amptramp
Well-Known Member
This news item from audioasylum should be alarming. I do most of my radio listening in the car and without the listenership in cars, the broadcast industry would go into a decline:
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/64/644274.html
It will be interesting to see if this actually happens or is being floated as an idea to see if there is consumer backlash. Free radio would be replaced by internet streaming for a monthly fee. Car manufacturers seem to be looking for an On Star type of business model with a monthly fee to be paid through dealerships.
So far, there seem to be a few opposing considerations:
1. Emergency broadcasts of the type used in Hurricaine Sandy or the more common tornado watches would not occur.
2. Local airport information which is currently on radio would have to be streamed.
3. Some areas don't get any internet.
4. Advertisers for local businesses would have to compete with advertising from all over the world.
5. Broadcasters have remained silent, but may mount a vigourous campaign if this threat appears to be real.
GM's research shows young people being uninterested in radio. So what is GM going to do about Buick? Older people do like radio and I have never seen anyone young driving a Buick. Its demographic may be even older than Cadillac.
Radios may return to being an option on a car, but this does not promote the business model they are looking for. Aftermarket radios are abundant, but if this change forces a lot of stations to close, the resulting implosion in stations and demand would be enough to kill radio. All radio. The home listener or the audiophile cannot support the industry without car radio to boost advertising rates. All our magnificent tuners may go the way of the 42 - 50 MHz FM band or television Channel 1.
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/64/644274.html
It will be interesting to see if this actually happens or is being floated as an idea to see if there is consumer backlash. Free radio would be replaced by internet streaming for a monthly fee. Car manufacturers seem to be looking for an On Star type of business model with a monthly fee to be paid through dealerships.
So far, there seem to be a few opposing considerations:
1. Emergency broadcasts of the type used in Hurricaine Sandy or the more common tornado watches would not occur.
2. Local airport information which is currently on radio would have to be streamed.
3. Some areas don't get any internet.
4. Advertisers for local businesses would have to compete with advertising from all over the world.
5. Broadcasters have remained silent, but may mount a vigourous campaign if this threat appears to be real.
GM's research shows young people being uninterested in radio. So what is GM going to do about Buick? Older people do like radio and I have never seen anyone young driving a Buick. Its demographic may be even older than Cadillac.
Radios may return to being an option on a car, but this does not promote the business model they are looking for. Aftermarket radios are abundant, but if this change forces a lot of stations to close, the resulting implosion in stations and demand would be enough to kill radio. All radio. The home listener or the audiophile cannot support the industry without car radio to boost advertising rates. All our magnificent tuners may go the way of the 42 - 50 MHz FM band or television Channel 1.