December 10, 2024 • 14 mins
"I'm really interested in seeing the latest and greatest with AI, and it's across the entire operation — not just content, but in the back office, where we can streamline our operation and become more efficient."
That's what excites Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley the most about her attendance at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2025, in Las Vegas.
What else is top-of-mind for the leader of a radio station ownership group with properties in markets such as Detroit, Boston, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Boston?
"It would also be irresponsible if I were to go all the way out to CES, with all of the Auto out there, and not look at the latest trends since Auto is one of our largest platforms that we distribute content on," she shares in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, in a fresh conversation with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.
That's what excites Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley the most about her attendance at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2025, in Las Vegas.
What else is top-of-mind for the leader of a radio station ownership group with properties in markets such as Detroit, Boston, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Boston?
"It would also be irresponsible if I were to go all the way out to CES, with all of the Auto out there, and not look at the latest trends since Auto is one of our largest platforms that we distribute content on," she shares in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, in a fresh conversation with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
This is the RBR TVBR in Focus podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Here's your host, Radio and Television Business Report Editor in
Chief Adam R. Jacobson.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Hello, and welcome to our podcast which is presented by
dot fm, streaming the social podcaster broadcast to get at
dot fm Domainame heading over to get dot fm today
and today speaking with Caroline Beasley, the CEO of Beasley
Media Group. You know that company, and Caroline, along with
several other people from key companies in the broadcast media industry,
(00:42):
will be at a special cocktails and conversations at the
CEES twenty twenty five event, which will take place in
early January in Las Vegas. We'll give you all the
details at the end of this podcast, but I wanted
to begin the conversation by talking a little bit about
some of the key topics that you think Caroline will
(01:04):
be first and foremost when it comes to broadcast radio executives.
I know that AI is still a very very hot
topic and that is just very broad so when it
comes to things that we're thinking about in twenty twenty
five and the CEES gathering, is there anything that you
have your eye on already when it comes to generative AI,
(01:27):
when it comes to how AI can power things both
coming out of the speakers and both in the front office.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Or back office or just across the entire operation. Just
wondering what your thoughts are.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yeah, I mean, I'm really interested in sting the latest
and greatest with AI, And as far as what you said,
it's across the entire operation, not just content the back office,
you know, where we can streamline our operations become more efficient.
Really interested to see, you know, how AI has improved
(01:59):
over the last year and what new products potentially are available.
In addition to that, you know, we're always looking for,
you know, are there any new digital offerings that would
be available that we could potentially offer our customers or
make our content more attractive to our audience. And then finally,
(02:22):
you know, I think that it would be really irresponsible
if I were to go all the way out to
CEES with all the autos out there and not look
at the latest trands and auto since the auto is
one of our largest platforms that we distribute content on.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Of course, because certainly we're hearing from a lot of
people about how CEES is now an automotive show more
than anything, because the electronics in the automobile is evolving.
Every time we seem to have a conversation, it's like
every week there's something new. And the DTS Auto stage
product in particular is something that has excited radio for
(03:01):
the last couple of years. What can you say about
the visualization of radio, especially with all these screens that
are coming to these new vehicles, that makes the way
radio looks perhaps more important than ever and it's one
hundred year history.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, I mean, look, I think that's really really important.
And you know, of course we use the product Q
and their slogan is to make radio look as good
as the sounds, and you know, we're a big fan
of that product. So I think that, you know, to
the extent that we can compete with others that are
on the dashboard and look as good as they do,
(03:38):
then I think that that is a necessity for our
industry going forward.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Yeah, there's certainly a lot of conversation about that with
jen Ai in particular. Is there anything else that's generating
some buzz that you've been hearing about when it comes
to cees or just technology in general.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
As the radio and.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Television business reports, there's a lot going on with the
TV side of the business.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
But we'd love to.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Hear something as far as radio we're streaming, or anything
on the ground that you've been picking up over the
last couple of weeks or months.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I mean, I think pretty much what we have
already spoken about. I am really interested to see how
AI can you know, continue to help us generate content,
whether that's audio content which we are testing and utilizing
in one of our markets, or editorial content and and
(04:33):
even video content. How that has improved over the years.
