Light at the End of the Tunnel?

To quote from MusicBiz.com regarding Clear Channel looking for a buyer:

"What would an equity firm do if they ever got controlling interest in Clear Channel's massive properties? What do most equity firms do? They break it into pieces to get the most bucks for their bangs. ...the mere notion of such a transaction proves one thing: You don't need legislation or ethical notions of localism to stop consolidation. It's just not good business anymore."

They are right, of course. I'ts just not good business anymore. And truth be told, it was probably never a good idea. It has led to an awful drop in programming quality and creativity. For the past 9 years or so, we've had to listen to the "experts" tell us that radio stations are like grocery stores. Further, if you didn't like it, get out of the business! But what they actually showed us was that you can't cost-cut your way to excellent entertainment. They could have taken a shortcut and read just about any modern book on business, particularly those by Tom Peters.

Look at GCAP in the UK. Capital's London ratings are down again. I'm lucky enough to be working with Heart, which is number one in London. While I never assume I play more than a token role in the success of my clients, I am delighted to see all the efforts they make to be excellent broadcasters. It is paying off for them. And I am trying to be part of the solution.

So maybe the fundamentals of business will begin to exert their ultimately unavoidable truths again. Maybe a thousand radio stations in the United States will be given a new mandate to be excellent or fail. If so, I for one will be dancing in the street. Sure, some of them will fail. But it is the daily striving for excellence that drew most of us to this business. We are willing to put outselves in front of the audience and say "love me" and "love my programming, my art". If they don't, we'll learn.We'll try again. I for one think it is just about the most fun you can have. I am watching events unfold, just as you are. And they are cause for a little bit of optimism.