Delaying the DTV Deadline? (Jan 13, 2009)

Tom Taylor of radio-info states in his radio blog that pushing back the mandatory DTV date could affect a lot of radio stations too, as well as their budgets. Some radio stations in the Northeast U.S. and near the 87.7 MHz frequency where channel 6 broadcasts its audio have to null a side of their transmitters so that they would not interfere with the TV channel. With most of all TV stations moving from the channel 2-6 range to UHF once they turn off their analog signals, the FMs are planning to take down the null so they could broadcast at higher power on the side they had to null. Delaying the DTV date could mess up their plans for construction and new transmitter plans.

Washington is also facing a problem with running out of money for the $40 digital converter box coupons, and there is a fear that the poor, rural, and elderly won't be able to watch over-the-air TV anymore after the Feb 17 DTV date if they can't get a digital converter box. Some reports indicate that if they applied for the $40 coupons after last Tuesday, they won't arrive in time for the Feb 17 date. This could be a minor mess for the broadcast networks and independents as the ratings could take a 5-10 percent hit by my estimate, and that means less advertising rates that they could set for commercial spots.

That is the big picture of the DTV deadline. Delaying it could be a mess to the broadcasters. Enforcing the DTV date will mean loss of viewers who simply couldn't get a digital TV receiver on time.

Sirius XM Delivers MiRGE (Jan 13, 2009)

In a move that may be too little too late, an interoperable satellite receiver that is capable of receiving both Sirius and XM sets of satellite programming has been announced by Sirius XM.

The MiRGE model would enable listeners to recieve both Sirius and XM satellite lineups in one unit instead of two. This is what should have come out back in 2001 when they two satellite receivers started duking it out for subscribers. The unit has a tag price of about $250 and has about a $20 a month subscription. Delivery is expected to be in the Spring.

The only problems are, besides coming out over seven years late, is that the current satellite model doesn't allow third-party companies to create a satellite channel and upload it for a nationwide audience. The companies should have considered leasing some channels to third parties for a fee, and allow the third parties to broadcast their programming unscrambled, not requiring a fee to listen. That could have helped get more satellite radio receivers into the cars and homes. The satellite should have been designed to carry over 1,000 channels, which could mean lots of money to Sirius or XM just on the leasing channel contracts from the third party suppliers alone. That could have helped the company get established faster, get more subscribers to pay for the premium lineups, and get out of debt.

With many popular Internet channels streaming worldwide, some of them should have the opportunity to lease a channel and let people enjoy the programming without a computer. This could have helped it compete with the future mobile car Internet radio dash units that are on the horizon.

The Economy's So Bad... (Jan 13, 2009)

Manny, Moe, and Jack have been outsourced to China.

People are crossing the border...back to Mexico!

Reply: What Radio Means Today (Jan 13, 2009)

This assessment of what radio has become is right on the money.

The beginning of this decline happened the day radio became about the bottom line and no longer about the roar of the crowd.

What the Internet provides and what radio has lost is simple: freedom.

When radio was king, the maestros of the airwaves had the freedom to communicate without time limits, and touch listeners, each in their own special way. Strict playlists, rigid formats, and people who were not “born to broadcast” are what have suffocated this precious medium.

Yes, delivery system has changed, but the magic of communicating and entertaining has not. Produce it and they will listen. I truly believe that people would listen on crystal radios (Ask your grandparents what that is.) if what they found when they got there was exciting enough.

Radio as we knew it is not dead, it’s just not compelling.

I applaud David Tanny for his insight and if there are any broadcasters willing to listen, I have an idea.

Sonny Melendrez

www.SonnyRadio.com

The Wires (Jan 13, 2009)

Roger Hedgecock Report: Demonize and Censor: The triumphant left now denies any intention of re-imposing a "Fairness Doctrine" to strangle talk radio. Don't you believe it. Loony left websites and blogs deride conservative concern about re-imposing this gag on political speech through the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, as "wingnut propaganda" and "fear mongering." Another post declares the "Fairness Doctrine" the "bogeyman du jour." Other posted comments include erudite musings on "the need" of "right wing radio" to set up a "straw man" to attack and then declare victory when the "Fairness Doctrine" is not re-applied to talk radio. Conservative Republicans on Capitol Hill were concerned enough to introduce a bill last Wednesday that would prevent the FCC from approving the so called "Fairness Doctrine." Sen. Jim DeMint joined me on air to discuss the legislation, and you can hear that interview here. Obama himself has denied any intention of re-imposing the "Fairness Doctrine." But actions still speak louder than words. Read the rest at the link.

Rogerreport.com: On this day in heistory... the bailout/slowdown continues to be front and center.
Economic crisis and Madoff scandal cause Planned Parenthood to lay off 20% of it's staff.
Approaching his inauguration, Obama announces that campaign promises will be delayed.
Israel calls up reserves to continue pummeling Hamas.

Reuters: Where Your Bailout Money Went To!

SF Morning Chronicle: KFRC is back again. With oldies. On AM. But it's not on 610, where its life as a Top 40 giant began in 1966. It's not on 99.7 FM, where it had a nice run until it was evicted for "MoVin'." And it's not on 106.9, its home for a year until owner CBS Radio dropped its "classic hits" format in October, so that it could simulcast KCBS-AM there. This time around, it's on 1550 AM, former home of KYCY, with Scott Shannon's syndicated "True Oldies" (read more - Ben Fong-Torres - SF Chronicle)

PC World: Moving the February 17 deadline for the U.S. switchover to digital TV would create confusion, said Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin during a public interview at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (read more - Mikael RicknSs - PC World)

San Antonio Biz: To be certain, terrestrial radio is at a crossroads. The emergence of newer content delivery systems, coupled with a shattered economy, have significantly impacted the industry. There have been some self-inflicted wounds, too. But Virgil Thompson and Ben Reed say terrestrial radio has and will survive the blows (read more - W. Scott Bailey - San Antonio Biz Journal)

Inside Music Media: Clear Channel is getting ready to implement the Lee & Bain plan to drastically cut personnel while swinging to a model of national syndication in order to further cut costs. What is likely -- perhaps as soon as this week -- is the unraveling of local radio as we know it for the repeater station concept -- especially in the non-major markets. So what we could soon see is radio groups with one operations manager and no PD, not much of a local staff, minimum local management oversight -- and programming from larger cities in the same or similar format genres (read more - Jerry Del Colliano)

Harve Alan: Here in January 2009 we edge closer to a generation gap like no other in history. The connected and unconnected. Sure there are 50, 60 and 70 year old tech consumers, but the skills and interest have been learned. Gen C comes with connectivity as standard equipment, not as an user installed option. If the Gen C thesis holds up (and I think it does), radio's desire for 25-34 demos is now officially in peril (read more - Harve Alan)

Top 5 Headlines Of The Week (Jan 5-11, 2009)

4. People's Choice Awards were on. Anyone care?

3. No number 3. It's time to replace Norv Turner's ass with someone who could get the Chargers a 12-4 record next season!

2. Some trees are too tall.
Bird eggs fall and smash on rocks.
Wind makes birds' life hard.

1. Need a cold medicine for twlilights? Use TwiQuil™ medicine! It puts you into a light catatonic state wherein you cure what ails you and speak to the dead. A win-win. Thanks to fm123 for that one to answer a pondering question.

Thanks To RadioDailyNews.com (Jan 12, 2009)