Carrying the Lantern

This article by Corey Deitz talks about challenges to traditional radio; satellite radio and podcasting in particular. If you consider the iPod as a listening device similar to a radio, the numbers are worth a second look. What they reveal is interesting, but what they cancel is vital.

First: 5.4 million, 22 million, 48 million.

Second: the first two numbers are growing. The last is shrinking.

And what do these represent? In this order: satellite radio subscribers (total of XM and Sirius), American adults who own iPods or MP3 players, Clear Channel listenership. How long has radio been at it? Podcasting? If your career depended on traditional radio would you be worried?

If not, you deserve what you get. If so, better start paying attention to the root causes of why your listenership is steadily flipping these numbers upside down.

But what is concealed? Money; business models. Here the traditional businesses have a huge lead. Not that I want corporations to invade the podcasting business and suffocate it, but money talks. As I've said before, I'm enjoying podcasting as much for the journey its on as for its education & entertainment value.

Just a thought.

- Posted by William A. Riski - 10:39:41 PM - comment []