>From Gavin's site: Copyright Gavin News LISTENERS VOICE APATHY ABOUT RADIO'S RETURN FROM BLACK-OUT After a nearly six-month lockout, the National Broadcasters Association and the Air Personality Union are finally showing signs that the 145-day radio blackout may be coming to an end. After an intense weekend-long bargaining session, during which jocks and owners compromised on key economic issues, both sides seemed to be encouraged. Negotiators are scheduled to meet soon to further review their positions. The six-month dispute, which revolves around the question of how wealthy owners and air personalities will divide bilions in revenue, has left radio listeners feeling that the industry has sold its soul. The focus on money (by owners, the broadcast assn., and air personalities) has alienated listeners who turn to radio for intertainment. Tommy Colangilo, a longtime radio listener in Cleveland, is an example of impending fan apathy. "I won't listen when the stations sign back on, because I don't have the attachment to the music anymore. I just don't have it. The climate has become so money-oriented. I know it's a business, but to me, they've done something that might seriously affect the golden goose: the listeners. Believe me, I'll go on living." Last week, as owners and personalities began to move closer to an agreement that would turn radio stations back on across the country, a poll conducted by Gavin/creativeradio inc. indicated that average listeners don't care if the power is ever turned on again. Of 1,118 adults questioned about their level of interest, only 13 percent said they were "very" interested in radio, while another 26 percent said they were "somewhat" interested; 61 percent of the listeners questioned had a "lower opinion" of radio today than before the power was pulled. Perhaps the listeners just don't miss radio yet. Maybe the alternatives (tape and CD players in cars, TV traffic and weather reports, and the Internet) have filled the void. Statistically, radio listenership had been declining steadily in the last few years, and some analysts believe that the owners and personalities might have overplayed their cards."I think the general public, to a large extent, resents the owners and personalities who make a lot of money and continue to force more and more commercials down listeners throats," said one consultant, who wished to remain anonymous. For the rest of the article, click here: <A HREF="http://www.gavin.com/news/981204/blackout.shtml">News</A> Joe X. Horn Third Coast Music Network "One thing you can say about this Internet deal - it's bringing back the lost art of letter writing." Steve Earle
