ftm Radio Page - September 25, 2009

Digital Toys
Media, mostly, relies on a wide assortment of electronic devices to deliver the streams, snaps, blurbs and other goodies. The technology geniuses keep inventing new ways of getting that stuff through wires or ether searching for that killer application. At the other end of the chain, real people either pay to enter the kingdom of new media or, well, they stay home.

Tradition Turns On Dutch Radio
The Dutch have a special relationship with radio. Dutch broadcasters love their hit music stations and chart shows. Inside each is still a little bit of the pirate.

The roots of decline
Good ol’ days are gone

When commercial radio was new in Europe – not THAT long ago – many broadcasters fixated on the styles, formats and success of American stations. Those stories are part of the great worldwide radio narrative. To a great extent, the eyes (and ears) of radio people are always on the American market.

Most radio broadcasters are aware that their American counterparts have been stung by rapidly falling ad revenues and competition from new media. The ‘good ol’ days’ of American radio – which ever you choose – are long gone. What’s left ranges from bland to insipid.

What has risen on American airwaves – drawing big audiences, it seems from industry reports – can only be described as a pre-curser to homegrown hate radio. Adhering to the ‘boiled frog’ principle, American broadcasters seem to embrace this form; any audience is better than no audience. Freelance writer Alexander Zaitchik has profiled one of American radio’s new star performers in Salon.com (Read here)

While it’s common for European radio performers to walk right up to THE LINE, some wiggle their toes over it and occasionally one will flail into the abyss (remember the BBC’s Jonathan Ross), American commercial radio seems in a zone of its own. The only line left for it to cross would invite comparisons with the hate radio once heard in Rwanda or Bosnia. Zaitchik’s inviting series details – with one talk-show host as metaphor – the short step it is from “morning zoo” to something quite ugly.

Finland broadcasters industry award
This award’s for you, Bud!

Broadcaster association RadioMedia Finland awarded US consultant Bud Stiker its industry award (September 16). Stiker has worked with radio broadcasters in Finland for several years during and following his association with the US Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB). He was instrumental in establishing the RAB Finland, which merged with the Association of Finnish Broadcasters to form RadioMedia Finland last February. (JMH)

European radio conference cancelled
“turbulent  economic times” cited

The NAB Europe Radio conference scheduled for next month in Athens has been cancelled, announced Margaret Cassilly, NAB VP International Operations (September 22). Ms Cassilly cited “current economic conditions” and “turbulent times.” The NAB – US broadcasting trade association National Association of Broadcasters – has produced a conference for radio broadcasters in Europe since 1993.

The cancellation of NAB Europe is disappointing. The conference grew into an important annual event for broadcasters as it evolved from a largely ‘American’ event into a truly European gathering. Certainly the NAB, which produces two important broadcasting shows in the US annually, is watching their cash.

Feeling the financial pinch the US Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) recently scaled back its international out-reach. Both organizations – NAB and RAB – have been instrumental in bringing best practice to broadcasters world-wide. (JMH)

French regulator planning successful digital radio launch
Whistling down the path

In a revealing interview with Les Echos (September 22), an official with French media regulator Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) said a successful launch of digital radio in France needs a plan. Rachid Arhab said, essentially, the plan must include analogue shut off.  And he seemed a bit grumpy with broadcasters.

“With the crisis, some players are actually a little less eager to launch digital terrestrial radio,” he said. “All stations have nevertheless returned their agreements. Do not forget that the radio broadcasters themselves, in 2006, were united in calling for quick (change); they have not yet made the leap. Today, the economic situation does not help things.” (See more on digital radio in France here) (See more on digital radio everywhere here)

M. Arhab wouldn’t be pinned down on a specific date (“But be careful”) nor specific conditions for analogue radio shut-off in France. He suggested big channels might be cordially required to migrate to digital. “This could be started off by the big broadcasters, such as RTL, Europe 1, but also France Inter.”

Regarding complaints by broadcasters about CSA decisions on digital radio, M. Arhab offered: “In a contest, when the referee whistles, the meeting is over.” (JMH)

NAB names former US Senator President, CEO
It helps to know Washington, yes?

The American National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has named former US Senator Gordon Smith as President and CEO. He will take up the post November 1st. Smith succeeds David Rehr who resigned in May after serving 4 years. (See NAB presser here)

Smith served two terms as the US Senator from the State of Oregon. He also ran the family business, Smith Frozen Foods. He's a lawyer and considered a 'moderate' conservative.

American broadcasters face a variety of challenges. Digital TV take-up is moving slowly. Ad revenues are in the pits. The music industry wants performance rights fees. Smith's predecessor was hired for his lobbying skills. It didn't quite work out.

American broadcasters are unrepentent free-marketers who clamored for consolidation and got it. And then they paid the price. Smith's job is a tall order. (JMH)

Radio Page - September 18, 2009

Radio Page - September 11, 2009

Recently added radio audience figures

• Netherlands Radio Audience (20/09/2009)
  national survey, market share, trend
• Spain - National Radio Audience (11/09/2009)
  national channels, share, trend
• Sweden - National Radio Audience (22/08/2009)
  national channels, reach, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  market share, trend, sectors
• UK - London Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  market share, trend
• UK - National Radio Audience (06/08/2009)
  BBC/commercial 'gap'

Also see ftm Knowledge

Europe's Radio – new update

Europe’s media landscape is dotted by 15,000 radio stations and channels. Public, private, digital and even a few MW stations reach upwards of 90% of Europe’s listeners each day. This updated ftm Knowledge file adds new material on digital broadcasting, measurement, regulation, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Russia and the UK. 195 pages PDF (August 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
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Digital Radio - Forward...slightly

Digital radio is slowly finding its way. Broadcasters are challenged by shifts in business models, audience expectations and regulation limbo. This ftm Knowledge file details the promise of digital broadcasting and the paradigm shifts. 83 pages PDF (June 2009)

ftm Members order here

Available at no charge to ftm Members, others from €49
Order