Internet Radios As Fashion Statements
Want to listen to Internet radio in style? Tivoli Audio, a boutique manufacturer of high end radios, has just introduced a new line of Internet radios designed by Italian furniture designer Giulio Cappellini, bringing Cappellini’s Fall 2009 line colors to Tivoli’s NetWorks Internet radio.
Tivoli introduced Internet radio tabletop devices last year, but this new line really ups the ante in terms of style. There are stylish wood finishes in bold colors and patterns like zebra. In the year since Tivoli first introduced their tabletop Internet radio line, they’ve made a number of upgrades such as playback capability for music players, alarm setting improvements, and improved FM auto seek functionality. The system is supported by www.tivoliportal.com, a site offering live tech support and a way for listeners to add radio stations and interact with other NetWorks owners.
Tivoli Audio was founded in 2000 by Tom DeVesto with a goal of bringing innovative audio devices to the marketplace. Mr. DeVesto’s award-winning career is centered on innovative, never tried before, luxury design, marketing, manufacturing and sales principles, including the first manufacturer to sell consumer electronics directly to consumers over the Internet.
Mr. DeVesto’s a businessman who has built a successful career around innovative audio devices, and he’s a big believer in Internet radio. His company is helping to shape the future of Internet radio by creating unique audio products that are attractive and easy to use, not to mention extremely trendy and stylish..
Add comment July 9, 2009
The Revolution May Not Be Televised – Broadcasters and New Media
By David Oxenford
On my blog, I usually write about the legal issues for broadcasters, both the usual FCC issues and those that arise in connection with the convergence of new media and traditional operations. I thank Jennifer for giving me the opportunity to fill in for her, and to have an opportunity to go beyond a discussion of legal issues, to express my concerns about broadcasters and the future as they attempt to figure out how to handle the challenges and opportunities of the new media. With the current economy, many broadcasters are naturally focused on what they perceive as their core business, while that core business may be changing under their feet.
I recently attended the BIAfn Winning Media Strategies Conference in Washington, where speaker after speaker talked about the need for broadcasters to embrace the new media to provide content that their audiences were seeking when and where their audience wanted it. One of the most impressive presentations was by Greenspun Media from Las Vegas, which has reinvented a secondary newspaper and a Low Power TV station as an on-line powerhouse, uncovering the aspects of the community that would draw the largest on-line audience and providing that content in great detail. The Las Vegas Sun site not only covers hard news, but also the gaming industry, University of Las Vegas sports and even state government issues in a way that its audience seems to find interesting. The site even features an interactive history of Las Vegas, in great detail, that’s lots of fun to play with for anyone who has ever spent time in the city. And video plays a big part of the site, with the company in development of a hip news and events program, 702.tv, that will soon be a daily program on the television station as well as an online feature (including having local “celebrities” doing the weather, including strippers and Neil Diamond sound-alikes).
While this display of the power of the use of online media was very impressive, I was disturbed that many of the broadcasters in attendance dismissed the Greenspun presentation, submitting that Las Vegas presented unique opportunities that are not available in all communities. In fact, in reaction to calls in Audio4cast and other blogs, urging broadcasters to adopt and exploit the new media, I have seen reactions claiming that, in most markets audiences don’t want or need content delivered on the Internet or through mobile devices. Their audiences don’t care, say some, about online video, and they don’t use Twitter or Facebook, or other new technologies. Instead, some claim that all their audiences want is what they have “always” wanted, good broadcast products. Others worry about legal issues, like the royalties for Internet radio operations, or just worry about how they can use new media that they don’t fully understand.
I fear that some are underestimating their audiences and their use of new media, whether it be online audio or video or some form of social networking. Being a relatively new adopter of both Twitter and Facebook, I’ve been amazed to find how many people of my baby boomer generation have adopted, accepted and revel in these services, spending far more time than they should reviewing their profiles and keeping track of the lives of their acquaintances (or the lives of strangers). The new media is incredibly relevant and engrossing – apparently even more so to those of younger generations. My 20-something kids rarely watch the TV or listen to music (or do much else for that matter) without having their laptops open, checking their Facebook pages regularly to see if any friend has posted anything new, or surfing their favorite websites, fan pages, blogs or video aggregators to make sure that there is nothing that they are missing.
