COMMENTARY

By Tom Killorin of PlayNetwork 

http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/08/music-app-stats/
 
Data chase overload:  Try this, go here, test that…no-not-that…its 10 minutes are up! What you really need is the newest of the new, so throw away this first, then that and oops, "Here comes double-click, here comes ad dollars following your every move. Think they know you, they want to own you, building profiles all the while." Is following Santa-tech-fashion what you really want or need?
 
Could there be a better option of something local with significantly less data- mining from the dark lords of advertising lurking in the shadows? A free-form progressive radio-era slogan comes to mind: "Anyone can turn on the radio - but when the radio turns you on it's [insert call letters here]." Used to be commercial radio stations actually did turn us on to great music and information - a rare few still do. 
 
Now public radio is more capable of this by supplementing the terrestrial signal with streams and podcasts. Sure, play around…test the new-new online-every-minute if you have the time-time. The primary difference is the lack of editing and genuine localization the old school broadcasters (with new tools) do best. Most people understand and appreciate consistency, better than average content, and hassle-free ease of use is king. Ever-changing technology toys are great fun to be sure and chasing cool has always been a challenge.
 
Some technologists – when pressed – will cautiously admit the game plan is to emulate what radio does or used to do prior to the quarterly-profits Chase (pun intended) forever changing the media landscape. Others just like the game of data-based radio DJs for amusement. If they get really good at it maybe they will one day take classes on how to be become a non-automated, real, local, public radio person.
 

Tom Killorin is Manager of Music Services at PlayNetwork
Email: Tom Killorin