Meeting David Rehr

81° - clear at 8:57pm

I be back. Earlier this week the day job brought me to the Michigan Association of Broadcasters' (MAB) Annual Conference - held at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan.

I had a few cool moments spending time with broadcast attorney David Oxenford (we go way back to some New Mexico projects); a great night of award ceremonies (more on that with a separate post); and some quality time with NAB President/CEO David Rehr.

Mr. Rehr was to address the Tuesday lunch at the broadcasters' meeting. After arriving alone - and catching up on business with his laptop and cell phone outside the meeting room, he came in and spent a little time one-on-one with myself aloing with a few MAB members who happened to wander into the lunch room early.

The 3-5 of us were able to spend time talking about the FCC localism proposals, recording artist royalties and HD radio.

Rehr didn't offer anything beyond what you've read from him and NAB in the press already - but he did offer something very infectious: A very enthusiastic attitude and optimism over radio and television broadcasting.

I've never been with someone so hyped up over the radio (and television) business than David Rehr. I couldn't help but feel motivated by his unrestrained excitement over the broadcast medium.

I can only equate David's spirit to James Brown in the Blues Brothers movie.

Rehr talked about the fact that radio's reach has actually increased over the past few years. And it just reinforced what I've written about before here: radio's problems are primarily with Wall Street, not Main Street. Certainly radio has new media competition; it may never be what it was. But in terms of reach, it still leads the pack.

My take: perception may be reality. Our biggest challenge is changing perception. And its my take that changing perception starts within.

I just wish David Rehr had a chance to visit with everyone in the business. It would be a great start for change. We need a cheerleader. And David Rehr is certainly waving the flag for broadcasting.

And makes me proud to be in the business.

Lots of catching up to do...more to come.

Sunday Morning Odds & Sods

60° - clear at 11:52am

Good Morning from Mid-Michigan. Bike ride with my 9-year old this morning brought us down the road to Okemos High School (aka "The Taj Mahal" by locals; its very nice).

Listening. To my usual Sunday Morning lineup. Stroud on Chicago's WDRV featuring the music of Badfinger this morning. One of all-time fav bands; both the Apple and Warner years.

Bob Stroud also seeking votes for the next volume of his Rock 'N Roll Roots CD (it will be number 10). See here.

Post bike ride: Steve Palec on Milwaukee's WKLH. A good dose of Linda Ronstadt this morning as "The Root Salute". Ronstadt covering Tom Petty's "The Waiting" was wonderful! Thanks Steve.

The ROI. David Martin discusses the Radio 2020 initiative from the NAB, RAB and HD Radio Alliance...and calls for goals, scorecards and accountability.

This goes beyond simple "feel good" reaction (or otherwise) from inside the industry. Read here.

My take: Dave is right on. Unless there's measureable results, you'd never know if its time, effort and money well spent or otherwise wasted. And where to next. Promoting "radio" is best targeted at the ad community. For listeners, its all about brands and programming.

Think "users". Mark Ramsey points us to Inside Radio and the words of Bonneville New Media Director James Webb:

"radio needs to stop thinking of its cume as “listeners” and consider them to be “users.” He says “Listeners are engaged only when the radio is on. Radio users connect with you in other ways.”"

Mark adds additional comments here.

Records. Lee Arnold gives us the trailer of a forthcoming film on the death of the independent record store. Places where I spent much of my youth exploring. See here.

Amazingly, I was just told this past week that a "record store" just opened in nearby East Lansing.

Jaye Albright's open letter. To a Los Angeles broadcaster. Jay notes an air personality leaving this broadcaster's station to move to Huntsville, Alabama (apparently to make more money). Read here.

Jaye also points us to Detroit's WYCD...doing something radio does best. Here.

Would the RIAA do this? Author Seth Godin encourages readers to loan a copy of his book "The Dip" to others. "If I could double the number of people who read the book, it would be pretty cool."

Seth writes here.

