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.

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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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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

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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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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

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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.

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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

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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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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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.

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.

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.  YouMeOur 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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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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

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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.

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.

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.

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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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

Talk to me privately here.

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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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.

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

Talk to me privately here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 on Amazon and all the major e-readers for under $10 here

Report news confidentially at my NewsTip Hotline.

Talk to me privately here.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.  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.