YOU ARE SO RIGHT....!
AM Radio Stations large and small that make
use of I-T (internet/information technology) for example "and" newsprint marketing concepts (it's cheaper) as value added services combined with their "on-air operations" can effectively optimize their presence in the marketplace. They don't have to roll over into a "dying cockroach positon" [service related slango... "Fire It Up" and "Huh Rah"] and wait for a slow death.
In terms of pro-active programming efforts... clear channel and regional "AM's" can still rule... (Randy where are you when we need you...), also there are numerous multi-cultural and ethnic programming possibilities with "block" programming in markets of all sizes. K-Pop sounds good (look at PSY). In essence, it's still about "content....," or have we forgotten? Our local and regional economies don't have to be dominated by "hughmongus" lack luster corporate mentalities. There are still other media firms in your market also trying to survive this induced malaise as well; find them, partner up with them and take back your market share, take back your revenue and take back your air waves (obnoxious as they are).
In the past, I myself have worked for Gannett, Comcast and ABC Radio in sales and understand that if you developed a habit or an instinct to think 'outside the box' then the possibilities are endless. That's the genisis of change. You can't make a sale if you don't have "image" gination (i.e., or the vision). How do you think they got started?
Also let's not forget the engineering aspect.... A-M technology coupled with advantageous FCC policy mandates aren't what they use to be. Stop paying for the "Bandwidth" and get on the
BANDWAGON, "AM" Radio doesn't need to to be "nursed" as a tax write-off by the "naysayers" out there. That's an insult. And as a rule all Radio Stations need to be run by good Radio People...! Or those who want to be. As Ted Turner once said, "Lead, Follow or Get Out The Way....!
And one more thing we need to get straight, "internet radio" is not
RADIO! It's a misnomer… let’s not get confused. BUT... it can be value added commodity when it is added (with some fanfare) to radio's marketing strategies... Where would the art of writing be without Gutenberg's printing technology...? The same holds true for radio. Dance with the date you came with! You either pay for the Bandwidth or you stay on the Bandwagon... Just like art of printing, radio (i.e., Broadcast Communications) is not going nowhere, and that includes AM!
SOFTJAMMS
http://radiodiscussions.com/smf/index.php?topic=221694.0
bturner said:
Granted AM radio is an uphill battle but I think the right programming, unduplicated by others, will still provide enough of a revenue stream to make it viable. Especially in smaller markets, a local emphasis AM is still a powerhouse when run properly. Relegate it to a computer in the closet by the receptionist's desk is not what I'm talking about here.
KULF is time brokered and I don't consider that the botom of the barrel radio. The people buying the time must have listeners and revenue to make it, so obviously they have listeners and revenue or they wouldn't be there. Our demographics have changed. The high prices of stations make these time brokered stations a viable solution for various groups that cannot pay the debt service on a 100,000 watt FM, for example. The fact is you can lease an AM station for less than the debt service and operational expense of an outright purchase. I know that sounds crazy but most of the AM stations time brokering themselves are not making big payments to the lender each month.
