From Canadian Music Week in Toronto: Day 1

Thursday’s “Radio Stimulus Package” session was less emotionally charged than its predecessor at the 2009 NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia, and featured some of the same presenters, as well as the same mixed take on radio’s current status. Jacobs Media’s Fred Jacobs told Canadian broadcasters, “If you’re one of those programmers who goes to America and sits in a hotel room [to get ideas for your station] save your money.” But Rogers Exec. VP Chuck McCoy, referencing the “radio is dead among young people” mentality, asserted that “parents don’t know their teenagers listening habits any better than they know their other habits.” Consultant Mike McVay also encouraged broadcasters to “stop giving our competition ammunition.” The session ended with Jim Cuddy, frontman of legendary Canadian band Blue Rodeo, who declared that “radio is as bland as it’s ever been in my lifetime.” Referring to Pink and Beyonce’s Grammy performances, he said, “It’s now about whether you can do a Cirque de Soleil spectacle while you’re singing.”

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