MediaVoice BLOG #3

This week, the other Black Crows, iPads and Fearless Fred. Ok, so my first quick story isn’t about Multi-media but it is of major importance. Well, it is if you live near crows. We do and crows can be a major pain. Stay with me… there’s a multi-media connection to this. This summer I built a big swing-playground set without plans and it’s actually quite a monument. It’s been so popular that about 5 crows make a point to land on it daily and drop their crap everywhere. Twice in the past month, I’ve had to ascend to the upper platform with a pressure washer and that was enough, the crows had to go. I searched the internet to no avail to find any real solution for deterring crows from landing, except for $495, I can install a Sonic Boom Cannon. However I doubt my neighbours would appreciate that. I did read they tend to avoid things that reflect like shiny ribbons but try finding shiny ribbons that will last more than a week in our strong winds. So, I started thinking and here’s my Multimedia solution. So far it’s worked beautifully, CD’s. CD’s are becoming obsolete and I’ve already transferred my entire library to hard drive. Want to get rid of Crows ? Take a CD, drill a small hole near the edge, then using 30 lb fishing line, tie the CD where it can swing freely in the wind. Yes, it works! The crows haven’t touched down anywhere near them..and I have to admit, the sight of spinning discs dancing on the wind looks pretty cool too. It’s been 2 weeks and not one crow has landed anywhere near Joy’s Play-Set.

I’ve never hidden the fact that Radio is undergoing some incredible transformations but the newest paradigm shift that’s clearly now in sight is going to leave many way behind the pack if it’s not brainstormed, welcomed and embraced at the earliest point. This afternoon in the midst of 30 degree muggy sunny skies I found myself outside in the backyard doing yard work while at the same time listening to an internet based radio station. No power cords, totally mobile and the fidelity near CD quality. I recently started using a WIFI powered iPod Touch and I have to admit, this device is totally cool. It continues to amaze me at how subtle the long armed reach of Apple has permeated our lives. It’s actually a bit scary when you think about it. Only because they have done it so quietly and effortlessly by studying the market, watching others fail and then stepping up to the plate with a media solution that generally grand slams the ball right out of the park. What’s next as the iTunes juggernaut continues to advance…. I’m guessing it will be the Apple iPad. Bigger than an iTouch, smaller than a notebook and capable of storing all your favorite books, websites, Audio and Video content. Just imagine, every College or High School textbook downloadable from iTunes on your very own iPad. So what does this have to do with Radio? Think about it. The iPad has all the makings of far surpassing the popularity of both the iPod and the iPhone and it has the potential of becoming THE main mobile portal for entertainment and information. If you’re not online and that means supplying a whole lot MORE than simply a streaming audio feed…you’re going to be left behind. Watch and listen as the American consultants begin singing this chorus. This advice right now is free. It’s coming and you can count on it. Online multimedia and online LOCAL content will be king..and Radio needs to step up fast (as Bill Spurr-Dog always used to say) in a HUGE way. Not later... but sooner. Don't get me wrong, I love radio... and that's exactly why Managers and Programmers within the industry need to brainstorm, research and move on this immediately. Up until only a few years ago, and for too many years, Radio has largely ignored the internet. Big Mistake....Huge! To remain a spectator with basically just an 'Audio Stream' is simply not an option.

Finally this week, I‘d like to send sincere congratulations to NSCC RTA Alumni, a good ol' Valley boy and Horton High School graduate 'Fearless' Fred Kennedy. Fred began hosting the Drive Show on one of Canada's most powerful and influential Radio stations this week at the EDGE in Toronto. You did it. And Fred you deserve all the credit. To think it all started in the B wing at Kingstec and as a Radio intern at what was then CIGO, now Bob MacEachern's HAWK 101-5 in Port Hawkesbury. Way to go Fred. You told everyone you would do this many years ago.. and you did ! Oh and you have to check out this Radio Promo video, here is Fred doing what he does best arriving in TO. It's Klassic Kennedy !

I welcome your comments...and as always, thanks for reading.

David '0db' Bannerman