Monthly Archives: November 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

Important Message From Jerry Del Colliano

Dear Friend …

I would like to personally invite you to attend my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale, AZ.

You need another industry seminar, show or convention like you need a hole in the head.

But this is not just another conference.

It’s one you should seriously consider reserving a seat for.

In a post meeting exit poll last year 100% of our attendees – that’s everyone who attended – rated the Media Solutions Lab as meeting or exceeding their expectations. 

Let me tell you how this one and a half day investment on your part can reap tremendous career and personal benefits all year long.

Radio has digital backwards

Stations think digital is an add-on to FM but it’s the other way around.  I’m going to show you how to create content centers in your stations that will create saleable audio, video, text and social media in a very different way.  You then push it to FM or to digital.  But you have to monetize it differently.  New content and sales skills will be required.  This alone could put you into the digital game like never before as media buyers continue to demand better digital solutions.  Learn the new plan.

The missing link to building brands

Most radio stations build brands around their content.  That’s counter intuitive in the digital world.  I will show you how to build an even stronger – almost impenetrable brands constructed around what your station stands for, not what it is.    Wait – most stations stand for “hits” or “talk” or something their owners value.  My system focuses on audiences.

The one thing that can make a Millennial addicted to radio

Keep doing radio as usual and there will be more audience erosion and sales declines.  I’ve said this for years and it keeps happening.  The answer is transforming your radio station into something so big, so attractive, so close to young listeners hearts that they will become radio addicts.  Assuming the content improves.  This strategy will change the way you will look at the elusive audiences that are straying from radio and win them back.

Case closed:  increase billing without begging for advertisers

I’m bringing in Dan Hill from Sensory Logic who advises Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia which has documented 80% increases in ad effectiveness.  WBEB makes tons of money in all economies.  We should all do so well.  Now, we can.   Dan will be here to get you started.

Attract 80 million new listeners

Morley Winograd is co-author of “Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation Is Remaking America”.  I’ve asked Morley, a former colleague of mine at the University of Southern California, to pinpoint ten golden opportunities for broadcast and digital media as it pertains to Generation Y.  You’ve been promising to learn more about the next generation.  This guy wrote the book.

Streaming is so out but these new digital businesses are waiting for you

Whether you are a station or a digital entrepreneur, I’m going to load you up with potential new digital startups that either a station can do or a smart media executive can exploit.  You’re wasting your time on streaming, a business that has failed to make money for anyone.  These new digital business ideas are so promising, you’ll want to steal the playbook.  Game on for all in attendance.

Facebook and Twitter are over

That’s right.  They don’t make money.  The faltering Facebook stock says it all.  And Twitter is fun but social networking is not a moneymaking business.  I’ll tell you what is – a tool for you when you build your own closed social media site that is the future of networking.  I’ve studied it.  I’m doing it.  I’ll share it with you at the Media Solutions Lab.

Paid is the new free Internet

If you’re not setting up subscription programs for P1 audience members, you’re leaving money on the table.  But there’s a right way and wrong way.  I’ve done both in my digital businesses.  This is a potential huge cash revenue stream for a media entrepreneur or an additional cash flow stream for an existing media operation like a radio station or group.  Ca-ching – money waiting to be made.

Identify the critical emerging trends in the next 12 months

You can’t expect to be on it in 2013 if you’re the last to know what trends are developing.  So, take notes and you’ll come away with what you should anticipate, deal with, exploit and monetize for the rest of 2013. 

The Media Solutions Lab is not a show, not a series of panels with people who could learn more from you then you can from them.

It’s an interactive learning event for smart media executives where the teaching and the taught together do the teaching.

Won’t you accept my invitation and join me for this career changing event?

To register now for my 2013 Media Solutions Lab, click here.

Talk to me privately here.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Hot Digital Startup Ideas

Whether you’re a radio station exec looking to do something more significant than just streaming audio or an ambitious entrepreneur looking for hot digital startup ideas, I thought you’d like to see some of the concepts that I will present at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31.

  1. A digital business built around fashion.  This is going to be hot and I will show you how to create a successful new business built around fashion on television shows – with examples.  But this is just the beginning.
     
  2. Your own local high school sports version of ESPN with stats, home videos and these elements of content.  Every parent will be your subscriber and they will take it viral for you.  Ask me about how to do Fantasy High School Sports for your station or new business.
     
  3. The next step beyond dating services.  People meet on Internet dating services now which tells me that the next step is beyond boring matchups and onto exciting “radio type” contests and promotions that bring people together.  Even “Survivor” type elements. 
     
  4. Managing money.  No, not preachy advice counselors but closed social network groups where members invest together for fun.  A local Intrade where people come together virtually and place small money bets on local things.  The advertising potential alone is staggering.  A radio person would have a field day with this.
     
  5. Causes and charities.  Before everyone else figures it out, the 80 million members of Gen Y care about causes and want to support people who also do.  There is a movement to be harnessed bringing people together to accomplish things for the greater good.  And it doesn’t have to be a non-profit business.
     
  6. Music discovery.  While radio stations are playing the same 30 songs over and over again, a station or smart entrepreneur can put together this digital business that uses music discovery in a game of finding the next star, big song or new genre.  It’s a game and it has sponsorship capabilities that will exceed that of music radio.
     
