most do not understand or take seriously.

2.  How radio groups are cooking the books on digital sales even though most people can’t tell.

3.  The potential for an increased spend for digital in the next 12 months at top station groups.

4.  When is Non-Traditional Revenue (NTR) considered digital.

5.  The coming demand by owners that salespeople commit to a digital revenue goal every month.  Go inside a big CBS market and see what they are requiring their salespeople to do in addition to selling spots.

6.  The 3 killer digital business opportunities no station is currently doing that would easily sell themselves.

The answers start right here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, October 3, 2011

Clear Channel Under Bob Pitchman

Now what.

Bob “Pitchman” Pittman became the new CEO of Clear Channel over the weekend and today consolidates his power over a company he joined only 10 months ago.

There will be big, significant changes ahead and I’m going to lay them out for you here.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What is likely to happen to John Hogan now in spite of all that flowery praise that is gushing from Pittman.

2.  The key changes Pittman will make to the radio group. 

3.  How Pittman will deal with the $18 billion in debt that Clear Channel owes and cannot repay.

4.  Pittman was also named CEO and board member for Clear Channel Outdoor.  It’s very revealing to the overall future of the radio division.  Here’s why.

5.  How much longer does Pittman have to decide whether to sell some Clear Channel stations. 

6.  With the Pittman appointment, Clear Channel now becomes dominant in the digital space, right?

7.  The one radio executive who Pittman is most likely to imitate as CEO of Clear Channel.  Know who this person is and you’ll see the future clearly.

8.  The outlook for Clear Channel managers, salespeople and talent.  Sit it out or get out.  And why Pittman’s past track record will tell you when to act this time.

The answers begin here.

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Friday, September 30, 2011

Randy Lays An Egg (And How to Fix It)

WWWN has less than 2,000 listeners at any given time – in 47th place overall with a 0.2 rating 25-54. 

How could something so bold turn out to sound so old.

Considering the rush lately for owners to move AM brands to FM the Michaels fizzle is worrisome.

I’ve got the fixes for Merlin’s Media’s all-news debacle right here – and it’s still not too late. 

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock the content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  There can only be one person in charge and at Merlin you have this.

2.  How Randy’s news operations in New York and Chicago actually sound older than its CBS competitors.  But here’s the fix.

3.  What’s wrong with the formatics?  They’re spending money like crazy but not paying attention to a handful of things that could ignite the stations. 

4.  Why the joke is on Merlin after tricking WBBM into simulcasting on FM, which makes ironically them even stronger.  I’ll pinpoint the ways.

5.  Why doing NPR on steroids would have worked better.  Not too late.

6.  The Doomsday scenario – what if all-news doesn’t work.  Then, what?

The answers begin here.

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Friday, September 30, 2011

Kindle Fire vs. iPad 3

The Amazon strategy is so fascinating because it not only gives great insights about their competitive direction, but the changes that will happen in the year ahead for content providers.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through to unlock the content.

If you have been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  What two massive tablet competitors are about to do to your traditional media business.

2.  The time frame by which you must have a clear plan at the ready to exploit both of these tablets or be left behind.  And believe me, the next 12 months are critical.

3.  Finally, you can get radio on the new Kindle Fire.  Is Mary Beth Garber satisfied now or is there a clearer path for radio on tablets.

4.  How much longer can you get away with repurposing broadcast content on iPads and Kindles.  Just yesterday a major broadcast group chopped up its morning show video simulcast and tried to pass it off as digital content.  Good move now?

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Boardwalk Empire

HBO is doing a lot of things right these days that are applicable to radio, music, TV and Internet commerce. 

Are you watching HBO?  

Not just on cable or satellite but for strategic planning.

I’ve got three of the things HBO is doing so right that will inspire you to take another look at what you are planning in traditional and digital media.

If you’re a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through and unlock this content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The one thing that HBO and Apple have that Netflix and Microsoft do not have – and it’s going to make all the difference from now on.

2.  Why Boardwalk Empire reflects the three things that all media companies must have to compete in the next few years.  No, it’s not Paz de le Huerta.  But it’s hot nonetheless.

3.  Why HBO GO is so brilliant.  A different way to do mobile. Why we should all being doing HBO GO.

4.  The critical strategy that HBO is missing that would guarantee them an even bigger income stream.  Better yet, you don’t have to be HBO to deploy this strategy that I will share.

The answers begin here.

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

$50 Million Cumulus Firing Spree

Cumulus is in the process of cutting $50 million in expenses by the end of the year or sooner  – a promise made to lenders who financed the Citadel acquisition.

Ten victims got fired in Dallas alone this week.  I’ve got the details you won’t read anywhere else.

Cumulus is telling employees one thing and then doing what they always do.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group.  Just click through to unlock today’s content.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1.  The 5-part plan to cut $50 million in expenses by the end of the year or sooner.

2.  The new market management setup Cumulus will be emulating from another consolidator.  The plan and who that consolidator is.

3.  I’ve got the line on whether any markets are exempt from the $50 million firing spree.

4.  What the heck is Mike McVay up to?  The onetime consultant is drinking the Kumulus Kool Aid but if you examine his recent public statements, you’ve figured out another piece of the puzzle.  I’ve got it for you right here.

5.  They’re going after Citadel employees only, right? 

6.  What Cumulus will do next after $50 million is cut from their expenses.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Clear Channel’s iHurtRadio

Great concert in Vegas.

Bad strategic move.

1.  How the iHeartRadio promotion with all its expense failed to accomplish its goal.  Great contest, but the wrong one in ways that we can all learn from without spending a dime. 

2.  What’s with the Univision announcement that it is joining iHeartRadio.  All the trades went crazy with bulletins yesterday.  Here’s a bulletin:  iHeartRadio is an app. What’s radio got to do with it?

3.  The way to stack the deck against competitors who stray into the digital space while depriving their stations of resources.  If you’re a Clear Channel competitor, learn from the strategic mistakes that led a radio company to act like Pandora, an unprofitable startup.

4.  How does Clear Channel top the massive and expensive iHeartRadio promotion?  They are broadcasting it to the world and I’ve got it for you right here.

This article is about lessons learned from the new strategies Clear Channel is implementing that win the battle but lose the war.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A Better Digital Strategy for Radio

Radio groups and stations are beginning to panic.

Buyers want digital content added to their radio buys and all most stations have to offer is non-traditional revenue (NTR).

NTR is not digital.

But this is – here are some important do’s and don’ts that, if adopted by radio stations, would put them in a position to start seeing a payoff in six months or less:

1.  The best source for new content that doesn’t also cannibalize a radio station.

2.  Daily deals – do them, don’t do them or re-do couponing.  Here’s a better option.

3.  Build around Facebook or Twitter or not?  Getting this spot on is critical to a successful digital strategy.

4.  How to set up a digital content arm along side of an existing radio station – how to run it and what you can get away with spending the first year.

5.  What’s more important – the digital dashboard or mobile devices. 

6.  The optimal way to monetize digital content.  It’s not commercials.  Not banner ads.  It’s this – with all the details on how to get the cash stream started.

PLUS … 13 SPECIFIC STRATEGIC STEPS TO A BETTER DIGITAL STRATEGY.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Important Facebook Strategies

What you should be doing while Facebook keeps growing – half a billion people in the world were on Facebook one day last week. 

How to build local clubhouses for brands and personalities on Facebook.

With 40% of Internet users accessing social networking from mobile devices, this is the one thing you don’t want to be caught doing. 

And sit down for this – you won’t believe the demographic that is driving social networking growth.  Then, after you recover, a plan to target them. 

The immense amount of commerce that is being lost to Facebook that is getting away from traditional media. 

Plus, the emerging social media player that has tripled its growth in the past year alone.  You’ll never guess what the research is saying (I couldn’t), but we need to know.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, you can’t get this story anywhere else.

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Randy’s Shocking Ratings

Now that everyone is trying to rush their AM brands to FM, this happens.

The first inkling of how the spoken word formats that resided almost exclusively on AM will work on FM.

This is a big stakes game but new intelligence is indicating that the strategy is not as simple as it looks and the outcome not guaranteed by any means.

1.  In light of the first ratings, will AM formats work on FM?

2.  Knowing what we now know, what will be the eventual fate of Merlin’s CBS news competitors in New York and Chicago.

3.  Who is likely to lose the most audience and who will gain – but wait, suddenly there is another competitor lurking.

4.  What now happens to all that top billing money on big AM branded stations? 

PLUS … Why this entire migration to FM is ill conceived and what you can gain from their mistakes.

You won’t read this anywhere else.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (almost 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, September 23, 2011

New Rules for Radio

We all know that radio is undergoing major changes again but now, there are new rules that can guide you into the digital future.

1.  From now on the new relationship between on-air and online – and to be blunt, no one has it right yet.  But you will be off to a great start.

2.  Changes in the way on-air content winds up online.  This one is major. And you’ll be ahead of the game.

3.  Why any successful radio station will have at least 2 morning shows from now on.  That’s right – two morning shows.

4.  The new rules for distributing content on-the-air and digitally and they are not the same.

5.  There is a new way to expand time spent listening, which has dropped 6% over the past three years – but it has nothing to do with programming to The People Meter. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.  I’ll explain.

6.  Music radio will have to change its mission as Pandora, Spotify and other monthly music services continue to steal audience.  Here is radio’s best shot.

7.  The critical new approach to selling on-air and online together.  It’s not intuitive but this approach works best.

8.  New rules about staffing a radio station.  Cutbacks are not going to stop, we all know that but these three positions cannot be eliminated as radio changes.  Do you know what they are?

9.  The most important position in turning around a radio station is – what?  From now on, it is this person.

I’ve been happy to make these “promos” available to thousands of people every day for the past year – kind of a one-year test drive.

Now if you want to continue receiving Inside Music Media every day, today would be a great day to unlock a significant story and stay on the distribution list.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Lying About Radio’s Research

We are entering a new era in radio.

First consolidation. 

Then, contraction. 

Now denial.

1.  Unbelievable new research that shows 12-24 year old listening is actually growing.  It is?

2.  How Arbitron collaborates with the industry they measure (and take fees from) to paint the sky blue.

3.  The 9 biggest problems facing the radio industry – here’s one, failure to invest a single penny in the separate digital content that media buyers are demanding.  There are 8 others you’ll want to know.

4.  Four positive steps to make radio better right now without going broke.

5.  The end of the Hogan, Dickey and Suleman era means radio has just now entered the next stage.  Want to know what it is?

To continue to get these stories delivered to you every day, subscribe and they’ll keep coming.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

2013 — The Year Radio Hits the Wall

How to bulletproof yourself from what’s coming in 2013

• What media buyers will be demanding, not requesting

• How station budgets will have to be reconfigured – like it or not.

• The right way to do digital – and it’s not the way radio stations are doing it now.

• The mistakes stations are making on-air while fiddling with online.  Here’s the fix.

• The year radio will cease to exist as we know it – but here’s an insurance policy you can take out.

• The most important strategic decision every radio station must get right

• The folly of social networking radio-style and what works infinitely better.

Even investors will have to start looking at an exit strategy if they don’t do these critical things.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, you’ll get a lot of take-home pay when you start today.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Triton vs. Arbitron, Oh Boy!

In one corner, Arbitron wishing it never exited the digital measurement business.

In the other, Triton Digital dominating the business Arbitron abandoned and now wants back.

• What do you have when you cross the People Meter with streaming measurement – Arbitron’s grand new plan •  How Triton is shooting holes in Arbitron’s concept •  Why media buyers are being left out •  How increasingly powerful streamers think audience measurement should change • The dirty politics of audience measurement that has nothing to do with the actual audience

And this big prediction:  What could inevitably happen when Arbitron and Triton beat each other up.  You read it first here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

B.S. From the NAB Radio Pep Rally

Here’s the rest of the story – as Paul Harvey used to say – about the hypocrisy that was passed off as a pep rally at the just concluded NAB Radio Show: 

•  Who the certified new “rock star” of radio is – and it’s not Randy Michaels or the usual suspects.

•  Guess who is taking credit for this:  “We stopped the performance royalty bill in its tracks.” Stop laughing!!! And no one called him out on it for the b.s. it really is – until now.

•  Radio claims 6.1 trillion listener hours – so Pandora, please sit down and go away.  The latest industry executive with his head up his math.

•  Turn your bullshit meter on – quick, who said this:  “We don’t see digital as the savior.”  You guessed it – the industry’s number one digital broadcaster.  Maybe you won’t notice.

•  Who is the last person you would invite to speak about the future of radio – that’s the first person the NAB invited.

•  Who is this attendee talking about:  “The guys I talked to are like zombies...a lot of glazed /dazed looks.  Like abused children waiting for the next set of foster parents.”  

•  What unlikely radio exec was described as “the belle of the ball” at this year’s show?

Many of the radio trades suck up to the very people who are hurting our industry the most.  This is where you get the straight story.  Today’s a great time to get started.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Now What’s Next for Cumulus

• What’s planned for over the weekend at the former Citadel stations • The new center of the universe for Citadel starting Monday • Lew’s consigliore’s • The most drastic action ahead that will happen like lightning • The sales set up – not exactly Cox • The new programming option that comes with the merger • New market managers thought to be in waiting on the outskirts of some markets.

Plus the big question:

• Is Cumulus finished expanding for now • Can Lew Dickey get the money to grow given the trouble he had financing the Citadel merger • What are the timelines – sooner or later • Who needs to be concerned

You won’t read this anywhere else.

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, here’s a big story to start with.

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Friday, September 16, 2011

Consolidators In Bed With Record Labels

There’s something fishy about the new love-in currently going on between big radio consolidators and the remaining four major record labels.

On the surface it all sounds good – more cooperation, more help in marketing.  What’s not to like.

This special report tells you not only what’s not to like but monumental changes that are coming as a result of this new coziness. 

Someone is going to get hurt.

It’s going to cost many radio stations money.

Just when they don’t need it or have it.

What the labels now need from radio – and amazingly, it’s not record sales!

Concessions both sides are now willing to make to each other.

The dangerous plan that lets a handful of big consolidators monopolize the music industry’s top artists while the medium and small market operators pay the price.

This radio and music industry exposé begins here --  right now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Sony’s Next Walkman

There is a new Sony Walkman in the works.

Here’s an early look at what Sony plans to regain its footing against Apple’s iPod and iPhone.  Keep in mind that the Walkman was radio’s best friend.

We’ll breakdown Sony’s strategy and describe the new products on the planning board.

Streaming is the big new bogeyman now and what Sony must do to get back in the game is, ironically enough, what radio must also do.

The clock is ticking on Apple’s streaming capabilities on iCloud.

What should radio do with its music formats in light of the cloud?

What it shouldn’t do. 

The best way to be a hit-based music station in the era of customizable streaming media.

And the best option for surviving the digital streaming revolution now in full force.

A strategic update begins here – now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Google Eyes the $140 Billion Local Ad Market

Guess who is consolidating now?

New media.

And guess what those of us in the radio industry know that they don’t know.

• Google just bought a content company to give them access to the $140 billion small local business market.  Hey, that’s radio’s business.

•  The clear trend ahead as new age media companies start overspending for content companies.  Content – the thing that we do.

•  The 4 stages of new consolidation beyond radio.

•  The chance of Google putting a hurt on local radio stations with its most recent acquisition.

•  The law of unintended consequences is in effect with the Google purchase and also applies to any AOL takeover of, say, Yahoo.

•  Where new innovation is going to come from – this is the best news I have had for you in years.

•  Which new media companies are most likely to windup like Clear Channel – impaled by the sword of consolidation.

Reading these intelligence reports every day costs less than a Reese’s peanut butter cup – although admittedly not as tasty. 

With a challenging year ahead – a year where radio may hit the wall and the music industry may crumble – if you’ve been thinking about subscribing, today has a big payoff.

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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Clear Channel’s iHateRadio

Forget iHeartRadio.

Clear Channel is actually running a program I call iHateRadio.

This is a special update on why all of a sudden Clear Channel is so enamored of streaming music services even at the expense of its 800 stations.

A comparison of what they are willing to do for this new business that they are not willing to do for their bread and butter radio business.

And why.

If you want to see the future of Clear Channel, here it is.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

iPod Sales Tumble. Opportunity?

Finally – iPod sales are tanking.

Down big time in the first two months of the quarter.

Is this an opportunity for radio to make a few adjustments and pick up some momentum?

I wanted you to have this report as soon as possible to get an edge.

You’ll see how radio should deal with this gift from Apple.

And why licensing streaming music sites – the current record industry trend – misses the opportunity to make up lost time against Apple’s pervasive MP3 player.

But this one bold stroke can fix everything.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The FM Glut

Okay, now we have a glut of FM music and talk stations.

Migrating AM brands to FM is only part of the crisis.

1.  Something is wrong with the way owners are rapidly closing down AM and shifting the stations to FM.  See if you don’t agree.

2.  The 4 tricks of consolidators that are being accepted as positive for radio when these strategies are not only killing off stations but the FM band with it – I’ll expose their losing strategies here. 

3.  There is something even bigger than an AM/FM simulcast and only greedy owners could embrace this loser.  It’s all laid out in the article.

4.  Here’s what owners should be doing, but won’t.  More useful ideas that actually won’t break the bank and would be a lot better than consolidating formats.

5.  Radio is all about gaming The People Meter and don’t kid yourself, the four ways to oblivion – I mean, the four ways to consolidate radio formats today is designed to win at ratings even if the ratings are wrong.

The FM glut.

What a great day to start a subscription and access these intelligence reports

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Monday, September 12, 2011

The AM-ization of FM

Radio owners are beginning to put their aged AM formats into assisted living – on FM.

The AM-ization of FM is underway and the big groups would have you believe that moving popular AM brands to an FM simulcast needs to be done to save the format.

That, too.

This article gets into the real reasons:

1.  Why the big rush all of a sudden to give up on FM formats and move AM formats – often targeted to younger demographics – to FM. 

2.  The hidden reason broadcasters are moving to FM with such urgency and it isn’t what they’ve been saying in the press.

3.  What about AM brands that aren’t strong enough to move to FM?  Move them or let them die.  We’ll tell you what the owners are thinking.

4.  What happens if an owner doesn’t have enough FM stations to take an AM station into a simulcast.  Or if they don’t want to drop a valued FM format.  Here’s the workaround you’ll be seeing more of.

5.  When will this urgent simulcast movement end or at least slowdown.

6.  What’s to become of the AM band with all its best formats also on FM.

Here’s a special report.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

By 2015 — 70% Digital, 30% Radio

Radio groups can ignore these numbers at their own peril.

The “digital spring” is upon us and each month, each year from now until 2015 – four short years away – there will be disaster for most radio groups.

But great opportunity for smart radio people.

1.  There are five hot areas in digital content.  Forget the hype and b.s. – go after these.  I’ll name them for you so you can gain an edge.

2.  Sit down for this – a major research study that condemns every radio station to failure if it doesn’t wake up to this guidance now.

3.  Red flag for couponing.  A big part of that digital growth in the headline is from couponing, but something weird is going on – even dangerous.  You should know the latest.

4.  Small and medium sized businesses are happy to turn away from radio and to pure play entrepreneurs and individuals.  This is major if you want to amp up your career.

5.  Radio, digital, dashboard – where to begin.  None of them, actually.  Start with this.

6.  The one digital skill you must have going forward or you might as well not even get started.  It’s not technology.  It’s something that 99% of radio people have no skill in.  Here’s how to change that.

Let everyone else argue about whether FM is a good place for AM formats.

That shipped sailed a long time ago.

With 70% of the ad dollars headed to digital, this is a great way to start your week and begin a subscription to unlock the future.

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Friday, September 9, 2011

Hogan Spooks Clear Channel Employees

John Hogan dropped a bomb on his employees yesterday but it was not exactly the one they expected.

It was an act of extreme insensitivity.

What’s worse is what was not said.

Cuts.

Insecurity.

And pay.

A special report begins here – now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Yahoo – Bye Bye

Yahoo is like Clear Channel.  

No leadership at the top.  Carol Bartz was blown out as CEO Tuesday night.

Clear Channel radio has John Hogan and Bob Pittman.

Clear Channel is holding a company-wide virtual meeting with its terrified employees Thursday and it isn’t to give them all a raise.  

Here’s a piece on why Yahoo has fallen and can’t get up and why radio has the exact same problem.

The company I think will buy Yahoo – and fail.

Why radio companies have a lot in common with Yahoo and I’ll name a few for you.

More importantly, the secret for outperforming consumer and investor expectations that failed companies ignore at their own peril.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Cumulus Forces Salespeople to Sell Print

You won’t believe this – or maybe you will.

Cumulus is pulling salespeople off of selling radio to sell print in a directory that is designed to make up for the shortfall in local radio ads sales.

Huh!

Read it and weep.

1.  Mandatory print selling at Cumulus  – here’s why.

2.  Why print – why not digital.  Get it directly from the horses – well, the horses mouth.

3.  A description of the product radio salespeople are being told to sell.  No ifs, ands or buts.  

4.  No word on commissions – if any.  And no bonuses.  At least in a memo from a top Cumulus exec.

5.  Would you want to sell these ad categories?  Cumulus sales people don’t either.  I’ll sample a few for you.

6.  How Cumulus wants their radio sales force to generate print leads.

7.  And last but not least – how many print ads each salesperson will be required to sell.

You can bet you won’t get this story anywhere else.

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, today’s a great day to start.

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Gaming The People Meter

Radio groups are living in a fantasy world thanks to The People Meter (PPM).

It is much more forgiving than the old diary methodology.  They can manipulate it easier.

1.  How PPM rules make it easier to win quarter hour listening.  And how stations take advantage of it.

2.  Richard Harker had the best ever explanation of the insane new People Meter rules on quarter hour listening.  Here it is.

3.  The real reason greedy radio companies are only too happy to give up running commercials for hours, days or even one day a week.

4.  How radio ratings are so influenced by people who never even listen to the station that is getting credit for their listening.

5.  The sanitized format hour.  How it wins ratings and is losing fans.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Labels Wrecking the Digital Dashboard

Before the first factory installed car digital dashboard is driven off the lot, the record labels are wrecking it.

The one thing everyone is excited about – the future of mobile entertainment – and it is on the junk heap already.

Only thing is, most people don’t know it yet.  But you will.

1.  What the labels are up to that will make the digital dashboard a disaster before it ever gets used. 

2.  Serious workarounds to music industry roadblocks – even unfair royalty rates.

3.  Make this mistake and your digital dashboard becomes a glorified radio – and that’s not going to cut it with hungry consumers.

4.  Most people have the digital dashboard all wrong.  It is definitely not going to be used as a “radio”.  Here’s how the digital dashboard will be used.

5.  How Apple may emerge as the big winner in the digital dashboard without ever manufacturing even one radio.

6.  The labels’ big screwup that must be overcome.

7.  The major mistake car manufacturers are making. 

8.  One big assumption radio is making that has it all wrong from the start. 

9.  No one is asking the consumer what they want.  And it isn’t music radio by a different name.  It is this.

How can we expect to embrace the digital dashboard when most of the assumptions being made about it are wrong?

This morning is a great day to unlock the content and subscribe to an intelligence report that will help you get it right.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, September 2, 2011

The “Double Dip” Royalty Tax on Radio

I hate to use hurricane language, but this is the calm before the storm for radio music royalties.

They are coming.

At the exact worst time ever.

Here’s what’s up:

1.  If you want evidence of how much even a slight music performance charge will cripple radio, read this scary story.

2.  What happened to that NAB initiative to cave in to the music industry?  A status report.

3.  Why what happened to Pandora last week is a rehearsal of what’s going to happen to free radio. 

4.  How the record labels are shooting themselves in the foot and enjoying it – until the party is over.

Want to know why ex-jock, PD and CEO Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media isn’t touching music radio with a 10 foot pole?

The music radio crisis ahead that radio CEOs ignore like a hurricane warning.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, this story starts you off with great insight not available anywhere else.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Media Business After Jobs

Apple may be powered to succeed for years after Steve Jobs relinquished operating control, but from now on everything changes.

1.  There were two things Steve Jobs failed to do at the time of his resignation.  One of them was to build a movie platform as strong as Netflix.  The other is this – and it hits us close to home.

2.  Jobs kept the music industry from eating itself alive by seizing control of the record labels and their ability to price their own product.  Now what’s next for the music industry now that Jobs is out of the picture.

3.  Radio, don’t be afraid of Clear Channel or Cumulus.  Be afraid of this company that is going to be the next Apple someday.

4.  Social networking may default into a couple of players’ hands – here are the ones to watch.

5.  The Steve Jobs approach to consumer electronics can be applied directly to a troubled radio industry.  No kidding.  Here’s how.

A lot has been written about Apple, Jobs and their impact on consumer electronics.

This is about how the changes at Apple will directly affect your bread and butter.

If you’ve been thinking of taking out a subscription, you’ve got a lot to dig your teeth into today.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Radio’s Next Ploy After Simulcasts

Just when you thought radio owners ran out of ways to save money, comes this …

There is more recycling in radio than by Waste Management.

We know about the radio rush to simulcast AM on FM all of a sudden – 30 years too late.

Now get a load of this …

1.  The tactic that you’re likely going to see a lot more of in radio.  If you’re working for a real good radio station, consider this a warning.

2.  The best way to simulcast a worthwhile radio brand and the worst way.

3.  When is it permissible to not do a simulcast when a simulcast is the better option?  Here it is.

Plus, 4 fresh ideas you’re going to love (but owners will hate) for innovating on AM stations.  That’s right.  I haven’t lost my mind.  I’ll show you a new age use for AM radio.

1.  The perfect place to find someone who can double your current AM numbers in one year and make the demographics younger.  Guaranteed.  I’m telling you, program directors will love this.  Why hasn’t anyone thought of it?

2. The best way to do a simulcast.  In radio, even a simulcast isn’t a simulcast anymore.  

3.  What an AM station and the Internet were made in heaven for.  I’ve got an idea so exciting, you’re going to marry AM and mobile Internet and do better than the same old tired AM syndicated formats.

4.  The one ingredient that is lacking from simulcasts or the second coming of simulcasts – without which the AM/FM simulcast lays an egg.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas and sound perspectives to defend against corporate tactics that threaten to cheapen radio, you’ve picked a great day to start a subscription.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Voice Tracking the Hurricane

Stop!

Before we hand out credit to the radio industry for a job well done, let’s ferret out the owners who don’t deserve it and the ones that do.

Hurricane Irene took less than two weeks to wreak havoc on the east coast of the United States, but the radio folks who should be getting kudos in its wake are the ones who have been averting a management disaster in their local markets all year.

5 things you can take from this disaster to make local radio better …

1.  Re-setting the station’s mission – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Here’s how.

2.  What a station’s number one focus must now be.  Not profits.  Not just local shows but these types of local shows.

3.  How to prepare for disaster every day and win ratings while practicing.

4.  How to get a young digital user to willingly turn on a radio.  Not just a scary hurricane bearing down, this!

5.  The best way to get an FM chip built into an iPhone.  If proponents of FM chips in cell phones had done this, every phone would be a radio.

Here’s what happens when the FCC goes missing and consolidators run the show with voice tracking.

If you’ve been thinking of starting a subscription, today is a great way to start.

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Monday, August 29, 2011

Top Citadel Talent Refuses to Work for Cumulus

This is an uplifting story for everyone but the owner barons who have taken over the radio industry.

Today, all the details of a courageous, respected and talented talk show host who refuses to have his contract assigned to Cumulus.

You’ll want to read this …

1.  The matter is in court and Citadel is frantically trying everything to force this poor guy to work for Cumulus after the takeover.

2.  They’ve reportedly turned Judy Ellis loose on him.  Wait until you hear what she is trying.

3.  It gets better – a people-friendly radio group is ready to snap him up the minute he is out from under the Dickey regime. 

4.  How Citadel allegedly bullied Finebaum into signing a critical contract addendum and what they threatened to do if he didn’t.

5.  The one clause in

Friday, August 26, 2011

5 New Business Opportunities for Radio People

Okay, I’ve got 5 more – all new – business opportunities for radio people currently employed, unemployed or ready to become unemployed. 

Develop these ideas full-time, part-time or go get a funding and do all five of them before anyone else.

1.  Do this – the radio station of the future and it is not an Internet website.  I name 14, shall we call them “formats”, waiting for someone to do.  This is not radio as you have known it, it’s even better.  Dig in before someone else does.

2.  Hint – soon the auto dashboard will be open to you and me not just Cumulus and Clear Channel.  Here’s a franchise you will want to develop and trademark now.

3.  Over 40% of YouTube’s traffic is from consumers who want to listen to music video not necessarily watch them.  Odd, isn’t it?  So, guess what I want you to do? 

4.  A way for you to be the new age Action News in your market except without all the expense.  I’m going to tell you how.  The best way to launch it and build it out and when you see the game plan you’ll know why this is my favorite new business opportunity for radio people.

5.  Takeover a radio station’s website.  Here’s an ingenious plan that is a win-win for you and your client station, but it comes with warnings you’ll thank me for later if you seize the opportunity.  This is a license to print money and advertisers will readily support it.  Read the details here.

I’m tired of all the bad news these days.

Here are 5 actionable ideas that are worth subscribing for and can change your life.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

What Listeners Want Now

Listening is off.

Revenues are down – even though the same bad economy that is killing radio is not killing new media ad buys.

Forget consolidation for a moment.

Radio is on the wrong side of their listeners.

1.  We know what radio cares about most, can you name what today’s listener cares about most?  I’ll share.

2.  Stations continue to make this big mistake that turns listeners off more than anything else a station can do.  I’ve got some fresh examples for you.

3.  What radio used to do to position itself solidly with listeners used to work like a charm on almost every radio station and now backfires on stations foolish enough to keep doing it.   I’ll lay it out for you and you can take it from there – stop.

4.  Take how Apple zeroes in on exactly what its audience wants and then extrapolate the process and try it for radio.  I’ve done it for you here – and you’ll like this outcome a lot better.

5.  Market by market stations are focused on dominating a format instead of doing this – a strategic winner that would reinvigorate the radio spectrum.  Forget AM and FM – neither is an advantage until you do this one thing first.

You read these previews every day.  Today is the day to start unlocking them and get intelligence you just can’t get anywhere else.

5 things that actually matter to listeners – today, here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

iPad Monopoly

Don’t skip past HP’s exit from the tablet business so fast.

It leaves Apple with no number two competitor and a clear path to monopoly over arguably the most important consumer device of the past 100 years.

1.  Why the powerful movie monopoly Netflix is in trouble now.  And not for the reason most people think.

2.  Steve Jobs is now in a position to have his way with record labels.  Here’s what he wants.

3.  Music is in trouble – again.  This time Apple is only one reason.

4.  Coming soon – the Apple pipeline.  Read about it.

5.  Content providers are losing control over this very important aspect of their business as Apple gets stronger. 

Sales stats mean nothing when it comes to the wild popularity of iPads. 

What is important is the strategic positioning of Apple over many content providers as we reveal in this article.

You can’t get this stuff anywhere else.  

This is a great day to start a subscription.

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Jersey Shore

I take a few weeks every summer to pull together a year’s worth of observations about changing media usage, developing consumer habits to beware of and new opportunities ahead.

This is my report to you …

1.  Radio in the lives of consumers – the prospects.

2.  The smartphone – why it is a bigger problem to content providers than originally thought.  And how traditional media companies can effectively respond to this challenge.

3.  The pervasive Internet and why it is killing broadcasting not helping it.  Yet radio stations continue to direct its audience to the Internet. 

4.  Some of the most hated media companies (not radio groups) and why.  Know them and don’t be like them.

5.  Live performing is about to hit the wall.  When Bon Jovi outdraws a current star like Lady Gaga, the concert business has a problem.  The solution they won’t want to hear.

6.  Newspapers – comeback or no comeback?

7.  The thing that is killing network TV.  You think it is reality shows?  Guess again.

I love bringing you useful observations and solutions in an increasingly digital world.

If you’ve been thinking about going for a subscription, you’ve picked a great day to begin.

Would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, August 22, 2011

Simulcasting on FM For All the Wrong Reasons

Now CBS is blowing up WYSP, Philadelphia to simulcast its AM sports brand currently residing on WIP.

Again, under attack from a competitor.

More simulcasting is on the way to a market near you and this is about the danger ahead of migrating AM brands to FM.

That’s right – danger!

1.  The one legitimate reason for simulcasting an AM format on FM.  There are not two reasons.

2.  The real reason you’ll be hearing about more simulcasting in the coming months.  And it has nothing to do with Randy Michaels.

3.  The challenges of simulcasting AM radio on FM in the digital age.

4.  My prediction on how this strategic move will play out.

5.  The only real insurance policy – better than simulcasting – that can protect a long held AM radio brand.  Do this and you’re cooperating with the inevitable instead of fighting it.

Simulcasting is not what it seems and if you’re competing against an owner who thinks they’re protecting their AM brand by moving it to FM, this article will be worth reading.

Better yet – why wait for a competitor.  Act now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, August 19, 2011

5 Ways Radio Can Beat the Economy

Let’s move on.

The economy is down for the next two years according to actions at the Fed and radio is in the doldrums.

How about 5 blueprints for revenue in tough economic times.  Apple can do it.  Why not radio?

1.  The fastest way to get an additional stream of revenue coming into your station – and the best.  If you don’t grab the next 4 ideas, then at least start with this one.

2.  A new aged way radio stations can actually hitchhike on Steve Jobs’ success.  For the first time, a means for you to become the Apple of local content.  All you need to start is right here.

3.  Four times during the next year – even in spite of the economy – do this project that will eek out extra money from sponsors who will not want to be left out.

4.  There is an opportunity in digital that few, if any, stations are opting to take.  I’ll describe it for you so you can beat them to it.

5.  Do what 3M does.  That’s right.  The next source of revenue even in this recession is right under your nose.  This will help you find it.

Everyday I try to put intelligence reports together that make your investment worthwhile.

Today, there is also an immediate monetary payoff if you start your subscription with this article.

Then, go get ‘em!

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Radio’s Best CEO

You know who the worst radio CEO is.

But who is the best?

We have a few good ones, but I’ve got one outstanding radio exec that I will name.

But first …

1.  The 5 critical skills that make a manager great – a radio CEO.

2.  What a radio CEO should not be -- I’ll bet you’ve never seen a list like this before.

3.  Four top performing radio groups succeed because of their chief execs – here’s who they are.

4.  PLUS …  The Best Radio CEO.  Who he is.  Why he is.  And why he rarely gets the credit he deserves.  Bet you can’t guess.

This is a piece that will make you feel proud and motivated to possess all the skill sets that are necessary to succeed in the digital age.

Every day in this space we write intelligence reports for broadcast, new media and music people who want to get a leg up on the times, technology and competition.

What a great day to join us.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Next Generation’s Media Needs

Just when we thought we had a handle on the next generation’s media needs and desires, it changes – that quickly!

Today, an early warning that tracks some potentially important consumer changes:

1.  Guess the new top 40 station for the next generation.  Go ahead.  You’ll never guess.  But I’m going to show you where to look and you’ll say – yes!

2.  The kids may be ready to pull a fast one on you, Apple and Pandora if this account from a radio executive is true.  Here is the potential replacement to iTunes.

3.  Finally!  The answer to why Steve Jobs is leaving radio off his digital devices in favor of this.

4.  What young concertgoers have in mind for live venues – and this predicts the future of the record business for the next few years.

5.  Which cell phone operating system (Android or Apple iOS) is the one you should target if you are going to create content in the next few years.

6.  Which apps can you forget – kids rarely use them.

If you read this space you know we like to keep you on the cutting edge of consumer behavior and their preferred technology.

This article has lots of useful take home pay – a great day to start a subscription.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

CBS vs. Randy

Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media is now up and running in New York with FM News 101.9 to join its recent Chicago FM that launched a few weeks back.

CBS blinked in Chicago and dumped music from one of its FM stations to simulcast news leader WBBM-AM.

The battle lines are drawn and today I am going to tell you who will win.

1.  Hint:  CBS isn’t going to pin Randy’s ears back and Randy isn’t going to kill CBS’ money making news stations.  Here’s the winner.

2.  Merlin’s chances for cutting into CBS’ revenue in New York and Chicago.

3.  WBBM will surprise.  The AM station!  Read on for how.

4.  The real battle for local news brands is not on AM – not FM – and not even streaming on the Internet.  Here’s the battle neither CBS nor Merlin even know they are in for.

5.  It is very possible that CBS and Merlin may both lose traction – but not to each other. Here’s the culprit.

6.  The big opportunity Merlin and CBS may miss but other local broadcasters may jump on.  

News as a radio brand is changing.

CBS and Randy think one of them will prevail.

In this article, you’ll come to learn that something more shocking may happen.

You can’t get this stuff anywhere else.  

What a great story with which to begin your subscription.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

The New AM/FM Dilemma

Have you been noticing the trend toward simulcasting lately?

Not just Randy Michaels who forced CBS to dump an FM music format in Chicago to protect WBBM-AM's top billing new franchise with a simulcast.

And not teh FM station CBS may be forced to find to protect all-news against Michaels in New York or sports in Philadelphia.

And it's not just CBS.

Why so long to migrate and what's the soundest strategy now in the digital age...

1.  Will simulcasting valuable AM brands on FM at this late date still work?  You may be surprised because the answer is more complicated than owners think.

2.  The one simulcasting move no broadcaster should ever make - not now or ever.  Avoid this strategy like the plague or there is no coming back.

3.  The best way to migrate a popular brand.  Warning:  very few radio broadcasters are doing this.  Learn from their error of omission right here.

4.  PLUS...How to turbocharge an AM brand not just protect it.  Randy's not buying FM stations for nothing.  He's not forgoing music formats because he doesn't like music.  I'll take a well-known top billing AM brand and walk you through what they should do now to bulletproof their franchise.

You won't find this information anywhere else.

 Great day to start.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Clear Channel Nationalizes Programming

Look out for what Clear Channel did yesterday because it is going to change everything in radio programming.

On the surface, the company announcement looks like the usual harmless shuffling of titles and consolidation of jobs.

But it’s worse and since other radio companies – even small, non-consolidated groups – tend to follow the leader’s lead, it’s even more dangerous.

1.  The next strategy to do without program directors.  No, not just simply fire them all – but to implement this.

2.  How the Clear Channel move actually makes it harder – if not eventually impossible – for local stations to do local radio in several key ways.  I outline them for you here.

3.  Just how many program directors will now be at high risk in their careers and why.

4.  What is a “Vice President of Hamburger Helper”.  Read it and weep.

PLUS… What competitors can do to gain on Clear Channel stations … what your station must absolutely avoid to prevent getting sucked into bad strategy by following the leader … and how non-broadcast programming may wind up on the air at perfectly good stations.

If you read about Clear Channel’s latest mangled management changes anywhere else, you didn’t get the real meaning and the competitive steps you can take to take advantage of their poor judgment.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a subscription, what a great day to do it.

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Attacking Groupon’s Weaknesses

I’ve got some powerful ammunition here for radio stations looking to prevent Groupon from so easily walking away with local ad dollars that should rightfully belong to radio.

I’ve got charts, links to Groupon disasters that act as an insurance policy for radio.

Plus …

1. For the first time, a hard number – a figure of how much money Groupon takes out of local communities actually leaving less money to spend with merchants there.

2.  Scare retailers with this documented small business horror story – what happened to a business that signed on with Groupon and almost went out of business. 

3.  What’s the biggest problem is when Groupon coupon users descend on small businesses – and it’s not too much business.  It’s actual loss of business – check it out.

4.  Two quick solutions for radio stations to pitch small businesses that like the idea of new traffic from couponing without the risks that are burning others.

PLUS …  All you need to put some real hurt on coupon competitors today.

You won’t get this information anywhere else.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, what a great day to start.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Apple’s Sneak Attack

That damn Apple.

They skipped the recession and now they are powering up for the holiday buying season with products and services so cool that they will defy the economy.

But we had better know what’s coming or else traditional media is in for a devastating blow.

Like …

1.  How and when Apple’s iCloud will steal more free radio listeners away than even Pandora.  This is what I think Apple is up to that could harm radio without an appropriate response.

2.  Is it finally time for Santa Apple to grant a Christmas item off of radio’s wish list?  I’ll tell you the item radio wants most and what the chances now look like.

3.  The iPad update that’s likely by the holidays.  I promised 30 million iPads in use at my last Media Solutions Lab and Apple will exceed that number if they do what I am predicting.  It’s all here.

4.  The new iPhone is said to be a major refresh and the phone is more important to consumers than any other electronic device – period.  Know your enemy or make it a friend here.

5.  Apple will now become a consolidator.  Not the Clear Channel way.  The Apple way.  See how.

PLUS– Three major strategies right out of the Apple playbook for this fall that you can implement before Apple products hit the market.

One has to do with how to track your competitors best by doing this.

Two, how to refresh a radio station the way Apple refreshes its product lines at strategic time points.  This is worth the price of a subscription right here.

And, three – why Apple puts itself out of business periodically – really (think hard drives, MacBook’s and how it threatens its laptop line by making tablets compete with them), but more importantly how you could “put yourself out of business” too by becoming your own new competitor.

You can read radio rumors, gossip and happy talk anywhere – it’s free online.

This site is about useable ideas and today will not disappoint – a great day to subscribe and dig in.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Townsquare Who?

Two things.

Townsquare will soon be the fourth largest radio group.

And have you noticed that “name” broadcasters are leaving secure jobs to go work for companies that want to do what they want to do – live and local radio.

The question is, is Townsquare that kind of venture capital based consolidator?

