Topic: Radio Marketing

The claim that "video killed the radio star" is debated in the context of modern podcasting, with some arguing that audio-only formats like Rush Limbaugh's were more effective for long-form talk. While YouTube markets video as providing more context and feel, many listeners still consume content with their screens off. The push for video is seen as a specific marketing gambit by Google to dominate the medium.

A new Asus phone advertisement is noted for using Morse code to tease an "optical zoom" feature. The hosts find it unusual to use such a niche communication method for a mass-market product. This leads to a brief update on ham radio conditions and a successful long-distance "sideband" transmission to Honolulu.

A discussion regarding the sudden interest in ham radio among listeners and acquaintances at local farmers markets. The conversation transitions into the perceived versus actual difficulty of starting a podcast, emphasizing the technical learning curve involved in equipment and cabling.

Adam Curry prepares for a trip to Plano, Texas, to attend HamCom, a major amateur radio convention. He describes his truck's antenna setup for 20-meter and 40-meter bands and his plans to visit the event's famous flea market. The trip involves a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin and an overnight stay to catch the early morning sessions.

The business model of The Young Turks is discussed following their move to an online-primary format after the sale of Current TV to Al Jazeera. The difficulty of achieving profitable radio syndication without major "P1" markets like New York, LA, and Chicago is noted. The segment concludes with a transition to the "No Agenda" value-for-value model and a thank you to the show's artists.

The hosts critique a clip of radio host Thom Hartmann, who claims Ronald Reagan promoted 401k plans to trick working people into supporting the interests of the wealthy. The hosts dismiss this as "screwball logic," noting that the stock market is dominated by institutional investors and pension funds. They also speculate on Hartmann's earnings from his syndicated show and his work on RT.

NPR stations are reportedly offering courses on how to reach target audiences through public radio advertising, which the hosts argue proves the audience is the product. They contrast this with the No Agenda "value-for-value" model, which relies on direct listener support to cover expenses like rising fuel costs for their upcoming tour.