Nashville Star Week Two: Give Me A Break. I am reconsidering my thought that radio should get behind Nashville Star. Nothing against my friends at XM, but do we really want to be indirectly promoting XM on our stations? XM got more promotion than the ACM's gave our radio stations. And what's with all the pop songs and older Country songs? Except for John Rich's "Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy" there was nothing representing today's Country music. I had to laugh when they said that next week Nashville Star is going Pop. You mean, "Natural Woman" wasn't pop enough this week? To quote John Stossel, "Give Me a Break." I still have hope for the show, as there is some real talent there, but I'm not happy at the way the music is misrepresenting our format.

Lessons Learned from Tim Russert: How ironic that in the past year, I found myself saying to myself, "Be like Tim Russert"; meaning, be objective, see all sides, make issues clearer, have a meaningful discussion and don't make it personal. Recently, I had the privilege to moderate the keynote address at the CRS which explored the red hot controversy of whether or not radio should pay performance rights. Before taking the stage, I'd hoped to channel Tim Russert. I received generally favorable feedback on the session in that my goal of airing out the issue and avoiding personal attacks appeared to have been met.

This past weekend, in watching all the tributes, I was inspired by how Tim Russert lived his life. This guy not only believed in teamwork, but practiced it. By being generous and giving to his workmates, he elevated the team, and himself. He mentored, yet still was able to accomplish his personal goals too.

As radio struggles to find it's way with changing technology and economic challenges, we can all take heart that we'll be OK if we approach our jobs the way Tim Russert approached his. Relentlessly seek the truth. Care about your co-workers. Give others credit and elevate your co-workers. Be prepared. Don't cut corners. And most of all, put family first. A good team will understand.

Nashville Star Debuts: There were some real potential stars last night. Ashley Hewitt looks and sounds like a Nashville Star. Pearl Heart (sister trio); Laura & Sophie; Gabe Garcia; and even Alyson Gilbert who almost got kicked off, scored in my book. Song selection was a bit odd with the emphasis on old Country and Pop songs like Bubbly. I'd like the music to be more mainstream and better representing our format.

Some of judges' dialogue seemed scripted, but I understand that. They're trying to develop a shtick together (not unlike a morning show would do). If that makes it more entertaining, more will watch. I think it's a great opportunity for the format, and I hope radio will embrace it better than we have in past years.

Where Radio Veered Off Course: A friend of mine, still active in radio, but no longer programming music stations has this thought about the current state of affairs. (He prefers to remain anonymous for obvious reasons):

"...the invention of VOICE TRACKING and NEWS OUTSOURCING caused radio to become a commodity not a local source of entertainment, news, talk. (When I programmed music stations) we did news. With a person and a half. It's just not news but "content" personality. Play lots of music but have a "human" element and a passion for the music. Country at least still does that. Gee, why do OLDIES stations still get ratings, especially in PPM after we told everyone the format was dead? Honestly only music I listen to on the radio anymore is NJ 101.5 on weekends. It's still fun. K-EARTH LA is good. Locally (in my market) there's nothing. Country at least still has a pulse."

I couldn't agree more that the passion and "pulse" of Country will keep us viable for a long time, as long as we don't starve our stations and our audiences. Keep feeding them, and they will pay us back in spades!!

These Artists Want You To Pay For Play: The "Founding (Country) Artists" of 'The Music First Coalition."

http://www.musicfirstcoalition.org/#/about/founding-artists/

Dixie Chicks
George Jones
Don Henley
Deana Carter
Brooks & Dunn
Big & Rich
George Jones
Gretchen Wilson
Hank, Jr.
Jewel
Jimmy Buffett
Kenny Rogers
Lyle Lovett
Lynn Anderson
Martina McBride
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Miley Cyrus
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Terri Clark
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
The Wreckers
Vince Gill

We've helped them make millions exposing their music on our airwaves. Now they want you to pay to play their music. What's wrong with this picture?

Would Eddy Arnold Have Wanted It This Way? I am pleased that Eddy Arnold got his posthumous release charted and made history by charting in seven consecutive decades. However, knowing the man, I'm not convinced HE would have wanted it this way (asking stations to play a song in order to make history). Eddy Arnold respected the notion that music and trends changed and prided himself on staying contemporary years after he DEFINED what contemporary meant in Country Music. What a testimony that he legitimately charted into the 90's! Either way, long live the legacy of The Tennessee Plowboy, Eddy Arnold!

