GREATER MEDIA'S SMYTH TOUTS POWER OF RADIO Radio and Records Today at R&R Convention 2005, The Jacobs Media Summit general session opened with "A Conversation With (Greater Media President/CEO) Peter Smyth." Smyth, in a one-on-one interview with Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs, called for terrestrial broadcasters to "stand up and take back what's ours."
"We cannot let the satellite (radio) companies reposition us," Smyth said. "Instead of putting our heads in the sand, we've got to talk about the power of terrestrial radio. Who else is going to do it?"
Smyth also touted HD Radio's potential for generating an increased passion in radio listeners. "HD is not going to solve all of our problems by itself," he cautioned. "But it's a great tactic to support increased localism, and it also allows us to be involved in the digital world that our listeners are already involved in."
"I'm not an obstructionist in the face of technology," he added, " And if you are, then you should get out of the radio business."
Responding to a question from the audience on how to get young broadcasters excited about the growing "turbulence" caused by New Media advances, Smyth pointed out that "there have always been choices for radio listeners, they're just coming from different venues now."
"I've been in this business for well over 20 years," he said. "And this is probably the most exciting time to be in radio. If you're smart, a self-starter, innovative and bold, this is the business to be in. The game might be changing, but we should be moving forward with no fear." |