So I think that, you know, as we're able to
generate more content utilizing AI, growing our audience, then that
will generate the opportunity for potentially more revenue streams, which
we are all interested in that, you know, given the
(04:56):
way that traditional business is, you know, kind of flatlining.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Will the Cocktail Conversation event at the Capitol Girl schedule
for Wednesday, January eighth, right in the heart of CES
is definitely going to be a great way for people
in radio and some in television to gather and experience.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
The latest innovation and technology.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Now, from what we've heard in the past, it's great
because we hear stories from attendees and their experience could
be entirely different than perhaps.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
Yours or any of your other colleagues.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
So this is an event that's probably sponsored by Beasley
Media Group, along with Q and Xperry Ben'stown, the Creative,
Skyview Networks and Co. For the first time, and Streamline
Publishing's Radio Inc. And the Radio and Television Business Report.
How important is it to have this gathering because again,
(05:49):
cees can be extremely overwhelming, But to have all of
the people in radio in one room talking about their experiences,
how valuable is that?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Well, I think that's very, very valuable. It gives of
the opportunity to collaborate and you know, really discuss what
we've seen and what our thoughts are and how we
can potentially utilize some of this technology that's just rolling out.
And you know, two minds are better than one, I
like to say, and so I think it's a really
(06:19):
big opportunity. And you know, if you're not taking advantage
of it, then I think that's an opportunity. Miss Caroline.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
I know that there's a lot of excitement about being
in the car, and being in the car, as we've
heard in recent days from Serious x M, is more
important than ever for them because quite frankly, they haven't
been able to get their app and their streaming to
where they want to go. And we here at the
(06:49):
Radio and Television Business Report say, well, gee, maybe that's
because radio is so good and it's not getting it's
just desserts. Because they're are so many people that we
know are streaming via an app or they're smart speaker.
We see that data in Nielsen Audio results. What can
you say going into twenty twenty five about what your
(07:13):
stations in particular are going to be doing to further
grow their presence through the smart speaker or other digital means,
and how that will also help in terms of the advertising.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Yeah, so we're going to continue to reach out to
our audience and engage in them on various digital platforms,
whether that be editorial content, newsletters, social media, whatever. And
you know, our goal is to continue to grow our
overall audience and engage with them, provide them content that
(07:48):
they're really interested in, and I want them to be
able to come back to our sites or you know,
look forward to receiving our newsletters or you know, listen
to our stations on line or over the air, you know,
with great excitement. And that is our goal going into
(08:08):
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
So before we wrap up the conversation about ces and
cocktails and conversation, I would think Caroline, that the conversation
in Las Vegas will also focus on what's to come
in twenty twenty five in Washington, d C. Just weeks
after CEES, we will see a change at the White House,
a change at the FCC, a change on Capitol Hill
(08:31):
with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC.
This is all generating a lot of excitement behind the
scenes at broadcast media companies, and I'm wondering if there's
been any conversations at Beasley Media Group in terms of
what's to come. Could it be deregulatory action, could it
be sooner rather than later. What's the vibe and what's
(08:55):
the conversations that you might be having already.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
On There are a number of conversations that we're having
internally about this. But you know, with a new FCC,
you know there is a great potential for further deregulation
within our industry, which is greatly and greatly needed. Right.
I mean, we're competing with Meta, We're competing with Google.
(09:17):
Who has you know, really who have no regulation in
terms of, you know, where they can operate, where they
can distribute their distribute their content or anything like that.
And we're limited to five fms in a market at best, right,
so uh, in order to and and those are the
folks that we are competing with on a day to
(09:40):
day basis, more so than other radio broadcasters. So it's
our hope and our desire that you know, deregulation happens meaningful,
deregulation happens within this industry. I think that that will
bring new investment opportunities into the industry and and really
(10:01):
just give us a kickstart that you know, we really
need as an industry.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
The Cocktails and Conversations event is r s VP only.
If you are going to be in Las Vegas and
you do wish to attend this event Wednesday, January eighth,
twenty twenty five, from five thirty pm to seven pm,
please send an email asking for an entry to Chelsea C. H. E. L.