And this is a worldwide phenomenon. Twitter and Facebook are clearly enhancing their images in the revolution in Iran, where few media reports mention radio or television except to dismiss the state-run broadcast services, but all talk about the role of the new media. I recently visited India on vacation, and was struck to see the ubiquity of the cell phone, being sold and used in even the tiniest villages, with 3G wireless services available in the remote countryside, far from the major cities. And people were not just talking, but texting and using other online services everywhere. And while there is commercial radio, I almost never heard it being played. When I asked one of our guides about whether the typical resident of India listens to the radio, he said, yes, many of the older people still listen.
The new media is not a fad. It is not going to fade away. Its adoption in remote towns in America or elsewhere in the world cannot be wished away. Broadcasters now have the opportunity, when they still have the brands that many still find relevant, to stake out positions on the new media frontier, and to drive traffic to their sites. I know that other companies that do not have broadcast stations are already trying to grab that territory, so it won’t be there for long. Now is not the time for broadcasters to be timid. Grab the revolution, become part of it. Don’t let the inevitable march of technology leave you as an historical relic.
David Oxenford is a partner in the law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine in its offices in Washington DC. David represents broadcasters, webcasters and other digital media companies on FCC regulatory matters, in transactions and in connection with music rights issues. He writes about these issues on his blog: www.broadcastlawblog.com
Add comment July 8, 2009
Broadcasters Must Offer Diverse Digital Assets
by Brian Benedik
As we have seen from various 3rd party research studies, the future of Digital Audio is bright. As more consumers continue to migrate towards listening to audio through computers & mobile devices, the opportunities for advertisers are enormous…Pre Roll Video, In Stream Audio, Companion Banners, and evolving In Stream Video inventory can all be activated and customized for a Local or National Advertiser. The growth of audio mobile applications such as Pandora, IHeart Radio, CBS/AOL and others is fueling this trend and it will only accelerate…The idea of marrying terrestrial radio placement with a strategic digital audio program to create a true “Audio” experience is a concept which is resonating with many large & small Ad Agencies around the country.
However, just having Digital Audio in your tool bag is not enough. Advertisers are looking to activate multiple channels of inventory within their campaigns. As a Local or National sales agent, you must be able to offer a more comprehensive group of platforms for your clients. Display, Rich Media Ads, Database segmentation, Mobile and Search capabilities are Digital inventory to build with Internet Radio so you can create multi channel programs for your customers. Today’s media salesperson has to think of themselves as a multi channel solutions provider for their clients.
Many of the large terrestrial radio groups are changing the complexion of their sales staffs during the current environment. The contraction of sellers are now focused on selling multiple sets of terrestrial and digital inventory. The value proposition of using on air and online assets together is appealing to many brands around the country.
Brian Benedik is President of Katz360, a division of Katz Radio Group. Katz360 sells digital and new media assets for Katz Radio Group’s large network of broadcast stations and online radio brands.
Add comment July 7, 2009
Internet Radio: What Do Younger Listeners Want?
By Michael Schmitt
In reading and covering radio and Internet news for RAIN: The Radio and Internet Newsletter, I’ve come across a lot of frustration over my generation. Generation Y, The Millenials, the Echo Boomers, whatever you want to call us, we’re radio-less, meaning, we never grew up with a cherished radio station, never rushed home from school to hear a radio program or hear what new hits are playing. But as I have a foot in both camps, and spend my days writing about radio’s transition into the digital medium, maybe I can offer some youthful perspective on how to best target the new generation. Here’s how one new 20-something sees it:
– We know what we want
Whether it’s through the Internet, friends, magazines, or whatever, we’ve discovered what genres and artists we like. Music discovery has shifted from radio to the Internet. I can find new artists on my own online. I know when new albums are coming out and I know what songs I like on that album. I don’t need singles to tell me what songs to like and I don’t need radio to inform me about new music. Perhaps most importantly, I’ll take music advice from my friend Elizabeth (or even from Twitter pal @christinajacobs) over some DJ any day, thank you very much.
