The Future of Radio Tuesday, February 15, 2011 By Jerry Del Colliano So much is happening in the media business right now.  Pandora and Facebook are getting IPOs.  Both will affect terrestrial radio and the record industry. Social networking has not only fueled a revolution in the music and media business but helped spread the word for democracy in Tunisia and Egypt. Electronic products were selling like hotcakes right through that miserable recession we hope we’re done with.  So I thought you’d like to know what I am seeing specifically for the radio industry in the year ahead. This piece focuses on … 1.  Consolidation – Did the Bonneville sale of 17 stations to Hubbard pave the way for more contraction.  It’s kind of interesting and not what you may think. I’ll get specific. 2.  The Cumulus Citadel takeover – is it possible?  Is it good?  What happens to radio either way? 3.  Local sales – This is the most important prediction I can make because the world of local sales is being pressured by online operators like Groupon and the proliferation of social networking sites.  I’ll tell you how much money Pandora is taking away from radio in its first year accepting local advertising.  You’ll want to sit down first.  I also have a solution that very few companies are using to bolster local sales but the ones that are using it are bolstering local sales. 4.  Morning shows – This year something major is going to happen with regard to local and live radio shows.  One way or the other, things will change.  Here’s the blueprint. 5.  Employment security – Are the layoffs over?  If not, which radio companies still have firing in their future. 6.  Social networking – What radio does not understand about social networking and what they had better learn soon. 7.  Online streaming of terrestrial radio – The missing link, the one thing radio streamers still don’t get. This article is about the evolving trends that are being observed now that will have a direct affect on the future of radio. 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.  Read more at Inside Music Media You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to Inside Music Media Click here to unsubscribe or manage your account.