Category Archives: Sales

November 19, 2023 · 3:00 am

Reviving Radio: Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

Today, I invited Dales Whyte, Business Advisor Enterprise Plus (South Coast Of NSW), Charity Founder & Creator Of Businesses, Community Leader, and International Broadcaster to share his perspective on the state of commercial broadcast radio from his home, Down Under.

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Radio, a medium that has been a source of entertainment, information, and connection for generations, is facing a crossroads. As a radio enthusiast who fell in love with this industry in the late ’70s, it pains me to see its decline. The ghost of radio may linger, but its glory days seem to be fading unless we take action now! I refuse to attend its funeral, and I believe that with the right strategies, we can breathe new life into Radio.

Today, I serve as a business advisor for the New South Wales (NSW) Government, working with small to medium-sized clients daily. Ironically, this role has given me a unique insight into the state of the radio industry in Australia.

I’m not advocating a return to the good old days of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and yesteryear’s hits. Instead, I’m championing the use of modern technology and techniques to rejuvenate the industry. The future of radio lies not only in its past but also in its present.

One strategy I often recommend to my clients is reverse engineering the sales process to better serve and adapt their businesses. Radio must apply the same principle to secure its future. We need to focus on two key client bases crucial for our survival.

1.         The Customer:

•          The customer is not just the listener but also the one who pays the bills, keeping the radio station afloat.

•          While streamlining operations and adopting network-centric models can save money, we must not sacrifice localism. If we do that then the customers advertising will be impacted by not having the number of listeners to act on the message of the commercial stop

•          Balancing cost-saving measures with local touch is essential to keep our customers satisfied and our revenue strong.

2.         The Radio Listener:

•          Listeners are the lifeblood of radio. We must provide them with content that meets their needs, wants, and desires.

•          Local radio plays a vital role in informing communities about local events and news, making it an invaluable resource.

•          We need to address the growing disconnect between what listeners want and what we deliver.

 To revive the radio industry, we must consider the following strategies:

1.         Embrace Social Media:

•          Radio has traditionally shied away from social media, but it’s time to change. Social media can enhance the connection between listeners, customers, and radio stations. We have to be the leaders in social media in our marketplaces.

•          Utilize platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to engage with the audience and expand reach.

•          Use social media for the coverage of events. Radio must now return to the days of turning up to every dog and pony show.

2.         Live Streaming:

•          To cater to today’s audience, we must offer live streaming of radio shows.

•          Interact with the audience in real-time during shows and engage them through video and audio content.

3.         Invest in Talent:

•          Radio’s success hinges on having the best talent in the industry. Not just announcers but for the entire radio station.

•          Encourage people to pursue careers in radio by providing opportunities and training. I have long advocated that nights and mid dawns should be utilised as training/sessions to create a true radio school.

Shared Responsibility: The responsibility for radio’s survival falls on all stakeholders in the industry.

1.         Announcers:

•          Announcers should consider their role as being a dedicated professional, not just a job.

•          They should stay informed about local events, engage with the community, and embrace localism. Announces need to embrace localism!

•          Never miss an opportunity to localise or interact with the community.

2.         Sales Teams:

  • Sales teams should focus on creating successful advertising campaigns that truly benefit clients.
  • The quick sale mentality must be replaced with a client-focused approach.
  • Members of the sales team have to be individual advertising agents understanding and utilising skills in conjunction with creative writers to achieve outstanding results for radio customers,

3.         Station Staff:

•          Every member of the station’s staff plays a critical role in its success.

•          The friendliness and engagement of receptionists, for example, can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

4.         Managers:

•          Managers should lead the way by encouraging new ideas and a change in business practices.

•          Regular positive meetings and staff collaboration are essential for radio station success.

5.         Owners:

•          Owners must be willing to embrace change and enforce ethics in the industry. People must feel safe in their job and part of a living breathing team that is growing and won’t replace them at the drop of a hat.

•          A long-term approach is needed to ensure financial success and maintain radio’s relevance.