— We know where to find better jukeboxes
If all a radio station offers is a continuous line of songs, broken here and there by commercial breaks or DJ chatter, I’m not interested. I have at least half a dozen other choices for jukebox-like playback, all of which cater specifically to me. I’m referring of course to Pandora, Last.fm, Imeem, iTunes’ Genius playlist creator and more. Heck, there’s even just the “Random” button on my iPod. Many of these allow me to continually shape my radio station as well, helping it adapt to my ever-changing likes and dislikes.
– We want more, please
This doesn’t mean that all we want out of music is a jukebox though. Far from it. Frankly, I’m tired of my Pandora channels. I want more. Remember how I said we know what we want? We also want more of it. Satisfy us. Give us something we can’t get from our iPods, our Torrent sites, our Pandora jukeboxes.
Here’s what radio can offer
Use your contacts and talent to create content I can’t get elsewhere. Interviews, in-studio performances, unreleased B-sides. Anything that goes beyond the album and gives fans of artists more of what they crave. I’ll tune in. And if you do it well, I’ll come back for more.
I was driving home late one night and — as I had forgotten to bring a CD along — was seeing what the radio had to offer. I came across an interesting interview with an artist, discussing how she had customized her Gibson guitar since getting it ten years ago. I was hooked. She turned out to be a blues artist – a genre I frankly can’t stand – but I listened to the whole interview and her in-studio performance. I actually sat in the car in my driveway until the segment concluded. Content like that is unique, interesting and attractive to music fans—no matter what generation they belong to.
Michael Schmitt is Associate Editor of RAIN: The Radio and Internet Newsletter and Music Programmer for FuturePerfectRadio.
Add comment July 6, 2009
Internet Radio In Your Minivan
Autonet Mobile and Volkswagen recently announced an agreement to equip the Volkswagen Routan with uconnect web – the in-car internet service already available to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners. Now more than 600 Volkswagen dealerships in the United States will offer Routan owners the opportunity to add uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, to their vehicle. This agreement will deliver the first internet service for Volkswagen vehicles.
Now when you buy a Volkswagen Routan, you can take the internet with you on the road. With Autonet Mobile, the Routan becomes a WiFi hotspot, delivering reliable and easy-to-use internet access. Now children in the back seat can IM, connect on Facebook, watch YouTube videos or play online games while the front seat passenger checks traffic, makes dinner reservations or listens to Internet radio.
“Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers’ lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle” said Mark Barnes, COO of Volkswagen. “Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We’re excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring connectivity to our Routan customers.”
The addition of Autonet Mobile brings the hottest accessory to Volkswagen’s newest family vehicle. Now Routan customers will have instant internet access anytime and anywhere. Monthly subscription plans start at a flat rate of $29, half the cost of a cell card, and Autonet Mobile is installed by the dealer.
“The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. “Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications – gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services – while on the road. We’re thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool car to drive.”
Add comment July 2, 2009
How Watching Napoleon Dynamite Can Help You and Your Clients
by K. Todd Storch
Yes, I’m being a little goofy with the title, but work with me.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the movie to understand the point. For those of you that have seen the movie, you probably remember Napoleon’s older brother Kip.
Do you remember the song he sang at the wedding? Let me help you out if it has been a while and if this sticks in your head, my apologies:
Yes I love technology
But not as much as you, you see
But I still love technology
Always and forever
I get the opportunity to work with a whole lot of talented people around the country in all kinds of media. One thing that is on everyone’s mind is technology…wrapped up in words like:
new media
digital assets
advanced media
display
streaming
podcasting
pre-roll
social media
Twitter
iPhone
Android
Apps
…insert new, shiny technology here.
