Where is radio going?

With the regular news about satellite radio, digital radio, ipods, and streaming, I regularly get questions about the directions of the radio industry. Is it on its way out? Will it be viable medium to reach consumers? I am going to disclaim every comment after this point by saying, "I am a farm boy from Kansas that just reads a lot."

Ipods.--I think this is much more of a threat to our music industry. I believe the people who will use this industry were probably buying CD's and tapes and weren't listening to radio any more or less than they are now.

Digital Radio--WOW. CD-quality-sound, flee, over the air on FM or AM. Unlike digital TV, it is fairly inexpensive for broadcasters to implement, BUT, there are few receivers out there, YET.

Satellite Radio--One of the companies, Sirus or XM, is going to prevail. Again, I don't think it will affect good radio stations. If the station was offering all satellite feeds, and little or no local programming, they might be hurt.

Streaming--Big changes here over the last five years. FIRST everyone saw a chance to make more money by charging huge licensing fees. THEN the industry got realistic on licensing costs. SO now there are some getting back in, BUT I don't think streaming is a strong revenue (if any) for almost anyone.

My conclusion: If you are a radio station serving the needs of your community, you have nothing to worry about. BUT, if you have been skimming the profits from your community and giving nothing but noise over the air, you should be concerned. Noise can be found almost everywhere.