Conclusion: The radio industry is at a pivotal moment. We can choose to let it fade into history, or we can take action to revive it. By embracing change, focusing on the needs of both customers and listeners, and using modern technology, radio can continue to be a vibrant and essential part of our lives. It’s time to write a new chapter for radio, one that ensures its survival and success for years to come.

-Dales Whyte

Empowering businesses along the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales as a dedicated Business Advisor under the Enterprise Plus / Business Connect program, I also take pride in my role as a philanthropist, founding charities and nurturing innovative enterprises. As a community leader, I strive to foster growth and collaboration, creating a positive impact locally and beyond. Additionally, my voice extends globally as an international broadcaster, sharing insights and stories that resonate across borders. Together, let’s build a thriving and interconnected world.

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September 24, 2023 · 3:00 am

Is There a Future For Anyone in an A.I. World?

Last week I asked the question “Is There a Future for Radio Personalities?” That blog was my analysis of the latest research done by Jacob Media Strategies for Don Anthony’s annual Morning Show Boot Camp. I wasn’t surprised by the volume of comments about the blog, however it was sad to find that most people feel the days of making RADIO a career are over.

A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)

The part of Fred Jacob’s research I didn’t include in last week’s blog was the impact that air personalities thought A.I. would make on their future. 76% of the people in the survey agreed with the question: “I’m personally concerned that A.I. technology will lead to many more on-air radio jobs being lost.”

It’s Worse Than You Think

Our universe is estimated to be 26.7 billion years old. Humans on planet earth have only been around 6,000 years, but look at all we’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.

Now, what maybe mankind’s greatest invention might also be responsible for our demise: A.I. or Artificial Intelligence.

This technology has the potential to take away

30% OF ALL JOBS within 10 years.

Think of all the jobs that A.I. can do better (and maybe do even better than you or I).

  • Stock Trader
  • Truck Driver
  • Accountant
  • Telemarketer
  • Lawyer
  • Bookkeeper
  • Actor
  • Writer
  • Musician
  • Painter
  • Radio Personality

It would be easier to make a list of the jobs that cannot be impacted by A.I., than a list of those that will.

To get a better idea of how scary this technology is, listen to either of these links:

The proliferation of these kind of A.I. creations can abundantly be found on YouTube.

Today’s A.I. voice software can listen to a few seconds of anyone’s voice and completely re-create a replica that is almost indistinguishable from the original. I don’t know what is most troubling, that it can be done, that it can be done so quickly or that it’s so easy that anyone can do it.

Call Centers

Call centers are big business around the world, making up 8% of India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 6.3% of Brazil’s GDP and while America outsources the majority of this type of work, the U.S. still employs 3.4 million people who work in call centers.

A.I. has the ability to completely replace everyone

working in call centers around the world.

You don’t have to be a political scientist to predict what would happen if 8% of a country’s GDP is suddenly wiped away. You’ll see more people carrying pitchforks and torches than stormed the castle in “Beauty & The Beast.”

I have radio friends that have used their incredible voices to produce audio books, and earned a good living in the process. A.I. will replace these talented people as well.

Actors & Writers Strike

It’s not just the radio industry that is finding itself in unknown territory.

Actors fear they will lose control of their lucrative likeness and writers fear they will have to share credit with a machine. Watch this situation closely, because writers and actors are the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for what’s to come for the rest of us in media.

A.I. is at the very heart of the current actors and writers strike, it’s ahead of pay models, benefits and job protections.

Federal A.I. Commission

Senator Chris Murphy is one of the most outspoken members of Congress on artificial intelligence. “When you start to outsource the bulk of human creativity to machines, there comes with that a human rot,” says Senator Murphy. He estimates that humans being replaced for creativity by computers will happen at a staggering scale within the next two to three years, and it scares the hell out of him.

Senator Murphy believes that it is time to create a new regulatory body, like the creation of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that came into existence with the advent of broadcast radio.

“There are really deep spiritual questions at hand here. I don’t think policymakers should be shy about talking about that,” Senator Murphy believes.

