Another day, and another "big" satellite radio announcement. This time, it’s XM Led, a channel devoted to Zeppelin that will be on the air through the beginning of May. The press release sounds tasty, as the channel will contain many cool Led Zeppelin features.
So why does broadcast radio simply stand by and allow satellite radio to once again one-up everyone else by setting up these dedicated channels?
Why wouldn’t the HD Alliance or even broadcast companies devote HD2 channels to various artists and groups (like XM and Sirius do) depending on concert tours and other events? In the past year on the Rock side, it would have made all the sense in the world to devote channels to the Police, Springsteen, and now Zeppelin. Or maybe even a "Summer of Love" channel, dedicated to celebrating all things psychedelic from 40 years ago.
These are the types of basic, simple, timely, and topical programming ventures that could generate some much-needed buzz for HD Radio. No one is going to devote media coverage for an HD2 "80s Channel," but one that is all things Zeppelin could have resonated in a big way.
If HD Radio has a prayer of working, it won’t be about selling radios – it will be about creating and producing content that consumers want or that can stir their imaginations, and get them to wonder what it would be like to have all those extra channels.
If we’re serious about making HD Radio a success, it is truly time to "Get The Led Out."
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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CBS’ KLUV/Dallas HD-2 channel broadcasts all Beatles 24/7. It’s a start.
Steve
Dallas, TX