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At last week’s Radio Show, Bob Pittman declared “podcasting is radio’s birthright.” In today’s blog post, we discuss the fallout, and how broadcasters and podcasters can work together.

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The 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ seminal album, “Abbey Road,” came and went last week. But on SiriusXM and Spotify, it was a much bigger deal. And when you check out the Beatles’ core demographic appeal, you’ll see why.

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How do you transform the radio industry – and perhaps your career? That was our theme at this year’s Radio Show – “You’re not just in the radio business anymore.” In today’s blog post, we summarize the key takeaways from our storytelling sessions, featuring some of radio’s most insightful and passionate leaders. We hope you like the wrap-up, and if you were in Dallas, we hope we had a chance to say hello.

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Local concert information used to the province of broadcast radio, but new apps and websites are integrating this information with playlist services and even voice platforms. Today’s blog post looks at one of these data-driven services, and provides ways for music radio stations its presentation and stay in the game.

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With all the information we have at our disposal, we are still surprised by some of the fast-moving trends in technology. Today’s post looks at three revenue-producing areas are doing surprisingly well. They may cause a few raised eyebrows, and perhaps serve as conversation starters while you’re on the floor of the Radio Show.

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It’s that time of year again as the industry gathers in Dallas for its annual show. And some big questions are hanging in the air. The word “radio” is becoming endangered, on the heels of ABC’s decision to embrace “audio.” Today’s post is an open discussion of the “R-word” and its ongoing value to listeners, advertisers, and broadcasters themselves. And that begs the question: will it ever become “The Audio Show?”

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Women have made major strides in radio over the past decade. Just look who’s sitting in the corner offices at some of radio’s biggest companies. But when it comes to the PD chair, not so much. Today’s blog post talks about mentoring women who are seeking programming positions, and how some of radio’s key players can work together to make it happen. After all, we need the best, smartest, and hardest-working PD we can get.

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The passing last week of Eddie Money and Ric Ocasek now serve as repeated reminders of the mortality of all those great rockers we’ve lost – as well as those who will inevitably leave us. But their music lives on, long after they leave Planet Earth. In today’s post, we look at how we celebrate music – with or without the presence of those who wrote and/or performed it. They may not live forever, but their music most certainly will.

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“Spotify Everywhere” is a clever strategy designed to teach consumers how to access their product on multiple platforms. They’re running an all-out drag race to build audience, grow its numbers, and monetize its assets. It’s impressive, and it’s the topic of today’s blog post.

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In the world of traditional media, the digital sign posts are unmistakable. Most radio companies have gotten the memo, investing substantial human and financial resources in the digital space. While the digital transformation is well underway, the “analog” transformation – the people – may be lagging. Today’s blog post looks at the task of getting everyone on the same page.

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Brands are becoming more responsive to core fans, especially because of their importance. Today’s post talks about that fine line between fans and fanatics – and provides perhaps the perfect 5-word solution to effectively handling unhappy listeners.

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Where would radio be without its hardcore fans? More and more, the medium depends on those habitual listeners who tune in every day without fail. But these days, fans have an increasingly louder voice, thanks in large part to social media. Today’s blog post looks at the growing power of fans, and the effects it can have on even the biggest, most successful brands in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

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Many of the people who read this blog have been to a LOT of concerts over the years. But a new venue in London features a 3-story vertical stage unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. And when you read why it was designed this way, it will tell you how our entertainment priorities are changing.

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Radio programmers are often criticized for being “old school,” focused on ratings rather than on entertaining. But today’s post questions that logic with real world examples of broadcast radio PDs who have made the transition to the digital world. And soon, Pandora – and perhaps Spotify – may find out just what great radio programmers are capable of.

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On the 40th anniversary of its iconic Walkman, Sony is introducing a feature-filled, up-to-date version. But it doesn’t have a radio. Today’s post discusses changing gadgetry, how we consume audio and the devices we prefer. Some believe live radio is not “headphone-worthy,” and that’s an important topic for the radio industry.

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What’s the next big thing for radio’s personality shows? It’s not a new benchmark bit or a contest. It’s about giving the audience a whole new way to enjoy radio – by watching it.

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The most successful league in all of sports is hands down, the NFL. But in recent years, broadcast TV ratings for its games have slipped especially a fans gravitate to digital platforms. The NFL is now proactively addressing its commercial loads and formatting, providing some great lesson for radio broadcasters faced with the same issues. If you watched any games this past weekend, you probably saw some of these new innovations – whether you realized it or not.

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Music is the universal language, but now it is the intergalactic language. Through a series of smart…and lucky…circumstances, perhaps the greatest rock band on planet Earth has been honored in the unlikeliest of places – Mars. You’ve heard of bigger than life promotions before, but this one is truly out of this world.

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What are people talking about RIGHT NOW? The key to being relevant in a traditional medium like radio is art of being in the moment, the zeitgesit, keeping up with the times. Earning a degree in Pop culture is the key, and today’s post is a trip down the center lane of our minds; a tour through current trends, memes, and other tools that help us “be here now.” Let’s do this.

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The premise for our “track” at the Podcast Movement conference each year – “Broadcasters Meet Podcasters” – may be hurtling toward a real-life innovation: “Podcast Sunday Nights,” now airing on hundreds of iHeartMedia radio stations. Podcasts on the radio is a novel concept that marries the best of broadcasting and podcasting. And it could be the beginning of a larger trend. That’s the focus of today’s blog post.

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