By David Farrell
Fighting for air: Local radio and TV face a battle for survival on two fronts
A report published in August by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters predicts that as many as 200 of the country’s 737 private radio stations could close their doors over the next year; roughly 2,000 jobs could be lost as a result. AM radio stations and those in smaller markets are at greatest risk. Almost half of the country’s private television stations could also be in jeopardy, according to the report. – Alexandra Posadzki, The Globe and Mail
Randy Lennox: the exit interview
After five and a half years, the Lennox era at Bell Media is coming to a close. In this exclusive interview, Playback chats with the outgoing president about his move from music to broadcasting, setting Bell Media up for future success, his departure and his future. – Playback (subscription needed)
Streaming is stalling: Can music keep up in the attention economy?
Attention merchants such as TikTok, online games and podcasts are seen as possible causes for the flattening of music streaming growth in the US and there’s a very real danger that the listeners just aren’t going to be returning to listen more anytime soon. Will Page writing in Billboard discusses the issues and causes in detail.
Chinese government now interested in podcasts
Chinese podcasters cover a range of niche topics, from hi-fi sound systems to user interface design. ‘No one is making podcasts for the mainstream audience. Everyone just does what they’re interested in,’ one producer says. – William Langley, South China News (via pod news)
Can public transportation survive the pandemic? Experts warn of 'death spiral'
"If we get this wrong, then it's very hard to bring public transport services back once they've disappeared," one expert said. – Mo Abbas, NBC News
Video: Covid vaccines are coming – so are hackers
As drugmakers distribute Covid-19 vaccines, cybersecurity experts are warning against the growing threat of tampering and theft by organized crime networks. WSJ explains how hackers are targeting the vaccine rollout during the pandemic. – WSJ
36 consumer startups that will boom in 2021, named by VCs
These startups, organized alphabetically, are all venture-backed companies. We included the estimates of their total funding according to deal database Pitchbook as well. – Berber JinBerber Jin & Aaron Holmes, Business Insider
