Here we go again. Another expert forecasts more doom and gloom for the Radio business. This time it’s Bob Struble, President and CEO of Ibiquity Digital.
To be fair, he doesn’t predict our demise but he does have a few observations after the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as quoted in All Access last week that on the surface don’t appear to be too encouraging. Here’s a piece of the column:
I observed the continued development of new competition for AM/FM. I believe this trend will intensify in coming years. A few specific examples from the floor: Mobile DTV is here. Manufacturers launched the first devices supporting QUALCOMM’s FLO TV service and the first portable TVs incorporating the ATSC mobile DTV standard (including one with HD Radio Technology built in).
“The next wave of Internet radios, devices which look and act like regular radios but use WiFi networks to tune in thousands of Internet stations, were displayed. Automakers upped the ante on new infotainment services for cars with integrated in-vehicle mobile phone and internet, iPod/MP3 functionality, satellite radio and real time traffic and navigation.”
We’re all aware of the avalanche of personal entertainment devices over the last few years. Who would have thought just ten years ago that mobile technology would be where it is today.
There’s one reason why I continue to be positive about Radio’s future: None of these devices create content. Radio is the only audio delivery device that creates its own content … at least for now.
I realize this is a song you’ve heard from a variety of singers over the past couple of years but let me add one more verse. Radio must continue to be a CONTENT provider to stay alive. In fact, it must establish itself as THE content provider. Remember, “First in wins.”
That means investing in the tools and people responsible for producing something consumers want to hear on their audio delivery device.
It is your future. Don’t let Apple or anyone else steal it from you.
Bob Glasco
480-488-0903
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