Putting Things In Perspective

While humans may have inhabited this planet for 6,000 years, look at what has happened in just the last 50 years:

  • The personal computer is 50 years old
  • The iPhone is 16 years old
  • Today’s A.I. is 5 years old

Of all the many calamities the human race faces in the years ahead — a full-scale nuclear war, climate change or artificial intelligence – it’s A.I. that poses the greatest risk. One highly researched economist report on A.I. noted that “there’s more than a 50-50 chance A.I. will wipe out all of humanity by the middle of the century.”

“Open the pod bay doors please Hal.

I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

-from the movie “2001 – A Space Odyssey”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSIKBliboIo

Google co-founder, Larry Page, believes that once computers are smarter than humans, they will find no use for us humans, and they will simply get rid of us. He sees this as the next step in the evolutionary process.

If we don’t understand the risks, along with the benefits A.I. brings to us, we might all end up like Dave.

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Note: For a deep dive on this subject, read the article by Nick Bolton from the September 13, 2023 edition of Vanity Fair. It was this article that provided many of the facts and quotes used in this week’s blog: Artificial Intelligence May Be Humanity’s Most Ingenious Invention—And Its Last? Silicon Valley is barreling ahead with AI technology that could unlock novel forms of creativity, art, and medicine, and potentially, wipe out all mankind. As one AI engineer warns, “We’re creating God.”

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September 3, 2023 · 3:00 am

What We Know About Radio Listeners and The Industry That Serves Them

The Pew Research Center recently completed a survey for National Radio Day about today’s radio industry and the people who listen to its broadcasts.

My own radio career has spanned over 50 years, and in that time I’ve witnessed considerable change. So, where are we now in 2023?

82% of Americans Over The Age of 12 Listen to Radio

While the 82% number of weekly listeners to radio is outstanding, in today’s competitive media world, that percentage of weekly listening is down from 92% in 2009, according to Nielsen.

Last week, Edison Research published new research showing that Share of All Audio Listening now ranks “On-Demand Platforms” ahead of “Linear Platforms,” the latter being sources such as over-the-air radio, radio streams, radio services, etc. People today prefer to listen to media on their time schedule, like podcasts, owned music, paid streaming services etc.

47% of Adults Get Their News From Radio (at least sometimes)

Pew Research says, that this percentage has remained relatively constant in recent years. However, just 7% of adults said that they prefer getting their news from radio broadcasts.

20% of Adults Get Local News From Radio

When FORD announced it would be ending AM radio in its vehicles, the radio industry was quick to mount an assault on Congress to have AM radio stay in all cars and trucks, initiating the “AM for Every Vehicle Act.”

When the town of Lahaina, Maui was going up in flames, news outlets were asking the head of Maui’s emergency management agency why he didn’t sound the warning sirens, but no one asked why it took that same agency 48 hours to reach out to local radio stations to spread the word.

38% of adults get their local news from TV, 17% from newspapers and 12% from the internet or other types of outlets.

Share of Adults Listening to Podcasts is UP

A decade ago, just 12% of Americans over the age of 12 said they had listened to a podcast in the past month, but in 2023 that number is 42%.

Podcasts began as an audio only, on-demand service, but today 22% of the top 250 podcasts include video which is posted on YouTube, finds a Podtrac study. In fact, today 75% of all podcast consumers say that podcasts are both audio and video, according to Coleman Insights.

Just as the term “podcast” can now refer to any on-demand audio/video content, I found that my university students, even a decade ago, thought all audio content as being “radio.”

Clearly, different generations use the same words, but what they mean in 2023 – and which demographic is using them – the meaning can be totally different.

Radio Strong

In spite of the many challenges facing radio today, the medium still reaches more Americans every week than any other platform measured by The Nielsen Company.

For the industry to stay strong and grow, it must listen to its audience and deliver what it is asking for, in the way they wish to receive it.

NPR, for example, makes everything they broadcast available on its website, social media, podcasts, and video-on-demand platforms.