1.  What about talent.  Is Townsquare a good place to send a resume and make a contact?  Know your options.

2.  A good place to work?  Is it developing into another Cox, Bonneville or Hubbard?  Or because it is essentially owned by investment banks, is Townsquare just a smaller market Cumulus.  I have some thoughts on that.

3.  It will take 3 things to make Townsquare viable.  I’ll name them and fill in the details. 

4.  The brain drain I have been predicting has started – slowly, but surely.  Are smaller companies that do local radio a destination for talented radio people shunned by the big three?

5.  PLUS … the blueprint that all radio groups must have to succeed.  Without these things, forget it.  Radio gets devalued.  With them, radio becomes potent again.  Can you name the three things?

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, today is a great day to join the others who have already come aboard and to remain on our distribution list.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, August 8, 2011

Cumulus/Citadel Deal on the Ropes

Somewhere Farid Suleman is laughing his butt off.

Archrival Lew Dickey steals his almost debt-free, freshly out of bankrupt Citadel away from him and now Tricky Dickey can’t close the sale.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg …

1.  The Cumulus Citadel closing is now pushed back from September to year-end and don’t bet the mortgage even on that date.  Here’s a more realistic projection of if and when …

2.  It sucks to be Clear Channel – with some $19 billion in interest payments it can’t meet within about a year, wait until you see their 3 “best” options.  They are awful and affect the future of the company in adverse ways, which I will explain …

3.  Cutbacks and firings?  Radio groups are taking a new look at their options so why don’t you look at them, too. 

4.  How much longer until things get better.  I think I’ve got a realistic beat on that number and you will, too.

5.  PLUS … the good news for radio operators who take this advice.  There are positive things that can be done even as large consolidators struggle with their addiction to debt that they can’t repay or even buy. 

6.  One convincing example of a company that is currently defying the failing economy.  Let me tell you how they do it and then go steal their winning strategies.

That’s just a preview of what you’ll never read anywhere else but here.

Today is a great day to subscribe and remain on our distribution list.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

McVay to the Dark Side

Tell me it ain’t so.

Not Mike McVay.

Not to Cumulus as a hired hand.

After that shocker sank in, it occurred to me that the McVay hiring is part of what I call Consolidation 2.0.

1.  How one person can “magically” program hundreds of stations.  I don’t think so!  But what the Dickey’s are thinking is downright scary.  I share.

2.  That the coming Citadel bloodbath – even though it has been postponed until Christmas – is going to be worse than even I originally thought.  Here’s how.

3.  We’re entering an era of “Hamburger Helper Radio” but it is going to be different than most experienced radio people once thought.  How different?

4.  The real significance of the McVay hiring – and it has little to do with employing the experience of a talented program consultant.

5.  The scariest ramification is what is likely to happen to the once great ABC stations that Citadel overpaid for and Cumulus now gets in the merger. 

PLUS… The good news for Cumulus competitors now that McVay has joined the Lord of the Clones.

Sometimes you just have to say things that are being ignored – today’s piece provides evidence about how consolidation is changing and how you don’t want to be the last to see it coming.

Every day in this space, we try to write thoughtful articles about the way things really are in the media business.  If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, you won’t be disappointed to start today.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Gaga on Kimmel

If you want to know the way the music business is going to flourish again, look no further than Lady Gaga. 

The old white men running the record labels have it so backwards that when I caught Gaga on Jimmy Kimmel the other night, it all became clear.

1.  Gaga has the peer-to-peer file sharing thing down like no one else – and here is how she makes money while labels spend money on piracy lawyers and losing causes.

2.  She has the answer for how today’s consumers like to cherry pick songs here and there for 99 cents or less and not buy the album.  Record labels should take note.

3.  How she plays big social media giants for fools – collecting full price for music they sell while they subsidize discounts for pennies on the dollar.  Check it out.

4.  That being a “rock star” is like running a corporation – not being a pawn of the music industry.

5.  And the one, indispensible thing Gaga and every wanna be “rock star” must do or risk losing the record buying Gen Y.  Something even the Beatles never had to do.

PLUS… How radio can get some of Jimmy Kimmel’s cool.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Inside Music Media, you will really appreciate today’s story – and love unlocking our 1,300 searchable story archive.

It’s how radio, records and new media people now start their day.

If you would like to read this story, click “read more” (below) for all your options.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

How Pandora Is Outrating Radio

Everyone is talking about how Pandora now beats radio’s top music stations in the ratings in the top 10 markets.

But no one is talking about why and what can be done about it.

Today, all that changes …

1.  The biggest problem is The People Meter – not their ratings but how radio has lost its way trying to game The People Meter.  That strategy backfires against Pandora.  Here’s the way back step by step.

2.  How radio has left itself exposed on its playlists and how to correct it.

3.  One thing radio can do tomorrow, if it wanted to, that Pandora can never compete with.  But no station does.  Here’s how you can.

4.  How can radio compete with Pandora’s limited commercial load and still make money.  Read on …

5.  A second thing radio can do that Pandora cannot do – two in a row – that tightens the noose around Pandora’s neck instead of radio’s.  It has to do with the air product.

6.  Okay, I lied – here are three things radio can do that will make it impossible for Pandora to compete with you!  The third – a handful of smart strategies.

7.  How a shrewd mobile Internet move by radio stations can pressure Pandora.   Not costly.  Just smart. 

PLUS… how radio can compete with Pandora’s 800,000 playlist without playing 800,000 songs.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing lately, stories like these that are honest, straightforward and see a clear path to future are a benefit.

Today’s story is a great place to start.

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Hot New Non-Branded Radio Content

You win!

I’m going to do it.

How radio stations can get started in non-branded mobile iPad apps that can and should replace their websites.

This is on the agenda for my upcoming Media Solutions Lab, but I can’t wait to share …

1.  How non-branded radio content sites are better than station websites.  And how to get started.

2.  The iPad – when used the way I will describe in this piece – was born for radio.  Not a competitor, a friend.  

3.  Then, what should you do with your streaming site?  Keep it, fix it, scrap it?

4.  Non-branded site ideas ready for you to claim ahead of competitors in your market for news, talk, sports and music radio stations.  

5.  One rule you must never break about non-branded sites or your investment goes up in smoke.  Know it.

6.  The magic of how to use your station with the non-branded content site without hawking the app or website on-air.  Here’s the secret that makes it all work.

7.  The best part – how to market your new non-branded content site and not have advertisers and agencies beat you up for discounts.  Yes, it’s all here.

PLUS … 7 very specific non-branded websites I would do in a minute – ready for you to rip off and use.  And I’ll tell you which one I would start with.

One of the benefits of subscribing is that you’ll never see these opportunities anywhere else.

This one is all about getting a head start.

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Monday, August 1, 2011

Rick Buckley

I was hired by Rick Buckley who gave me a golden opportunity I will never forget.

But what Buckley did for me pales in comparison for what I believe will be his legacy. 

An appreciation of Rick Buckley, who died over the weekend at 74, starts here.

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Monday, August 1, 2011

Cumulus Sharpens Citadel Axe

If I’m Bob Moore (LA) or Deidra Liebermann (San Francisco) six weeks away from Cumulus becoming my boss in the Citadel merger, I’m looking for a new job.

It looks like Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is quietly stashing way potential replacements – sometimes in smaller markets and a phone call away for massive management changes.

Here’s what’s going down:

1.  Some major market heads may roll once Cumulus takes over Citadel.  Here are some likely victims.

2.  Cumulus may be stashing replacements – pretty tricky, eh?  I’ll tell you where you can find them.  Name a few names.  You may be surprised.

3.  How sex discrimination lawsuits that Cumulus is fighting will impact their choice of new managers.

4.  How massive an upheaval to expect.

5.  Anecdotal evidence that the Dickeys may be interviewing while publicly saying there will be no changes. 

6.  Who is at greatest risk to be fired – what one thing puts a bullseye on you when the Cumulus takeover takes place.

7.  Two companies that don’t make the mistakes that Cumulus is about to make and how they succeed while Cumulus will fail.

PLUS… what to do next.

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

If Apple Buys Hulu

Why Apple may be bidding for Hulu … Who controls on-demand TV could also control the future of radio …  How cable operators are ruining Hulu … If Apple buys Hulu, then what? …  How network execs are about ready to kill the goose that laid their new golden egg.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Streaming Is Not the Future

Why the growth of streaming media doesn’t guarantee success … If not streaming, what’s the best bet for the digital future … How consumers are changing and what they want instead … The future – 4 changes you can expect in consumer behavior.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tricky New Radio Recruitment Ads

All about the new “nominator” and “self-select” questions several large radio groups are now using to screen applicants … Which groups to beware of before applying … A better way to turn the tables and get the job (if you really want it) … A new resource you can consult to get better jobs with better companies.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Killer Strategies for FM Radio

This article contains 5 fresh new killer strategies for FM radio that you’ve likely never heard before but can safely try, as I will explain.

1.  A critical new way to identify and brand your FM station that actually helps younger (and maybe even older) listeners to relate to you.  This is not an option; it’s mandatory even in the era of PPM.  Read more …

2.  Reconfigure the morning show to better compete with digital.  Discover new evidence close to home that shows what you think listeners want from a morning show is not really want turns them on.  To fix it …

3.  A personality change.  Most good radio people know that local personalities are preferable to syndicated djs or voice tracking.  What they may not know is that the definition of personality is changing.  Learn how …

4.  The blueprint for doing a format-within-a-format – a crafty and advanced way of making FM radio more addictive.  See the start of a sample hour I included here.  Start brainstorming …

5.  Radical music changes – not so much to playlists as to how the music is presented.  If I had to compete against a strong FM music station, I’d do this.  They would resist.  I would win.  Take a look and you decide …

6.  And, 3 easy to do quickie surveys that will make you smarter about what your changing audience really wants from FM radio.  See them and try them...

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Deceiving Record Sales

This article is about why the recent uptick in record sales is so dangerously misleading and that any projections based on them will spell disaster.

1.  Why record label execs refuse to go on the record predicting sales for the rest of this year.

2.  The real numbers on digital, CDs and albums.  And how labels cook the stats to underreport results for indie labels.

3.  What the labels are not factoring in about their current strategy that will kill their music sales.

4.  The labels’ secret about pricing that makes comparing record sales from year to year increasingly irrelevant.

5.  What if peer file sharing is analyzed along with legal sales stats …

6.  And the winning strategy that labels must implement to turn around their business.  Hint:  it has nothing to do with record sales.

If you miss a day of Inside Music Media, you miss a lot.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Amy Winehouse

This article is about what the death of Amy Winehouse tells us about the sorry state of the music industry.

If you miss a day of Inside Music Media, you miss a lot.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Fight Cumulus and Win

This article is about strong options for Citadel workers who may lose their jobs, see their salary cut or suffer hostile workplace and/or sexual or age-related discrimination with the anticipated September closing of the Cumulus-Citadel merger.

1. Read strategies for suing the company used successfully by others.

2. Best way to handle it if Cumulus tries to force you to sign a non-compete to get your severance pay.

3.  The down low on e-mail correspondence – be careful.

4.  What to do if Cumulus tries to cut or reduce sales commissions owed to you.

5.  Contact information for two outstanding attorneys with cases in progress against Cumulus that I think are worth a call. 

6.  And a few free ideas to fight back on your own if you ever need them.

If you miss a day of Inside Music Media, you miss a lot.

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Groupon

1.  Shocking new evidence of Groupon's financial impact on radio.

2.  Specific ad categories that work beyond expectation and one big one that is a Groupon flop.  Cna radio say - opportunity?

3.  The major mistake radio keeps making over and over again that lets Groupon continue to erode their local advertising - and how to do this one thing to stop coupon sellers dead in their tracks.

4.  3 easy steps to do discount couponing better than Groupon.

5.  An easy-to-implement revenue raising idea that every station can have up and running in 2 to 4 weeks.  But you've got to know it to do it.

6.  A digital strategy made for radio that Groupon can't touch.  You'll kick yourself for not attacking Groupon with this!

7.  radio's answer to Groupon in competitive selling.  I promise, Groupon has no comeback - no chance.

Plus...for those of you thinking about the coming Groupon IPO - advice.

You read these perviews every day.

Today is a great day to join al those people who subscribe and great full access every day.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Netflix or Spotify? Choose One!

Spotify or Netflix – which one do you think consumers would choose if they could pick only one.  Here’s the answer … Why price is the new x factor in media … Apple’s highly successful strategy to embrace technology, please consumers and nail the price point revealed here.

Predictions: 

Radio: what radical thing radio will be doing in conjunction with mobile media – no one is doing it yet, but they will be.  And, it’s not going to be 24/7 on-air broadcasting!

Records: The road to profitability for record labels has nothing to do with albums or even singles.  It’s this.

Paid Monthly Music Services:  Don’t make this mistake that the flood of new music services are making.

Movies:  Why Netflix should be careful what it wishes for by trying to get all their customers to switch to online streaming instead of red mailing envelopes.  Danger ahead.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Horrible Radio Bosses

1. Read about this horrible boss who punishes top-rated talent for actually getting great ratings.  Here’s how. 

2.  Or the radio bigwig who has been ruining careers for several years now and the money he saved did not equal his latest bonus.  No kidding.

3.  Cumulus is firing its own even in advance of the firing it plans for Citadel workers when it takes over.  It’s all being kept under the radar, until this morning.

4.  Awful firings not getting covered by the happy talk radio press directly from the lips of those affected.  Be warned: It’s an outrage.

5.  The radio group that has the stones to lecture its employees on “time theft” after working them to the bone for less money!  You can’t make this stuff up.

6.  The local radio cluster that has 4 stations and only one of them does a local morning show yet the company bills itself as a local operator.

BONUS …  Read a special report on how Apple teaches their employees to think like Steve Jobs –  while radio wants its employees not to think.

All good stuff today!

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Spotify

1. Is Spotify the second coming of Pandora?  The radio killer?  Or another in a long line of all you can eat paid subscription services that is nothing to worry about?

2. Why everyone has it all wrong – Spotify is not the enemy radio has feared since the beginning of digital.  I’ll tell you what you should be afraid of – right here in this piece.

3.  What one thing Spotify is about to do that radio stations should steal – and I’m not talking about their programming.  Even better!

4.  Why Spotify and all the other monthly subscription music services have the same problem as FM radio but neither knows it.  You will.

5.  Radio’s defense against Spotify – four actionable steps – that can prevent making a huge blunder which is – doing nothing.

6.  PLUS … How to start your own local paid subscriber music service, run ads, collect fees, make money from the first day even with high music royalty charges.  I’ll even reveal the “sweet spot” price point.

Everyday I try to give my readers something that will give them the edge. 

What a great day to try it.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, July 18, 2011

Life Insurance for Music Radio

1.  How many years does music radio have left with digital music subscription services, Pandora, music lockers, iPods and all-access car entertainment centers on the way?

2.  Buy into this music radio life insurance plan I am about to outline, and you can buy more time against digital music competitors. Hell, you may even dodge the bullet if you act quickly and enough stations join you.

3.  The 5 strategies you must implement immediately that will save music radio’s bacon.  Here’s what you can do outlined and detailed here.

4.  The music mix that stacks up better to Pandora, Spotify and the other customizable radio competitors.

5.  Make this major adjustment to your music rotation and stand up to digital challengers.  Don’t be the only one not to know about this move.

6.  Throw out your liners and use this one magic word on-air today – before your competitor steals it and gets out ahead of you. 

7.  Here is a bold morning move that your competitors will never do and while they continue to erode, you’ll keep measuring up to customizable radio competitors.  And you won’t lose audience.  You’ll gain it.

8.  Big operators have the People Meter all wrong.  PPM helps kill music radio and give competitors the advantage until you take control of the People Meter not the other way around.  Here’s how to get the People Meter off your back once and for all.

Change is inevitable and no one is going to stop digital music competitors from siphoning off more and more radio listeners as the years go on.

But if I owned radio stations, I’d do this plan in a minute because music radio can fight back.  No need to concede.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us – the folks who sign up for these intelligence reports daily – you picked a great day to get started.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Netflix

What the music industry could learn from Netflix … the price consumers are actually signaling to the labels’ that they are ready and willing to pay for music … the plan to eradicate music piracy and avoid pulling a Netflix.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

Secret CBS Plan to Crush Randy Michaels

CBS is playing hardball against Randy Michaels.

Their revenue from lucrative all-news formats in Chicago and New York are at risk if Randy Michaels’ news or news/talk FMs effectively compete.

Yesterday, CBS decided to simulcast all news WBBM-AM on one of its FM stations, but that is not enough to hold off Randy Michaels.

This will …

What CBS will likely do in New York where Michaels is ready to pounce … who has the advantage … a plan to counter Randy’s strategy to aim younger … how CBS will protect its ad rates … its interactive response to multimedia happy Merlin.

PLUS… Next for CBS after the simulcasting decision and Randy’s plan to paint CBS into a corner.

This is a reconnaissance report on the repercussions for radio.

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, this is a good day.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Found Money — Radio’s Blueprint to Steal Groupon Dollars

Here’s a way to stop Groupon from taking millions of dollars out of radio’s pocket in local markets.

It’s a new radio couponing blueprint you can plug in within a week and start increasing local coupon dollars exponentially from then on.

Add at least 10% to your local billing and up.  The difference between profit and loss.

This article will tell you all about it …

1.  How many advertisers to sell for a typical day.  You’ve got to get the right number or you’ll blow it.

2.  The format and even some sample language for running your coupon business.  Borrow this and you’re in business in 7 days.

3.  The two revenue options for very different kinds of coupon advertisers.  Groupon only has one!

4.  Where all this fits in with your normal spot load and promos – all the formatics you need to start making money in audio couponing.

5.  How to use the Internet, social networking and mobile apps to support on-air couponing instead of the other way around.

6.  Believe it or not, this strategy actually increases listening and is People Meter friendly.  Read it.  You’ll see how to make more money and get more listeners.

7. Some creative uses of non-prime time for finding new revenue.  I’ll give you an example and you run with it.

PLUS … everything else you need to start doing audio couponing within the next week.

Found money– this is your game plan.  You can brainstorm from it right now.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing for a while, you’ll make it all back and more by starting with this one today.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Clear Channel’s Dumbplay

Clear Channel’s real strategy to beat Pandora.  The goal Bob Pittman isn’t talking about publicly.  Why Clear Channel is in trouble.  What about their 800+ Clear Channel stations that have bigger problems.  And for the first time, what Clear Channel may be looking to add next.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

4 Great New Careers for Radio People

Today, something different.

Hope.

If you’re a radio person who loves this business but not the way consolidators are running it, take your career into your own hands with these four new careers for radio people.

Do this before someone else does it – and launch a new career.

Smart radio stations will also want to jump on these ideas, described in a detailed blueprint:

1.  A digital revenue idea that cooperates with consumer interests and technology trends and perfect for someone with radio skills.  The payoff:  an instant revenue stream.

2.  At last – an innovative new idea that you can borrow from (of all people) the folks at ESPN!  No, it’s not a sports channel.  It’s even better.  Take it and use it in good health.

3.  A non-coupon business you can start within 30 days max and kick

Monday, July 11, 2011

Behind the Scenes at Randy Michaels’ Merlin Media

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“Thanks Jerry.  I really do enjoy your insights and look forward to reading them.  I get a lot of other media information, but yours is the only one worth paying

Monday, July 11, 2011

Clear Channel’s Answer to Pandora

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“Thanks Jerry.  I really do enjoy your insights and look forward to reading them.  I get a lot of other media information, but yours is the only one worth paying

Friday, July 8, 2011

MyBad – Radio Lessons from MySpace

If Internet startups can fail, what does it mean for radio stations and record labels trying so hard to be them!

It means disaster ahead, unless – unless – we go to school on the biggest Internet failure to date – MySpace.

Drill down …

•  Radio should be careful of what AOL is doing to Huffington Post.  Yes, in one important way radio is doing the very same thing.  Beware.

•  Why even the beloved Facebook is on the ledge – and can you name even one  radio station that doesn’t want to be Facebook compliant?  Be careful of this Facebook strategy gone wrong before its too late.

•  Yahoo! has MySpace Disease.  Here’s how your local radio station can avoid coming down with a bad case of it, too.

•  The insanity of radio’s obsession with Pandora – a company with a failed business model that can never succeed as long as royalty rates are so high.  How to take the best from Pandora and leave the rest.

PLUS … 3 SOLID SOLUTIONS FOR INTERACTIVE RADIO

Interactive content guaranteed to work.

Your insurance policy against failing in new media.

Everyday you read “teasers” like this about topics that can make a real difference in your career.  Today’s a great day to get started.

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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Radio Now Cannibalizing Over Digital

I warned them.

Radio’s meager interactive efforts are not only not making them much money, but now even analysts say it is costing radio money when they do it.

•  Why?  What are stations doing wrong and why can’t they see it.

•  Are you making this big mistake when doing interactive projects?

•  How media buyers are now using radio’s own digital against their on-air radio and how to fix that problem.

•  Radio’s 4 competitors in digital.  You need to know them.

PLUS… 6 SOLUTIONS TO POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

How to better configure your digital projects.

Where on-air should fit in to optimize maximum revenue.

The latest on whether and how to co-brand radio with digital.

The new meaning of apps for broadcasters.

Solutions like these you can’t get anywhere else.

That subscription you’ve been thinking about pays off today.

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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Gadzooks! Cumulus Promising Banks 7-8% Growth

A few weeks back Lew Dickey reportedly pitched major banks on buying $2 billion worth of loans needed to close the Cumulus purchase of Citadel. 

Go inside …

•  Where, when and how Dickey begged for $2 billion of funding to close on the Citadel deal.

•  How far off the radar Dickey’s promise is what he can actually deliver.

•  How the banks are reacting and what they are likely to do.

•  Why funding the Cumulus purchase of Citadel could wind up looking similar to the subprime mortgage mess.

•  New odds of bankruptcy.

•  Are lenders buying Dickey’s projections or will they run.

PLUS… What happens if Cumulus can’t make its numbers.

This story is worth it.

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Randy Michaels Vs. CBS Radio

Who cares about Lew Dickey fighting Bob Pittman to be number one.

I’ve got a good old-fashioned radio battle brewing between Randy Michaels and CBS over the news format in New York and Chicago – presently owned by CBS.

Randy is going after CBS in the first round.

CBS has to do something.

Today, I’ve got the developing battle for you and a pretty good handle on the outcome including …

•  Will CBS have to blow up an FM music station in each market to protect its AM-only all-news brands?  Wait until you see the options now.

•  News and local news/talk costs a lot of money.  Will Randy’s Merlin Media cough it up and will CBS spend to protect itself?  What if they don’t – after all, no one spends what they should on running radio stations these days.

•  What the new battles will sound like when CBS competition is launched probably as early as next month.

•  The battle of digital – FM is not enough to build a growing news brand.  Just ask WTOP.  Who has the edge – Randy with his Jacor and Clear Channel interactive brain trust in tow or CBS – an early adopter of interactive?  This will surprise you.

PLUS… As I promised, who will win this knock down drag out fight.

Pay attention because you’ll be seeing more radio battles among big stations as making a living in radio gets tougher.  This may be the template for future fights.

If you’ve been reading my promos each day thinking about subscribing, this would be a great day to start.

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Friday, July 1, 2011

The Rest of 2011 for Radio

Here’s a look at what’s ahead for the remainder of 2011:

•  Radio revenue for the entire year – up or down?

•  Two digital competitors that will impact radio revenue in the next six months.

•  The next big radio acquisition by year’s end before investment money dries up.

•  More firings between now and December.  I’ll name them the unsafest radio groups to work for.

•  Digital is outperforming the sluggish economy so which radio groups will up their digital budgets.  I’ll name names and you may want to dust off your resumes.

•  I’m seeing Apple with a major announcement that will be worse for radio than even the iPod or iTunes store.  I’ll explain it all.

PLUS…  A clear look six months down the line for the radio industry.

This stuff is good and it’s accurate.

If you’ve been considering a subscription, you won’t be disappointed to start today.

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Friday, July 1, 2011

Cumulus-Citadel Financing in Trouble

Looks like fireworks this weekend in the lives of the Dickey family.

Their cherished $2 billion purchase of Citadel which was supposed to close in early September is laying an egg with investors and there are many questions now being asked.

Here are the pressing questions I will answer this morning:

• Why are investors refusing to buy Cumulus debt to finance the deal?

• Which banks look to get stuck with Cumulus debt and what are they doing about it?

• The chances that the Cumulus-Citadel deal doesn’t close as a result.

• Are there more Cumulus firings and commission cuts on the way if the banks refuse to buy Cumulus debt?

• What happens now to Lew Dickey’s plans to acquire more stations.

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, today is a good day. 

You won’t get information like this anywhere else.

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

SiriusXM, Pandora & Hulu in Play

More media turmoil is brewing …

Sirius XM could change hands and change everything for the delicate balance between radio and satellite radio.

And we’ve also learned Pandora could be sold to a satellite TV company – can you imagine the impact?  I mean, right now it’s like we’re almost seeing a new Pandora startup every day – yesterday it was Radical.fm.

Hulu is one of the best answers for TV content that network executives fail to grasp.  They should be buying it.  Now look what will happen to the TV ecology if Hulu is sold to a satellite TV operator.

This article contains the down low on whether these companies will be dealt and what happens to the rest of us if they are.

1.  Is Pandora really worth buying today at a premium when two weeks ago it could have been purchased for a lot less before its IPO.  Who would be that crazy or that smart?  I name names.

2.  Why Pandora’s window of opportunity may be closing.  Fans love it and everyone including Clear Channel wants to have their own Pandora.  So what has changed?

3.  Why buying SiriusXM is a bad deal from the start.  And what are the ramifications for radio.  Or for you if you’re in the digital music business.

4.  You won’t believe who has been kicking Hulu’s tires.  Four big media companies.  I’ll tell you what their chances are of buying it.

BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE …

My best thinking on what will happen to you if you’re in radio, records or the digital music business when Hulu, SiriusXM and/or Pandora are sold. 

Deadly honest and informative intelligence starts here.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

How to be Indispensable in Radio

Let’s cut to the quick.

With the Cumulus takeover of Citadel looming and ad business cooling off at the wrong time, radio groups are once again going to be in a firing mood.

Today I’ve got proven strategies from successful people that will make you indispensible exactly when you need it most.

I’ve broken this advice into two categories.  Take a peek.

Marketing and sales:

1.  Everyone loves an employee who can compel advertisers to pay full price.  No discounting.  No bundling.  That alone can defy the sluggish economy and raise income.  Makes you pretty indispensible.  Here’s all you need to know.

2.  What one thing could you do or teach someone you supervise to do that is better than being a super salesperson.  This has both radio revenue applications and benefits selling interactive media.  One critical thing that will make your company not want to let you go.

3.  If I told you a proven way that you could get paying advertisers to be more excited about radio than ever before, would you try it?  If you do, you will be responsible for an increase in business and your boss will know who it came from.

4.  Bet no radio company would fire the person who could take out Groupon in their local market.  Especially because you will be the reason all that Groupon money winds up on the air.

Programming:

1.  What is more valuable to a voice tracking crazed company than even cheap voice tracking itself?  This innovative approach alone may make you a survivor or even get you promoted.

2.  Do you think your owner would like to see a huge influx of fans listening to your radio station without spending a single cent or doing one promotion.  This is it.

3.  You could be the one who – once and for all – finds the perfect way to make social networking actually work for radio.  And monetize it, too.  You’ve never heard this great idea before.

Two critical areas – sales/marketing and programming.

PLUS …7 new and effective strategies to make it hard to do without you.

One of the benefits of membership is that I have your back.

Dig in to these ideas and make yourself indispensible.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Turntable.fm and the Radio Killers on the Way

Look at all the new competition coming from Internet-based music discovery ventures.

I’ve focused on 5 of the biggest threats and identified the risks.

So here are some music radio killers on the way and their chances of succeeding:

1. Turntable.fm – the hottest new music service.  Here’s their game plan and why they are so dangerous.

2.  Facebook – This could be fatal for radio since more people are spending time with Facebook than the Internet itself.  All about Facebook music.

3.  Apple’s expected new music service – how it is built to impact radio not Pandora.

4.  Clear Channel’s Thumbplay – how this service could backfire on the nation’s largest radio group.

5.  Crowdsourcing – is turning your station completely over to interactive listeners the way of the future. 

PLUS …  How radio should defend against this growing group of online music competitors. 

This is an intelligence report with action steps.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, June 27, 2011

A Promising New Game Plan for Radio

Face it – radio has got to do something major to stem the losses of business and audience to the Internet.

You heard it here first – apps are the new Internet and radio still hasn’t figured out what to do with the Internet.

The losses stop here.

This is about a promising new game plan for radio that encourages the best use of on-air, a new use of online and an inventive new approach to content that can actually make money.

Take a peek:

1.  The critical new role of music on radio.  Within less than 12 months, music radio stations must think about making some big changes – or else.  Details here.

2.  If you absolutely have to stream your radio station online, do it this way. 

3.  The best way to drive a radio station’s audience to your website. 

4.  The one-way to make radio different from Internet radio.  It’s not just being local (although that won’t hurt).  Do this and what is on your air becomes special, unique and alive that quickly.

5.  The kind of content a radio station should be creating online.  A license to print money.

6.  What’s next for radio after FM.  

PLUS… How to get radio’s promising new game plan started today. 

One of the benefits of membership is only you get this head start.

If you’ve been thinking of coming aboard, what a great day to begin.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Coming Cumulus Massacre of Citadel

Cumulus Cincinnati Director of Sales Joe Wickman got fired over the phone with his kids present on Father’s Day.  (I’ve got the story for you).

The company with the mean genes run by Lew Dickey is now poised to pounce on thousands of Citadel employees sometime around Labor Day when the merger closes. 

Here’s what’s going to happen:

1.  For the first time, an idea of how massive the cutbacks will be.

2.  The Cumulus sales plan that is virtually impossible for even good salespeople to follow – the better for Cumulus to fire more people like, say, Citadel employees.

3.  Big Citadel billers are in big trouble. You’ll want to see this one coming and won’t want to be blindsided.

4.  Cockamamie pricing that drives salespeople nuts and leaves them vulnerable for dismissal.  This one is right out of the mouth of a Cumulus survivor.

5.  4:30 in the afternoon will become the most hated time of the day.  Here’s why.

6.  The sales routine will change radically and hamstring good account execs – coming soon to Citadel.

7.  A Cumulus trick to eliminate sales managers – be prepared.

8.  Creative commission cutting.  We know that Cumulus had cut sales commissions, but wait until you see how they can cut them even further. A Cumulus survivor outs his employer.

9.  The two people you don’t want to see arriving at your radio station.  Even the Grim Reaper would be more welcomed.  Here are the details.

10.  Getting fired just got more difficult –no severance until you do this – not a penny. 

PLUS …  Finally, a way to fight back.

Survive. 

Thrive. 

11 new business opportunities for people with radio skills – in detail, and ready to use.

One of the benefits of membership is that you’ll never get this straight scoop from a radio trade publication that sucks up to Lew Dickey nor will you see this career help in easy to implement employment opportunities made for radio people.

I’m looking out for you.  Here’s proof.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Multi-Media Trend Killers

Take a close look at these trend killers:

•  Radio doesn’t earn 8% of its revenue from digital.  Here’s the real number.

•  The average radio station is not worth 6-8 times cash flow.  The correct multiple is this.

•  Lady Gaga sold a million albums the first week Born This Way was released.  But, guess what all the other albums on the Billboard chart did the very same week.

•  Text messaging is skyrocketing, right?  Not so fast.  I’ve got news of the first decline in text messaging in 10 years and what it means to broadcasters.  This is major.

•  Apple’s plan to turn off your iPhone at concerts, movies and live events.

•  Anti-sexting iPhones.  Too late for Anthony Weiner.  Just in time for Lindsay Lohan.  But would you believe that Apple didn’t win this patent to protect consumers?  It is designed to protect broadcasters.  Here’s why.

This is my latest reconnaissance report on potential repercussions for the future of radio and records.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, this is a great story to start with.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

What Randy Michaels is Really Up To

He’s baack!

Wait until you hear the radical things Randy Michaels is planning that are going to shakeup the radio industry, get in its face and be disruptive to owners like CBS and Tribune – among others.

I’ve got the down low for you right here:

1.  The Michaels plan for his 3 new stations.  Don’t assume you know.  All bets are off now.

2.  The company Randy is modeling his new company after.  Very smart.

3.  What Randy’s new stations will sound like and a first hire that may be the key to any success he has.

4.  Where Randy is looking to buy even more stations – and when.  I’ll give you a pretty good time frame.

5.  John Gehron’s important role in the new company – or I should say important two roles in the new company.  I’ll explain.

6.  Who will Randy Michaels hire if he is going to blow up the formats on these 3 stations.  Will he blow the stations up? 

7.  When will all the fireworks start.  Michaels is not the noise you can’t ignore for nothing. 

But there’s more …

•  What about Emmis – are they headed out of radio and will they sell even more stations.

•  And how about CBS?  Until now CBS kept their all-news franchises on the AM band in both Chicago and New York.  They’re not going to sit there and do nothing.  Here’s one viable preemptive option for CBS.

•  How street fighter Michaels’ return to radio is a kick in the head to Lew Dickey who was about to become radio’s Big Kahuna now that Clear Channel seems to be abdicating.  How Randy’s stations in the former ABC markets Dickey is buying from Citadel may have Lew doing something with Twinkies other than eating them.  Here’s why.

Day after day, you get deadly honest and informative information here that you can’t get elsewhere.

No one owns me – I work for you.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, this is a heck of a good day to start.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Blowup the Station Website – Start Over

Radio station websites suck.

They don’t make much money.

And they don’t create more than 3% additional listenership for your on-air station – at best.

So pull the plug on your website.  And do this.

1.  A better way to use your radio station than hyping a website about yourself all day long.  Here it is.

2.  What to do with your station stream if you blow up your station website – as I am recommending.

3.  Staffing this great new idea without going broke and without making it a hobby.

4.  My 10-step plan to build your new station website. This is it.  First in, wins.

5.  3 vitally important sources of new revenue for the site.

6.  Attract fans and advertisers like never before.

But that’s not all.

Whether to sell radio and site ads together.  The one way you must never promote this new site – ever!  The changing role of Twitter and Facebook in your new efforts.  A sample estimate of how much money you can make in the first year.

One of the benefits of membership is that you’ll never read these 10 steps to rebooting a radio website anywhere else.

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, today would be a great day!

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Guaranteed Ratings Boosters

It’s pretty sad how the major radio groups are increasingly running with commercial-free hours on stations that actually depend on commercials for income.

Maybe you heard how Clear Channel upped the stakes again by expanding their commercial-free hours on some stations.

This is insane.

So I’ve got 9 better ideas for you to implement – guaranteed to work – because they are exactly opposite of the strategies stations are using without success:

Things like …

1.  Once and for all – what to do with “commercial-free” hours.  Run them or not. Debate over.  Do this.

2.  A powerful alternative to the same old ploy – and this one really works!  I’ve got the blueprint for you.

3.  Why listeners are so turned off by the very commercials radio stations have to run – and an easy fix that you’ll be glad you tried.  This is worth the entire article.

4.  The problem with stopsets.  Here’s the better idea that listeners will not only tolerate but will like.  That’s right – like!  The secret is out.

5.  The one thing a radio station cannot do without.  Hint: it’s not music, not personalities, not news, not traffic or weather, not contests.  I’ve actually had experience winning in major market radio with this one thing and I’ll tell you how to do it, too.  Proven.

6.   The absolute best way to find the new music that listeners these days are craving while we keep losing by playing the same old safe hits.  An effective alternative that works flawlessly with the hits.

7.  A streaming strategy – unlike any other – that will increase on-air ratings

8.  And, a mobile Internet strategy that actually increases on-air audiences big time.

9.  The must-have piece of the ratings puzzle without which your numbers will pale by comparison.

PLUS…  Safer ways to outsmart your competitors.

I’ll leave these strategies on my site for the next few hours for you.

Brainstorm with your team and go get ‘em!

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Hot New Side Businesses for Radio People

Did you hear that Clear Channel is clamping down on what kinds of second jobs their employees can take?

Threatening disciplinary action and termination if they don’t seek approval?  (I’ll tell you all about it in this article – you won’t believe it).

Got me thinking of more, easy to start, little to no money side businesses that are perfect for the skills radio people possess.

I gave you 5 career changers last Friday – available to members here.

Here are 6 more digital age businesses made for radio people.

So don’t let them push you around.  Get even.  Make money doing what they should be doing.

1.  A zero investment digital business for music, news, promotion execs or sales people.  This side business can be cranking out revenue in less than a month.

2.  A micro-couponing business.  If you’re in sales or are talent with sponsor relationships, that’s just the start.  But there’s more – much more.

3.  Finally – a music site you can afford to operate.  But to avoid getting killed by royalty fees, you’ll have to do this.

4.  The best music discovery idea I have ever had.  Takes advantage of consumers’ thirst for new music but puts you in a business they become addicted to.  Go for it!

5.  A way to make indie music, the Holy Grail of music discovery, pay off for you.  This is your new blueprint.

6.  A digital business that is the next generation of that great radio contest Christmas Wish – only it’s fun, compelling, has a couponing element and is easy to monetize.

PLUS… All the details you need to start a brainstorming session and get up and running now.

Nobody’s going to push radio people out of the business we love.

I’ve got your back on this one.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (now over 1,300 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Pandora Predictions

Today, let’s cut to the chase on Pandora.

I’m baffled by how the radio industry blows it off and competitors think they can become bigger than Pandora.

Pandora is a game changer even as a money losing company.

Read up and readjust.

1.  The biggest losers now that Pandora has raised over $200 million in yesterday’s IPO.

2.  What will be Pandora’s next attack on local radio – there is one coming.

3.  What happens now that Pandora has the capital to expand its content – who needs to be concerned and how to defend.

4.  How long will Pandora continue to grow – I’ll be specific.

5.  How much market share will streaming radio stations capture in the near future (it’s 3% now).

6.  What will be the impact of monthly all-you-can-eat music subscription services on Pandora and on local radio.

7.  Spotify’s outlook in the U.S when it launches in September.

8.  The impact of iCloud, Amazon and Google music lockers on music radio.

PLUS … 6 spot-on predictions about what the future looks like for radio, streaming music, cloud lockers and paid subscription services.

One of the benefits of membership is that you’ll never read this anywhere else.

Here’s proof.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

How Radio Can Profit From Facebook’s Decline

For the first time, the mighty Facebook is losing members big time.

Some 6 million accounts slammed shut in the U.S. in May alone.

This may be the moment you’ve been waiting for – a second chance for radio to get social networking right:

1.  How to turn growing consumer privacy concerns about Facebook and other social networks into – “Advantage Radio”.  Read this blueprint.

2.  Who to target.  You’ve got to identify the enemy.  Is it Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and how to exploit them now as their weaknesses become apparent.

3.  What will eventually replace Facebook.  You’re hearing it here first. 

4.  How radio can become the next potent social network – not the way we’re doing it now, but this way.

5.  And, the Big Payoff:  How your station can start a targeted social network and then become an instant competitor to Groupon.  All the details you’ll need.

PLUS…  The best way to get started right now to get a leg up.

This is a special guidance report for radio to start owning social networking in compelling ways that builds followers and makes real money.

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing, this is a good day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Be the #1 Radio Station in 1 Month

If you want to be number 1 in one month.

First in on-air audience.

Tops in Internet traffic and revenue.

This is it.

1.  For the first station in, a guaranteed way to shakeup the market in no time.  No one is doing this but it works.  And it’s not a new playlist.  Not a new dj.  Not the usual stuff.  It’s an entirely new reason for a radio station to succeed.

2.  How to be number 1 in music discovery without giving up being number one in playing the hits. 

3.  Why you will want to rename your radio station.  I’ll show you what works better.

4.  How to redefine the morning show to drive your mission to be number 1 in 1 month. 

5.  How to get listeners to happily and willingly bring you new tons of new listeners.  That’s right – happily and willingly!  You will wonder why no one has ever thought of this before. 

6.  How to triple your morning show rates before you launch and build incentives to get advertisers to commit across other dayparts.

7.  Blow up your current website and turn it into an Internet money machine.

PLUS…  The 20 steps you must take to own this new road to number 1.

Someone in your market is going to do this.

Beat them to it.

This intelligence report is only for members of our group.  It cannot be read anywhere else.  

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Ditch These Radio Strategies – FAST!

Let’s forget about Cumulus, Citadel and Clear Channel for a moment – let them reinvent the wheel and suffer the consequences.

Instead, focus on five radio strategies that are commonly accepted and rarely challenged and let’s rip them apart and come up with something better and more productive.

Dump these strategies like a bad case of the flu.

1.  Mistake – there is new evidence that on-air broadcasters are airing their formats in the wrong place.  How big is that?  Your best programming going to waste.  Here’s how to recalibrate.

2.  The future of on-air radio is where?  Do you know?  I’ll bet you it’s not where you think it is and I’m including a link that will allow you to order a free study.  After reading it – you will never think the same again.

3.  The mobile online future for radio is the opposite of what you think it is.  I’ve got more research that is a shocker if you think you know where to put your time and money pursuing the next thing.  

4.  The Pandora conundrum – should radio be more like Pandora or less?  Until you are comfortable with this answer – you’re likely in free fall.  This will help you decide a new and profitable direction.

5.  How Twitter and Facebook are actually killing radio stations.  You read that right.  Here’s how radio is getting social networking all wrong.

