ROUND-UP: FUTURE OF RADIO
Following are experts who can comment on the future of radio. With names like Jack and Bob (or Fickle and Nine), radio stations promising an anything-goes mix of pop and rock hits are springing up across the country. The variety format is seen, in part, as a way to appeal to listeners used to loading their own iPods with music from different genres -- or to keep those thinking about switching to satellite. [This round-up originated with a focus on defections to satellite radio of several prominent radio personalities, including Bob Edwards and Howard Stern, and the continuing spread of Internet radio]:
**1. MICHAEL SAFFRAN, associate director of the University News Services and adjunct professor of communications at the ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY: "The ability to target audiences via consistent-sounding formats is a core strength of radio. Conversely, 'Jack' and similar we-play-anything formats represent desperate attempts by corporate radio programmers to grasp rapidly diminishing relevance among disaffected radio listeners who prefer iPods or satellite radio to commercial radio. Here's why: The very benefit touted -- listeners never know what to expect next -- is not, in fact, desirable. Instead, while many listeners may think they want variety from radio, they really want consistency. Commercial radio will always fall short in mimicking iPods due to the nature of broadcasting (versus personalized 'narrowcasting' of iPods). Also, a radio's 'scan' button serves a similar purpose -- except while scanning, listeners generally know what to expect at each stop. Meanwhile, satellite radio touts hundreds of niche formats and no commercials as primary benefits; we-play-anything formats are the antithesis. Satellite programmers have it right."
**2. DAN KIELEY, founder of SNAFU CONSULTING: "In response to broadcasters that think that the 'Jack' format is the answer for radio, it is just like the person that goes to Thanksgiving dinner wearing sweatpants -- they've already given up. We believe that terrestrial radio's future is sound, as long as it remains focused on being 'live and local' and interacts with the listener in a positive fashion, unlike the 'Jack' format. It has a strong future." Snafu Consulting works with broadcast partners to develop strategic programs with cutting-edge marketing, targeted music and talent development to create a signature sound.
**3. KIM VASEY, SENIOR PARTNER AND DIRECTOR OF RADIO AT MEDIAEDGE:CIA: "The move by some broadcast groups to embrace the new 'Jack-type' format indicates terrestrial radio's willingness to respond to consumers' interest for a diverse mix of music and entertainment. Satellite and Internet radio have brought alternative music choices that mostly cannot be found on the 'dial,' so traditional broadcast groups have started stepping up to the plate to meet these competitive services head on. The push to digital through HD radio, Podcasting and streaming will enable broadcasters to stay current in a changing world by offering a broad array of music and other programming that is relevant to what consumers want today."
**4. DR. JEFF STEIN, R.J. McElroy Chair in Communication Arts and assistant professor of electronic media at WARTBURG COLLEGE in Waverly, Iowa: "Over-the- air radio was presumed to be 'dead' when television came onto the scene in the 1950s, but it adapted and survived. AM radio reinvented itself when FM became the dominant form for music, and now is thriving, thanks to talk format. The big advantage of over-the-air radio stations is their ability to be local. National satellite services may be able to offer consistent programming, but they cannot offer local news, weather and sports. It's the one true advantage a local over-the-air station has -- their ability to be 'local.' In this era of consolidation, however, too many of our local stations have been turned into repeaters for national services to save money." Stein has previously worked in radio at WSUI in Iowa City and KFJB in Marshalltown, as well as television and newspapers. He currently serves as the political analyst for KWWL-TV in Waterloo.
**5. DEBORAH WILKER, Miami bureau chief of The Hollywood Reporter and senior editor of Amusement Business Magazine, a VNU publication: "FM is dead! The consumer has become the advertiser, not the music listener. The product has disappeared. The variety format is too little too late. The consumer is in control now." Wilker is also a former music critic of the Fort Lauderdale Sun- Sentinel.
**6. FRITZ J MESSERE, professor and chair of communication studies at SUNY OSWEGO: "Can new formats work on tired commercial radio? Does Howard Stern's move signal that dramatic change is around the corner? Will Podcasting become the next big craze? Uncertainty in the radio business has players -- both large and small -- concerned about its future. More and more, it appears that terrestrial radio is losing listeners to newer technologies that promise more choice and less commercial distraction. The future of radio is clouded with many interlocking issues, and the outcome is anything but certain."