“Radio’s strongest asset is its connection to a community,” says Donna Halper, an associate professor of communication and media studies at Lesley University. Halper believes that the “digital disruption has enhanced our connection to our listeners and to our community. It has kept radio on its feet.”

But it all comes down to the attitude of the people who own and operate radio stations in America. Managed properly, radio can stay strong and vital in the years ahead.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

-Henry Ford

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August 27, 2023 · 3:00 am

More Leadership Advice

Last week, I shared “12 Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso,” it stimulated interesting conversation. One reader told me that he was in a manager’s office that had one of those 12 lessons posted everywhere you looked. That manager believed it didn’t matter what your position in the organization was, everyone could benefit from this positive leadership advice.

Victor Escalante

Victor has been a weekly reader of this blog for as long as I can remember. He’s an expert in providing corporate training and development solutions to help businesses succeed. His business website is: https://victorescalante.com/

When we talked on the phone this week, I learned that we’re both graduates of the Roy H. Williams Wizard Academy in Buda, Texas. Victor was a member of the class of 2007, the “World Changers,” and I was a member of the class of 2001 that took place right after 9/11, which caused about two thirds of the registered students to not attend out of concern for flying. Our class, Roy named, the “Fearless Flyers.”

Victor and I are both fierce advocates for creating great radio and providing the leadership to accomplish that goal. In response to my “Lasso 12,” Victor wrote his “list of 10” in the comment section of last week’s blog. I was so inspired by his list, I asked for his permission to share it with you this week.

10 Things Leaders Need To Do by Victor Escalante

1. **Adapt to Change**: Just as music genres evolve, life is constantly changing. Adaptability is your compass through the unpredictable.

2. **Craft Your Narrative**: Just as you structure radio shows, frame your life’s story to engage and inspire those around you.

3. **Tune into Empathy**: Just as you empathize with listeners, understand others’ perspectives to forge deeper connections.

4. **Embrace the Unexpected**: Just as surprise guests shake up broadcasts, welcome life’s surprises as opportunities for growth.

5. **Balance is Key**: Just as sound levels need balance, find equilibrium between work, personal life, and self-care.

6. **Nurture Resilience**: Just as a signal may fade, cultivate resilience to weather life’s challenges and come out stronger.

7. **Stay Curious**: Just as you seek new music, remain curious about the world. Embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

8. **Connect Through Communication**: Just as you connect through the airwaves, communicate openly and authentically in your relationships.

9. **Celebrate Collaboration**: Just as harmonies enhance songs, recognize the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals.

10. **Spread Positivity**: Just as music brings joy, spread positivity and kindness wherever you go, making your life a melody for others to hear.

Why I Blog

I blog for broadcasters, educators and students, I blog to provide media mentorship and to pay-it-forward to the broadcasting industry that I have been a part of for over 50-years. It’s my belief that together we can all learn from one another by sharing our experiences, knowledge and wisdom. Feel free to contribute your thoughts to the discussion in the comment section, as I read every one of them.

Victor Escalante shared his wisdom on leadership with me, and now I’ve shared it with you.

You can get anything in life you want,

If you will just help enough other people get what they want.

-Zig Ziglar

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August 20, 2023 · 3:00 am

12 Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

1.    Be sincere.
2.    Stay teachable
3.    See good in others
4.    Happiness is a choice
5.    Winning is an attitude
6.    Have confidence in yourself
7.    Optimists take more chances,
8.    Everyone differs from everyone else
9.    Courage is the willingness to attempt
10.  Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness
11.  Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing
12.  Be a goldfish because goldfish are said to have a 10-second memory. The message is to move on from mistakes rather than lingering on them. “Be a goldfish” is about more than just sports, however.

Can this list help you to be better? I have no doubts it will, but do you?

