Keen On HD Radio

I have been a fan of Robert Earl Keen's since he first attempted to promote me to play his music on a radio station named KEEN (San Jose) back in the 1980's, when I was PD.

My experience was not unlike SXSW, which became a hugely successful entertainment event by dropping its role as an Alt.Country/Americana convention and becoming more mass appeal, diverse and mainstream at the same time.

I don't know what made the South-By-Southwest organizers take that journey, but I do know that Robert Earl pioneered something that is huge in night clubs all over Texas and his many proteges that have come after him but has rarely been mass appeal enough even in the Lone Star State to draw a large enough fan base of radio users to compete successfully with country radio stations simply playing the Nashville chart hits.

Propelled by a devoted and passionate base of lovers of his powerfully-creative, eclectic, indie music style, Robert continues to provide an important voice to the music scene, which makes me want to tip my (cowboy) hat in his direction for his latest promotional effort, an endorsement of HD Radio.

iBiquity’s partnership with Robert Earl Keen will build awareness of HD Radio broadcasting and promote Robert’s new album, Happy Prisoner. The program will include radio promotions and contests, as well as a trip for two to Nashville to join Robert Earl at his July 23, 2015 performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

“We are excited to continue to build the HD Radio Artist spotlight program,” said Mason Hunter, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships/Business Development at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).    “Robert Earl Keen is a stalwart for BMI and is an artist who has been consistently releasing outstanding music for over three decades.  His latest release, Happy Prisoner, is no exception. We are thrilled to have a partner in iBiquity Digital who recognizes his talent and ongoing contribution to songwriting. The HD Radio Experience delivers digital quality sound, unique content, and exposure to artists like Robert in order to enhance the experience of their listeners,” continued Hunter.

“Robert Earl Keen is a unique talent with a long history of making music his way, and his fans love him for it,” said Joe D’Angelo, Senior Vice President of iBiquity Digital.  “We are extremely proud to be able to work with Robert and look forward to bringing his latest project to radio fans across the country.”

OK, radio.  The ball is now in your court.  If you already have an HD-2 or HD-3 channel set aside for alt.country, Robert Earl Keen, BMI and iBiquity just handed you a free gift.  If you aren't using all of your HD channels now, it's a great time to begin.

BUT, don't do it if you're not prepared to aggressively promote it on your main channel.  Enhance your brand by appealing to the widest possible group of country fans.

Make the most of this forward-thinking move by radio's longtime friend, Robert Earl Keen!

A Blog Worth Echoing (Loudly!)

"History is littered with really good ideas, which for one reason or another (or many), just failed to catch on. And recent history suggests with the ever-rapid changing world of technology, the list of really good ideas that just came up short will probably be more populated. I wouldn’t be surprised if  HD Radio is on that list by the end of this decade.

"HD Radio Can Be Saved, If Someone Cares to Try."

  -- Matt Sammon

Click for 5 reasons why HD Radio has failed, and 5 reasons why it can rise from the ashes…

Internet Radio Listening Is Still Tiny, As Analog Radio Still Reaches 232-Million

Arbitron's just released "Infinite Dial" study says online listen to internet radio is dominated by young males and online audiences are still fractionally small, less than 1% of the total AM/FM audience. 55% are men, with 36% of those 18-34.

1855 participants nationwide selected from Arbitron's Fall 2006 survey were also questioned about satellite and HD radio, as well as usage of audio podcasting.

Awareness of HD radio nearly doubled what it was a year ago, but that awareness hasn't translated into much increased interest from consumers, with just 6% calling themselves "very interested" in the new audio medium.

Download the full report here.

Other hot stuff from the ARB news center: Radio Reaches 232 Million Listeners per Week, according to RADAR 93

Bridge's Dave Van Dyke: Interest In HDRadio Is "Lethargic"

"In June of 2006, Bridge Ratings conducted a study of radio consumers to gauge their awareness of, and interest in. HD Radio. At that time, 62% of the sample were aware of the term "HD Radio". In our just-released study, that number has increased to 72%! Good news, yes? Not when you look at other aspects of the study such as their interest to own an HD Radio.

"When you get a moment, visit our website to view this latest study which suggests that while millions have been spent to market HD Radio, interest levels continue to be lethargic. Bridge Ratings has reduced our full year projections for the number of HD Radios sold this year and through 2010." -- Dave Van Dyke

I wonder when...

1. We really do set some under 25 year olds loose to build some truly innovative programming for the side channels that will interest the Millenials?

2. We get serious about branding these channels and make them something more than 94.1-2, 94.1.3, etc?

3. We'll realize that satellite is spending millions of real money in all media for product placement and brand advertising and just running space available ads on terrestial radio won't compete?

Or, will we ever do at least one or two of these things? If not, we're in for a long, slow build.