There's much to be learned from recent internet listening trends. Bridge Ratings has done an analysis of the Ando Media "Webcast Metrics" and found among other things, that consumers are speaking out now more than ever. They are moving in droves to internet radio. "In a typical week, 62% regularly listened to pure-play internet radio streams. Satisfaction levels among AM/FM simulcast streamers has plummeted overall as internet-only or pure-play internet radio services, led by Pandora are gathering momentum as primary listening posts for internet radio listeners in general." Bridge's latest projections based on their interviews is that "if terrestrially delivered content opportunities don't change, AM/FM simulcast primaries (those who spend more of their on-line time listening to terrestrial simulcast content) will shrink to 50% by 2014...
The key reason for the terrestrial radio exodus is that listeners prefer the abiliity to customize their content. And according to Bridge, "this translates to internet-delivered entertainment as it does for most internet activities." Nearly 80% of those questioned that say they listen to less terrestrial simulcasts are doing so because they can customize with pure play internet options. "Too many commercials" ranked second...
Part of the Bridge Ratings Epilogue states that "The internet has proven its ability to rapidly move and change consumer tastes and preferences. The technology simply makes decision-making easier. Consumers are smarter than ever due to their interactions on the internet. Nowhere is this more evident than in on-line radio listening." "Playing what you're saying" just won't cut it anymore. The best thing terrestrial radio can do is to be true to its audience. Do what you do best. Do it with the best people you can find and be honest to your audience. You may not be able to compete with the onslaught of internet radio but you can make yourself relevant at-home, in-office and in-car...
10 Timeline Memories:
1.1954] Tonight, Tonight: Steve Allen becomes the first host of the "Tonight Show"...2004] NBC-TV tells Conan O'Brien he will become the new host of the show replacing Jay Leno. Leno gets another shift. Conan hosts the "Tonight Show." NBC moves Leno back to his old time slot. Conan starts a new show on TBS soon. Are you following this? (9/26 for both timelines)...
2.1957] Last exit from Brooklyn: The Dodgers play their last game in Brooklyn at Ebbets Field in front of 6,702 fans. They beat the Pirates 2-0 with Gil Hodges driving in the final run in Brooklyn (9/24)...
3.1960] Vote For Me: The first of four nationally televised debates between presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon is held (9/26)...2008] On the same date 48 years later, Senators McCain and Obama square off in a presidential debate (9/26)...
4.1961] Curtains: "I Love Lucy" bows out after a run of 10 years (9/24)...
5.1962] A Sonny forecast: Sonny Liston KO's Floyd Patterson in the 1st round to win the heavyweight championship (9/25)...
6.1962] Premiered on this date: "Beverly Hillbillies" which will air for 9 seasons (9/26)...1964] "Gilligan's Island" kicks off a 3 season run before going into syndication forever (9/26)...1968] "Hawaii Five-O" says Aloha for 12 years (9/26)...1969] "The Brady Bunch" will start a successful 5 year run before going into syndication (9/26)...
7.1976] Guilty as charged: Patricia Hearst is sentenced to 7 years in prison for her role in a 1974 bank robbery. She serves 22 months before Jimmy Carter sets her free on a clemency order (9/24)...
8.1992] D-I-V-O-R-C-E: A judge in Orlando (FL) rules in favor of Gregory Kingsley, a 12-year old seeking a divorce from his biological parents (9/25)...
9.1997] Biting mad: NBC sportscaster Marv Albert pleads guilty to assault and battery of his lover. He is fired by NBC hours later (9/25)...
10.2008] 'Happy Trails': Legendary actor Paul Newman dies at age 83 after suffering from lung cancer for more than 6 months (9/26)...
Commentary:
He had 4 number one hits and dominated the charts with 67 songs during the 50s. In addition to his music success, he made headlines when he married Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor. He was also married to Connie Stevens. Eddie Fisher died Wednesday of complications from hip surgery. Fisher's family issued this statement: "One of the greatest voices of the century passed away. He was an extraordinary talent and a true mensch." Fisher was 82. His number one hits included "I Need You Now", "I'm Walking Behind You", "Wish You Were Here" and this song...
Music Memories:
- 1954] Live from the Grand Ole Opry: Elvis Presley appears singing "Blue Moon of Kentucky" (9/25)...
- 1964] Released on this date: "You Really Got Me" - Kinks (9/26)...1971] "Peace Train" - Cat Stevens (9/25)...1977] "Come Sail Away" - Styx (9/24)...1979] "The Long Run" LP - Eagles (9/25)...1979] "I Fought The Law" - The Clash (9/26)...
- 1966] Number One on this date: "Cherish" - Association (9/26)...
- 1975] Jackie Wilson tragedy: Jackie Wilson collapses on stage while singing "Lonely Teardrops" in Cherry Hill (NJ). 41 at the time, Wilson suffers a heart attack resulting in brain damage (9/25). He dies in 1984 after spending 9 years in a coma...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (9/24) Nia Vardalos (48), Joseph Kennedy II (58), Alan Colmes (60), Mean Joe Greene (64), Lou Dobbs (65), Gerry Marsden (68), & Sheila MacRae (86)...(9/25) Catherine Zeta-Jones (41), Will Smith (42), Heather Locklear (49), Mark Hamill (59), Cheryl Tiegs (63), Michael Douglas (66), Hubie Brown (77) and Barbara Walters (81)...(9/26) Serena Williams (29), WFAN's Joe Benigno (57), Olivia Newton-John (62), Lynn Anderson (63), Christie Todd Whitman (64) and Jack LaLanne (96)...
Timeline Countdown: 12 days until the MLB playoff opener, 34 days until the World Series begins & 38 nights until Halloween...