**7. DR. BRADLEY FREEMAN, assistant professor of media arts at MARIST COLLEGE: "Traditional radio can survive as broadcast television survived cable TV. Satellite radio is going to get large chunks of the audience as more car manufacturers build units directly into vehicles. Sirius is included with Dish Network. Radio Shack sells Sirius units. Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City sell XM and Sirius units. Traditional radio will have to adapt, lowering commercial loads and increasing voice tracking. Traditional radio should look to its local roots to compete. Consolidation saved traditional outlets some money; they are going to have to invest some of that savings to help them remain viable, practical and in people's minds."
**8. ANDY BRIEF, partner at the New York ad agency DEVITO/VERDI, oversees the $30 million ad campaign for the radio industry and is currently running to promote radio as a relevant and vital medium: "Radio is dead? Seems we've heard this cry in the past. True, satellite and MP3 players represent increased competition. But, as long as radio continues to adapt, it should not only survive, it should thrive in providing people of every age and background the latest in music, sports news and talk -- all for free. Maybe you can use that eulogy for the portable CD player."
**9. NORM BOUR, owner of PRIORITY PLUS LENDING and co-host of a real estate and finance radio show: "'Terrestrial radio,' as it is now known, will be undergoing radical changes and consolidations over the years to come. We never thought people would pay for television, but cable proved otherwise. There are many who live with the radio in their homes, their cars, and more recently, while on the go, and many consider it their primary method of gathering information. Satellite radio will offer niche programs and allow portability through Podcasts and small players, and will be a major force in the future."
**10. LYNN HARRIS MEDCALF, executive vice president of NEWS GENERATION, INC.: "People said cable was the end of broadcast television, and clearly that's not the case. Television had to adapt, just as radio will have to adapt to the new medium. It's interesting that there are some satellite channels that are rebroadcasts of broadcast radio -- i.e., Air America and The Power/WOL-AM. Another thing that local broadcast radio has that satellite won't ever have is the local element. People look to their hometown stations for that localization satellite cannot deliver."
**11. DAVID KUSEK, vice president of BERKLEE MEDIA, BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC: "Radio is no longer the primary way that people discover new music." In their new book, "The Future of Music: Manifesto for the Digital Music Revolution," Kusek and co-author Gerd Leonhard report that "radio as we know it will be replaced by digital music services that tie seamlessly into music distribution systems." They also offer advice to the radio industry in order to keep that industry from following the path of the record industry. They assert that the record industry is terminally ill, yet stress that the music industry is alive and well.
**12. JOHN HUFFMAN, CEO of BULLYVISION: "Traditional radio is here to stay. It is run by very successful and smart people. Traditional radio is excited and embracing all mediums of outreach to listeners. The trend in the media is convergence. Content is king. It is the key to any music stations success." Bullyvision is a music consulting firm specializing in providing marketing production and business development expertise to an elite clientele that includes leading artists, producers, entrepreneurs, media companies and consumer brands.
**13. DAVID GOODMAN, executive vice president of marketing at INFINITY BROADCASTING, can provide in-depth perspective on the future of radio and topics such as online streaming radio, Podcasting, HD radio and new programming formats.
ROUND-UP: GAYS ON CHILDREN'S TELEVISION (continued)
We've added the following to items posted previously at http://profnet.prnewswire.com/organik/orbital/thewire/lst_leads.jsp?iLRTopicID =5812
**1. EVAN WOLFSON, executive director of FREEDOM TO MARRY: "Non-gay children aren't going to turn gay or decide on a whim to marry someone of the same sex because of something that they have seen on TV. Families are free to teach their own diverse religious beliefs and to raise their children with their own values. The world they see in school everyday includes moms who are lesbian and dads who are gay. What is really important is that they see happy gay people getting married, forming families, caring for children responsibly and with commitment, and a government who treats everyone equally under the law. Children today are much more aware and less encumbered by stereotypes and prejudices."