ACM Awards 2008: Where's The Magic?: Last year's show was one of the best ever. This year, not so much. Was it the sound that so many have maligned? Or the awkward duet performance of George Strait and Kenny Chesney who rock when they sing solo? The program is produced by the very competent R.A. Clark. Yes, he's Dick's son (On a personal note, I went to college with him. We took TV classes together at Northwestern and he was always sharp). Radio was barely acknowledged. How hard will folks work in the future to win that award when the winners are basically ignored? No matter how Kenny Chesney spins it, he attacked his fans who made him Entertainer of the Year.

Putting my young daughter to bed, I missed the best moment: Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley paying tribute to Eddy Arnold. The Tennessee Plowboy would have been proud.

My suggestion: Start fresh and reexamine all aspects of this show and let's make sure that 2009 does us proud.
.

One Positive Aspect of HD Radio: Whether your for it or against it, there's one aspect of HD Radio that will ultimately benefit our industry. Experimentation. It's been lacking for a long time. Now, with HD, we can try new things. Witness the 24 Hour Psychic channel programmed by WYCD PD Tim Roberts. I think they may have something.

What's on YOUR drawing board? What fantasy format have you always wanted to try? Personally, I'd like to see more HD stations attempting to reach teens who are increasingly becoming disenfranchised with radio. The only hitch is that we'll need to make the radios affordable and cool. No small challenge.

Open Letter To Nashville Songwriters and Producers: Music sales are down. Less money is being made. I will let others hypothesize about how the buying habits of the music consumer are changing. It's convenient to blame technology. It's convenient to blame tightly controlled radio playlists.

Here’s the bottom line: The lack of sales is occurring now for a reason that has at least as much to do with the direction of the product as the changing technology.

It's really very simple. We have very little hit music to call our own. Most of the biggest hits lately are shared with other formats. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Rascal Flatts. Taylor Swift is a talent to be reckoned with for the next thirty years. Keith Urban; you’re sensational. You are HUGE part of our format.

Why then, is James Otto "Just Got Started Loving You" arguably the most requested song at Country Radio these days? The song touched a nerve with the Country core. It's simple; it's Country and you won't be hearing it on A/C radio. It's a stone cold smash that we (the fans, Country radio) can call our own.

My call to the best tunesmiths and producers in the world is this. Stop chasing the crossovers. Stop watering down the sound. Focus on the fans. Our biggest fans still buy CD's (of which your profit margin is higher) and you'll sell more of them more consistently if you take a cue from James Otto. Make great Country music. Is it a coincidence that Sara Evans biggest hit was "Suds In The Bucket?" Be Country. Have fun. We'll all make more money.

Programmers: Been To A Good Sales Seminar Lately? If you've been to a number of Country Radio Seminars, then you know that feeling "I've heard this before". While there were a lot of great sessions for programmers this year, I found myself drifting into the sales sessions. Not because I have any interest in ever selling a spot, but because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the sales departments our clients are going through, especially in light of today's economic challenges. Boy, did my eyes open widely. Check out the sessions for "Wish I Had Said That" ... "10 Great Sales Ideas" and "Overcoming The Challenges". To get the CD's, go the www.crb.org. The form is right on the homepage.

2008 Predictions:

Radio Begins To Figure It Out: Leadership is re-emerging in the industry. People like CBS's Dan Mason and Entercom's David Field will help expand our strong brands across multiple media platforms. And we'll better learn how to sell the new found cume the People Meter is bringing to the table. Wisely, we'll stop attacking the credibility of the ratings so that national advertisers will see that we are an accountable medium worth buying. The industry, while kicking and screaming, will embrace and work to improve People Meter.

The Clear Channel Deal Will Not Close: At least not in present form. Stock will plummet and the cuts we're seeing this holiday season will only pale to what's coming when then the privatization deal fails to happen. If the deal does close, look for a drastically reduced price. The same might be said for the Cumulus deal. Frankly, this is not good for anyone. I've long believed that radio would be a healthier industry if it was operated out of the glare quarterly Wall Street reporting allowing operators to make the investments needed to improve the business.

More Label Consolidation: If that's possible. Look for Warner Brothers and EMI to finally consolidate. Unfortunately, that will mean more lost jobs in Nashville. Elvis is still turning over in his grave over the BMG/Sony Merger.

RIAA Will Continue to Assault It's Costumers: In their infinite wisdom, they will find new ways to make it even more difficult for people who will actually spend money on music to do it safely and conveniently.

