Monthly Archives: January 2011

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.