Bruce A. Johnson

A 1981 graduate of the Boston University College of Communication, Bruce A. Johnson got his first job in broadcast television at WFTV, an ABC affiliate in Orlando, FL. While there, he rose through the ranks from teleprompter operator to videographer, editor, producer and director of many different types of programming. It was in the early 1980's that he bought his first computer - a Timex/Sinclair 1000 - a device he hated so much, he promptly exchanged it for an Atari 400. But the bug had bitten hard.

In 1987, Johnson joined Wisconsin Public Television in Madison as a videographer/editor, and still works there to the present day. His responsibilities have grown, however, and now include research and presentations on the issues surrounding the digital television transition, new consumer technology and the use of public television spectrum in homeland security. He freelances through his company Painted Post MultiMedia, and has written extensively for magazines including DV and Studio Monthly.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Muzak Files For Bankruptcy

I’m not exactly sure how to feel about this…

I’m sure none of us root for people to lose their jobs, but in this case, I’m conflicted:

Muzak has filed for bankruptcy.

FTA:

Closely held Muzak supplies more than 2 million songs and music to retailers to help set the mood in their stores, in hopes of influencing shoppers to become buyers. Muzak was founded in the 1930s by U.S. Army General George Squier, who adapted military messaging technology to pipe music into elevators to drown out the noise they produced, according to its Web site.

Muzak later began marketing to employers, citing research showing that background music could increase employee productivity. By the early 1970s, Muzak was selling its original recordings of songs, performed without lyrics, to retailers.

Today, Muzak delivers music from more than 80 genres via satellite or by producing custom mixes. Customers have included McDonald’s Corp., Ann Taylor Stores Corp. and AT&T Inc., Muzak said on its Web site.

Of course, bankruptcy - at least Chapter 11 - doesn’t necessarily mean the silencing of the Muzak.  However, I could live without the elevator version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that scars my psyche to this day.  Gives me chills.  Not good ones, either.

(2) Comments • Most recent comments by: Erik Higgs, DanConklin, • Permalink


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