CD Sections at Wal-Mart Will Continue To Shrink: Have you noticed there are fewer CD's and more DVD's at Wal-Mart, Barnes and Noble and other stores that still sell music? We're moving toward a time when all music will be accompanied by a visual.

Attempts At Further Media Deregulation Will Fail: If there's one things that conservatives and liberals can agree upon it is that they don't want media controlled by fewer and fewer people. The public is in no mood to see more consolidation, and frankly, they do seem to care.

Radio Clutter Will Be Cut: By mandate in some cases and by demand (or lack thereof) in others. Either way, these forward thinking stations will sound better.

More Pop Artists Will Tell Us They Were Always Country: As Pop sales shrink, in an effort to save their careers, watch for more Pop artists going Country especially as they approach 40. I have no problem with that, but will have to draw the line if Celine Dion sets up shop in the Music City.

Nashville Will Also Begin To Figure It Out: Major and minor labels will figure out what upstart labels like Big Machine have figured out. There needs to be a new business model. All worthwhile media and platforms will be need to be used to sell and promote Country music. Radio will remain an integral part as the special relationship radio and "records" enjoys (while strained) will continue in different and exciting ways.

Are there problems? Of course. Solutions? Not always so clear. I remain optimistic that the excitement level for those who embrace the future and creatively "figure it out" will surpass anything we've seen in the past. Get on board and enjoy the ride!

Looking For A Job?

Unfortunately, this holiday season finds too many good people looking for employment. As one who spends a great deal of time wading through the talent pool, I'd like to offer some helpful suggestions for when you are sending out those all-important aircheck packages.

Do: On an aircheck, put your best stuff first. It sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many airchecks start with a thud. If you don't hook me from "hello" you don't have much of a chance.

Do: Include a professional picture. Video is becoming more a part of radio and how you look does matter. You don't have to be a model, but a professional photographer can capture you in the best light.

Do: Use your name in the file name you send. Do you know how many files I would have on my computer that are called simply "aircheck" if I hadn't taken the time to rename them?

Do: Run any letter you send through a spell checker. If this were obvious, I wouldn't have to note it here.

Do: Demonstrate your versatility. Sure, there may be one thing you're great at (i.e., being a morning sidekick) but let me know what else you can do in this age of multiple hats. The more skills you can enumerate, the more valuable you can be.

Don't: Start an email or letter by saying, "Your search is over!". While I appreciate self-confidence, you are not the one making that decision.

Don't: Be impersonal. "Hello" is not a way to start a letter. Address the person you're sending your package to by name. If possible, mention something that shows that you are in the know about the situation you are applying for.

Don't: Send only links. Ideally, give the person receiving the package the option to download the file or go to a link. I like to be able to save the good ones easily from an email rather than having to go through the extra steps in order to download files from a website.

Don't: Bad-mouth your last job or situation. Again, this may seem obvious, but always emphasize whatever positives you can from a situation you have just left.

Finally, I strongly believe that there are still good jobs, even great jobs, for those who have talent and/or excellent work ethics. Make 2008 the year you take your career to new heights!

Is There No End To The Stupidity? The RIAA is now telling you that you can't make MP3's of out of CD's. So let me get this straight. If I buy a CD, I can't make a copy of it to play on my I-Pod or MP3 player? If caught, I face a heavy fine and may have to give up my house? So they are going to penalize people who have plucked down hard earned money for CD's who put them into a more convenient format to enjoy the music they have actually paid for? Actions like these will only fuel the public anger discouraging them from going to legal downloading sites. Good luck with this one.

Radio's Future Is In Our Hands: One of the most positive articles regarding Radio comes from Advertising Age, which trumpets the future of radio, while outlining specific steps that need to be taken. This is must read.

Radio's Place in Advertising Ecosystem Is Local and Digital:

Click here to read the article

PC's Becoming Obsolete?: In Japan, PC shipments are down five consecutive quarters. Sales of mobile phones and flat panel TV's are up. Hitachi is shutting down its household computer business. More than 50 percent of Japanese send e-mail and browse the Internet through their mobile phones. How much of YOUR email is done on the smartphone?

The more a phone can do, the less we need the PC. If we want to see it, it looks much better on a 42 inch LCD screen.

What's going on here? We want to be connected anytime, anywhere.

How does this trend affect radio? Our brands must be available across the platforms where users live. Phones, PC's, even TV's. Why not simulcast our stations over the local community cable announcements? I'll save the more creative ideas for my clients.

