I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the word "free" that sounds like there has to be a catch somewhere. But recently, it was a common element in a couple of music stories that has to get you thinking.
First, Steve Jobs comes out with a paper that urges record labels to dump DRM (or Digital Rights Management) completely, allowing users to copy and share music files. As he points out, only 10% of music is sold through digital music stores to begin with. Album sales continue to drop, so Jobs’ concept – while risky – might stimulate a more viral competitive environment.
Next, Sharon Osbourne and Live Nation announce that Ozzfest will now be free. Tickets will now be distributed for "Ozzfest FreeFest" at sponsor outlets, which consumers can locate by going to either the Ozzfest or Live Nation websites.
Each announcement is a repudiation of long-held, traditional models of music commerce. The fact they were announced on the same day is a coincidence, of course, but there’s an interesting connection. What do these concepts say about other revenue models? As I hear some morning shows continue to push back against podcasting their material and/or making them available for download, I have to ask whether the current model shouldn’t be rethought.
More and more, consumers are becoming accustomed to accessing content and material at no charge. Gateway commercials, sponsorship tie-ins, and other revenue generators may indeed be the future of how music and pop culture content is paid for online. It will be worth our while to watch both of these "experiments" very carefully as commercial radio struggles to create its own digital models above and beyond 30-second spots.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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