PLUS… Actual, actionable solutions that can point you in a better direction:

How to find out where radio listeners want to hear you.  Unlocking the promise of the iPad.  Caution about smartphones and radio.  Why radio is literally nuts over Pandora – like in getting it all wrong.  And the future of social networking for radio – and why it is the opposite of what stations are doing now.

You won’t get this in a radio trade publication free or paid.

Ditch these radio strategies – FAST.

Right here.  Right now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

Quit Radio and Start This

Today, something very different.

We get that radio consolidators are hopeless.  And we know the music industry is bankrupt in more ways than money – like innovative new ideas.

If you’ve ever thought of quitting let me light your fire.

I was holding some of this for my February 6 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale but these ideas are burning a hole in my psyche.  

So, quit radio.  Quit records.  Do this.

1.  A news video site built for iPads (30 million by year end) that uses your audio, video and music talent.  Payoff:  instant money.

2.  Finally – what radio personalities can do to become bigger and more profitable than they ever were on radio.  Hint:  not your usual radio show.  That’s a loser on the mobile Internet. This is your new blueprint.  Take it and use it in good health.

3.  A business that you can own and operate that will run circles around Groupon.  You won’t imitate Groupon.  Groupon will want to be you!  Go for it.

4.  Closed social networking clubs.  You’re going to forget trying to make money from social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter when you read this idea.  And I’ll tell you about a success story that is right in front of your very eyes right now.

5.  Making money from music discovery.  Let everyone else try to be Pandora.  It’s a losing business being number 2 or lower.  This game plan digs down into the public’s insatiable desire for new music without you having to own a radio station or record label.

PLUS…  7 tips on how to get started – brainstorming ideas, how to take them to the next level.

One of the benefits of membership is that you’ll never read these 5 hot opportunities anywhere else.

I’m looking out for you. Here’s proof.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Music Radio’s Answer to iCloud

Music piracy doesn’t matter any more.

Apple’s iCloud will be seeing to that.

Music radio is the odd man out, but today, I have music radio’s answer to iCloud:

1.  What music rotation would be an instant winner with audiences that want more new music – and still get ratings with PPM.  Follow this rotation.

2.  How a radio station can earn the reputation for being the market’s new music leader without forgetting to play the most popular hits.  First station in, wins with this plan.

3.  What one strategic move will have audiences putting down their smartphones, iPods and mobile devices to turn on an analog radio.  This strategy can’t miss.

4.  How to get the guts to believe that adding new music (using the rotation I described in #1 above) will actually win fans and not tank your ratings. 

5.  What is radio’s answer to the iTunes Store.  There must be an answer. You can do what I am going to describe and make tons of money.

PLUS…  the Apple plan to compete with music radio that has not yet been announced.  

This is an intelligence report with an innovative strategic plan good for brainstorming and it’s easy to implement.

You won’t get this anywhere else.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Apple’s 5 Hidden Threats

I don’t get it.

Everyone is talking about the cloud, the new Apple operating system, cool new features that make using mobile devices even easier.

No one is talking about the hidden threats that will result from Apple initiatives just ahead:

1.  The lockdown.  Apple is ready to start stealing your customers – radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, movies, records – and now they’re doing this one thing to keep them from returning directly to you.  Must read.

2.  How Apple is going after your revenue.  Groupon gets all the headlines but what Apple is about to do is under the radar and will permanently cut into your income stream.  I’ve got specifics.

3.  Apple just changed social networking forever.  Here’s how and who is going to take the biggest hit.  

4.  Jobs is killing the big four record labels – with their permission – but he has created a bigger monster.  A music money monster.  And, if you understand it, you can be part of this one.

5.  Why Amazon and Google are the biggest losers to the Apple cloud and how that affects content providers.

PLUS… industry-specific strategies to face iCloud.  How radio, records, TV, movies, newspapers, magazines and online websites should fight back.  In plain and direct terms.

This is about what Steve Jobs didn’t say when he addressed the world this week – Apple’s 5 hidden threats and what to do about them.

Only available here for 24 hours.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Radio’s iCloudy Future

Yesterday Steve Jobs showed us the future of music and radio when he introduced iCloud.

iCloud promises to revolutionize traditional media – either with its cooperation or in spite of it.

Now we know for sure – there is a lot on the line for the radio industry as well as the music business:

1.  A radical new way to access music and content from “dumb” devices.  Smartphones and fancy gadgets are being demoted. Look at what’s now “smart”.

2.  How Apple will be forcing their customers to become more dependent on them – relying less on radio. And how Apple is to the labels what Wal-Mart is to China.

3.  What happens now to monthly subscription all you can eat music services? 

4.  What Steve Jobs and Lady Gaga have in common.  The cloud is built for artists like Gaga.

5.  Why radio is very iCloudy.  But here’s the one strategic plan needed for quick response.

6.  Steve Jobs gave radio a big fat gift yesterday.  Here’s what it is – run with it.

7.   The nightmare scenario:  How Apple can now expand its stranglehold on music discovery unless we do this to stop them.

PLUS… The best way for record labels and radio stations to respond to Apple’s cloud. 

This is a reconnaissance report on the potential repercussions for the future of radio and records now that we know Apple’s intentions for iCloud. 

If you’ve been thinking of subscribing, this is a good day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Radio Morning Shows in 5 Years (Or Less)

It is becoming apparent that audiences no longer want to listen to radio morning shows.

But I’ve got 12 ways not to be that radio station that loses its audience.

In fact, here’s what radio morning shows will (or should) sound like within the next 5 short years.

1.  The ideal morning show personality of the future.  This is who you want to hire from now on.

2.  How content will be presented – and it is far different than today.

3.  What will be the correct, new hours for morning drive?  You’ll never guess.

4.  How many commercials per hour in the morning show of the future.  I’ll give you the number for within 5 years and within 10 years.  And you can hold me to it. 

5.  What is the smartest way for radio stations to help advertisers make better commercials and – are you ready – forbid them from running these commercials on any other radio station?  Competitive advantage to you!

6.  Rates will either be 3 times higher or 3 times lower than today.  I’ll tell you which one and why.

7.  The fatal danger ahead for music stations.  And steps you can take even now to avoid it.

8.  How to handle on-air content online.  Most stations are blowing this one, but you don’t have to.

9.  The 9 words that will make up your mission statement for morning shows of the future.  Make a big sign out it – you’ll find great motivation and direction in these words.

10.  What do you do with your digital strategy?  Do this and you’ll be rolling in dough within the next few years.

11.  How to get listeners to tell others to “turn the radio on”.  When was the last time you heard anyone say that?  Here’s how.

PLUS… The 5 radio groups that are most likely to act on this advice.  If your name is not on this list, you’re going down when morning shows get hit by clouds, Internet-enabled auto head units and consumer multitasking.

This early-warning report also has 7 ways to get started adapting radio morning shows for the future right now.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, June 3, 2011

The New Radio Enemies List

There are 8 big threats ready to hit the radio industry – some as soon as the next few months.

And, I’m not talking about the obvious things that we all know about. 

How about the emerging threats that are coming out of nowhere or ready to come of age.

For example:

1.  What’s the biggest danger to local radio advertising.  It’s not what you think, I can tell you that.

2.  Okay, what’s the second biggest danger to local advertising and rising fast.  In two years, there will be no way for radio to recoup the losses so time is of the essence.

3.  Preview the next generation of customizable radio – this is going to be hard to compete with.

4.  Which subscription music stream is most dangerous to radio?  Do you know?

5.  What’s radio’s next strategy when it loses dominance in auto entertainment centers – in as few as two years!

6.  What is radio’s enemy from within – the thing it doesn’t even see is killing it.  And what’s worse, radio companies are wasting money on it. 

7.  What’s the very next competitor that could hurt radio?  You’ll be among the first to see it coming.

8.  What powerful industry “friend” is trash-talking radio to advertisers and must be made to stop now.

PLUS…  how to effectively respond to each danger.

If you can name even half of these perils to radio, you’re on the right track.

This is a detailed early-warning list for people who want to remain ahead of the game.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Next Tuesday’s Music Revolution

Consumers are waiting breathlessly for Steve Jobs to come off his medical leave next Tuesday and take their breath away.

I’m going to share with you how he will not disappoint.

But Apple is also going to hit radio hard below the belt and sadly, the industry can’t even see the trouble that is coming.

Here’s what’s at stake:

1.  The first details on a music discovery system that is so addictive, radio stations will become passé by Wednesday.  

2.  There is a new way coming to sell music.  Apple is removing the middleman.  Guess who that middleman is?  They are going to be blindsided.

3.  What if Apple’s iCloud is free – no monthly fee?  That would put it on par with free radio.  I’ve got a link with all the breaking details.

4.  A big bang in music will be so loud that even Pandora will feel it.  How the Apple cloud changes everything. 

5.  The only strategy for a radio station to get out of Apple’s way.  Something Apple cannot do but radio can.  The details on how radio can get out of harm’s way.

6.  Quick.  What do consumers want more – to buy music or buy all you can eat subscriptions?  Radio needs to know the answer – it’s right here – because the labels do not know.

PLUS… 6 predictions on how music and radio will change in as few as the next six months.

The latest intelligence on big changes coming to the music industry and radio starting next week.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Cox Radio’s Surprise New Direction

Starting today as TV guy Bill Hoffman replaces radio guy Bob Neil, Cox Radio is firmly under a new management structure and is headed in a totally different direction for operating their group of stations.

Cox is top heavy with qualified radio executives to replace Neil. 

What’s up?  Why?

And is today’s move the end of a great run for Cox? 

I’ve answered these important questions in this article:

1.  The big change that everyone seems to be missing about what Cox has planned for the future of its radio division.  

2.  The experimental – and risky – new management approach that is anti everything that Bob Neil has done in his 25 years at Cox Radio.   It’s major and radical.

3.  The three managerial structures for running a radio company in the years ahead.  Are any of them going to work at a critical time like this for the radio industry.  Which one does Cox now fit into?

4.  The shrinking list of radio companies that have the best management structure to operate effectively going forward.  

5.  Which two radio groups are on the ledge – they could go either way.  The identity of one of the two will probably shock you.

6.  Which of the 3 management structures is most deadly to radio – and yes, there are several substantial companies in real trouble.

PLUS… the prospects for Cox, CBS, Entercom, Saga, Townsquare, Cumulus/Citadel, Clear Channel, Bonneville, Emmis, Hubbard and Beasley.

The latest intelligence on what Cox’s new changes mean to the radio division and which groups are also morphing their management structures.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ed Schultz and the Demise of Talk Radio

If you think what talk show host Ed Schultz called Laura Ingraham on the air last week was the tip of the iceberg, wait until you see the rest of the iceberg.

Radio is on a collision course with changing audiences – doesn’t know it or doesn’t care – and there are other formats that are wittingly or unwittingly turning off listeners.

1.  What is turning off talk radio listeners like never before.  It’s not right-wing or left-wing rhetoric.  It’s this – and if you’re running a radio station, your station is probably doing the same thing.  Know what it is to stop audience erosion.

2.  What is the best solution for diverging points of view in talk radio and believe it or not – on the part of thousands of morning personalities.  Do your morning shows do this?  If so, here is the cure.

3.  The number one mistake morning personality shows make – that can be easily corrected to the delight of more listeners.

4.  What is the first radio format that will die from being out of touch with what changing audiences now expect?

5.  Music is eroding the adult contemporary format – plainly put, AC music is not being made anymore because it is not in demand.  But this miscue is curable now and it has nothing to do with music – just a misreading of what audiences really want.

6.  News formats are vulnerable to changing audience preferences in what major way?  Here it is.

7.  Why CHR – the darling of all People Meter formats – is vulnerable in a way that most stations don’t even know.  Until now.

PLUS … 7 early warnings you’ll want to know and track before what’s eating talk radio’s ratings will start to consume yours.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, May 27, 2011

99 Cent Albums

Did you see how Amazon sold Lady Gaga’s new album Born This Way for only 99 cents and angered consumers when their servers melted down from high demand?

Did you also see how Apple’s iTunes store sold record numbers of “Born This Way” at the very same time for full price?

What’s going on here?

1.  Music is morphing to a new role – and if you’re a radio station, label or even a musician, here’s what’s going to change in the next 12 months.

2.  What do consumers want most – to buy or rent music?  Do you know?  Here’s the answer.  A lot is at stake.

3.  The dangerous direction of music radio stations that will soon be in direct opposition to the changing consumer and business market.  Know this now before it is too late.

4.  Why the album will die in the next 12 months – gone forever.

5.  The changing role of the iTunes store – 200 million consumers who have given their credit card info to Apple.

6.  What Wal-Mart and Live Nation have in common – and how they are killing the record business.  That’s right killing it.

Plus … How the record labels are killing a viable radio format by starving it to death.  Do you know which format the labels have done in?

Within a year, the music industry and those who feed off of it will change forever.

Here’s the latest intelligence.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Shocking Truth About Radio’s Tornado Response

Tornadoes are still sweeping across the country with record death tolls and destruction. 

Radio is receiving all the accolades.

But it shouldn’t be.

The radio industry is this close to a disaster in the making and the only reason it hasn’t already happened is because a few local operators saved the day.

Here’s intelligence you’re not getting in the happy talk press:

1.  In Birmingham, guess how many operators covered the recent tornadoes there?  I think you’ll be floored.

2.  Here’s the truth about what stations had on the air in the middle of the most deadly tornadoes in decades.   Don’t even try to guess.

3.  In Joplin, MO, guess what was on the air when the tornado was in the air ready to touch down.   It’s unbelievable.

4.  Who are two of the best local broadcasters on the planet?  Can you name even one?

5.  How close has radio come to ignoring disastrous events such as tornadoes and what are the political ramifications if they continue.

6.  What 5 strategies can help you turn a disaster into a celebration of radio – but there is little margin for error.  This is the most valuable game plan you may ever get .

7.  The best advice I have ever heard from the legendary Drake program director Paul Drew – the guy who made his jocks play 15 hits in a row -- about compelling local news events.  It is still the gold standard.

Plus… David DuBose, the Birmingham Market Manager who is getting all the kudos for Cox coverage, reveals his secret.  You’ll want to save this.

This article is a shocking special report on how close radio is to real disaster and how to prevent it at your station.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Rush and Hannity’s Big Ratings Slide

Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity have taken some big audience hits over the last 6 months.

Like losing about one-third of their listeners.

Meanwhile “Imus in the Morning” is up slightly albeit with old listeners.

What’s up with that?

Lots of changes ahead for talk radio but the problems hurting talk are the same problems that will adversely affect other formats and you should know the reasons:

1.  Is it the People Meter’s fault or not.  You may be surprised at the answer.

2.  How are even the best talk show hosts talking themselves out of listeners.  You have to be doing something radically wrong to lose a third of your audience in just six months.  Here’s what it is.

3.  Audiences have changed in one major way and radio stations are missing it.  You won’t.  All the details here.

4.  What could talk radio stations (and for that matter most every other format) do to stem the tide of itchy audiences willing to stray.  Do this one thing and cut them off before the damage gets worse.

5.  Did you know that the talk station of the future was actually developed several decades ago.  Can you name it?  Do you know what they did then and do now to stay in tune with changing audiences.  I’ll share with you the station and explain.

6.  Do the big audience losses for Rush and Hannity and slight gains for Imus mean that listeners are starting to lean more left than right? Before you go there, understand this.

Plus … my prognosis for how long talk radio has left if it doesn’t make major changes soon.  And I’m going to give it to you in years.

This article is the very latest intelligence on a big issue affecting all formats in the next few years. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Future of Online Streaming Radio

Radio stations that routinely stream their on-air formats traditionally have not done well – maybe 3% increases in total audience if that.

But there are new developments you will want to know about – new opportunities that may lie ahead for radio stations who can see the future and respond.

1.  5 new developments you should be aware of that open online streaming for radio operators in a business they should jump into – with both feet.  These strategies are detailed and ready for you to use or hitchhike on today.

2.  The best new thinking on what you should be doing with the online stream of your over the air radio station.  Most operators are making several big mistakes, but you won’t.

3.  How does your local radio station have a chance to compete against Pandora, Rhapsody, eMusic, Slacker or whatever Apple is going to surprise us with next in June?  Well – I’ve got 3 killer strategies right here that are your answer.

4.  What kind of 24/7 radio stream would be a smashing success from day one?  Not only am I going to lay it out – I’m going to lay it out for a sample hour.  You’ll get the feel and will want to brainstorm even more ideas.

5.  How to tie-in to the 30 million iPads that will be in service by year end (there’s over 15 million iPads in use now).  You can’t just do radio on an iPad.  That would be iHeartRadio or one of the many clones of radio broadcasters who don’t see the future.  But this approach will make iPads come alive and even sound like a cash register.

6.  How to take a traditional morning radio show and adapt it for an iPad.  Caution – this is not your father’s radio station.  It’s mashable.  I’m going to take a real live radio personality and show you how he can be number one on his local market’s iPad ratings! 

You can read stories about the future anywhere. 

This story has strategies, details and innovation.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Cumulus and Clear Channel’s Next Moves

In the months ahead both Clear Channel and Cumulus will be undertaking some moves that could have a major impact on what’s left of the radio industry.

And it is tantalizing …

1.  Which one will acquire perhaps as many as 50 or more stations and which one may sell.  Be ready because all this could happen within less than one year. 

2.  How Clear Channel is going to kick the can down the road – so to speak – as it enters the next few years of having to repay debt as high as $19 billion.  They know what they’re going to do and it’s not what they are saying publicly.

3.  What are the two biggest threats that both Cumulus and Clear Channel face.  Forget the Dickey hype or Pittman PR – these two issues are really what could derail one or both of radio’s largest consolidators. 

4.  Why Wall Street could care less about radio revenue from digital.  Even Wall Street knows that Clear Channel, Cumulus and for that matter most radio companies are losing the race to the digital space.  Here’s their strategy for winning the day while failing in the mobile Internet.  Unbelievable.

Plus … who will buy Clear Channel?  Read on, I’ll tell you.

Cumulus and Clear Channel despite the hype – are in big trouble.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Not AC – My Fix for Radio’s AC Format

Adult contemporary radio stations are continuing to take a beating in the latest ratings – the format is not likely to recover without a courageous total reinvention.

If you run an adult contemporary station, I’ve got 11 fixes for you to stop the audience erosion. 

If you compete against a reluctant AC brand that only wants to tweak their format, this is your best chance to steal the playbook and their audience.

1.  Do you change the current music slowly or blow up the playlist and make a radical change.  Both work but one approach – and I’ll reveal which one – will only delay inevitable audience erosion.  Best to avoid it.

2.  Why the oldies library is so dangerous to the new AC station.  Songs you would have included before can kill the audience now.  Here’s a safer approach.

3.  What CBS learned when it turned its oldies into classic hits stations. I’m saying you want to go to school on CBS because if you don’t, their classic hits stations (and ones like them) will become the new adult contemporary.

4.  My yardstick for deciding what oldies songs provide the most fire power for the new AC – it has something to do with Glee.  It never fails the test.  You’ll need to know.

5.  Why making the music tempo faster on AC stations – as many are currently doing – may only speed up the format’s audience erosion.  You’ll get a better answer.

6.  What about the classic AC morning show.  You’re not going to like taking this medicine but if you don’t, within a year and a half you won’t be able to have a strong morning personality show. 

7.  A new way to look at commercial loads and how to schedule them in a music hour.  Critical.

8.  Voice tracking – still okay after morning drive?  New rules.

9.  How do you save that sappy advice show you’re running a night.  Are its days numbered or do you like these new options better. 

10.  What about streaming? Should you stream your on-air AC station once you make the fix?  New thoughts on that.

11.  The one way to build your new brand that not everyone in the market can choose.  Is this strategy for you – it almost always works to build audience and brand recognition.

Plus… there is one format already out there that could replace adult contemporary as is -- without making one single change.  Know your enemy.

You can read anywhere that AC has big ratings problems.  But here you get 11 actionable ideas to fix it or beat AC stations that resist changing.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

In Radio Work Here, Not Here

Friends don’t let friends drive their radio careers into the ground.

With the radio industry kicking up turmoil these days  – and the largest group (Clear Channel) possibly in play – targeting solid companies to find a radio career that can last has become more difficult.

Until now.

My no-holds barred assessment is in this article and includes …

1.  The safest radio companies to work for.  That means, work here, not there.  I name names.  Read this and save the grief.

2.  Which radio groups are career killers?  You know one, but do you know them all?  You should if you want to keep working in radio.  And avoid them.

3.  Future employers with whom you must proceed with caution – and why.  You know me; I’ll lay it out honestly.

4.  A break down of each of the following radio groups:   CBS, Clear Channel, Saga, Entravision, Cox, Cumulus, Townsquare, Cox, the new Hubbard, the old Bonneville, Entravision, Beasley, Spanish, Salem, Radio One, Emmis, the merged new Citadel and Entercom. 

Plus, the four best radio companies with a bright digital future.  You’ll want to know which companies these are because radio without a strong digital component could be a dead end even if your future employers are nice.

Nowhere in print or online will you read a more complete list of where to work and who are radio’s jerks.  Must have.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Citadel Bloodbath Begins After Labor Day

In just months, Lew “Tricky” Dickey gets to take over Citadel and make Cumulus the second largest radio group. 

Lots of changes are ahead and in this article I have put together a list of 10 big ones I think you can expect.

1.  What will happen to Citadel local sales?  The folks at the former ABC stations will drink hemlock when they hear what Dickey is about to do to sales.

2.  What about commissions?  Top earners will cringe at this plan.

3.  Where new business will come from – even you will be surprised.

4.  Corporate sales meetings even at WABC.

5.  Who will call the shots on local programming and what will those “shots” be.  Here’s a taste.

6.  Imagine a sales climate that reminds you of Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross.  It’s already happened at a major Cumulus market.  An insider tells all.

7.  Do you know what the new mantra of Cumulus will be once they get Citadel? It’s three words you’ll be hearing a lot of. 

8.  Dickey’s response to Groupon, which is increasingly stealing local radio dollars.  This is a classic.

9.  Imagine how Citadel stations will look after Dickey merges with Cumulus.  I’ll describe it in words for the brave hearted.

10.  Big changes ahead for the former ABC Radio Networks.  Dickey has a new mission in mind for Citadel Media but you won’t believe what it is.

Plus … contact information for two lawyers who are giving Cumulus fits in their employment litigation … just in case.

I’ve got your back.  And this story is worth it.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 stories) and get daily email delivery, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Predicting Apple’s New iCloud

The cloud will change everything in June when we see what Apple is up to.

You see some hints out there already.

Google and Amazon jumped the gun to beat Apple with their cloud-based music locker system but neither could work out a deal with the record labels.  Ironically, the labels are siding with Apple this time.  And that tells me that Steve Jobs is up to something big that promises the labels a significant financial reward – somewhere down the line.

So what will iCloud be and how will it affect the music industry – and for that matter radio – as well as TV and movies?

For consumers, how will they soon access music, content, movies and TV?  What the price point will likely be.  What the tricky transition from storing content on digital devices to content on the cloud will be like Apple-style.  What’s the likelihood of Apple going after Pandora or the other monthly paid subscription music services.

For content creators, who will be your new competition?  How fatal will it be if you can’t deliver content from the cloud?  What is it that has record labels siding with Apple all of a sudden in licensing talks?  I’d hate to be Google and Amazon next month when Steve Jobs makes his big announcement.  Just how effective a strategy can cloud distribution be if improved fidelity is part of the deal. And, how the cloud could allow Apple to get into the radio business.

I’ve had a pretty good record of predicting Apple’s moves – a dangerous living at best. 

Here’s what I’m sensing about Apple’s new iCloud and its potential impact.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Effective New Commercial-Free Strategies

There is a new outbreak of commercial-free programming going around with some ratings upside and some very serious downsides.

Get the benefits but know the difference.

This article is about effective new commercial-free strategies that actually please listeners and get higher ratings at the same time!  And they don’t piss off advertisers.

This piece focuses on…

What works in commercial-free programming that should and can be kept a part of radio station programming strategies going forward?  The safest non-commercial tactics and which moves are self-destructive and should be avoided. 

When to do commercial-free hours and when not to.  What mistake to avoid if you wipe out commercials for an hour, a daypart or an entire workday.  What to change when you finally have to stop again for commercials. 

New evidence of what commercials young people will gladly tolerate. What you can change between the commercial sets.  How to time-shift a large group of listeners effectively from one daypart to another.  The most effective way to pressure your commercial inventory and get higher rates that will in turn allow you to cut commercial loads permanently.

Here are 8 effective new commercial-free strategies.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, May 13, 2011

What Now For Bonneville and Hubbard

How wacky is the radio industry these days?

Clear Channel intensifies its schizophrenic behavior. 

Fires long-term top execs at point blank range with zero notice while coming up with $119 million to buy Metro Traffic even as they face a $19 billion unpayable loan.

Then there are Bonneville and Hubbard.

They are both solvent and well run.

Hubbard split off from Bonneville with 17 radio stations and Bonneville, arguably the best radio group, is going it alone with just four markets.  Clear Channel is desperate right now outsourcing its future to Bob Pittman and whomever he can get to help him buy the company. Bonneville and Hubbard are not.

What’s going to happen now that Hubbard owns 17 Bonneville stations and Bonneville emerges with four remaining markets?

Which stations are Hubbard likely to buy next? Does Bonneville now unload the final four markets before price multiples erode further?  Who is the most likely Bonneville buyer?  But could Bonneville start acquiring again?  What happens to all that digital revenue Bruce Reese used to rake in at Bonneville now that he’s gone?  And what’s the prognosis for Hubbard and Bonneville now that they are separate and apart?

This article is about the challenges and perils ahead for two of radio’s elite operators – Hubbard and Bonneville -- and what they plan to do next.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Clear Channel Is Up To Something Major

First, Mark Mays of the founding family leaves. 

Then, Bob Pittman shows up out of nowhere paying $5 million to get a nebulous job at Clear Channel.  He pays them!

This week the venture capitalists who own Clear Channel suddenly start firing longtime, loyal senior managers – no notice, no thank yous.

Yet the company spends $119 million to acquire Metro Traffic to form a traffic monopoly with what they already own.  And did a very expensive multi-year renewal of their ratings contract within the year with Arbitron – one year ahead of its expiration!  So they’re spending, right?

What’s going on at Clear Channel? 

Are they staying or going away?  What does the firing of top executives portend for the future?  Why is regionalization so important to them at this moment in time?  Why do they keep acquiring things and committing to contracts while slimming down the company?  Is Clear Channel getting ready to sell and if so – who is their buyer?

This article is about the end game for Clear Channel owners Lee and Bain who are beginning to show their hand at what they plan next for radio’s biggest group.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Cox Radio After Bob Neil

Big changes ahead at two major radio groups.

Cox will get a new leader after almost 20 years as Bob Neil “retires”.

Clear Channel has entered into Phase 3 of its ongoing consolidation plan.

For Cox, why did Neil leave?  What is likely to happen to Cox stations and employees now?  Where to look for Bob Neil’s replacement.  Why the long-term ramifications of Neil’s departure suggest a more significant shakeup ahead.

For Clear Channel, Phase 3 of their consolidation plan was launched yesterday.  Details on how it impacts local and regional markets.  The next endangered management position at Clear Channel.  An accurate picture of what Clear Channel will come to look like within the next 12 months.

This article is about the repercussions for employees at Cox and Clear Channel as well as what it means to other radio groups contemplating the future.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get daily intelligence reports, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Very Latest Media Management Innovations

"So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work." -- Peter Drucker

No one knows better than people who work in radio, television, records, publishing and even new media how mediocre our strategic management skills have become.

I got the idea for this story after just finishing a new article on Steve Jobs and reading about a great new book on the business wisdom of  -- believe it or not --The Beatles.

In this piece, you will learn …

1.  The proven way to get the people who work for you to take responsibility for that which they are assigned.

2.  The Missing Step after all the planning, all the meetings and just before the launch of a new project.

3.  How top companies are cultivating innovation with great results.

4.  The Apple way of finding the best person – not the radio and records way.

5.  How Lennon and McCartney handled conflict and you can, too.

6.  The one thing that employees crave more than money – that’s right – even more than money.  Know how to give it to them and you profit.

7.  How The Beatles turned failure into success by doing something most managers never do.

Plus … I’ll also hook you up with links to dig deeper into the very latest media management innovations.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and choose your own terms, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 9, 2011

Warner Music’s Merger With EMI

“The Music Business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs.  There’s also a negative side” – Hunter S. Thompson

The “thieves and pimps” are at it again. 

Last week Warner Music Group was auctioned off to a Russian billionaire and the negative side is – well, now the new owners want to buy EMI.

But it’s worse.

This article is about 8 documented things the new Warner is choosing to ignore and why, if they do, even a merger with EMI will fail.

In this piece, you will learn …

1.  The new use of music that consumers are now embracing.

2.  How the latest CD sales could impact the Warner deal.

3.  Why the labels are in a desperate search for a hit maker to replace radio.

4.  The one huge mistake all labels are making that ignores their new best friend – the iPad and the disastrous results that could follow. 

5.  How taxing radio figures into the music industry’s hoped for turnaround.

6.  The surefire way to increase record sales right now – is this!  No doubt. Proven.

7.  The labels’ bet on paid subscription Internet streaming.

8.  What is one single song worth in real money to today’s consumer.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 stories) and choose your own terms, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Steal Pandora’s New Ideas

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky says, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take”. 

Pandora is taking lots of shots but radio isn’t.  Pandora is doing things you ought to be following.  It’s under the radar.  Not in the press.

Until now.

This article is about Pandora’s strategic plans for the future – some of which are beginning to become reality and why radio should steal Pandora’s new ideas and adapt them.

In this piece, you’ll learn …

1.  Exactly how Pandora won the hearts of 80 million music subscribers and how it plans to do the very same thing as it expands into non-music formats with a local marketing blueprint.  I’ve identified 6 things.

2.  What Pandora is starting to do now in its non-music content that I’ve been telling you to do for years.  Do it now -- don’t be left behind.

3.  Pandora’s new approach to content that will be a clear winner with young audiences – it’s pure genius.  All the details.

4.  Why Pandora could be the next Groupon.  Don’t laugh.  You won’t be laughing after you read their plans.

5.  How Pandora is doing social networking and why you should do it the same way. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and choose your own terms, click “read more”. 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

3 Endangered Radio Formats (And How to Save Them)

There are several forces converging around radio that need to be harnessed to save 3 of its most important and valuable formats that are now on the endangered list.

How do you compete with online when you feel compelled to put your on-air content online?

Is it possible to save these 3 key formats – I say yes, but they cannot be reinvented.  I’ll explain it.

Another mitigating factor is that listeners are changing while radio formats like these 3 are staying the same.  Most radio people are unwilling to do what needs to be done. 

So, this morning I will identify the 3 critical radio formats whose futures are not assured and what can be done to save them.  I’ll be quite specific.  Music.  Formatics.  Personnel.  Content creation.  Internet aspects.

If you would like to read this story and get access to my entire archive of over 1,200 pieces, click “read more” for your choices. 

Subscribe today and the rate is grandfathered – never to go up, ever. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Satellite Radio – The Vacuum Cleaner Salesman of Radio

Mel Karmazin reported SiriusXM added 375,000 new subscribers in the first quarter of the year. 

Now with 9% more subscribers and fewer commercials – 20.5 million people if you believe The Great Salesman. 

Free cash flow is improving and Mel’s going to add new technology that will increase the number of channels that satellite radio can offer consumers.  And, he’s going to add more Hispanic channels supposedly to appease Hispanic area auto dealers who sell cars that have satellite radio in it.

I don’t know – I have a problem believing The Great Salesman.

Satellite Radio is not that good a business and there is mounting evidence as to why.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and click through to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get …

1.  The one huge red flag that SiriusXM is raising that guarantees they are in financial hot water.  They are spinning their problem, but I’m going to expose their hand right here.

2.  Anecdotal evidence that SiriusXM has trouble getting subscribers to pay their current rates and what it means.

3.  Radio is no longer SiriusXM’s main competitor – this new technology is.  Can you name it?   

4.  The Mel Karmazinazation of “churn rates” or the real truth of what happens when auto dealers give away free subscriptions of SiriusXM.  Mel doesn’t want you to know this.

Satellite radio exposed for the business it really is – here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Much Anticipated Subscription Music Streams Will Fail

Just when consumers are demonstrating that they will pay for smartphone and tablet apps at a record pace, the question is why won’t they pay for music?

Music is the passion of the next generation. 

Without music, an iPod is useless.  Music soothes the mood and feeds the ADD.  So why are consumers dead set against paying for the music they consume?

CD sales are down – who don’t know that.

But why have legal music downloads just about leveled off on sites like iTunes?

More importantly, with numerous paid subscription streaming music sites amping up for the big push to compete with Google and Apple cloud-based music lockers, why are they destined to fail?

None of this makes sense.

This article takes a look at the chances for these companies to succeed in the new world of paid streaming subscription music that is coming:

1.  Spotify – once it gets the last major label to okay a royalty deal is that what it will take to become a growth industry in the U.S.?

2.  Rhapsody has clawed back from subscriber losses but it has one big disadvantage it may not be able to overcome.

3.  The prospect for Pandora once it has many more paid subscription music streaming competitors.

4.  Google has launched its cloud-based music locker – how’s that going?  Any indicator of the prospects for cloud-based subscription services?

5.  Does Apple have the plan to get consumers to part with a monthly fee for unlimited cloud-based music?  You may be surprised what they are up against.

6.  What consumers want that it appears paid subscription cloud-based music streamers are not going to give them that spells doom for the genre.

7.  The solution that record labels cannot bring themselves to adopt – I’ll give it to you in one line.

This article is just ahead of paid subscription cloud-based music services that will proliferate in the next few months and the chances for success.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.  

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

How Did You Hear About bin Laden?

Four things on my mind this morning -- bin Laden, Clear Channel, innovation and SiriusXM’s discount rates…

1. bin Laden Lessons

Osama bin Laden’s death reminds us how much the media has changed in the 10 years since 9-11. 

How did you hear about 9-11 then and how did you get and follow the news about bin Laden’s death now?

I’ve got 3 important lessons for you that will serve as a media gut check as to whether you are in sync with how audiences have changed since then.

•  The business you need to be in and it’s probably not the business you are in presently.

•  The big thing that didn’t exist 10 years ago and that is a must have today for audiences (no, it’s not the Internet).

•  This strategy will increase audiences and make you more money – the one thing audiences crave and cannot live without.

2. An alternative to Clear Channel’s monopoly on traffic services

3. Why consolidators are now saying they can finally innovate IF they are allowed to get bigger

4.  How to get SiriusXM to lower their subscription rates and throw out that music royalty tax.  One of our readers told me how he did it and I’m going to tell you.

Honest insights and straight talk.

This is a good day to start a subscription and access these stories and everything I have written to date for as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, May 2, 2011

New Listener Hot Buttons

We often here what’s wrong with radio but rarely hear concrete usable ideas for making it better.

Today, we’re going to change all that.

I’ve got 6 hot buttons that any radio station can push to make their stations better and they won’t cost the station a penny.

This article reveals …

1.  What one thing radio listeners crave and cannot resist even in the age of the Internet.

2.  Why reorganizing your content and commercials can earn you new fans and better ratings with today’s listener.  The new plan.

3.  How to make radio listeners rabid fans even in the era of digital coolness.

4.  If you do nothing else, do this one thing and your listeners will love you immediately.

5.  Time to rethink the length of radio shows.  Here’s the new optimal length.

6.  What is the perfect mix between on-air and online – the straight answer is here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, April 29, 2011

5 Hot New Media Businesses

Where are the new business opportunities for traditional and new media?

That’s the question I get all the time. 

This morning I’m going to reveal 5 of them – and where the money can be made. 

This article focuses on 5 opportunities you will want to get in on:

1.  How developing private brand Internet streams can be a big business – fast.

2.  What opportunity is ready made for profits if you are a radio personality.

3.  What one music intensive idea could work in your market tomorrow.

4.  The best way to create content for those new head units being readied for cars that will display the drivers smartphone icons in plain view.

5.  A social networking idea that is so good that you can actually charge fans to be part of it. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Hot New Replacement for Adult Contemporary Radio

Radio stations are dumping adult contemporary formats faster than live audiences are walking out on Charlie Sheen.

Okay, maybe not that fast.

But the latest ratings confirm that AC stations are generally declining and being replaced by a potent format alternative.

All of the strategies I am about to share are also powerful aids to just about any radio format today.

This article reveals what, according to the latest ratings, is the winning new format and digs down to tell you 8 things that these successful stations do to beat their adult contemporary competitors:

1.  What music strategy works best.

2.  How much current music must be played to win.

3.  The “sweet spot decades” for music choice – and the danger zones.

4.  What to do with the weekends.

5.  Do contemporary and hit formats require a morning personality or can you save money.

6.  The condiments, add-ons and embellishments that add a share to your numbers.

7.  What to do with non-news formatic elements.

8.  The online component – what must be done at a minimum online to support new ratings winners on-air.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Lew Dickey’s Royal Wedding

No, not Lew Dickey himself, the newly crowned king of all radio consolidation.

But Kate and William’s royal wedding that looks like it will be turned into a Cumulus attempt at a bad sales promotion and relevant and timely programming.

The Three Stooges are at it again.

The royal wedding is Friday.

Cumulus stations were notified Tuesday that they are sending a jock to the U.K. to cover the wedding for all Cumulus stations.

Nice local programming.

So stations get arguably three days notice to prepare.

Jenn Hobby from the Bert Show in Atlanta (where else?) is going to, as Cumulus Programming Magician Jan Jeffries says, “cover the Royal Wedding and report back to all Cumulus stations with on-going up to the minute color and play by play of the wedding procedure and ceremony.”

Now understand most Cumulus stations have been gutted of live personnel over the past few years. 

And the great majority of the survivors have not had raises in years and it has been forever since a cost of living increase was awarded to a Cumulus employee – unlike the Dickeys and their minions who get special board approved bonuses even when they fail.

Did I mention that most Cumulus part-timers are making minimum wage?

That from their employees’ own description, they are constantly reminded that they can easily be replaced.

Okay … now that I got that out of the way, let’s look at the lunacy of what the soon to be second largest consolidated radio company is doing.

1.  An “urgent” memo you won’t believe from programming chief Jan Jeffries to his stations dictating his terms for the royal wedding – talk about a monarchy!

2.  What radio audiences really want when a TV event captures the public eye.

3.  Why the Dickeys are leaving their affiliate stations at the altar.

4.  The main reason today’s big, powerful media businessmen (and “men” seems to be an accurate description) don’t know how to connect with listeners or advertisers – even when a special event is handed to them. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

How to Make Radio Cool Again

Can radio become cool again?

Not the way most stations broadcast these days. 

I think we all get that live and local would help and that personalities are what listeners crave.  That local artists would distinguish a radio station from Pandora.

But we’ve said all of that.

This article will reveal 7 specific additional things that radio stations can actually do – some can be started right away with no expense –- to make radio cool, desirable and more interesting to young and old listeners alike.

1.  The way to know precisely what your audiences crave and no, I’m not talking about buying a research project.

2.  How stations shoot themselves in the foot during the first 5 minutes of each hour – maybe even the first 3 minutes.

3.  How radio stations increasingly make their audiences feel inferior – that’s right, inferior – and how to put a stop to it next hour.

4.  What does fantasy sports teach radio about what it can do to become cool again?

5.  The one radio station website no station ever does that it ought to do to become relevant to listeners overnight.

6.  Why do young listeners like NPR so much when it doesn’t cater to short attention spans or stupid dj banter?  Anything we can learn from it.  You’ve got it – right here.

7.  Radio’s best friend is …  Do you know?  Do you know that I estimate that 85% of America’s radio stations are not employing this strategy to regain a foothold with today’s listeners?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Smart Phones, Dumb Outcome

What I am about to share with you is some of the scary stuff that is actually being revealed about personal information we are giving up every minute of every day on our smartphones and mobile devices without even knowing it.

How consumers can, by their use of mobile devices, tell researchers how happy they are, where they are likely to go next (with over 93% accuracy) and identify who the “influencers” are who can change other people’s minds.

Good?

Not if the current debate brewing over privacy concerns and the mobile Internet continues to rage.

I end with 5 rules that must not be violated if you want to stay on the good side of mobile Internet audiences.

Subscribers, click through.

If you have not yet subscribed, this is a great article to start with and unlock the content.

The pros and many hidden cons of mobile Internet privacy, starts here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Apple’s Radio Killer to Launch Early

It looks like Apple’s music locker that stores the iTunes library of 200 million of their subscribers is ready to launch early.

Ahead of Google.

And may have a surprise for the recently launched Amazon music locker.

More importantly, if Apple does what I think they are going to do, their new subscription streaming music discovery service could be the death knell for music radio.

Unless …

I’ve put together a special report on the very latest about Apple’s plans and what Google and Amazon are up to.  

If you’re a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and simply click through and unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get. 

1.  All the evidence up to the minute on what Apple is doing that indicates it is up to something big that could greatly impact music radio.

2.  Why Apple appears to be readying something more than a music locker for iTunes customers – here’s the dead giveaway.

3.  A special section on how this streaming service could be a radio killer and what radio stations can do about it.

4.  One way that radio stations can respond now – before the cloud stream takes over – that will act as an insurance policy to keep listeners engaged and coming back.  I’ll name the things you can do that Apple cannot do – and they all make you bigger and stronger.