  7. Zip News.  How gathering local news for one or more zip codes can turn into a vital information franchise to rival traditional radio all-news stations.  Digital drives the video, audio, text and social networking and you can sell it to advertisers by zip code.

Ideas you won’t hear anywhere else.

Not in print.

Not at media seminars.

If you would like to hear the blueprints for these and other hot digital startup ideas, register for the 2013 Media Solutions Lab here.

Real, promising digital businesses for radio stations or better yet, media entrepreneurs looking to get a leg up on the next big thing in digital.

My annual Media Solutions Lab is all about solutions:

Also check out the program for:

• 24 Killer Ideas For Radio & Digital

• Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Won’t you devote a day and a half to mastering media opportunities and challenges for the year ahead?

Wednesday January 30th is the interactive learning session that includes the emerging new trends for the year ahead.  All meals and breaks included.

Thursday morning January 31st is for those of you who would like to join me in a roundtable with other interested media execs to customize this year’s intelligence around your specific interests.  Breakfast is on me.

This event will not be recorded.

The Fourth Annual Media Solutions Lab with me, Jerry Del Colliano at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

Reserve a seat today and save $200 per person here.

P.S.

Want to set up a private group meeting with me while you’re in Scottsdale?  Click here to inquire.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Cash Starved Cumulus Turning Down Business

Just as Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey is crying poor mouth to Wall Street analysts and blaming his own major markets for continuing losses, it has been revealed that Cumulus is turning away advertising.

Salespeople are left dumbfounded. 

Advertisers are even reportedly walking away from next year’s budgets.

Cumulus micromanaging is getting in the way of advertisers who could actually help the company lose less money.

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

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

  1. All the details on what happens when a seller tries to put in a new advertising order that corporate thinks is below the average rate they will accept.
     
  2. How advertisers have been punished by one Cumulus cluster right smack in the middle of their on-air ad campaign.
     
  3. How advertisers are getting so pissed, they’re reportedly pulling their budgets for next year.
     
  4. New ways local sellers are being micromanaged by corporate know-it-alls who keep interfering in the buying process.
     
  5. What is the cataclysmic event about to take place at the red ink drenched San Francisco cluster within weeks that will guarantee more losses from their second most important market.

If you would like to see how Cumulus is turning down business when it can least afford to, click “read more” below. 

Imagine a seminar where you can come away with more new radio and digital ideas than you can use for the rest of 2013.  The 2013 Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, AZ January 30-31.

Join our Witness Protection Program every time you report news -- the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed here.  

Talk to me privately here.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Cumulus Spy Pictures

As you know I lie about everything.

That’s what the Dickeys have accused me of in the happy talk trade press.

I don’t know why, but somehow these bald-faced “lies” keep coming true.

Take my revelation that the Dickey Dynasty was spying on their employees.

That was shocking when I revealed it years ago. 

Of course, Cumulus denied it.

Now, we’ve got pictures along with new information that these control freaks are about to step up their efforts to monitor employees everywhere, all day long.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

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

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

  1. Pictures of actual spy cameras at one of their major market stations – so many that there are few safe havens for employees from being caught on tape.
     
  2. What CEO Lew Dickey is threatening to do to make sure his salespeople are going on the calls they say they’re going on.
     
  3. How employees in one cluster are creeped out so much they have taken to doing this to protect what’s left of their privacy.
     
  4. What happens when you walk into the sales managers office at one Cumulus cluster.
     
  5. What’s the next lie that the Dickeys will deny but will come true probably within 12 to 18 months.

If you would like to see pictures of Cumulus spy cameras and learn their plans to clamp down further and monitor employees, click “read more” below.

60 days to make travel plans and reserve a seat for the 2013 Media Solutions Lab at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale January 30-31.  Last chance to save $200 off each registration here. 

Join our Witness Protection Program every time you report news -- the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

CBS Fundraising Begathon Begins

If you don’t believe CBS Radio is in play, I won’t tell you about Santa Claus just yet.

But something’s up and now we’re getting word that wannabe potential buyers are actually trying to find ways to come up with the billions it will take to wrestle it away from Les Moonves.

Moonves likes reality shows and this one is going to start getting crazy.

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

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

  1. The current list of “suspects” scoping out financial resources for a potential run at CBS Radio.
     
  2. Which one potential buyer is actually headed to a city where sources say he is supposedly meeting with a large non-radio company – this week!
     
  3. Which potential buyer has an interest in actually running up any CBS sale price – and why?
     
  4. What investment banks think of a possible acquisition this large.
     
  5. Why all of a sudden maybe even more than just CBS could change hands.

If you would like to see the latest on fund raising for a potential purchase of CBS Radio, click “read more” below.

Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Moneymaking Morning shows • PPM’s emphasis on afternoons for peak listening • More interruptions mean more listeners • Importance of varying format content radically each hour • A new way to schedule stop sets for best results and audience retention • Found money on ignored dayparts • Pull the plug on the station website for this great moneymaker • How to make local radio ads 80% more effective • Safeguards selling radio with digital • Rename your station after this big on-air promotion.  More at the Media Solutions Lab January 30-31.  Register here.

Join our Witness Protection Program: the smartest, safest way to report news – 100% anonymity guaranteed –here.  

