Industry News

Michael Harrison Advises College Broadcasters to Cautiously Embrace the Artistic Potential of New Technology at IBS Conference

The 85th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference took place this past Friday and Saturday (3/1-2) at the Sheraton Times Square hotel in New York City drawing some 800+ student broadcasters, faculty, and administrators from campus stations across the nation.  TALKERS founder and multi-radio format pioneer Michael Harrison was among the event’s featured speakers. Harrison’s one-hour address titled, “The Next 10 Years of Media and Popular Culture is…?” brought up as manyim questions as it did answers about what young broadcasters entering professional media today should be prepared for in navigating the unpredictably turbulent waters of the next decade and beyond. Among the sweeping panorama of topics covered in his address, Harrison told the students, “When looking to the future, don’t be too sure that current events will follow a predictable script. There are always ‘black swan events’ that change the storyline and our expectations in an instant. Plus, there are multiple outcomes, possibilities, and forks in the road for almost every situation.” Regarding the current focus on artificial intelligence, Harrison advised, “All technology is a double-edged sword and AI will prove to be a particularly consequential one with both positive and negative implications. However, don’t fall into the age-old trap of thinking that productions and performances created or enhanced by new technology are necessarily ‘artificial’ or ‘fake.’ New tools not only create new art, they have an irrepressible influence on giving rise to new culture. The immediate years ahead are likely going to provide us with the challenging question of ‘what does it mean to be truly human?’” Harrison concluded, “As young broadcasting students in 2024 looking to make a difference in the world, be prepared to face the challenge of following your dreams, ideals and inspiration while confronting the harsh realities of making a living in a stressed environment of relentless change. We live our lives in this business at the dangerous intersection between art and commerce.”

Since its inception in 1940, IBS has been led by outstanding volunteers who are passionate about student media. Congratulations to Norm Prusslin, chairperson, IBS board and Chris Thomas, president, IBS as well as conference chairperson Shawn Novatt and the entire board upon the success of this year’s gathering.

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Pictured above is  Michael Harrison (c) with two key executives from Backbone Networks at the innovative company’s display among the exhibits at the annual IBS conference. Representing two generations of the legendary Capalbo family of radio groundbreakers are George N. Capalbo, CTO, Backbone Networks (l) and his son George L. Capalbo, marketing communications director, Backbone Networks (r).  They are the son and grandson of the late WRKO, Boston radio satellite innovator George J. Capalbo.

Industry News

Broadcasters Encouraged to Participate in United Nations World Radio Day 2024 on February 13

American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations, and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process. Find out more here. WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.

According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now.  American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13.  These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”

Industry News

Michael Harrison to Guest on Tomorrow’s Launch of Comrex Series, “Tech Talk Live!”

As reported earlier in TALKERSComrex is launching a new, live web series called “Tech Talk Live!” featuring Chris Crump, senior director of sales & marketing, as the host. The inaugural episode of “Tech Talk Live!” will be tomorrow, Friday, January 19 at 11:00 am ET. Andy Mikutta, sales director fromim Yellowtec, will be discussing new developments and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison will be chatting about the forthcoming United Nations’ World Radio Day 2024 set for February13. “Tech Talk Live!” can be streamed on YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live, StreamYard or the Comrex Facebook page. Harrison states, “I am delighted to participate in this important new program. Comrex is one of the driving forces supporting the amazing technological advancements of audio broadcasting and has been a tremendous friend of the radio industry for more than half a century. I am deeply honored to have served as executive advisor to UNESCO in helping design and organize this installment of World Radio Day and am grateful for the opportunity to talk about this year’s celebration and its theme, Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining. A simple way to view “Tech Talk Live!” is via the Comrex YouTube channel here.

Industry News

Broadcasters Encouraged to Participate in United Nations World Radio Day 2024 on February 13

American radio broadcasters are invited and encouraged by UNESCO to participate in the forthcoming celebration of the UN “World Radio Day (WRD) 2024” which, among a number of facets, provides the industry with the opportunity to create connections with colleagues around the globe to generate international interviews and co-productions. TALKERS readers can register their shows, stations and networks as being available for these connections and discover potential partners in the process by clicking here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/2024/register?hub=66636  WRD 2024 will take place on February 13.