5.  My best prediction as to how much of an impact cloud-based music discovery services will have on radio and what comes down to the only two options stations can choose from. 

One is lethal. 

One breathes new life into commercial radio.

It’s all here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Why Mobile Content is Failing

When The New York Times emailed me a bulletin that Lindsay Lohan had been taken into custody and sentenced to 120 days in her theft case, that’s when I had just about had it.

Don’t they realize we go to TMZ for that stuff and to publications like The Times for news that takes real reporting?

It is bad enough The Times recently started delivering their printed newspaper under the hot Arizona sun without a plastic wrapper to protect it against sun bleaching.

Bad enough they wouldn’t respond to my complaint about the dirty delivery practices almost as if print subscribers grow on trees these days.

Worse yet that I am still paying for a newspaper that I have already read online the night before it arrives.  Not too smart – on my part.

Now this …Lindsay is a bulletin.

One of my subscribers sent me a link to an article about The Christian Science Monitor and how they have “successfully adapted” to the digital age after being forced to print a weekly edition and halt their daily print publication. Their goal was to get from 3 million 25 million page views per month.

They did it.

But they also “expanded” their coverage to featuring stories on Tiger Woods and his personal problems.

Duh!  Can you say TMZ?

This is what it has come to.

The dumbing down of the audience all because media companies cannot figure out how to do unique, compelling and addictive content on the mobile Internet.

Want to know what to do about it? 

How to fix it?

How can there be a crisis for compelling content on the mobile Internet?  Why are even biggies with all the pageviews making chump change compared to media businesses back in the day?

Here’s breaking news that even The New York Times doesn’t know.  

But you will.  There are three things that guarantee success in the mobile Internet.

Read on.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Appcasting Is the Next Radio

In the next 12 months or so, a lot of major changes are going to take place in the radio industry.

I’m not speaking of the prospect of more consolidation – not at all – because in the end consolidation will not save the radio industry.

Appcasting is the future of radio.

Former NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller, speaking at Harvard last week, warned that radio as we know it is over and that a new breed of non-radio competitors is coming.

So, today I want to get you ready.

If you are subscriber, click through and unlock the content.

If you would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get:

1.  The compelling evidence that broadcasting will be replaced sooner than you think by what I call appcasting. 

2.  The 2 main content directions you can choose.  The one most existing stations are likely to take is the wrong one with bad odds for success.  But I am going to tell you which is which.

3.  The most dangerous pitfalls to appcasting.  Avoid these and you can be off and running.

4.  How streaming can work in the new world of appcasting.  Warning:  this is not your father’s web streaming. 

5.  How to defend against competitors who will attack you but follow this strategy and you will cut them off at the pass.

The answers begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, April 22, 2011

Critical New Digital Strategies

(My wife Cheryl and I had our first date seeing a hockey game.  It was love at first sight!  13 years later, the couple that attends the playoffs together, stays together)

Everyone talks about creating an essential digital strategy to get in on the current Internet boom, but in my opinion few understand what that strategy needs to be.

It’s not HD radio.

Not how many times your jocks mention Facebook or Twitter on the air or how cool your website is.  Websites are so – well, yesterday.  Today, show me your app.

If streaming music like Pandora is radio’s answer to the digital future, just forget it.  It sounds like that’s what Clear Channel thinks because they want to be the programmable and perhaps customizable radio of the future.

Why?

It’s not the future.

This article outlines 5 critical new digital strategies that should be considered instead …

1.  An app radio show

2.  A streaming station that has nothing to do with your on-air format

3.  A radio station that has nothing to do with the Internet

4.  Build “radio stations” on apps

5.  Create a social network clubhouse

All the details begin here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Replacement for Mobile Radio

Commercial radio is ready for another evolution. 

It is so exciting that you will want to stop everything and start preparing for it. 

It's not traditional radio formats for the cell phone (i.e., iHeartRadio) and music streaming services (Pandora, Rhapsody).  

In this piece I will reveal …

•  Real convincing evidence of what can happen if you tap the potential of the mobile Internet.  The plan is laid out for you to have and use.

•  What the replacement for mobile radio is – I’ll describe it.  And it's not what you think it is.  Even better.

•  What mobile/digital life will be like very soon and how you can get a leg up on other content providers.  All the specifics on how you will be building a platform of 100% mobile involvement.

•  Plus, the killer app that generates revenue like never before from a new kind of mobile "radio".  

This article will keep you ahead on a new type of mobile radio that is in the works -- with all the details on how to be ready.  

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ballad-Free Music Formats

WBEB (B101) in Philadelphia has eliminated ballads from its weekends to make them more lively – and less like where the station is popular, at work during the week.

Good idea?

Actually, dropping ballads from the weekends is just the tip of the iceberg.

The adult contemporary format has been declining in recent years.  Once a staple of music radio, the future of AC radio is uncertain.

More importantly, it’s what WBEB is not saying that you should be focusing on and I’m going to reveal it in this article.

•  How not to be left in any radio format when it starts becoming long in the tooth.

•  How to keep your loyal fans while you undergo what may be some radical surgery. 

•  How to protect the brand and not the format.

•  How hanging onto the past can guarantee that your station will have no future (this will be good advice for everyone but particularly for stations with a lot to lose if their listeners stray).

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.  It’s as low as 27 cents a day.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Apple Media Predictions

(JD with my niece Jaime McEwen and daughter Daria rooting for the orange and black).

Apple is getting set to launch its new cloud-based streaming service and it could possibly be the final act to CEO Steve Jobs impressive career.

I’m talking major products and services here.

Things that will revolutionize the TV business, stick it to Google (something Steve Jobs no doubt would enjoy most) and create such demand for Apple’s own iPad that it could leave other tablets lagging behind.

Everyone is expecting Apple to come out with something earthshattering on the music side – like a Pandora streaming product or a music locker.  I’m betting a music locker is likely for a small monthly fee – the better to store your iTunes in for access anywhere.

This article reveals new information on these 5 predictions:

1.  Apple gets into the Netflix business

2.  Apple is negotiating with content companies now

3.  An Apple subscription model is coming

4.  Bandwidth will be burdened

5.  Apple may market an actual television set

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, April 18, 2011

Flipboard and the Content Crisis

(In spring, a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of hockey playoffs)

This article is about how content providers are not keeping up with the plethora of new devices coming to market.

And how content is no longer king because content providers are lagging behind digital advances – the consequences for doing so is fast becoming a crisis.

Among the benefits of this article:

1.  Putting a finger on the disconnect between cool devices and the kind of content that consumers are coming to expect from content providers.

2.  Avoiding paywall problems that are sure to happen if content providers don’t change the way they package content.

3.  Learning a better way to come up with content winners – two things you must do before you can be in sync with changing consumers.  One of them is make sure you own all the cool devices that consumers love.  The other is even more critical.

4.  Recognizing the first thing to do when designing content for 2011 – and it is different from 2010 by a mile.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.  

Friday, April 15, 2011

How to Get Better Radio Ratings

If you think that the only way to get ratings is to game the People Meter, you may be surprised to find that you may be losing fans not just P1s.   

Some people think so-called P1s are fans, but they have no face, no humanity.

This morning, I’m going to layout a game plan from which you and your people can brainstorm for ways to make better radio and win ratings.  What’s more, this plan will isolate 2 dayparts and aim to deliver 70% of your entire station’s revenue in those time periods.

This article is about how to get better radio ratings …

1.  Why developing a daypart that will deliver half of your stations revenue and the lion’s share of the audience is so critical.  I’ll explain.

2.  How to play lots of music and do personality at the same time. 

3.  The missing ingredient to spike the ratings.

4.  How to develop a second daypart so that you can spend your resources chasing the two shows that will bring you 70% of your revenue.

5.  What to do with middays.

6.  Edgy night programming.  I’ll outline two starter ideas.

7.  Should you voice track overnights in this plan that focuses resources on two dayparts?

8.  News on a music station – what to do (if anything).

9.  Your new key to creating the desire among your listeners so they will not want to tune out.

10.  What to do about streaming your station.  How critical is it to stream your radio format?

11.  What must you do to satisfy an unmet need of radio listeners.  Hardly anyone does it.  You’ll soon know what it is.

12.  Where does texting, Facebook and Twitter fit into better radio ratings.

13.  What jocks should be doing online while they are on the air.  Most stations have it wrong.

14.  What should you do with music sweeps – the Holy Grail of hit radio ratings? 

If you’ve been thinking about subscribing to Inside Music Media, today is a great day to start by reading this story – it’s as low as 27 cents a day including access to everything I have written in the last four years.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

My Media Investments Revealed

I have finally gone and done it.  

After being asked many, many times by readers what media stocks I like enough to invest my own money in – I’m coming clean.

I wouldn’t bet the farm on my say-so, but in this article you’ll get an idea of what media stocks I like enough to invest in and what ones I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot picture of Gordon Gekko.

If you promise not to run out and do anything drastic, you’ll find this article very revealing and hopefully useful as you look to the future of the media industry.  For example …

1.  I own Apple – I’ll tell you that.  But when will I sell it?  Will I sell it?  And I’ve got some target prices from real professionals that you may want to factor in.  Apple’s prospects according to my IRA.

2.  Which one radio stock did I own – you’ll never guess.  I sold it a number of years ago, but it will tell you that I had high hopes for this stock but felt left at the altar.  I sold it – for what I paid.  I’m telling you, you’ll never guess.

3.  Future prospects for radio stocks.

4.  I have my eye on one other entertainment industry investment – I’ll tell you why I love it enough to want to buy it.

5.  How close am I to buying Google or Amazon?

6.  Is AOL going to come back big enough that someone who writes about the media industry would buy it?  If so, when?

7.  Groupon?

8.  What I am watching in new media – where the next investment opportunities may be.

If you’ve been kicking around whether to finally subscribe for as low as 27 cents a day, today is a great article with which to start.  Unlock this article and everything I have written to date.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Money Is In Paid Subscriptions

There is mounting evidence that a lot of the content available on the mobile Internet will cost you a paid subscription.

It is happening now across the board in almost every area, but caution is advised because some things are working and some you can learn from because they are not working.

This article is all about the possibilities if you want to keep current on this monumental change that is taking place:

1.  What works and doesn’t work in paid newspaper subscriptions.  Publishers are going full force into paid subscriptions and video and radio companies could learn a few lessons.  We’ll share them.

2.  The video conundrum – paid ads or paid subscriptions.  Can both work?  The video business has more problems in the paid arena than any other but with a few guidelines can see its way to profit from paid video subscriptions.

3.  Radio is trying it.  Some are off and running and some will never be able to get a subscriber to pay even a penny.  We’ll share which are which.

4.  Streaming music – the entire music industry is assuming that consumers will soon pay for cloud-access to monthly subscription services.  Is that assumption correct? Because if it isn’t, you may want to investigate this.

5.  Apps – the pioneer in getting consumers to part with their money.  What do app makers know that you need to know?

6.  Music – the one piece of content that has been so devalued that it may not be able to become part of the paid music chain but it has one other option.  It will take guts, but it will work.

If you’ve been considering a subscription to Inside Music Media, this article today would be a great way to start.  As low as 27 cents a day gives access to this content and everything I have written in the past four years.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Battle for the Dashboard

Five years from now researchers forecast Internet-enabled dashboards will grow to 210 million worldwide from 45 million at the end of this year.

The radio could become an endangered species by then.

This article reveals what manufacturers are doing behind the scenes to keep young consumers connected with their new age entertainment in the car and what the challenges and opportunities may be.

I’ll grade the challengers from A to F and provide useful context …

1.  Naming the number one in-car dashboard attraction even before that 5-year growth marker.

2.  The forgotten competitor that content providers don’t even have on their radar screens and no, it’s not a CD player.  It’s even more threatening and I give it a B for consumer desirability.

3.  The desirability of having iPods easily plugged into the entertainment system of the future.  What grade would you give iPod access with all those other choices?  My grade is – well, in the article.

4.  The issue of whether the coming cloud-style music lockers and monthly subscription services will be hot or not.

5.  What happens to radio with all this competition from new media and Internet connectivity?  It’s complicated and you’ll see why radio stations must make meaningful and in some cases radical changes to be an attraction in the car of the future. 

The clock is ticking – nothing in media is happening faster than the Internet-connected dashboard.

If you’ve been considering starting a subscription to Inside Music Media, today’s article makes it a great day to do it – as low as 27 cents a day to access this piece on the battle for the dashboard and everything else I have written.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

Consumer Blunders to Avoid

I can name you at least 3 blunders that are flying in the face of consumers who want to patronize radio, the record industry and live concerts.

These industries are getting in their own way.

This article breaks it down …

RADIO BLUNDERS …

1.  What kind of music do listeners really want – even crave – that radio stations are leaving off their playlists.

2.  One strategic move above all else that can make a music radio station a big hit with their fans – not just P1s – and not just on the People Meter ratings.

3.  The thing even young people crave so much that they would turn on a radio to hear it.  Do you know what it is?

4.  What radio stations are missing that potential listeners want and can’t find on about 99% of today’s radio stations.

RECORDS BLUNDERS …

1.  It’s not the CD or the download that turns record buyers off.  It is this one thing.  Fix it and music starts selling again.

2.  A huge blunder traditional label execs are making when it comes to understanding the taste of the record buying public.  Label execs think they want this, when consumers actually want that! 

3.  A fatal mistake being made by the record industry has zero to do with the type of music they are recording and marketing and yet it is so major that if the labels could find the 3 new superstars in the next year, they would likely fail until they fix this.

CONCERT BLUNDERS …

1.  Fans will always go to see live concerts, right?  Read this and you’ll think twice. 

2.  Is there one thing that could become more attractive to the 80 million members of Gen Y than seeing their favorite music artists and bands live and in person?  I’ll name it.

3.  What does Charlie Sheen and today’s big music stars have in common.  Duh- it’s not winning.  It’s a major miscalculation about audiences that promises to backfire big time.   

If you’ve been reading these summaries for a while considering whether to subscribe, today is a good day to start.  A subscription that unlocks the full story is as low as 27 cents a day to access this story and everything I have written to date.  

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, April 8, 2011

Stick a Fork in YouTube

Why are YouTube, Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon and Hulu’s best days behind them?

Do you know?

They don’t, but this article is going to show media execs in radio, television, publishing and the music industry what one mistake not to make – not now, not ever. 

A preview …

1.  Why YouTube and others are finished growing if they continue to follow their newly adopted plans to be more than they are?

2.  The four elements that are mandatory for any media company at this point in time.  Don’t have one of them and you’re in big trouble.  

3.  What a radio station or record label could learn from Netflix’s decision to chase content.

4.  Discover what is more popular with consumers – traditional network television or online video.  And there is a surprising trend here.

5.  Critical important lessons for radio, television, the record business and publishing before they invest another penny in new media.  There are 5 of them – and now you’ll be able to get a leg up on competitors.

6.  In online/digital as well as old traditional media, you no longer can be all things to all people.  It comes down to two basic businesses – you’re either in one or the other.  Here they are.

Amazingly, YouTube is about to fall flat on its face – and we could be in the same boat except you are going to know media’s evolving new rules starting now.

It’s as low as 27 cents a day to access this story and everything I have written to date.   If you’ve been thinking about it, today’s article is a good way to start.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Why Mobile Music Streams Will Fail

Within the next six months, we will see a major change in how music is delivered to customers, stored on the Internet and played on the radio. 

The betting is on monthly streaming all-you-can-eat services.

But I’m not buying it.

For a leg up on what’s coming, today’s piece reveals …

1.  Why streaming music services will still fail – as they have for years – if they are what the music industry plans for consumers.

2.  The chances an import streamer from Europe will be like the Beatles and start a streaming music revolution here.

3.  How record labels and even broadcast companies are overlooking the most important way to start a music revolution.  But you’ll know now because I will reveal it here.

4.  Live Nation, the concert and ticket company wants to buy part of Warner Music and shake things up.  Here’s what they are thinking.

5.  Radio’s big music mistake – a huge one – that is repairable with this fix.

6.  YouTube has become Top 40 with pictures and huge audiences.  Their next move?

7.  The answer that everyone is ignoring that could make the music business a new age money machine.  Not through traditional means like CDs, downloads and airplay but through this ingenious approach.

An early warning on big changes ahead for the music and radio industries starts here.

This is a good day to start a subscription and access this story and everything I have written to date for as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

How Radio Can Run Groupon Out of Town

If I told you that Steve Jobs and gadget huckster Ron Popeil have radio’s answer to Groupon, would you be interested?

If I said it is not only possible but easy for any radio station to run the coupon-of-the-day service Groupon out of their market on a rail, would you try it?

In this article, I am going to layout a blueprint for turning regular over-the-air radio into a growth business again.

Then, you can take all that money you’re planning to make from online and digital and add it to your ever-increasing profits.

I know– the BIA/Kelsey projections are out and pure radio will not equal last year’s 5.4% growth rate in any of the next two years – and one of them is even an election year.

I don’t care.

This plan requires an open mind, some innovation, a little investment and a lot of enthusiasm.  I’ll share …

1.  What to do with spot radio.  It’s not the vehicle radio needs to become a growth industry again, but I’ve got something for you that is.

2.  There is actually a company in another industry that is doing exactly what radio should do to rev up sales.  Would you like to know who they are and how they do it?

3.  All about a surefire way to sell advertisers on cutting you in on a bigger share of the pie.  It’s ingenious and I’m surprised no station has tried it. 

4.  Apple has its iTunes Store.  What does your radio station have?  I’ll tell you a phenomenal possibility.

5.  What costs virtually no money and can reap increases in radio sales?  Get ready to write it down.

6.  A link to a Malcolm Gladwell article that will change the way you think about selling. 

7.  Plus, my plan for radio stations to run Groupon out of town.

New possibilities for radio start here.

This is a good day to start a subscription and access this story and everything I have written to date for as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

3 Radical Changes in Consumer Behavior You Must Track

I like to keep readers of this space way ahead on media and consumer trends.

There are disturbing consumer habits that are beginning to emerge that may one day become important to decision making and planning.

This article is about three radical changes that you will want to track not for what they seem to represent but for their not so obvious hidden message.

This article contains three such trends that baffle the mind but have great meaning:

1.  “Online Reputation Cleaners” -- the growing group of companies popping up to erase consumer footprints on the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. 

2.  I’ll hook you up with some popular companies that are cleaning all references to clients off the face of the Internet.

3.  Typewriters are becoming “vinyl”.  Guess who is buying them?  Young people.   Laugh at your own peril.  Don’t worry we’re not headed back to the past, but there is a nerve these typewriter users have hit that will definitely impact the future of social networking and mobile media.  Do you know what it is?

4.  I’ll link you to a published report on young people’s growing obsession with typewriters.

5.  “Hands free email”.  No keyboards on mobile devices and laptops – that’s where we’re headed.  I’ve got a new technology to share that claims to cut 12% off the time you spend doing your email.   It’s up and running now and it’s not voice recognition. 

5.  A direct link to how you can test hands free email.

“3 Radical Changes in Consumer Behavior You Must Track” – starts now.

This is a good day to start a subscription and access this story and everything I have written to date for as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, April 4, 2011

Radio in 4 Years (My Predictions)

Want to know what the radio business will be like in just 4 years?

This article contains my current predictions:

1.  About what radio owners will have to do to find a growth industry when young and older people are listening to less radio.

2.  I’ll describe the morning show that will be all the rage in 4 years.  Is this something you can do because you’re going to have to.

3.  What will replace audience ratings?  Sorry, Arbitron.

4.  Pay radio will be an option.  I describe it here.

5.  Let me give you a hint – commercials are so over.  I’ll tell you what will replace them for revenue and even give you a heads up on the mega monster of ad revenue growth that few even see on their radar screens.  But you will and I go into detail.

6.  Which radio people are ideal for the new radio that I am going to describe.  Is this you?

7.  Why my model guarantees job security.  That’s right.  All this firing is going to blow up in the face of consolidators and you’ll see why.

8.  Social networking is so important but it won’t resemble what you see today.  Think Facebook and Twitter is the gold standard.  Think again.

9.  How radio will be so different from what you think of today – and specifically – I’ll give you a heads up to get ahead of the curve.

My vision of radio in 2015 – in 4 short years – starts now.

This is a good day to start a subscription and access this story and everything I have written to date for as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

How to Start a New Media Revolution

Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about competing in the new media business today by learning lessons from the political upheaval in the Middle East.

It’s strikingly the same.

This article reveals …

1.  The untold secrets of viral media.  How it works.  Why it works.  How to do it.

2.  The real power of social networking for your media site is not Facebook – not even Twitter.  It is this.

3.  The one brave and gutsy thing a radio station can do to kick the mobile Internet in the butt.  I’ll describe it and draw up a plan.  If you have the courage, I guarantee this will work for you.

4.  What is now bigger and more important to the music industry than Top 40 radio?  What radio can do to counter.  What you can do if they don’t.

5.  7 strategic steps to compete in a world where YouTube is attracting over 70 million views in two weeks for unknown artists with little experience. 

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of Inside Music Media so you can access stories like these every day, it comes out to as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 31, 2011

3 New Media Game Changers

There are a lot of things flying under the radar right now that need to be followed. 

Breaking news in new media that cannot be ignored.

This article reveals …

1.  A new kind of television that will either make or break the TV industry.  I’ll layout what’s at stake and what the prospects are.

2.  A cool new device that allows you to set up a store anywhere, anytime with very little expense.  It is so exciting, you will want to know about it and I’ll bet you set up an account.  You don’t want to miss this because it could make you lots of money now.

3. A phenomena that has been growing right before our eyes but in the past week it has blown the lid off of viral communications.  Cannot be ignored.  A must have for radio stations and record labels.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of Inside Music Media so you can access stories like these every day, it comes out to as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

#1 Radio Biller WTOP’s Revenue Boosters

Bonneville’s WTOP, Washington has done the impossible.

It has just become the number one billing station in the country from market #9.

WTOP out billed some pretty impressive radio stations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and other larger cities.

New York and LA together bill approximately half a billion dollars in a typical year – double what Washington bills as a market – making this victory most impressive.

And most instructional as WTOP strategy flies in the face of consolidated radio wisdom.

The news is impressive enough but headlines don’t tell the real story.

WTOP billed almost $60 million and that’s not counting their digital revenues that in the past have exceeded 8% of WTOP’s total billing.

In this article, I’ll reveal what things WTOP executives are doing that any station can do …

1.  How their content is different from 99% of America’s radio stations – and I’m not talking about their news format.

2.  How WTOP programs in the moment and cleans up with local advertisers.  All the details.

3.  An innovative listener/station connection that makes their fans addicted.  Read this and you can do the same thing with the same great results.

4.  How WTOP cashes in on websites and social media that other stations neglect.

5.  Is it possible to attract lots of non-radio advertisers to radio?  Bingo!  See how WTOP adds to its coffers by doing that instead of only chasing everyone else’s business.

6.  The one thing that WTOP sellers do that breeds fierce loyalty among advertisers and makes them addicted to the station.

7.  The most innovative strategy is right across the street.  I’ll name two of them in DC that WTOP has mastered and it will get your juices flowing.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of Inside Music Media so you can access stories like these every day, it comes out to as low as 27 cents a day.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

New Study: Music Piracy Is Down

(With Colin Huber and a nice, fresh homemade Italian pizza)

There is a new study just out that shows a significant decline in illegal file sharing.

Guess the record labels were right.  Sue LimeWire out of business and all their problems go way.

Not so quick.

You’ve got to take a close look at this study and some recent events to get a handle on what is happening now.  If you operate with these assumptions, you’re done.

This article reveals …

1.  The NPD Group study and yes, you’ll see file sharing in the fourth quarter of last year way down until you see this damning evidence. 

2.  What’s the new way young people are stealing music now that their favorite bit torrent sites are being shut down.  Do you know?  You will and it’s impossible to stop it.

3.  What two benchmarks prove that this NPD Study is being misinterpreted.  Two things that prove the study wrong.

4.  How to conduct your own straw poll but do it with your eyes wide open.

5.  The same bad information that the labels are getting about music piracy is also killing radio stations.  Stations want ratings but that is so 90’s.  Today they need fans and we’ll show you the one way to get plenty of them.

6.  One of the biggest acts in the music business disproves the theory that giving away music for free hurts sales.  In fact, the artist I’m going to tell you about sells tons of albums in a world where consumers cherry pick singles.

7.  The only thing that could reduce illegal file sharing is this.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, March 28, 2011

Radio’s Best Digital Strategy

Most radio companies give lip service to digital while cutting back live and local on-air programming.

Take Clear Channel – cluelessly buying up bankrupt digital businesses (i.e., Thumbplay and considering the purchase of Playlist.com) when neither one of these will fundamentally improve their revenue streams.  Pandora is already there.

Entercom told analysts last week that Pandora is not the death of terrestrial radio.  Wanna bet?  With radio stations dumping live and local, Pandora is the killer app.

Cumulus and Citadel together have virtually no real digital strategy for the future.

But wait.

This article is about 26 ways to build a digital strategy that works.  I’ve even numbered them for your convenience in designing your own blueprint.

I’ve got it for you right here – here’s a sampling …

•  The best bet for rapid revenue returns in the digital space and it’s not what you think and not what radio groups are currently doing.

•  Actual suggestions on how to organize digital content in a way that cooperates with the current boom.  I’ll explain how to lay it all out and offer it up for short attention span users.

•  How to create short attention span “radio stations” for iPads – and believe me, you’re going to need to think differently on this.

•  The hottest content opportunities.  I’ll name them.

•  The three main ways to make money from digital – one of them you’ll reject (but it is the best and most profitable way) and the other takes skills you’ll have to go out and hire.

•  How to build a lot of iPad sites that add up to big bucks.  You’ll read the number you must build every year to rake in the cash.

•  Where does terrestrial radio fit in to the digital future.  Hint: not one radio group knows.  But you will.

26 do’s and don’ts.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 25, 2011

What If…

CBS news correspondent Jeff Greenfield has a new book out called “Then Everything Changed”. 

What if Bobby Kennedy had proceeded out of his victory speech by taking the planned route instead of the shortcut through the hotel’s kitchen where Sirhan Sirhan shot him dead?

What if Bobby Kennedy became President?

What is Gerald Ford didn’t get caught up in a misstatement of his own making about communism just in time to get Jimmy Carter elected?

What if … what if.

That got me to thinking about the what if’s in the media business – radio, records, Internet.

The article answers these questions …

1.  What if radio consolidation never happened?

2.  What if the kids of mom and pop operators returning from college were left in charge of coming up with Internet, mobile and social networking strategies and not radio CEOs?

3.  What if a record label bought Napster instead of sued it – what would have happened to music piracy?

4.  What if the major record labels said no to Steve Jobs when he sold them on letting him sell music in the iTunes store as a fix for music piracy?

5.  What if Rupert Murdoch didn’t buy MySpace and the kids who started it continued to run it instead of Murdoch’s traditional media execs trying to monetize it?  Would MySpace be Facebook now instead of being for sale?

6.  And what if MySpace continued to concentrate on music instead of imitating Facebook – would Murdoch now own the new portal to music discovery and not Steve Jobs?

7.  What if Google tried to invent YouTube instead of buying it from a handful of kids for $1.8 billion?

8.  What if the record labels jointly with radio companies invented iTunes before Apple?

9.  If they had, who would be the Apple of today?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How Apple’s Music Locker Affects Radio

Steve Jobs is about a month away from announcing his much-anticipated cloud-based music locker concept.

For a price, consumers can store every bit of music (video, files, etc.) they own on Apple’s cloud to access on any equipped mobile device.

The details on this are important – especially ahead of the announcement. 

I’ll share Apple’s plans – the price to consumers, the concept and more importantly, who will be hurt the most by this new concept.

Apple has caught steaming music services off guard and radio is always in denial.  Can radio be hurt by this extension of an iPod?  We’ll take a look.

This article will identify …

1.  What is likely to happen to Spotify, Rhapsody, Slacker and other all-you-can-eat music services?  Are they immune or is it over for them?

2.  What about Pandora?  Pandora is closing in on 100 million subscribers.  Will the Apple music locker close Pandora’s box?  If so, that would be major.

3.  Is radio immune from Apple’s music locker?  Radio is kind of playing into Apple’s hands – I’ll tell you how.  Is the music locker a threat to music radio?

4.  Radio has one sweet spot left – a place that Apple cannot attack – but don’t ask media execs like Bob Pittman where it is.  He’s out buying failed digital companies, but you’ll discover what Pittman is overlooking.

5.  YouTube is top 40 radio today.  Will YouTube music video become a thing of the past?

In these five questions alone, you have mountains of change that could affect the new and traditional media business.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Digital Advertising Starting to Kill Local Radio

A new BIA/Kelsey study is showing real trouble ahead for the radio industry that is highly dependent on local advertising dollars.

Groupon is growing rapidly but so are other digital opportunities that radio is missing in mobile, online and social networking.

This article reveals useful strategies that could prevent radio from losing out to digital media – a trend that is underway at this moment.

1.  Compelling evidence to rethink the digital threat to traditional media – research and surveys.

2.  Some hopeful news from a recent poll that shows where Groupon is vulnerable – and how local radio can step in.  How much the average person spends with Groupon.  And how hooked they are on this coupon-of-the-day service.  Finally, some numbers you can use.

3.  Why the two best radio groups in the digital area are in trouble if they can’t change their digital strategy.

4.  A blueprint for radio to turn digital into a separate business that may even enhance their terrestrial operations.

5.  The best way to sell digital if you are a terrestrial radio station or group -- no one does this -- yet. 

6.  What one thing a radio station could do on-air that would make it a slam-dunk for bigger buy for local digital dollars.  Not what you think. In fact, it’s the opposite.

7.  How to rewire radio’s digital thinking.  I’ll give you an idea you can steal and take to local advertisers now – just for reading this piece.

8.  If you cannot do anything else, here is the one digital initiative you must have going forward if you are a radio company.  It’s this or nothing when it comes to local digital.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Save the date for my next Media Solutions Lab – February 6, 2012 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

America’s Best & Worst Radio Groups

I am often asked which radio group would you work for if you wanted a career in radio.  That would be the one with the best management and best chance to succeed.

A lot has happened since I ranked the best and worst including bankruptcies, mergers, key station acquisitions, critical personnel changes and even luck.  For four years I’ve been getting hundreds of emails a week on the inner workings of radio’s major groups.

So here is my latest list of the best and worst radio groups.

In this article I’ll reveal …

•  What formerly worst group has finally made it to the best list and why they are no longer the worst.

•  The top 8 major radio groups -- what makes them strong and what their future looks like.

•  The three worst radio groups on the planet – at least in the U.S.  You may think you know which three I am talking about but you would be wrong.  I’ve got a big surprise for you and I’ll explain why.

•  The group I think has the inside track on being the number one best 12 months from now.

•  What toxic radio groups to avoid if you’re planning to stick around and have a career in radio.

I start counting down the best and worst radio groups in order – right here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, March 21, 2011

Content Providers — Be Afraid of the AT&T/T-Mobile Merger

Tell me what about the merger of AT&T with T-Mobile is good for anything or anyone – other than AT&T.

Once the news came out this weekend and it sunk in, I said OMG -- Oh My God, this is big – for content providers like us, radio and traditional media businesses that want to take advantage of residing on all those cool Apple and Android devices that are flying out of retail stores.

If you read any of the news accounts of the just-announced AT&T purchase of T-Mobile, just about everything written is about how the deal will benefit AT&T and hurt competitors.

One of the few good things about radio and record industry people who have been screwed into mediocrity by consolidation is that we have the capability of knowing exactly what is going to happen when there are only three major cellular companies left – AT&T, Verizon and the much smaller Sprint.

This article reveals the growing threat to content providers by a handful of gatekeepers that get to charge a digital toll each month to your fans and customers.

1.  The odds that the AT&T merger is approved by regulators.  Remember this is like Clear Channel, Cumulus and Entercom owning everything in radio.

2.  The threat to you if you are a radio station or pure play operator streaming music for a living.

3.  The fail-safe plan for content providers who are increasingly using more video and audio as part of their content.

4.  The only thing that can stop AT&T, Verizon and Sprint if this merger gets approved and this will truly shock you.

5.  What happens to slam-dunk consumer cellular expenses like that $20 a month texting fee?  There is a change slowly happening regarding consumers and texting.  Do you know what it is?

6.  What is the best strategy for content providers to safeguard against some of the roadblocks that cellular consolidation will throw at you?   I’ll name three things you can be aware of starting today.

If you’ve been considering accessing Inside Music Media every day, today is a great day to start.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 18, 2011

Radio’s Believe It Or Not

It is time once again for real stories from the radio and music business that I nominate for Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

More outrageous than a woman delivering a 19 pound baby.

More freakish than high heeled hooves made out of 5,000 hairs.

Or the Frozen Dead Guy Festival.

In radio, we have our own incredible happenings that – as always – to the best of my knowledge are true – a sampling …

1.  The “never-ending” rep contract -- you won’t believe how long this radio rep firm ties up its clients or what they have to do to break the long-term agreement.

2.  Free radio news for the price you’re paying for it.  Which radio trade publication got sexist about a little tiny bit of competition?  Guess.

3.  Confucius:  The Dickey Who Golfs Putz.  If you thought it takes a lot of hard work and long weekends to do a hostile takeover of a competitor like Citadel, wait until you see what Lew Dickey was doing right in the middle of negotiations.  Documented.

4.  Bonuses for failing.  In this age of cutbacks and “layoffs”, guess who turned out to be the greediest bastards of them all on the backs of their present and departed staffers.  We’ve got the eye-popping numbers for you.

5.  The pep talk before Cumulus took over Susquehanna a few years back gives the best insight as to how it will takeover Citadel in September.  An insider tells all.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The New Citadel Media

Cumulus Media is expected to close on its purchase of Citadel Media around September.

The day that deal is consummated, you can expect an earthquake stronger than the one in Japan to hit the radio industry.

While Cumulus CEO Lew Tricky Dickey is promising $50 million in immediate savings – you can bet that $50 million isn’t coming out of his fortune or that of his family. 

Dickey is saying all the right things – that Cumulus and Citadel are a team.  Sounds good – warm and fuzzy but …

Be afraid.

Be very afraid.

What Cumulus is going to do when it finally takes over Citadel will be uglier than anything that has happened during consolidation – and that includes a lot of ugliness.   

Worse than the arrogant days of Lowry Mays and Randy Michaels at Clear Channel when they terrorized competitors and fired thousands and thousands of outstanding and dedicated radio people.

The Cumulus takeover of Citadel will be more brutal.

This article reveals what you can expect:

1.  How many of Citadel’s 4,000 current employees must be fired for Dickey to deliver on his promise of $50 million in savings once the acquisition closes.

2.  How the Citadel sales platform will be integrated with the existing Cumulus system.

3.  What about commissions?  Farid Suleman already chopped the hell out of Citadel sales commissions.  Is there room left for more pay cuts?

4.  The one thing Lew Dickey can’t wait to do when he gets his hands on Citadel’s old ABC Radio Networks.  Paul Harvey is turning over in his grave.

5.  If ratings and billing are not so important to Lew Dickey, what is?  I’ll share the sweetest sound in any language to a Wall Street banker and no one is better than Dickey at saying it.

6.  The Cumulus answer to Groupon couponing that will hurt local ad sales – but be seated when you read it.

7.  Dickey says now that the two companies will be one large company he can take on Pandora – just like Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman.   I’ll tell you Dickey’s plan.

8.  Plus, the timetable for completing firings, cutbacks, reorganizing and redeploying Cumulus strategies to Citadel.  

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Coming Media Meltdown-customizable radio, coupons and music downloading

There are three major issues that are headed for a meltdown in radio, local advertising and slumping record sales.

This article reveals their melting points:

1.  There is no such thing as customizable radio.  Even Pandora is not really customizable radio.  With big consolidators moving terrestrial radio more toward Pandora, they are going to kill local radio once and for all.  I’ll explain.

2.  Couponing.  Groupon is getting bigger and more powerful.  But look at what some of the big radio groups are planning.  Warning:  you don’t want to do this.

3.  Free music downloads.  Everyone knows CD sales have been declining for nine of the last ten years, but now legal downloading is tapering off and even the interest in illegal downloading of music may decline.  Here’s why the music meltdown cannot be stopped.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Audience Time-Shifting

There are dramatic changes in how audiences consume content that have major repercussions for content providers in traditional and new media.

This new information confirms that among the other challenges content providers face – not the least of which is rapidly changing technology – more attention should be paid to how content is consumed.

In radio, 95% of the conversation is about Wall Street banks buying up stations like they are hotels on a Monopoly board with very little consideration given to actual content or for that matter local audiences.  Before consolidation, it was the polar opposite.  Mom and pop owners often lost money on radio, but their stations usually focused on serving needs in the local communities without regard to profits.

In the record business, 95% of the major labels’ efforts seem to be devoted to hanging on to traditional income streams – i.e., selling CDs, licensing music.  And new ideas such as 360 deals are laughable because labels do not possess the skills to manage acts and steer their careers in concert venues.

Like it or not, the audience is changing even if traditional media stands steadfast.

This article reveals new research that confirms the continued growth and evolution of audience time-shift plus 5 pieces of strategic advice for content providers in radio, television, print and new media including …

1.  The latest eye-opening consumer research by demographics that shows a runaway movement toward time-shifting.

2.  The one thing consumers are increasingly demanding from content producers – not just traditional media but new media as well.  If you don’t deliver this, you might as well shut down.

3.  The impact of time-sharing on 24/7 terrestrial radio and what can be done to cooperate with the inevitable.  Plus how to deliver new consumer needs that they previously didn’t even know they needed – such as coupons – in your content.

4.  Apple actually gave traditional media a great piece of strategic advice on presenting content for audiences that embrace time-shifting and it will cost you nothing – other than to read it here.

5.  The most creative new idea for offering content to time-shifting audiences that very few content providers even know about – but you will because I lay it all out here.

6.  The missing ingredient from efforts to pander to short attention span audiences.  Without this critical element, your efforts to win new audiences that like to consume content on their terms will come up short.  But make this one move and you can fix it. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, March 14, 2011

Who Will Lew Dickey Buy Next?

Lew Dickey, Jr. is now playing with other people’s money. 

That’s why he plunked more of it on the table to buy Citadel last week at $37 a share. 

The question is not whether Citadel is worth $37 a share in what some analysts call a “not fast growth business”.  

The real question is what will one of the biggest under achieving operators in radio buy next.

You’ll love this.

Dickey has a reputation on Wall Street for overpaying for stations.  Insiders say back in the days of the first round of consolidation with Richard Weening, “Lew would bid $40 a share and the joke among brokers was that Lew would pay Milwaukee prices for Oshkosh stations”.

As we witness The Second Coming of Investment Banks who will Lew Dickey prey upon to feed his ego?

This article reveals the potential victims that Lew Dickey may have his eyes on …

1.  Clear Channel.  Don’t laugh.  Of course, Dickey can’t buy all of Clear Channel but can he buy some of it?  Clear Channel has some new options developing as well to avoid having to sell hundreds of stations to pay debt.  I’ll reveal it here.

2.  CBS.  Les Moonves wanted to sell his smaller markets, but does he want to sell more – maybe to Super Lew?  You may be surprised.

3.  Emmis.  They’re in hot water.  They’ve got some major market stations and now that Tricky Dickey is breaking into big market radio is this deal doable?  I’ll explain.

4.  Saga.  Oh boy!  Another company with no debt.  Dickey likes those well-run companies to counteract his red ink.  Read on.

5.  Greater Media.  Nice size group that gets Dickey closer to being as large as Clear Channel, but there is a little catch and you’ll learn it here.

6.  Bonneville.  Makes sense.  They sold 17 stations to Hubbard.  Slam-dunk?

7.  Entercom.  Stop drooling, Lew.  Entercom bid against Cumulus for Citadel.  I’m not saying Lew is a vindictive guy or anything but wouldn’t this be a great headline in the trades? 

8.  Hubbard.  After all, they just bought 17 Bonneville stations.  I’m giving Bruce Reese and the managers that are moving over to Hubbard with him a heart attack right now because Cumulus fires competent managers.

9.  Cox.  Not possible, right?  After all they don’t like each other.  Right?  So that means Cox is safe, right?

10.  Radio One.  No.  Never!  Here is the one reason Dickey would buy all or part of Radio One.  Maybe?

11.  Regent.  Out of bankruptcy after screwing its original investors – now this is just the kind of scenario that made Lew Dickey go after Citadel.  Possible?  Probable?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Untold Secrets of the Cumulus Citadel Deal

What we know is that radio’s serial overpayer spent $2.4 billion that he still doesn’t have to buy Citadel Media away from anxious shareholders.

That combined Cumulus and Citadel will be a platform of 572 radio stations in tiny markets and the top ten.

That Cumulus will carry $3 billion in debt.

And that Dickey is promising to de-lever that debt quickly to make the deal look like a steal.

That’s what we know.

But behind the scenes, there is a lot that will likely not see the light of day.

This article will reveal the Untold Secrets of the Cumulus Citadel Deal … among which are …

Secret #1.  Why Entercom didn’t fight harder to win Citadel.  Entercom publicly admitted to wanting Citadel and wanting to grow but one thing made them gun shy.  I’ll share that one thing with you.

Secret #2.  Is this a slam-dunk or can this deal be stopped?  There are unresolved financial and legal issues that are never really addressed.  What’s the chance that this deal blows up?

Secret #3.  What happens to Citadel CEO Farid Suleman?  Did he negotiate a way to stay on or get more money on the way out?  Your answer is here.

