If You Had To Define KSKO Musically....

[SomeRadioGuy]

If you had to define KSKO's Lunch show (12 noon to 2pm) music format wise, I'd say were a wide playlisted rock based classic hits. Errant oldies or AC tunes slip in if it fits the mood or flow.

Afternoons (2 to 5pm) tends to be more rock/classic rock

Overnights 12 to 3am is what I call a "Variety melange".. country, rock, AC, punk, alt, classic rock and oldies. (Flogging molly into Sevendust, into Blackstreet into Patty Loveless, Johnny Cash, Madcon and Mary Jane Girls.. looking at this early mornings playlist)

I share alot because I get to do and try some unique things in a pretty unique place. I know there are some folks who are remotely intrigued with what we do and why/how, so thats why I share.

For instance, heres a screen shot of this afternoon and a link to the days playlist

KSKO

KSKO has served Interior of Alaska for more than 40 years with a service area of over 150 miles and 8 different communities. We feature NPR news and talk programs with local DJ's playing music daily.

spinitron.com

 

[Kelly A]

I'd say the format to me would be: AOM. All Over the Map.
But considering the tiny population count within the station coverage, it stands to reason.

 

[CTListener]

I've heard all but four of those tracks on WJMJ Hartford. AOM pretty much describes its format, too, but harder rock doesn't make the cut.

 

[Kelly A]

I've heard all but four of those tracks on WJMJ Hartford. AOM pretty much describes its format, too, but harder rock doesn't make the cut.

That's a great point actually. In the case of KSKO, in Moose Liver AK, Even if your listenership consists of maybe a dozen residents at one time over a week, how much sense does it make to play such a schizophrenic rock playlist, along with NPR and report local news and events? Talk about constant tune-out opportunities. And with an audience that small, why drive what few listeners you might have away?

 

[Deleted member 108832]

Midnight Oil followed by Linda Ronstadt. I would define that as CHR. Can't Help Running. Far and fast.

 

[Kelly A]

Midnight Oil followed by Linda Ronstadt. I would define that as CHR. Can't Help Running. Far and fast.

Good one Bucee!

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

That's a great point actually. In the case of KSKO, in Moose Liver AK, Even if your listenership consists of maybe a dozen residents at one time over a week, how much sense does it make to play such a schizophrenic rock playlist, along with NPR and report local news and events? Talk about constant tune-out opportunities. And with an audience that small, why drive what few listeners you might have away?

If you dont take into account KZPA 900 300 miles away, which we dont own, but simulcasts us 18 hours a day, we have a potential audience of about 1200.

Id wager theres more than a dozen people listening at a time.. theres no way to judge out here. But what I can tell you is from what i gather alot of people have KSKO on in the background at work, at home, all the time.

My listeners like rock/oldies music.. and to them, what you see above is rock/oldies. They dont get or understand the industry definitions of formats and how rock can be split into a few formats.

Listeners listen for the most part regardless of the music playing because they know theyll hear a local voice and local info. I had a volunteer on air about 2 years ago who played alternative/harder classic rock and i know i had a few elders listening because it was a voice they knew.

I have to be a little bit of everything to everyone at some point during the week. What we do seems to work.

 

[radiofan2023]

I don't mind any of those songs and I haven't heard a few of them (the Huey Lewis & Rare Earth songs). It's better than Barry Manilow followed by Frank Sinatra.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

I don't mind any of those songs and I haven't heard a few of them (the Huey Lewis & Rare Earth songs). It's better than Barry Manilow followed by Frank Sinatra.

we do occasionally have some wild swings from song to song because thats what was requested. I was playing rock yesterday and someone requested tennessee ernie ford.. so they got it.

if we take wild swings, is often because i wanna keep a kind of upbeat flow going. Knowing what my listeners like is paramount to success here.... well one of the more important things

 

[TheBigA]

They dont get or understand the industry definitions of formats and how rock can be split into a few formats.

That's OK. "Industry definitions" aren't meant for listeners. They're meant for the industry. The only reason they exist is because stations are trying to fine-tune or target what they play to attract a select group of people. That's not what you're doing.

I doubt there's anyone here who was alive 100 years ago when there were only a few radio stations in the country. Imagine what it was like to live in a place where there was only one radio station, and it was your only real connection to music, information, and the rest of the world. The rules are very different under such circumstances. People will put up with pretty much anything, regardless of their personal taste. Perhaps they aren't even aware of all the options that exist because it's not in their experience.

If you look at WABC's playlist in the mid-60s, you'll see everything from The Beatles & Rolling Stones to Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt, Johnny Cash, and the Supremes. They played folk, rock, jazz, R&B, and country. In 1963 they played a song by Kyo Sakamoto that was entirely in Japanese. That same year, they played a song called "Dominique" that was entirely in French. They described their format at the time as "mass appeal." That format only worked until the 70s, when genre specialization came along and pulled people away.

 

[Kelly A]

If you dont take into account KZPA 900 300 miles away, which we dont own, but simulcasts us 18 hours a day, we have a potential audience of about 1200.