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Cumulus Panics

Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey, facing increasing debt and decreasing revenue, panicked into several moves already this week that he thinks will give him some wiggle room.

The repercussions are seismic for those who work at Cumulus and will also be felt at other groups in markets where they compete.

A full court press to get San Francisco generating the kind of money Dickey needs to help cut into his earnings deficit is obviously failing.

We have reports that even the bread and butter small Cumulus markets are missing their projections for the fourth quarter so Lew Dickey is faced with meeting analysts just after the first of the year to either blame his major markets for letting the company down (for the third quarter in a row) or try something different.

Here’s what’s different.

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

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

  1. What big announcement Dickey will use to get the financial world to stop thinking about another quarter of Cumulus not making their numbers.
     
  2. Why salespeople at Cumulus should seek cover right now because Dickey is coming after them. 
     
  3. How selling at Cumulus will change from commissions to who gets to keep accounts and worst of all – total sales automation.
     
  4. How the mass conversion of local stations to a new strategy will show Wall Street that Cumulus is serious about reining in the costs.
     
  5. All the details about the multimedia platform Cumulus says it is building but what they’re really going to do instead.
     
  6. How long to bankruptcy court for Cumulus.

If you would like to see how Cumulus is panicking over increasing debt and decreasing sales, click “read more” below.

The man who helps Jerry Lee build 80% more effective commercials for WBEB, Philadelphia advertisers will be sharing his method at my January Media Solutions Lab.  What bad economy?  Once your advertisers can learn this system, they will be addicted to you and will pay a premium for running commercials on your air.  The 2013 Media Solutions Lab is the only industry learning event that’s all about solutions.  See what else is on the agenda at the 4th Annual Media Solutions Lab here.

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Talk to me privately here.

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Earthshattering Changes in Radio

It’s the calm before the storm.

But sources close to the major radio groups say work is underway for what promises to be some dramatic if not game changing events in the months and year ahead.

The moon and planets are in alignment for some terrible things to happen.

Here’s a heads-up.

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

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

  1. What radio group could be headed for bankruptcy soon and I’m not just talking about Cumulus.
     
  2. The amazing race to buy CBS Radio is on with financial sources tattling on who is seeking big loans from investment banks.
     
  3. Which second bidder could emerge as a buyer for CBS Radio.
     
  4. Why would CBS want to sell its radio division.
     
  5. Which group of Clear Channel employees will become toast sooner rather than later.
     
  6. Why has Entercom all of a sudden swallowed its tongue.
     
  7. Why Cox Radio’s strategy will be so different next year.

If you would like to see what earthshattering things are now being kicked around by major radio groups, click “read more” below.

See the 24 Killer Ideas for Radio & Digital that will be presented at the 2013 Media Solutions Lab here.

Join our Newstip Witness Protection Program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed –here.  

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Vital New Radio Strategies You Can’t Afford To Ignore

Did you know that there are exciting cost effective new ways to run a successful and even profitable radio station in the era of digital media?

Unfortunately, most broadcast operators are relying on old habits or new tricks that are compromising local radio at the expense of cutting costs.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Radio can be reborn with a new focus on what changing listeners are expecting from radio in the digital age and the new economics of doing local radio in a stagnant economy.

I find the list that I’m going to share with you empowering and encouraging.

I’ve been working on this module for my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in January and wanted to share it with you:

  1. If you do nothing else, do a live local morning show.  It doesn’t have to break the bank, but media buyers will still pay a premium for a live morning show.  50-60% of a radio station’s total income should come from the morning show if you want a shot at being super successful against digital competition.
  2. A live afternoon show should be next when affordable.  It is a way to put the station in the profit column no matter what happens in any other dayparts. In other words, this is a guarantee of fiscal success.  It is no accident that the top consolidators who have gutted morning and afternoon drive cannot post a profit.  You should know that there is a controversy as to whether radio attracts more listeners in the morning or afternoon according to new People Meter data.  This is something we should strategize together.
  3. Live without PPM ratings.  This huge expense is not necessary.  There are workarounds that are better and will satisfy media buyers.  Less money.  Just as effective.  What’s not to like if you know how to carry it off.
  4. Rethink the hot clock to include many content types and lots of interruptions contrary to our old way of clumping spots together with only one type of content.  Big groups and their followers just don’t get it, but short attention span listeners will actually stay with you longer and come back more often if you interrupt (or disrupt) your traditional approach to programming.  You’ll want a list of potential ways to disrupt listeners’ pre-conceived ideas about radio.
  5. Variable hours with different content.  That’s a big change.  I’m going to show you how to build variable hours that don’t look or sound like each other and stand back to watch what happens next.
  6. Shorter stop sets that never run at the same times but progressively keep moving.  I’d like to draw the plan for you when we meet in person and take your questions and get input. 
  7. Discover “found money” on the all-night show.  Stop trying to put the cheapest thing on the air to fill time and space until morning drive.  Here’s a plan that will cost pennies and I’ll bet it reaps many dollars right away.
  8. Schedule Saturday and Sunday night programming that is disruptive to your format.  Do you have the guts to do it?  Would you like to see the plan that more listeners would like?
  9. Pull the plug on your station website and instead do these separate sites that directly link to the airplay content that I’m going to ask you to adopt.
  10. A new way to do news that will not be cost prohibitive and will payoff with listeners and advertisers within the first few months.  It can be really different and even non-traditional using listeners to submit pictures, audio, text and keep the conversation going.
  11. Get familiar with Tumblr.  If you don’t have a Tumblr site, let me help you build it the right way because it is going to be the hottest new tool for acquiring on-air listeners.
  12. The magic bullet is to research how to make advertising more effective.  Stop running spots that advertisers can easily walk away from when their campaign is over.  Make their ads on your station compelling.  I’m bringing in Dan Hill to share show how to make advertising 80% more effective for your local clients.  He ought to know.  His system helps Jerry Lee and Blaise Howard rake in the renewals at B101 in Philadelphia.
  13. Include salespeople in the daily creation of content.  Do this wrong and it will backfire!  Do it right and watch the revenue go up without having to offer a single new sales incentive.  You’ll want to take notes on this.
  14. Never ever sell on-air along with digital.  There is a better way and it will get you a premium for both instead of conceding a discount for each.  After you hear this, you’ll never offer the excuse “I can’t afford a separate radio and digital sales staff”.
  15. The one on-air promotion that can even attract non-radio listeners and make them addicts.  Yes, addicts!  Never stop running this promotion that I will share.  And don’t let a competitor get to it first.
  16. Name your radio station after the promotion not your format brand as everyone does now.  Do I have your interest?  You don’t want a competitor to do this because being number two on this is deadly.
  17. A way to try these ideas safely until you convince yourself of what I am saying -- that this disruptive change in the direction for radio would be welcomed by both listeners and advertisers.