Secret #4.  Why did Dickey want Citadel so badly?  Why not Clear Channel if he was going to think big – they have a lot of financial problems?  Why not CBS or one of the other radio groups?  Turns out there was a big reason why Dickey had to go to Citadel and no one else.

Secret #5.  What happens to Citadel employees now?  Who stays, who goes.  Is there a plan in place?  The dealmakers don’t worry about people but there is a likely scenario about how Cumulus will takeover Citadel.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 10, 2011

3 New Content Opportunities for iPad 2

Apple’s iPad 2 will be available on Friday March 11th at 5pm.

You can expect 25 million of them to be sold by the end of this year – that’s just nine months from now. These are estimates from analysts who follow Apple closely.

Add to that number the 15 million iPads that have already been sold in less than a full year since the iPad was first introduced and you have the one electronic device you cannot ignore.

It doesn’t surprise me that radio still can’t wrap its arms around the mobile Internet even as this new game changer called iPad proliferates.  In fact, newspapers, magazines, and television – all have left their creativity at home when it comes to the iPad.  No doubt competitors will make some inroads in the market, but right now Apple dominates and it should turn the discussion to new opportunities for content providers.

This is an opportunity for radio stations as well as radio people because they already have the skills to do content on a daily basis. 

This article will reveal 3 new content opportunities that you will want to jump on knowing there will be 40 million iPad users out there by December and who knows how many more in 2012:

1.  A Groupon-type opportunity just sitting there and waiting for local radio ad salespeople to cash in on it.  Let Lew Dickey try selling from Atlanta.  Here’s a specific plan that will show you how to get into the new age coupon business from a local market.

2.  iPad news – the next YouTube meets hyperlocal content.  Not that hard to do but the content has to be compelling, unique and addictive.  I’m going to give it away right here.

3.  The game within the game.  One of my favorites.  Sports teams are generally losing the new media battle.  But here’s a new concept for those of you who want to take an idea to a local sports team and show them how to create a new revenue stream from the fans that sit in their seats at arenas and stadiums.  But you’ve got to know this first.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Radio’s Defense Against Groupon

Groupon, the wildly popular 35 million strong deal-of-the-day website, is coming after local radio.

Radio, having lost its exclusive edge in automobiles to a multi-use entertainment center is now on the verge of losing the sure business it was always able to get from local advertisers – even when consolidators weren’t broadcasting local content.

Now, word that Groupon is sending live salespeople into local markets to stand up face-to-face in opposition to terrestrial radio salespeople.  For CEOs like Lew Dickey who thinks radio sales can be operated out of one national location, this spells disaster.

This article will reveal an innovative, ready-to-use blueprint for radio’s defense against Groupon called RadioOn:

1.  Radio’s huge advantage over Groupon.  That’s right – advantage!  An advantage most radio people don’t even realize they have.  I’ll tell you what it is here.

2.  The aggressive plan that instantly puts Groupon at a disadvantage with the very local advertisers they are now trying to steal from radio.  Once you see it, a light bulb will go on in your brain.

3.  This one tactic I will offer – to double down on Groupon discounts – makes it impossible for Groupon to beat a radio sales pitch.  That is … IF … you know this tactic.

4.  One thing radio can add-on to its sales pitch that Groupon sales execs cannot touch whether they do it on the phone or in person with prospects.  Do you know what it is?  If not, you should.

5.  How to build an early warning notification system that will trump Groupon in local markets rendering them second best forever and forced to live on scraps of business left behind.

6.  This is the killer – a creative way for radio to do an on-air version of Groupon’s model and actually – sit down for this – increase your audience.  If you’re in radio, new media or advertising, you’ll want to know this radio advantage that stations don’t even know they have.  Haven’t even tried.  Until you read this.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sony Music Screws Up

What kind of a screwed up industry is the music business when Sony hires the almost-retired CEO of rival Universal Music and ignores the digital revolution that is killing them?

Sony CEO Howard Stringer is putting on a clinic of what not to do.

This article reveals …

  • A major consumer change coming and the labels are clueless
     
  • How even restless consumers don’t know what they want
     
  • What Apple is secretly working on to give them what they crave
     
  • Why the labels are looking in the wrong place (we’ll tell you what they are overlooking).
     
  • How music has changed even as the labels have resisted change

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, March 7, 2011

9 Cumulus/Citadel Merger Predictions

The merger of Cumulus and Citadel has major repercussions for the two companies and the entire radio industry.

Here are 9 predictions of what will happen.  Among them …

  • The first move Lew Dickey will make once the Cumulus/Citadel merger closes.  No, not layoff station people – that’s the second thing.
     
  • Dickey’s next move after Citadel.
     
  • The fate of Citadel’s ABC stations.
     
  • First look at the media platform -- Citadel and Cumulus combined.
     
  • The debt tightrope that Cumulus will be on.
     
  • The one thing Cumulus should do when it takes over Citadel – that it won’t do.
     
  • Farid Suleman’s future.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, March 4, 2011

Steal These Apple Strategies for Radio

Radio needs to think more like Apple.

I’m not talking about technology now as much as I am innovation and creating excitement.

Charlie Sheen may be off his rocker but everyone is talking about tiger blood. 

Steve Jobs did another one of his multi-million dollar free publicity product introductions Wednesday when he introduced the new iPad 2.

We’ll I’m here to share some thoughts on how radio stations – yes, good old terrestrial radio stations can take a page out of Apple’s strategy playbook and try something new and better.

In this article, I believe there is more usable information to transform traditional media into the exciting future and I’d like to share …

1.  Six rules any radio station can adopt to create advertiser interest in what they are doing – Steve Jobs-style.  Yes, these principles are also great for entrepreneurs in the media and music business.

2.  How to get advertisers to want to buy radio station innovations.

3.  How to get these same advertisers to pay full price for them and not diminish what terrestrial stations already charge for on-air commercials.

4.  Some down and dirty secrets on how to create so much buzz that advertisers will be eagerly anticipating your event for more than just free food and drinks.

5.  Smart strategy on price points.  Steve Jobs is actually teaching us every time he gets on stage but we’re not listening – until now.

This article is about using the tried and true strategies of Apple CEO Steve Jobs in creating intense interest in your innovations and establishing a popular price point.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

How Google, Apple & Facebook Are Shaping the Future of Content

Payback is a bitch.

And for all the content providers screaming about how Apple, Google and Facebook are putting a crimp in their mobile Internet plans, it is nothing they haven’t already done in traditional media.

You’ve heard the future, now look at the problems it faces:

1.  Is Apple in it to make money on selling cool devices to consumers or by taking tolls for content providers who want to access their hundreds of millions of credit card ready customers?  The answer to understand going forward.

2.  The fate of Pandora and other streaming companies – even radio streams that sell subscriptions or advertising – if they have to pay Apple and others to be available on hundreds of millions of iPhones and 40 million iPads.

3.  Why is Google the Arbitron of the mobile Internet?  No, not that way but in this way.  Both companies make up their own rules but one of them is self-destructive.

4.  With one out of every two Americans with an ISP having a Facebook account, imagine what Facebook could do next.  I have and I’ll share.

5.  There are a few new rules becoming evident in the world of the mobile Internet.  Radio companies looking to derive more of its income will have to play by these rules, but first we’ll tell you what they are.

This article is about how Google, Apple and Facebook are changing the rules to what traditional content providers thought would be a straight shot to the Internet.  Except now, there is one stop along the way – the digital tollbooth and the implications are great.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Clear Channel Heads For Subscription Radio

Bob Pittman has just spent some of Clear Channel’s money to buy a company that is on the ropes – Thumbplay, a $10 monthly streaming music service that only attracted 20,000 subscribers in its first year of existence.

Streaming subscription music services are yesterday’s news, fraught with problems but the jubilant Pittman says his acquisition is only step one.

This article looks at Pittman’s strategy and tries to make sense of his thinking:

1.  Why buy a failed music subscription service?

2.  Pittman is going after Pandora but not the way you might think.  His acquisition of Thumbplay can never exceed Pandora’s audience (now at over 75 million subscribers).  But Pittman is envious about this one thing that Pandora has that could hurt terrestrial radio.

3.  While Pandora looks to get into local radio with non-music formats, is Pittman’s move a Wall Street money guy flexing his investors’ dollars or is it a sound strategy?

4.  Pittman’s game plan – projected and out of his own mouth.

5.  An option Pittman didn’t think of, but you can have it.  I explain the strategy here.

This article is about the biggest radio company’s first, high profile move into the digital future and examines what is good about it and the mistakes you will want to avoid.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Radio’s Next Buyers and Sellers

You’ve asked me to handicap the top radio groups to project whether they are buyers or sellers and in this article, I’ve done that.

This piece reveals …

1.  Is Emmis a buyer or seller in light of legal headaches and a small platform? 

2.  Entercom – what if the Citadel deal never happens?  Is Entercom a buyer or a seller?

3.  The fate of Radio One in light of a potential Cumulus takeover of the radio industry.

4.  Then how does Clear Channel react if the Dickeys become the new Mays family?  Buy or sell?

5.  Cox is a great operator but can it survive more consolidation as a relatively small group?  I’ve got your answer right here.

6.  The old Bonneville – the one owned by the Mormon Church – are they going to sell the markets they held back from the Hubbard deal or operate them into the future?

7.  And what of Hubbard once they close on the 17-station Bonneville acquisition.  They’ve got Bruce Reese to run it, and Reese’s top managers.  Is Hubbard eyeing something bigger?

8.  CBS – Lee Moonves has said he’d like to sell some stations and hasn’t.  Will he in light of a potential Cumulus-Citadel merger that could change everything.

9.  Saga has the least amount of debt and keeps cranking out cash flow.  Will this small to medium market company feel Lew Dickey’s breath breathing down its back?

10.  Salem?  I have a hunch.

This article gets specific about how the main players in radio consolidation could be affected if the landscape suddenly changes and Cumulus becomes the new Clear Channel.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, February 28, 2011

The Real Cumulus Citadel Merger

The real merger of Cumulus with Citadel isn’t consolidation like radio used to see in the late 90’s.  It’s about a methodical takeover of the radio industry by banking interests who reward losers and punish winners.

This article reveals …

•  A slight opening in the exclusive negotiating window Cumulus is paying Citadel for – it could allow a white knight to save Citadel from Cumulus or it could be a bust.  Here’s how it works.

•  Who could give Cumulus a run for their money at this point.

•  Why the banks are hell bent to create yet another heavily debt ridden radio group.  It defies logic until you read this.

•  The Cumulus end game.  Lew Dickey is out shopping for loans to complete the deal, but here is his plan.

•  What will the merged Cumulus and Citadel look like?  More layoffs?  Lots or a few?  What will happen to Citadel programming?  Management changes.  The corporate setup.   This describes the net result of the Cumulus-Citadel merger.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, February 25, 2011

Ex-GM Kicking Cumulus in Court

Lew Dickey may be snapping his suspenders and enjoying making Citadel CEO Farid Suleman and his 14,000 employees squirm as he attempts a hostile takeover.

But in a little Connecticut courthouse, an ex-Cumulus employee who the Dickeys sued when she left them for Cox is prevailing in court so much so that she may be able to get Lew to say “uncle”.

You know that these kinds of stories are not reported in the radio trade press, which is happy to skirt controversy to stay in Dickey’s good graces.  But Cumulus is attempting to be the big dog among radio consolidators with a record of employee dissatisfaction and a punitive management style.

This article will reveal the draconian tactics being used by Cumulus and how one employee appears to be overcoming them:

1.  What a judge did with a Cumulus attempt to hogtie the income and personal possessions of former market manager Kristin Okesson.

2.  How low would Cumulus go to put a stranglehold on an employee’s life after she left their company?  I’ve got two scary examples for you.

3.  How much does this judge think Cumulus can win – if they win -- and the case goes to trial?  Let’s play high low.  Cumulus wants over $1 million from their ex-employee.  She wants to pay zero.  You guess what the judge said was Cumulus’ best-case scenario (yes, it’s higher than zero).

4.  Inside info on the shrewd countersuit that Dickey’s ex-employee filed against Cumulus – a suit so dangerous that one way or the other I think it forces Cumulus to settle the original case.

5.  Can you imagine Lew Dickey being deposed in this case?  Imagine it.  Here’s how Dickey cannot avoid a deposition.

6.  Cumulus has no women in senior management positions, most people know that.  But the very company that is hot in pursuit of Citadel has how many women as market managers?  Whatever your guess, keep in mind that it is three fewer than when Okesson was employed there. 

7.  What will happen in the end?  It’s harder to predict whether Cumulus will be successful in its takeover attempt of rival Citadel than it is to see how this secret and vindictive lawsuit will end.  I’ll tell you my prediction right here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Stupid Music and Media Mistakes

Radio and the record industry along with their brethren in TV and print continue to make major strategic mistakes that are so contrary to today’s evolving consumer behavior that they are self-destructive.

Are you making these mistakes or are you smart enough to avoid them?

This article reveals the faulty strategic thinking of radio, music industry and TV networks that are tantamount to shooting yourself in the foot:

1.  What’s the fatal flaw in Sony’s just launched Music Unlimited music service that is aimed at where heavy radio listeners live.  This one – from a company that used to do everything right – explains why Apple is the new Sony.  It’s all you need to know.

2.  Getting upset about the new gatekeepers like Apple, Google and Internet ISPs charging access for their toll road is an emotional argument that even the U.S. Department of Justice is getting into, but what is the one mistake industry executives are making when they get lost in the debate on paying Apple for access to their mobile devices.  This one is important.

3.  Why Rupert Murdoch’s The Daily made-for-iPad app is The Dud.  Three things that the powerful News Corp forgot to do when they designed their groundbreaking newspaper app that they want $50 a year for.

4.  Why do traditional content providers still think they are in charge of your viewer?  Here’s a sorry example of NBC’s attempt to present Hockey Day last Sunday without showing one game all the way through – plus other anti-fan and consumer missteps you’ll want to avoid.

5.  Why do radio and TV stations continue to drive their terrestrial audiences to their websites?  I know, it’s to boost website traffic, but it doesn’t work and in fact, it hurts them in this one very significant way.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Music Industry Terrorists

The radio industry got dissed again on the recent Grammy show by none other than most of the artists and their Academy leader Neil Portnow.

That’s funny because the telecast memorialized the decline of the record industry the moment Arcade Fire, an indie group, won best album.

The radio industry could put a stop to music industry terrorism and I’ve got a plan for your consideration.  After all, consumers are voting with social networking in Egypt and in a less important way in the music business.

One thing is for sure – the labels won’t be around for the music industry I see in my crystal ball.

Meanwhile, this article reveals the music industry’s tough new strategy to stick it to terrestrial radio and my blueprint to return the favor to them.

This article reveals the labels' new strategy against radio …

1.  To use radio’s own trade association NAB against the industry with the lobby group’s cooperation.  This is the new twist on Gordon Smith’s failed attempt to go to the labels hat in hand and beg them to allow radio to start paying more music royalties.   And why Smith had to change his focus to coincide with the labels new plan.

2.  What the labels are threatening to do to radio stations that they believe can impact what makes it on the air.

3.  The final grenade – the music industry’s desperate threat to bring radio to its knees on a performance royalty.

Then, my blueprint to shut the labels down – Steve Jobs-style ...

1.  How radio can get the labels attention in a big way and turn the fear on them.  I’ll share the details.

2.  The ultimate strategic move that actually cuts off Congressional sympathy for inaugurating a music performance royalty for radio.  Why has no one thought of this idea?

3.  How to twist the music industry’s arm around its back in a move that will make them say “uncle” – at least when they see their profits decline further.

4.  How radio can easily take a page from Steve Jobs’ playbook because radio may be on the decline but the music industry cannot live without free exposure over the radio.  How do you like this move?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Entercom/Citadel Merger

Everyone seems resigned to the fact that Cumulus is going to succeed in its hostile takeover of Citadel. 

Everyone but Citadel CEO Farid “Fagreed” Suleman and me!  How’s that for strange bedfellows?

I think Entercom still has a chance and even if Citadel accepts the Cumulus offer while I am writing this piece, I still think Entercom (or some other group) is the horse to watch.  

The Cumulus/Citadel merger stinks. 

It has no merit other than to earn fat fees for investment bankers and high interest rates on the debt that will follow.  And let me be clear – it will be destructive to every other radio group except Clear Channel (I’ll explain).

Here’s what this article reveals ...

1.  Could Entercom still buy Citadel even after coming up short last week?  I’ve got some compelling evidence for you to consider.

2.  Why would Entercom want Citadel now?  There are two reasons that I think you will appreciate as I lay out the scenario I see happening.

3.  What is a fair price for Citadel?  Notice you haven’t seen one solid number on how much radio stations are worth.  Just a pig in a poke number.  Here’s why.  There is a new pricing system that is apparently being used to determine the value of the Citadel stations and if I told you it isn’t station comps and it isn’t the recent Bonneville station sales, would you believe what the parties are using as a way of pricing the deal?

4.  The adverse affects if Cumulus is the one that merges with Citadel. 

5.  What happens to current Citadel employees who survived one dictator and now this?

6.  The major changes ahead for Citadel markets where Harvard case study mentality is likely to replace what is still good about some Citadel stations.  I’ll explain.

7.  What happens if Cumulus gets Citadel, will there be more radio mergers even without real station values to price the acquisitions? 

8.  How some good radio companies can have bad things happen to them if Dickey and his Wall Street cronies pull off this improbable hostile takeover.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, February 18, 2011

The Cumulus/Citadel Marriage Made in Hell

So Lew Dickey sweetens the pot and offers Farid Suleman what is effectively $37 a share instead of $31 and suddenly everyone assumes that these two toxic companies wind up as one – in debtors heaven.

Not so fast.

You can believe what you read if you want or you can consider what I am about to share with you and then decide.

This article will reveal the untold story of what is going on behind the scenes in this merger:

1.  Farid Suleman’s back room strategy to blow up the latest Lew Dickey attempt to steal his company.  All the latest details.

2.  Why the news of Dickey’s latest offer was leaked to Radio Ink, a friend of Farid Suleman.  Why I think it was done on purpose and I’ll tell you my reasoning.  Plus who I think leaked it.

3.  Evidence of Farid Suleman’s reluctance to sell and why he appears to be playing along with this second Dickey attempt to make him unemployed.

4.  What happens to Fagreed if Dickey wins?

5.  Why Citadel is attractive and why Fagreed Suleman himself may have accidently left the door open for archenemy Lew Dickey to steal his company.  I’ll tell Suleman’s costly miscalculation.

6.  The thing that could actually blow up the Cumulus takeover if it ever happens – something out of the control of Lew Dickey.

7.  Why a Cumulus/Citadel merger is a rotten deal for radio, local cities, employees, shareholders – need I go on.  We know that already perhaps. But it’s a great deal for someone – and that someone is not even Lew Dickey.  In this piece I’ll tell you who comes away the big winner if this marriage gets consummated.

8.  Details on the poison pill Fagreed established after Dickey’s first attempt to takeover Citadel.  It’s unbelievable and it’s brilliant in a sick kind of way.

9.  Can the Cumulus takeover of Citadel get done?  I’ll go on the record here.

10.  Could it get scuttled?  I’ll tell you what I know.

11. What other major radio group is said to be interested in fighting Lew Dickey for Citadel.  Read it here.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hot Media Issues

There is a lot heating up in the media business currently.  

BORDERS

Is the book chain’s failure a precursor of the toll the digital revolution will take on brick and mortar bookstores?  There is something else important that the bankruptcy of Borders is screaming out at you and we’ll nail it down here.

STREAMING TV

Big network executives are throwing cold water on the efforts of video websites to allow replay of their TV programs.  Many prefer to keep them in-house and display them on their own websites.  But streaming TV just may be the hottest consumer category out there right now.  The mistakes you don’t want to make.

WARNER/EMI

What’s more important or significant than the sale of EMI or Warner Music Group. 

FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND EGYPT

Did the Facebook revolution cause the Egyptian uprising?  Really?  Why few have made sense of social networking’s real role in today’s world and why consumers are the same as downtrodden people under dictatorships.  I’ll explain.

MUSIC PIRACY

Something critical is going on right now in music piracy that will change everything.

This article is about what is really behind some of the emerging hot media trends in the past month and what we can learn from them.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Why Would Anyone Buy Warner Music Group Now

In this article, you’ll get deep background on what is really going on with the record labels and predictions about which labels will be sold and how consumer changes may make all that activity moot.

There are 10 predictions plus 3 changes in consumer behavior that will impact the music industry

A sampling  …

1.  Will anyone buy Warner Music Group and what will happen if they do?

2.  In light of the fact that Warner is for sale, what does that mean for EMI which is also rushing to sell?  Here is what I think will be the timeline.

3.  The back-story – finagling being done by Warner because it knows EMI has to be sold and why all Warner’s maneuvers may blow up in their face.

4.  I have a critical prediction about illegal music downloading that will surprise you.

5.  Three changes in consumer behavior that are not to be ignored.  One has to do with lifestyle.  Another with piracy and the third about radio.

This article is about what is really behind the inevitable sale of EMI and probable sale of Warner assets and what it will mean to the music industry.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Future of Radio

So much is happening in the media business right now. 

Pandora and Facebook are getting IPOs.  Both will affect terrestrial radio and the record industry.

Social networking has not only fueled a revolution in the music and media business but helped spread the word for democracy in Tunisia and Egypt.

Electronic products were selling like hotcakes right through that miserable recession we hope we’re done with.  So I thought you’d like to know what I am seeing specifically for the radio industry in the year ahead.

This piece focuses on …

1.  Consolidation – Did the Bonneville sale of 17 stations to Hubbard pave the way for more contraction.  It’s kind of interesting and not what you may think. I’ll get specific.

2.  The Cumulus Citadel takeover – is it possible?  Is it good?  What happens to radio either way?

3.  Local sales – This is the most important prediction I can make because the world of local sales is being pressured by online operators like Groupon and the proliferation of social networking sites.  I’ll tell you how much money Pandora is taking away from radio in its first year accepting local advertising.  You’ll want to sit down first.  I also have a solution that very few companies are using to bolster local sales but the ones that are using it are bolstering local sales.

4.  Morning shows – This year something major is going to happen with regard to local and live radio shows.  One way or the other, things will change.  Here’s the blueprint.

5.  Employment security – Are the layoffs over?  If not, which radio companies still have firing in their future.

6.  Social networking – What radio does not understand about social networking and what they had better learn soon.

7.  Online streaming of terrestrial radio – The missing link, the one thing radio streamers still don’t get.

This article is about the evolving trends that are being observed now that will have a direct affect on the future of radio.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Pandora IPO Targets Radio

If the Pandora IPO announced last Friday doesn’t scare you, think about Facebook, Groupon, iTunes and Twitter because all of these companies are in the process of becoming powerful competitors to radio stations and record labels even as soon as the next 12 months.

Here’s what this article predicts:

1.  What Pandora, fresh from its new $100 million IPO along with Facebook and Groupon – all hunting for investment capital will do next that is sure to catch terrestrial broadcasters asleep at their transmitters.  Ignore them at your own risk.

2.  What Pandora will do with the $100 million.  Hint:  It won’t be paying music royalties.

3.  While radio is trying to sell local advertising – and while local advertising is going to improve for radio this year – you won’t want to celebrate until you read what Pandora and these few powerful mobile websites will target that will change everything.

4.  The unintended consequences of consolidators in the radio and record industries cutting too deeply into the bone.  How these industries allowed a handful of powerful competitors to emerge and to this day, they don’t see the real threat ahead.

5.  I’ll name the specific things that Pandora and others are now targeting in terrestrial radio that at the very least will cut into profits and at the most redefine a struggling industry.

This article lends insight to radio’s real competitors – the few, the proud and the financially well endowed – in ways that could not be previously imagined.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Next 3 Most Powerful Media Forces

Are Clear Channel, Citadel and Cumulus the next 3 powerful media forces?

Well, I’ll answer that right now – no.

ABC, CBS, NBC and/or Fox?

That would be another no.

Google?

Nope.  Not even Google.

You’re going to want to know the next 3 most powerful media forces emerging as we speak because they are going to change everything.  In fact, some of those changes are already being documented right now. 

In this article, you’ll discover …

1.  What the sale of Huffington Post to AOL and the sale of 17 Bonneville radio stations to Hubbard have in common.  You will never figure it out, but once you see it I think you’ll get it. 

2.  The corporation that is emerging as a greater force than even the U.S. government as it pertains to American media.  Do you know who it is?

3.  The one move that can abruptly shut down the future of new media commerce and it may happen this very year.  No, it’s not music royalties.  It’s worse.

4.  Who is emerging as the biggest player in new media access and why this will affect even traditional radio and television.

5.  Imagine if some consumers cannot have an iPad, iPhone or Android device because this handful of companies make it impossible for some to own them.  I’ll name names.

6.  What can shut down our entire new media culture in a matter of only seconds?  Just seconds! The culprit will be identified right here.

This article is about the unseen risks of doing business in the age of the mobile Internet and yet consumers increasingly flock there while content providers will have these 3 critical hurdles to overcome.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The New Radio Royalty Scare

The NAB seems to be hell bent on snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

There is absolutely no chance of a music industry-sponsored performance royalty tax exemption for radio being revoked this year.  Congress has too much else to do. 

But – the NAB is planning a surrender with dignity without you.

So unless you really, really want to start paying more royalties to the music industry, it looks like musicFIRST has lost at last.

At least for the foreseeable future.

But there is a lot going on behind the scenes that you will want to know about because the NAB has a plan to scare you into doing a deal with the music industry anyway.

1.  How the NAB is going to tell you what musicFIRST is planning to upset the operation of your radio station.  I’ve got all the details for you and why the NAB seems to be siding with the opposition in this dirty trick aimed at radio’s very own owners and operators.

2.  The secret plan by another labor organization to hurt radio stations where they cannot afford to be hurt.  I’ll tell you the threat and you can decide for yourself.

3.  What the NAB is most afraid of – not that radio stations will have to pay yet another music royalty but this one thing.

4.  The prospects of the NAB getting traction with their new fear mongering and what the NAB should actually be doing right now – something so critical to the radio industry that it makes the royalty performance tax pale by comparison.  That’s right, you won!  Now move on this or else radio will lose.

5.  The three NAB strategies being proposed for members to consider.  Take your blood pressure pills before reading this one.

6.  How the NAB is now pimping for its opponent, musicFIRST.  I’ll give you their words exactly.

This article exposes NAB’s secret game plan as well as their perceived motives.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Why MySpace Failed and Facebook Didn’t

In a world where radio is declining, newspapers are yesterday’s news and the music industry is hopelessly lost in the past, we see a new age company fall flat on its face.

MySpace is done.  

Facebook prevailed.

News Corp is trying to sell MySpace and it doesn’t really matter who buys it.  MySpace missed its chance to be number one.  Even if MySpace is eventually reinvented by a new owner, MySpace may be history.

This piece examines:

1.  The fatal flaw Rupert Murdoch had after he bought MySpace.  If he had recognized his miscalculation, MySpace might have bested Facebook.   One thing.

2.  The lessons of MySpace’s failed strategy to compete with Facebook.  A strategic error as soon as the sale closed relegated MySpace to second-class status.  Do you know the error?

3.  What Warren Buffet might have done had he purchased MySpace.  He didn’t and that might be an indicator right there.  But if he had …

4.  The new rules of media dominance.  Things have changed over the past ten years, now only certain companies can prevail and they usually do this one thing.

5.  My list of five lessons the radio business, music industry and new media can learn from the MySpace debacle on content, management, competition, the mobile Internet and strategic renewal.  

This article is about the critical mistakes that News Corp made in what should have been the prosperous world of new media. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Clear Channel to Invent Pandora

Wonder Boy is at it again.

Now Bob Pittman, the Jim Jones of Clear Channel, is going to invent Pandora – even though Pandora already did it. 

Is anyone wondering why Pittman is on a blind PR blitz of the radio industry these days?

If you believe Pittman, he’s going to cram whatever radio programming he can into cool electronic devices even if consumers don’t want it.

Pittman is the face of Clear Channel and frankly, many people would rather see John Hogan because at least he can make up slogans that don’t matter.

Pittman is cranking out spin that doesn’t matter:

1.  How you can prove that Clear Channel is not going to invent its own Pandora – there is one big thing missing.  I’ll name it.

2.  Evidence – his own words – that Pittman has been away from radio for too long.  He hangs himself with these words.

3.  The real reason Pittman babbles on and on about nothing.  He’s actually hiding something – something very critical that he’d rather have you and more importantly investors not think about.  I’ll spell it out so you can think about it.

4.  What Clear Channel is saying and what I think it will do are two different things.  I’ll tell you what I believe Clear Channel will really do.

This article is about the number one radio consolidator, up against the ropes, because it screwed up demonstrating how bad the situation really is in spite of the rhetoric.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, February 7, 2011

Radio’s Believe It Or Not

(With my wife Cheryl before our recent Media Solutions Lab)

Enough of Bob Pittman and Lew Dickey – they get too much adoring press.

Let’s go to the field and see what is really happening in radio while talking heads wax eloquent about the future of consolidated radio.

This piece is about …

1.  One of the three major consolidators (that begins with a “c”) that is forcing all employees to sign a one-year – you read that right – non-compete in return for two weeks of severance pay upon exiting the company.  Two weeks pay for 52 weeks more of unemployment in radio.   It’s unbelievable.  Hear it from a company insider.

2.  The prestigious major market news station that followed corporate belt tightening and looped old news during the night while a blizzard slammed their city of licenses.  Also outdated traffic reports. 

3.  Which major group had the gall to screw St. Jude’s Hospital out of a mutually beneficially community-based public service alliance – at the last minute – reportedly leaving the well-known children’s hospital on the hook for tickets and hotel rooms?  Now that’s public disservice.

4.  Want to take your major market station from number two to outside the top 10?  This radio group did it with the help of a big corporate exec and his puppet program director.  Want to know how so you never do it?  Read on.

This article is about how firing people and saving money continually make radio groups look like clowns.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Music Industry: When EMI Falls

The dominoes are about to start falling in the record industry this year.

This week, Citibank suddenly took control of EMI which it had previously propped up with massive funding, took 100% control, immediately ate $1.2 billion in debt and immediately put EMI’s assets up for sale in an effort to save at least some of their investment.

You can be sure they are not sticking around to build the company up again.  This is a fire sale that will change the ecology of the record industry as early as this year.

In this piece, I’ll tell you how and what the ramifications will be:

1.  One of the other Big Four labels will buy some of EMI’s assets.  No one wants them all.  That says a lot.  Here are the gems that can be sold and which competing labels are likely to get them.

2.  There is something that even a money-losing label like EMI has that is worth more than its record label.  I’ll explain.

3.  How the fate of record labels and radio groups are inextricably tied to each other for worse – no longer for better.  This may help give context to why the labels are so hell bent to win a performance royalty from radio stations and why they are not the least bit concerned about upsetting radio’s role as the main driver of record sales.

4. The one Big Four label that I think is all about new music and why it, too, will fail.

5.  A second record label is in bad shape.  I’ll name it and tell you the sorry circumstances.  Oh, and this bankruptcy-bound survivor could be a buyer of EMI’s stuff.

6.  If file sharing and the Internet killed the music business, who killed the record labels?  Not file sharing and the Internet.  We’re going to finger the suspect right here.

This is an article about the decay of the record labels that will finally cause them to crumble in 2011 and where the pieces will wind up.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The First Multimedia iPad Newspaper

(Shown with Cheryl to my left and Mickey and Cassie Luckoff after our recent Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale)

The long-awaited The Daily is out – a collaboration between News Corp mogul Rupert Murdoch and Apple’s Steve Jobs. 

Lee Abrams, who developed an anchorless TV newscast called Newsfix for Tribune before his departure, agrees with me that there are a lot of good things about it, but some things are missing.

After all, The Daily costs 99 cents a week – a nice Applish number – that adds up to over $50 a year so it had better be good.

But I see the next year as a great time for radio people to get into the multimedia app business and in this piece I reveal …

1.  Radio’s biggest advantage even over Rupert Murdoch and Steve Jobs just waiting to succeed.  And, the fatal mistake I think radio companies will eventually make if and when they get into the app multimedia business.

2.  In the app world, what is more important than your terrestrial radio station itself?  Wait until you hear this.

3.  If iPads don’t lend themselves to formats and hot clocks (and they definitely do not), then how will the content have to be presented?  Picture this and you’ll get it.

4.  App radio is really not radio but multimedia and it is a golden opportunity to create a rich flow of cash known as pay radio.  Want to know how?  Here is the best price point.

5.  The perils of social networking in all of this.  That’s right, consumers expect social networking but they are getting spooked big time by this one thing.  Here’s a workaround.

6.  Three important keys if you want to succeed in the app multimedia business either as a radio content provider or entrepreneur.  You can post these three rules on the wall because if you’re missing even one of them, you won’t cut it in the digital content world that is evolving.

7.  Ever wonder how you can do music radio on an iPad?  Certainly not by making it a radio dial that simply offers your terrestrial stream to iPad users.  What do you think of this cool way that even saves money on music royalties?

This is a forward-looking article about the prospects for radio content providers on the iPad platform and an honest look at the competition’s initial try at multimedia entertainment.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Growing Need for On-Demand Content

(With my daughter, Daria, who attended my recent Media Solutions Lab)

I’ve got some dramatic new evidence for you – with statistics – that audiences are relying so heavily on time-delayed consumption that it is now the difference between being an also-ran and number one.

If I’m a radio station or broadcast exec, I’m going to want to chew on this because the consumer is telling us something.

1.  Who is the king of late night television?  Leno, Letterman, Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien or Jimmy Kimmel.  Go ahead, guess.  You’re going to be wrong.   One of them is now number one only when TiVo or DVR viewing is taken into account. Do you know who it is?

2.  The way to stack the deck in your favor by delivering time-delayed programming to younger demographics even as your older ones are still enjoying you in real time.  It’s in this piece.

3.  5 things radio stations must do right now so as not to be left behind as consumers embrace on-demand listening and viewing.  I’ll name them and explain.

4.  The optimal length of content in an on-demand age.

5.  Can simulcasting real time content be the simple answer to young consumers craving time-delayed programming?

6.  Video, audio and social networking are suddenly not immune from time-delayed consumption and what content providers would be wise to do right now.

This article is about compelling evidence that audiences – especially in the young part of demographics advertisers care about most – are abandoning live broadcasting for time-delayed delivery and what you can do to keep up with them.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Radio Values: 8 Times Bullshit

Has the sale of 17 Bonneville stations in four markets actually increased the price of other potential radio station sales?

That seems to be the conventional wisdom.  And to that I say, bull.

This piece clears up the misconceptions about what radio stations are worth on the eve of the biggest station selloff ahead in almost 8 years and in it, you’ll learn …

1.  My guess on how many Clear Channel stations will be put on the market when the company is forced to refinance almost $20 billion in debt and what kind of multiples they can expect to get in the wake of the recent Bonneville sale.  Here’s why they will have to sell stations soon.

2.  What’s up with other owners who really want or need to sell some stations off but have been afraid to do so if all they could get is fire sale prices?

3.  Why the Bonneville sale to Hubbard could have been bigger – and why the other key Bonneville properties were not included in the deal.

4.  The one thing that got Bonneville the big bucks – one thing that made the deal dance.  I’ll name it.

5.  What factor on Bonneville’s side actually drove up the sale of its stations to Hubbard and how other groups could do the same thing – easily.

6.  What types of stations Clear Channel is likely to sell and what type they will keep.

7.  My assessment of what the new multiple for 2011 will be.  You already know I think 8x is bull.  But how overinflated is 8x?  I’ll nail the new range for station sale multiples right here.

This article is about the future of the radio industry – its worth, its value, its viability going forward.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Monday, January 31, 2011

Cumulus Strikes Back

The bell rings and it is round two of the lightweight fight to takeover Citadel Media.

In one corner, you have Citadel CEO Farid “Fagreed” Suleman looking like King Kong with a nice Florida tan.

In the other, the diminutive Lew “Tricky” Dickey dressed in plaid Yuppie shorts ready to get his head handed to him.

But … new events may change all of that.

If you’re working for Citadel or Cumulus, you’ve got to be worried.  

This piece reveals:

1.  The one thing that would be clearly better than Cumulus buying Citadel?  I’ll name it.

2.  The critical strategic mistake that Dickey is making in his hostile takeover attempt of Citadel.  Fix this and you’ve got a deal.

3.  The brilliance of Fagreed Suleman (don’t choke).  Suleman made a masterful stroke that will render Dickey impotent.  It really is brilliant in the world of greed.

4.  The chance of Dickey upping his bid and offering more money to Citadel shareholders.

5.   All those noisy Citadel shareholders who dislike Suleman – do they have the power to force him to accept the Cumulus offer?  If so, under what circumstances?

6.  The one sure-fire way to get Suleman to change his mind and accept Lew Dickey’s offer.  It’s foolproof and I think you’ll agree this is the key to the entire deal.

This article is about the high stakes of the Cumulus takeover attempt of Citadel and the repercussions that are likely.  It is not politically correct but it is right on the money.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Friday, January 28, 2011

Radio Suicide by CHR

 

There is a reason why radio owners are tripping all over themselves to switch to hit radio formats.  This piece focuses on:

1. The radio format that CHR is going to make extinct.

2.  The big reason why radio groups are dropping formats to switch to CHR.

3.  What is so attractive to buyers about a format that has phantom People Meter listeners?

4.  The one thing these new CHR stations are doing that will turn off loyal fans.

5.  Two People Meter formats that are cheated out of listeners – take a guess.

6.  The bleak outlook for AM People Meter stations.

7.  More listening or less for the new CHR stations?  We’ll tell you.

This is an article about radio stations anxious to game the People Meter by switching as many stations as possible to CHR and what the unintended consequences may be.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Hyperlocal Radio Solution

AOL is investing tens of millions of dollars in it.

The giant Google and its competitor, Yahoo!, are already there.

Radio?

Nowhere to be seen regarding this new push to steal local advertisers from radio and newspapers through hyper-focused local content.

In this article, you’ll get an early warning …

1.  The growing presence of AOL, Google and Yahoo in the hyperlocal media space.

2.  Their strategy to target the very same local advertisers radio stations depend on for their revenue.

3.  The early results and what they may mean to radio operators who want to ramp up their efforts to compete for hyperlocal dollars.

4.  The secret to success.  What promises to work and what we know already does not work in operating hyperlocal media sites. 

5.  Early lessons from one of the few radio operators (a non-profit, at that) that may prove to be critical.

This is an article about a promising new revenue stream for online media giants and a wake-up call to radio to not ignore hyperlocal competition.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The End of Music Downloads

(Don’t wait another year until you attend my Media Solutions Lab or you will miss the 10 emerging trends that will shape your business and career.  Register here).

The new sales figures are out for record sales and 2010 saw the expected huge decline in CD sales, but a more surprising end of growth to legal music downloads.

What does it mean, because it means a lot.

In this article, I am going to share …

1.  Why music is overpriced and what the real current price really is.

2.  Music has a new role in people’s lives.  It’s not the end entertainment destination any longer.  I’ll tell you what the new purpose for music is in a digital world of young consumers.

3.  What effect streaming audio and video is having and will have in the future on music sales.  It’s not what you’re thinking, I’m sure.

4.  The effect of “the cloud” on music sales in light of what Apple is planning to announce just a few months from now.  Why the labels have no defense for Steve Jobs latest predatory move that I will describe here.

5.  YouTube is the new MTV for a new generation but does it have more juice or is it already running its course.  The answer is critical if you’re in broadcasting, music or the mobile Internet.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Radio and Records Mergers in the Making

Comcast has reared its ugly media head already days in advance of taking over operational control of NBC Universal.  It showed Keith Olbermann the door in spite of the fact he is MSNBC’s top rated anchor. TMZ reported Comcast was indeed the devil that dealt with the firing details.  Comcast reportedly was tinkering with NBC Primetime even before the sale closed (unofficially, of course!).

That begs the question are we going to see more screwed up businesses in radio and records thanks to venture capitalists?

In this article, I’ve got 6 more to tell you about:

1.  A traffic company may get dealt.  Wait until you hear who the buyer may be?  They sure don’t need a traffic operation – or do they?

2.  Clear Channel’s expected refinance of $19.7 billion in debt may lead to the sale of hundreds of stations to de-lever the new debt acquired to pay down the old debt – do you have that?  I’ve got a timeline for you.

3.  I’m looking for the old Bonneville and the former Bonneville management team soon to be operating as Hubbard Radio as potential buyers for a huge major market radio station.  I will reveal the call letters here.

4.  Don’t forget Cumulus – the little engine that couldn’t – may still take a run at Citadel.  What may wind up happening.

5.  That Clear Channel news consolidation – it may be worse than originally thought.  I’ve got details for you.

6.  50% of the major labels are for sale right now with major repercussions for the music industry. I handicap it for you.

This article is about the disturbing but growing influence of investment bankers in radio and records and how they may reshape these and other media industries over the next 12 months.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Thank you for your support of my Media Solutions Lab that will be presented this Thursday.  The big changes ahead will be revealed and you are welcomed to attend.  Register here.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Countdown With Farid Suleman

Boy, would Keith Olbermann have a field day with Citadel CEO Farid Suleman, Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey and the hostile takeover attempt by the smaller, debt-ridden Cumulus or the larger, debt-free Citadel.

Olbermann is gone just when The New York Times unearthed this dirty little hostile takeover story in our industry over the weekend.

