Introduction to the Symposium on Canadian Radio Research

There has been a dramatic shift in the philosophy of broadcast regulation. After decades of managing the local radio market structure with policies of ownership regulation, Congress and the FCC have mandated policies of ownership deregulation. This study examines the effect of deregulation policies on the small market radio industry. Recent research has explored issues of radio market structure and performance in larger markets; however, few studies have examined the impact of policy in smaller markets. This study analyzed 52 metropolitan statistical areas with populations less than 125,000. The study used regression analysis to identify the effect of deregulation on the number and type of radio owners in the small markets. Overall, the results revealed that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 had a dramatic impact on the number of local radio owners in the small markets.     

The State of Spanish-Language Radio

This study focused on the ownership, programming, and competition patterns of Spanish-language radio stations in the top 50 Hispanic metropolitan areas. Data were collected from industry resources and measured a variety of variables, including ownership type, concentration, and format diversity in these Hispanic radio markets. Overall, the results indicated moderate levels of ownership concentration in these markets, a degree of format differentiation within the local Spanish-language radio industry, and some degree of competition among Spanish-language radio stations.     

Effects of Local-Market Radio Ownership Concentration on Radio Localism,the Public Interest,and Listener Opinions and Use of Local Radio

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and ensuing radio ownership consolidation are often blamed for harming radio localism and the public interest. The present research sought to determine effects of local-market radio ownership concentration on listener opinions and use of radio—potentially indicative of stations' localism and public service—by surveying listeners in markets categorized by ownership concentration. Findings suggest concentration does not strongly influence perceptions; however, overall results indicate potentially negative consequences from local and national consolidation on amounts of local music, news, and public-service programming; live-local programming; and station responsiveness.     

Localism and All-Sports Radio

All-sports radio became a natural byproduct of the informational radio trend of the 1980s. It originated in New York and other large markets. Although it originated as a large market format, today there are dozens of sports radio stations on the air in markets large and small, with many major markets supporting more than one sports radio station. This article analyzes all-sports radio in a medium market, Peoria, Illinois, the 150th largest market in America. National sports networks provide an essential connection to big league sports in Peoria, but coverage of local sports is valuable in establishing a brand identity.     

The Politics of Playing Along: Radio and Regulation in Democratic Europe

The loss of localism has been a common trend in most radio markets in Europe and the United States. Deregulation of ownership led to a concentration phenomenon that has affected local radios in several western democracies. New forms of regulation have been considered as possible ways to stop the erosion of localism by applying rules to markets in the defense of diversity, pluralism, and the local dimension. This article analyses the local radio market in Portugal, by assessing the changes in the legislation and by examining the regulatory action that can, according to its remit, act preventively to avoid market forces to harm these principles.     

Financial and Strategic Management of Successful Local Radio Stations in Finland

This article explores the factors that contribute to the success of local commercial radio stations in Finland. Although the average station loses money, a few stations are profitable, and this study explores the reasons for their success. The study found that successful stations were less dependent on national advertising, spent less on major costs, and were more productive than the average station. It also found that successful local stations target older audiences, dominate their local radio markets, and have clear formats and a strong local orientation. Nearly all the differences result from choices within the scope of managers or in positioning and marketing strategies that are within the scope of management.     

Radio and Localism: Has the FCC Dropped the Ball?

Although no news of the FCC task force initiative on localism came forth between 2004 and 2006, members of Congress have taken an interest in the effects of localism in radio broadcasting. This interest can be attributed to the view that radio consolidation has minimized local radio service. As well, satellite-delivered radio has begun to encroach on local radio as it now provides traffic and weather updates in selected metropolitan markets. This article investigates the status of radio and localism, an issue that affects listeners across the nation.     

James W. Seiler of the American Research Bureau

This article explores the contributions of one of the pioneers of ratings research, James W. Seiler, the founder of the American Research Bureau (ARB), the forerunner of Arbitron. Seiler and his small management team filled a small but productive window of time as the youthful ARB rode the crest of a giddy but short-lived success during the ‘50s and early ‘60s. The ARB was responsible for a number of leaps in product design-including popularizing the diary method, first for television and then radio, extending the number of weeks of measurement from one to four, measuring all U.S. T.V. markets at the same time (known as sweeps, which was to lead to first extended measurement of TV viewing beyond metropolitan areas), and using the first meter to capture audience viewing in real time (called Arbitron). It emerged as the key competitor against the Nielsen service in the battle to measure the local market for television until it withdrew from TV measurement in the ‘90s. Arbitron's success led it to monopolize the measurement of radio audiences, a position it currently holds.     

Youth Radio Listening in New Zealand: More Choice,More Listening

This study found that in the 1O years since the near total deregulation of the New Zealand radio environment, the number of available youth- oriented radio choices has increased in three of the four markets examined, while the variety of choice increased in all markets. Results also showed that 10-17 year old 7ime Spent Listening (TSL) had increased significantly, contrary to trends in overseas markets, but growth was restricted to areas where the number of outlets had increased. It was evident that at least two of the promised benefits of deregulation (increased listener choice and increased listening) were justified. However, it did appear that there was an order of impact as a function of market size, with listeners in larger markets benefiting before those living in smaller, less revenue rich areas. Such growth was dependent on the financial success of commercial operators. It was concluded that the full effects of deregulation take time, particularly with reference to less commercially desirable markets, but there were warning signs that the impact could be selective and restricted to markets that can assist operators in achieving financial growth and profitability. It was suggested that countries considering changes to broadcast policy could learn from the New Zealand experience.     

