[BC] Radio's Influence on Music Sales

[Rich Wood]

------ At 03:33 PM 9/16/2008, Dan Kelley wrote: -------

>All you wrote is still largely true today.  One side of the record business
>has promo people still calling on radio stations begging for airplay and
>running ads in the trades - while the other side of the biz is demanding
>money for airplay.

If memory serves, record companies stopped servicing nearly all but 
major market stations years ago. Friends in markets above #15 or so 
have complained that they had to buy CDs at retail or subscribe to a 
music format service. I still see trade ads announcing which stations 
have added a song, both online and in print. Why would they do that 
if airplay isn't important? It makes no sense but it's now a 
political issue that'll probably result in a performance tax.

If you watch the industry, the record folks are in deep trouble. 
They're recording less. What they're recording are the usual suspects 
and not taking risks on new talent. The few new talents I see seem to 
be chosen for their appearance rather than musical talent.

They're doing what radio is doing. Creative people are being cut to 
the bone. It's not a recipe for success. The most important thing is 
that the guys at the top get rewarded for not performing. Check the 
stock prices, then look at their compensation.

Rich