Thinking About Radio

I don't really know how much good it will do but I made a comment to the FCC about the proposed relaxation of the media ownership rules. For over a decade proponents for further deregulation of the media ownership rules argue that they will fair better if the regulation regarding cross ownership is removed . They(broadcasters) claim that they are losing money and to survive they need to own a radio station, newspaper, and television station (1996 Deja Vu).  In their arguments for deregulation, I have not seen or heard of any benefits to the people who own the airwaves? Will there be better programming, competition, employment, and ownership opportunity? Evidence (media consolidation) shows exactly the opposite, no benefits to the people who actually own the airwaves. Not to mention that the largest radio company in America is owned by a private equity firm. It seems that the FCC (For Corporate Control) only cares about the broadcasters making more money and the public not receiving a better service and  space for new voices (minorities and women) to be heard. You can read my comment here..... http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7022092170.

It was amazing as broadcasting colleagues in Chicago related to me their new found awareness of the broadcasting industry "man you told us about this stuff happening in radio was going to happen" referring to the nationwide lay-offs of several radio staffers and personalities by the media companies.  I shrugged my shoulders and said "Amen." 

If we are not vigilant on media ownership, the African American community will find that there will be no messages brought to us by us. And that is a very scary reality to our culture and a threat to our voice in this democracy. Another sad reality is that several high ranking African Americans in the industry know of certain things and are powerless to do or say anything about it.

Many displaced radio personalities have relocated to the Internet. And many people claim the Internet which is marvelous levels the media landscape but I wonder about that claim. If that were so, why isn't the industry running to the Internet and giving back the frequencies? And why isn't the law being changed to move broadcasters toward Internet Broadcasting? Well the Internet has limitation as far as simultaneous listeners. Now my commentary is not intended to start a war with Internet broadcasters however, the reality is that it takes a tremendous amount of "bandwidth" to have as many simultaneous listeners. And "bandwidth" is costly. A radio "transmitter" is cheaper and can serve 6,000,000+ listeners at the same time.

I think the LOSS of LOCAL voice is the WORST tragedy in the African American community or any community for that matter. DJ personalities were once "somebody" in the community! Now a DJ is ? Well hell even I don't know. 

I was at a party with the family and "Pandora" the automated music service was playing. Ah the music was okay but Pandora could not feel the people in room. I took out my computer and hooked it up and the first song I played ROCKED the house. Before the night ended folk was asking me to do their parties. Talent cannot be programmed into a computer.

And my last point, I was listening to a syndicated show and after a few minutes I got so mad that I turned the radio off in the car off. Chicago has had over 500 murders (deaths), and the host of the syndicated show was focusing on something not remotely related to the Chicago Area. With that I quit listening and decided it's time to fight for what I want hear on radio and stop consuming the menu that the broadcasters serve. If "radio" does not show some concern for the people of the immediate community they serve and provide local content I won't  listen anymore. And the advertisers need to know that too... They are the ones that control radio...

Happy New Year...

PS if you have not seen the Documentary CORPORATE FM -- Get the DVD 
http://www.fmfilm.com/

Something Good In The Hood

Congratulations to Dennis Snipe who was recently named interim Station Manager/Director of Operations of WKKC 89.3 FM that's good news coming from the hood. Mr. Snipe is a Kennedy King College graduate who was instrumental in developing "Knowledge Quest" a radio program that featured participation from Chicago high school students. Knowledge Quest exposed students to community college life and broadcasting. Dennis is an outstanding individual, announcer and radio host who also created a public affairs radio program entitled FOCUS TALK  that dealt with issues of the community.  Dennis whom I have known for nearly 3 decades is in my opinion the right person at the right time to lead WKKC FM. His history with the station and most of all dedication to the students makes Mr. Snipe the right choice in my opinion.

WKKC FM, Kennedy King College and the Communication Program has been major part of the Englewood Community over 40 years. Many great talents walked the halls of Kennedy King College. The former Speech, Broadcast and Theater program was the catalyst for the launching of several careers including my own both in radio and as a professor. The Theater Department can lay claim to a sitcom, "Room 227" which was a play written by former student Christine Houston.  Ms. Houston is now a professor at Chicago State University. You can create a who's who of students from WKKC FM who have excelled in media.  There is a WKKC alumnus working at many stations in Chicago regardless of the format.

What makes Kennedy King College and WKKC FM awesome is the access to quality training, instruction and faculty that care at an affordable price.  Although the industry of radio has changed and the job pool is shrinking a college program that offers access to a "live" on the air station with hands on training offers one of the best advantages towards a career in boradcasting. According to a very knowledgeable source, an education that provides real world experiences and theory will give students interested in broadcasting a leg up in the industry. Technology has changed radio tremendously and students with a degree will be looked at and those without a degree will be eliminated from the list of applicants immediately.

What made WKKC FM one of the Best Community College radio stations in the nation was the focus on students and the community it served. The format was eclectic, flexible and featured variety. Faculty participated in the programming. Students learned the art of broadcasting in a  free form setting that was structured. No, I am not suggesting a backwards movement to the "old days and the old ways". I am suggesting encouraging, empowering and training students to be all that they can be in the new paradigm of Social Radio. Challenging students to be innovative in broadcast and critical thought while at the same time broadcasting in the public interest. -a powerful challenge- I wish you well !!!

Professor Miles.