Entrepreneur Michael Robertson has joined the ranks of those attempting to find a transformational business model for the radio industry.
Robertson, founder of MP3.com doesn’t think Pandora-like Internet radio will work.
He says no one is making money on it and royalty fees will doom it long-term.
Not mincing words, Robertson says, “Radio [as a whole] is dying because it’s inconvenient and limiting.
Robertson’s solution?
DAR.fm, described as web-based TiVo for radio.
Users can go to DAR.fm to search through the programming schedules of about 600 music and talk-radio stations around the country and schedule the site to record up to four hours of any broadcast.
The recordings, complete with ads and DJ chatter that users can fast-forward through, are then deposited into a user’s account that can be accessed from any PC, smartphone, or Internet-connected radio. (Bloomberg)
Like any new idea, it has supporters and detractors. Check out the review in CNET News.
Two good points for Christian organizations
I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Philippians 1:27
I’m not sure if TiVo radio is the best move for Christian radio. But, while promoting his new service, Robertson made two good points that Christian organizations should take note of.
One, content needs to be made available everywhere people are and on every device.
As we’ve reported before, world religions are forming large media enterprises to take advantage of all technologies and delivery systems to evangelize the United States.
If Christian organizations don’t get the true gospel of Jesus Christ onto every device, every apps platform, every content aggregation and distribution service, the other side will take those territories without a fight.
The second good point that Christian organizations should address is the idea of creating more opportunities for interaction around online content.
Digital technology has forever changed the way users interact with content. A content strategy is a conversation strategy. Building and maintaining engagement with online audiences will be core to a media organization’s existence.
When the content is the gospel, handling online conversations correctly will be increasingly important to the relevance of a Christian media brand. The salvation of souls will hang in the balance for many of those being reached.
Transforming the radio industry for the 21st century is a worthy pursuit. For Christian broadcasters, the transition is about continuing to be used by God for transforming lives. That’s a mission worth fighting together to preserve.