C
Craziaskowboi
Guest
So apparently Star 94 is about to be bought by Entercom, and there have been some big changes recently. The first big change was the new morning show, but another big change that's happened this month is that the "Big '90s Weekend" has become a regular occurrence. This is the third weekend in a row that Star 94 has hosted a Big '90s Weekend, so apparently they're not reserving it just for holiday weekends anymore. I've also noticed that they've expanded the '90s playlist somewhat, and they've even begun asking listeners for input. I'm actually about to send the music director an e-mail with several ideas for songs to add, primarily from the first half of the '90s, because they're still a bit heavy on the second half of the decade.
Regardless of Star 94's situation in the last couple of years, I do believe that the Big '90s Weekend is a good concept, and such a show could become something special if executed well. Last summer I did lament that their '90s playlist was too narrow for a weekend-long specialty show, but I listened anyway because I grew up in the '90s, so those are "my" songs, and I still believe that the '90s are underrepresented on the radio. With that said, the expanded '90s playlist is a step in the right direction, and hopefully they're open to expanding it even more. Ideally, the Big '90s Weekend would cover pretty much everything except hard-core rap and the heaviest alternative rock. In terms of straight pop music, keep playing the boy/girl bands and the big dance/techno hits. In terms of rock, keep playing the post-grunge and "adult" alternative, and add more grunge standards that aren't too heavy (think "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam). In terms of hip-hop and R&B, nothing "gangsta" (though "Gangsta's Paradise" might work), and nothing excessively sexual. Keep it fun. The uptempo "new jack swing" and "Miami bass" sounds are perfect.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see if the new morning show and expansion of the Big '90s franchise will help. I suppose it depends on how patient Entercom is. If they have a long-term focus, then there's potential. They seem to know what they're doing, because some of my favorite radio stations in the U.S. are owned by Entercom. In fact, I've been streaming 98.9 The Rock (KQRC, Kansas City) on a regular basis ever since Clear Channel killed Project 9-6-1, and if they can make the Active Rock format work that well during a "down" period in popularity, then they must be doing something right. I'd hate to see another heritage station in Atlanta bite the dust, especially since they're the only station that gives the '90s more than lip service. Time will tell, but I like some of the recent changes they've made, and I hope they work.
Regardless of Star 94's situation in the last couple of years, I do believe that the Big '90s Weekend is a good concept, and such a show could become something special if executed well. Last summer I did lament that their '90s playlist was too narrow for a weekend-long specialty show, but I listened anyway because I grew up in the '90s, so those are "my" songs, and I still believe that the '90s are underrepresented on the radio. With that said, the expanded '90s playlist is a step in the right direction, and hopefully they're open to expanding it even more. Ideally, the Big '90s Weekend would cover pretty much everything except hard-core rap and the heaviest alternative rock. In terms of straight pop music, keep playing the boy/girl bands and the big dance/techno hits. In terms of rock, keep playing the post-grunge and "adult" alternative, and add more grunge standards that aren't too heavy (think "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam). In terms of hip-hop and R&B, nothing "gangsta" (though "Gangsta's Paradise" might work), and nothing excessively sexual. Keep it fun. The uptempo "new jack swing" and "Miami bass" sounds are perfect.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see if the new morning show and expansion of the Big '90s franchise will help. I suppose it depends on how patient Entercom is. If they have a long-term focus, then there's potential. They seem to know what they're doing, because some of my favorite radio stations in the U.S. are owned by Entercom. In fact, I've been streaming 98.9 The Rock (KQRC, Kansas City) on a regular basis ever since Clear Channel killed Project 9-6-1, and if they can make the Active Rock format work that well during a "down" period in popularity, then they must be doing something right. I'd hate to see another heritage station in Atlanta bite the dust, especially since they're the only station that gives the '90s more than lip service. Time will tell, but I like some of the recent changes they've made, and I hope they work.
