Thanks for posting this betaylored!  When I first saw the length of the podcast with Terry Dimonte and Ted Bird, thought I would never listen to the whole thing.  But I did, and what a interesting and accurate overview on the state of radio today.  Really entertaining and I am sorry that I never heard Terry and Ted on CHOM.  Also like the way that for the most part these guys aren't bitter, and both have moved on, and still having fun. So many great stories. 
   

kevjo wrote:

Ted Bird hit it right on the money. If you want to find creative, locally-focused radio go to community stations or those owned by the smaller companies. they still understand what makes a winner in the long run.

There may be some hope for the radio business in Canada, both Ted Bird and Terry agree that the big guys like Bell, Rogers, Stingray etc. will at some point start to sell less profitable stations when they can't cut anymore.

This gives an opportunity for smaller radio organizations to buy some decent stations in medium and smaller markets.  This has been happening in the US with large chains like iHeart, Audacy and others selling or auctioning off properties.  Some of the big US conglomerates became unprofitable years prior to COVID and in some cases declared bankruptcy. 

This hasn't happened in Canada, and probably won't.  However with Bell, Rogers and the rest needing to show growth every quarter at some point they will probably look at selling some of their stations. The cutting and streamlining will run dry.  This will be a fantastic opportunity for some that truly love radio and see it still as a service to the community.  The smaller operators are not burdened down with performance models and expectations from shareholders, and head offices that apparently see no future in this business. 

Even though radio has lost some audience, there is still a lot out there and many opportunities to reach and hopefully grow listenership.  Just get back to what the medium has always done so well, be local, entertaining and know your community and who you are serving.  Give the audience what they can't get anywhere else.  If your station really acts like they want the listener, and the advertising, you will be very surprised at the results that will come!  You will also see that your success does not begin and end with national advertising. 

https://linktr.ee/terryandtedpodcast

The Terry and Ted podcast has officially launched. Here's the link.