NEWS: NAB PRESIDENT SAYS ONLINE COMPETITORS TO TV & RADIO BROADCASTERS LACK "TRUE LOCALISM" by GRANT GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk October 2006

The president of the National Association of Broadcasters [NAB] in the US has criticised the broadcast industrys new digital competitors for lacking true localism and links with their communities. In a rallying speech entitled 'The Future of Broadcasting' made to the National Press Club in Washington DC, David Rehr admitted that broadcasters had inadvertently relinquished some of the excitement occurring in broadcasting to our competitors by not being more pro-active. He argued that new competitors such as satellite radio, internet radio, iPods, mp3 players and mobile phone providers do not have the history, business culture or experience to provide true localism events, news, weather the local link that has built the broadcast industry. Rehr noted that traditional broadcasters are seizing new opportunities in digital media and reported that US radio stations earned more than $200m last year from their online activities. He said that the NABs vision was broadcast signals on all devices, including on any gadgets yet to be invented, noting that Microsofts decision to include an FM tuner in its 'Zune' portable player to be launched next month demonstrates the continuing demand for traditional media. Rehr called upon broadcasters to talk up their products: As weve moved forward, we have allowed our competitors to create a false impression that they are more competitive with us and have a larger presence before the public than they really do. This misconception affects our ability to attract investment, as dollars, personnel and create momentum in the market place. We are obligated to set the record straight. He concluded: The bottom line is that broadcast television and radio are the overwhelming media of choice. And we need to continue to re-assert that reality in peoples minds.

[Submitted to 'The Radio Magazine', unpublished]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: NAB President Says Online Competitors To TV & Radio Broadcasters Lack "True Localism" 2006 Grant Goddard

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