Jennifer Parsons
One look at the merger of Fox 61 and The Hartford Courant shows the world of broadcasting has changed in Connecticut a great deal since the Connecticut Broadcasters Association’s inception in 1955. Mergers seem to be the name of the game. Is there a future for small, independent broadcasters in Connecticut?
We believe so. Although we recognize that profitability may rest with necessary mergers, we know that small, independent broadcasting is the backbone of our industry. Back to basics — local, local, local. No other medium can offer the public that kind of immediate information.
How much has Connecticut’s film production tax break helped the broadcasting business in the state? Does having game shows and talk shows being produced in-state help people in your organization?
Specifically, the tax break doesn’t affect broadcasters. But it helps in a general sense in that if economic activity is increased in the state, this will lead to advertising growth. Revitalization of markets and bringing more people in with the ability to spend will help the media outlets in those markets with additional advertising revenues!
Does an all-digital world make broadcasting ultimately more accessible? Will the general public see more broadcast outlets because of the relatively low-cost digital revolution?
More accessible? Sure. The Web has made our products widely accessible. Through streaming, podcasting and the like we are able to expose our product in many more places. But the number of radio and TV stations will not be increased because of digital. The expansion of stations is controlled by spectrum interference considerations. From that standpoint, Connecticut and the Northeast are fully built out. However digital broadcasting allows stations to offer two to three additional channels on their main frequency which allows them to offer more programming choices. The key to growth here is good content and marketing new digital receivers to the public.
What does the future hold for employment in broadcasting?
We are dealing with the same kinds of economic challenges all businesses are facing: higher costs to do business across the board and lower revenues. We need to run our businesses smarter, cut where we can, and look for ways to generate new revenues. It’s tough for all of us. The future of broadcasting employment will be tied to the future of the economy in general. As the economy strengthens, employment will increase.
What is coming down the road that is going to revolutionize broadcasting? What technology is out there that people may not be aware of?
Cellular phone radio reception will be the next revolution. It is easy to engineer, and there already is massive cell phone use so it will get out to the public quickly. We would like to have all cell phones equipped with the technology that allows the public to take all over the air broadcasts with them. It makes common sense for entertainment, information and emergency reasons. Imagine, your favorite radio and television stations coming to a cell phone near you soon.
