Mark Ramsey writes about the CBS acquisition of Last.fm, one of several next-generation Internet radio services that get smarter by adjusting to listener preferences:
... Fast-forward two years and you'll see Last.fm integrated in all of CBS's radio websites which, for the first time, will enable customized versions of the analog stations you love - and whatever else your heart desires. Stations that could ultimately be available via mobile technologies. Stations that could theoretically include advertising. ΒΆ It is inevitable that radio - or aspects of radio - will become personalized. ...
Link: hear2.0.
Also see CBS Continues Interactive Strategy With Acquisition of Last.fm. Link: Radio World.
And Last.fm, CBS' $280 million hedge for its radio biz? Link: GigaOM.
Not unexpectedly, Mark sees this as bad news. But I think that's true only if the radio industry sits back and does nothing. Some of us will. Some of us won't. The relatively open HD Radio standard opens the door wide for innovation -- not to mention the Net as a new platform -- and surely some of us will step through. Back in March, I posted a concept for a "many-to-many" radio that could easily be "socialized." I'd agree with Mark that's the right direction. Let's get busy. --Dennis
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