So, I start the year on vacation, which is in itself odd ... BUT why not? 2008 has more question marks for the media industry than any in a very long time. I'm not sure any of us are totally secure in our jobs and the secure with the companies we work for.
Mergers, terrorism, gas prices, election year weirdness, piracy, CD sale ... do I need to go on? I'm not pessimistic, just concerned.
What is the economic model for record companies? How is their slump going to trickle down to radio ... or will it at all? With all the technology around, how do higher tech cel phones, iPods, iPhones, HD TV and HD Radio fit in to how we all make a living?
A few sure things: 2008 will be great for Taylor Swift. The year is planned out already, and she's having pop success, too. Hot is not enough to say about her.
Keith Urban's worldwide star will have to shine brighter with his fantastically received concert tour. His sales will hopefully catch up to the live show.
Chesney will roll on again at some warm to very hot level. Tim and Faith go out, but not that much. Rascal Flatts have Taylor Swift has an opening act; how's that for predicting heat in advance?
The concert business has been a shining star this year as the CD sales plod along. The country folks still don't download and buy CDs; what's that about and for how long?
Gas prices (paid $3.67 the other day in California) have to hurt music sales at some point. This labor unrest in Hollywood is hurting already and 2008 will feel that pain. The actors are next, unless they got an early Christmas secret meeting to work out their union issues.
I am not going to get in a funk over this stuff. It's all happened before, for the most part.
Radio does need some need blood. Ever looked for a co-host to a morning show? We don't seem to be growing many young ones in radio. TV has more ditzy beauty queen anchors than ever before. Radio not so much.
We have some work to do in 2008. For the veterans, we must stay on top of trends and never get too comfortable. Reinvention better be the top and continuing priority. For the young folks, there is no substitute for hard work. Flashes in the pan are just that. You have to do your homework and put in your time.
Be it music or broadcasting, all those kids coming out of Belmont and going down to Music Row may be getting some frustrating news this year. Jobs are not growing on trees at the labels -- that IS for sure! If you do get in, see how hard you can work and cancel your personal life for a while. It will pay off.
I'm so happy for Charlie Daniels going into the Opry in a few weeks. Vince Gill getting Grammy's Best Album nomination is fantastic. Good guys can win!
Who saw Miley Cyrus getting this huge in 2007? Disney really didn't or they would have her in stadiums. You can rarely predict the future. That is the excitement of this business. The smart ones are often morons and vice versa.
Push to keep the jerks out and the honest, good folks in. We don't need anymore pretend-Country stars in 2008. The pendulum needs to swing a little more right and slightly away from pop, if that's possible.
Read Trace Adkins' book and Tivo for me his debut on "The Apprentice."
And if I hear "Kellie Pickler is a dumb blonde and we don't like that image for modern country music" one more time, I'm bringing her to your house and she will punch you in the NOSE! See, morons with jobs always amaze me in radio.
I am going to be a NASCAR fan this year, too ... and I can't wait for Indy; already have my 500 tickets. The new Batman for 2008 looks cool, too. Lots to do and I'm going to have more fun this year.
I hope you all win the lottery and make a million or more in 2008!
Happy New Year!
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