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August 13, 2023 · 3:00 am

Radio Needs to Think Less Like Engineers and More Like Gardeners

We have programmatic buying for sales, software for programming music, algorithms that can scrub social media to tell us what people are talking about and computerized spreadsheets that monitor revenues and expenses, making all areas of today’s radio operations fully computerized. Some are even using computers to generate faux air personalities. So, with all of this technology, why isn’t commercial broadcast radio doing better?

There Are Limits to What We Can Engineer

Our world is a messy place. For every rule, there can be a myriad of exceptions, which is usually why our technology crashes.

“To err is human but to really foul things up requires a computer.”

-Paul Ehrlich , American scientist

 It’s really time for the radio industry to think less like engineers overseeing technology and more like gardeners who grow and nurture their crops.

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

This past week I’ve sat in on two different webinars dealing with A.I. Both of them stressed how important artificial intelligence is right now, in all facets of our daily lives, and how it will only become more so in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) technology could be bigger

than the advent of fire and electricity for humanity.

– Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

I believe Sundar is right, but with a caveat.

The Human Brain

No matter how much technology accelerates, you and I will continue to move, think and process our day at a human pace. Babies will still take nine months to grow in a mother’s womb, and muscle memory will still require repetition that over time will be able to perform without our brains having to think about it.

Farmers/Gardeners know that when they plant a wheat crop, they won’t see a harvest for 120 days, and if they plant winter wheat, it will take 240 days.

Doing radio, much like gardening, is about nurturing and supporting; whether it be growing its listening audience or growing its revenue.

A Place For A.I. in Radio

Artificial Intelligence has a place in radio, today and in the future, as the winners will employ this technology in a transformative way, to reduce operational costs and increase revenues. The winners will invest in people where the industry connects with other people; air personalities that connect with listeners, and sales people who can connect with advertisers.

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about from Worldcast Systems, a company that designs and develops innovative radio and television broadcasting equipment worldwide:

“ Through A.I., an algorithm is implemented that can adapt the broadcasting power in real time according to different variables of the signal entering the transmitter. With this new technology it’s possible to improve the listening experience for listeners and reduce energy costs by 10 to 40%.”

Using A.I. in this way makes dollars and sense.

“Despite all the innovations, traditional radio seems irreplaceable,” says Issac Moreno, president of the Hybrid Radio Forum.

Elena Selgas Carvjal writes in Telefónica Tech, “Many experts agree that, although Artificial Intelligence and new technologies can bring many improvements and innovations to radio, human presence is, and will always be, fundamental in this media when it comes to connecting and achieving empathy with the listener.”

Radio is a people to people medium.

The winners will remember this!

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August 6, 2023 · 3:00 am

Oh, To Be 15 Again

When I was 15 years old, AM radio was my constant companion. My first transistor radio, with a single earphone, was the Zenith Royal 50 (pictured). It received all the local radio stations (there were two, WBEC – AM1420 & WBRK – AM1340) and the big Top 40 radio stations from Albany-Schenectady-Troy (WPTR -AM1540 & WTRY – AM980).

When the sun went down, this little radio would pick up WKBW – AM1520, WLS – AM890, WCFL – AM1000, CKLW – AM800, and depending on atmospherics, lots of other AM radio surprises. Listening to radio when I was growing up was so exciting and every radio station sounded distinct and different. Their air personalities all seeming to compete to out-do one another in creativity.

My 15 Year Old Granddaughter

Sue & I spent this past weekend with our 15-year old granddaughter. She’s engaging, smart, fun and, like me, a good talker.

One of the places we dined at had a juke box with a song selector terminal in every booth. My granddaughter brought with her a stack of quarters to play her favorite songs.

What most amazed me were the songs she played and sang along with. Songs like, “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston and “American Pie” by Don McClean, to name just a few.

Her playlist of songs, matched all the songs I grew up with at her age and is basically the playlist of the songs I play on my radio show over WMEX-FM every day.

So, I asked if she had a radio in her room. She said “No.”

Is there a radio in her parent’s house? She responded wrinkling up her nose and forehead, “I don’t think so.”