According to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, who is serving as this year’s executive advisor to UNESCO for World Radio Day 2024, “The time to get your platform listed on the international map of shows, stations and networks is now, while it is relatively early.  American radio professionals, as well as campus station staffers, can schedule interviews/conversations – either live or prerecorded – with their broadcast colleagues worldwide to compare and contrast the history and role of radio in their respective countries on or leading up to February 13.  These shows can be simulcast on both stations or simply be one personality interviewing another. Simply register as being open to joint initiatives for the 2024 celebration, and fill out the form that will pop up if you, your station or network would be interested in partnering with others in this exciting process. Check regularly to see fellow broadcasters or partners who will keep registering between now and February 13.”

In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely utilized forms of media in the world. The theme of 2024’s installment of WRD is Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining and Educating. Harrison says, “Radio, as a technology, science, means of communications and system of programming audio elements, has roots all the way back to the 1800s… so it can be safely said that the medium is already well into its second hundred years of existence with its footprint spanning three centuries. WRD 2024 shines a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future.”

Harrison continues, “The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio begs to be trumpeted at full volume. The century is an occasion to proudly celebrate the medium’s extensive virtues and ongoing potency. It comes at an opportune time, as radio – though statistically popular and enormously trusted by the public – faces increased challenges to audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, pervasive social media, generational divides, the headwinds of censorship and, for some media, stifling consolidation-induced debt as well as economic hardships exacerbated by a soft advertising market. UNESCO is inviting the worldwide radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special and pivotal juncture in its century-spanning journey.”

WRD 2024 60-second vignettes 

In addition, broadcasters are invited to tap into preproduced “World Radio Day Minutes” – a series of 20 one-minute vignettes about radio’s past, present and future being made available license-free.  Platforms can run these commercial free as a promotion for radio or attach them for sponsorships by local advertisers.  The produced versions in English feature the voices of Michael Harrison and noted commentator Victoria Jones (of DC Radio Company).  Unvoiced scripts are available for broadcasters who choose to produce their own versions of these vignettes.  To hear and download these 20 one-minute produced programs and scripts please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/audios2024

13 ideas to celebrate WRD 2024  

Radio broadcasters are also being provided with 13 useful ideas to help them promote WRD 2024 that include ways to create sponsorship and promotional partnerships with their local communities.  These can be accessed by clicking here.  https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas

For more information regarding World Radio Day 2024 please click here. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio

 

Industry Views

What’s a “Bombshell” in a Noisy World?

By Michael Harrison
Founder
TALKERS

imWe live in an increasingly noisy world.  The accelerating advancement of media technology, with its accompanying “everybody is a star” syndrome, combine to make it increasingly difficult to get attention. By that, I mean real attention – the kind of attention that those in the professional media (and related) industries describe as “traction.”

Public conversation, as conducted in today’s media, has fallen victim to the noisy cocktail party syndrome. That’s what happens at social events, catering halls and froofy restaurants where the cruel combination of loud background music, echoey acoustics, and lots of small talk forces attendees to speak louder and louder and louder in order to be heard. The decibel count goes into hyper-inflation. People start screaming at each other saying nothing of consequence. Some folks deal with the inherent discomfort of this scenario by practicing the disingenuous (but extremely useful) art form of faking interest and understanding through confident smiling, eyebrow raising, nodding, grunting and saying innocuous phrases like “ha” and “there ya go” while others just keep on screaming.

Have you noticed how headlines – even when used by the editors of generally reliable platforms – have taken hyperbole to new lows of dishonest click bait in order to get attention?  Beware of two such words that are being spewed through today’s media to cut through the noise only to create even more noise in the process.  In the world of science, it’s “terrifying.”  In the world of politics, it’s “bombshell.”  These ratty words have infested our media sewers and should be avoided unless actually used in an honest and accurate manner.

Michael Harrison is publisher of TALKERS.  He can be contacted directly via email at michael@talkers.com.

Industry Views

UK Perspective: Shedding Light on DAB and International Radio with Podcast Radio’s Gerard Edwards

TALKERS founder Michael Harrison speaks with Gerard Edwards – the founder and CEO of Podcast Radio (podcastradionetwork.com) based in London, UK. Podcast Radio has shown tremendous growth since its launch less than five years ago and is heard worldwide with a menu of podcasts online as well as on air in the UK via DAB radio stations.  The company recently expanded its footprint into North America as a radio program content supplier. Harrison and Edwards take a deep dive into the state of DAB as a 21st century radio broadcast technology in addition to discussing a big picture view of the state of radio in general. Harrison describes Edwards as one of world radio’s rising young visionaries. Listen to the uninterrupted interview in its entirety here.

