Wonderful Christmastime...

So as another year draws tantalisingly close to an end, it’s time to get the chestnuts roasting on an open fire, get stuck in to that bottle of Port, and recline in my armchair reflecting on 2011.

What a momentous year, with the global political and economic reverberations still echoing around the planet for some time to come. Radio continues to play its part in the media mix, and is standing up well compared to some of the other ‘traditional media’, like press, who are having to face some difficult decisions about their businesses. But the coming year will no doubt bring its fair share of challenges for radio.

In the UK, radio listening remains phenomenally strong with over 90% of the population tuning into radio every week – still a remarkable statistic. And in June this year, we found out what people working in the industry have known for some time... that radio officially makes you happy! They did some science to prove it too, so it must be true!!

The debate about digital seems to have moved to a new level too with many seeing that a mixed ecology of listening platforms is a viable proposition (if distribution costs find a new equilibrium). It works for TV in the UK, and no-one seems to complain too much.

In 2011 we had some great radio conferences to feed our continuous thirst for insight; Radiodays Europe in Copenhagen was excellent, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Barcelona in a few months time. I took some time out to study the market in LA while I was at the Worldwide Radio Summit at the end of April, and found the differences between Europe and US more stark than ever. And we welcomed a new kid on the block, Next Radio debuted in London in September and was a refreshing change in format, focusing on creativity and content. We look forward to its return in 2012.

This year, we also welcomed Radioplayer and since its launch, it’s nearly doubled the number of services on it, and launched apps on Google and Facebook. Continuing to make radio ‘easy to listen to’ is essential for the medium to retain relevance, and it’s something that the team at Radioplayer will continue to ensure moving forward.

Content and programming-wise, the battle for the number 1 commercial station in London continued with Capital and Magic being the main protagonists, and Capital had its fair share of industry headlines... first with networking, which caused much discussion at the time, but less than 12 months on, is seen as an accepted norm. They also dispensed of the services of one Mr J Vaughan of the Borough of Chelsea, and will replace him in January with a Mr D Berry of the Borough of “Really... Are You Sure?” I expect some churn in the market!

Absolute 80s became the biggest commercial digital only station, and I even dusted off the headphones and had some fun in the studio for a few months. Unfortunately, there’s not really time to continue with Cafe 80s in 2012 as I’m launching a new company in the New Year... but more on that in January!

As the sweet aromas of Frankincense, Myrrh and Waitrose’s rather excellent ‘Mulled Wine’ recipe drift across the office, and the sound of Christmas carols echo from the village Church, it’s time to put away the passport for a few weeks, and indulge in a little festive break.... which mainly involves sitting by the fire.

I continue to get the chance to work with brilliant clients all around the world, who are fantastic radio professionals. Thank you for the opportunity to work together, and I look forward to a creative and successful 2012 with you. I will find myself engaging with new markets and new stations in the New Year, which is always something I relish. But if we haven’t worked together yet, do get in touch if you think there’s a project we might collaborate on in 2012.

So, may I wish all readers of the blog, a very Happy Christmas and see you all again in 2012.

Worldwide Radio Summit 2011 - Los Angeles

This update is brought to you with “Valley View Casino & Hotel and their all you can eat Lobster Buffet”.

OK – it isn’t... but the new morning show from Rick Dees starting this week on LA's Hot 92.3 actually is!!

You’ve guessed it. I’m in Los Angeles where I was speaking at the Worldwide Radio Summit that’s just taken place in Hollywood. So, what did we glean from this newest of conferences and what’s the current vibe in US radio?

It would be fair to say that a few themes and topics dominated the conference and also the chatter in the halls and lobbies of the hotel.

They were;

1. Social media, mobile and radio
2. The threat of streaming music services
3. The lack of personality in US radio
4. The economics of radio business

A lot has been said and written about Social Media and its intersect with radio over the last few years. If you thought that traditional UK or European media is obsessed with it, then spend a day here! It’s fair to say that it is THE topic that everyone discusses and everyone has an opinion on. There were plenty of sessions where a variety of angles were looked at, from how you develop a deeper relationship with your audience via Social Media platforms... through to building and sustaining your numbers.

There were some great quotes from the panel sessions, such as “Facebook is the new Elvis” so it’s easy to see how the importance of having a decent Social Media strategy is now essential. There were lots of ideas and suggestions that all had value, but let me point you to one person who I thought made the most sense and had a great understanding of the key issues. Lori Lewis is Jacobs Media ‘Digital and Social Strategist’ and she also writes a column for All Access. Here you’ll see some great tips on having a brand conversation with your consumers / listeners. If you’re looking for a specialist to help you develop your radio brand conversation, Lori would be a great starting point.

