teen radio

[BigJimmy]

I don't recalll top40 radio of the 50's, 60's, 70's sounding overly childish.
some of the music was childish but the jocks generally sounded adult.
today---- its obvious CHR, AC, HOT AC, stations are using many
young sounding jocks to attract young listeners.

 

[davideduardo]

I don't recalll top40 radio of the 50's, 60's, 70's sounding overly childish.
some of the music was childish but the jocks generally sounded adult.
today---- its obvious CHR, AC, HOT AC, stations are using many
young sounding jocks to attract young listeners.

You posted a variant on this on the New York City forum, calling Z-100, WPLJ and KTU "teen stations" and "childish". In fact, those stations are primarily 25-44 stations and do a very good job in attracting adults in the ages advertisers most seek: 18-49 or 25-54 or some subset of those.

There is a tendency that has been in play for several decades towards more "believable" and relatable on-air voices. This means people who sound more like "one of us" than either the Teddy Turntable motormouths or the booming voices of yesterday.

The voices on radio are not selected for youthfulness; they are selected because they sound real.

 

[firepoint525]

Maybe the reason why some djs sound young is because they ARE young. They live in their parents' basement, and therefore do not have rents or mortgages to pay, thus they can actually afford to work in radio. I should know. I was there once.

 

[Small Market Guy]

"Teens" don't listen to radio. Most younger music formats are targeted to soccer moms at this point.

 

[TheBigA]

"Teens" don't listen to radio. Most younger music formats are targeted to soccer moms at this point.

Actually according to the latest Nielsen study, teens make up about 16% of the radio audience. About the same percentage as 40 years ago. But yes, most radio stations target adults.

 

[Small Market Guy]

Actually according to the latest Nielsen study, teens make up about 16% of the radio audience. About the same percentage as 40 years ago. But yes, most radio stations target adults.

True but they're listening to whatever mom has on in the car while she's driving them to school.

 

[TheBigA]

True but they're listening to whatever mom has on in the car while she's driving them to school.

And radio stations aren't aiming any of their advertising at the kids, but mommy. So she matters more anyway. And that situation also hasn't changed in 40 years.