How CBS Screwed Up Billy Joel's Concert and What We Can Learn

This week's podcast addresses a significant issue within our modern media landscape, highlighting the incident where CBS cut off the final moments of a Billy Joel concert broadcast. This mishap, which occurred after a live broadcast of The Masters golf tournament, exemplifies broader industry challenges. Due to the golf event extending beyond its scheduled time, the subsequent programming, including the concert special at Madison Square Garden, was delayed. This concert was Billy Joel's 100th sold-out show of his monthly residency, a milestone that CBS intended to celebrate with substantial viewership.

The problem arose when the concert, scheduled to end at 11:30 PM, was cut off prematurely by many CBS affiliates. This was due to automated or remotely controlled master control operations—a result of budget cuts and staffing reductions in the TV industry. Some affiliates managed to continue broadcasting the concert until its actual conclusion, while others could not, causing frustration among viewers and a flurry of complaints on social media. In response, CBS apologized, investigated the incident with affiliate stations, and scheduled a re-broadcast of the concert.

The episode serves as a cautionary tale for the podcasting industry, particularly large companies that might be tempted to overly invest without sustainable strategies. The podcast emphasizes the importance of prudent investment in quality personnel and sustainable practices rather than unchecked spending. It warns against the potential pitfalls of rapid expansion without solid groundwork, suggesting that a thoughtful approach can help avoid the kinds of disruptions experienced by CBS

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