Do you love technology? I know I do! I’m a total geek about this stuff! But when it comes to the job of selling, who do you love?
If you are in love with the technology, the new fancy “thing”, you are only making it harder on yourself. Your best prospects and your client’s don’t want your technology.
They want your experience.
They want your ears.
They want your advice.
They want your ideas.
They want your audience to act.
They want your blood, sweat and tears to help them solve their marketing challenges.
They want your solutions.
Are you in the business of Communicating Value, or Creating Value? Bringing in a package of the latest, greatest, shiniest, fanciest, faster, better, stronger, quicker, bigger, cheaper technology, only communicates value. May be it sounds like this…’Hi Mr./Mrs. Prospect, I’d love to show how my station’s/company’s/publication’s/etc new podcasting/streaming/website/shiny toy can help you and your business!’.
Who cares? I know you deeply care as does your sales manager and your company. These technology solutions are investments and there needs to be a return on that investment. However, your prospect/clients don’t care about your ROI on that investment. They care about their ROI. Their challenges. Their payroll. Their bottom line.
We have to create value: Be a resource and conduct a great client needs analysis. Find out what their real challenges are. Determine what success is going to look like. Set expectations. Then, put together a custom solution that just might include some a great new technology product that you have. Make your entire presentation based on how it solves their needs and why they can’t live without your entire plan. Taking away any element of your plan would take away a part of the true solution.
Now, get out there and create some great value with your clients. Include all of the great technology that is at your disposal, when it makes sense for your client.
To use Kip’s words, you can “love technology, but not as much as you, you see”. We we need to be in love with solving our client’s solutions.
K. Todd Storch is VP/Senior Consultant at The Center for Sales Strategy, a full service, consulting company dedicated to helping organizations develop salesmangement, salespeople, and sales. You can reach Todd and find out more about him and CSS at:
toddstorch@csscenter.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ktoddstorch
http://www.twitter.com/ktoddstorch
www.csscenter.com
Add comment July 1, 2009
Are We In The Radio Or Entertainment Business?
The following is an article by guest blogger Robert Maccini.
It continues to amaze me that some in the radio industry have not embraced digital. Terrestrial radio is a distribution system. Broadcasters have years of experience developing great content. One can argue that this content has been homogenized in recent years but I believe we still have the ability to attract listeners as evidenced by 92% of the population using radio on a weekly basis. Why would any broadcaster shun streaming their station and developing an effective sales strategy?
One cannot fight technology and a new two way communication system is here and quickly gaining ground, IP delivered audio and video content. Advertisers crave being able to more effectively and efficiently communicate with their target audience.
Streaming audio has the ability to not only know where a listener is located but also their age, sex and other qualitative information. Currently this new distribution system lacks full mobility but the coming advent of web browsers in new cars is going to quickly cure this limitation. Coupling that with the advent of 4G cell networks and WiMax results in the listening experience being as good as terrestrial radio including where bitrates are higher – HD radio. I could rant on about the millions of dollars wasted by the radio industry on this antiquated one way entertainment system… but I think this last sentence sums it up.
In these difficult economic times it becomes increasingly harder to contemplate investing money to develop this new distribution system for radio when expense line items are being scrutinized right down to the station copier lease. A common refrain is, “Am I just cannibalizing my existing revenue?” While in some cases this may be true, not providing content for this new distribution system puts stations in the position of not being able to fulfill advertiser demands and ceding this to a competitor.
The Internet radio industry is in the first inning and currently represents less than 5% of most radio station revenue. However, this is one slice of the advertising pie that is growing. I believe with an economic recovery (no prediction of when this will occur) ad dollars will continue to flow to digital at a greater rate.
In the end terrestrial radio stations will be one of thousands of listener options. The only elements that can set terrestrial radio delivered via IP apart are the quality of content including local news/information, personalities and unique approaches to this new medium. We are not in the radio business.