Speaking of. Driving home Thursday afternoon I heard a song on MSU's student run and programmed radio station. And when I got home went online and bought the MP3 download. Isn't that the way its suppose to be? Radio remains the record industry's biggest promotional resource.

Howard Who? While the latest Arbitron satellite listening report shows him king of satellite radio, has the mainstream forgotten him?

Friday Night on Letterman - NPR's Ira Glass revealed that he was a major fan of Howard Stern. Said it twice. No studio audience reaction...no applause, nothing - although Ira (and Dave) appeared to be waiting for it. As if they didn't know the name anymore. Or cared. Just an observation.

Cindy Gatziolis. Don't know the name? Doesn't matter. Cindy share some great radio stories this week in Rick Kaempfer's Chicago Radio Spotlight. Think Larry Lujack. Jonathan Brandmeier. Read here.

Have a great Sunday.

It Ain't Easy

58° - mostly cloudy at 9:09am

At this week's event in Las Vegas - the NAB unveiled the "Radio Heard Hear" campaign. I mentioned it in this blog in the post below this one. Without comment.

Now in the past few days, I've ready the ramblings of all the naysayers regarding the NAB campaign. Some of these voice I do respect; some not so much.

Many of these same people are quick to jump on and be critical of any efforts by the HD Radio Alliance to promote its new technology.

Adding to the noise are the anonymous commenters. Some with their own blogs - some leaving comments on the blogs of others. Hiding behind a screen name without the opportunity for the reader to have a clue of the writer's background, agenda or qualifications.

All that said - here's my take on the NAB efforts - and to some extent those of the HD Radio Alliance: They're attempting to do what the individual broadcasters are unwilling to do.

And it ain't easy.

Promoting radio - in my view - is best promoted by its brands. The product and promotion of individual radio stations. The product is the reason to listen (or as my blogging collegue David Martin has written many times over: "the play's the thing").

And that product needs to be invested in and then well-promoted in this cluttered media environment. And it doesn't appear to be happening much these days.

The NAB - and the HD Radio Alliance are simply trying to do what the stations are unwilling to do. With a handicap. They can't talk brands. So they're left simply to promote the medium. And that's a difficult task indeed.

Also this morning: a great post on small market radio from Edison Media's Larry Rosin. Read here.

News from Vegas

49° - clear at 9:33pm

NAB. As followed from my perch in Michigan. NAB's Radio 2020 effort announces its first campaign to increase radio awareness: "Radio Heard Hear". Ad Age with details. After giving an overview of radio's present day pains, the Ad Age article notes:

"...business is thriving for many small, private-market radio stations, which are experiencing year-to-date double-digit revenue increases, according to a recent report written by Marci Ryvicker, a radio analyst for Wachovia Capital Markets."

"Reporting on the SNL/Kagan Radio Summit in New York, Ms. Ryvicker wrote, "The primary reason for this dichotomy is [small, private stations'] hyper-focus on maintaining and creating local relationships and their long-term (i.e. greater than 3-month approach) to running the business.""

A long-term approach to running the business. Isn't this primarily about leadership? My opinion.

More NAB. Forgetting for a moment that he's the guy who thought "video killed the radio star", Bob Pittman told the NAB crowd today that radio beats iPODS and other options because consumers "don't want to be their own programmers." He said radio is mobile, easy to use, and offers lots of format choices, lessening consumers' need for alternatives, and is "the ultimate in brands," with listeners knowing and loving their favorite stations." (via All Access).

I'm with Bob - although I think there's many consumers who would love to be their own programmers but just don't have the time. Radio continues to win. And Bob a brilliant mind no matter what business.

I've got to look for audio or video of Larry Lujack's induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Tax Day. WCSX/Detroit camped out until Midnight outside a Royal Oak, MI post office with food and music. Very nice!

More tomorrow.

Deadliest Catch tonight on Discovery and then to bed.

Programming Highlights From The NAB

63° - overcast at 6:24pm

Spent part of today at the Michigan Secretary of State to renew vehicle tags; there's likely to be a shutdown of State Government here soon due to a budget impasse - it needed to get done now.