Today’s Radio

Now I was super curious as to where she found these songs, and the answer was “Spotify.” Yes, that streaming service is her “radio station.” She told me that Spotify suggests songs she might enjoy hearing based on songs she already likes. This exposes her to even more of the music of MY life. (I feel like I’m 15 again!)

The Music of YOUR Life

Al Ham created a new radio format in 1978, he called it “The Music of YOUR Life.” In 1979, the radio station I earned my first GM stripes at, WUHN – AM1110, began airing Al Ham’s format with great success. Tony Bennett, who passed away on July 21, 2023, was the singing voice that delivered a very distinct jingle image for Ham’s format.

Here I was the manager of a radio station who’s programming was designed to reach a 50+ listening audience and I was only 27. The inside joke of us young folk was one day The Rolling Stones would be playing on the Music of YOUR Life radio stations.

Well, now I’m 70 years old, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones just turned 80 and while the radio station I volunteer at calls the music we play “The Most Amazing Oldies” that day has indeed arrived.

Is Commercial Radio Missing Out?

When I spin the broadcast radio dials, AM or FM, it’s almost impossible to find this music being played. However, when you have a streaming service like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, Apple or SiriusXM, you can find it with ease.

In fact, my recent purchase of a new Mac Mini computer came with a six month free trial of Apple Music. Apple’s sell line to me was “Discover Radio Reimagined.”

And Spotify now has Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) disc jockey’s like this video promotes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.spotify.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsMTY0NTA2&feature=emb_share&v=ok-aNnc0Dko

Putting Quarters in the Juke Box

There are somethings that seem likely to never change, getting your picture in a newspaper or magazine, playing your favorite songs on a juke box or hearing your favorite songs played on the radio.

Listen to the excitement in Leanna Crawford’s voice when she hears her song playing on the radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-mCOmgR9cI

99.1 – JOY FM is a commercial-free, listener-supported FM radio station licensed to Clayton, Missouri and serving the Greater St. Louis listening area. It’s a Christian Contemporary radio formatted radio station.

The current state of the broadcast industry is “somewhat challenged.”

It’s “challenged on the audience side and it’s challenged on the revenue side.”

-Caroline Beasley, CEO  Beasley Media Group

The commercial broadcast radio industry is also like Elon Musk, abandoning its brand; “Twitter” for “X.” It’s worth noting that Musk is also facing challenges on both the audience side and revenue side.

Spotify Radio, Pandora Radio, Apple Radio, Radio Tunes etc. are all pureplay streamers that embrace the powerful image that the word “RADIO” conveys.

Having a teenager tell you their favorite radio station is “Spotify”

should send a chill down your spine.

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July 30, 2023 · 3:00 am

How Does Your Radio Station Make Listeners Feel?

For as long as I can remember, radio stations did everything they could to get listeners to listen longer, and to remember their name. So, that when an audience rating company contacted them, they would quickly be able to supply this information.

Radio used contests, promotions, events and big cash prizes to incentivize listeners to tune in and stay listening, with the goal to garner big audience ratings which could be turned into revenue.

Did Radio Miss the Point?

Just about every piece of research I ever saw, showed little impact for many of these rating ploys. Yes, there was a small segment of the listening population that played along, but a much larger percentage of the audience participated vicariously, and not actively.

Why?

Because when a radio station contest, promotion etc. was well executed, it made the listener feel good, engaged and part of the fun.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.

-Maya Angelou

Things Radio Stations Do

When you scan the radio dial, these are the phrases most stations use to promote themselves.

  • 25-minute music sweeps
  • More music & less talk
  • (City Name) #1 Hit Music Station or #1 Classic Hits Station or #1 Country Station
  • Your 10-in-a-row station

And I’m sure you could easily add many more to this list.

But, do any of these kinds of things create a meaningful connection to the listener?

Feeling Things

Great radio stations and personalities, find a place in our hearts, and make us feel things.