Robert J. Maccini is the CEO of Ando Media, LLC the leading provider of audience measurement and ad insertion technology for the Internet radio industry. You can learn more about Ando Media at www.andomedia.com
Add comment June 30, 2009
Nielsen: Teens Still Listen to Radio
Radio is the top source of music
Radio is the top source of music consumption for 16% of teens globally and the secondary source for another 21%, according to a new Nielsen Study How Teens Use Music. (executive summary here.)
But it’s mp3 players that are the main source of music for today’s teens. Thirty-nine percent of teens globally say it is their primary method of listening to music, followed not by CDs or radio, but the home computer, which is the primary source of music for 33% of teens globally. Forty-five percent of teens globally say they listen to five or more hours of music per week on their computer; 12% say they listen to 20 hours or more. (Unfortunately, “on their computer” is not further defined as to whether that’s streaming or listening to music downloads.)
The study is interesting and finds that teens have not completely abandoned traditional media – they still spend time with newspapers and radio, and television viewership has actually grown with this demographic. It’s more difficult to get teens to notice ads, but when they do, they’re more likely to enjoy them and recall them.
It’s an interesting study. I don’t think the takeaway here is that radio or traditional media is doing just fine because teens haven’t abandoned it completely. Putting focus instead on what teen preferences are, and increasing options for teens to consume content while using their preferred platforms, is key to attracting younger listeners.
Add comment June 25, 2009
Online Music Sales Will Top CD Sales By 2012
The current trend of declining music sales will continue, according to Bloomberg.com, citing a study released recently by PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLC. Internet piracy and declining demand for compact discs are the main reasons behind the prediction that music sales will drop 12% by 2012.
As consumers switch to online and wireless formats for music such as downloads, Internet radio and ringtones, revenue from online music sources will overtake physical sales by 2012. Because consumers tend to purchase individual songs rather than full albums when they purchase online, download music sales just don’t add up the way cd sales do.
Internet radio services such as Pandora and Last.fm will drive the increase in online music sales, according to a PWC analyst cited in the article, and collaboration between record companies and online music services will reduce the rate of illegal downloads.
This is another indicator of the benefits of mutually beneficial partnerships between the music labels and the online music services. Despite disagreements over royalties, the relationship between the two is symbiotic. While music labels are desperate to find new ways to grow revenue, online music services are reliant on the labels for the music they play.
Performance royalty payments are, in the end, nothing more or less than a revenue sharing agreement between the services and the labels. With that in mind, labels should be working hard to drive traffic to their Internet radio partners, who should be emphasizing music download sales to their audience and realizing revenue from that as well. Creative collaboration is the path to sustained profitability in digital music’s future.
Add comment June 24, 2009
Score One for Slacker
The New York Times’ Bob Tedeschi recently wrote an article comparing his experience listening to Pandora and Slacker on a Blackberry Storm and an Apple iPhone – the goal being to compare the music services, rather than the phones. Slacker won for several good reasons that are a quick lesson in what listeners are looking for in mobile streaming services.
Slacker has 2.4 million songs in its library, which “dwarfs Pandora’s roughly 700,000″ says Tedeschi. Both Pandora and Slacker offered up personalized music channels based on the selection of a single artist or song, and then refined those channels as the user indicated likes and dislikes of songs as they played.
Slacker offers the ability to download an entire station onto the Blackberry’s SD card, for listening without a cell connection. A
technology that Pandora does not have. Both services offered easy ways to click and purchase songs.
Slacker’s sound quality was better, mainly due to the fact that Pandora adjusts sound quality to the user connection, minimizing sound files when the user is connected to 3G or 2G, and expanding them for wifi connections. But there’s a cost associated with that for Slacker…the better sound quality results in battery drain, whereas Pandora “hummed along happily”.
There are pros and cons for each service, and they’re both pretty good. But the takeaway here is that user awareness of mobile streaming technologies is expanding. Services that offer good user experiences are already out there and catering to the listeners. Want to play in the mobile streaming game? Make sure your platform and interface can keep up and keep your listeners happy…
1 comment June 23, 2009