(10:30):
S E Y at Vcreativeinc dot com no later than Thursday,
January second to twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Please. This is at the Capitol Grill. It is a
VIP only event. Do you have any other thoughts?
Speaker 1 (10:42):
About what's to come in twenty twenty five or any
thoughts in terms of technology and what could still be
down the pipeline, but is already gaining at least attention
inside your company.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Yeah, so, Adam, I think that you know the technology
that we're looking at against AI technology, cloud based technology
where we can become more efficient. We're testing different solutions
today right now, they're not ready for a live time
and I'll be ready and hopefully available to speak more
(11:18):
about that sometime next year. But it's really becoming more efficient,
more streamline, and then of course always focused on their content.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Just one last question that really is somewhat for referral
to what we've been talking about, because Beasley Media Group
does have properties in key markets such as Philadelphia and Tampa,
Saint Petersburg, Boston, and Detroit. It's certainly been a tremendous
year for the Detroit Lions, and I'm hoping somehow, some
(11:51):
way the success to the Lions will bring added revenue
success to the station's in Detroit. What can you share
a little bit about your presence in Detroit and how
it's just part of this great renaissance and really, you know,
just what the vibe is right now and how your
radio stations are such an integral part of a community
(12:12):
that's really in the last several years just been flourishing.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Look, there is a great amount of excitement with the
Detroit lines. I wish that we had the play by
play with them. That Odyssey has that, and I'm sure
that they're doing really really well with that. But you know,
this year, what we're trying to do is really to
take advantage of some of the uh mail periphial dollars
(12:39):
if you will, that you know, correspond with the excitement
around the Lions. So we've been successful in doing some
of that, and you know, my hope is that they
continue to succeed. And you know, I think that's been
official for the city and for everyone who lives in
(13:00):
that area. On the flip side, you know, we've got
our New England Patriots that we are the flag chef
of and they have some work to do and my
hope is that, you know, they'll continue to improve in
the upcoming years.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Well, thank you so much, Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley
Media Group, for taking time out of your day to
speak with us here at the Radio and Television Business Report.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
It is certainly welcomed in.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Hopefully you'll have a great time at cees and at
the cocktails and conversation reception as well.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
With that, we thank you for tuning into this radio
and television business report and focused podcast. It was presented
by dot fm, streaming social podcast or broadcast. Get a
dot fm domain name by heading over to get dot
fm today from the Streamline Publishing headquarters in Boca Rito
in Florida, I'm Adam R.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Jameson for this focus podcast.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
We'll see you next time.
This is the RBR TVBR in Focus podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Here's your host, Radio and Television Business Report Editor in
Chief Adam R. Jacobson.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Hello, and welcome to our podcast which is presented by
dot fm, streaming the social podcaster broadcast to get at
dot fm Domainame heading over to get dot fm today
and today speaking with Caroline Beasley, the CEO of Beasley
Media Group. You know that company, and Caroline, along with
several other people from key companies in the broadcast media industry,
(00:42):
will be at a special cocktails and conversations at the
CEES twenty twenty five event, which will take place in
early January in Las Vegas. We'll give you all the
details at the end of this podcast, but I wanted
to begin the conversation by talking a little bit about
some of the key topics that you think Caroline will
(01:04):
be first and foremost when it comes to broadcast radio executives.
I know that AI is still a very very hot
topic and that is just very broad so when it
comes to things that we're thinking about in twenty twenty
five and the CEES gathering, is there anything that you
have your eye on already when it comes to generative AI,
(01:27):
when it comes to how AI can power things both
coming out of the speakers and both in the front office.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Or back office or just across the entire operation. Just
wondering what your thoughts are.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yeah, I mean, I'm really interested in sting the latest
and greatest with AI, And as far as what you said,
it's across the entire operation, not just content the back office,
you know, where we can streamline our operations become more efficient.
Really interested to see, you know, how AI has improved
(01:59):
over the last year and what new products potentially are available.
