In previous posts I've discussed the power of radio and why it is still very much a relevant and valuable medium. As listenership of terrestrial radio has declined large, profit-driven media companies have responded by consolidating services making content virtually indistinguishable from one region to another. But change is in the air and it is revolutionary.
Internet radio is poised to dramatically change the way in which we experience the medium. Consider the following: Internet radio has unlimited broadcast range, it is not subject to regional and government agency restrictions regarding content and it is relatively free. The latter refers to the fact that listeners need to have access to the Internet, but it's fair to say in 2015 that would be a good chunk of modern human civilization.
In terms of availability, both mediums can be easily accessed in virtually any context. For example, 68% of Canadians now own a smartphone, up 24% from the previous year. These devices provide listeners with quick and easy access to streaming content. Apps for streaming Internet radio, such as TuneIn Radio, are free to download and simple to use. In addition, the vast majority of those who listen to radio at work use a computer, therefore choosing between terrestrial and Internet-based broadcasts is a matter of a mouse-click.
The ultimate advantage of terrestrial remains on the road, as a soundtrack for many commuters and long distance drivers, but this too is changing. Many automakers are actively investing in WiFi technology for their vehicles. This technology relies on mobile data plans which most consumers already have on their mobile devices. In addition, most automotive sound systems now accomodate inputs from external devices or accept Bluetooth audio streaming from a smartphone, so even without built-in WiFi, access to streaming content on the road is relatively simple. While streaming Internet radio can eat into data caps when we consider the meteoric rise in the popularity of smartphones coupled with new players like the automotive industry, competition has already begun to drive the trend towards larger data caps for fewer dollars.
Another factor to consider is the explosion of free wireless Internet. More and more restaurants, coffee shops, malls and even public spaces are offering free WiFi to their customers. Businesses and municipalities recognize the value of accessibility to
free WiFi for consumers, tourists and citizens alike. Government funded public WiFi is available in many North American cities. Locally, you can find free WiFi in popular locations such as Old Montreal and at the observatory on Mount Royal. In many ways, the investment in the infrastructure that supports free and easy access to the Internet has far outstripped that of traditional broadcasting.
So why don't more people switch to Internet radio? The truth is many already have, but most are still clinging to the traditional model. There are a number of reasons for this. Force of habit, lack of awareness, loyalty. Indeed the biggest challenge facing Internet-based radio stations is getting listeners to understand the technology and change old habits. It's a matter of getting audiences to rethink a traditional medium in a modern way.
Like any revolution, it begins with letting go of what we know and embracing what can be. To find out how CJIM is changing the face of rock radio in Montreal I invite you listen right here http://cjim.ca/live
- Graeme McDonald
Friday, December 4, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Radio Still Matters
As mentioned in the previous post, over the course of the next few weeks I will be discussing the power of Internet radio. Before getting into the nuts and bolts of this new medium, it's important to underline why radio still matters.
Considering current moves by corporate giants like Bell Media, it's tempting to assume that radio is a dying medium. For terrestrial radio, declining listenership and marketshare over the past two decades certainly paints a grim picture. This decline can be attributed to a number of factors, the growth of alternative mediums such as on-demand streaming, podcasts, satellite and Internet radio. But people don't opt for an alternative just because it's different. What has driven listeners away from traditional radio has been the steady decline in quality content. Listeners are hearing more advertising and promotion and fewer voices and personalities.
In many ways, media companies have secured their own demise by overlooking the core value of their product. One would think that the response to increasing competion from alternative mediums would be investing in innovative programming and diversifying the delivery model. Instead the strategy has been circle the wagons, consolodate operations and cling to whatever audience is left. Then again, it's never really been about the product for media companies, it's always been about delivering profit to shareholders.
That said, the growth of alternative models is an obvious sign that as a medium, radio has never been stronger. What makes it such a valuable form of communication is not so much the technology, but rather its humanity. Radio does what its traditional rivals could never do. It is the power of music and voice delivered to virtually any context. You can't read or watch television in the shower or while driving...although you could, but I wouldn't recommend it. Beyond its broad accessibility, radio captures the human conversation which is about thoughts, ideas, expressions of art, our reaction and experiences with local and global events. It becomes the soundtrack to daily life that is as intimate as it is enlightening. It is a community voice and it is also that voice in our heads that connects our common experiences.