The Internet as a Small-Market Radio Station Promotional Tool

The combination of radio and the Internet has been solidly documented as a cross-media success for many advertisers. However, to what extent does the medium itself share in this success as it utilizes the Internet as a promotional tool? Even less is known about radio and the Internet in small markets. Based on a survey of industry experts located at radio stations in markets ranked loo+, this paper examines current promotional executions as well as explores possible future opportunities that small-market radio stations are considering as the Internet continues to grow and change.     

Distinctiveness of Public Radio in the Age of Digitization

This article examines the distinctiveness of the public broadcaster offer in the roll-out of digital terrestrial radio across 25 European markets. Distinctiveness was measured through the number of services and the diversity of genres provided by the same broadcaster on analogue-only, simulcast and digital-only stations. The results illustrate which public broadcasters have made an effort to provide exclusive digital services and which genres are being preferred in digital. As a whole, the research provides useful insights into the role of public media as drivers of digital radio and technological innovation.     

Uneasy Listening: Pacifica Radio's Civil War. Cambridge,U.K.: Black Apollo Press, 2006

This historical account examines the Federal Communications Commission's investigation and hearings into newspaper ownership of radio stations. The hearing, which lasted from 1941 to 1944, were the opening round in what has proved to be a long‐term concern of the commission—cross‐media ownership in local markets. In the years since the newspaper hearings, the FCC has held to its decision to police cross‐media ownership case‐by‐case with the goal to avoid local monopolies. FCC ridings blocking cross ownership have been argued repeatedly, but the commission's authority has been upheld. Thus the hearings had an important result: The FCC reasserted its responsibility to ensure ownership diversification of broadcast stations. The hearings set the stage for future action by the FCC to police cross ownership, action that has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.     

What Makes a Good Radio Remote: Factors Leading to Perceived Cost-Effective and Well-Received On-Site Radio Promotional Sales Events

In the US., the on-site radio remote is commonly used to generate listener interest in the station and the client. Factors that were most important to stations, businesses, and audience members were studied in five radio markets. Investigators attended 30 remotes, collecting usable responses from 432 attendees of remotes, 31 radio station personnel and 74 businesses. Results suggested that Location, Product, Giveaways, and Station Personalities were most important to having a successful radio remote.     

Who Needs a Terrestrial Signal? Internet Audio Streams Make Waves in Two Kansas Radio Markets

Among American audio listening options is live streaming, and it is becoming a major component in the competitive local and national marketplace. While “playlist generators” like Spotify and Pandora have been well covered, little attention has been given to individual entrepreneurs who are using streaming as a means of attracting audiences and advertising dollars. This comparative case study provides a contrast in the business models used by two former broadcasters who are using streams in lieu of terrestrial radio signals to compete in two Kansas markets.     

The journal of radio studies: An introduction volume II

The advent of Internet-delivered radio made possible through streaming technology promises to confront the industry with new challenges. Although computer-mediated radio promises to open new markets and revenue streams, this latest technological miracle also has the potential to further fragment audiences and create new competitive demands. This study surveys 50 Delphi panelists to ascertain the top operational challenges promulgated by this technology and offers some recommendations for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the arena of streamed radio.     

CULTURE CLASH

International media training has become popular in post-New Order Indonesia. Educational organizations have focused on training radio journalists, reflecting the accessibility of radio stations across the nation. This study investigated the training effectiveness and consequent adoption of Western journalism practices in the context of Indonesian radio journalism. Five focus groups were conducted in five Indonesian cities with distinctive media markets, populations, and city sizes. Findings illustrate that the adoption and dissemination of training materials were made more difficult by the widely differing values and backgrounds of journalists as well as a lack of funding from radio stations.     

Individual differences in on‐air television and radio personalities

This study examined on‐air television and radio newscasters' traitlike communication dispositions. Television and radio personalities were found to be less apprehensive, less shy, less responsive, more assertive, more willing to communicate, and more extroverted than the average individual. The study also indicated that individuals working for higher paying/ranked television or radio stations/ markets are more willing to communicate, more extroverted, more assertive, less responsive, and less shy than those in the same field working at smaller, lower‐paying/ranked stations.     

Media Democratization at the Crossroads: Community Radio in Thailand and Malaysia

Community radio can serve as an important national resource, giving local voices access to media and providing an alternative to mainstream broadcasters. This study examined the status of community radio in two contrasting settings: Thailand where community stations number in the thousands and Malaysia where community radio has so far not been allowed. Although Thailand's community broadcasters started their operations without formal authorization, successive governments have not taken action to force their general closure. However, steps to create a legal status for them have moved at a sluggish pace. In Malaysia, authorization for community radio stations seems never to have been seriously considered even though public groups have expressed enthusiasm for the idea. In both nations, political considerations have been major factors governing the slow development of policies for community radio.     

Credibility of Radio News

This study used a statewide sample of 400 Alabama residents to analyze the relative credibility of local radio news, as compared to local television and local radio. The results indicated that local radio news has a level of credibility that is lower than that of local television, but is comparable to that of local newspapers. This finding confirms previous studies that have noted that media consumers tend to have a higher regard for television than any other news medium, but this difference was not as dramatic as those reported by studies that have used forced-choice questions. Local television is indeed more credible than local radio news, but not dramatically so.     

Measures of concentration in the daily newspaper industry

The author argues that the amount of circulation controlled by, and number of papers owned by, major newspaper firms does not provide adequate measures of economic concentration. The study measures the national newspaper market and thirty local markets using various concentration ratios and finds that all markets surpass the levels of concentration normally associated with monopoly.