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Almost as soon as the news hit, Radio and Records’ site was gone
This afternoon, Radio and Records, a music industry bible for over 35 years, was shuttered by its parent Neilsen Research, owner of Billboard who had taken over its competitor a few years ago. It’s a real blow to folks like me who have been promotion people who LIVED for R&R’s chart numbers at various times of our lives. Poof! It’s gone!
R&R was driven by advertising and chart/tracking/info sales, mostly to the major record companies, and its classified was one of the most reliable in the industry for radio professionals especially. In addition to all the other problems with the economy of the music business, radio itself is also seen as less effective these days with the rise of the net. It was a practically a given they would be gone. I just wonder what will be next.
So much heart, blood, sweat and every other fluid or substance you could name went into the creation and intended influence on by record guys, of the “R & R Chart Numbers.” To quantify the hours and resources actually spent, it would easily be in the billions of dollars. Think over 35 years of how many thousands of record guys called for their numbers, what bands visited the offices. I recall a giant picture of John Lennon reading an issue proudly displayed at their original office in Century City. How about the numerous promo copies, dinners, conventions, bullets, breakers, new and actives, street talk, most addeds, increased, sideways bullets, etc. etc. etc. A chronology supplied by the magazine below details some of their products, columns, etc.
I guess we have finally lost our accursed “Breaker’ mentality.”
A recent issue of “R & R”
My guess is that Radio and Records’ conventions will probably be continued by parent Neilsen/Billboard, as that has been a big part of their business the past few years. Hits, College Music Journal’s New Music Report, Friday Morning Quarterback and online trade Dusted Magazine are all that remain beside Billboard. A few others we have lost in the past ten years include Cashbox, Album Network and The Gavin Report.
Radio and Records Press Release:
“The current state of affairs has left The Nielsen Company with no other alternative but to immediately cease all services, products and events related to Radio & Records. The magazine’s final edition is the June 5 issue. Electronic products end today, the Web site will be taken offline soon.
R&R Editorial Director/Associate Publisher Cyndee Maxwell stated, “Everyone on this team has worked extremely hard to fulfill the vision of Radio & Records, and everyone can hold their heads high on this very sad day. We had a highly talented group of people that always worked hard and gave it their best — especially in the recent past. I deeply regret that this day has come. The good news for some other companies out there is that we have many fantastic people who are now available to put their excellent talents, abilities and skills to work for someone else.”
Radio & Records Timeline
1973 Radio & Records is founded by Bob Wilson. The first issue is Oct. 1.
1974 The first R&R Convention is held.
1979 Radio & Records is sold to Harte Hanks.
1987 Westwood One purchases Radio & Records.
1988 The R&R Hotfax Updates debut, comprising 12 weekly format-focused fax publications.
1994 Perry Capital acquires Radio & Records.
1995 Radio & Records launches R&R Online.
1996 The first annual R&R Talk Radio Seminar is held.
The R&R Daily online news service debuts, and Music Tracking is launched online.
1997 R&R introduces the daily R&R TODAY news fax.
1998 The R&R Convention returns after a six-year hiatus.
The first R&R Industry Achievement Awards, voted on by R&R subscribers, are presented at the convention.
1999 Data collection for R&R’s charts is converted to include Mediabase airplay.
2000 Daily e-mail updates and Today’s News online are introduced as extensions of the R&R TODAY fax publication. Radio & Records acquires Radio Y Musica.
2001 Adult Alternative and Christian sections debuts in the weekly R&R newspaper, each with its own full-time editor. The Going for Adds fax publication debuts.
2002 A CHR/Rhythmic section debuts in the weekly R&R newspaper, with its own full-time editor.
R&R produces its first annual Triple A Summit.
Electronic Promotion Kits are introduced for music customers, and the Street Talk Daily fax and e-mail publication debuts.
Radio Y Musica is incorporated into the R&R newspaper.
2004 Radio & Records announces its new web address, www.radioandrecords.com.
2006 VNU, a global information and media company, acquires Radio & Records. VNU owns ACNielsen, Billboard, the Hollywood Reporter and many other business-to- business publications. Radio & Records charts convert to Nielsen BDS airplay data.
2007 VNU changes its name to The Nielsen Company.
2009 The Nielsen Company announces it’s shuttering R&R. The final issue date is June 5.”
