J.P. Hannan

The Problem of Media Economics: Value Equations Have Radically Changed

Two great examples of how media has changed. It all comes down to relevance and actionability.

Younger people no longer think to look at newspaper classified ads for their primary source of help wanted, apartments, and for sale by owner simply because print classifieds are not actionable in a point and click world. Hence, the audience there has atrophied to a much older demographic, and subsequently, the content is no longer relevant to that younger demographic. It doesn't mean there isn't a business model there to cater to classified needs of older readers, but the one size fits all wide audience model is gone.

The Netflix story just shows how media has gone from being a sit down meal to Vegas buffet. We pick and choose as we desire, again seeking relevance but we also want it all within reach when we choose to load the plate- we want it actionable. This is a tough order to fill, but media companies now have to be ready, fully stocked and open 24/7, 365 days to keep them coming back.

The Evolution of Terrestrial Radio

NTGH, thanks for the compliment. After 15 years in broadcasting- working "in the trenches" as a partner in 7 station turnarounds, working for the 15th largest radio company, and sitting on two broadcasting boards, I feel pretty comfortable with my credentials in the space.

I enjoy spirited discussions on the subject and have a thick skin. Hearing from the critics forces me to sharpen my positions, and frankly makes me better at what I do.

No one has the answer, but everyone has good ideas.

The Evolution of Terrestrial Radio

Excellent points guys, but i am in no way advocating syndicated fare as the future. I said for companies not able to develop and own their own local content, syndication would be crucial in the future because they will never be able to compete purely on music choice.

As for CCU, I always find it interesting that the industry gets painted with that one very wide brush. There are a lot of good radio companies out there doing a complete 180 from the CCU model. CCU just happens to get all the attention.

The Radio and Recording Industries' Unnecessary Roughness

Great points 158984. With respect to your comment about the history of this controversy, you are right not much has been openly debated about this in the recent years which is why it was immediately dimissed by the industry as nonsense. However, this issue has its roots as far back as 1930. There are a lot of resources online that go through the legal history of the matter, and if you want please email me and I can give you a great piece compiled by an FCC Counsel that goes through it case by case.

Again, the crux of my comments were not so much aimed at who's right, who's wrong, but rather the missed opportunity of the radio industry to better its own hand by volutarily revisiting an ailing business partnership.

Thanks again for the feedback.

The Radio and Recording Industries' Unnecessary Roughness

Special thanks to the editors at Radio-Info.com for featuring it on their site as well. Great resource for anyone wanting a deeper look into the radio biz.

The Radio and Recording Industries' Unnecessary Roughness

NTGH- Thanks for the feedback... you raise some interesting points. Please keep in touch.