TV & Radio Remain Some Of Few 'Free" Entertainment Choices

Dec 13, 2008 by Mark Maier

Interesting thoughts from Bill Jacobs and Jacobs Media in his latest blog post "The Cheapest Common Denominator" ,  Satellite Tv, Satellite radio, I-pods, they all come with a cost either in subscription services or in the time to download, but terrestrial and online Radio as well as broadcast TV remain some of the few remaining forms of entertainment that are free....

"All of these subscriber-based services cost money.  Yet, terrestrial radio does not, and that remains one of its key selling points during this unprecedented economic tsunami.  Few things in life (that are any good) are free.  Douglas Gomery, the emeritus professor of journalism at the University of Maryland, notes that in rough economic times, two winners -- at least should be television and good old terrestrial radio.  For the same reason that low-cost providers such as Wal-Mart (the lowest prices) and McDonald's (dollar menu items) appear to be weathering the economic storms, it stands to reason that, ?TV and radio will both do well during a deep recession," according to Gomery.  He goes on to state that ?A poor economy is not likely to be kind to satellite radio services XM and Sirius ? even as merged.?

In recent months, radio stations have faced tremendous cutbacks in all areas, but the expectation of viable entertainment every time a consumer punches up a station hasn?t waned.  That, coupled with the fact that radio is arguably the best free media proposition, means that broadcasters must maintain a level of quality and consistency, even in difficult economic times.  And while staying positive is a challenge, it's a must."

What caught my attention is some liners Bill threw together that you could place on your property today...

?WHO says the best things in life are free?  WE DO ? Rock 102, always on, always rockin?, and always free.?

"Cost of a new iPod?  $299?

?Cost of four tickets to a Lions game?  $200 and unending aggravation.?

?Cost of going to a movie with the entire family?  $50.

?Cost of listening to Rock 102?  Not a dime, though if you?re inclined to send us some money, we?ll gladly take it.?

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