There was an interesting  article today in the New York Times regarding the challenges facing prime  time television. The author points out that audiences for prime time shows  continue to decline as time shifting and web streaming become viable  alternatives. But the author also indicates that the most popular shows (e.g.,  The Office, CSI) have 20-25% GAINS when DVR viewing is included.
“As a  result of time-shifting, the biggest shows are getting bigger and some of the  smaller shows are getting negatively impacted,” the senior television executive  said.
What does this tell us?
Good content always wins. And those  who have it, need to leverage it.
The same lesson can be applied to  radio.
Morning/afternoon-drive (radio's prime time) radio shows will  continue to lose audience to alternatives such as cell phones and the iPod. But  as with television, all is not lost.
Those stations with great programs  (music or otherwise) should leverage these brands by posting online and  elsewhere. CBS Radio appears to understand this as it recently announced the  syndication of its radio content for not only its own distribution network, but  also other online networks.
If played right, new technologies do not have  to result in a zero-sum game.
In a refreshing moment of clarity (and  honesty), Alan Wurtzel, the head of research for NBC gave this gem to the  Times:
“Honestly, if I could wish away  the DVR, I would,” Mr. Wurtzel added. “But I can’t. It’s  growing.”
The faster Radio executives reach the same conclusion  regarding time shifting and online broadcasts, the better
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