This is a verbatim post of the press release that the National Association of Broadcasters
issued before FMC released its study on December 13, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, a group called The Future of Music Coalition will
release a report claiming music format diversity on local radio has
decreased in the last decade.
The facts demonstrate a different story, according to BIA Financial Network
(BIAfn), a Chantilly, VA-based firm that analyzes the media and
telecommunications industries. For example:
The number of general programming formats provided by local radio stations
increased by 7.5 percent since 2001.
Markets of all sizes saw substantial increases in the average number of
specific programming formats provided, with an average 22.2 percent increase
since 2001.
Across all markets since 1996, the number of general and specific
programming formats has increased by 16 percent and 36.4 percent,
respectively.
FMC will make the claim that the 1996 Telecommunications Act has stifled
diversity and led to homogenized programming. The facts demonstrate
otherwise. For example:
In just the last six years the number of U.S. Spanish-language radio
stations increased by 45.5 percent. In 2000, there were 547 Hispanic radio
stations; today, there are nearly 800, providing diverse types of music that
include Mexican, Tejano and Ranchera;
Asian-language radio stations have also increased, demonstrating Radio's
ability to respond to niche markets. According to BIAfn, nine of the top ten
Asian markets (in terms of total local Asian population) have at least one
Asian-programmed station in their market;
Urban stations targeting the African American community have soared in the
last decade, with diverse programming that ranges from Urban/Talk, Urban AC,
Urban CHR, Urban/Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, and Urban/Gospel. Currently, 72.1
percent of African Americans in Arbitron-rated markets can receive three or
more Urban programmed stations compared to only 61.9 percent six years ago.
Over 52 percent of all African-Americans living in Arbitron metro areas have
four or more Urban programmed stations in their markets.
For an example of radio program diversity in just one market -- Washington,
DC -- click here to view the radio listings from a recent Washington Post.
In response to FMC's study, the following statement can be attributed to NAB
Executive Vice President of Media Relations Dennis Wharton:
"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."
Wharton will be available for comment following the release of FMC's study.
Excerpt: Study by BIA Financial Network, October 23, 2006
OVER-THE-AIR RADIO SERVICE
TO DIVERSE AUDIENCES
Executive Summary
Radio stations in local markets battle daily to attract and retain listeners. That competition is largely driven by adjusting and improving the programming provided by these radio stations to local audiences. Consequently, local radio broadcasters are constantly examining their stations' programming and evaluating opportunities to alter that programming in order to better serve their local communities, attract larger audiences and generate greater revenues.
Following passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, radio station owners began to provide more diverse types of programming to listeners. A number of previous studies have confirmed that the post-1996 ownership changes in the radio industry resulted in this offering of more varied types of programming to audiences.
One purpose of this paper is to update those earlier studies to see whether the trend toward greater programming diversity has continued. The results of this update clearly show that the trend continues:
• The number of general programming formats provided by local radio stations increased by 7.5% since 2001.
• Markets of all sizes saw substantial increases in the average number of specific programming formats provided, with an average 22.2% increase since 2001.
• Across all markets since 1996, the number of general and specific programming formats has increased by 16% and 36.4%, respectively.
Another purpose of this paper is to further analyze whether the terrestrial radio industry is providing additional services for diverse audiences and the total population as a whole. That analysis demonstrates increased services to different demographic groups such as:
• In just the last six years the number of U.S. Spanish-language radio stations increased by 45.5%.
• Over half (50.4%) of the Hispanic population in Arbitron markets have over-the-air access to ten or more Spanish-language radio stations, with more than three-quarters (79.5%) having access to six or more Spanish-language stations.
• Nine of the top ten Asian markets (in terms of total local Asian population) have at least one Asian-programmed station in their market.
• Currently, 72.1% of African Americans in Arbitron-rated markets can receive three or more Urban programmed stations compared to only 61.9% six years ago.
• Over 52% of all African-Americans living in Arbitron metro areas have four or more Urban programmed stations in their markets.
• Since 2000, the number of news/talk stations has increased by almost 21%.
• Nearly 71% of the total population in Arbitron metro areas have at least four news/talk stations in their markets, with 55.5% having access to at least six such stations over-the-air.
• Radio stations throughout the country are providing expanded services with very new and different types of programming, some of which are being provided on multicast HD radio signals.
After updating the previous analyses on radio programming and "digging deeper" into the data, one can easily see that radio station owners are expanding their offerings to serve a broad range of demographic groups. Local broadcasters clearly see opportunities in providing expanded services with new programming to the diverse audiences in their local communities.
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