For those that are alone or feel disenfranchised, radio can be a familiar and comforting voice. The emotional connection listeners have to this medium is unlike any other. It resonates with our basic need to be part of a greater community, to belong.
It amazes me that companies could be so blind to the inherent power of radio. It is to their detriment that they chose money over people in an industry whose most valuable asset was the human voice. Thankfully there are alternatives. Radio still matters because people matter.
- Graeme McDonald
Considering current moves by corporate giants like Bell Media, it's tempting to assume that radio is a dying medium. For terrestrial radio, declining listenership and marketshare over the past two decades certainly paints a grim picture. This decline can be attributed to a number of factors, the growth of alternative mediums such as on-demand streaming, podcasts, satellite and Internet radio. But people don't opt for an alternative just because it's different. What has driven listeners away from traditional radio has been the steady decline in quality content. Listeners are hearing more advertising and promotion and fewer voices and personalities.
In many ways, media companies have secured their own demise by overlooking the core value of their product. One would think that the response to increasing competion from alternative mediums would be investing in innovative programming and diversifying the delivery model. Instead the strategy has been circle the wagons, consolodate operations and cling to whatever audience is left. Then again, it's never really been about the product for media companies, it's always been about delivering profit to shareholders.
That said, the growth of alternative models is an obvious sign that as a medium, radio has never been stronger. What makes it such a valuable form of communication is not so much the technology, but rather its humanity. Radio does what its traditional rivals could never do. It is the power of music and voice delivered to virtually any context. You can't read or watch television in the shower or while driving...although you could, but I wouldn't recommend it. Beyond its broad accessibility, radio captures the human conversation which is about thoughts, ideas, expressions of art, our reaction and experiences with local and global events. It becomes the soundtrack to daily life that is as intimate as it is enlightening. It is a community voice and it is also that voice in our heads that connects our common experiences.
For those that are alone or feel disenfranchised, radio can be a familiar and comforting voice. The emotional connection listeners have to this medium is unlike any other. It resonates with our basic need to be part of a greater community, to belong.
It amazes me that companies could be so blind to the inherent power of radio. It is to their detriment that they chose money over people in an industry whose most valuable asset was the human voice. Thankfully there are alternatives. Radio still matters because people matter.
- Graeme McDonald
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Statement Regarding Bell Media
Those who follow me on social media already know my personal views with regards to the recent layoffs at Bell Media. As program director and general manager of CJIM I would like to offer an official response. To begin, on behalf of everyone at CJIM I wish to express my deep sadness for the loss of many talented voices and personnel from Montreal radio. For some, more established on-air personalities, there will no doubt be other opportunities that will quickly present themselves, but for many others, particularly those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, the challenges will be much greater.
We have always believed that what makes great radio is great people. Many of the most successful business models come from investing in the quality of the product, and in radio that means the voices and staff that strive to entertain, inform and connect listeners with their community.
The relationships that on-air personalities develop with listeners is one of the most valuable assets a radio station can have. This week, Bell Media put the bottom line ahead of its audience. It should be noted that these cuts came after Bell Media posted a significant profit last quarter, and has done so for some years. Rather than investing a portion of that profit in the development of a superior product, they chose to pocket the cash and slash even more spending to widen the margin of profit.
There are many frustrated and angry listeners in Montreal who have now pledged to tune out Bell Media stations and switch to alternatives, including CJIM. Believe me, we understand that frustration. It was a similar disillusion that was in part the catalyst for launching CJIM five years ago.
That said, I want to make clear that there are still many talented people in mainstream radio who have worked extremely hard to earn their opportunities. I have the utmost respect and admiration for their success and in no way do I wish to diminish this by undermining their audience. I know they too are deeply upset by these cuts, but speaking out would put their livelyhood at risk.
