TECH EXPERTS DISCUSS CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES FOR RADIO Radio and Records A top-notch group of experts told those at today's Jacobs Media Summit at R&R Convention 2005 in Cleveland that technology is evolving at such a fast rate that no one can seem to keep up with it. Among those in on the discussion were Wired Features Editor Thomas Goetz, Electronic Arts Worldwide Executive/Music Steve Schnur, AOL Music Executive Director Jack Isquith, iBiquity VP/Marketing Dave Salemi and Vibes Media exec Jack Philbin.
Goetz opened the discussion by noting the challenges other media and entertainment outlets like newspapers, TV and the movie and music industries have had to endure in the new digital age. While radio is no different in dealing with challenges from other forms of media and entertainment, Goetz feels the industry is not in bad shape. "Radio is in better shape than the other media because consumers like radio, they already have it and they use it. They just need to choose it." He also urged radio to avoid the fate of TV and the music industry by "experimenting, innovating, adapting and staying tuned."
Schnur noted that radio has great opportunities to partner with the video gaming industry, and to create programs that embrace instead of compete. Isquith seconded that idea by suggesting that radio work with AOL to promote music-based content they both can offer together. Salemi discussed the current state of HD Radio in America, saying there are currently 350 stations broadcasting in HD today. He urged radio to promote awareness and market the need to purchase HD Radio to consumers. |