Despite the long lines, it really wasn't a bad experience in East Lansing.

Various online trades and blogs reporting news out of the convention in Charlotte. Thanks to All Access, R&R, Radio-Info, Inside Radio and Edison Media's Sean Ross for sharing with the rest of the world.

Of interest to programmers so far:

The NAB announced a new marketing program for radio - named "Radio 2020". R&R reports that the campaign will be a "comprehensive marketing outreach, through radio and print advertisements, incorporating messaging from both a national and local level."

It will also promote "playlist variety and format diversity", including HD programming.

As much as I hate to admit it - there's this skeptic in me waiting for something less-than-spectacular. But I really hope this is something that will blow me away.

Jacobs Media unveiled the "Bedroom Project" - focusing on young adult use of digital media - and radio. All Access reporting that Jacobs focused on how radio is generally not listened to in the home by young adults, and noted that radio's stronghold, the car, is being encroached upon by iPods.

Meanwhile in another session - CBS Radio's Kurt Johnson responded to recent comments by Columbia Record's Rick Rubin that suggested youth aren't listening to radio anymore by saying "CBS has done its own research and found that's not true -- if it were, why would Columbia reps still be calling stations and asking for adds?"

In an "adult formats" session - WQDR/Raleigh PD Lisa McKay talked about connecting with listeners. R&R quotes Lisa: "I think there's a direct connection between TLC and TSL: the more love you put into your station, the more you get back.

It's the handshake effect: You reach out, they reach back. Make the connection, answer e-mails, answer phones."

And its so easy to do. A no-brainer.

R&R also reporting that Adult Formats panel moderator Mike McVay described the current diary system -- and ratings in general -- as a popularity contest much like political elections. "I've tried to create programming that makes my stations popular. What gets stations elected?"

Kurt Johnson of CBS Radio replied: "You have to make sure your station is going through the steps that your listeners fall in love with you: Look attractive, listen to them, show you have a clue and that you're someone they want to be with, then keep it going long-term by keep doing nice things and put things in the bank"

There's more to come Friday - including what looks to be a great PPM session from Mark Ramsey. Stay tuned!

The Weekend Classic Rock FM

88° - scattered clouds at 4:08pm

Welcome to Friday. As this week progressed - finding time to post has become an issue.

My current "day job" - radio related - became real busy in the past few days. Lots of projects on the tabel. My dining room table. All good. A real desk and home office area forthcoming.

I've told a few folks over recent months that if I was back to programming full time, its likely this blog would be down to a post or two a week.

Stop marketing? A great piece from Fred Jacobs this morning. Fred: "With some great marketing, we could make radio bigger than life again."

Read more here.

Jumping through hoops. With online listening. I've been a fan of making it easy to listen online. Wrote about that here a few months back.

Today Larry Rosin of Edison Media Research sounds off on stations that require "registration to listen". Read "Stations Behind Bars" here.

My take: Many stations that require "registration" are gearing up to target specific banner and/or audio ads to listeners based on demos and location. This doesn't matters to the listener; its just another inconvenience.

Isn't there too much "registration" required on the 'net as it is? There's so many other choices - and with portable devices - who's going to want the hassle? Make it easy as point and click.

NAB next week. Both Fred Jacobs and Mark Ramsey have promised some great presentations during the conference. As I won't be there, I hope someone will be taking notes and sharing!

More here Sunday Morning if not before...thanks for reading.

Sunday Morning Odds & Sods

47° - sunny at 9:10am.

Good Morning. Almost hit freezing here last night; some parts of Michigan did overnight.

Autumn in the air. Leaves starting to turn.

Listening: Started early this morning with WCSX/Detroit and "Sunday Morning Over Easy" hosted by Pam Rossi. Nice and laid back - the soundtrack to a perfect Sunday AM.

Pam is featuring Gordon Lightfoot this morning. He's from Canada - but is so Michigan to me. And heard The Guess Who's "Sour Suite"; plus Joan Baez' "Diamonds & Rust". Wonderful.