Industry News

Michael Harrison Appointed Executive Advisor to UNESCO for the UN’s Celebration of World Radio Day 2024

TALKERS founder and longtime radio programming pioneer Michael Harrison has been appointed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to the position of Executive Advisor for the 2024 presentation of World Radio Day (WRD), celebrated each year on February 13.

The theme of the 2024 celebration is Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating.  

Harrison issued the following statement: “In an era marked by the dizzying speed of technological innovation and the rapid obsolescence of one shiny new platform after another, radio is beginning its second century of service as one of the most dependable and widely-utilized forms of media in the world. WRD’s mission in 2024 will be to shine a broad floodlight on radio’s remarkable past, relevant present and promise of a dynamic future. The opportunity provided by the 100-year-plus milestone of radio along with the medium’s endorsement by the United Nations begs to be trumpeted at full volume. I am honored and invigorated at this delicate time in history to be able to participate in helping to celebrate this glorious, iconic medium on a global level.”

UNESCO has posted the following statement: “For many generations, radio has remained the most far reaching, easily accessible communication medium that informs and entertains all sectors of society. While in some regions it has been used to fuel hatred, divisions and conflicts, a lot of progressive legislation and regulatory mechanisms have been passed in many countries resulting in radio that broadcasts balanced news, programs and practices independent journalism in general.”

The statement continues: “Over the years radio practitioners have received training to improve their professionalism and adapt to changing editorial and ethical demands as well as technological developments especially radio’s incorporation into new popular digital platforms. Increasing access to reliable information and reaching audiences in remotest parts of countries in different languages, regardless of literacy levels, have been some of the greatest attributes of radio, still to be surpassed by any other media.”

Every year, UNESCO offers radios stations copyright-free material and suggests some ideas that radio stations could include following the annual themes decided by the WRD Committee, such as special radio shows and audios, open house, broadcast exchanges and increased listener interaction, among others.  Harrison will play a key role in facilitating these processes for 2024.

While UNESCO coordinates World Radio Day activities at a global level, UN member countries, through their radio stations and media stakeholders, celebrate the day in a variety of ways they see fit, including offerings of some optional 13 program ideas offered by UNESCO, information, news, audio and video resources every year.

Harrison will be reaching out to radio industry leaders worldwide to, as he says, “Do our best to raise awareness of radio’s ongoing importance and value and help the broader industry achieve that worthy goal, integrating into the new technology and social norms of this remarkable new era.”

Industry News

Outkick Celebrates YouTube Growth

Sports media platform OutKick announces that its YouTube subscriptions rose more than 140% from March to April 2023. Outkick also says it enjoyed a record month of video views on YouTube with 284.2 million – up 909% versus March 2023, according to Shareable. Additionally, the platform finished April 2023 ahead of itsim custom competitive set in year-over-year growth across multiplatform unique visitors, page views, and minutes spent, according to data from Comscore. OutKick delivered over 8 million multiplatform total unique visitors, up 394% year-over-year, 32 million multiplatform total views, and 36 million multiplatform total minutes. OutKick founder Clay Travis says, “OutKick continues to be the only platform that drives the sports, culture, and political intersection and that separates us from the rest of the field. Our authentic and unfiltered reporting across the board is unmatched which is a direct result of the significant increases we’re seeing every month.”

Industry News

Beasleys Honored by B+C Hall of Fame

Beasley Media Group late company founder George Beasley and his daughter, CEO Caroline Beasley, were among the inductees honored at the 2023 Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday (5/3) in New York City. Caroline Beasley (pictured at right accepting the honors) says, “It is very humbling to be aim part of such an outstanding class of inductees. The only thing better would have been to have my late father, George, by my side, to accept this incredible honor together in person.” Other inductees included Deborah Roberts, ABC News national senior affairs correspondent, and contributing anchor of 20/20, and her husband Al Roker, weather and feature anchor and co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today Show,” Matt Bond, chairman, content distribution, NBCUniversal; Ray Cole, president and chief operating officer, Citadel Communications; Frank Comerford, CRO and president, local sales, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships; Ray Hopkins, president, U.S. Networks Distribution, Paramount Global; Wonya Lucas, CEO, Hallmark Media; Soledad O’Brien, CEO of SO’B Productions and host/producer of “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien”; and Rachael Ray, TV food personality and host of “The Rachael Ray Show.” In addition, Jim Nantz of CBS Sports received the Lifetime Achievement Award and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was named the Iconic Series for 2023. Late past president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jim Thompson, was posthumously honored with the Chairman’s Award for his career achievements and tireless dedication to helping broadcasters in need.