Commentary on the state of radio

[CAwasinNJ]

There's a well known and well respected (at least in most circles) radio board in New York that I frequent called (ironically enough) "The New York Radio Message Board". The proprietor does a podcast (and has been for something like 10 years, even before that was the name for it) giving commentary on things going on. Most of it has nothing to do with anything we discuss here, but this weeks edition has some comments on the general state of radio that I think apply almost anywhere. It's a worthwhile listen, and the part that I'm referring to is only about 20 minutes. The link to the file is down below as well as to the board itself. I'm curious to hear comments from our regulars here on whether they agree with the statements or not. Personally, I think he's got a lot of great points.

Podcast:
www.musicradio77.com/other/BoardReflections11-21-08.mp3

NYRMB:
www.musicradio77.com/wwwboard/

[dolt]

I agree with much of the gentleman's rant. Because it is currently most of my listening, the satrad struck a note with me. Two of my go to music channels recently got the axe. Several programs that tipped the scales for me to subscribe, have disappeared or have become truncated. It is becoming more terrestrial sounding by the day.

I do see more hope for radio than I have in some time. The top forty format which first got me listening, was developed by trial and error when corporations decided telvision would kill radio. People who loved the medium became station owners. Talent felt free to explore possibilities. There were connections made with the audience. Same with the talk radio early on.

This will be painful as corporations divest themselves of radio properties. Once the properties are more reasonably priced, a true return to localism could happen. Compelling radio, where listeners feel a part of what is broadcast. Radio that draws you in.

As for the Christmas music. I enjoy it Christmas Eve and Christmas day. That is just me though.

[thebaldone]

I'm Bugged..... (and I hope not to stray from the original post, but my thoughts on the state of radio are below.)
...by the conversation about radio losing its edge because of the lack of local programming. Well, duh, we knew this was coming yet nobody will do a darn thing about it. Why don't you write your non-local radio station who is only interested in making as much money as possible. Why don't you scream and yell at them??... is it because the DJ's who aren't really there never answer the phone? Probably, but what control does the DJ really have anyway?

Even programmers don't have the say they used to.

The problem is not a problem to the listener anymore, because a lot of them are gone. The problem is with the radio purists who still crave the excitement that can only be provided by local radio. The listeners took other alternatives; IPods, mp3's and Satellite radio. When radio stations stopped offering local news or other local types of programming, the people figured that listening to only their Ipod is the better choice than listening to the station programming department's Ipod.

What has caused this?? We all know its the corporate spin on it. What, with the name 'corporate' attached, has ever been personal?

BUT THE WORST PART OF THIS WHOLE THING... are the small businesses who feel that they can't compete with the corporates and throw in the towel. They turn to a lame satellite format from Jones, or another similar service. They don't invest money into their product. They don't take any gambles and do fun things. They don't believe in the local aspect of radio themselves.

Take Vernal, 3 of the 4 major FM's are satellite run. BORING! The other one, I work at.... its Where we are trying to break the mold of corporate ruined radio... and its working, at least for us.

The other station in Vernal, of any significance, is KVEL-AM. News, talk, sports... which is successful because they are news and talk radio that people still want to listen to. KSL is high in the ratings in Salt Lake BECAUSE they offer something people want.

Christmas music is high in the ratings because at this time of year its what people want!

Take chances, please, for the sake of saving our medium and the creativity that could happen with it.

[CAwasinNJ]

I'm glad it's working for you. It sounds like your company isn't run by "suits". When suits run a creative medium you're really likely to get very safe boring product. Unfortunately the investors who pony up the money are also suits, so they don't see the forest for the trees. It's a vicious cycle, isn't it?

[thebaldone]

The man who runs the show is the owner, station manager, morning show host and general sales manager. He has to be successful.

[CAwasinNJ]

It's true that it's his neck on the line, but he has the benefit of three perspectives and can meld them together so that all three parts can work harmoniously together. Too often I think the different parts of a station butt heads rather than working seamlessly together.

I hope you're all very successful.

[thebaldone]

I would love to bring this mentality to a station in the metro someday. I honestly think it could work, but of course you need someone willing to put some money into it. I have wished that I could someday buy a radio station and do something similar, but lack of $$$. Any joe couldn't do it unless they really loved radio. That is a major requirement. Suits who punch numbers won't do, you have to spend 10-12 hours a day working to make it work.

Bob Morey was an example of someone who wore the multiple hats, but he wouldn't take chances. I had many converstations with him about stuff like what I am a part of now, but he also brought me to the reality of what it would take. I would have had to sell for him and then prove I could bring the money in before he would let me do anything else. Great times talking to him. I just couldn't do that at that time in my life, school was too important. Besides, me selling?? I bought "selling for dummies" and never got through it.