In addition to that, you know, we're always looking for,
you know, are there any new digital offerings that would
be available that we could potentially offer our customers or
make our content more attractive to our audience. And then finally,
(02:22):
you know, I think that it would be really irresponsible
if I were to go all the way out to
CEES with all the autos out there and not look
at the latest trands and auto since the auto is
one of our largest platforms that we distribute content on.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Of course, because certainly we're hearing from a lot of
people about how CEES is now an automotive show more
than anything, because the electronics in the automobile is evolving.
Every time we seem to have a conversation, it's like
every week there's something new. And the DTS Auto stage
product in particular is something that has excited radio for
(03:01):
the last couple of years. What can you say about
the visualization of radio, especially with all these screens that
are coming to these new vehicles, that makes the way
radio looks perhaps more important than ever and it's one
hundred year history.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, I mean, look, I think that's really really important.
And you know, of course we use the product Q
and their slogan is to make radio look as good
as the sounds, and you know, we're a big fan
of that product. So I think that, you know, to
the extent that we can compete with others that are
on the dashboard and look as good as they do,
(03:38):
then I think that that is a necessity for our
industry going forward.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Yeah, there's certainly a lot of conversation about that with
jen Ai in particular. Is there anything else that's generating
some buzz that you've been hearing about when it comes
to cees or just technology in general.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
As the radio and.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Television business reports, there's a lot going on with the
TV side of the business.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
But we'd love to.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Hear something as far as radio we're streaming, or anything
on the ground that you've been picking up over the
last couple of weeks or months.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Yeah, I mean, I think pretty much what we have
already spoken about. I am really interested to see how
AI can you know, continue to help us generate content,
whether that's audio content which we are testing and utilizing
in one of our markets, or editorial content and and
(04:33):
even video content. How that has improved over the years.
So I think that, you know, as we're able to
generate more content utilizing AI, growing our audience, then that
will generate the opportunity for potentially more revenue streams, which
we are all interested in that, you know, given the
(04:56):
way that traditional business is, you know, kind of flatlining.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Will the Cocktail Conversation event at the Capitol Girl schedule
for Wednesday, January eighth, right in the heart of CES
is definitely going to be a great way for people
in radio and some in television to gather and experience.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
The latest innovation and technology.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Now, from what we've heard in the past, it's great
because we hear stories from attendees and their experience could
be entirely different than perhaps.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
Yours or any of your other colleagues.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
So this is an event that's probably sponsored by Beasley
Media Group, along with Q and Xperry Ben'stown, the Creative,
Skyview Networks and Co. For the first time, and Streamline
Publishing's Radio Inc. And the Radio and Television Business Report.
How important is it to have this gathering because again,
(05:49):
cees can be extremely overwhelming, But to have all of
the people in radio in one room talking about their experiences,
how valuable is that?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Well, I think that's very, very valuable. It gives of
the opportunity to collaborate and you know, really discuss what
we've seen and what our thoughts are and how we
can potentially utilize some of this technology that's just rolling out.
And you know, two minds are better than one, I
like to say, and so I think it's a really
(06:19):
big opportunity. And you know, if you're not taking advantage
of it, then I think that's an opportunity. Miss Caroline.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
I know that there's a lot of excitement about being
in the car, and being in the car, as we've
heard in recent days from Serious x M, is more
important than ever for them because quite frankly, they haven't
been able to get their app and their streaming to
where they want to go. And we here at the
(06:49):
Radio and Television Business Report say, well, gee, maybe that's
because radio is so good and it's not getting it's
just desserts. Because they're are so many people that we
know are streaming via an app or they're smart speaker.
We see that data in Nielsen Audio results. What can
you say going into twenty twenty five about what your
(07:13):
stations in particular are going to be doing to further
grow their presence through the smart speaker or other digital means,
and how that will also help in terms of the advertising.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Yeah, so we're going to continue to reach out to
our audience and engage in them on various digital platforms,
whether that be editorial content, newsletters, social media, whatever. And
you know, our goal is to continue to grow our
overall audience and engage with them, provide them content that
(07:48):
they're really interested in, and I want them to be
able to come back to our sites or you know,
look forward to receiving our newsletters or you know, listen
to our stations on line or over the air, you know,
with great excitement. And that is our goal going into
(08:08):
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
So before we wrap up the conversation about ces and
cocktails and conversation, I would think Caroline, that the conversation
in Las Vegas will also focus on what's to come
in twenty twenty five in Washington, d C. Just weeks
after CEES, we will see a change at the White House,
a change at the FCC, a change on Capitol Hill
(08:31):
with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC.