  • They work every day to make their community a better place to live and raise a family
  • They honors moms, dads, aunts, uncles, first responders, teachers, etc.
  • Listeners know they will miss something important, if they don’t tune in every day
  • Listening is a habit that makes them feel good about themselves

It’s Not About You

Radio stations love to talk about themselves, unfortunately the listener really doesn’t care about all this “chest thumping.”

But when a radio personality or station talks about the things that listeners care about, that gets their attention.

It doesn’t matter what you do

if what you do doesn’t matter.

-John Frost, GoodRatings Strategic Services

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July 23, 2023 · 3:00 am

For Whom Does The Bell Toll?

When I heard the news that All Access would be closing its doors after twenty-eight years in business, it came as a shock to my soul, and sent a chill down my spine that foretold of a media crisis much bigger than this publication’s demise.

It reminded me of the famous poem by John Donne, For Whom the Bell Tolls:

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

The Bell Tolls For Thee

The news of the coming death of All Access made each of us consider our own mortality. Fred Jacobs wrote in his blog on Monday:

“Funerals are a mandatory attendance experience where we mourn the departed, while also considering our own mortality.  We think about the deceased and try to rationalize that he/she was older than us, in worse health, had questionable lifestyle habits, or had some undesirable traits and flaws.  And we rationalize that their sorrowful outcome will surely not be ours.

But in fact, it is hard to disassociate All Access’ fate from our own.  This isn’t just about what befell Joel and his staff – it is a referendum on radio and all of us who work in it.”

The Medium Is The Message

In his seminal 1964 book, “Understanding Media, The Extensions of Man” Canadian communications theorist Marshall McLuhan’s first chapter was titled “The medium is the message;” by which McLuhan felt “that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived.” (University of Michigan – Digital Rhetoric Collaborative)

But did McLuhan foresee the state of media today?

The Medium Is A Mess

Bob Iger was reinstated as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in November 2022. Iger, who had been Disney’s CEO from 2005 to 2020, had retired at the age of 69. His replacement, Bob Chapek, created two years of tumult at the mouse house, and was fired.

It was in 2006, that Iger sold Disney’s 22 ABC branded radio stations and the ABC radio network to Citadel Broadcasts Corporation in a cash and stock deal valued at $2.7 billion.

Last week, CNBC reported that Bob Iger had “opened the door to selling the company’s linear TV assets as the business struggles during the media industry’s transition to streaming and digital offerings.”

On June 30th, Audacy, the radio company formerly known as Entercom, did a 1-for-30 reverse stock split to try and prevent being expelled from the NY Stock Exchange. Stock watchers called it a “stock market Hail Mary attempt to stave off financial ruin.” (elitesportsny.com)

Adding to these two company’s woes, the media industry is also dealing with both a writers strike and an actors strike, global climate change, the ongoing war in Ukraine, out-of-control wildfires that have burned over 26 million acres of Canada, polluting the world with no end in sight, and the mess we call our democracy; it’s hard not to wonder what our future holds for anyone, anywhere.

Is This Television’s Radio Moment?

That’s what the analysts are wondering at MoffettNathanson, because radio’s lackluster revenue recovery has forced that broadcasting industry to cut into its bone and consider if using artificial intelligence (A.I.) could be their savoir to keeping investors at bay.

Goodbye All Access

To Joel Denver, Perry Michael Simon and the rest of the dedicated All Access team we say “Thank You, for 28 incredible years of chronicling the business of radio, records, and the people who made it happen.”

Your work has always been at the cutting edge, maybe that’s why your publication’s death feels like a harbinger for us all…

For whom the bell tolls,

It tolls for thee.

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June 18, 2023 · 3:00 am

ChatGPT Writes This Week’s DTB Article

I recently sat down with a ChatGPT user to learn about how powerful this form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is. To test this rapidly growing form of AI, we asked ChatGPT to write a scholarly thousand word essay on what the future of commercial broadcast radio in five years is in the United States.

ChatGPT basically scrubs the internet for information and then puts what it finds into whatever format you request. ZDNet explains it this way:

“ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with the chatbot. The language model can answer questions and assist you with tasks, such as composing emails, essays, and code.”

