Robert K. Whyte Discusses How Unregulation-Driven Competition in Traditional Media Sectors Decreases Profits; Investors Should Explore New Media Ventures in Music Industry
Los Angeles, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWEB ) November 19, 2008 -- On October 17, 2008, Robert K. Whyte spoke at The ABA Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries 2008 Annual Meeting, held in Los Angeles, in a panel discussion entitled "Dumb Money vs. Smart Money." The panel was constructed to discuss the legal, business and practical issues involved in the structuring of deals, and the raising of capital necessary to close deals, as pertains to the sports and entertainment industries. In the process of tackling these issues, Mr. Whyte drove the discussion in a direction that begged to be explored: When asked about the future of good investment opportunities in the entertainment industry, Mr. Whyte unwaveringly replied "music."
Mr. Whyte is no stranger to all aspects of the entertainment industry, and its associated mediums. He has spent the past two decades assisting both private and public firms, worldwide, to grow or acquire assets, expand their operations, complete mergers or acquisitions, and source funding through various vehicles, including special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), private investments in public equity (PIPEs), high yield debt, institutional private equity, or IPOs. From its beginning, the focus of Mr. Whyte's career has primarily been in the media and entertainment realm, having worked with broadcast and entertainment clients, as well as companies in the communications world, such as television and radio groups, cable networks, mobile broadband and outdoor advertising entities.
In the October 17 ABA Forum panel discussion, Mr. Whyte addressed the fact that traditional broadcast media companies are losing their grip in their respective markets, and are "…not producing the profits that once attracted investors. Television, radio and film industries have been hurt by unregulated competition."
According to Mr. Whyte, "…these wounds are apparent in their declining stock performance over the past year. CBS and Viacom; down more than 50 percent. Disney - once the best of the bunch - down 30 percent."
"When everyone is running from an industry, music publishing and music-related trends become the hands-down winner." Mr. Whyte continued, "All of the areas of music - digital, mobile, internet, film production, media and advertising - show great improvements in returns for music investors. It's an area that we should focus on."
As Mr. Whyte discussed in his October 17 panel, the positive spin on the increasing loss in investment potential in traditional broadcast media companies, including the traditional music industry, is that a whole new realm of possible profits has opened in its place. The music-money-to-be-made now lies in new digital mediums such as online commercials, video games, mobile phone ringtones, music publishing software.
Mr. Whyte adds, "Payment is hard to collect on copyrights that music publishers do not own. Artists no longer need to sign contracts, as new technology allows them to publish, promote and distribute their music without the help of big publishers, record labels and management companies."
And more profit can be found in companies that target emerging artists and the indie music industry. "The recent evolution of the music industry creates a win-win situation for both artists and investors," said Mr. Whyte. "Bands and independent artists now have the tools and ability to promote themselves and their albums. They can drive and track their success, without contracts. New media makes this possible, and investment in those new endeavors reaps the benefits once found in royalties and copyrights."
About Robert K. Whyte
As a current Managing Director at Mosaic Capital Securities, LLC, Mr. Whyte retains his financial focus in media and entertainment. His clients include both private and public firms looking to grow or acquire assets or expand internationally. Prior to becoming a partner at Mosaic Capital, Mr. Whyte founded the Los Angeles office of Morgan Joseph & Co. Here, as Managing Director and member of the Media and Entertainment group, he specialized in broadcast and entertainment financing, acting as agent for mergers or acquisitions together with sourcing funding for middle market media companies, through PIPEs, SPACs, and traditional funding methods.
Before moving to Los Angeles, Mr. Whyte was a partner in the New York City-based Media and Broadcast Group of Daniels and Associates. His investment banking transactions in this media sector assisted companies in expanding their asset base and entering new areas of media. Here, he also acted as an agent in media and broadcast M&A transactions. Prior to this, Mr. Whyte was a merchant banker in Toronto and New York where he also specialized in communication and media financing. He completed various radio, cable and print projects in Canada, the United States, Mexico and China.
Historically, Mr. Whyte was one of the founding partners in the Canadian affiliate of Home Shopping Network and, in 1986, led the company as its COO through its IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Mr. Whyte currently serves as Past President of the Los Angeles Venture Association, the city's oldest community business association. He is also Co-Chair of the annual Los Angeles charity event, The MeatEaters Ball, which attracts hundreds of guests each year from the who's who of the financial and entrepreneurial worlds; financial players from equity, hedge, lending and private placement firms, nationwide. The next MeatEaters Ball will be held in May of 2009. Mr. Whyte attended Sir George Williams University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and holds Series 7 and General Principals Series 24 FINRA licenses.
In early 2009, Mr. Whyte expects to add to his investment banking practice by providing business mediation in partnership with mediator Richard Gordon, B.A., M.A. & J.D. Mr. Whyte is available for interviews and/or comment, as well as public speaking opportunities, as a financial and media expert.
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