This is all generating a lot of excitement behind the
scenes at broadcast media companies, and I'm wondering if there's
been any conversations at Beasley Media Group in terms of
what's to come. Could it be deregulatory action, could it
be sooner rather than later. What's the vibe and what's
(08:55):
the conversations that you might be having already.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
On There are a number of conversations that we're having
internally about this. But you know, with a new FCC,
you know there is a great potential for further deregulation
within our industry, which is greatly and greatly needed. Right.
I mean, we're competing with Meta, We're competing with Google.
(09:17):
Who has you know, really who have no regulation in
terms of, you know, where they can operate, where they
can distribute their distribute their content or anything like that.
And we're limited to five fms in a market at best, right,
so uh, in order to and and those are the
folks that we are competing with on a day to
(09:40):
day basis, more so than other radio broadcasters. So it's
our hope and our desire that you know, deregulation happens meaningful,
deregulation happens within this industry. I think that that will
bring new investment opportunities into the industry and and really
(10:01):
just give us a kickstart that you know, we really
need as an industry.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
The Cocktails and Conversations event is r s VP only.
If you are going to be in Las Vegas and
you do wish to attend this event Wednesday, January eighth,
twenty twenty five, from five thirty pm to seven pm,
please send an email asking for an entry to Chelsea C. H. E. L.
(10:30):
S E Y at Vcreativeinc dot com no later than Thursday,
January second to twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Please. This is at the Capitol Grill. It is a
VIP only event. Do you have any other thoughts?
Speaker 1 (10:42):
About what's to come in twenty twenty five or any
thoughts in terms of technology and what could still be
down the pipeline, but is already gaining at least attention
inside your company.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Yeah, so, Adam, I think that you know the technology
that we're looking at against AI technology, cloud based technology
where we can become more efficient. We're testing different solutions
today right now, they're not ready for a live time
and I'll be ready and hopefully available to speak more
(11:18):
about that sometime next year. But it's really becoming more efficient,
more streamline, and then of course always focused on their content.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Just one last question that really is somewhat for referral
to what we've been talking about, because Beasley Media Group
does have properties in key markets such as Philadelphia and Tampa,
Saint Petersburg, Boston, and Detroit. It's certainly been a tremendous
year for the Detroit Lions, and I'm hoping somehow, some
(11:51):
way the success to the Lions will bring added revenue
success to the station's in Detroit. What can you share
a little bit about your presence in Detroit and how
it's just part of this great renaissance and really, you know,
just what the vibe is right now and how your
radio stations are such an integral part of a community
(12:12):
that's really in the last several years just been flourishing.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Look, there is a great amount of excitement with the
Detroit lines. I wish that we had the play by
play with them. That Odyssey has that, and I'm sure
that they're doing really really well with that. But you know,
this year, what we're trying to do is really to
take advantage of some of the uh mail periphial dollars
(12:39):
if you will, that you know, correspond with the excitement
around the Lions. So we've been successful in doing some
of that, and you know, my hope is that they
continue to succeed. And you know, I think that's been
official for the city and for everyone who lives in
(13:00):
that area. On the flip side, you know, we've got
our New England Patriots that we are the flag chef
of and they have some work to do and my
hope is that, you know, they'll continue to improve in
the upcoming years.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Well, thank you so much, Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley
Media Group, for taking time out of your day to
speak with us here at the Radio and Television Business Report.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
It is certainly welcomed in.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Hopefully you'll have a great time at cees and at
the cocktails and conversation reception as well.
Speaker 2 (13:32):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
With that, we thank you for tuning into this radio
and television business report and focused podcast. It was presented
by dot fm, streaming social podcast or broadcast. Get a
dot fm domain name by heading over to get dot
fm today from the Streamline Publishing headquarters in Boca Rito
in Florida, I'm Adam R.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Jameson for this focus podcast.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
We'll see you next time.
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