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It’s becoming an on-demand world.  You know this if you own a TiVo.  Now, many cable companies are offering DVRs – or digital video recorders – as part of their digital boxes.  This trend is going to proliferate quickly, despite the protests of TV broadcasters who are justifiably terrified their commercials will be lost in […]

First, HFS threw in the towel.  Last week, Radio One shut down Y100 in Philly.  And now rumors are swirling about the fate of WXRK/New York in the post-Stern universe. So, of course, this is going to fan the flames of concern about Alternative – yet again. I spoke with former Y100 PD, Jim McGuinn, […]

What’s the biggest threat to radio over the next few years?  Perhaps it’s satellite radio or maybe it’s Internet “radio.”  Yet, terrestrial radio can compete against both, if we focus on what got us to the dance.  We’re going to be a cheaper alternative to XM and Sirius, and if we start streaming initiatives en […]

The big news yesterday?  XM hikes prices $3 a month.  Remind you of anything?  Like the way your cable company does business?  And you know how highly regarded cable is with its customers.  Radio hasn’t had a price hike since Marconi invented it.

OK, we’re all seeing it in various research settings – there’s something going on among teens, 18-24s and Classic Rock. But then again, many of you don’t need research because you have kids who are spending more time listening to Led Zeppelin than they do 50 Cent or Godsmack. So what’s the deal? Here are […]

In radio, we are now constantly bombarded with reminders about new paradigms, “Purple Cows,” and doing things differently.  Our industry and the way listeners consume music are changing at a mind-boggling rate. But think about what’s happening across the aisle with record labels and music stores.  Ray Charles’ Genius Loves Company snagged eight Grammys.  You might […]

Why do people use iPods?  When and where are the best environments? And how can radio compete with these little music boxes?  We’re going to address this issues in an upcoming web poll.  But I can tell you from several different L.A.B. groups I’ve conducted over the past several weeks that the #1 most mentioned […]

Nielsen data released in advance of Sunday’s Academy Award broadcast indicate that ratings for the once “can’t miss” awards shows are consistently trending down.  Last year, TV viewing for the Emmys hit an incredible low.  The Golden Globes and Grammys each achieved their worst ratings in the past five years.  The prognosis for this weekend’s […]

There’s a lot to be said for the power of spin – especially as it relates to your ratings.  But more important than trying to convince others about how well your station just performed in the latest Arbitrend/tron, the chances are good that even the executives within your company will benefit from a brief, timely […]