While Olbermann got screwed by NBC and Comcast days before the takeover (ya think Comcast didn’t sign off on his departure?), we in the radio business know a lot about screwing people and getting screwed.

I know how the Cumulus hostile takeover of Citadel is going to end.  And in this article I am going to tell you.  And it’s not what you’re thinking.  It’s actually something you are probably not thinking.  I’ll bet you’ll be floored.

Plus … 5 things that will happen next in Dickey’s attempt to be Lewis the Conqueror:

1.  How Suleman will make Dickey want it more.  You read that right – want to do the merger he is opposing even more! 

2.  Dickey’s next counterpunch – the move to win the hearts and minds of the Spin Zone.

3.  How nasty it will get – I’ll be specific.

4.  Dickey’s tricky backroom deal to get Suleman’s attention and I want you to keep in mind that Citadel bylaws give Suleman the power to reject Dickey unless or until he is ready – if ever.

5.  The final outcome – the end of the long hello!  A pretty creative way to resolve what appears to be a standoff.  Want to know how I think it will all end?  Please be sitting.

This article is about the biggest potential radio merger in history that would create a new powerhouse and pave the way for substantial changes in radio broadcasting heretofore unseen.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

What do you get when broadcasters, music industry and new media people get together in one place to focus on the consumer and get better?  That’s The Media Solutions Lab this Thursday.  More here.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Bob Pittman’s Radio Kool-Aid

(My 2011 Media Solutions Lab is next Thursday.  To be included, register here).

Bob Pittman is fast becoming the Jim Jones of terrestrial radio.

The Kool-Aid Bob wants the public (and industry to swallow) about radio is very toxic. 

In fact, more dangerous given that Pittman is the likely successor to Mark Mays as CEO of Clear Channel -- a company that I believe has plans that may become the story of the year by next year at this time.

In this article, I am going to decode what Clear Channel is saying instead of what it will be doing:

1.  Deep denial over the 230 million listeners Arbitron says radio has every week.  The numbers are right but the conclusion is all wet.  But nevermind.  It is important that you buy it – for Clear Channel’s sake.

2.  Is Pandora a threat or not?  Pandora does have 75 million happy customers and satellite radio has 20 million.  Here’s the one thing Pittman wants you to forget about radio competitors like Pandora and Spotify. 

3.  Do you know how much actual listening an Internet stream of a terrestrial radio station attracts?  You will and I’ll bet you’ll fall off your chair when you read it.

4.  The true hope for radio is not defending the status quo, it is this …

5.  The one gigantic hole in the media market for something radio can deliver right now.  Would you like to know what that is because it is something you can do if Clear Channel doesn’t want to?  And Clear Channel has other plans, as you’ll see.

6.   Clear Channel’s end game – not what you think it is.

This article is about the methodical approach Clear Channel is taking to pave the way for what’s next – the new Clear Channel and probably a major change in the radio business.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Media Solutions Lab is next Thursday, January 27th.  To attend, register here.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Real Bonneville-Hubbard Deal

(Please accept my personal invitation to attend my upcoming Media Solutions Lab Thursday, January 27 in Scottsdale – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

When Bonneville becomes a seller, everyone is a seller.

But this deal has absolutely nothing to do with the sales and acquisition climate for radio stations.  If other sellers think they are going to get what Bonneville got for their stations, they’ve got another thing coming.

What’s the real deal on the Hubbard purchase of 17 Bonneville stations in four markets? 

Hubbard is not a radio consolidator – only has three stations in Minneapolis, but is a sizeable television operator.

In this article, you’ll learn all the details on this deal including my predictions and insights:

1.  Why Hubbard didn’t buy all the Bonneville stations?

2.  Will Hubbard acquire more radio properties?

3.  How important was Bonneville’s digital platform to the deal.  I’ve got accurate figures on how much Bonneville and the three existing Hubbard stations do in digital billing compared with their total revenue.

4.  Will that lurker Lew Dickey be sniffing around for the remaining Bonneville stations that Hubbard did not buy?  I’ve got a notion on what Dickey will do.

5.  The one thing that makes the purchase of 17 Bonneville stations the smartest radio acquisition since Clear Channel bought Jacor and AMFM.  It’s not what you think.

6.  Did Hubbard overpay or did Bonneville sell at a discount?

This article tells the rest of the story behind the shocking headlines on the Hubbard/Bonneville acquisition and what chances this deal has in setting a precedent for the future buying and selling of devalued radio properties.  It also sorts out the hype from the truth.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Media Solutions Lab is Thursday, January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Apple Advice for Radio and Music

(Last minute registration for my Media Solutions Lab here).

The news about Steve Jobs taking yet another medical leave of absence has rattled Wall Street and consumers as well.

The iconic Jobs is so strange that he warrants his own college course.  His strategic planning is counter to what so-called successful media companies do that it would be a sin if we could not watch the master at work for a bit longer.

I can name 5 ways Apple can help record labels and radio groups become more successful.  

In this article, I’ve put together what I think Steve Jobs’ advice for radio and records would be based on Apple’s success.

1.  One critical financial move that every radio group and record label violates – every one!  Want to know what it is?  Heck, if they’re not going to learn from Steve Jobs, we can.

2.  How did Jobs get to be so irreplaceable and why isn’t Farid Suleman or Lew Dickey critical to the future success of their radio groups?  It doesn’t have anything to do with brains.  Dickey is a Harvard and Stanford grad.  Steve Jobs a college dropout who took only one course before giving up on higher education.  Here’s a clue:  it’s not even about the person at the top and how talented and brilliant they are.  I’m going to name for you the number one reason Steve Jobs is irreplaceable and I’ll bet you’ll never guess in what way.

3.  Radio has all it can do to post a 3-4% net gain in revenue in 2011 (and that gain is compared to some pretty favorable comps from an awful previous year).  What if I told you that the answer to radio’s sales problems are not at the radio station but in any Apple store.  Would you like to know how?

4.  Can you name the last cool thing radio did or the last cool thing a record label did?  I thought so.  Neither can I – okay, I tried.  But without cool in this day and age you can’t come up with TiVo or Netflix online or Facebook.  I’ve got some answers based on what Apple would do.

5.  Let’s settle it once and for all in this piece – is piracy killing the record business?  If the labels don’t want to see what would sell music like it’s 1999 then how about this advice for entrepreneurs who will be their successors. 

It all starts here.

This article is about 5 strategies that always win for Apple that radio and record labels never even consider. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces including another piece I wrote called “If Steve Jobs reinvented Radio”) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Media Solutions Lab is January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Predicting the Next Radio Layoffs

(9 days until my Media Solutions Lab, the one’s the best media people attend.  One day that will change the way you think about radio, music and the mobile Internet here).

Friday almost 50 news people – some with distinguished careers of more than 30 years – were fired by Clear Channel.  

No notice. 

No hints. 

Just terminated for a regional repeater radio news solution for a seriously bankrupt company.

But if you’re looking for a heads-up – the latest on the radio firing scene – I’ve got some details for you right here in this article:

1.  Prospects for firing at Clear Channel, Cumulus and Citadel now that the heat is back on.

2.  Are John Hogan’s heroes safe this time around?  Who is likely to fall victim.

3.  The one place in a radio station that gets owners the most bang for their firing buck  – I’ll name it so you can try to understand why they all have the same strategy.  It’s predictable.

4.  Clear Channel’s End Game:  Is Bob Pittman your friend or a fiend?  Read this and draw your own conclusions.

5.  Want to understand Dickeyology at Cumulus?  I think I’ve got Lew, Jr figured out and I’ll share how I know what he’s going to do next.  Hint:  Lew speaks in code.  Decode it here.

6.  What personnel is in Dickey’s sights?  Some people get the feeling he actually enjoys this part.

7.  The Cumulus End Game and what the hostile take over of Citadel has to do with their employees’ chances of remaining employed.

8.  The Big Mean Firing Machine at Citadel is no longer CEO Farid “Fagreed” Suleman.  Find out who is in charge of doing the dirty work and what I think will happen in the months ahead.

9.  Why Citadel sales cutbacks are different from other radio companies and why it may not matter if you’re one of their sellers.

10.  Scott Shannon – let’s just put it out there – he’s a programmer who may have lost his way and that doesn’t bode well for talent at Citadel stations.  I’ve got a chilling example for you.

This article, based on my experience observing and calling out the major consolidators for poor management, offers my insights on what jobs will be eliminated next and what their CEOs’ end game means to employees and the industry.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

The people I would want to help me with radio’s digital future are already signed up and ready to learn at my January 27 Media Solutions Lab.  One day that will change the way you think about radio, music and the mobile Internet here.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Google Is Coming After Local Radio

(Make last minute reservations to attend my January 27 Media Solutions Lab – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

BIA/Kelsey says there is  “enough revenue and enough opportunity” to attract Google.

Digital dollars are coming to take you away ha-haaa! – to paraphrase the Napoleon XIV song from 1966.

Google has big plans and there are more major digital players who will put the full court local press on during the next 12 months (I’ll name them).

In this article you, you will learn:

1.  Why major financial analysts think 2011 is the year large digital platforms like Google will target radio.

2.  The 3 major radio groups that have a chance to survive the digital onslaught.  I will tell you who they are and will give you some context as to why.

3.  What radio’s biggest problem is – it’s a six-letter word and unless local operators wake up and change things, they are going to see their terrestrial dollars languish while digital interlopers walk off with more of their local business.

4.  The one way local radio stations can put a lock on local business – at a healthy ad premium – if it does this one thing.  In fact, radio used to do it, ten years ago but has lost its way.  Here’s how to get it back and protect against Google.

5.  The high price of underestimating the new digital – social networking.  For example, do you know what the fastest growing social network is after Facebook and why it is important to radio?  You will.

6.  The one thing radio is currently doing that will absolutely not work in the future.  In fact, it plays right into the hands of digital competitors.  Can you guess what this critical thing is and why it is so deadly to radio?

7.  What local advertisers increasingly want that radio cannot give them.

8.  My 3-point game plan for blocking digital media companies from draining off previously exclusive local radio advertising.

This article is about the fundamental change that is happening now and will grow during 2011 in local advertising sales.  Radio either gets it and adjusts or companies like Google come in and start siphoning off radio’s financial lifeline.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

If you’ve been wondering why my Media Solutions Lab is worth attending, read articles like this and realize that radio people cannot get too much intelligence on the emerging media business. My Media Solutions Lab is January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Radio’s “Believe It Or Not”

(2 weeks and counting until my Media Solutions Lab – make plans to start your year by understanding our changing industry.  More here).

Some whacky things are happening in radio these days. 

They don’t always get reported, but today we’re going to change all that with Radio’s “Believe It Or Not” – stories thought to be true that you just can’t make up.

In this article, you’ll learn:

1.  Which company allegedly sent one of their very top executives into two separate markets to demand that the morning personalities take a reported 60% pay cut?  I’ve got a tipster who knows the markets and their answers.

2.  Which top three company fired one of its best managers two weeks before Christmas just months after he incurred huge medical bills while his wife was fighting cancer this summer? I’ll give you a clue – the insensitive radio group starts with the letter “C”.  (Ha! Ha!).  Wait until you see what a settlement they left under the Christmas tree.

3.  What’s the new rage to radio consolidators these days?  It’s not personalities.  Not even voice tracking of syndication.  Am I stumping you?  While we’re throwing letters around, it starts with a “b”.  All the details right here.

4.  The major radio group whose ass is being sued for millions of dollars and they respond with this laughable trivia.  I’ll name the company and I have the cease and desist letter for you to read if you can keep from laughing.

This article is about the folly of radio management – fooling around with firing, suing and screwing people while consumers have moved on from radio.  Luckily there are still a handful of good radio operators left.  But this piece is a lesson in how not to run a radio company.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Media Solutions Lab is in 2 weeks – Thursday, January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Self-Destruction of Cumulus and Citadel

(2 weeks until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale.  If you miss it, you’ll lose another year -- last minute registration here).

Cumulus is still trying to stage a hostile takeover of its larger rival Citadel and is in the midst of employment lawsuits and discontent that could end ugly.

And Citadel continues to lose highly qualified managers at the most critical time of their history.

These two companies deserve each other.

This article focuses on things happening now that you may want to know about including:

1.  The latest on Kristin Okesson’s defense of a $1 million lawsuit filed by Cumulus because she left for Cox.  My view of her chances of winning and prevailing in her sexual harassment action.  And how she’s getting the money to fight the Dickeys.

2.  The latest on a whopping class action lawsuit by some Cumulus California employees that could win them lots of back pay for expenses they allege were not paid to them that were supposed to be.  Better yet, the bonanza that could go to all Cumulus California employees even if they were not part of the present class action suit.  This one has to make you wonder what the Dickeys were thinking.

3.  How to sue Cumulus – that’s right, studying the company’s legal pattern over the past few years I wondered whether it was productive to sue Lew.  I discovered how things always seem to end.  You won’t believe it.

4.  How bad is the Citadel brain drain? Some think of Citadel as another hostile employee workplace but almost to a person they would rather keep the devil they know instead of the Dickey they don’t want to get to know.  Still the brain drain at the executive station management level over the past few years has been dramatic.   We’ll name names.

5.  The chances of victory in employment lawsuits and chances that Dickey will succeed in his takeover of Citadel.

This article is about the self-destructive actions of two of the top radio consolidators and why they are both ready to fall flat on their faces paving the way for competitors to make major inroads. 

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

My Media Solutions Lab is January 27 – two weeks away.  Preview the program and claim a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Investment Banks Concerned About Radio’s Future

(Reserve a seat at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

Major radio groups love investment banks.

Let’s see if they love what one of their analysts told them last week:

“The iPad in the dashboard--WAKE UP RADIO! We left CES incrementally concerned about terrestrial radio's future. The iPad is coming to the dashboard--which means significantly more competition during drive time. Terrestrial radio needs to think about how it is going to remain "top of mind" once other in-car options become MUCH more accessible for VERY LOW/NO fees in our view”.

That’s from Wells Fargo’s Senior Analyst Marci Ryvicker and she holds nothing back.

While consolidators insist on running traditional 24/7 radio on the cheap and increasingly less local, the audience has already gotten a taste of the future and it is not radio.

Now, if Ryvicker is right, one of those 40 million iPads that will be in use by the end of this year may be sitting right there on the dashboard.

It could be.

This article deals with what radio is doing wrong and what it must do right to avoid becoming a relic.  I will mince no words.

1.  What consumers would rather have in their cars than free terrestrial radio.  I’m going to tell you exactly what they want and I’m not going to generalize by saying “the Internet” or “Pandora”.  No, it’s more dramatic than that and you’re going to be among the first to really see this trend emerging.

2. What to do with the towers and transmitters that owners have paid millions if not hundreds of millions to own.  Shut them down and go dark?  No.  But there is a critical adjustment that will have to be made to spawn a new radio that is less dependent on terrestrial broadcasting.  See my plan.

3.  What one new media mistake radio must never make – and yet major companies are doing it every day.   

4.  The one thing young people want – even crave – that radio stations have but owners are too obsessed with cost cutting to realize.   And it is so powerful it could give new life to radio.  Can you guess?

5.  How Clear Channel is getting ready to shoot itself in the foot again within weeks in an anti-audience decision that will weaken its ability to be a mobile Internet content provider.  I’ve got details for you.

This article is about the best use of a terrestrial radio station faced with radical change in technology and the exodus of available listeners to mobile media.  Even investment banks know what I am going to share with you.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

The Most Useful New Media Secrets of 2011 will be featured at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get one of the remaining discounted seats by clicking here.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Vitriol Radio 94.5

(Reserve a seat at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

Stop, already with what I fear is the coming debate on the role of talk radio in the mass shootings in Arizona over the weekend.

This lunatic didn’t listen to talk radio.

Sorry, but if they’re trying to pin these murders on talk radio, they should probably look to new media instead.

I’ve got a better idea.

Why don’t we try to understand the changing traditional and new media landscape so that we can be smarter and not dumb down the issues?

Talk radio being over – done, through – and what is coming next that is so powerful and unstoppable that we’ve seen yet another indication of its replacement:

In this article …

1.  I’m going to name what medium is specifically going to replace talk radio as an opinion leader in a new age of change.

2.  Why the debate about radio causing the vitriol that may have led to this unfortunate mass shootings is more of a fantasy than based in reality. 

3.  Why the opposite is true – talk radio couldn’t hurt a flea and I’ll be candid as to why.

4.  The role of politicians from both sides vis-à-vis radio, TV, print and new media.

5.  What is wrong with talk radio and what can be done to fix it.

6.  The positive takeaway for new and traditional media.  A big opportunity exists.  But no one is filling it.  Want to know what it is?

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

If you want to get the real media significance emblematic of this weekend’s violence, it starts right here, now…

My Media Solutions Lab is January 27th.  Preview the program, search for hotels and get a pre-conference discount by clicking here.

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Shooting of the Media

(Reserve a seat at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

If you ever needed a clear example of why traditional media is losing it, look no further than the Tucson mass murders over the weekend.

Media coverage was unremarkable and in some startling cases flat out wrong.

Now the windbags from both sides of talk radio are going to do – well, you don’t need me to tell you.

This sad incident is full of good intelligence for executives who want to separate themselves from the increasingly out of touch media business.

This article deals with strategic lessons that are begging to be learned:

1.  Why did traditional media lay an egg during the Gabrielle Giffords shooting?  It’s not what you think.  It’s actually worse and not likely to improve. 

2.  The one mistake you can’t make today in the digital age when your audience has a smart phone in their hands.  I’ll tell you what it is.

3.  Which handful of radio stations actually exceeded audience expectations in their shooting coverage and cleaned the clocks of cable news?  Bet you are surprised.

4.  Why consolidation plus the proliferation of mobile Internet devices has caused the perfect storm for broadcasters – and what you can do about it.

5.  What is coming soon – in place for the next tragedy, national disaster or world event that compels audiences who crave information?  Is it radio?  Cable news?  Websites.  No.  It’s something that may not even be on your radar right now and you can get into this business.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

 The media mistakes to avoid starts now.

Friday, January 7, 2011

A Homeless Man Teaches Radio a Lesson

(Reserve a seat at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab – info, hotels and a discount await you here).

Ted Williams, the unshaven, homeless ex-radio dj who became a YouTube star this past week finally got a job.

But did the radio business – and broader media industry – get the real message?

This wasn’t a freak show or promotional opportunity for media companies and sports teams. I contend it was actually the best learning example we in the industry have seen in decades.

This article drills down to the real lessons:

1.  What has become bigger than radio and even bigger than television?  I’ll name it and explain it.  I’m not going to say the Internet or Apple.

2.  What radio doesn’t understand about today’s audiences and why their ratings are going down.  Is it programming?  That, too.  Radio people are missing the point. This homeless ex-radio jock may have just embarrassed the industry, which is chasing its tail not the audience.

3.  Why radio is misunderstanding new media.  It thinks new media is streaming terrestrial stations and selling spots for $2 a hit.  They may not know it yet – but you will – the unlikely Ted Williams may be able to consult them.  I’ll share with you the one thing radio stations are missing as they try to be both terrestrial broadcasters and Internet streamers in a world they don’t understand.

4.  Why broadcasting as we know it is dead on arrival.  This is the replacement …

5.  Could radio have made Ted Williams the sensation he is all by itself without YouTube?  If not, then what?

6.  While radio is loving this story of unemployed radio voice meets employer, they are missing the point.  Williams, it turns out, is cooler than the medium and is begging the question if the medium is no longer the message, as McLuhan argued, then what is it.  I will share.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

The real lesson of the homeless radioman is not what you think.

It is far scarier.

And it starts here.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

How to Fix the Music Industry

(Claim a pre-registration discount at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab and reserve a seat for the January 27th event at The Phoenician in Scottsdale here).

How crazy is this?

The music industry is broken yet more music is being consumed than ever before in history.  What’s that all about?

Well, if you’re in the business – radio, music or the rapidly growing mobile Internet field – you’ll want to take a no nonsense look at the 14 biggest problems killing the music industry right now and how to fix them – pronto.

If the record business continues its decline, what happens to the media businesses that rely on music?

This article proposes an actual fix for each one of the music industry’s problems.  You’ll have to have an open mind reading it because most if not all of these fixes are not commonly thought of as solutions by the powers that run the majors.

But I’m betting you’ll put it all together.

Among the 14 issues we’ll discuss:

1.  What to do about iTunes.  The record industry can’t seem to live with it and can’t live without it.  Now, here’s a workable solution.

2.  The answer to the contentious music licensing problem that the labels need because they really don’t have another source of income growth but they are shooting their growth potential in the foot.

3.  The one sure way to spike interest for consumers to own music.

4.  Why streaming revenue was lost and what can be done to save the revenue stream.

5.  How critical is music video to the music industry – online?  You may be surprised.

6.  The quick and effective road to concert pricing.

7.  RIAA lawsuits – continue them or try something new.  I’ve got something new for you.

8.  Music royalties for radio.  This issue had better be settled properly or else …

9.  The one guaranteed way labels could get back into relevance and generate profits tomorrow if they would do this one thing.

10. One hot button that Gen Y cannot resist when it comes to music.  You’ll own them.

11. The effect of record label mergers ahead this year. EMI is in trouble and if it “solves” its problems the way I think it will, EMI will actually create even more problems for the greater music industry.

12. The anti-record label.  Ever hear of it?  You may want to get acquainted with it now because it could be the replacement for traditional record labels as we know them.

13.  The labels hate Apple.  They need them.  They have enabled them, but there is one thing the labels never thought of that can put the power back in their hands with regard to Apple.  I’ll share.

14. iTunes pricing.  With Steve Jobs ready to make a major announcement that could reshuffle the entire music industry, it’s time to get real about the pricing of digital music.  Read this before Jobs backs the labels against the wall again.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Get the real story about 14 painful fixes for the music industry that could turn it around in the foreseeable future.  If the labels don’t want to listen, you will because as long as music is a consumer obsession, there is  a lot of work to do to understand the new rules.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Dickey’s Citadel Takeover Strategy

Lew Dickey told employees this week he is damn serious about taking over Citadel even though Cumulus is burdened with debt while Citadel is not (thanks to bankruptcy) and that the Citadel board has virtually no reason to be taken over by a much smaller company with a lot of financial baggage.

This article examines:

• Why Dickey cannot back down in his attempt to buy Citadel.

• The best thinking on how he will proceed – how long he will try – and what Dickey is really after.  The Citadel Takeover Playbook.

• How the three main consolidators – Clear Channel, Citadel and Cumulus – will reshuffle their dominance and which one will emerge the most powerful.  I think you’ll be surprised.

• As a consequence, what Clear Channel will look like – a picture that may emerge even within the next 12 months.

• Citadel’s plan to stick it to Dickey

• And what the prospects will be for Cumulus if Dickey should fail to win Citadel after many more months of public haranguing about a hostile takeover.

• Plus, selling without ratings and the truth about the Cumulus seller hiring plan.

If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices. 

Get the story no one else will tell with our remarkable reliability on what the Cumulus Citadel takeover strategy really is – not what they’re telling you.  And how the big consolidators are ready to change places in a major way.

You’ll only read it here and you’ll get it first.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Baby Boomer Audience Turns 65

The radio industry is at it again and it’s only January 4th!

The trades are full of analyst and CEO predictions of 2-3% growth (analysts) or even higher (radio CEOs) in the year ahead.  That after what will probably turn out to be a 5-6% increase (in the 2010 election year) compared to a disastrous year in 2009.

THEY’VE GOT THE WRONG NUMBERS!

What they and you should be watching is the migration of the generations – the available media audience.  How many generational listeners are available and what do they want.  That's how to build an audience base to increase radio's share of revenue.

This year Baby Boomers will start turning 65 and about all the radio industry can do for these 79 million Boomers is program a few oldies stations (being careful not to use the word “oldies”).

Disaster is ahead.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs is a baby boomer.  Some of his best customers are Baby Boomers, but he has a generational strategy so sound, I am going to share it with you in a radio context.

This piece will discuss the similarities between Baby Boomers and guess who?  80 million Gen Yers coming of age now.

That’s right – similarities. 

I’ve got four useable pieces of strategy for you if you are serious about being more like Steve Jobs than the hapless CEOs of radio consolidation.

Specifically …

1. The one thing you must get right to hit a bull’s-eye when creating saleable content for younger as well as older generations.

2.  Which market do you aim for – the kids or the adults?  There is no margin for error here.  Do you know which one to aim for?

3. The Great Technology Misstep – how to avoid it.  That is, while radio CEOs are fighting for FM chips on mobile devices, you should be doing this …

4.  How traditional media is actually driving away audience by making the same mistake over and over again.  Any idea what that mistake is?

If you are already a subscriber, thanks very much for supporting Inside Music Media and recommending it to others. 

If you’d like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.

Get insightful information on what Baby Boomers turning 65 means to an industry that is struggling with Generation Y coming of age.

It starts here.

Monday, January 3, 2011

The Crazy Clear Channel Refi

(With my son, Jerry, of whom I am so proud -- publisher of Modern Home Theater and founder of Audio/Video Revolution on a happy holiday visit)

2011 promises to be the year in which Clear Channel deals with its nearly $20 billion in outstanding debt.

To wrap your arms around just how gargantuan this debt really is, go back to 1996 when the company began implementing its strategy to eventually become radio’s biggest consolidator with over 1,100 stations at one point.

I sat at my desk when I was owner and publisher of Inside Radio flummoxed and had endless conversations with media brokers who were busting their buttons over the huge sale prices of radio stations and how hefty their commissions were.

Remember back then how companies paid individuals bogus fees for simply “introducing” the dealmakers to each other?  Of course, that was just another Wall Street charade for paying millions of dollars to someone for doing nothing.

In my conversations with media brokers, I would ask over and over again, how can Clear Channel (and other consolidators) ever pay back the debt.  You may remember the times were good and radio stations were cash cows.  Who thinks about such silly things as debt in heady times?

But one wise financial expert flat out said the consolidating radio companies could never pay back the debt.  That in the end, they would refinance and then refinance again until they couldn’t do it any more.

About two years ago, they couldn’t do it anymore. 

Money was too expensive and radio was no longer the free cash flow attraction that it was in the 90’s.

Now, within the next 12 months, I expect that Clear Channel will have only two options to avoid defaulting on their $20 billion in debt and none of the options are good.

But don’t let that stop you. 

As I am about to point out, it isn’t going to stop them and they’ve got a cagy way of trying to stay alive that will affect a lot of people in their company.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Low Powered FM Is a Joke

(Note: January 27th is my Media Solutions Lab)

If you’re a radio company and have been opposed to the creation of thousands of low powered FM competitors for the past ten years, you can thank the NAB for riding in on a white horse – in the middle of Congressional debate – to, you guessed it – support the bill.

And you thought Don’t Ask Don’t Tell took forever to pass.

I’m telling you, your NAB is a day late and a nickel short on all the issues radio supposedly cares about.

NAB CEO Senator Gordon Smith is turning out to be an appeaser like Neville Chamberlain, the World War II British Conservative politician who conceded the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis.

But not to worry.

This bill so cutely named the Local Community Radio Act is relatively meaningless for a number of reasons.

The legislation opens the radio spectrum to potentially thousands of local independent low powered radio stations (LPFMs) to bring new choices and voices to those poor suckers who can’t get dial-up, broadband, a signal of some kind or anything that conveys news and entertainment.

How can the advocates of this bill talk about choices and voices when American media is under attack from all sides when they actually use their voices? One of the hardest fought freedoms is freedom of expression and to me the era we are living in does not seem to value it.

My definition of freedom of expression is allowing others to say things that may be painful for the rest of us to hear, see or read. At this time in our world, I am concerned about free speech.

The creation of thousands of low powered FM stations is really a disappearing act.

Fight it, and you disappear.

Embrace it, and you disappear.

We’re forgetting the most important thing.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Astounding Radio Ratings

There is only one proven way to attract the maximum radio audience and yet most of the major broadcast groups are employing the exact opposite strategy.  

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Critical Audience Trends

(IMPORTANT NOTE:  Just 4 days left to save $200 on my 2011 Media Solutions Lab January 27 in Scottsdale, AZ.  More here.)

If the current holiday season wasn’t a wakeup call for broadcasters, musicians, new media entrepreneurs and marketers, then 2011 will rock their world.

The year 2000 marked the beginning of the Internet age along with the end of the record business as we know it and 2006 began the decline of terrestrial radio with the ascent of mobile media devices and now 2011 promises to be a year of critical change for audiences.

There is no doubt Apple is on a roll and has some surprises for the labels and radio not the least of which could be a streaming music discovery service that would further hurt the radio industry and cede control of the record business further to Steve Jobs.

I am beginning to pick up trends that, while troubling to traditional media, could be useful to those of us who want to remain viable as technology and sociology continue to morph.

Today I am going to touch on 5 of the most important audience trends that are not generally being tracked.

The first one is about a major change in the way young people are beginning to communicate and how that may affect you.

Friday, December 24, 2010

4 Days Left to Save $200 on Jerry’s Media Solutions Lab

This year’s Media Solutions Lab is only weeks away on January 27th at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

There’s still time to register at a significant discount if you register before January 1 and discount seats are still available.

You will want to attend this latest Media Solutions Lab to get a solid grasp of the many changes ahead in radio, music and new media in the next 12 months.   I bring my expertise as a recognized expert in radio, television, new media and generational media as a professor at USC and will share the emerging trends you can expect in an interactive classroom format that will leave you with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Focus on:

What’s ahead for radio  •  Apple’s next move  •  The new “local” media business  •  Make money programming content for 40 million iPads  •  Solving the music royalty problem  •  The new media radio station of the future  •   3 ways to make radio a growth business again  •  The boom ahead for radio personalities  •  The future of the record industry  •  Tracking new competitors  •  Free vs. paid content  •  How to monetize the mobile Internet  •  Evolving social networking and generational media trends  •  Plus Q&A and face time with Jerry

You will also get to participate in individual Innovation Labs to get personal experience brainstorming on the most important issues for the year ahead led by experts in each area.  

Choose to participate in Innovation Labs on these hot trends:

Creating content for iPads (facilitated by Lee Abrams)  •  Dealing with music royalty roadblocks (Sound Exchange's John Simson) •  Inventing the new media radio station of the future (Led by Bonneville/WTOP's Jim Farley) •  Designing hyperlocal media platforms (Public Radio WHYY, Philadelphia's Chris Satullo)

This event in non-commercial with no advertising or sponsor involvement.  It is a one-day learning opportunity that earned a 92% approval rating last year.  It is held in sunny Scottsdale, AZ at one of the best meeting venues in the country.

To be the future you must first see the future.

Invest in your career by attending Jerry’s 2nd Media Solutions Lab and until January 1 or when discount seats are all taken, save $200 off your registration.

The Media Solutions Lab program and how to register at $200 off is here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  See you back here early next week!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Santa Fagreed and Scrooge Dickey – Bonuses and Coal

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Even under fire from Modern Family’s Cumulus with their unfriendly takeover, Citadel CEO Farid Suleman has somehow found a way to capture the spirit of the season and don a red suit and white beard to play Santa for some Citadel employees this year.

Citadel employees are in shock.

Yes, from that, too!

After all they are shaking in their boots right now at the prospect of Lew Dickey becoming their boss.  Gary Pizzati becoming their handler and Gary Lewis their overseer.  Not to mention Other Brother John doing his imitation of Tommy Smothers (“mom always liked you best”).

Christmas at Citadel is not exactly Miracle on 34th Street.

Times are tough. 

After enduring cutbacks, bankruptcy and corporate arrogance, Citadel workers thought they could just settle in as survivors and find a way to hopefully do their jobs as the professionals they are.

Then, this.

An actual Christmas bonus!

You heard me right. 

M-O-N-E-Y!

Real money – not play.  But, I am told the Citadel bonuses only go to people who are the chosen few. 

On Santa Fagreed’s list of nice not naughty.

But over at Cumulus, the Little Engine that could take over Citadel in the year ahead, it is coal in the stocking for Dickey victims.

Here is the true story that will either warm the cockles of your heart.

(And one of Fagreed’s grateful employees sent me his letter of cheer for everyone to read).

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Net Partiality

Net neutrality is a hoax.

The American public is about to be fleeced once again by their elected officials, government appointees (The FCC) and big business.

Passage of net neutrality rules by the FCC yesterday paves the way for years of legal battles and uncertainty as technology again leads the way for new media and the public gets shut out.

In a nutshell net neutrality would guarantee that Internet providers would be prevented from interfering with web traffic.

But the proposed rules might accomplish that goal for some forms of Internet access but not others.  And all of a sudden free speech has given way to something more important to Internet service providers as it appears the FCC has sold out to AT&T and Verizon.

For the first time these giant providers would be able to charge more to companies and individuals that want faster service or more capability for delivery of video, games and other services prompting Senator Al Franken to comment, "grassroots supporters of net neutrality are beginning to wonder if we've been had". Franken wondered aloud whether the proposal adopted by the FCC was "worse than nothing."

There are concerns that building in pricing capability for Internet service providers to charge more for better service will create an unfair advantage to others.  The analogy I heard recently is that if power companies dictated what appliances consumers could use by charging more for using some things and less for others, it would be an awful way to manage capacity and demand.

Yet that is precisely what is happening as The Obama Administration appears ready to renege on a promise the president made in 2008 with regard to making the Internet equally accessible to all.

While this argument takes place, more and more consumers will be using the mobile Internet and the devices that they love so much and yet the guarantees of neutrality may only apply in some ways to wired broadband and not mobile Internet. 

Translation:  your iPad may look like it is in your hands, but it will really be in the hands of Internet providers.

AT&T and Verizon have already introduced tiered pricing for the mobile Internet and Comcast is getting ready to jump in once they get federal approval to buy 51% of NBC Universal.

So you can see what a mess this is for consumers, new media content providers, advocates of free speech and those concerned with not creating a hierarchy of Internet access for only those able to pay.

But wait.

There are major repercussions for – of all things – terrestrial radio, the medium left in the dust by iPhones, iPads, Androids and the entire mobile Internet.

Radio is free.

Anyone can access it relatively inexpensively, but consumers are turning away from radio for mobile Internet devices. 

I’ve got an early look at a scenario where the greed of ISPs could actually help revive simple, terrestrial radio if it follows this game plan.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

EMI is DOA

If you think that only the radio industry is dysfunctional, think again.

There are four majors remaining in what’s left of the record business and EMI could lose control to Citigroup very soon – the bank that propped the label up with billions of dollars during hard times.

And it all could happen before the New Year.

The private equity firm of Terra Firma under the management of Guy Hands is already whispering that they may have to turn the label over to the bankers.

Horrors!

That sounds like radio and no good can come from it.

You almost can’t blame a bank for wanting its money back when you’re talking about billions. I get that. What they don’t get is that bankers don’t know how to operate anything.

I refer you back to radio.

Terra Firma lost a court battle not long ago with Citigroup where it basically said that they were lured into buying EMI – that’s fraud except that the courts didn’t buy it. 

$6.7 billion later, Terra Firma is in quicksand despite cost cutting almost certainly guaranteeing that one of the big four labels will be up for grabs when the bank takes over.

It would be as if Citadel filed for bankruptcy and then Cumulus wanted to steal it as it emerged. 

Hey, wait a minute! Didn’t that already happen?

There are serious repercussions for the music industry if Citigroup takes back EMI and eventually sells off the small parts.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Cumudel — What Happens When You Cross a Cumulus with a Citadel

You've heard of the banking concept called too big to fail?

The proposed merger of Cumulus with Citadel is too failed to be big.

Everyone thinks Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is forcing a merger with the recently bankrupt Citadel to grow his media empire.

Well, don’t fall for it.

Dickey is trying to save his own neck as I will go on to explain. The last two radio groups anyone would put together is the red ink drenched Cumulus with the fresh from having screwed their investors Citadel.

Two radio groups behaving badly – only a desperate radio CEO could come up with this idea.

And make no mistake about it, Lew Dickey is desperate.

Cumulus has failed to turn around local sales even with the Atlanta-based national sales system that even a dummy can follow. Unfortunately for Cumulus, their salespeople are not dummies – at least not all of them. And those poor suckers hired from other industries with no experience are probably more naïve than stupid.

Face it.

The best part of watching Lew Dickey try to engineer an unfriendly takeover of Citadel is seeing Citadel CEO Farid “Fagreed” Suleman sweat and “Tricky” Dickey beg – in public.

Go ahead, admit it!

But the prospect of Cumudel is a not-ready-for-primetime maneuver born more of necessity on the part of Cumulus than the need of Citadel to sell out for $31 a share.

This battle is a Christmas present to all the screwed employees of radio. It has everything a drama could ask for – greed, jealousy, power and sex. Okay, three out of four ain’t bad.

I feel like I know these two pretenders like the back of my hand and believe it or not I know how the desired merger of Cumulus with Citadel is going to end and what it is going to mean. 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Music Media Predictions for 2011

Today I have 12 predictions for you about the year ahead in music and media, radio and the mobile Internet. Most of you who have been reading me for a while know we’ve had a pretty good record of seeing the music and media future. 

Here’s a taste of my predictions (counted down in order):

  1. What I think Apple will do to impact music and radio in 2011
  2. The Performance royalty for radio – yes, no?
  3. One major label will go bankrupt in the year ahead – we name it
  4. The future of Pandora
  5. The most endangered radio group CEO (take a guess)
  6. The hostile takeover of Citadel
  7. The first radio company to derive 10% of total revenue from new media
  8. The biggest new media business not on radio’s radar screen (but should be on yours)
  9. What’s next after Facebook and Twitter
  10. The future of paid subscriptions
  11. The unseen obstacle to providing content to 40 million iPads
  12. Clear Channel’s secret preparations for their big move in 2012

As low as 38 cents a day to subscribe to Inside Music Media. My 12 Music Media Predictions for 2011 might be a great way to get started.

Check out the options to subscribe (monthly billing or one year discount) by clicking “read more” then let me know what you think of these predictions. 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Radio Royalty Revolt

This piece is about real alternatives to the damaging music performance tax that is ready to be imposed on radio stations either by law or by concession.

There are real alternatives but you wouldn't know it from what's being discussed.

Just yesterday, there was some last minute maneuvering in Congress to get the performance rights tax for radio ready for House passage with an eye toward later Senate approval. Sooner or later, the music tax is coming to radio. I’m betting sooner.

There is a discussion in this article about the snowball effect on radio’s capitulation to the music industry even if it is initially at 1% of a station’s revenue. This piece outlines the latest behind the scenes machinations and the threat to music in new media.

Today’s piece also reveals new options going forward for radio stations and individuals who want to negotiate their own deals instead of having the NAB do it for them. There is precedent. A little known action as recently as a few weeks ago. I’ll fill you in.

Then, the “plan”.

Four steps that are completely legal and in your hands that can lead you to a livable deal with record labels.

The stakes are high.

The return of terrestrial music radio to a healthy place is on the line and without this approach, you can pretty much forget about harnessing those 40 million iPads that analysts say will be in the hands of consumers by next year at this time.

If you’d like to access this story, check out the options under “read more”.

Have a great day! -- Jerry 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Massive Radio Firings Ahead

This piece focuses on how the three major consolidators – Clear Channel, Cumulus and Citadel will reduce their number of employees over the next 12 months. It is my best projection and I name percentages and the most endangered positions.

There is a discussion about the mentality of venture capitalists who run today’s radio groups to get an idea of how they think on cutbacks and downsizing and there is a projection of what’s ahead for each group.

Clear Channel: The two biggest areas where personnel will be dismissed over the next year. The changing severance package likely to be offered. I’m predicting the eventual selloff of hundreds of Clear Channel stations due to the inability to pay off $19 billion in debt and how this will impact employment. How much smaller Clear Channel will be next December compared to today expressed as a percentage.

Cumulus: Lew Dickey is not really going to complete an unfriendly takeover of Citadel but he is going to continue his unfriendly takeover of Cumulus. The jobs most likely to see turnover even while Dickey is hiring wet behind the ears replacements. Some of his clusters will be running on empty so we’ll discuss the strategy, as we understand it. Cumulus’ workforce will be reduced significantly over the next 12 months. Don’t count on using the company copying machine to print resumes or much severance pay, for that matter.

Citadel: This odd-duck company is cutting workers for a reason different than Clear Channel and Cumulus. There is also a new influence to reckon with for employees there. This article discusses where the cutbacks are coming from and who will be wielding the axe going forward.

All in all – 2011 will have a deleterious effect on radio as we have known it and I’ll project where it will all end up in the next five years.

If you’d like to access this story, check out the options under "read more".

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

3 Media Monopolies To Fear

Yesterday, Nielsen announced it was giving up on the radio ratings business in the United States after several frustrating years. With that word Nielsen becomes the umpteenth radio ratings company that failed to upend Arbitron.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Arbitron is fresh off of its own announcement to mark the one-year early renewal of Clear Channel as its biggest radio client to re-up for Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings through 2015.

That’s a half billion dollars from their monopoly to Arbitrons.

At the same time, there is growing evidence that the Evil Empire of the new media world is Google with new concerns arising that Google’s vast search empire is buying up businesses in non-search areas making it pretty hard for the Feds to stop them.

Google matters to media companies because what Arbitron is to radio, Google will be to whatever businesses such as radio become in the digital arena.

There is a third monopoly that could have as big an impact on the media business as both Google and Arbitron put together. More on that in a moment.

First, what’s up with Nielsen dropping radio ratings?

