Satellite Radio vs. FM Broadcasters



I've always had this fear of Satellite Radio, that it would homogenize radio so that there would be no chance for local flavor or talent. I have also feared the future of local radio being eaten up by the massive conglomerates such as ClearChannel. It always felt like a lose-lose situations, which is why I was quite excited to see the article my friend Tim just sent me.

Satellite Radio Takes Off, Altering the Airwave (NYT subscription needed)
By LORNE MANLY
Published: April 5, 2005

"Though satellite radio is still an unprofitable blip in the radio universe, it is pushing commercial radio to change its sound. Broadcasters are cutting commercials, adding hundreds of songs to once-rigid playlists, introducing new formats and beefing up their Internet offerings. A long-awaited move to digital radio could give existing stations as many as five signals each, with which they could introduce their own subscription services - but with a local flavor that satellite is hard pressed to match."

"Commercial radio, which also is combating the growth of digital music players like iPods, is making investments in technologies like Internet and digital radio as well as podcasts, audio programs that can be downloaded to computers or portable devices."

I think Cleveland is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to its radio stations offering diverse quality music (minus WCRW!). Thanks to this article, it looks like Cleveland has no where to go but up.

Posted: Tue - April 5, 2005 at 01:10 PM           |

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