The Justice Department has approved the merger of the two satellite radio companies, Sirius and XM. Now the FCC must okay the deal, which is likely. I don’t know what this will mean for consumers — I don’t subscribe to either service — but I do know that it means fewer jobs, a subject I’m […]
Consultant Fred Jacobs says radio has a design problem: The NAB’s quest to stop the satellite radio merger has been well-documented, and perhaps will ultimately be successful. But the bigger threat to broadcast radio is on the inside — turning around perceptions that the medium is out-of-step with consumer tastes and desires. It starts with […]
Drew Carey will become host of “The Price Is Right.” Howie Mandel does “Deal or No Deal.” Bob Saget is in the midst of “1 vs. 100.” Joe Rogan plays on contestants’ “Fear Factor.” Jeff Foxworthy asks “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?” Clearly, if you want to host a game show these days, […]
As a followup to my column, “Putting the F in FCC,” I invited FCC Commissioner Michael Copps onto my show this afternoon to discuss several issues. We discussed the notion of broadcasters “serving the public interest” (I asked him if airing “American Idol” qualified), whether it’s the government’s business to regulate content, his reaction to […]
My friend Mark Evanier in Los Angeles asked on his blog today why Dodgers games on the radio are now out of sync with the live event: Is it being done intentionally to discourage people from listening to Vin Scully on the radio while they watch the game at the stadium or on TV? I […]
Here’s that audio from KDND/Sacramento on the day that Jennifer Strange died after drinking too much water during the morning show’s “Hold Your Wee for a Wii” promotion. After hearing this, Sheriff John McGinness has reopened the case, directing his homicide detectives to look into whether criminal charges should be brought. The radio station fired […]