I talked to some very nice Nielsen people at the NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia a few years back and told them that I was skeptical about their chances of penetrating Arbitron market share. Of course, they were predictably optimistic.

One thing about monopolies, it takes one to know one and in the case of monopolistic type companies, they suck the air out of other businesses often with the help of other companies that suck the air out of other businesses.

Take the monopoly Arbitron being supported by the monopoly Clear Channel to the tune of $500 million. Is it any wonder that Nielsen pulled up stakes the day after Arbitron’s whopping Clear Channel renewal became public?

Nielsen said all the right things like we were making money, had 51 markets including some Cumulus small markets and 17 Clear Channel cities. They had Maverick Media, ESPN but it didn’t have a half billion from Clear Channel.

Lew Dickey, who championed Nielsen as a cheap alternative to Arbitron, is left holding the bag of money he can now spend on that Citadel takeover (Ha Ha). Cumulus is as cheap as any broadcaster and what Nielsen needed was a real monopoly – the kind that spends what it doesn’t have.

Like Clear Channel.

It’s interesting that Nielsen will continue doing radio ratings in 11 other countries presumably where Arbitron does not dominate.

So what’s going on?

Radio is stuck with one ratings service with flawed drive-by technology that consolidators just happen to love because it over reports listening to stations that mostly play music.

New media is afraid of Google which is under investigation in other countries and even here in Texas for allegedly punishing search clients who become rivals of the many companies Google is acquiring.

And then there is this blockbuster. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Clear Channel Becomes Cumulus

What kind of screwed up industry is radio when the largest radio group initiatives another of its many rounds of cost cutting while simultaneous signing an early Arbitron renewal contract for half a billion dollars?

A company that values Bob Pittman’s $5 million stake in Clear Channel as entre to his new position as head of entertainment and new media while preparing to initiate more draconian cutbacks that will make your hair curl.

And this from a radio giant that owes $19 billion in debt – due within two years – with no known way to pay for it other than bankruptcy (which means, not paying for it).

Friday, December 10, 2010

Howard Stern’s Big Mistake

How can a guy who has already made well in excess of $500 million in satellite radio make a mistake signing on for millions and millions and more?

From the money perspective - you go, guy!

A new five-year mega deal with SiriusXM sounds like a great move for Howard Stern. After all, Stern gets what he says will most likely be his last radio contract, lots more money and more time off.

While Stern can take the money and run, if you place the bet he just did on the future of radio, you’ll most certainly lose without the benefit of Stern money.

Howard Stern made a big mistake and he’s not alone because media companies are making the same one right now. 

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Radio December 31, 2011

Cumulus tried two unfriendly takeovers of Citadel this week.

Local radio is being replaced by syndicated programming and voice tracking.

Owners think new media is streaming a terrestrial station online.

To them, social networking is texting in to win on-air contests.

Something very important is going on right now that portends what will happen in the next 12 months.

There’s new technology breaking.

Another palpable change in consumer media behavior.

And an x factor that not one radio broadcaster sees right now even though it could spell the end to their monopolies.

Direct radio is the future and you don’t have to be a big radio group to get in on it. Just smart enough to know what it is. 

It isn't broadcasting.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Netflix

If you want to know how to do it right, look no further than Netflix.

From mail order operator to digital powerhouse without all the missteps and reservations you see the record industry, broadcasting or publishing obsess over.

And because Netflix is a media company that got it right first, all other competitors now coming out of the woodwork are disadvantaged as being potential also rans.

Netflix is becoming a major player not only in the movie business but poised to shakeup television, cable and get in the face of the biggest competitor to date – Amazon, which announced yesterday it wants what Netflix is having.

In radio, an entire local broadcasting business has been hijacked by venture capitalists and opportunist CEOs. That’s why if you compare radio today with radio before the digital revolution, it is just about the same. Not very different.

Meanwhile consumers have changed.

Technology really has changed and is coming at us exponentially – every new product offering new ways to get content and marketing literally in the hands of consumers.

Therefore while a “mail you a movie” business morphed into your digital best way to watch video content ramps up for growth and puts cable, phone, TV and satellite businesses in jeopardy, radio threatens no one.

Same could be said about the record business, which is essentially the same thing it was in 2000 as it is today – CD driven with reluctant forays into digital. Half-hearted efforts to actually encourage entrepreneurs to use music (i.e., draconian streaming licenses) and stingy “try before you buy” strategies to fuel consumer passion for music.

The music industry, therefore, threatens no one – but its own existence.

Publishing has been dying for decades stubbornly unwilling to accept the role consumers cast them in when television news and now the Internet came along. Extinction is the penalty for not paying attention.

What’s more pressing is that media companies cobbling their plans together for 2011 are, in my view, getting ready to do just the opposite of what Netflix did.

Imagine.

A business that delivers movies by mail and that is dead if mail goes out of style that becomes the standard by which other companies are judged.

So here is what radio, records, publishing and television should learn from Netflix.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dickey’s Tricky Takeover

Now it’s war.

Mano e mano.

Cumulus against Citadel.

Lew Dickey vs. Farid Suleman in the heavyweight championship of the deal world.

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey has been feeling very impotent lately when it comes to putting his man pants on (to borrow a political term) and doing a deal to acquire stations he keeps promising he will buy.

For all his talk – outright bragging about a billion-dollar acquisition fund for such a purpose -- Dickey has come up limp for years.

But yesterday, it was reported that Dickey tried to engineer not one but two unfriendly takeover bids in recent days against Citadel. Both were rejected in the name of not being good for the shareholders.

Hold that thought. I’ll come back to it.

In other words, radio’s poster child for what Wall Street can do to trash a perfectly good industry launched the “nucular” option. Radio people know that there is no love lost between Dickey and Suleman – two birds of a feather in some ways.

You might ask yourself, how does a twerp of a company like Cumulus go after a mess such as Citadel in this economy?

But first, ask yourself this.

Can you imagine working at Citadel, perhaps the second worst people-friendly radio company (Cumulus is the worst) and hearing the news that Uncle Lew wants you! How more depressing can your job be at starvation wages, mean management and now this?

Happy Holidays.

Published reports in The New York Times say that Citadel received an unsolicited letter from a third party in early November proposing a merger transaction.

The offer was rejected quicker than Farid Suleman would turn down a coach seat on Southwest.

Then on November 29th, Dickey upped his lowball offer.

Rejected again.

Bankrupt companies must be in great demand these days. Or big egos need to be fed. Somehow in the back of your mind are you thinking what I’m thinking that Dickey never really thought Citadel would accept the offer and if they did, he would have said, “oh shit!”

So now we’re left to figure out whether this weak attempt to purportedly buy a main competitor was for vanity or necessity.

It begs the question where would Dickey get the money? You realize investment funds are not exactly flowing around Wall Street these days.

What’s the end game?

Will Dickey try again and can Suleman defend himself against Cumulus if the offers get better?

These are some of the questions we’re going to answer right now. 

Monday, December 6, 2010

DickeyLeaks

No one radio consolidator gets more dimes dropped on them than Lew Dickey’s Cumulus Media.

The company was voted the worst in a poll of thousands of media executives conducted in Inside Music Media a year ago. And I sense things have not gotten any better as Dickey has become Dr. Death to so many promising radio careers.

Don’t get me wrong. For the past four years I’ve been getting tons of email from current and former employees of almost all radio companies giving a revealing look at how they’re operated behind the scenes.

Almost always, what these consolidators say and what they do are in sharp contrast.

What’s always amazed me is from the first day I called Lew Dickey “Tricky”, Farid Suleman “Fagreed” and John Hogan “Slogan” these companies had Inside Music Media blocked from their corporate mail.

That’s fair. Why let your employees read someone who isn’t ever going to put you on a cover or invite you to keynote a convention? They have a right to control what their employees read about them and their companies – at work.

There are others who went down that road as well – usually the ones criticized the most for helping to tank the radio industry.

In spite of it all, these control freaks forgot that almost everyone has a personal email address and wouldn’t you know they simply signed up there to continue reading what I am saying here away from work.

But now, in the spirit of WikiLeaks I got some disturbing news from inside Cumulus that will never be read in the happy talk press. You know, the place where everything is beautiful in radio as long as you don’t talk about what is going on behind the scenes.

Seems like Dr. Dickey has come up with a public option of his own that deleteriously affects the health care plans of his long-suffering employees.

So I am going to out him right here and even do a little document dump – the first of many I am sure -- as Dickey’s employees fight back by shedding light on a company that is far from employee-friendly and for that matter not all that friendly to shareholders.

But where shall I begin? 

Friday, December 3, 2010

Taylor Swift vs. Black Ops

You’ve got to hand it to the record labels.

On the rare occasion that they sell a million albums these days, they break into a rendition of “Celebration”.

Except the times aren’t good for the labels.

And there is very little to celebrate.

Take the tale of Taylor Swift and compare that to the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops” for a little perspective.

Taylor Swift sold a million albums in the first week “Speak Now” was released.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops” video game broke sales records when it sold over 10 million copies at $60 for a total net of $650 million in its first five days on the market – and may sell a record 20 million units by the end of the year.

This is not about whether Taylor Swift’s album is good or bad – not a critique. Taylor Swift has a passionate young audience and she is a legitimate star. It’s about a shrinking record business that could learn a thing or two from the video game business.

What record label execs are proud to point out is that Taylor Swift sold 769,000 old school CDs in the process and are saying the CD isn’t dead.

In their dreams.

Taylor Swift transcends radio formats. She’s as popular right now as any recorded music star. Popular with teens. Men think she’s beautiful. Women want to be her.

So is it fair to compare Taylor Swift, the best the record industry has to offer right now, with a vids?

The real issue at hand is not whether CDs are dead or video games are better than recorded music.

The real issue is what does it take to fuel a growth business.

Black Ops is the seventh in a series of big hit video games. It’s an addiction. The latest offering is set in Vietnam and Cuba and trades on Fidel Castro and John F. Kennedy images in its fictitious plot line.

For Taylor Swift, she was knocked out of the top spot on the Billboard 200 by Susan Boyle almost as fast as she got there – not uncommon for music these days. A big hit is a short-lived hit even if radio stations didn’t get that memo because they keep playing big hits after they quickly peak.

Taylor Swift has sold 13 million albums worldwide during her brief career.

While music doesn’t have to sell as many units as, say, video games, there is something quite telling going on right now.

Here’s how the Black Ops playbook could actually help sell music. 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Ryan Seacrest — Clear Channel’s Face of Firing

If the overpayment of Ryan Seacrest to continue as the face and voice of Clear Channel is representative of the second coming of Bob Pittman to the radio industry, then we’re all in trouble.

Pittman’s first official act was to announce the rehiring of Ryan Seacrest for double the pay he was previously getting -- $60 million for three years.

And if that doesn’t rankle you, then you’re obviously not one of the thousands of Clear Channel professionals who made a lot less and did a lot more before you were fired from live and local radio.

So, Pittman throws lots of Lee and Bain money around in his current role as chairman of Clear Channel’s media and entertainment division.

It seems so easy.

The cutbacks that occurred for years – once over a thousand in one day -- are erased by a venture capital poster boy who clearly doesn’t get it.

Or does he?

Does Pittman know how to run the largest radio group ever put together on the face of the earth or do you?

And does it even matter when Clear Channel is head over heels in debt that can only lead to bankruptcy?

Pittman is likely to be the heir apparent to Mark Mays as Clear Channel CEO when Mays steps down next year so he had better know.

But paying Seacrest more than Glenn Beck and less than Rush Limbaugh shows you how easy it is to play monopoly when the venture capitalists are the bank.

Why?

Because $60 million is chump change to them even if $60,000 is called a living to their thousands fired employees.

This is not a slap at Seacrest who is a good and talented guy, but a criticism of how stupid radio consolidators are when they come up with crazy cutback plans, overpay their CEOs (are you listening Tricky Dickey and Fagreed Suleman?) and are quick to pull the plug on the one thing Apple, Pandora – the entire Internet cannot compete with – live and local radio.

I get that Seacrest will be a busy guy – helping Clear Channel not rehire local talent in markets as he continues to replace them with his syndicated work so to them his salary is a bargain.

I get that Seacrest will do some developmental work with Clear Channel – whatever that is. And in the scheme of things – doesn’t really matter.

But there is another side to this story that may well show you what 2011 is going to be like at many other consolidated radio groups.

Three things.

So, sit down and remove any sharp objects from sight while I lay it all out. 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Fagreed Suleman – The Energizer Bunny

I’m about to be sick.

Farid “Fagreed” Suleman is going to sell a half billion in bonds to unwitting financial institutions so he can lower Citadel’s debt to a pittance of only $262.5 million.

Stop for a second and think about this.

Radio is one of the few industry’s that remains standing where its biggest leaders are doubling down on debt while innovating nothing and virtually ignoring consumer preferences for mobile media.

Fagreed always manages to take good care of number one – that would be his bad self. Meanwhile he seems satisfied to have seven-year-old news cruisers at KGO in San Francisco. Happy to go without managers, program directors and live talent at many of his stations.

The Wizard of Odds bet that he could learn on the job to run Citadel and he lost.

I mean he won.

While Fagreed never learned how to run radio stations, he did learn how to play stupid Wall Street tricks such as filing for bankruptcy and raising debt for a sketchy company.

So this hopelessly inept radio group leaves its shareholders with nothing, other investors with next to nothing and its big lenders get the company back in lieu of getting their loan payments back.

Then bankruptcy – pre-fixed, or should I use a nice term like pre-arranged – that sounds so much better. And presto out of bankruptcy comes the company The Wizard of Odds bet the ranch on, lost and eventually lived to see another glorious day.

Meanwhile in the real world …

Google is getting ready to spend up to $6 billion dollars for the coupon site Groupon within the next few days.

You know what Apple does – makes consumer products and defies the economy.

News Corp will likely sell MySpace to get out of the way it mismanaged that half billion plus acquisition.

But in radio, it’s not about trying and failing. It’s about failing without even trying.

Let’s take a look specifically at the big three – Clear Channel, Cumulus and Suleman’s latest trick at Citadel. They are all in debt trouble.

But something wondrous is going to come out of their pain – lots of radio stations are about to go back on the market at bargain basement prices.

Let me give you the details and timeline for each. I’m going to give it to you straight – you won’t get so candid a prediction anywhere else.

Let’s start with Citadel.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The FM Red Herring

(Editor’s note: today is the last day to get the $300 discount on my January 27th Media Solutions Lab – learn more here). 

For years now radio executives have been screaming for FM chips in cell phones.

Their twisted little minds figured that just about everyone eight years of age or older keep cell phones in their hands and wouldn’t it be nice to put a radio there, too.

Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan has been leading the FM chip charge but to no avail.

Smulyan argues that radios on mobile devices in Europe increase a station’s total listening. That may be so in Europe, but even there the increase is statistically insignificant.

Mark Ramsey came out with an excellent study this week in which he polled actual consumers who already bought a cell phone and asked them if they specifically looked for a phone that had FM radio.

88% said no.

4% said yes.

So, as we say in Philadelphia, “who don’t know that?”

Why all the fuss about putting FM on cell phones?

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell you that young consumers barely even use their telephones as telephones let alone radios. And as Ramsey points out maybe Apple only has one mobile device that is FM ready (Nano) but there really are a lot of cell phones for sale with FM capability.

FM on cell phones is a red herring -- the definition of which is something intended to be misleading or distracting.

Why is the radio industry being played for fools by virtually every group CEO (that is a good question in and of itself) and by the very group that is supposed to represent their best interests – the National Association of Broadcasters?

And one more thing – are we as dumb as they think we are because I can show you how to look at consumers and read exactly what they want which begs the question what do potential listeners want and what does the radio industry want.

They are not the same thing. 

The back story is almost unbelievable. 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Internet Is So Over

Almost as soon as it arrives, the Internet is on the decline.

You may find that hard to believe and I understand that. But some big mistakes are about to be made under the assumption that media content needs to be contoured for the Internet.

As recently as last week, we saw hints that the Internet had seen its finer days when a rumor circulated that Apple had banned single radio station apps from its popular app store. As it turned out, there is no apparent reason for immediate concern as Jacobs Media, one of radio’s leading app producers, said that Apple had accepted client requests for single app approval as recently as a few weeks ago.

The rumor was that only apps with 100 or more stations would be approved by Apple as DJB Apps’ Jim Barcus reportedly told Radio Magazine that Apple rejected 10 of his company’s single station radio stream apps on November 10. Barcus claimed that Apple told him single station apps are the same as so-called FART apps and are considered spam by the Apple store.

But there is a bigger question.

Why are radio stations streaming content on the Internet as we enter 2011 when what consumers want – and crave – is short-attention span content that they can access and use at will?

Internet streaming of radio never worked with most stations barely gaining 3% increases in listening to add to its terrestrial ratings. For all the problems with AFTRA and commercial rights, the software problems to allow insertion of non-terrestrial advertising – streaming simply laid an egg.

What worked over the air wasn’t as desirable as a stream – and it makes sense if you look at things from the consumers’ point of view rather than that of radio companies.

Radio has come late to the Internet game and now risks investing time and money to catch up on in an area I am representing to you is over.

We’re going to talk about a better use of time and money than radio pursuing Internet ventures in the next year or so at my January Media Solutions Lab. 

But let me preview what the future is if it is not the Internet. 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Don’t Touch Lew Dickey’s Junk

I have uncovered something very interesting about Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey that may give you some insight into how this powerful radio consolidator thinks.

When the term family jewels is used – say, to describe the pat downs that TSA is giving travelers these days – it is used to describe a person’s private parts.

In the Dickey family, the family jewel is the media operation that was handed down from father to son and siblings.

That is why it is a bit odd that in a lawsuit that Dickey inflicted upon his former Danbury, CT and Westchester, NY manager Kristin Okesson, Lew Dickey is asking a federal magistrate to in a sense pat his ex-employee down for resigning her job and leaving the company, but hands off of his family jewels.

It is apparent to some that the Dickeys are looking to inflict as much financial harm on this female executive who resigned, went to work for a more respected operator and then filed a discrimination suit against Cumulus.

In essence Dickey wants Okesson to pay him almost a million dollars for the financial hurt she allegedly brought upon his junk.

What he didn’t count on is that Kristin Okesson’s new employer is paying all her legal bills and that for the first time Tricky Dickey may not only lose his lawsuit but regret that he ever filed it.

This is a story of Thanksgiving to anyone who has ever been screwed by an employer who seemingly had all the power and money to get their way.

There are new developments in the Okesson case which read more like a soap opera than a legal action. Closing arguments were heard in Bridgeport on November 9th.

After hearing what is looming over the Dickey empire, Suing Lew will probably try to negotiate a settlement with the person he picked on probably because she stood up to him every step along the way.

Dickey appears ready to lose and wind up with unintended consequences, but until he settles and a gag order is imposed on how much that settlement will cost, this is a public story of vengeance and bad policy.

No one ever leaves Cumulus and lives to tell the story (let alone get costs and damages) but it could happen to Kristin Okesson.

And wait until you hear how this entire lawsuit may backfire in Dickey’s face. 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Radio in 2011

This is an early warning that 2011 will not be like 2010 or any other previous year since radio or record industry consolidation.

In fact, 2011 will not resemble anything the media industry has ever seen before because several circumstances are driving the owners of big radio and record companies to acts of desperation.

This is important because, if I am correct – and I wouldn’t be saying this if I didn’t believe it – hold on tight, it’s going to be a rough ride.

In spite of some of the scary things I am going to share with you, there are a few good opportunities that will occur that even a year ago would have been unthinkable.

Maybe some respect for good old mom and pop.

A second chance.

Investment banks are doing something so blatantly telling that it can predict what they are up to as owners of radio companies in the next 12 months. I’m surprised so few have noticed.

What Bob Pittman’s hiring foretells about the change in direction ahead.

And four documented examples that will illustrate how 2011 will be a year like no other in the radio industry.

Oh, and somehow even Randy Michaels may figure into all of this.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Death of Cable News

Rupert Murdoch and Steve Jobs’ secret plan to build a news site expressly for the iPad is a cable news killer.

But it could also be an opportunity for radio.

How so?

Not in that if cable news is crippled, more people will turn to radio again. But in a new way.

Cable viewers skew older, but this new iPad venture between the unlikely duo of Jobs and Murdoch will have to attract younger demographics to have a chance.

However, the plans which I am going to tell you about also offer an early warning to radio operators and ex-radio people who are smart enough to follow the lead of something Jobs and Murdoch call the Daily.

Ignore what is about to happen at your own peril. Here is a blueprint, timeline and specific way radio people or ex-radio people can get a jump on what I think will be a huge growth business.  

Read this story today.
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•••

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•••

Anonymous tipsters copy and paste internal memos or emails here.  

Monday, November 22, 2010

Predictions

I’ve got five bold predictions for you in radio, new media and music that I think you’ll want to know.

• Which radio group will start selling stations – possibly as soon as next year – in spite of the fact that station prices will be very depressed and money is hard to come by. Learn why, how much these stations are likely to get plus what type of person is the ideal buyer. You may be surprised.

• The unintended consequence of the new music royalty tax on radio which, as you know, I believe is a foregone conclusion. Here’s my best thinking of when the tax will be settled and when stations will likely have to start paying.

• What’s up with streaming media, an industry that has already been mugged by the music industry royalty tax? However there is a workaround on the horizon. Details follow.

• Apple’s next move. The usual holiday sales should be brisk, but that’s not what I am talking about. There is a game changer ahead that will impact the music industry and terrestrial radio.

• How big will local new media ad sales get? There is evidence that it is surging in some local radio markets, but I’ve got the percentage of all local business that you can expect to go to new media and a time frame.

Read this story today.
Become an Inside Music Media subscriber for as low as 27 cents a day – about a quarter. Get today’s story, the archives and daily email delivery. Sign up here.

•••

Only 10 days left to get the “early bird” $300 discount for Jerry’s 2011 Media Solutions Lab in January. To learn more or register, click here.

•••

Anonymous tipsters copy and paste internal memos or emails here.  

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Clear Channel’s Next Owner

A lot has been made of the recent appointment of former MTV and AOL head Bob Pittman to a high level executive position at Clear Channel – the presumption being that Pittman’s arrival signals a new day for its radio, entertainment and new media prospects.

But there is a developing back-story that could constitute more than an executive personnel change.

Clear Channel could have a new owner in the not too distant future.

The plot thickens because the wheels may already be in motion so Clear Channel owner Lee and Bain can escape from a huge investment gone badly for them.

This real time scenario is unfolding even as the company claims to be searching for a replacement to departing CEO Mark Mays.

But this is what is likely to happen.

If you are a subscriber to Inside Music Media, click through to unlock the rest of the story. To become a subscriber, it’s as low as 39 cents a day. No ads. No outside influence. The straight scoop. Sign up here.  

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lew Dickey’s Thanksgiving Turkey

Cumulus Media just can’t figure out how to sell.

Harvard and Stanford grad and Cumulus CEO Lew “Tricky” Dickey has been beating up his employees for years about their underperforming sales ways.

He’s thinned out their ranks. Told me face-to-face in Philadelphia that maybe it’s not a bad thing to get some fresh blood into the company.

Dickey, who never enjoyed a career as a radio salesman, had a lot of blame to throw around for Cumulus account execs who actually know how to sell.

Sales meetings conducted from the Cumulus headquarters in Atlanta beamed to local stations via Skype. Local sales staffs hate this because it keeps them off the streets and away from clients who do spend money with them. Dickey likes it because he can badger them to sell to new categories like health care.

As the Dickey Empire totally remade local sales, it took key accounts away from the salespeople who attracted and maintained them and dished them off to so-called Key Account Managers who got paid a lower commission for managing the business.

Increasingly more local sales were made through Atlanta to prevent the higher local sales commissions from being paid – a big incentive for a sales profile. Of course, I am being sarcastic here. Nothing throws a wet towel on selling like messing with the seller’s commission.

Lew Dickey held his most recent conference call with analysts where he was snagged for the company’s underperformance in local business by blaming the economy. Truth to be told, many radio groups are doing poorly in local, but Dickey is comfortable simply blaming the recession.

CBS is up over 3% in local for the same period and interestingly enough, President Dan Mason uses a traditional sales approach with account execs deployed in local markets. Could that be something that would interest Lew Dickey?

Of course not.

The smartest radio guy in the industry (at least in his own mind) has yet another play date with local sales that is more like a senior project than a sales strategy.

It’s called Value Alert Notification.

And you won’t believe what it forces sales people to do and how it actually works to kill local sales.

If you are a subscriber to Inside Music Media, click through to unlock the rest of the story. To become a subscriber, it’s as low as 39 cents a day. Sign up here.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Facebook’s New Messages

Facebook is getting ready to offer consumers a new communications system called Messages.

Mark Zuckerberg did a presentation a few days ago about this new way to handle email and text messaging that is worthy of your attention.

Email s becoming slow and outdated -- young people use it sparingly.

Facebook’s move is about how changing consumer habits have forced the largest player in social networking to change before they lose critical mass.

See any similarities between Facebook and how radio, the music industry and new media do things?

Neither do I.

But it’s never too late to learn. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Bob Pittman Is the New John Hogan

Nice move.

Hire the man who brought MTV and AOL to prominence and call it a step in the right direction for an outdated radio company to embrace new media.

And why would Clear Channel have to recycle the well-traveled Pittman?

Let me count the ways.

One, Clear Channel owes $19 billion in debt due in two years and has no earthly way to pay it back. That means the company will either be chopped up or sent to bankruptcy – neither of which sounds that bad to me when you look at how other radio companies did when they emerged from bankruptcy.

They did fine. Everyone else got screwed.

Two, go back and read one.

Clear Channel is lucky to generate a few billion a year in profit with its radio and outdoor operations. Not likely that it could repay $19 billion in debt at that pace.

So you do the next best thing.

Turn to unearthly ways to get into digital media and for investment bankers that means hiring one of their own to work with a “management team” so owners Lee and Bain can sell this as a great reason to help refinance that $19 billion in debt.

Or as one of my readers wrote upon hearing of Pittman’s appointment:

“Exactly the kind of call someone who knows nothing about radio would make. The smoothest move since Ted Forstmann tapped Farid Suleman to run Citadel”.

So while others are reading about this game changing appointment of Bob Pittman as chairman of its media and entertainment divisions, you’re likely seeing through the move as one that has more to do with window dressing than substance.

If not, and with all due respect to Pittman, I could have named a hundred executives who could lead the digital way but no – the Clear Channel investment bank owners has to have Pittman who ironically also has experience running the real estate company Century 21 which means it really is all about the real estate.

Now you know that a smart organization doesn’t make a major appointment like this without having replaced CEO Mark Mays who leaves within the next few months. But that doesn’t stop Lee and Bain because whoever that puppet is, the investment bank owners are going to name Pittman as head of media and entertainment anyway.

Who needs to have the new CEO sign off on it?

After all, they are all puppets and Lee and Bain pull the strings.

But beware.

Think John Hogan.

Something big is up. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Cable Takes a Dive

Just in the past few months, a significant and major change in cable television subscriptions has occurred.

This trend is worth watching if you are in competing media because there are potential repercussions for you as well.

Up until now, we’ve known that broadcast network television was declining not only in total viewers but the important young viewers category. The median age of a network TV viewer is at 50 years old – a concern to advertisers who demand a younger demographic.

But cable has held up well even with Internet competition and new ways to deliver mobile video content – until now.

It’s not just that cable subscriptions are off but that TV subscribers are not switching to satellite or phone competitors, either.

Third quarter results just released by the dominant cable and satellite TV operators show big losses.

This could be the first indication that Internet video is coming of age with consumers using the Internet to get their entertainment content. Netflix, Hulu and other new age video distribution sites could be the beneficiaries, but the trend is hard to read at this point.

As you might expect, cable companies are in denial.

Time Warner Cable lost 155,000 video subscribers in the third quarter compared with 64,000 a year earlier.

Comcast’s losses more than doubled in the third quarter, to 275,000 perhaps because sweet deals that Comcast offered when analog TV shut down a year earlier expired.

DirecTV picked up subscribers but Dish Network lost them.

The cable, phone and satellite companies representing over 80% of all subscribers showed a combined gain of 66,700 video subscribers. This pales in comparison to a year ago when they gained over 400,000 subscribers.

The cable decline should come as no surprise as video subscribers have been leaving for years but the crafty cable companies made up the difference by selling higher tiered content packages.

So what does this mean?

The line between TV and radio is blurred because popular mobile Internet devices include video and audio (and text AND social networking).

Satellite radio claims continued growth as a monopoly but young consumers want no part of it. They don’t like to pay for that which they can access for free.

I am about to present some pretty compelling evidence in the form of research that you will want to know about because we have now arrived at the epicenter of change for video – the same change that has been morphing in radio and music – and you’ll get a potential glimpse of the future ahead of everyone else.

The consumer is showing us the way – five demands we ought to listen to. 

Monday, November 15, 2010

How To Bulletproof Your Career

For the past few years the big three consolidators have been firing people by the hundreds if not the thousands.

More cuts are happening even now ahead of the holidays (and the end of the year) and the prognosis is for more cost cutting in the year ahead on a continuing basis.

Many employees of Cumulus have told me that they can’t wait to get out – some have set deadlines for themselves in 2011.

Meanwhile Cumulus is hiring.

Hiring inexperienced people who will work for less without radio industry experience.

On the music side, record labels are not hiring.

The labels are beleaguered. EMI is about to fall and I wouldn’t bet the house on the surviving big three labels because, frankly, there is less need every day for a record label in the digital world.

Many of you ask – how can I stay in the media business and not work for people like the Dickeys, Farid Suleman or John Hogan?

Others want to know where the good jobs are and how to get them.

So, let me address these issues.

The trick is keeping a job you like even when you don’t like the people you work for. Never let them push you out by insulting you, terrorizing you (are you listening, Lew Dickey?) or freezing you out by cutting wages, adding responsibilities and adding insult to injury.

The strategy is: don’t react -- respond.

If you can survive poor employers in an industry that you love, then you’ll want to turn your attention to how to build your value while you are looking for the next career.

And that career, by the way, is either in local radio in smaller and medium markets working for non-consolidated operators or larger cities where people are valued (i.e., Bonneville).

In the year ahead great strides will be made in the mobile Internet. Radio and music industry people are ready-to-go for creating mobile content. I’m doing a segment on this at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab – that’s how strongly I feel about the opportunities ahead. 

That’s why you want to survive as long as possible so you can make the move to either an employer who sees traditional media in a future context or make the jump to new media.

In other words, you want to be bulletproof.

Here’s the plan -- what to read and how to prepare for a new way of thinking.  

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Clear Channel Plan: Let Salespeople Make Up Their Own Rates

If you want to know why local sales are down, you can find many reasons – most of them caused by poor decisions made by corporate owners.

Instead of fixing the problems – Clear Channel is now reportedly considering a new way to create even more.

According to Tom Taylor, there is some speculation that Clear Channel is considering revising its sales commission structure in a very unusual and potentially dangerous way. I wish it were a hoax, but Tom’s too good a reporter for that.

All of this nonsense is the best work of Lee and Bain, the two investment bank owners of Clear Channel. The plan is typical investment bank “think” as you’ll soon learn.

The incentive is not on selling more spots.

Not on selling spots in a certain time period such as morning drive.

Not based on any standard that radio sales has ever recognized in well over 50 years. And that’s because the new Clear Channel system is designed to pimp out salespeople because the company can’t give them a product that the marketplace will buy at a fair rate.

I’m sure you’ve noticed how most radio companies – even good ones – are having trouble selling local ads this quarter.

There is a logical explanation.

Take away local personalities and replace them with voice tracking from 1,200 miles away or repeater radio syndication from the home office and you’ve saved money alright, but you haven’t given advertisers and agencies anything to get excited about.

Therefore, local personalities are the best way to get premium rates that drive local billing growth. Okay, so much for that.

Then, owners like Cumulus are reallocating local sales to their home office in Atlanta and therefore the easy business is handled by a national salesperson whose main purpose is not to serve the local client better but to help the Dickeys get away without having to pay the local salesperson’s higher commission.

And finally, local sales is being driven – again – by national centers that dictate who to call on, how to do it, how many calls to make and so on. Therefore, radio selling becomes dialing for dollars instead of building mutually beneficial relationships.

Local sales staffs take their instructions weekly from headquarters and you see how things are working out.

Now the most amazing cockamamie plan of all from the makers of Less Is More.

This new plan could be called Screwy Sales.

Wait until you hear how it works. 

Friday, November 12, 2010

48 Millions iPads To Program By 2012

It turns out that I have been estimating the growth of Apple’s iPad tablets for 2011 too conservatively saying that there will be 11 million more sold by the end of 2011.

Now an analyst for Wedge Partners is predicting somewhere between 45 to 48 million more iPads manufactured and sold in the year ahead.

That’s an upgrade from 13.5 million in 2010.

There are many reasons for predicting the accelerated growth of iPads not the least of which is the anticipated inclusion of a front-facing camera and a thinner, one-piece design.

There is no doubt Wedge Partners is bullish on Apple. They even predict 48 to 50 million iPhones will be sold next year and for content purposes, iPhones are mini-iPads.

This medium is going to become extra large real soon.

I’m an Apple shareholder so you can imagine how I am salivating at the thought of all this, but there is something else that is lighting my fire.

Someone is going to have make content for all these iPads and iPhones. Apps are apps but they are only good when they link to something iPad users care about.

There is a major change in the making and smart observers are tracking it.

Television is in trouble and cable is beginning to decline.

Radio is having a heck of a time making local sales with their repeater radio content.

Newspapers are starting to take a licking not from competing media so much as small entrepreneurs who are making inroads with hyperlocal media sites (more on this at my January Media Solutions Lab).

The record business – well, outside of Taylor Swift things are pretty bleak going into the holiday season.

What is encouraging – in fact, compelling – is that up to 48 million additional iPads are going to be in the hands of consumers in just 14 months and they are going to need us.

Content producers – marketers – social networking experts – creative people or if I may put it another way – radio and music industry people ready to make the move to the digital side. Yes, broadcast companies and record labels can come along for the ride but this new revolution is open to everyone and anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit.

I’m going to outline for you some of the best opportunities for iPad content creation so you can get a leg up on everyone else and get the creative process started.

Here we go. 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Why Monthly Music Subscription Services Fail

Spotify is all the rage in Europe – a free version and paid monthly subscription service for all the music you could ever want.

Spotify is trying to enter the U.S. market next with high hopes.

Google is getting close to unveiling its plan for the Android platform and will likely offer a paid subscription model for cell phones.

Zune’s HD Pass already has a subscription service that allows streaming to Android phones as long as they are online.

Not much demand there.

Rhapsody has been around a while, offers streaming for monthly fees, and is losing subscribers constantly.

Go figure.

Rdio’s claim to fame is social features and easy to use interface for music discovery.

The jury is still out.

Apple is planning a subscription service although I am not convinced it will look likes these or the other ones out there.

Why is it, then, that monthly music subscription services fail?

They’ve all got great features and some have small and consistent support.

This is one of the most important questions of the digital age and yet, in my opinion, most of us are looking in the wrong places for the answers.

There is little doubt that the next generation of music intensive consumers is obsessed with music discovery. For the first time, they don’t have to rely on radio to hear a few new songs a week.

They don’t need to put up with repetition of the same 20 to 30 tunes.

Don’t have to listen to someone else’s preferred music because they can always listen from their own playlists.

And best of all, this new age music consumer has the coolest, smallest, slickest devices in their hands for being in control of the music they discover and want to hear.

There is an answer to why music subscription services, which otherwise are pretty nice, just can’t seem to gather enough critical mass to succeed. You could blame the record labels for throwing a monkey wrench into the subscription model because they have certainly done that. After all, the best of the subscription services may be the one you can’t hear in the U.S. – Spotify – because they have not been able to cut a deal they can afford with the major labels.

But there is a missing link that I’d like to point out.

One that helps explain why monthly music services fail.

And one that gives an insight into the labels’ fantasy of getting Internet service providers to charge monthly fees for music access which will never get traction.

And it even helps explain what terrestrial radio is doing wrong even though radio is offering its music for free.

It’s not about price.

Monthly music services, record labels and radio stations fail to see that consumers – as they always do – are screaming out for what they want.

And here it is. 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Apple Readies a Potent Blow to Music Radio

Even as the radio industry is fighting a war with Apple to get CEO Steve Jobs to put FM radio on his popular mobile devices, Apple is getting ready to deal a severe blow to music radio.

Not that anyone in radio is noticing.

And I can guarantee you very few know what I am going to share with you this morning about Apple’s latest plan to rethink the way music is presented to its 100 million plus iTunes subscribers that will have catastrophic ramifications for radio.

To put the issue in perspective, keep in mind that most station owners still believe that if you build an iPad or iPhone with an FM chip, they will come.

It is interesting --- and significant – to note that Steve Jobs has basically turned a deaf ear toward radio interests for ten years now. He just doesn’t think his youthful market of changemakers want a radio as part of their mobile devices.

Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan is the most visible radio executive who passionately believes radio listening would increase if somehow, someway Jobs can be convinced to go with the FM chip. Smulyan cites the success in Europe with FM on mobile.

In such cases, slight increases in radio listening are reported but when times are tough as they are now even the slightest increases are deemed to be worth it.

But not in this country.

Radio on a cellphone or iPod is a non-starter for consumers. The iPod Nano has been available with an FM chip here – a small bone Apple has been willing to throw to terrestrial broadcasting – but it has not even represented a blip in audience ratings.

And other non-Apple mobile products have been offering FM radio with the same flat results.

One thing about Jobs.

He sure knows how to throw his competition off guard.

In this case while radio wants desperately to become part of the cool world of Apple mobile devices, Jobs is about ready to drastically change that cool world and put it further out of reach for terrestrial radio.

This time Apple’s focus is not on FM broadcasting.

It is about music.

After all, music is the content that has led the mobile revolution. Without music at 99 cents (or free) there could be no iPod.

Without an iPod, there would be only radio for music discovery even if radio program directors continued their decades old policy of minimum music discovery (adding only three new songs a week to their playlists).

But consider this.

Jobs faked the music industry out of their business and here is how Apple is going to fake music radio out of theirs. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Dismantling of Citadel’s KGO, San Francisco

Mickey Luckoff has been out as President and General Manager of KGO/KSFO, San Francisco for about one month now.

Luckoff left with his hands in the air and two fingers holding his nose as Citadel CEO for Life Farid “Fagreed” Suleman finally got to him.

Luckoff stayed on after Citadel bought ABC from Disney hoping that he could keep the station he operated for 35 years together. To quote the Bible:

“What Mickey Luckoff has joined together, let no man put asunder”.

35 years – numerous owners later from ABC to Cap Cities and Disney – and then a catastrophic event.

True, Arbitron’s People Meter has been shorting news/talk stations all over the country probably because the drive-by listening rating service only seems to like hit music stations. Even at that, Luckoff kept churning out the money.

Now in one short month, Fagreed Suleman has managed to do what could not be done in 35 years – the dismantling of KGO.

But before we get to what Suleman plans for KGO, let’s look at Fagreed’s so-called life.

Suleman had to eat his $55 million stock award last week when Citadel attorneys had a little sit down with the judge in a lawsuit brought by investment partner R2 – a lender turned shareholder – that called Citadel’s compensation plan "one of the most egregious frauds by a company emerging from Chapter 11."

In all, over $100 million in bonus shares awarded (mostly to Fagreed, of course) just after Citadel emerged from bankruptcy had to be cancelled.

Stop!

Think about it.

Say you have money invested in Citadel and Suleman and company take a $100 million bonus almost as soon as the bankruptcy court gives Citadel to the lenders. You wouldn't like it, either.

Fagreed doesn’t need any introduction to greed – that’s how he got his nickname. Citadel is still in court defending itself against R2. R2 saying the stock awarded to managers vested over two years in their pre-arranged bankruptcy stipulated options that vested over three years. As The Wall Street Journal reported, “R2 complained the restricted stock would dilute value of R2's shares and others owned by the company's former creditors”.

No problem. Citadel just decided to turn these questionable stock awards into options.

There!

Wasn’t that simple?

What should be of equal or greater concern to the lenders turned owners is that Suleman is systematically wrecking the company.

Look at how Suleman is beginning to dismantle KGO right now. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Career Clinic: 7 Ways To Be the One Hired

It’s the weekend, a good time to focus on our careers and how to either change positions or seek a new one.

The media business is like every other business in a way when it comes to seeking employment but it is also unlike many fields requiring a different approach.

I developed a strategy to give my USC students a leg up on competitors when they were seeking their first jobs. If you try it, it is likely to help you stand out from the crowd and be the one your interviewer will remember and hire.

In this piece, I’ll show you:

1. How one page of pure dynamite will set you apart from other candidates.

2. How to double down on credibility so much so that your interviewer will be pulling for you.

3. All you need to know on building a powerful page on “7 Ways You Can Contribute to” the company at which you are being interviewed.

4. A few dos and don’ts to help stack the deck in your favor. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Lew Dickey’s “F” In Local Sales

Lew Dickey’s nose is growing.

A few days ago on a quarterly earnings call with investment analysts, the Cumulus CEO went from “tricky” to “slicky” when he boldly reported that national and political ad sales were the leading sales categories.

But then a caller asked the ranter from Atlanta for a more responsive answer about why local sales were off – after all, investors should be concerned when radio, a local business, cannot produce growth in local sales.

Lew did his best imitation of Pinocchio.

Dickey said – only when pressed – that local was about 50 basis points short of flat. For those of you who did not graduate from Harvard and Stanford as Lew did, let me translate that – local sucks.