My January 30-31 Media Solutions Lab will be at held at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona when it will be 70 degrees and sunny.  Many of our previous attendees add a few days to warm up or share some family time in mid-winter.

The Media Solutions Lab -- 7 hours of interactive learning on day one.

The next morning we collaborate around the table to build custom strategies together.

If you would like to learn the vital new radio strategies you can’t afford to ignore, reserve a seat at this year’s conference here.

Take a look at the 24 Killer Ideas for Radio and Digital Media that will also be revealed at this conference here.

The Media Solutions Lab – not a convention or show.

Number one in media solutions for four years running.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Big Cumulus Management Shakeup Ahead

Cumulus is in short pants and headed for bankruptcy.

They are trying to get the funding to buy some or all of CBS Radio to dilute their red ink with CBS’ black ink, but time is short.

So, Plan B is ready to be implemented.

Not just personnel cuts – that’s nothing new for them – this is a radical redesign of local radio and it’s not pretty.

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

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

  1. Who will be running many if not most Cumulus stations over the next year – and it won’t be the people who are running them now.
     
  2. Which position will be the most overworked, underpaid and least appreciated by the time this shakeup is complete -- the radio job from hell before long.
     
  3. All the details on a major sales shakeup that has never been tried by any other radio group. 
     
  4. How and why local station operations will be downsized in a way consistent with the new Dickey shakeup.
     
  5. Which sellers will get screwed out of their clients as Plan B is installed at Cumulus stations nationwide.

If you would like to see the drastic Cumulus management shakeup that has already quietly begun in some markets and will soon spread to others, click “read more” below. 

Only 2 months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees or have company meetings with me?  Contact me directly here.

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

Talk to me privately here.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Radio’s Dark, Dirty Secrets Exposed

New initiatives, partnerships, best practices – that’s the deceiving lingo of radio consolidators who are operating themselves into bankruptcy.

But there are dark, dirty secrets they would rather have the public not know because it shows how clueless they really are.

A nationwide network of newstipsters has exposed what consolidators think would be better not said.

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

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

  1. How Cumulus offers some of its people “employee pricing”.
     
  2. Why KABC’s Larry Elder should work on his resume.
     
  3. What one radio company in a major market is telling its employees to keep them working for peanuts.  
     
  4. How a major station secretly tried to fudge Hurricane Sandy storm coverage and got caught.
     
  5. Which radio group is running 16-18 minutes of commercials hour after hour and still losing money.  You’ll never guess this one.
     
  6. How Clear Channel makes its long-term talent contracts short-term – revealed here.  CBS may be doing it, too.

If you would like to see radio’s dark and dirty secrets exposed, click “read more” below.

2 more months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees or have company meetings with me?  Contact me directly here.

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.   

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Cumulus Money Scheme Uncovered

Lew Dickey has come up with another hair brained idea but if he gets away with it, you’ll wish for the “old” Cumulus – the one from only a week ago.

Game on for Dickey’s answer to freefalling revenue.

And it starts this morning!

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

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

  1. Why some sources say the latest scheme looks like an arguably illegal shakedown in return for much needed revenue.
     
  2. All the details on how the scheme works – who gets their arm twisted, how and what Cumulus is willing to do in return.
     
  3. How Cumulus will further disrupt their local programming by adding these new elements posing further potential ratings erosion that Lew Dickey will not be taking the blame for.
     
  4. Who the Dickeys are trying to play for fools, but here are a few money people who will slam the door in their face.
     
  5. How Cumulus will expand this major disruption of local radio if it works.
     
  6. Where the revenue will go – you won’t believe it.
     
  7. Is Mike McVay in trouble – they left him out of this major decision.  What that’s all about.

If you would like to see the shakedown Cumulus is launching today in a desperate attempt to raise revenue, click “read more” below.

