Interesting Experiment

CBS is trying out Jelli at KITS in San Francisco. A system that turns over the controls of the radio station to listeners via social networked web voting. It should be an interesting listen.

Lot's of unknowns thus far...song universe, how many votes cause change, how much impact can one person have on what makes it on the air. And, in reality, is this experiment too much work for the average radio listener?

I'm not dissing this experiment by any means. Give it a whirl and see how it goes.

I do question how this plays out for a radio station, like all radio stations, that depend on ratings to drive revenue. Is this uber customization process an attraction or a repelant on a mass medium platform? It all depends on the end product. Just like in the past with contesting, we knew that most people would not participate so the goal was to create something entertaining enough to cause vicarious participation among our passive listeners. Time will tell if Jelli can accomplish this goal.

I also wonder if Jelli on the air would benefit from a "social director" hosting the live radio show for those who are not able or choose not to participate. One has to assume that many listeners have come to the station to be entertained, so adding someone who helps put on the show--not make the decisions on what gets played but keeps things cohesive-- might end up being a good idea.

Regardless of the end result, kudos to KITS and CBS Radio for trying something new.

The Day That Was...

Democracy in action in Washington, DC. And at Clear Channel the unfortunate news of being fired was delivered to more than 1800 already nervous employees hoping it wouldn't be them called into conference rooms across the country.

These are challenging times. Tough decisions are being made everywhere. Tough decisions are being made at broadcasting companies. Understood.

Radio is at a crossroads, so, even without the current economic situation we would be facing significant adversity. How we handle it and react to it now will dictate our future. With that in mind I offer you a thoughtful presentation about people, passion, and changing the game. Excellent.

Be a Gamechanger!

View more presentations or upload your own. (tags: collaboration co-creation)

Lemonade Anyone?

The unfortunate reality of radio layoffs continue. Recently, some of CBS Radio's big signaled AM stations, WBZ Boston, WCCO Minneapolis, and KDKA Pittsburgh lost their overnight talents. As difficult as it is for those affected, I have to commend CBS for attempting to make lemonade out of lemons.

Instead of simply running a delayed or repeat broadcast of some daytime talk show they chose to launch a brand new live overnight show. For most stations today the idea of a live overnight show is pure fantasy, so the fact that these stations had local shows in the first place is almost unbelievable. And then to replace the departed talent with internally produced live content is nothing short of a pleasant surprise.

Jon Grayson, originating from KMOX in St. Louis, is the host of the new show, "Overnight America." I had a chance to sample the show on WCCO Monday night and on first listen I thought it was pretty good--a mix of pop culture, politics, and conversation. The producer did a good job ensuring that there were phone calls from all four of the cities in which the show was airing.

The point of this post is not to critique the new show, but instead to point out that simply making the necessary cuts is not enough. We can't forget we are in the entertainment business--even in these cruddy economic times. What's the plan? How will these cuts and changes effect our listeners? When things improve (and they will) will our programming lineup be strong enough to take advantage of the inevitable upturn? Or will our product be a watered-down repeat broadcast or worse yet a indistinguishable jukebox?

As hard as it is, now is the time to be at our creative best. Sure, it would be better if we weren't in this mess, but we are. Those who step up and figure out how to design radio programming 3.0 will be the ones who have the best opportunity to prosper during the next wave of prosperity.

First it was live orchestras, 15 minute programs and the Lone Ranger and then it was DJ's, records, and breakfast clubs.

Next?

Timeshifting and Radio

In the course of my work day I am always on the lookout for interesting things to write about on the blog. I came across the blog from the creators of Radio Sherpa-a website that aggregates radio station streams in a few major markets. They had an excellent post that I thought I would share with you. No comments from me necessary.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Death of Primetime (and CBS Radio)

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

Encouraging!

Today CBS Radio launched a new top 40 station in Houston and from the story/press release on All Access it looks like they had all their ducks in a row--HOT 95-7 will launch with a full complement of digital applications, including streaming audio, text messaging, online communities, podcasts and downloads.

Rumors become reality as CBS jettisons Smooth Jazz KHJZ/HOUSTON in favor of Top 40/Mainstream HOT 95-7 under OM/PD JEFF GARRISON.

In addition to the on-air programming, HOT 95-7 will launch with a full complement of digital applications, including streaming audio, text messaging, online communities, podcasts and downloads. Listeners can log onto www.hothitshouston.com for the complete interactive experience.

GM LAURA MORRIS, said, "We've built HOT 95-7 for the listener. We don't pick the hits; they do. Every hour, listeners can vote for the top hit of that hour and we'll play the song at the top of the next hour. We'll do that 24 hours a day ... it's the first and only station we know of giving listeners that kind of control."

GARRSION added, "We're about today's new music, celebrity artists, pop culture, lifestyle and trends ... whatever is HOT now. We're online, on demand and in touch with the pulse of the next generation of radio listeners."

Nothing on the website appears to be "under construction" and the stream worked well including the interactive "vote for your favorite song" function. Very nice! For a station looking to attract a young audience these enhancements need to be standard equipment.

I'm not here to shill for CBS Radio, but instead to use what appears to be a smooth launch as an example of what is necessary to do it right in 2008. Now, I only listened to the station for 1 piece of imaging and 2 songs, so I won't comment on the programming.

And...

Another Smooth Jazz station bites the dust. Subtracting a handful of still-successful SJ stations the format looks like it's cratering. Yes, it's been aging for a number of years now and yes, the format strayed from one of it's original mantra's of being not only smooth, but fresh and yes, the definition of what made up the Smooth Jazz coalition has shifted. But no, the format which adds a unique and historically successful flavor to the radio dial doesn't have to die.

More on that another day.