[BC] Can technology create a significant revenue source for radio?

[Rich Wood]

------ At 03:39 PM 11/21/2010, Barry Mishkind wrote: -------

>         So, then ... the bottom line is: you agree that streaming 
> is the best way
>         to increase revenue.

I would agree. However, I think a separate stream with different 
content will make it more than a value-added service. Streaming your 
current audio probably isn't going to make much money. If it's sold, 
it has to be sold separately, anyway. It can't be added to your 
overall numbers until the AFTRA dispute is settled. Unless it's a 
100% simulcast, Arbitron won't add the numbers, so some heavy lifting 
is necessary.

The best bet is to expand your brand with a separate stream. That's 
going to require some really creative people. Trouble is they've 
probably already been fired. Streaming has the advantage of having a 
very large installed base of "receivers." With the fast growth of 
Smartphones, nearly every citizen can receive it.

At WOR we were among the first to stream. I was visited by Mark Cuban 
and Todd Wagner and we put WOR on broadcast.com. I believe KLIF was 
the first on the service. Both are/were in Dallas. Later, we added 
"The Best of Everything" with a large and broad playlist spanning 
decades. To my ears it's a great format. It's programmed by WOR's 
former GM Bob Bruno. Bob is a walking encyclopedia of music. More 
recently WOR began a Country Music stream completely separate from 
WOR's Talk format. It's targeted to New York. The city hasn't had a 
country format since the old WYNY. Saul Levine of SoCalMedia has also 
started a country stream targeting New York from Los Angeles. Having 
worked on both coasts I can tell you the music tastes are very 
different. I believe WOR was first but Saul claims the title. My bet 
is that WOR's stream will have more of a New York flavor. They know the market.

Many of you have probably noticed that I'm not an IBUZ supporter. 
However, I have to give WOR credit for giving it a try on the AM and 
recently increasing the IBUZ power on WDRC-FM, Hartford. I believe 
Buckley is the first commercial broadcaster to do it.

Buckley Broadcasting has an advantage. They're not hindered by Wall 
Street. Has anyone ever met an artistically creative Wall Street banker?

Rich
It may take years to monetize the streams but they're in place and 
will need some very sharp salespeople to make them pay.