Just 2 months until my Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale, January 30-31.  Attend the full-day interactive seminar on radio and the digital future or the optional next day Big Ideas Strategy Breakfast where we work around a table and share ideas.  Or both!  Reserve your best rate here.  Wish to send multiple attendees?  Contact me directly here.

Join our witness protection program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

Talk to me privately here.

Follow me on Twitter & Facebook and LinkedIn.

Monday, November 19, 2012

24 Killer Ideas For Radio & Digital Media

My annual media conference is only two months away – January 30-31 at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

The way it works is on Wednesday, January 30th, we offer a seven hour interactive learning session where I share what I have learned in the key media areas of new age radio and digital media and we have an interactive discussion.

I am guided by my motto:  “the teacher and the taught together do the teaching”.

And we work in an atmosphere of approval and acceptance.

The 2013 Media Solutions Lab helps you understand the critical changes that are happening to audiences of all ages, the changing technology that affects them and new digital platforms.

The conference also offers tips on how to approach radio and new media in the year ahead and how to be first to take advantage of 10 emerging trends that you will want to completely understand.

One of the key components of the 2013 Media Solutions Lab is building an individual game plan customized for your interests and goals.  The seminar is put together to enable building your own blueprint.

As part of the full-day training, you will hear two guest professors talk about perhaps the most important topics of the year ahead. 

How to improve results by 80%.

And next unlocking the keys to winning over the next generation of radio listeners.

Breakfast, lunch and all breaks are included and the food is fabulous at one of America’s top meeting venues, The Phoenician resort.

For those of you who want to take what you’ve learned, you can also attend the optional Next Day Big Ideas Strategy Session Thursday where we work collaboratively around a table as ideas are introduced for discussion.  

Breakfast is included and you’ll still have time to make your return flight home before noon.

There are a lot of conventions, seminars and shows in the radio and media industry, but this one is influenced by some of the techniques I developed as a Professor at the University of Southern California.

Your tuition may be tax deductible.

Last year an exit survey showed that 100% of the attendees said the Media Solutions Lab met or exceeded their expectations.  We’re motivated by that unusually high satisfaction rate.

Please consider attending this year’s Media Solution’s Lab.  The year ahead is going to be challenging and this conference will fill you with useful ideas, trends and concepts to get a leg up on the industry and economy.

But enough of the details, here’s what you will learn when you attend the 2013 Media Solutions Lab:

  1. Why digital media is not making money and how to fix it.
  2. New evidence that building brands instead of formats and streams is a sustainable, prosperous future.
  3. Two types of digital options that can make big money in under 12 months.
  4. The one guaranteed way a radio station can attract young listeners even if the format skews older. 
  5. Must-hear hot spots for media entrepreneurs along with the projects to absolutely avoid.
  6. How to increase revenue by improving marketing results by 80%.  Dan Hill, author of “About Face – The Secrets of Emotionally Effective Advertising” will join our faculty.
  7. Morley Winograd, co-author of “Millennial Makeover” and “Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation Is Remaking America” will also join our faculty.  He will explore how Gen Y will change the way America lives and learns and works and plays.
  8. The biggest mistake radio stations make when they launch a stream – and how to remedy them in less than a month.
  9. The pros and cons of streaming in the age of apps.
  10. Where to find the skills necessary to operate effectively in the digital space.
  11. Five great new businesses you can start when you return home from this seminar – all with clearly defined paths to monetization.
  12. How to maximize radio formats for the digital age.
  13. The digital ideas media buyers are clamoring for.
  14. How to build a revenue stream around content pods.
  15. Reorganizing your physical facility to include and encourage digital initiatives.
  16. How to redesign traditional sales staffs to fully benefit from growing digital budgets.
  17. What are the most effective new social media strategies.
  18. Why Facebook and Twitter are tools when used properly and why they can hurt you as consumers begin to grow wary of social media.
  19. How a radio station can become number one in video production and establish a parallel revenue stream to augment traditional media.
  20. How CBS beats the People Meter – the tactics they use to get credit for listeners who are now falling through the cracks.
  21. Why Pandora is a big threat to radio and what to do about it – now, before it’s too late.
  22. How young listeners feel about commercials, morning shows, music discovery, contests, websites, social networking and digital integration so you can win them over.
  23. The appeal and danger of the sports radio trend that will explode in 2013.
  24. How to buy “Career Insurance” – skills you will need to make you indispensible in the new age of radio and digital media.

Claim a $200 per person discount when you register today.

For groups wishing to attend the 2013 Media Solutions Lab, contact me directly.

To inquire about private pre or post meetings with Jerry, click here.

The one investment to make in your future is participating in the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

Register here.

Hope to see you in person in a few weeks!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Secret Cumulus Programming Memo Revealed

Cumulus hasn’t learned its lesson – yet!

Starting next week, the money losing company is again clamping down on local programmers in a big way and moving more critical decision making to Atlanta.

A new startling secret memo not meant for public consumption outlines some of the drastic steps the Dickeys plan to take.

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  1. Which one format will be singled out for drastic national programming control. 
     
  2. How local stations will be neutered under the new plan.
     
  3. Who will be calling the shots from now on at Cumulus programming – you won’t believe it.
     
  4. What a “Cattle Call” is – that’s right, their term, not mine and the imagery fits what they are going to make local programmers do.
     
