How to keep radio's birds in the air

Mega broadcaster Clear Channel already has some interests in one of its biggest potential competitors: satellite radio. But that ownership might not be enough to insulate the media giant from catastrophe if the newer medium eats away at terrestrial radio's market share -- particularly if startups join XM and Sirrius in the emerging battle for aural ad revenues. The thing that could make a difference for old time radio is getting more local programming off the ground, in new communications initiatives. And the most viable way to do that is by embracing the new wave of smaller, more efficient aerospace developers, like tSpace and Scaled Composites, to launch them.

Look, there's not so much complicated technology in satellites that a few motivated broadcasters can't achieve some fruitful R&D. The largest expense in the venture has always been getting the little buggers into orbit. That's where a strong partnership would really come in handy.