“We are going to delve into the digital end of the business in the near future in a way that will be revolutionary to all radio shows. What we do, they will all copy.” - Mike Francesa in July of 2011. 

The technology that was promised in September of 2011 finally launched on February 13th, 2012; better late than never, I guess.

I downloaded the free app called “Audio Roadshow” that is currently only available for the iPhone. Francesa claims it will be available on the Droid within six weeks. Based on his first ETA I wouldn’t hold my breath on that due date.

I wouldn’t call the app “revolutionary,” but it probably doesn’t deserve the ridicule that is being hurled throughout the blogosphere. If you are a fan of Francesa, you will find it useful since it gives you daily information about what to expect from the show. The fact that it costs nothing makes it a low leverage purchase that won’t be a waste even if you use it occasionally.

You can get the daily guest lineup, and what guest is “up next” and “on air”.

The two fan interactive features are “spot poll” and “10 seconds of glory.”

The poll is self explanatory where you can vote on a topic for Mike to get a pulse of the people.

This might be the most useful part of the app since there has been a clear disconnect between what Mike believes people think and reality.

As for the “10 seconds of glory,” there are corporate voicemail systems that allow you longer messages. I am not sure anything of value will come from a listener throwing out a 10-second rant.

I agreed with a caller that suggested to Mike they should have an archive for Francesa’s show (like my NYBD app). I also think he should look at the app for the “Rush Limbaugh Show” that has video, a studio camera, ability to email the show, and transcripts of monologues and interviews. Politics aside, Rush’s app is revolutionary, not Francesa’s.

The fact this was called “Audio Roadshow” tells me they are going to be using it for the station on a broader basis. Francesa’s show is just being used in the test phase.

Here are some excerpts from some of the first reviews after its release:

- “Boring app! It does nothing. Bad name too.”

- Useless app. What a complete letdown.”

- “Revolutionary app that radio shows across the country will copy? I mean geez, how lost is Francesa.”

- “What is so special about this…online polls? Not the first place to have em…groundbreaking? Revolutionary? Eh…not so much.”

- “Decent app with polls, guest list and you can listen live without any long lag from the actual broadcast. Also, you can “10 seconds of glory” where you can record yourself and send it to the show.  But revolutionary? Not even close.”

- “Cool app, but not exactly revolutionary.”

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. In addition to being a Sports Media Watchdog he's also host of NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB, New York Baseball at www.nybaseballdigest.com. Contact him professionally at mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Audio Roadshow, iPhone, Mike Francesa, Mike Francesa's Revolutionary Technology, WFAN