The Meaning Of Bon Jovi -- And CC Sold!

The Clear Channel folks are selling 400 radio stations and a bunch of TV stations. Will it stop at that? Probably not. Depends on what they get for the things they are selling. Is this going to stir up country music? Too early to say. It is certainly a disturbance in "The Force."

Some of these underfunded radio stations can't stay on the air as it is. (Talked to one morning show trying to find their engineer -- they were off the air.) No hotlines at a lot of stations. All take out, and little put in. Consolidation is ________ (you fill in the blank).

The Faith CMA "what?" issue seems over. Damage? Some. Is Faith more famous than ever? Yes! Is Carrie Underwood on the possible verge of award overexposure? Fine line in the fans eyes over what is too much in too little time.

The headline in USA Today this week said it all: "CMA DOA ON ABC." From bad sound to bad song choices, the worst talked-about show buzz ever!

Heard from some big-time radio friends that the Premiere CMA radio gang-bang talk-a-thon they have every year had a major lack of real star power. Heard some stars think that going to those is an act of desperation, that it seems like they are begging. Just a very few of the big stars and lots of newcomers. The red carpet on CMA night is weak too.

What is going on? Have the stars gotten way too much control? Or are they out of control? I would say that the out-of-control thing is very possible.

The L.A. publicists and management have no clue of what a country star is or how they should conduct themselves. There is very little sense of community. Just look how someone is dressing Carrie Underwood these days. The Chicks never moved here, and you see how that helped them get back on course. Other hot shots today don't live here, and they make their decisions at their own peril. These stars are making too much money in a very short time. "Too big for their britches" is the saying, I think.

Be careful hot shots. Those private jets drink lots of gas. And the money you make today may not be the money you make tomorrow. You may need these poor old radio pals again, and if you ignore them now, they might just ignore you then! But who thinks of that?

Now to the $64,000 final question: A Bon Jovi keynote at CRS? What in the world is that all about?

Is that the way we need to go? It sure seems like that is the way this town is going. I love the Jennifer/Bon Jovi pairing, I love "Livin' on a Prayer." But keynote at CRS? Could they not get Ozzy or Alice Cooper?

This industry needs a major enema! It seems to be very close to losing its identity, its way and maybe its audience! If you keep chasing these fickle 18-year-old girls, Music Row, you are going to be in deep doo doo!