_____LEADS
**1. BEHAVIOR: SHAM INTOXICATION PRODUCES EFFECTS SIMILAR TO REAL INTOXICATION. BRYAN RAUDENBUSH, assistant professor of psychology at WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY, has conducted research on the perception of intoxication: The 'perception' of intoxication has a profound effect on the human brain and body, including increased pain tolerance, decreased pain ratings and decreased cognitive ability when participants only 'think' they are intoxicated. It's a marvel of the human mind and how our attention tends to wander based on 'suggestibility.' In the end, we're talking about the age-old placebo effect here."
**2. BEHAVIOR: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RAMIFICATIONS OF THE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIAL. DR. ROBERT BUTTERWORTH, psychologist at INTERNATIONAL TRAUMA ASSOCIATES, is available to discuss the psychological ramifications of the impending verdict of the Michael Jackson child molestation trial, both on his overall mental health, as well as his career: "Michael's fame was at the expense of a childhood. It's possible that Michael is forever suspended in childhood. Bob Dylan sang 'Don't look back.' Michael Jackson seems to be saying 'Don't look forward.'"
**3. BEHAVIOR: RECOVERING FROM A DIFFICULT DIVORCE. MARY JO FAY, emotional abuse expert for OUT OF THE BOXX: "Divorce can leave the players full of anger, fear, hate, distrust, restraining orders, children as pawns, broke and absolutely exhausted. The emotional roller coaster can be mastered by learning better skills of caring for yourself in this tough time, learning to use your words to set a stage of optimism and not just negativism, and letting go of the past in order to develop a better future."
**4. ENTERTAINMENT: JACKSON MAY BE FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION. MIKE PAUL, president of MGP & ASSOCIATES PR and a leading crisis and legal PR expert: "Michael Jackson's trial will be wrapping up in the near future, but whether he is found guilty or innocent of his charges in the court of law, many believe he will be found guilty in the court of public opinion. In my opinion, Michael Jackson's reputation will be very difficult to repair. The building blocks of an excellent, long-term reputation always include truth, humility, accountability, transparency and consistency." Paul is also an adjunct professor of reputation management at New York University.
**5. LIVING: JULY FOURTH PARTIES ARE HAPPIER, LESS STRESSFUL OCCASIONS. JAY ZIMMERMAN, psychologist at BALL STATE UNIVERSITY: "Most people find that Fourth of July family gatherings are much less stressful than those during Christmas because of lower expectations, and the weather is better for outdoor activities. Instead of having to exchange presents while being cooped up in a house full of relatives, warm July weather allows family and friends to head to the park or grill hot dogs in the backyard."
**6. LIVING: BALANCING OUR UNBALANCED LIVES. BROOK NOEL, author of "The Change Your Life Challenge: A 70 Day Life Makeover Program for Women," which focuses on balancing our unbalanced lives: "Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where everything on your plate was something you didn't look forward to doing? While our lives are complicated, our systems need not be." An expert on balancing work and family, Noel is also the author of 12 other books on parenting, grief and fast, family-friendly cooking.
**7. MARRIAGE: DRESS, VEIL, FLOWERS -- PERSONAL FINANCE? VIOLET WOODHOUSE, family law specialist and author: "There are approximately 2.4 million weddings each year, and 82 percent occur between May and October. With wedding season upon us, brides-to-be everywhere are attending to last-minute details. I advise couples to discuss an important, but often overlooked detail -- personal finance. Pre-marital money talk can lead to greater intimacy as couples dare to confront the single touchiest issue in a relationship. Couples who avoid discussing saving vs. spending habits, neglect to set personal and financial goals, and spell out the sacrifices required to meet those goals make a critical, and potentially explosive, mistake."
**8. SHOPPING: MAKE DAD PROUD BY NOT OVERSPENDING ON HIS FATHER'S DAY GIFT. MARK BRADLEY, vice president of product shopping at NEXTAG, INC.: "It's really the thought that counts this coming Father's Day, and for consumers looking for the perfect gift for Dad, the best place to do your research and find the gift he'll love is a comparison shopping Web site. Comparison shopping Web sites enable sons, daughters and spouses to find the best deals on gift items by quickly comparing prices and features on millions of products from thousands of merchants. From digital cameras to watches, BBQ grills and more, the selection is exhaustive and prices can vary widely from merchant to merchant -- even on the same make and model of product."
RSS