[BC] Rising Ratings and Higher Costs for WJIB

[Jim Tonne]

Scott:

I think you have a very good point about the small-town
AMers' problems.

Another is the simple fact that HugeMarts of various kinds
are causing the demise of the smaller businesses in town.
For example here in Oak Ridge TN there are no "camera"
stores, and a large list of other specialty shops.  Its not just
HugeMarts, of course, there is the effect of the 'net to help
close down the brick-and-mortar shops.  I confess that
because there were no local stores from which to buy a
digital camera in this area I bought one off the 'net.

Arbitron surely has a large negative influence on the 
small stores.  HugeMarts have, too.  And the 'net.
Times are a changin!   Damnit.

- JimT





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bailey, Scott" <sbailey at nespower.com>
To: "Broadcasters' Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 7:45 AM
Subject: RE: [BC] Rising Ratings and Higher Costs for WJIB


Rich,
  There is a difference between "Small Market" and "Small Town". In
Tennessee, back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, it was not unusual for each
small town to have its own "locally owned and operated" radio station.
It was the only station in town, and the majority of them are AM
stations. There were plenty of small businesses to keep the station a
float.
   Today, stand alone, small town, stand alone, stations are hurting,
and BMI and ASCAP are not helping. Arbitron will take a "small town"
station, and throw it into the nearest metro, to give it some kind of
rating. All this does is drive up cost for the little station, such as
the music rights.
Arbitron is the worst thing since Wal-Mart for the small town stations.

Scott