Unlocking the Future: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Broadcast Media Investment

In a rapidly transforming media landscape, the future of broadcast assets has become a topic of intense interest for savvy investors. As the industry grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by digital disruption, a panel discussion at the upcoming Forecast 2025 conference promises to provide a realistic, no-holds-barred analysis of the current and future value of broadcast media as an investment.

Uncovering the Hidden Gems: Broadcast Media's Enduring Allure

Embracing the Power of ATSC 3.0

The panel, moderated by former Jacor and Tribune Co. executive Randy Michaels, will delve into the prospects for broadcast media as an investment in 2025 and beyond. Michaels believes that while television is at a different inflection point than radio when it comes to long-term revenue prospects, broadcasters need to be proactive in exploring the opportunities presented by the ATSC 3.0 standard. "Broadcasters need to be looking at the opportunities that ATSC 3.0 might bring. People that have good plans there are going to make a lot of money. People that don't will be confused when it all comes down," Michaels asserts.

Rediscovering the Value of Radio Station Ownership

The panel will also examine the continued opportunities that radio station ownership can bring. Michaels himself has recently invested in an FM radio station serving an area between Dayton and Cincinnati through his Radioactive LLC, highlighting the potential for savvy investors. "If you pick your spots, there are tremendous bargains. Broadcasting remains ubiquitous. There is no other way to reach people everywhere that involves so little capital. The costs are fairly low and the maintenance capital fairly low. In every other business, the cost of goods is high and the capital requirements are relatively high. And, everyone has a radio or a smart speaker that gets a radio station. With a right business plan and the right product, there are opportunities," Michaels explains.

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities

The Forecast 2025 panel will also feature industry experts such as El Dorado Capital founder/CEO Tom Castro and CometPartners Principal Jeff Haley, who previously worked with Cox Media Group and served as the CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) from 2005 to 2012. Veteran media broker Dick Kozacko of Kozacko Media Services will round out the panel, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the broadcast media industry.

Overcoming the Negative Narrative

Despite the reports of full-power television stations being for sale with a lack of buyers, and the ongoing chatter about radio station investment not being the best investment, Kozacko believes that broadcast media investment can still be attractive under the right market conditions. "If you can find a station that shows good, continued growth and is on the path for cash flow extension over future years, then it is a good opportunity for investment," Kozacko says. "The industry has had a number of challenges over the last couple of years, but Forecast 2025 offers a great opportunity to recognize some of the positive changes. If there is anything favorable in the marketplace and any points of optimism, I hope something can come out of this conference and can show that Radio and Television can still be a successful and profitable investment."

Embracing the Digital Transformation

The Forecast 2025 session will also explore investment strategies for balancing traditional media with digital innovations, and tackling the challenges while exploring the opportunities for broadcasters in 2025 and beyond. As the industry navigates the complexities of the digital landscape, the panel will provide valuable insights into how broadcasters can adapt and thrive in the years to come.