  5. What decision will be made every week from now on out of Atlanta that will be giving their PDs fits.
     
  6. What their end game is – and they have one that they think is better than letting their own people run radio stations.

If you would like to see what’s in the just-issued top secret Cumulus memo that will redirect even more local control to Atlanta, click “read more” here. 

Just added to the 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 in Scottsdale:

  • The secret to attracting younger listeners to radio and getting them to listen longer.  It’s not money.  Not vacations.  It’s something no radio station has ever tried, but it will work within one month. 
  • How to knock a media buyer off their chair with this proposal which includes your station and the digital project I will share.
  • 5 new digital content businesses – and how to launch them – that will provide a cash stream to you in 6 months or less.

Get real solutions at the Media Solutions Lab.  Learn more here. 

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thanksgiving Surprise

The bird on your Thanksgiving table isn’t the only turkey that will raise its ugly head in the coming weeks.

A record number of operators are panicking.

Revenue is way off and not tracking up for early next year.

What’s a poor radio owner to do?

Cutback and fire.

It’s all coming to a head around Thanksgiving.

Their secret plans – revealed.

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  1. Which good radio operators are now resorting to dirty tactics.
     
  2. Which major radio group is planning an ugly Thanksgiving surprise and their employees think they are safe.
     
  3. What chincy tactic CBS is using right now that will impact its operations for the rest of 2012 and into the New Year.
     
  4. Which operator is laying the groundwork for a national takeover of local sales.  An eyewitness account.
     
  5. Exposed!  The radio group that is losing money and turning away substantial business at the same time.
     
  6. The new competitor not on radio’s radar screen that is planning to blindside operators by invading their local markets and using the old radio sales playbook.

If you would like to see who is at risk in the coming Thanksgiving Surprise being readied by numerous operators, click “read more” below.

We’re here to help you master digital media and new age radio.  Attend my January Media Solutions Lab. 

Report News in confidence.  I have never revealed a source.  Talk to me confidentially here.  

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Clear Channel’s Plans To Screw Cumulus

No more Mr. Nice Guy for Clear Channel.

Clear Channel has a big surprise planned for Cumulus that may push them even closer to bankruptcy.

Ironic because Clear Channel is loaded with debt it just kicks down the road, but Cumulus is shopping for a debt-free acquisition in order to live another day.

The last thing Cumulus needs is this dirty trick from Clear Channel.

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

  1. What Clear Channel is planning to do to Cumulus in New York City.
     
  2. How they are going to hit debt-ridden Cumulus while they are down with this ploy.
     
  3. How the Clear Channel sneak attack that Cumulus does not see coming could push Cumulus into pre-bankruptcy mode.
     
  4. The stupidest mistake Cumulus is making at one of their essential big market stations that is playing right into the hands of Clear Channel.  And, how to fix it.
     
  5. The stealth Clear Channel plan that will start a war between the two biggest radio consolidators.

If you would like to see the sneak attack Clear Channel is ready to launch against Cumulus and how it threatens to change the face of radio, click “read more” below. 

7 Ways To Guarantee Media Success in 2013:

  1. Change the way you stream.  24/7 simulcasts of on-air programming has limited appeal and PPM doesn’t currently give stations credit for online streaming.  What if you could install a way to more than double your reach and monetize it at the same time.
  2. Send your morning show to the chop shop.  Learn how PBS is contouring content for iPad and smartphone listeners that is like catnip to audiences.
  3. Don’t switch to news or talk.  That doesn’t mean don’t do news or talk but there is a new, digital way to approach these former radio formats for those who have the vision and guts.
  4. Be careful of Apple.  Apple has been a good barometer of consumer needs and desires but there is evidence that those days may be over.  Apple is still an important consideration to digital content, but now there are other factors equally important.
  5. Avoid bandwidth problems.  The elephant in the room is how mobile carriers are suckering monthly plan users into more and more bandwidth.  This has repercussions for content providers because if you develop content that hogs bandwidth, you may shoot yourself in the foot.
  6. Don’t listen to media buyers.  Respect them, but don’t turn to them for great digital media ideas.  There is a litmus test for digital ideas that media buyers will pay a premium for – and you’ve got to know how it is different from what they say they want and what they will pay handsomely for.
  7. Master the changes ahead in social media.  No content provider can exist in a world that uses just Facebook and Twitter.  Now there are ways to create your own custom social media tools that grow fans as well as revenue.

Learn about these and many other evolving trends at my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Get more information and register here.

I never reveal my sources – that’s my reputation.  Report news in confidence here. 

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

CBS Double-Shocker

CBS has been in talks to sell some or even all of their radio group.

A deal is possible sooner rather than later if talks continue to be productive.

Any potential sale of some or all of CBS Radio would turn the radio industry upside down with ramifications that would be bigger than any other event since consolidation began.

This is real and developing.

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  1. Which radio group is now hot to buy CBS – revealed here.
     
  2. How recent were the reported talks.
     
  3. What new venture CBS is eying even as they say publicly that they think radio is still a great business.
     
  4. How the potential buyer is putting their money where their mouth is.
     
  5. What will happen to thousands of CBS Radio employees – will they stay or will they go?

If you would like to see which company is now in negotiations to buy CBS Radio, learn what’s being discussed and see when a deal could happen, click “read more” below.

