Over the past day or so, the response about Clear Channel imposing commercials on XM has been absolutely incredible. The post made it's way to the front page of Digg, and as a result throughout the blogosphere. Interestingly enough, the anger that people are voicing isn't towards XM - but towards Clear Channel. This says something.
See, Clear Channel doesn't get it. By directly trying to sabotage a growing media like satellite radio, they are in effect fueling the anger of those who hate them the most. CBS Radio is doing it as well with their lawsuit. These two companies - who have enjoyed near monopolies over the years - have decided to launch an assault on satellite radio in hopes to stomp them out.
But when you piss off the little brother, you're going to get beat up when he gets bigger.
We would like nothing better than to completely ignore terrestrial radio. Most satellite radio listeners haven't tuned into terrestrial in months because we could never imagine going back. But by messing with our music, and our talent, terrestrial radio is just going to create 9.3 million little billboards across the country. Little billboards with big mouths, who will tell all their friends exactly how much better satellite radio is than terrestrial.
Welcome to the best Word of Mouth campaign ever.
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