Radio blues

NACo surveys over the past year or so have documented the severe decline of county revenues which have strained county services and budgets. Counties are not alone struggling in this down economy. Sarah McBride of The Wall Street Journal reports today about the staggering decline of revenues in the radio industry. Already water-logged with high debt, radio companies who are desperately trying to meet their loan obligations are essentially, "begging for mercy." A chart accompanying the article is striking: It shows that radio advertising revenues are expected to decline 27% by 2011. It's even worse for newspaper advertising: down 42%. Television is in a tough spot too: down 11%. As we fold up the beach chairs and face the U.S. economy post Labor Day, you have to wonder: What will become of our local newspapers and radio and TV stations?