To our loyal listeners and those that chose to discover CJIM for the first time, I want to assure you that we are fully committed to providing the highest quality radio with the resources we have available. Yes, we are a small station, but with the help of our audience and the incredible energy and enthusiasm of every member of the CJIM family, we believe that we can become more than an alternative to large-scale corporate media.
In the coming weeks I will be discussing why radio continues to be a powerful medium and how the Internet has and will revolutionize the industry. In the meantime, I encourage you to discover CJIM for yourself, not out of anger and frustration, but simply for the love of great radio.
cjim.ca/live
- Graeme McDonald
We have always believed that what makes great radio is great people. Many of the most successful business models come from investing in the quality of the product, and in radio that means the voices and staff that strive to entertain, inform and connect listeners with their community.
The relationships that on-air personalities develop with listeners is one of the most valuable assets a radio station can have. This week, Bell Media put the bottom line ahead of its audience. It should be noted that these cuts came after Bell Media posted a significant profit last quarter, and has done so for some years. Rather than investing a portion of that profit in the development of a superior product, they chose to pocket the cash and slash even more spending to widen the margin of profit.
There are many frustrated and angry listeners in Montreal who have now pledged to tune out Bell Media stations and switch to alternatives, including CJIM. Believe me, we understand that frustration. It was a similar disillusion that was in part the catalyst for launching CJIM five years ago.
That said, I want to make clear that there are still many talented people in mainstream radio who have worked extremely hard to earn their opportunities. I have the utmost respect and admiration for their success and in no way do I wish to diminish this by undermining their audience. I know they too are deeply upset by these cuts, but speaking out would put their livelyhood at risk.
To our loyal listeners and those that chose to discover CJIM for the first time, I want to assure you that we are fully committed to providing the highest quality radio with the resources we have available. Yes, we are a small station, but with the help of our audience and the incredible energy and enthusiasm of every member of the CJIM family, we believe that we can become more than an alternative to large-scale corporate media.
In the coming weeks I will be discussing why radio continues to be a powerful medium and how the Internet has and will revolutionize the industry. In the meantime, I encourage you to discover CJIM for yourself, not out of anger and frustration, but simply for the love of great radio.
cjim.ca/live
- Graeme McDonald
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Beatles Letter To Be Auctioned Off
Here's an auction item you might not see on eBay, it's and authentic handwritten letter by The Beatles inviting a drummer to audition for the band. Paul McCartney wrote the letter on August 12th, 1960. Pete Best was still the band's drummer at the time and it was not known if The Beatles were seriously looking for a replacement, or to whom the letter was addressed. It reads, quote: "We would like to offer you an audition for the position of drummer in the group. You will, however, need to be free soon for a trip to Hamburg (expenses paid £18 per week (approx) for two months). If interested ring Jacaranda club and ask for a member of The Beatles." Three days later, The Beatles travelled as a five-piece, with Pete Best on drums and Stuart Sutcliffe on bass, to Germany. Ringo Starr, who knew the band from English and German dates, eventually replaced Pete Best as The Beatles drummer in 1962.
Hall of Fame Live
Cashing in on its legendary members, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is getting set to release some live music from its archives. The first collection titled 'The Best of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live' is due to go on sale November 1s. It will be three-CD set featuring performances by Billy Joel, Jimmy Page, Lynryd Skynryd, Al Green, Aerosmith, The Who and James Brown, among others. Part 2 of 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live' will showcase performances from 1986 to 2009 and include live recordings of George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and John Fogerty. One track features Billy Joel performing The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There," and another pairs Mick Jagger with Tina Turner to cover the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman." The songs will be available for sale on iTunes beginning on November 15th.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Rod The Mod To Tell All
A new biography is due out from Scot-rocker Rod Stewart. The raspy-voiced blond crooner signed a deal with Random House to publish his memoirs. Don't be rushing off to the bookstores anytime soon, the book is not set for release until next year. That didn't stop Stewart from offering future readers a bit of titillation, saying: "Forget skeletons in the closet; this one's going to be socks and knickers under the bed." The singer is celebrating 50 years in the music business.
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