4-2-2012
Radio industry executives have often said, almost mockingly, that they've heard it all before. First it was the 8-track tape, then the cassette, the CD, the iPod and now the Internet. As each new technology emerged radio was going to die a slow and painful death. It never happened and it will never happen, they say. "Listeners have a relationship with their local radio stations." "Pandora is a juke box on shuffle." "We've heard it all before." However, this increased competition from the Internet, is now being touted by radio as a reason for more deregulation, and at least one owner has already spent $75,000 to not only prevent that from happening but to roll it back. Saul Levine has been in the radio industry for 50 years. He tells Radio Ink he's trying to "save the industry."
The FCC by law must constantly examine the 1996 Telecom Act, which they are behind in doing, probably because they are short on commissioners. During this latest examination of the rules, the NAB has come out in support of more deregulation, something Levine says he was never told about despite being a member of NAB. Levine says this is all about greed and he's fighting for the little guy. Here's Our Interview
After you listen to the interview, leave your comments below.
Reach out to Saul Levine directly HERE
(4/2/2012 5:39:55 AM)
OK, let me weigh in quickly...deregulation is good for the big companies. If you want less diversity, and less local control, then dereg and let the large broadcasters get even larger...put more people out of work, and sabotage radio even further. However, if you want radio to grow and maintain the audience, you MUST be local. I say no to more deregulation, the past shows it is simply not the best thing for this industry.
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