Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> Commercial Radio to fill the gap? http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1437831040 Message started by Administrator on Jul 25^th, 2015, 1:31pm

Title: Commercial Radio to fill the gap?
Post by Administrator on Jul 25^th, 2015, 1:31pm

Once again Bill Rogers brings this to our attention:-

This is about Myers Media..

"In 2011, (John) Myers has reviewed efficiencies at BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, 1Xtra and 6Music. In April 2011, he assumed his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Academy for a one year term. He’s the President of hospital station Radio Tyneside and makes occasional appearances on the Sky Newspaper review. His most recent report for BBC Management was on the operation of BBC Local Radio, published in February 2012"

Here, (John Myers) writes....

The two biggest (Commercial Radio) groups, Bauer and Global, are banking more than £50m in gross annual profits between them. Yet, outside of the brilliant LBC and TalkSPORT, many would struggle to hear any of that cash being invested back into the important bit – the bit between the songs.

Instead, the industry has focused its efforts on providing low cost popular music services rather than investing in rich and more expensive content that may have challenged the BBC’s dominance more effectively.

In my view, this has resulted in commercial radio becoming a poorer, blander and more predictable listen than at any time over its 40 odd year history. Even the much trumpeted D1 is music or brand extension driven. D2 promises to be different.

Commercial Radio

None of this is intended to decry what they do, quite the reverse. It is a hugely successful and fills an important role, one that attracts millions of listeners. Local content is still delivered offered differently to the way it once was. Nothing stands still forever.

Certainly, there is little sign of market failure and so they are right to ignore those pompous fools who suggest there is. The regulator has few complaints.

It has to be said though that the current direction of commercial radio only highlights the very distinctiveness of the BBC. Knowing what we know, anyone who thinks commercial radio will fill the gap in a diminished BBC is either drunk or deluded.

Title: Re: Commercial Radio to fill the gap?
Post by Annual Increment on Jul 26^th, 2015, 11:04am

Quite frankly, selective sponsorship advertising is the only long term solution unless evidence emerges that people are happy to pay?