The following is the article ChatGPT wrote in less than a minute.

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Title: The Future of Commercial Broadcast Radio in the United States: Adapting to an Evolving Landscape

Introduction

Commercial broadcast radio has been a staple of American media for over a century, entertaining and informing listeners across the nation. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and the rise of digital platforms, the future of commercial broadcast radio in the United States is at a critical juncture. This essay aims to explore the challenges facing commercial radio and discuss potential strategies for its survival and growth in the evolving media landscape.

I. The Shift to Digital Platforms

The advent of the internet and the proliferation of digital media platforms have significantly impacted the radio industry. Online streaming services, podcasts, and music apps have gained popularity among consumers, providing them with personalized and on-demand content. As a result, traditional commercial broadcast radio has faced increased competition for listeners’ attention.

II. Embracing Technological Advancements

To stay relevant and competitive, commercial broadcast radio must adapt to the changing technological landscape. One potential strategy is embracing digital platforms and incorporating them into the traditional radio experience. Many radio stations have already started offering live streaming options on their websites and mobile apps, allowing listeners to tune in from anywhere in the world. This enables radio stations to reach a broader audience and engage with listeners beyond their terrestrial broadcast range.

III. Leveraging Podcasting

Podcasting has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. Commercial radio stations can leverage this trend by producing and distributing their own podcasts. By creating compelling and unique content, radio stations can attract new listeners and build loyalty among their existing audience. Additionally, podcasting opens up new revenue streams through sponsorships and advertising opportunities, ensuring the financial viability of radio stations.

IV. Personalization and Localization

In the era of digital media, consumers increasingly seek personalized and localized content experiences. Commercial broadcast radio can leverage this demand by utilizing advanced data analytics and AI-driven technologies to deliver tailored programming to individual listeners. By

understanding listeners’ preferences and behaviors, radio stations can curate content that aligns with their interests, thus enhancing engagement and attracting a wider audience.

Furthermore, commercial radio stations can strengthen their connection with local communities by focusing on hyperlocal content. Emphasizing local news, events, and personalities not only creates a unique selling point for radio stations but also fosters a sense of community among listeners. By becoming an essential source of local information, commercial radio can differentiate itself from digital competitors and solidify its position in the media landscape.

V. Collaborative Partnerships

In the face of evolving media consumption habits, commercial radio can explore collaborative partnerships with other media platforms. For instance, radio stations can collaborate with streaming services to cross-promote content and expand their reach. Similarly, partnerships with local businesses and event organizers can provide opportunities for live broadcasts and mutually beneficial promotional campaigns. By forging strategic alliances, commercial radio can leverage the strengths of different media platforms and create a seamless, multi-platform experience for listeners.

VI. Adapting Advertising Strategies

Advertising has been a vital revenue source for commercial broadcast radio. However, in the digital age, advertisers have diversified their investments, allocating budgets to various platforms based on audience demographics and reach. To remain competitive, radio stations must adapt their advertising strategies to attract and retain advertisers. This can include offering targeted advertising options based on listener data, integrating native advertisements seamlessly into programming, and exploring innovative formats such as branded content and influencer partnerships.

Conclusion

The future of commercial broadcast radio in the United States lies in its ability to adapt and embrace the changing media landscape. By leveraging digital platforms, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing personalization and localization, commercial radio can retain its relevance and attract a new generation of listeners. Collaborative partnerships and evolving advertising strategies will also play a crucial role in securing the financial resources needed to sustain commercial radio operations. While challenges persist, the future of commercial broadcast radio in the United States is not bleak. By embracing innovation, staying attuned to audience preferences, and forging strategic alliances, radio stations can navigate the evolving media landscape and continue to be a trusted source of entertainment, information, and community connection. By evolving with the times, commercial broadcast radio can carve out its place in the digital age, ensuring its longevity and relevance for years to come.

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Let me know how you think ChatGPT did in the comments section of this blog. I look forward to reading your thoughts about this life-changing technology that is impacting our world.

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