Regarding the threat of streaming music services, there is no doubt that the US radio industry is in a bit of a spin about Pandora, and what to do about it. There was the now pre-requisite debate on whether Pandora is actually ‘radio’ or not, which had a new and very ‘market driven’ argument applied to it; “If it takes ad revenues from radio... it’s radio”. Not sure I agree with that one, and my opinion on what Pandora / Spotify etc are remains. Streaming music services are great... but they’re not radio. The human element is what defines radio for me, and I while listening to Pandora last night in my hotel room, it did not inform me or discuss the death of Bin Laden.

There was the suggestion that engagement with ‘jukebox services’ diminishes over time but on the other hand, no-one can deny their growth and increasing significance, especially in the mobile arena. Fred Jacobs did a great presentation about the influence that mobile has on the lives of the US consumer Mobile is where it’s at... radio just needs to work out how we now fit in with this.

There was a great session on ‘personality radio’ and the organisers put together a fantastic panel of talent and agents including Rick Dees, Big Boy from Power 106, Dr Drew, Phil Hendrie and Tony Novia from Ryan Seacreast Productions amongst others. It was superbly hosted by former Xfm PD, Andrew Phillips, who now works from the ABC Network in Australia. The messages? Personality should be allowed to flourish. Don’t over research everything... allow your instinct as a programmer to have a say. Talent needs time to develop and if you’re fired from somewhere, that means you’re probably really good!!

The session reminded me of the ‘power of the personality’ and I written before here about the need to make sure we’re not diluting this on our stations, but encouraging it and nurturing it. The answer in trying to combat services like Pandora is not behaving just like them.

On talent development, the old philosophy still holds true: “It’s far easier to teach someone with a personality, radio skills... than to teach someone with radio skills to have a personality!”

Lastly, we had regular reminders of the fact that radio is still a business, and often the desire for ratings success forces stations to take the obvious path, and that which will receive least resistance. The problem is that this often is not the most creative path, and rarely differentiates your station. US radio is for some only about money, and the art and magic of radio has disappeared. I hope that the rise of Social Media and the perceived threats that now exist to the radio business will act as a catalyst to force groups to have a re-assessment of the role of creativity in radio.

In a great discussion over lunch, the aforementioned Andrew Phillips reminded me that if the fear of ‘losing’ is greater than the desire to win, then this leads to a proliferation of mediocrity. That’s what we have with SOME radio stations and groups both in Europe and the US. Those that are willing to be brave, will reap the benefits!

So all in all, an excellent conference and congratulations should go to Joel Denver and Sat Bisla whose companies combined to put this together. Radio needs events like this to ‘stop and chat’ and share some best practise and opinions. We won’t always agree, but it’s important to have the dialogue.

And on the differences between radio in the US and the rest of the world. Yes- there are some... but there more that unites us that divides us.

Now, remind me of where can I get an “All you can eat Lobster buffet” in this town?

"This Ain't No Disco... It Ain't No Country Club Either..."

So with Easter almost over, it’s time to get back on the road!

I’m looking forward to going to LA this week. I’m speaking at the Worldwide Radio Summit, which a new conference that is jointly put together by A&R Worldwide and the great US radio / music information portal that is ‘All Access’.

I’m taking part in a session with entitled “Around The World – Radio Across All Continents” which, as you’ll have guessed by now, is looking at both the differences and similarities between different markets, giving delegates a snapshot of each different territory. I’m focusing on the UK and highlighting what makes the market here so interesting. During my research I’ve uncovered some nice facts, which I’ll share here after the session. (Don’t want to spoil the ‘big reveals’!)

There’s a good few Brits heading out to LA, so I’ll be in good company, along with some great US speakers, including the ubiquitous Mark Ramsey, Jeff Pollack, Fred Jacobs, Ken Benson, Alan Burns, Valerie Geller, and Rick Dees. Yes... that one, who’s taking part in a session about on-air talent development. Should be good!

You can be sure I’ll post a review of the conference here once it’s all done and dusted, and bring you some of the best bits. Plus I’ll no doubt be tweeting during the session. (You can follow me @nikgoodman)

Meanwhile, if you’re coming along to the conference... come and say hello! and of course if you're holidaying anywhere near the ‘W Hollywood’ later this week... do stop by!