Jack (Variety Rock): Just To Please Investors?

[IAmNoOneSpecial]

With all the hype and press regarding the Jack-style format, is it possible that this is another short-term move by corporations designed to please the investment world?

The Jack -format has such a positive spin on it right now, what with the issue of "variety" being dealt with...does that translate into analysts giving radio more of thumbs up? Or do these analysts really look at the long-term benefits of such a format phenomenon? Or...is this Jack format really just a blip in the world of the EBITDA line?

Discuss, if you would like. The question just popped into my head...

 

[JoeU]

> With all the hype and press regarding the Jack-style format,
> is it possible that this is another short-term move by
> corporations designed to please the investment world?
>
> The Jack -format has such a positive spin on it right now,
> what with the issue of "variety" being dealt with...does
> that translate into analysts giving radio more of thumbs up?
> Or do these analysts really look at the long-term benefits
> of such a format phenomenon? Or...is this Jack format
> really just a blip in the world of the EBITDA line?
>
> Discuss, if you would like. The question just popped into
> my head...
>

The Jack-FM & Nine FM formats are intended to compete with the popularity of the iPod. I use my iPod to listen to progressive talk (Bernie Ward & Thom Hartmann) that I can’t get on Chicago Radio. I can listen to whom I want when I want to listen. Bernie Ward from KGO San Francisco is my morning drive talk show!

Music lovers are doing the same thing, listening to cuts / tracks that they can’t hear on Chicago Radio due to programming decisions. The problem with Jack & Nine music is the fact that I still cannot hear what I want when I want to hear it! An iPod is somewhat interactive while Nine and Jack FM are not.

In the end, the pod-casting concept will need to be translated to commercial radio in some manner giving the listener choice of what and when he or she wants to listen. The days of having a program director deciding everything I hear are soon coming to an end. The corporate broadcasters have a hard time grasping this concept!

 

[Joseph_Gallant]

Most "Jack"-type stations run without live announcers. That results, especially in major markets, in a major reduction in payroll. For a major-market radio station, talent salaries probably make up the majority of the station's expenses.

By cutting-out a high-priced airstaff, "Jack"-type stations can make a much bigger profit, even if the amount of revenue declines.

 

[IAmNoOneSpecial]

> In the end, the pod-casting concept will need to be
> translated to commercial radio in some manner giving the
> listener choice of what and when he or she wants to listen.
> The days of having a program director deciding everything I
> hear are soon coming to an end. The corporate broadcasters
> have a hard time grasping this concept!

I don't think they have a hard time of grasping this...I think it's a matter of a lack of technology to support this idea...how do you suppose it could be done now? Short of waiting for wireless technology to catch up to the idea of listener interaction in radio?

 

[musicloverII]

And once again, making more money by making less makes more makes sense to them. Thanks De-Reg!

Radio cannot be everyone's IPOD. It's a stupid catch phrase at this point in time. Just like that "cyber" word back in the 90s. Everything was cyber this, cyber that. Stupid. We see how long that word lasted. The geniuses figure it's a hot item and they've turned to it to market a particular idea. Problem: People want what they want when they want it and radio can't do that and you can't possibly be what I want you to be on the radio either.

Programmers days are numbered in most media. In a few years you'll pick what you want on both TV, Radio and Cable. It's a given. Being angry because the horseless carriage is taking over doesn't make sense. Take advantage of the new mode of transportation now. It's all about time. People want to see and hear what they want, when they want it. TV shows, ON DEMAND, Movies, ON DEMAND. Music ON DEMAND. It stands to reason. The smart companies are the ones preparing for that day and it isn't too far away

> Most "Jack"-type stations run without live announcers. That
> results, especially in major markets, in a major reduction
> in payroll. For a major-market radio station, talent
> salaries probably make up the majority of the station's
> expenses.
>
> By cutting-out a high-priced airstaff, "Jack"-type stations
> can make a much bigger profit, even if the amount of revenue
> declines.
>

 

[regionear]

DING DING DING

> By cutting-out a high-priced airstaff, "Jack"-type stations
> can make a much bigger profit, even if the amount of revenue
> declines.
>


Tell him what he's won Monty!!!

Even more boring radio in Chicago.....WTF....Now 4 stations are using the same (basically) sell line....and NONE OF THEM are really any different....

All the songs that Infinity claims" Haven't been heard in years"...only haven't been heard by deaf people....

When they ACTUALLY step out and play something different...then maybe it'll be cool....now its 800 crappy overplayed tunes from whenever instead of 400!