Just added to my January Digital Media Conference:  Morley Winograd, co-author of Millennial Momentum: How a New Generation is Remaking America.  Master the needs and desires of Plurals (the youngest generation), Gen Y and Gen X as it pertains to radio, music and media.  Two months and counting, register now to save $200 -- The 2013 Digital Future Conference.

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Owners Revenge

Left without a new Republican president and facing continued erosion due to digital media, some of radio’s biggest owners are now working on secret plans to make someone pay for their mistakes.

Just like some non-radio businesses promised to reduce their work force if President Obama was reelected, the big radio groups are seeking revenge if they don’t get what they want – Plan B.

How all major groups are beginning to deal with the reality that radio is going to have to be downsized – again.

And some of the owners are thinking about flexing their political muscle this time as a final Hail Mary pass to make consolidation work.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

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  1. New intelligence about some of the most powerful groups that are considering banding together to get bailed out.  
     
  2. Sad to say Cox is looking a lot like Clear Channel these days.  Here’s what we believe Cox is up to.
     
  3. Expect a war on radio personalities.  Several groups are going to play hardball with their most expensive talent and here’s how they are going to do it.
     
  4. CBS is under pressure from two down quarterly earnings reports – losing money means disruption ahead.  Here’s what I see happening.
     
  5. Two groups will kill off a popular radio format.
     
  6. Clear Channel’s little surprise for Rush Limbaugh.

If you would like to see the shocking plans radio owners are plotting to avenge their inability to show growth and profit, click “read more” below. 

How To Make Radio Commercials 80% More Effective.  Better results.  Higher premiums.  More renewals in an iffy economy.  Sensory Logic’s Dan Hill who showed Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia how to do it, will show you at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.  Real help in being the best that you can be from the 2013 Media Solutions Lab.  Start the year right, bring your best people.

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Post-Election Firings Begin

The post election shenanigans are already underway.

Firings at one major group will start as early as today and next week.

New ways to screw sellers out of commissions.

Draconian ways to ride herd on what few overworked employees remain.

Here’s the latest from my network of sources close to the situation.

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

  1. A big shakeup is coming within a week to Clear Channel’s Total Traffic with major ramifications to hundreds of local markets.  Their secret plan – revealed.
     
  2. One major consolidator is ready to risk flying above the radar and cleaning out employees – as soon as next week!  This is an early warning.
     
  3. You won’t believe what CBS is now doing to micromanage its employees.  Freakin’ CBS, even!  Is no big group safe from Big Brother management?
     
  4. Two additional groups have activation systems that tell them when to come down hard on underachieving employees and with most radio companies announcing disappointing revenue numbers, this is just the beginning.  We out them.
     
  5. Beware of the Ides of March 2013 – if you work for this company, look out for what happens on the 15th.  Their cover is blown.

If you would like to see what the three radio companies are planning to do to cut costs – some as soon as the next few days – as well as micromanage the employees that remain, click “read more” below.

I am personally inviting you to attend my 2013 Media Solutions Lab January 30-31 at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  It’s an interactive learning session where we will identify the 10 emerging trends for the year ahead and how to take advantage of them.  And a next day strategy session where we work collaboratively with each other to determine how to use this intelligence.  Plus guest professors speaking on how to win favor with the next generation and how to help advertisers perform better and buy more – the plan used by Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia.  This continuing media education is worthy of your consideration.  Learn more here.  Beat the next tuition increase.

Talk to me privately here.   Report news confidentially. 

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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Nuclear Option for Cumulus

No positive quarterly numbers since 2009.

Local billing in the toilet.

Programming that can’t get ratings.

What is a CEO to do?

Lew Dickey, with bankruptcy in his sights, may have no choice but to detonate the nuclear option with lenders breathing down his neck.

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

  1. A wholesale firing of this job description over the next 12 months.
     
  2. Implementation of new daily report cards that employees will be forced to fill out.
     
  3. Blowing up existing big stations – unthinkable, but on the radar screen according to sources.  Some examples.
     
  4. A radical answer to replace lost local billing.
     
  5. Targeting one last safe haven for programming.
     
  6. How many jobs could be lost once the trigger is pulled.

If you would like to see what will happen when Cumulus is forced by lenders to cut costs immediately, click “read more” below. 

Coming soon – two new teachers added to my January Media Solutions Lab – one devoted to how you’ll have to change your media culture to gain the next generation’s allegiance.  The other, how to make advertisers buy more ads by making them more effective. The man who does it now for Jerry Lee’s WBEB, Philadelphia will tell you January 30-31 in Scottsdale at 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Radio Blindsided by Music Changes

Radio is slipping as an effective means of exposing and discovering new music.

Billboard’s new Maximum Exposure chart lists about 95 other ways more potent than radio.

This means trouble for over 90% of America’s radio stations relying on music for their formats.

Here’s the big stuff that is blindsiding radio and some solutions that are long overdue.

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  1. What is now mightier than radio airplay?  Period.  Do you even know?
     
  2. What’s the hottest new genre of music most of which is not being played on a U.S. radio station?  And what happens if it continues to be ignored?
     
  3. What happens in country’s where legal music downloads cost only 5 cents?
     
  4. How does forced hourly airplay of artists – the kind Clear Channel does as part of its “non-payola” music partnerships – rank for maximum exposure?
     