But you’re not going to believe why – and if you do I have The Holland Tunnel all ready to sell you right there in Hoboken, NJ.

Here’s what Captain Lew is peddling to the public and his employees in confidential memos about why a strategic move he imposed on Cumulus is failing so badly. 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

When Radio Stations Don’t Compete With Each Other

Radio stations used to relentlessly compete with each other for the last listener, last ad dollar available and the hearts and minds of their local listeners.

Since consolidation, the recession and live, local radio cutbacks, stations have turned into transmitters and towers of outsourced programming. One wonders if that hasn’t contributed to the steady loss of listeners. Even the People Meter’s hopelessly inflated numbers that also include drive-by listening barely can keep station ratings treading water. 

How important is competition and where has it gone?

I’d like to get into that this morning because I believe it is crucial.

If you are already a subscriber, thank you very much for joining our group and you can click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. Why investment banks want less competition (in their own words) and why radio needs more (in mine).

2. How Pandora has become a major competitor to radio and why radio is ignoring the popular customizable programming service even as Pandora gets ready to double down and be more of a local competitor.

3. What is the curse of buying your competitor?

4. Why do investors hate radio so much today?  No group has been more vocally against terrestrial radio than the investment banks that helped ruin it.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The Promise of Hyperlocal Media

One of the things I am most excited about is hyperlocal websites and content distribution.

There is growing evidence that people without broadcasting or journalism backgrounds have made their way into this area with great success.

While the money isn’t there yet, I’ve got a plan for that. I am devoting time at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in January to the promise of hyperlocal media.

This new hyperlocal media business was meant for radio people and this morning I would like to tell you more about it.

If you are already a subscriber, thank you very much for joining our group and you can click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. What the critical difference is between low powered FM (also called hyper local by some) and online, mobile and commercial radio hyperlocal that I am tracking.

2. How local should you go – you probably won’t believe it, but I’ll tell you.

3. Why hyperlocal content is the perfect startup for radio station employees – current or recently let go.

4. The three ways to monetize hyperlocal.  Don't forget that!

5. Enhancements that can be added to build even richer content.

It’s all right here. 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Music Industry vs. Radio

Everyone seems to know the blow-by-blow between the NAB and record labels over the performance royalty tax.

Last week NAB’s ambitious CEO ex-senator Gordon Smith bamboozled his board of directors to go along with musicFIRST’s basic offer to make radio pay up in return for some minor concessions.

That we know.

What many may not know is:

1. The labels’ end game.

2. The real cost that has not been addressed by anyone.

3. Why Cumulus and Citadel are on the side of the music industry.

4. My advice on how to nip this tax in the bud right now. Any station can do it starting tomorrow.

5. And, how to make a profit with radio stations cutting out record labels – if they have the courage to resist the tax and move in another direction.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Angry Listeners

In the upcoming election tomorrow it appears the electorate is angry.

When they get mad at politicians, they vote them out of office.

Increasingly, in the media business, listeners, viewers and consumers of content have many more options than ever. And they have their own ways of voting the media in their life out. 

This morning, I’d like to delve into why our audiences are increasingly angry. And they have options. A lot of them.

If you are subscriber, thank you very much for joining our group and you can click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in today’s piece.

1. What it takes to get a good read on audience content preferences in the digital age.

2. Why it pays to take the pulse of consumers all day through Twitter and other means before problems emerge that could cause irreparable harm to your brand.

3. Apple’s secrets to customer success. I have a valuable link for you about how Apple works to please consumers.

4. How to sense when audience sentiment is changing in a world this fast and with so many options.

5. The one thing that audiences insist that you do for them.  Are you doing it?

6. How to avoid making listeners feel they have outgrown their need for the content you provide.

The answers start here.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Ask JD: “What Constitutes a Dream Promotion?”

This weekend, one member of our media network wants to know how to forge a better bond between the radio station, listener and advertiser keeping in mind today’s economy.

If you are a subscriber, thank you very much for joining our group and you can click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. Four elements of a dream promotion (one of them is fantasy of the mind). Know all four before coming up with your next effort or you risk failure.

2. How should you adapt promotions to The People Meter?

3. 9 ready-to-go Dream Promotions. Only subscribers will see them so there is still time to beat your competitor to the air with one.

4. Low cost, no cost and advertiser friendly dream promotions.

5. One involves taking over the radio station.

6. Another will make your listeners beg you – I mean that – beg you to play more commercials. (Read and see why I am not kidding).

7. A dating promotion built around matching musical tastes – all the details.

8. Giveaway free jobs (I’ve done this one and it works).

All these and five more start here. 

Friday, October 29, 2010

The One-Minute Song

There is new research available about just how short attention spans are becoming and these new findings beg the question – are we in the music and media business in touch with our consumers?

This morning, I’ve got some valuable information for the music industry, radio stations and new media about changes in audience attention spans along with a list of things you may want to do to meet their new expectations.

If you are a subscriber, thank you very much for joining our group and click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. Latest information on a research study of 40 million unique video clips. Guess how fast it took 20% of those viewing these clips to abandon them? You’ll never guess. I was wrong when I tried. Really way off.

2. How a Bud Light Internet-only video lost double the average number of viewers but then with a stroke of magic hooked them for the next four minutes in a commercial that netted almost one million YouTube viewers. I’ll tell you what that stroke of magic is.

3. The antidote for short attention spans – there is one, and it’s probably something musicians, broadcasters and new media ventures are not now doing.

4. My prediction of why the One-Minute Song is coming soon and why in many discreet ways it is here now.

5. Strategies radio programmers can use to cooperate with anxious listeners who don’t want to listen to even an entire song all the way through.

6. Mistakes that are being made right now that are driving listeners away (I’ll lay it out and almost every radio station is doing it). But there is an easy fix.

7. I’ll link you to the study about understanding viewer abandonment trends – it’s downloadable for free. You’ll want this.

Understanding short attention spans just in time to make them work for you, starts here. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Why Apple Is Eying Spotify

Apple is up to something big again – and in any case – the impact on radio, records and the video business would be huge.

Apple, as I am about to share with you, has the record industry targeted for what could spell the end to record labels as we know them. Remarkably, Apple CEO Steve Jobs may hijack the rest of the record industry without label execs really understanding what he’s planning.

This morning, music industry interests, radio stations and new media startup companies will want to study this report on what Apple may be planning to do next.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. Why Apple would negotiate with the popular streaming service Spotify that has yet to launch in the U.S. and has yet to prove its paid subscription model works in Europe.

2. What Apple’s end game is for streaming music. Is it -- to be in the streaming music business like Rhapsody or something entirely different? Okay, I’ll tell you – it is something entirely different – a masterstroke of business strategy that could impact traditional content producers for years to come.

3. How Apple’s potential plans could be as detrimental to the radio industry as filesharing has been to stations nationwide and the record industry. What radio’s best hedge against Apple’s plan?

4. My prediction of what Apple’s “Big Bang Theory” will be and how it could redefine everything from music to concert tickets. I’m putting in writing – no waffling.

Many of you know I’ve been fortunate to track Apple’s moves with a pretty good degree of accuracy. I think we have a beat on what’s going on with Apple, music, radio and streaming technology.

It starts here.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The 6 Hottest Media Growth Businesses to Watch

We all know that traditional media has been declining.

Newspapers started to lose their reason for being long before the Internet.

Radio moved away from its local model to save money for its investment bank owners and that hasn’t worked out too good.

Television is feeling the pressure of YouTube and other video services like Hulu as some 40% of all network television viewing is now done on a computer. So much for all those HD TVs out there.

The record industry is hanging on to CD sales for the majority of its revenue even at a time when consumers have moved on.

The convergence of traditional media with new media never happened.

What has happened is the arrival of social networking and mobile devices that are critical to the way more and more of us – no matter what age – are gathering information and accessing entertainment.

This morning, I’d like you to consider what I have identified as 6 of the hottest media growth businesses to watch. You may be working in traditional media or may just be an interested entrepreneur or perhaps an enlightened radio owner, but I think you’ll want to know these.

I have been working on this to prepare for our discussion at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in January and thought you’d like to see what the future looks like so I am sharing this with you this morning.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and click through now to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. The hottest (and my favorite) new business startup idea for media types that is already being tried in some cities around the country. Hint: it is very local and if you like the concept, you’ll want to get there first.  I'll link you to a popular hyperlocal site.

2. A new type of broadcasting that doesn’t involve a tower or transmitter. Heck, it doesn’t even involve Internet streaming. And yes, you could do this for a minimum investment tomorrow.

3. A publishing and blogging platform that can make you money if – if you have expertise in a niche area of interest.

4. How radio can become a growth business again. This is what I would do if I owned a radio station in the era of new media.

5. A business built around social networking that every media exec could start if …

6. The replacement for network and local television – yes, you can do it yourself and catch a popular trend away from traditional TV.

Can you get a taste for why I am so excited about these evolving media growth businesses?

Learn more about them, right here. 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

NAB Okays Radio Royalty Sellout

The NAB isn’t waiting for the elections to take place in a few weeks.

Not waiting to win a consensus of members.

CEO Gordon Smith, a former U.S. Senator and future lobbyist somewhere other than radio, has given the green light to complete a deal that would saddle radio stations with $100 million in new music taxes very soon.

In an arrogant and defiant mood, Smith will use his own NAB board as hostages to provide cover.

How serious is the threat this time and what are you not being told. I’ve prepared a thorough intelligence report for you this morning.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and click through to unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get in this piece.

1. The real odds that this much talked about performance royalty tax will become a reality for radio stations – and when.

2. NAB CEO Gordon Smith’s motive. Why sell out your members -- most of whom oppose this tax. You won’t believe why Smith is doing this.

3. What percentage of an average station’s bottom line will the new NAB Tax on Radio represent? And remember, the performance royalty tax on radio comes right off the bottom line.

4. The chances of the $100 million tax not going up -- with examples from other countries that have already given in to the music industry.

5. Why the radio tax is chump change to the music industry. The real goal of musicFIRST and why bringing radio to its knees is so important to them. What the music industry is really after.

The answers start here.

Monday, October 25, 2010

7 Bold Radio Predictions

In the next 12 months or less, a lot of things will change in the radio industry.

Now that radio has largely become a national repeater network of non-local content to save costs and eventually make more money for their investment bank owners, monumental change is ahead.

I’ve got some predictions for you here – and my readers who have been following me for a while now know that I never back away from a prediction.

If you are a subscriber, thank you for joining our group and click through and unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get.

1. The number one threat to radio audiences. I name it and no, it is not the Internet. You’ll never guess. If you guess, write to me, I’d be interested to know.

2. I’ve got the line on what will happen with regard to the record industry’s attempt to win a royalty tax from radio. And a timeline.

3. Of Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey, Clear Channel President John Hogan and Citadel CEO for Life Farid Suleman one of them is not secure in their job.

4. I know – and you will, too – where Howard Stern is going after the end of the year.

5. How much longer radio lay offs will be going on. I’ll pinpoint one moment in time and name the group I expect to make the most cuts.

6. Even if radio gets the mobile industry to enable an FM chip, here’s what top radio executives missed – a golden opportunity bigger than FM radio on a cell phone. Can you guess?

7. The outlook for radio managers, salespeople and talent in the mobile Internet. And what that opportunity is.

The answers begin here. 

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Ask JD: “I lost my job, what are my media options now?”

There are many people who have been laid off or fired from jobs they love in radio and the media business. I often get the question, how do I stay in the business doing something that has some upside growth potential.

This weekend, I have 5 idea starters for you. Things you can do for little or no money – with or without partners that can be revenue positive. All you need is a computer, a work ethic and the experience you bring from traditional media.

• What a fired on-air personality could do to port their franchise over to new media.

• An iPad business idea perfect for the talents that radio people possess

• The number one hottest way to create website and mobile content that you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the months ahead

• Blogging for money

• One-big day a year – a big one -- and idea #5 reveals where to begin. 

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Ask JD: “I lost my job, what are my media options now?”

There are many people who have been laid off or fired from jobs they love in radio and the media business. I often get the question, how do I stay in the entertainment business doing something that has some upside growth potential.

This weekend, I have 5 idea starters for you. Things you can do for little or no money – with or without partners -- that can be revenue positive. All you need is a computer, a work ethic and the experience you bring from traditional media.

• What a fired on-air personality could do to profitably port their franchise over to new media (clue:  it's not a stream)

• An iPad business idea perfect for the talents that radio people possess

• The number one hottest way to create website and mobile content that you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the months ahead

• Blogging for money

• One-big day a year – a big one -- and idea #5 reveals where to begin. 

Friday, October 22, 2010

Moving Beyond Reinventing Radio

Every time Apple gets the whole world to focus on their new product announcements, it makes me realize that, unlike the media business, Apple doesn’t reinvent things as we try to do.

They invent new things.

This morning I am going to suggest that maybe this is the right time to move beyond reinvention to actually inventing new things. But different skills will be needed and we will have to fundamentally change the way we think.

If you are a subscriber, click through and unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access the story, let me tell you what you will get.

1. Why the obsession with reinvention and why it never works.

2. How record labels could have invented a prosperous future in partnership with their old buddies, the radio industry, if only they could have …

3. How reinventing radio actually made things worse. I’ll cite 3 great examples from Cumulus, Citadel and Clear Channel

4. My three principles of “How to Invent” – what I use when I brainstorm with media groups.

5. How to know what can actually be invented in an existing company.

6. Overcoming the hurdle of rules and budgets.

7. How to assure success.

8. Plus, Apple COO Tim Cook’s magic words expressed this past week that will actually make us wake up and have the courage to attack our own brands in the name of inventing the future.

Inventing starts here. 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The French Kiss of Death to the Music Industry

The French government announced a new initiative Tuesday that it thinks will help kill off music piracy.

This morning, I’d like to outline the plan so you can know it and explain why it has no chance of making even a slight dent into illegal piracy.

More importantly, I’d like to run a few of my own ideas about subsidizing the music industry if governments are really willing to throw their money around (and, obviously there are).

If you are a subscriber, click through and unlock the content.

If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to access the story, let me tell you what you will get.

1. The French Plan – highlights and lowlights.

2. A better plan to reprice the cost of an online song – a price that will make the labels a lot of money on legal volume at a number that even pirates can’t resist.

3. My subsidy plan for YouTube – the new radio station.

4. How about a subsidy for radio? What money would be best spent to increase music sales on radio stations.

5. How to create new artists the way Apple creates cool new products.

6. The one band that is actually the template for the record label of the future. I’ll name it and explain it.

It all starts here. 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Non-Commercial Commercial Radio Station

I’m often asked to show new options for terrestrial radio stations that could increase audience and improve revenue. I am going to share such a concept with you this morning.

The Non-Commercial Commercial Radio Station as I envision it is one piece of a blueprint that includes seven strategic points.

If you are a subscriber, click through and unlock the content.

If you haven't subscribed yet and would like to access this story, let me tell you what you will get:

1. The challenges and opportunities of eliminating or reducing commercials as a way to increase revenue

2. How many spots you can get away with. I’ll name the number.

3. What compelling programming you’ll need to emphasize in order to get the best results. Elements that listeners crave.

4. How to lure listeners into paying for memberships to certain content that you can create.

5. The killer app – how to monetize a radio station with more money than you could bring in playing just commercials as your main source of revenue. I name some sample categories.

6. The Zen of a new age radio station – what must it possess or else reducing commercial loads is a waste of time.

7. The right way to do mobile content. Tie-in to on-air personalities or create new personalities for mobile? The real advantage to being a radio station in the digital age (and playing commercials or voice tracking is not what I have in mind).

The game plan begins here.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Randy Michaels Out — The Noise You Can’t Employ

Randy Michaels is out as CEO of Tribune Company according to The New York Times.

It is ironic that Michaels was brought down by another newspaper since he has a history of bad relations with independent publications he can’t control. The Times blistered Michaels and the frat house manner in which he ran Tribune in a recent article that put pressure on the Tribune board.

Michaels got away with it when Sam Zell was principal owner. But Zell is out and now so is Michaels. The Tribune board has had enough of the under performing CEO and his loyal band of radio people.

Randy always called his body of work “the noise you can’t ignore”. He used that catch phrase at several companies he ran. Unfortunately, the noise caught up with him.

Will Farid Suleman, John Hogan or Lew Dickey be next?

Monday, October 18, 2010

Inside Randy Michaels’ Firing of Lee Abrams

It took The New York Times to get Tribune Company to rein in the objectionable behavior that has poisoned the atmosphere at the troubled newspaper, television and radio company.

Last week Lee Abrams, the chief innovation officer at Tribune, recruited by CEO Randy Michaels, got snagged for sending out inappropriate videos not suitable for the workplace including one that was degrading to women.

He quit or had to quit – you can split the difference.

Degrading to women is a theme that has happened over and over again in Michaels’ career.

But this time, it was the affable Abrams who took the fall. Randy had no other choice. It was either Lee or me – and Michaels chose me.

How about this for chutzpah (shameless audacity; impudence):

Michaels, the same Randy Michaels who enables this type of sexually graphic culture, called his pal Abrams’ email: “in extremely bad taste”.

Whoa!

And what has gotten into Randy Michaels? Randy even said it was "the kind of serious mistake that can't be tolerated” according to a story in none other than The Chicago Tribune.

But then again, you can’t believe what you read in the papers these days or can you?

So Abrams took the fall for Michaels.

Randy Michaels acts like he has never had a poker playing, cigar smoking, lewd bash with these very employees on the hallowed ground of the Tribune Building and like that, everything goes away.

Not so fast.

I’ve got the video for you that got Abrams fired.

You can decide whether you believe Lee was sincere in his apology when he said he sent it "in hopes of inspiring them (employees) to reconsider print and broadcast convention”.

Here is the rest of the story with the most important 4 things Michaels, Abrams and his frat house crowd missed that you don’t want to miss.

Why?

Because this kind of mismanagement is going on in other media companies. And you don’t want to be unwittingly contributing to your own downfall. 

Friday, October 15, 2010

Youth and Radio’s Future

This article contains:

• The most important strategy for garnering a youth audience going forward

• Who is best qualified to be the program director of today’s youth-oriented radio

• What mistake radio stations are making that plays right into the hands of popular services like Pandora

• What is a radio station’s best “insurance policy” against Pandora

• Why People Meter-driven stations are succeeding by attracting listeners who believe it or not – do not listen and why it is so dangerous to your franchise.

• The one thing not to do from a strategic standpoint in planning radio’s future youth initiatives.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Citadel’s Fraud

It’s one thing for Citadel employees to complain about CEO Farid “Fagreed” Suleman signing a $43 million new contact right after the company emerges from bankruptcy.

It’s quite another thing when a hedge fund – that’s right, hedge fund – gets itself all hot and bothered over a mere pittance of $110 million in stock.

That hedge fund, R2 Investments, has petitioned a U.S. Bankruptcy Court to stop the awards that are planned for 2011 and 2012. R2 is outraged. Says Citadel committed a “shocking display of corporate greed and dishonesty” and “one of the most egregious frauds by a company emerging from bankruptcy under chapter 11.”

Greed?

It sounds like the pot calling the kettle black.

R2 is mad because while radio people can’t understand how Suleman took Citadel into bankruptcy and then out again without missing a beat or a dollar, you can’t do that to a hedge fund. They want theirs.

What’s theirs?

How about $55 million in stock grants – mostly to Suleman but also to his puppet board of directors who reportedly received $1 million each to make Farid’s giant compensation go down a little better for them.

On the surface, R2’s lawyers say the usual stuff – Farid’s actions diluted its holdings in the company and alleges that the awards are equal to each shareholder writing a check of 7.5% of their stock’s value and giving it to CEO for Life Suleman and the board.

A hearing is scheduled for November 3, but I already know how it will work out for Citadel, R2 and Citadel employees.

Here are the three options. Let’s see which one you like.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Clear Channel, Citadel & Cumulus Firing Plans

It’s only a little more than two months before Christmas and you know what that means?

Scrooge-like radio consolidators are getting ready to give themselves the gift that keeps on giving – a lower payroll through next year and beyond.

We’re already seeing ominous signs by these bellwether radio groups that indicate they are already starting to relieve themselves of additional talent.

This couldn’t come at a worse time.

Radio execs are distracting the press, the public and advertisers touting yesterday’s announcement from Microsoft that the new Window’s Phone 7 Operating system will include the FM radio capability they have been screaming about. But that means before the holidays, radio will be firing a lot more people on and off-the-air while a host of phone manufacturers are making FM available on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and a number of other new phones.

Think of it.

More ways to hear FM radio with fewer people to do FM radio.

How insane is that?

Let’s look at the radio groups most likely to go on a firing spree this holiday season and I’ll end with 5 specific ways how you (personally or as a station) could hurt them really badly if you’re competing against these shortsighted bean counters. 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Last Week’s Social Networking Bombshell

In the past few weeks several things have happened that will have a major impact on the media business – radio, television, publishing, the music industry – due to developments in social networking.

Social networking tends to be viewed as Facebook, Twitter and their clones even though it is far more complex than that. YouTube is a social network. The popular custom radio site Pandora is fast becoming a social network.

The Internet revolution as it impacts the media business is over ten years old and traditional corporations still have not found a way to utilize their content in a way that cooperates with the inevitable changes caused by new technology and the sociology of how it is used.

I’ve often said it will not be the Internet revolution that kills traditional media. It is social media – social networking, if you will – that is the innovation that has changed everything.

It’s not that a newspaper can’t look good online. It’s that today’s readers have cool electronic devices that make it possible to feed their short attention spans when they can get what they want on-demand on their cell phones or iPads.

Text, pictures, video, sound – everything on-demand.

It’s not that radio cannot do good programming – at least small operators still know how to do great local radio even if their big consolidation brothers have forgotten.

It’s that young consumers don’t need what a radio has to offer. They were raised on iPods and they are dictating the future although media companies aren’t paying attention.

Television is in for the biggest fall of all as clearly 40% of all TV watching is done on a laptop. Whatever happened to all those high definition TVs? What’s to become of 3-D TV?

It’s not that consumers have stopped liking music that has caused the decline in CD or online paid downloads.

It’s that the consumer is looking for more music discovery, wants to share music they like with others in ways that older media execs don’t seem to understand.

Then, this.

Last week, the bombshell hit. 

Monday, October 11, 2010

The New Cumulus Firing Squad

Cumulus Media is apparently looking ahead a few months to when debt payments are once again due.

Cutting executive pay, perks or stock is apparently off the table.

Firing numerous people in a systematic way in a manner so dramatic that it leaves a five-station cluster with only 3-4 people on site locally to run it.

Now comes word about the new Cumulus “Firing Squad” from inside accounts that in some cases have reportedly left up to 14 people out of work in a single day.

How it is reportedly being done under the radar and how Cumulus reaps great savings by having a small handful of roving managers oversee their local radio licenses.

But there are also unintended consequences.

Here’s a report from a Cumulus employee:

Friday, October 8, 2010

The New Rules of the Media Business

My network of readers is on it. I must have received 100 copies of this week’s New York Times article on Randy Michaels, Sam Zell and the counterculture at the financially troubled Tribune Company.

I’m somewhat of an authority on Randy having stared him down during his days at Clear Channel as the top gun there. And you, could probably have written your own article on this most complex, talented and enigmatic media executive.

I read that article wondering how large media companies with every advantage are failing – Tribune is not alone.

Clear Channel.

Cumulus.

Citadel.

A host of radio consolidators.

The big four record labels – every one of them. TV networks.

Newspapers.

What is it that these failing ventures all have in common that we should do our best to avoid? 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Mickey Luckoff Lockout

I guess it’s impossible to quit Farid Suleman, the Citadel CEO for Life.

Legendary and well respected KGO/KSFO, San Francisco President/GM Mickey Luckoff had it up to here with Suleman’s meddling on Monday when he in essence said you can’t fire me, I quit.

The next day, Sillyman and his circus clowns pulled off one of the most embarrassing stunts even in the pitiful age of post-consolidation. When you hear the details it will make you realize why radio is in the mess it is in right now.

I’m going to bring it all back alive right here with the inside story of class vs. crass that led to one of American radio's best managers being locked out of the station he ran for 35 years.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Subscribe Now to Keep Inside Music Media Coming

Well, the day has finally come when Inside Music Media becomes a paid subscription publication.

In the four years or so that I have been writing Inside Music Media, our readership has grown from 42 students of mine at USC who were forced to read it upon penalty of failing the class to almost 10,000 people like you every day. That tells me there are a lot of media folks who have their eye on the future.

Thank you!

My site started as a learning tool while I was a professor of music industry at the University of Southern California. I took the teaching job because my non-compete with Clear Channel when they purchased Inside Radio kept me out of broadcasting for four years.

When I returned, I was a different person because the next generation was embracing new media – and this time I believe I knew why and to what extent. At first, it was iPods and illegal filesharing but today, even the CEOs of traditional media companies know that the digital revolution is real.

What I have tried to do in these posts every day (and I have indeed published almost every day as it has been my passion and pleasure) is show you the future as I see it.

Forward looking.

Uncensored.

I mince no words.

And I wrote to ask you to consider what will become of radio (the consolidators will likely fail but their talent will go on to careers in new media). To call out in no uncertain terms the perpetrators as I see them (for example, how Farid Suleman’s meddling lost him the KGO, San Francisco franchise). Even have a little fun with them and poke fun at myself along the way.

I discussed this day with you well in advance of it actually happening. After all, I believe paid is the new free on the Internet – not that free content and ad supported content will ever go away. I am not the kind of guy who likes to tiptoe around advertisers. I wanted to remain independent yet sought a way to be compensated for my efforts.

I’m sure you know I love radio. My background includes TV and publishing. I have been fortunate to present the view of the future well in advance of it happening. You’ll remember the iPad that is growing in popularity daily. You read about it here when it was still a gleam in Steve Jobs’ eye.

And how to deal with 21 million more iPads?

That’s what I’m talking about now.

Over the years, we’ve given you early warning on new trends, the dismantling of the radio industry by a handful of execs who owe their fortunes to Wall Street, the importance of social networking, the value of letting the audience lead the way, the new mobile Internet, new ways to monetize content, the critical importance of music and why the music industry is in peril.

So starting today, you will have an opportunity to subscribe to Inside Music Media to keep it coming tomorrow morning and for as long as you want. You’re in control.

A one-year subscription is $99.

A one-month subscription is $9.99.

That’s approximately 39 cents a day based on the one-year rate.

Please subscribe and save me from having to go work for Lew Dickey at 39 cents a day!

My story archives are no longer public, but as a subscriber you will have access to them -- over 1,100 articles on a wide variety of topics in radio, new media, social networking, mobile, video, music industry and the impact of new technology on audience behavior. The search tools are quite robust. I think you’ll find the archives invaluable going forward.

The new Inside Music Media website also features an entire section on the 2011 Media Solutions Lab in January, my favorite things, ways to stay connected with each other, an easy way to make this site an app icon for your iPad, iPhone and Touch. More than you probably want to know about me. A new secure and confidential way to report news tips and contact me. I think you'll really like it.

The new site was built by a brilliant designer, Brock Ferguson from Caribou.

After the 2010 Media Solutions Lab almost everyone who heard me mention this subscription plan as part of our overall free vs. paid learning module said, “I’m with you”. Stay independent. I appreciate your support and kindness.

Some of my friends have asked if there is a chance that Inside Music Media will one day revert back to being free. I’ve considered all options and arrived at the conclusion that I will write it for everyone who wants to support it by subscribing. There will be no going back – anyway, this is what I believe is the future. I’m practicing what I preach.

Typically, I spend between two and three hours a day writing and researching each piece. Another hour of layout, proofing and fact checking. I’ve been writing a book for the past two years – my first, called “Out of Bad Comes Good – The Advantages of Disadvantages” a motivational book inspired by my Dale Carnegie work, life’s experience and my USC students. It’s been a lot of writing.

I get about 300 emails or Facebook messages a day about each post I write often with opinion or added information. Roughly one out of every four topics I write about are suggested by readers -- many of whom I feel are my friends even if we have not met in person.

To all of you, my sincere thanks. This has been so much fun and I have learned more from you then you can even know.

So that moment has arrived -- to continue to keep Inside Music Media coming uninterrupted, I hope you will subscribe now and not miss a day. 

One of my readers sent me a note back in November of 2008 telling me why he looks forward to reading my posts every day. I have it on my desk as a reminder and inspiration:

“…insightful, deadly honest, entertaining and informative”

Whether you decide to continue receiving Inside Music Media every day or not, I thank you for the time we’ve spent together and wish for you that which you wish for yourself – success and happiness.

To remain an Inside Music Media subscriber, sign up here.  Then, Thursday you will automatically get my next story on how Citadel Media's Farid Suleman locked KGO icon Mickey Luckoff out of his office Tuesday and refused to pay his severance.   It's a case of class vs. crass.   

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Mickey’s Monkey

Yesterday, KGO/KSFO President & General Manager Mickey Luckoff finally got the monkey off his back that has been hounding him for the past three years.

Luckoff fired his boss -- Farid "Fagreed" Suleman, CEO of Citadel.

I’ve got the inside story for you on what happened and why – and why now?

After all, the newly non-bankrupted Citadel Broadcasting needs KGO and KSFO in San Francisco to continue to print money – the better to fund Suleman’s new deal.

You won’t believe the details on their relationship and what it was like for Luckoff to go from ABC management to Mickey Mouse management. You’d think previous owner Disney would have been the Mickey Mouse operator but it turned out it may have been Citadel.

Luckoff spent 35 years as the driving force behind KGO’s news/talk format working for ABC, Capital Cities, Disney and Citadel. He has won tons of awards. Raised millions for lots of good causes. Attracted and kept some of the greatest radio talent on-the-air.

When I spoke with Mickey yesterday I told him he should get an anti-nausea award for not getting sick to his stomach watching Fagreed mismanage the company.

The 74-year old Luckoff is upbeat. He’s getting married at the end of the year. Will write a book about his experiences. It’s all good now that he has ended his long national nightmare.

In a moment you’ll know the proverbial rest of the story. And when Luckoff wrote his resignation letter (you won’t believe it). Plus, the straw that broke the camel’s back.

I’ve compiled a list of eight reasons why Luckoff left his employ after three and a half decades.

So here is the inside story you won’t be reading in the happy talk press this morning:

Monday, October 4, 2010

6 Roadblocks to the Digital Future

(Clockwise, JD, my wife Cheryl, Deneese and Dave Van Dyke, old radio friends who visited The Valley of the Sun this weekend)

It is sure not the consumer getting in the way of the coming digital content revolution.

Consumers are gobbling up Apple products, Android phones and all types of digital content as fast as they come to market.

It is more than significant that outstanding content producers are struggling to make new media pay off for them. Apple has found a way – make the cool products that consumers will scarf up even in a prolonged recession.

But Verizon hasn’t come up with a good idea nor have the other cell phone operators beyond what they fell into which was text messaging at $20 per month. And who can live without text messaging?

The digital future is more than texting, apps and iTunes.

Apple isn’t even going to go there. Steve Jobs is smarter than that. Apple will continue coming up with the products and infrastructure and will charge content providers a distribution fee. And while some publishers have complained about Apple getting 30% of their subscription take, there has always been a distribution fee.

Radio stations have to maintain towers and transmitters and engineers (except at consolidated stations where they’ve fired most of them). Newspapers have printing presses. TV isn’t cheap to produce – production takes people and costs money.

For content providers, then, new media companies and traditional ones like publishers, radio, television, music and even film – there are some significant roadblocks in the way.

Friday, October 1, 2010

How Much New Media Must Radio Do

At first, Bruce Reese’s comments made at Kurt Hanson’s RAIN Summit in Washington, DC this week startled me.

According to press accounts, Reese, the Bonnevile CEO, said, “I’m not sure I see streaming as a big revenue source, at least for our company”.

Say WHAT?

Bonneville is the one radio company actually making significant money from new media.

Even at this very moment – after years of recession – some 6% of Bonneville’s year-to-date net revenue and 8% of its net operating income are a direct result of digital endeavors.

Insiders at Bonneville say that the corporate edict is to grow those numbers in the year ahead while spending next to nothing to do it. In other words, Bonneville is just like other radio groups in that when it comes to new media, it throws nickels around like manhole covers.

I am a great admirer of the way Reese runs Bonneville, arguably the most employee-friendly company in radio. And while I don’t agree on his choice for NAB CEO, Reese is a smart radio guy who gets it.

That’s why I am wondering aloud why Reese is publicly throwing cold water on the notion that digital media is going to be a huge part of radio’s future prosperity.

If you consider new media advertising, you’ll note that during the almost three year economic downturn radio has lumbered through, only new media posted growth numbers in ad revenue. I believe when a full recovery is felt, new media ad sales will continue to outperform traditional advertiser options even as others recover.

So what is Bruce Reese up to when he talks about streaming as more of a promotional than revenue generator?

In fact, here’s five things Reese knows that I don’t think he’s sharing with his competitors:

Thursday, September 30, 2010

NAB’s Phone-y FM Chip Diversion

Before this piece is over I will try to offer you some rational and strategic conclusions about the current National Association of Broadcasters plan to needlessly expose radio stations to $1 billion in added music royalties annually to settle with the RIAA.

I’m going to name names.

Delve into possible motivations for you to consider and then offer a prognosis for what is likely to happen.

First, an update.

Any legislative action on this issue is dead while Congress returns home to campaign for reelection.

What’s ironic is that what the radio industry is likely to observe after election day is a Congress more sympathetic to the interests of the radio industry. Of course you know that, right now, Congress is about split evenly between defending the interests of local radio and standing up for the music industry.

Here’s what is likely to unfold:

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Next Generation of Listeners

I recently heard former Governor Howard Dean analyze the present political atmosphere as the establishment’s last stand.

Politics is politics and I’m going to try to put that aside in looking at something he went on to say that rings true if applied to the media business.

Dean, a Democrat and former presidential candidate, was criticizing his arch rivals the Republicans and the Tea Party movement. Again, not looking to get involved in all that for this purpose, he went on to say that the next generation would reject any attempts to restrict gay rights or attempts to impede immigration.

These are certainly two super charged issues and Dean’s comments reminded me of working with college students at USC.

We often look at the world through our own eyes and experiences. Radio people think there will always be 24/7 radio and record labels apparently think they can get the same high profits for selling music that they once earned for selling vinyl or CDs.

The generation that is now coming of age – Generation Y – is reshaping everything. It is strong in numbers at about 70 million and the last Gen Y’er has already been born but hasn’t made it to college yet.

If you’re looking for a political fight, you’re not going to get it here. My mother, a Democratic ward worker in her day, always reminded us that you’re not likely to talk anyone out of their political beliefs.

But there are some things worth considering about the next generation as it pertains to media.

They, indeed, have more open attitudes about immigration because they have likely embraced immigrants who are their friends in person and on Facebook. As a professor I can tell you that college students care very little about racial divides that talk radio obsesses over. They see the world in one color of humanity – a characteristic of which we parents should be very proud.
Sexual preferences are personal decisions that are openly supported in large part by this generation. Of course, there are exceptions. There is more lesbianism on campuses, more gay relationships. Gen Y is just fine with this. Listen to their music which is the soundtrack of their lives and “I Kissed a Girl” is more than a song, it is a marker of change.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The New Listenerǃ

In psychology there is a theory called Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Abraham Maslow’s 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation identified self-actualization, esteem, love and belonging, safety needs, physiological needs.

As today’s consumer morphs and technology spurs alterations in their behavior, it has occurred to me that the media needs of humans has not only changed but their needs and priorities are changing – important for content creators and marketers who want to follow them to the digital Promised Land.

It’s fair to say in the past -- say 1960’s and 1970’s – a consumer's media need primarily included radio and television. To have a radio to be connected to their rock and roll music and news and information. And then a TV to enjoy arts and entertainment as it developed in color.

Even in the 1960’s reading a newspaper was optional compared to, say, the 1940’s when consumers bought newspapers on the street corner to read “Extra” editions to learn about the latest war news. It’s debatable whether radio or TV would be first on the 1960/1970 hierarchy of needs list but suffice it to say they were interchangeable.

I thought you’d enjoy my view of today’s consumer’s hierarchy of needs in light of the digital revolution, new media, the Internet, filesharing, social networking and the like. Keep in mind I am observing the next generation because at 70 million strong and coming of age this is a bellwether group.

So here are Del Colliano’s Hierarchy of Media Needs as of this moment:

Monday, September 27, 2010

Radio’s Believe It Or Not

I love Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

You do, too, from what you tell me because I have adapted the Ripley format to the sideshow currently going on in the business you and I love so much – radio.

On the real Ripley website you can find video of a couple being married by a robot.

A three year old Chinese girl who drinks liquor and smokes after surviving a car accident and a coma.

And a violinist who actually plays the instrument during brain surgery.

But I’ve got all that beat this time with what radio consolidators are up to – real life stories that are hard to believe but true.

In other words, Radio’s Believe It or Not.

• A Station That Requires Recycling Trash Over Programming

Friday, September 24, 2010

What Radio Should Be Doing on the iPad

(From left to right with my niece Jaime, daughter Daria, wife Cheryl)

Okay, we’ve talked about the future of the iPad for years now. That’s right, I told you, my readers, it was on the way over a year before it was introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Now on to what radio, the record business, publishing and TV should be strategizing.

First, this quote from The Economist that I think sets the stage:

“THE advertisement for Newsday’s iPad application starts blithely enough. A man in a shirt and tie sits in the kitchen, reading the New York newspaper on his tablet computer. He turns the device on its side and watches the live feed from a traffic camera. Then a fly lands on the table. The man quickly raises the iPad and smashes it down, shattering the glass. The ad implies that the iPad is superior to old-fashioned print in all sorts of ways, just not every way. It is a joke—but also a good summary of how newspaper and magazine outfits have come to feel about Apple’s product in the eight months since it was unveiled”.

It hasn’t even been a year since Apple’s iPad has been in the hands of consumers with so many options and already the iPad promises to be the content delivery system of the future with all its advantages and a few disadvantages. Some analysts estimate that over 20 million iPads will be sold in 2011 alone.

You’ll see the expected ego fight between media titans and Steve Jobs. I’m betting Jobs will out maneuver them. He just knows what works with this new generation -- not that his ego is any smaller.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

After FM, Where Does Radio Go?

You’ve no doubt been reading about the rush that has been going on of late as owners are porting their AM radio stations over to FM.

Bonneville was one of the early pioneers of moving AM brands to FM because, frankly, listeners have migrated over to FM. In fact, they migrated a long time ago.

It is remarkable but one thing has not changed – listeners will listen to AM radio if they want to hear what the station is broadcasting. These available AM listeners do tend to be older and the move to FM makes sense if a brand is worth protecting.

Stop right there.

Fast forward another five or ten years and ask yourself where will great FM radio brands be connecting with audiences then – online, on cell phones, iPads or still on the FM band?

While moving valuable listening brands from AM to FM appears to be a no-brainer, one has to wonder why it took 20 years for this migration.

There are several interesting points:

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Consumers Now Spend 50% of Their Day With Media

In the 1950’s and 1960’s radio and television broadcasters and publishers could never imagine a public whose appetite for what they do would be so great that it consumed half of their waking hours.

Today we have evidence that the Internet, cell phones, Apple and social networking have created addicts out of people of all ages.

In fact, all of this growth in media consumption has happened within the last two years and far exceeds media demand for three decades prior.

There are hard cold facts to back it up.

A new Ipsos OTX study of 7,000 online consumers spanning a wide age range of between 13 and 74 confirms that among those surveyed people are now spending half of all their waking hours with media and have increased their media consumption by a whopping hour a day over the past two years.

To put that in perspective, they spend more time consuming media than working or sleeping.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Future of Rock and Roll

Great, great piece in The Sunday New York Times Magazine a few weeks back by Rob Walker writing in the “Consumed” column where he asked the question, “Can the value of music reside in a lamp (or stickers or a sculpture)?"

Walker’s piece to me begs the question should artists get rich by selling stuff just because music sells stuff?

The author asserts that the future of rock and roll is merch.

If he is correct, the record labels are in big trouble because as Pogo says, “I have seen the enemy and it is us”.

The labels are adequate at best with merch and arguably leaving a lot of money on the table because they don't understand the new consumer and their devices.

Walker makes his case by pointing out:

“The Ramones sold more T-shirts than albums (and you can buy a T-shirt that says so). And box sets for superfans have become increasingly elaborate and pricey artlike objects. But merchandise is gaining momentum, and it’s not hard to imagine a time when a fan buys a sculpture, home décor item or other tangible good and gets the music as a kind of free soundtrack accompaniment”.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Cumulus Sues Ex-GM for $1 Million

Here’s an inside story you won’t find in the happy talk press.

The Dickey family is channeling its mean genes in what appears to me to be a retaliatory strike against a manager who had the audacity to – well, quit and get a better job with Cox.

Kristin Okesson left the Dickey Dynasty as manager of the Danbury, CT and Westchester, NY clusters. Let’s do what they do before you see the next episode of an HBO original series – recap.

Previously on Entourage (Lew, John, Gary Pizatti) …

The Dickeys took Okesson to U.S. District Court in Bridgeport and in a court opinion handed down on April 22 of this year, the judge interpreted the employment contract at issue largely in Okesson’s favor. She wasn’t ordered to stay away from previous Cumulus customers in Danbury.

The judge did prohibit Okesson from helping a fellow employee to spring from his imprisonment and was told not to solicit Cumulus employees directly. She also had to return some items in dispute that were alleged to be confidential.

And that was it.

Until now.