On Wednesday, December 13, Future of Music Coalition released a quantitative, 152-page report of the history of radio consolidation called False Premises, False Promises. In honor of the occasion, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) attempted to discredit the release of an independent analysis—that is, one not written by the industry or its consultants—of the radio industry by distributing a pre-emptive press release that called our research "questionable" and filled with "dubious data".
Future of Music Coalition, on the other hand, believes that a better understanding of what radio industry data tell us will come through public discussion, with both industry and public-interest voices heard.
The NAB composed their press release in the future tense, telling the public what Future of Music Coalition "will claim" minutes after we published our report. In contrast, we have actually read and studied the points NAB offered in its pre-emptive rebuttal. Note that the NAB has not disputed our comprehensive account of the consolidation of radio ownership (Chapter 1 of our study) and the intense concentration in local radio markets (Chapter 2). But we would like to respond to their criticisms of our analysis of radio programming (Chapter 3), complete with citations to our new study, now available at http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/radiostudy06.cfm
First, it is commendable that the NAB celebrates increases in Spanish- and Asian-language programming. Of course, they did not offer arguments on behalf of what the Adult Contemporary, Smooth Jazz, and commercial Country formats are doing for programming diversity. Nor did the NAB mention that Classic Rock, Adult Standards, and Oldies grew more between 1996 and 2005 than any ethnically focused or urban-focused format. (See FMC Report, Table 3-1, p. 89.) This provides important context for their claims about enhanced diversity.
The NAB cites research in its press release that urges people to "'dig deeper'" into the data. (Scare quotes in original—can't say why.) So, when they trumpet the increases in ethnically focused programming, we will follow their lead and ask: okay, what kinds of station groups are offering those Spanish and Asian formats, small or large? The answer appears in Table 3-4 on p. 97 of our report:
As a percentage of airtime, small station groups offer three to four times as much Spanish-language programming than large station groups that are over or exactly at the local ownership cap.
89 percent of Spanish-format programming is offered by small station groups (i.e. those strictly below the cap).
75 percent of programming in the Asian, Korean, or Japanese formats is offered by small station groups.
If radio programming is offering more diverse programming, large station groups are not offering it—rather, the small station groups are doing so. So the NAB's policy argument has it exactly backwards. Why raise the caps to let companies get bigger if the smaller station groups are the only ones offering programming to be proud of? To encourage more ethnically focused programming for local communities, the FCC should foster small and noncommercial station groups.
The NAB itself admits that one of the top-ten markets in the U.S. by percentage of Asian-American population doesn't even have one station focused on Asian-language programming or Asian-community public affairs. That in and of itself is an indictment of consolidated, commercial radio's ability to serve the public. Looks like the Asian-Americans in Stockton, CA—who make up 12.7 percent of the population there—are just out of luck. None of the 82 stations broadcasting in Stockton—the 12 stations based in Stockton and the 70 other stations that reach Stockton from other markets—can be bothered to offer an Asian format.
Second, the misinterpreted data in the NAB's first three bullet points are based on their well-worn practice of simply counting up format names. Their analysis ignores an essential three-point argument for understanding how to measure the variety of radio programming formats accurately:
The NAB's faulty methodology treats the Rock/Classical/Jazz format as though it is a totally and completely different format from Rock/Jazz/Classical. Our methodology, on the other hand, breaks such formats into their component parts. (See pp. 85-86 of FMC report).
Our analysis reveals the variety of format names on commercial radio was barely greater in 2005, with 96 different names, than in 1996, when there were 92 different format names. The growth in format names actually trails the growth in the number of licensed commercial stations—a tiny 4 percent increase in format names from 1996 to 2005. Compare that to the 9 percent increase (over the same time period) in the number of commercial AM and FM stations on which these formats are offered. (See FMC report Appendix F, pp. 148-150, for the format data and Figure 1-2 for the growth in licensed stations.)
Moreover, as we have emphasized since our 2002 study, formats with different names often play very similar songs. Formats with different names, like Rock and Active Rock, can overlap by as much as 80 percent in terms of the songs played on them. (See FMC Report Table 3-5, p. 101.) So it is not informative to simply count the number of format names offered to the public and call that variety.
As for the NAB's final bullet point about urban radio, we would like to discuss what is really going on with those "urban-focused" formats. These formats may have a variety of names. But we would emphasize, citing Figure 3-7 on p. 100 and Table 3-5 on p. 101, that:
The Urban and CHR/Rhythmic formats overlap by 62 percent in terms of their top-30 most popular songs.
The Urban and CHR Pop formats overlap by 30 percent.
The Urban and Urban AC formats overlap by 27 percent.
Diversity doesn't just mean offering "urban" programming to urban areas. It means offering a wide range of songs from diverse sources. Culling playlists for Urban stations from national pools of songs—as demonstrated in Table 3-7 on p. 105 of our report—has not translated into localism or diversity.
In closing, the NAB’s Vice President of Media Relations, Dennis Wharton, had this to say about Future of Music Coalition:
"FMC's long history of producing questionable research and dubious data to fulfill its agenda-driven mission is apparent for all to see. As the BIA Financial Network study indicates, free local radio has more format diversity than at any time in its rich history. Moreover, with the advent of HD Radio, local radio will be providing more news, more music formats, and more public service for the 260 million people who tune in every week."
In response, we would note the following, again citing our new study:
If our data are "dubious," that's because we use data collected by, designed for, and purchased from the industry itself. Should the NAB, its members, or its consultants wish to begin making their expensive databases available to the public, to put industry researchers and public-interest researchers on the same footing, we would applaud such a development. (See our policy recommendations for improving public access to data on pp. 115-116.)
We have explained above that the increase in "format diversity" has been trumped up by naive and uncritical analysis. The analysis cited by the NAB sidesteps the issue of the extensive overlap among programming formats with different names. (See pp. 82-86.)
We welcome the improvements that may come with HD radio. But we predict that the real innovators with HD radio will be small station groups and noncommercial broadcasters. We say this based on our research of the past decade of programming, in which almost all the localism and diversity comes from smaller entities. (See pp. 93-98.)
Finally, we would note that the NAB has a "long history" of its own—a long history of refusing to debate neutral, independent researchers about radio consolidation in public. If the NAB or its representatives have questions about our research or would dispute our conclusions, we would be glad to debate them publicly, as we always have been. But we can say today that, based on our careful and thorough analysis of industry data, we have many reasons for concern about the effects of radio consolidation. Our new study, False Premises, False Promises documents them in detail.
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
