Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“I'm cheap (Toothbrushes, July 29, 2026). Whatever the dentist gives me, I use.” - Brad
I did as well, until the bristles on one of those free toothbrushes fell apart in my mouth while brushing. - Shane
“Good morning, Shane. We already have the advertisers on public vehicles (Football jersey sponsorships, Aug. 3, 2026). I think the Iowa Highway Helpers display an insurance company. In Florida, their similarly tasked vehicles also have sponsors. While not as prominent, school buses show their corporate ownership. Historically, fire departments were actually companies, thus the marquee on apparatus. Some rural districts still require subscriptions to get fire response. Will we see snowplows sponsored by a brine and salt company, Band-Aid brand ambulances, SWAT weapons and ammo from Bass Pro, and the back seat of a patrol car proudly provided by Uber. Will CITYVIEW's logo preceed future Amber Alerts? In a slightly different arena, have you noted the logos on the floors of some of the WNBA courts?” - John
You are right, in some cases. But it seems, at least to me, that tax-funded entities (including universities) should have to pick one — either our tax dollars or private dollars. Or, level the playing field and allow the private entities to get the tax dollars, too (which would be a financial nightmare). - Shane
“You are absolutely ‘spot on’ with your indictment of corporate radio these days (Locally owned media, Aug. 4, 2026). The consolidation of broadcasting allowed by the FCC has meant that there is no more ‘local radio’ other than a few, relatively enlightened corporations which at least give ‘lip service’ to ‘serving the community,’ which used to be the overriding concern of FCC rules and regulations. Now PSAs (Public Service Announcements), if run at all, are buried after midnight and before 5 a.m., there is virtually no more local news, and many stations have no local announcers at all other than maybe Morning Drive. All the other shows are announced via computer links from a central location. It’s why folks like Clear Channel Communications own more than 1,000 radio stations. (CCC is now iHeartRadio — now there’s a misnomer — the only thing they ‘heart’ is their bottom line.) Don’t get me wrong, the bottom line is critically important. If it’s not positive, you don’t get to continue doing what you’re doing, but for that to be the only significant criterion of success is short-sighted and just wrong. The ‘public airwaves’ belong to the public. Sooner or later, someone will remember that. It’s one of the reasons we like CITYVIEW and Big Green Umbrella Media’s family of publications. You clearly understand that.” - Ron
Well, the trend is clear, but as a savvy industry editor once told me, local ownership of media will return once the corporations drive the profit margins down so low that they are no longer interested. Fortunately, or unfortunately, that day is arriving quickly. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading. |