Very cool: A glance at the the WCSX "Over Easy" webpage - the site offers a podcast for independent artists to feature their original music. Check out how they handle the legal end of things to protect the station from the rights organizations.

Congrats in order: Both WRIF/Detroit and KBCO/Boulder receive the NAB HD Radio Multicast Award - to be presented during the NAB Radio Show at the end of the month.

Last month I applauded WRIF's "Riff2" channel here. AAA KBCO's HD2 is "The Studio C Channel" - highlighting years of in-station performances by the artists KBCO has hosted over the years. Very tasty stuff.

Added: More on the Multicast award winners from Lee Arnold's Blog here.

The Buzzard. WMMS/Cleveland clips the wings of its 33-year old mascot - as well as frequent mention of its legendary call letters. To ID primarily by frequency. More from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer here. Thanks to Radio Daily News for the tip.

Respectfully disagreeing: What becomes of the soul and character of the radio station? Is the using the frequency alone cold and sterile? What becomes of the stationality and emotional connection - that allows the listener to describe the station "like a person"? Isn't this one of radio's strengths? Just wondering.

More wondering. I've been spending a lot of time listening to oldies radio in the car. Why does "Wooly Bully" still get the airplay it does?

This still tests?

Why hasn't this song been banished to the novelty category with "Gitarzan" and "Gimme Dat Ding"? Damn - I feel better for getting that out; had it stuck inside for days - LOL.

Getting serious:

Calls for Leadership. At least twice in the past week.

From those like myself who have spent their lives in radio - love the industry and can't think of doing anything else.

Back on Monday - Paragon Media's Mike Henry wrote:

"While the news keeps flowing quickly on both sides of radio’s future…positive and negative…the leaders of our industry are strangely quiet. No offense to the NAB or the RAB, but radio leadership needs to come from…radio."

Read Mike's piece - along with reader comments here.

And yesterday David Martin blogged:

"I dream of companies that actually deserve the passion and creativity of the folks who work there, and naturally elicit the very best that people have to give. Of course, these are more than dreams; they are imperatives. They are do or die challenges for any company that hopes to thrive in the tumultuous times ahead - and they can only be surmounted with inspired management."

Read Dave's complete commentary here.

Ponder that and have a great Sunday.

Wednesday News and Blogs

76° - very cloudy at 2pm

Good afternoon from Michigan.

Imus. Lots of speculation about where he'll turn up next now that him and CBS have settled.

Is Citadel Broadcasting in his future?

Added - from All Access: "Employment is a large driver of ratings in a PPM world. In examining MEMORIAL DAY ratings, employed respondents showed much lower listeneing levels versus non-employed respondents. Much can be attributed to their non-commute on a holiday and no in-office listening." PPM market or not, Classic rock is ready-made for long weekend specials to keep your at-work audience listening. Here.

Royalties. The NAB drove a point to members about the discussion of performance royalties for terrestrial radio by sending a mock invoice to its members. Read the NAB release here.

Steven Van Zandt said it best a few weeks back: "I am a songwriter and a performer and I own record companies and publishing companies and I do not believe radio should pay anything to anyone. And I mean every kind of radio."

Meanwhile: RAIN reports that the new internet streaming royalties are in effect - even though Sound Exchange may not be enforcing them pending ongoing negotiations. More here. Danger Will Robinson: liability for the new rates has begun and is very real.

Little Steven on WCBS-FM: "...don't tell us WCBS is back, implying that it's back the way we remember it—we being the demographic that you decided meant nothing when you blew it up and now you're praying is still there."

(from Steven's upcoming column in Billboard later this week).

More Management. Consultant Gary Begin writes this week on All Access about "Managing Beyond The Basics". Some great thoughts. See "Consultant Tips".

This piece also found on Gary's website here.

Fred Jacobs wrote yesterday about an experience I've had more than a few times in my career...while dining with management and staff.

Share this with your GM or sales manager.

Have a great day.