The Bob Pittman Effect - Eric Rhoads - MediaBizBloggers

Plus an exclusive interview and a special announcement

I've known Bob Pittman from when we were newbies in radio at a very young age. We've been friends, have stayed in touch over the decades, and have spent time at one another's homes. I can remember sitting in his office at WNBC in New York when he told me he was going to leave to start MTV. Of course, I told him no one would ever want to watch people sing songs on television. So much for my vision. Radio is about to enter a new era. I'll call it the "Pittman Era," and, if you pay close attention and follow his lead, we may see radio soar.

How is it that one man can make that much difference? Bob Pittman is to radio what Warren Buffett is to Geico and the other companies he invested in. Bob is a nationally respected superstar CEO, and when he jumps into radio at a time when others are not, he's signaling that there is big opportunity for this industry. Already, on his first CNBC interviewafter his new post at Clear Channel Communications was announced, he's signaling a new era.

Though Pittman is on board as the new chairman of media and entertainment platforms for Clear Channel and though Clear Channel will be the biggest beneficiary, make no mistake: Bob understands that the best way to lift his own company is to lift the tide beneath all ships. As a result of Pittman's coming into radio, you'll very rapidly see new private equity money and new advertisers coming into this business. Mark my words.

When I received a call from Clear Channel this morning and they said Bob Pittman had requested that his one interview with a radio trade publication be with me, I was excited. I know Bob well enough to know that he never enters anything unless he knows he can win, and win big -- his own Pilot Group is a radio investor. He'll transform Clear Channel, and lead the transformation of radio. The Pittman factor is very real. He's investing his own money in Clear Channel, and that sends a signal that there is great opportunity in radio. I also know Bob is a big believer in the core values that build great radio stations: talent, entertainment, local community involvement, and great people. This is great news for our industry.

Eric Rhoads Radio Ink

PS: Bob spoke exclusively with Radio InkMonday afternoon; see my interview with Bob here. Pittman to Keynote ForecastClear Channel's new Chairman/Global Media & Entertainment Platforms, Bob Pittman, will present a keynote address at Radio Ink's Forecast conference, where the industry gathers to learn about what's ahead for the coming year. If you've never heard Pittman speak, you'll want to attend this event to hear his vision for radio and what radio can do to leverage its brands into the digital era. Forecast is set for December 7 in New York, and less than half of the seats remain, as we limit attendance to 200. Join radio owners, CEOs, executives, investors, operators, and advertisers for Pittman's historic speaking debut as a Clear Channel executive. Call 561-655-8778 to register, or register online at www.radioink.com/forecastsummit.

B. Eric Rhoads is CEO of Streamline Publishing, Inc. Rhoads writes regular columns for his publications and is an active blogger in the radio and art industries, including Radio Ink Tank, Artist Marketing, and Blue Chip Gallery Marketing. He is an active speaker, consultant, and advocate in the radio, art, and technology industries, and he sits on a number of advisory boards. Eric can be reached at eric@RadioInk.com.

Read all Eric’s MediaBizBloggers commentaries at Ink Tank with B. Eric Rhoads - MediaBizBloggers.

Check us out on Facebook at MediaBizBloggers.com
Follow our Twitter updates @MediaBizBlogger