  5. Six solutions to wake up your station before it becomes musically irrelevant.

If you would like to see what is blindsiding radio stations playing music and some steps to turn it around, click “read more” below 

More questions that will be answered at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab in Scottsdale January 30-31:  1) Where should I put my resources in the year ahead – in streaming, mobile content or on-air promotion?;  2)  What is the eventual next use of radio beyond 24/7 formats?;  3)  How can a radio station get into video cost effectively and come away with a profit by the end of 2013?;  4)  Is Apple’s new music service anything I should be worried about in my local market?  Are there things I can do to protect my station(s)?;  5) Give me one moneymaking idea and I’ll be there (Think Tumblr – I’ll show you how).  See more take home pay at 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Cumulus Headed for the Fiscal Cliff

Cumulus local billing is falling apart and now the company faces serious financial troubles – as big as the ones it faced when it was forced to acquire Citadel, which had emerged cleanly from bankruptcy.

It’s going to be ugly.

More than the usual cutbacks and personnel reductions.

A total contraction of Cumulus operations and sales.

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

  1. New information from sources within Cumulus that stations in a second region of the country are not even going to come close to producing a fourth quarter profit. 
     
  2. How CEO Lew Dickey intends to fix his underperforming top ten major market stations.
     
  3. The big play Cumulus is going to be forced to make within the next year – the sooner the better for them.
     
  4. Why the usual end of the year firings will not get the job done this time around – expect this remaking of the entire company.
     
  5. What Cumulus will soon look like and the only options left on the table.

If you would like to see how hard pressed Cumulus is financially and their two major options to survive, click “read more” below. 

Questions that will be answered at my upcoming Media Solutions Lab January 30-31in Scottsdale:  1) How can I once and for all use social media to increase my station’s billing; 2) Which 10 emerging trends must I spot before March 1 or be hopelessly left behind; 3) Is there a way to actually give my on-air station a digital facelift without hurting listening; 4) Can you give me one game changing idea on each of these topics -- commercials, morning shows, music discovery, contests, websites, social networking and digital integration?; 5) What one skill will I need before the end of 2013 – where to get it and what happens if I fail to recognize its importance.  This conference is about media solutions – check out the take home pay here -- 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Decision Time at CBS Radio

CBS Radio is facing some heart-wrenching, tough decisions in the next few months.

Their overall plan to double down on only a handful of formats may force some format changes and the loss of some iconic stations.

And market conditions are deteriorating in some cases.

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

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  1. Whether CBS will do a local FM sports station in Los Angeles, the number two market, in light of their success with the format in other major markets.
     
  2. Which music stations could be sacrificed for a local CBS FM sports station.
     
  3. Where to put the CBS Radio Sports Network in LA.  Why a competitor could wind up as the affiliate in one large market.
     
  4. Safe CBS stations and one’s in harms way.
     
  5. Which big city CBS FMs are potential homes for its staple all-news format. 
     
  6. What to do with the classic hits format, which is working and not working on various CBS stations due to the fact that the format has an expiration date.

If you would like to see the major decisions CBS Radio must make – some of them within only months – click “read more” below. 

More take home pay from my upcoming January Media Solutions Conference in Scottsdale:  1) The overriding change in what listeners now expect from media that has evolved in just the past year; 2) Which new startup businesses to avoid and which ones have the greatest potential; 3) How increasing mobile bandwidth consumer costs will create new opportunities for free radio; 4) How to launch an NPR-type station stealing their model but taking it to new levels; 5) Scrap your digital plan and reinvent digital around content pods.  See the full list here from my 2013 Media Solutions Lab.

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Friday, November 2, 2012

Clear Channel Truth Squads

Clear Channel has come up with a lot of crazy new policies over the past few years but in every case, they chose to implement them without a lot of in-person training.

Until now.

What could possibly be so important to Clear Channel that they are actually sending truth squads to local stations to indoctrinate them?

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

  1. How a truth squad recently conducted an indoctrination meeting – where, when and how.
     
  2. What was so important that they had to actually divide the sales and programming staff up and do separate meetings.
     
  3. The big plans Clear Channel regional people revealed that they said would create the billing of an entire additional radio station.
     
  4. How Clear Channel is aiming to increase their revenue while decreasing the pay of the people they are asking to help them. 
     
  5. The direct threat that was made to those attending because this threat may be repeated elsewhere.

If you would like to see the Clear Channel plan that is so big (and secretive) that it requires a truth squad to indoctrinate their employees, click “read more” below. 

Working on my January 30-31 Media Conference in Scottsdale.  Here are some of the questions that I will address: 

  • If I’m a radio station, what is the best and most lucrative use of streaming
  • What words every media buyer now wants to hear from a radio salesperson
  • How should I deal with the People Meter to get the best results
  • Is there a better way to add digital on to radio
  • What are the best new digital cash streams
  • (For entrepreneurs) What digital content business will emerge in the next 12 months that I can get a jump on now
  • How can I guarantee that I will not be one who gets fired in the next round of cutbacks

See more answers that will be offered at this year’s Media Solutions Lab here.

Report news and join our Witness Protection Program: the smartest, safest newstip network – 100% anonymity guaranteed – here.  

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