This is the second installment of a three part series on the problems of radio. Consolidation and financial woes have caused chaos and confusion. The industry is in a position to examine, refocus, and plan for the future.
Rock Bottom and Rebuild
Once radio gets out of the finance business and returns to the business of radio, experienced broadcasters will be necessary to rebuild and make the product viable again. The dominance is over, but with vision, “Intelligent Gut” and a redefinition of success, traditional radio could thrive again.
The election of Barack Obama clearly demonstrated old media (Radio, TV, and Print) needs a new direction. During the last 10 years, some astute radio broadcasters have dabbled with e-mails, the Internet, text messaging, blogging, web videos, mp3’s, social networking, cell phones, I-phones, music downloading, and file sharing web companies.
On the advice of researchers, consultants, station interns, and geeks speaking geek-a-nese, other broadcasters simply copied their peers. However, it is difficult to play follow the leader with so much uncertainty in selecting the correct path. This is why it is hard for some to make appropriate decisions to re-invent the industry. The legendary Program Director Buzz Bennett, said to me in 1996, radio is like an addict; it will have to bottom out and admit the problem before it can begin a recovery. Buzzy, whose life was an open book, knew a thing or two about addictions and has proven correct.
Generations and Technology
In order to fix the problem, it is important to understand the birth generations:
1. Silent Generation, born between 1925-1942
2. Baby Boomer, born between 1943-1960, age 48-65
3. Generation X, born between 1961-1981, age 27-47
4. Generation Y, born between 1982-2001, age 7-26
5. Generation Z, born between 2002-2021, age 6-
It is important to understand the generations and how new technology has changed traditional radio. The two personal computer gurus responsible for revolutionizing communications, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple’s Steve Jobs are baby boomers, both born in 1955. New media usage can be tracked though the generations.
Article comments
1 - MediaTrends
You're missing the most important generation in terms of media demos: Generation Jones, born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and Generation X. Google Generation Jones, and you'll find that many top commentators from many top publications and networks (New York Times, Time magazine, NBC, Newsweek, ABC, etc.) are using that term now, and are specifically referring to Obama, born in 1961, as part of Generation Jones. Many media experts have also emphasized the importance of GenJones to the media biz (it is, for example, over half of the 25-54 demo today.
2 - Radio Coach Sam Weaver
Yes, you are correct, as a nation, we love to redefine portions of which already exist.The Jones is actually a part of the boomers(1943-1960)and the X's (1961-1981). It usually only takes one expert to coin a phrase, then it spreads. Does anyone remember Monty Python's "The Life of Brian"? If you do, you'll get a visual of what I am talking about. I think the Jones generation has been a great way to "Monday Morning Quarterback" Barack Obama's rise to the Presidency. It is a sexier sell, I love it and I thank you for pointing out "Jones" .
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Interesting Article...
A few key points that I think are important:
Ultimately, getting past the ease of marketing on the internet will be Radio's demise. Internet & Satellite radio addresses global connection while terrestrial radio does not. Lastly, I can listen to any kind of music I desire on the internet without interruption(ex.-DJs,Commercials,etc).
Personally, as a Gen X'er, I have to disagree that radio is still a viable choice because of the fact that it does not speak to my lifestyle which is technology & non-Top 40 music.
Radio's last stand was the automobile and due to iPods,Zunes & Satellite Radio as well as hard drives that can be installed with little money, I really don't see how they are going to bail themselves out.
I look forward to the final installation of your article to read some of your solutions...
4 - Radio Coach Sam Weaver
It is still part of the landscape for X's, because they grew up with it. The bailout is not difficult, it will take some reorganization of thought as it pertains to the product of radio. I am glad you are looking forward to the last installment, it will address possible solutions.