Bob Pittman's Radio Kool-Aid Friday, January 21, 2011 By Jerry Del Colliano (My 2011 Media Solutions Lab is next Thursday.  To be included, register here). Bob Pittman is fast becoming the Jim Jones of terrestrial radio. The Kool-Aid Bob wants the public (and industry to swallow) about radio is very toxic.  In fact, more dangerous given that Pittman is the likely successor to Mark Mays as CEO of Clear Channel -- a company that I believe has plans that may become the story of the year by next year at this time. In this article, I am going to decode what Clear Channel is saying instead of what it will be doing: 1.  Deep denial over the 230 million listeners Arbitron says radio has every week.  The numbers are right but the conclusion is all wet.  But nevermind.  It is important that you buy it – for Clear Channel’s sake. 2.  Is Pandora a threat or not?  Pandora does have 75 million happy customers and satellite radio has 20 million.  Here’s the one thing Pittman wants you to forget about radio competitors like Pandora and Spotify.  3.  Do you know how much actual listening an Internet stream of a terrestrial radio station attracts?  You will and I’ll bet you’ll fall off your chair when you read it. 4.  The true hope for radio is not defending the status quo, it is this … 5.  The one gigantic hole in the media market for something radio can deliver right now.  Would you like to know what that is because it is something you can do if Clear Channel doesn’t want to?  And Clear Channel has other plans, as you’ll see. 6.   Clear Channel’s end game – not what you think it is. This article is about the methodical approach Clear Channel is taking to pave the way for what’s next – the new Clear Channel and probably a major change in the radio business. If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,100 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.  My Media Solutions Lab is next Thursday, January 27th.  To attend, register here. Read more at Inside Music Media Join Jerry's Study Group This year every attendee of the January 27, 2011 Media Solutions Lab will have the option of joining my Study Group to continue the dialogue for the next 12 months as a free benefit. I will post additional content from time to time on this media network and you can reply and join the discussion.  The Study Group is available only to paid registrants of my conferences and professional meetings. The one-day Media Solutions Lab includes my 10 predictions for 2011 that will critically impact radio, the music industry, new media and social networking.   I will also do a presentation on the importance of understanding generational media before making costly business decisions. In the afternoon, four Innovation Labs will be operating – you get to choose the one that fits your goals and participate hands-on. XM and Tribune Creative DirectorLee Abrams facilitates one group on “Creating New Content for the iPad”. Bonneville/WTOP executive Jim Farley leads “Inventing the Digital Station of the Future”. Public Radio/WHYY, Philadelphia’s Chris Satullo brainstorms on “Harnessing Hyperlocal Media” – the hot, new neighborhood-targeted local solution for radio, TV, publishing and online media. Former SoundExchange Executive Director John Simson conducts a think tank on “Ways to Live with Music Royalties” – critical to would-be streamers and users of music in new media. Breakfast, lunch and breaks are included.  This is a non-commercial event so no sponsors will bend your ear or influence the day’s content.  The Media Solutions Lab is supported solely by your registrations. You can’t afford not to attend if you plan on being part of music and media’s new direction that will unfold in the 12 months ahead. And don’t forget – the only way to become part of Jerry’s Study Group for the next year is to make the investment in your career and attend the 2011 Media Solutions Lab. If you haven’t already registered for the upcoming Media Solutions Lab at The Phoenician Resort Thursday, January 27th in Scottsdale, please check out the entire program and register today. You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to Inside Music Media Click here to unsubscribe or manage your account.