Think distribution, or be left behind.

Why Country Is Down This Summer: In the 1992 presidential campaign, the Clinton brain trust used the expression, "It's the economy, stupid"; meaning the economy would drive the election. Where our format is concerned, "It's the music, stupid." It all starts there, no matter how great everything else is on your station.

This past summer, Country radio experienced a slump. Lon Helton's Country Aircheck reports 28 stations down with just 16 up in share. I believe that this is not because there is any inherent problem with the format. There were plenty of good songs, but there wasn't one "must listen" song in current rotation. And several superstars released less than stellar new songs that got immediate heavy airplay; suppressing the recurrent and gold play of established hits on most stations. No matter how great our stations sound, it's tough to overcome.

Combine that with the fact that the economy forces most stations to go on summer vacation where mass marketing is concerned.

The good news is that the fall will be better. There are reaction songs making their way up the charts, like Chuck Wicks "Stealing Cinderella" and the Billy Ray Cyrus/Miley Cyrus duet "Ready, Set, Don't Go". Kenny Chesney has his best single in years, "Don't Blink".

Let's hear it for a great fall for Country radio!

Why We’re Going To Be All Right: Once upon a time, radio was challenged by TV; Radio adapted and survived. Then major TV Networks were challenged by cable then satellite stations. They survived and adapted and today maintain the most eyeballs most of the time. Now the traditional radio dial is challenged by Internet, I-Pod, Satellite, cellphones and other audio sources soon to be video enhanced.

In spite of all the gloom and doom I read, I’m confident radio will survive and adapt to whatever distribution platform our listeners receive our programming on whether it's cellphones, Internet radios in the car, on the computer or in their dental work. And here's why: WE KNOW HOW TO DO THIS! And we will continue to get better at it. Our radio programming remains the most compelling of the audio mediums. Have you heard some of these Internet stations? You need No Doze to stay with them. And it’s not just radio people liking radio stations better than the public. The public by and large likes radio better when given the choice.

This is not to say that our future relevance is automatic. We need to distribute our programming on all the new platforms while continuing to build our brands in order to maintain and even enhance our relevance. But remember, no one can do this better than we can: Today’s radio professionals.

Bringing You Closer To Your Inner Cowboy: The beauty of Country music ... and Country Radio together is that for three minutes and forty seconds, you can be a Cowboy. You don't have to get dirty. You don't have to break your legs riding a crazy horse or a bull (I actually did this once, though my legs remained intact). You don't have to get up at dawn. But the music and the radio allow you to have the best part of the fantasy which is altogether American and altogether cool.

Get Over The Fear Factor: In visiting clients over the past few months in getting ready for the fall book, it occurred to me that one of the problems we face in the industry is we're not always making the moves we need to make when we're already successful. By that I mean, let's say you just had a number one book; but in your heart of hearts you know you need to upgrade a position on the station. You don't make that move because you just had a great book, but sure enough, NOT making that move very well may haunt you later. As inexact a science as Arbitron is (People Meter or Diary), we still have to have the courage to do what we think we need to do. Eventually Arbitron may get it right. I have found that over the years, if the strategy is right and it sounds right to your ear and gut, the ratings will come.

Why HD Radio Is Having Trouble Gaining Traction: Tom Taylor of Radio-Info.com quoted my comments at the Aribtron Consultant Fly-In last week. Here's his summary:

“We haven’t given them a reason to spend that hundred bucks” on HD Radio yet.

Consultant Joel Raab pipes up from the audience during Lenski’s session to observe that based on the focus groups and research he’s seen, listeners do understand the promos about HD-2 providing “the stations between the stations.” But they’re far less clued-in about what those stations can offer them. Raab says it’s easy to scan the format lineup for either satellite service. But for local HD2 – there’s a void. Then he makes that quote up in the headline: “We haven’t given them a reason to spend that hundred bucks” on a new HD receiver. Edison’s Joe Lenski had just said that “HD Radio is a concept not completely known to the public”, and that’s about as politely as you could possibly put it. The latest Edison study shows heightened awareness of HD. But the “increased awareness has not yet translated into higher interest in the product itself.” Raab’s point is that radio hasn’t marketed the advantages of the programming – not the hardware, but the content. And that’s even after all the promos for HD (I heard some for RadioShack, driving home from the Arbitron Fly-In). Only 6% of the study participants are “very interested” in HD. Another 23% are “somewhat interested.” But that’s still less than one-third of the sample: not good enough yet.