Let the Bidding Begin

Implications: Clear Channel annoys its shareholders

Clear channel does not let shareholders know what's going on until the very last minute

New owners may help shareholder value by getting rid of stagnant employees, but may hurt the public by changing radio stations for profitability

Analysis: My main concern is that clear channel runs and owns several of my favorite radio stations that are considered "urban." I guess that is code for "lots of black people that listen to Tom Joyner etc." Selling off its radio stations will affect their natural flavor. The new owners may change formats, lineups, etc. in an effort to become more profitable. In their fervor for higher profitability, they may find that certain changes do not need to be made, but only after having made them. Other stations will have to work harder to compete.

I already have a bundle of outside sales people who require XM and Sirius and forgo ads and intelligent conversation for 24/7 music.

As far as the media industry goes, prices for valuable advertising time slots may go up temporarily. I don't think ownership will shake it up that much (that is to say the media industry) unless maybe the May's go from 7% to 51.... I doubt that will happen.