The Utility Is Withering!

[seattlefollower]

I'll come out and say what we've all been arguing for some time now- RADIO IS DEAD... if you're under 35. We just had a large presentation here in Seattle related to PPM and that was basically the message.

I go back and I listen to older clips of stations and I realize what's missing - the pop and sizzle. Where are the jingles? The pizazz? The energy? In Seattle I don't hear it much outside of KNHC "C89.5 FM" which is student run or maybe in a few of the on-air hosts from the non-comm. band - I think John (morning host) at KEXP 90.3 really likes his job and has passion about the music. His show is also carried in New York City on "Radio New York" as midday fare.

The messages of PPM seem to continue to be - men listen to radio more than women and that 35 and up is where radio's strong audience lies.

Personally, I think younger people are going to latch on to this *cough* Internet */cough* thing and start streaming. If I was lucky enough to own an iPhone, I'd already be doing it. There are some great stations out there, but boy, does it take work to find.

Okay people, slash and burn, agree, whatever. Would love to hear your thoughts.

There are only a few stations in SLC I even enjoyed on a recent visit - KSOP being one of them, of course.

[CAwasinNJ]

Assuming the over 35 number is correct, that creates a big problem. Madison Avenue thinks that people over 40 or 45 don't respond well to advertising. Selling to a 10 year wide slice of the population just isn't going to get it done.

[henry]

Ouch S.F.!

That's bad when the consultants are telling you "radio is dead."

The best advice the late Bob Morey ever gave me was to double-major in college. It's looking more and more like he was very wise!

[seattlefollower]

Jul 27, 2009 18:59:52 GMT -6 henry said:

Ouch S.F.!

That's bad when the consultants are telling you "radio is dead."

Well, the consultant didn't say it, and I do work for a 35+ leaning station, but based on looking at market profiles under PPM it's just the case. Even KNDD "107-7 the End" 's largest audience share was 35-44.

The only stations with younger listeners were the 2 CHRs - KBKS "Kiss 106.1" and KUBE 93.

I, anecdotally, can't name one new band that terrestrial Seattle radio has introduced me to. The last one I heard was Estelle, which the only song picked up in the 'States seemed to be "American Boy" so beyond that I know little of her. Same could be said of Duffy, although I'm lucky enough to own her full album - "Mercy" is not the only good track.

When I lived in Portland, 94/7 and KINK did introduce me to some new music, but they have both made significant staffing cutbacks the past 2 years as I understand things.

The latest song that 'radio' got me into was "coffee girl" by the tragically hip. It's being played on CBC Radio 2 "Drive" and I was able to download the single for free from Starbucks. I actually had the song on my machine before I realized I was humming the chorus after hearing it on the radio.

[seattlefollower]

Ryan Seacrest (and Ellen K) went on a management rant in regards to PPM, it echoes the one left on Adam Carolla's first podcast.

I honestly feel Ryan was being sincere. Then, the two proceeded to call "Kevin & Bean" and commiserate with them.
(Windows Media Player audio files)
Ryan and Ellen K: wm.allaccess.com/allaccess/Ryan_Ellen.wma

All four: wm.allaccess.com/allaccess/Ryan_Ellen_KB.wma