Countdown With Farid Suleman Monday, January 24, 2011 By Jerry Del Colliano Boy, would Keith Olbermann have a field day with Citadel CEO Farid Suleman, Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey and the hostile takeover attempt by the smaller, debt-ridden Cumulus or the larger, debt-free Citadel. Olbermann is gone just when The New York Times unearthed this dirty little hostile takeover story in our industry over the weekend. While Olbermann got screwed by NBC and Comcast days before the takeover (ya think Comcast didn’t sign off on his departure?), we in the radio business know a lot about screwing people and getting screwed. I know how the Cumulus hostile takeover of Citadel is going to end.  And in this article I am going to tell you.  And it’s not what you’re thinking.  It’s actually something you are probably not thinking.  I’ll bet you’ll be floored. Plus … 5 things that will happen next in Dickey’s attempt to be Lewis the Conqueror: 1.  How Suleman will make Dickey want it more.  You read that right – want to do the merger he is opposing even more!  2.  Dickey’s next counterpunch – the move to win the hearts and minds of the Spin Zone. 3.  How nasty it will get – I’ll be specific. 4.  Dickey’s tricky backroom deal to get Suleman’s attention and I want you to keep in mind that Citadel bylaws give Suleman the power to reject Dickey unless or until he is ready – if ever. 5.  The final outcome – the end of the long hello!  A pretty creative way to resolve what appears to be a standoff.  Want to know how I think it will all end?  Please be sitting. This article is about the biggest potential radio merger in history that would create a new powerhouse and pave the way for substantial changes in radio broadcasting heretofore unseen. 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.  What do you get when broadcasters, music industry and new media people get together in one place to focus on the consumer and get better?  That’s The Media Solutions Lab this Thursday.  More 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.