If you consider even the smallest markets in the lower 48 are over 10,000 pop count, even you'd have to admit, 1200 is pretty small.

Id wager theres more than a dozen people listening at a time.. theres no way to judge out here. But what I can tell you is from what i gather alot of people have KSKO on in the background at work, at home, all the time.

I guess if that's all there is to listen-to, it makes sense. That said; why not at least strive for quality? Rather than what amounts tp Paul's favorites radio jukebox? I'd bet your listeners would be thrilled if you asked them to sign up to be on the 'KSKO Advisory Board.' It would give both you and them something to do, a time investment in 'their' radio station, and might develop even greater loyalty from listeners believing they have input.

My listeners like rock/oldies music.. and to them, what you see above is rock/oldies. They dont get or understand the industry definitions of formats and how rock can be split into a few formats.

Most listeners don't understand industry definitions, not just the natives in Bear Testicle, AK. Consistency and playing popular forms of music win the day.

Listeners listen for the most part regardless of the music playing because they know theyll hear a local voice and local info. I had a volunteer on air about 2 years ago who played alternative/harder classic rock and i know i had a few elders listening because it was a voice they knew.

I can imagine the isolation of that community would look for familiar voices, but fooling around and making them listen to crap in advance of hearing a familiar voice again? You can do better.

I have to be a little bit of everything to everyone at some point during the week. What we do seems to work.

Probably because you haven't asked what people actually want?

 

[TheBigA]

I'm reminded of a DJ named Damien who did mid-days at pioneer prog-rocker WHFS in Washington DC. Damien was the son of the station owner. He had very broad taste in music, and his dad was fine with that. At some point in the 80s, he was in a terrible car accident that damaged his brain, and left him with a very pronounced speech impediment. It didn't matter to his fans. They continued to listen, regardless of the situation.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

If you consider even the smallest markets in the lower 48 are over 10,000 pop count, even you'd have to admit, 1200 is pretty small.

I guess if that's all there is to listen-to, it makes sense. That said; why not at least strive for quality? Rather than what amounts tp Paul's favorites radio jukebox? I'd bet your listeners would be thrilled if you asked them to sign up to be on the 'KSKO Advisory Board.' It would give both you and them something to do, a time investment in 'their' radio station, and might develop even greater loyalty from listeners believing they have input.

Most listeners don't understand industry definitions, not just the natives in Bear Testicle, AK. Consistency and playing popular forms of music win the day.

I can imagine the isolation of that community would look for familiar voices, but fooling around and making them listen to crap in advance of hearing a familiar voice again? You can do better.

Probably because you haven't asked what people actually want?

its hardly pauls favorite jukebox, my favorite music is 70s 80s 90s country and 60s 70s oldies. I look at what weve played recently, what listeners like and delve into the rock music and classic hits type categories and pick out stuff i know listeners like regardless if its played recently, along with some that havent played in awhile.

We have an advisory board, we have a board of directors... it has been very hard for numerous reasons to get people to sign up.

I in fact know what listeners like, i make notes about requests we get. Ive been playing rock music, had a call for a country song, while that song was playing, another person called for a pop song.. I played it all.

Listeners who arent part of any board do have regular input, From time to time, I ask community members i see what they think about a certain program.... i ask people who call in from outside of mcgrath in some communities 100-125 miles away what they think.

Nothing is done because its pauls favorite. That would spell disaster. Radio here is kinda schizo, but with one signal, we have to be a little something to everyone.

I added a car repair show, the car doctor with ron ananian.. not because im a gear head or anything.. the opposite actually../. but because i knew people missed car talk.

I added a yacht rock show for people who dont like the harder rock

 

[Mikey Radio]

I can imagine the isolation of that community would look for familiar voices, but fooling around and making them listen to crap in advance of hearing a familiar voice again? You can do better.

But it's a familiar voice with great pipes and big market radio delivery! https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/a-live-look-into-ksko-in-remote-alaska.767548/

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

But it's a familiar voice with great pipes and big market radio delivery! https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/a-live-look-into-ksko-in-remote-alaska.767548/

Great pipes and big market?

Nope.

Average at best voice and delivery most days

 

[Kelly A]

But it's a familiar voice with great pipes and big market radio delivery! https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/a-live-look-into-ksko-in-remote-alaska.767548/

Good Lord..

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

You know what I find interesting? The complaints or jokes about what I do with KSKO. People talk about whats missing or wrong with radio and im doing it, but people find a reason to still kvetch,.

Yes, I post alot about KSKO because I believe we are one of the most unique stations in one of the most unique locations in the country. We have one of the largest service areas of any NPR station in the country, with KYUK Bethel AK and KBRW Utqiagvik, AK(Formerly Barrow) leading by a little bit. I like to brag about the station but I also like to share because I love what I do and wanna show the world because we are doing some incredibly local things.

Yes, im not major or even medium market talent, never had any aspirations to be.

What I do, how I do it and why I do it wouldn't work anywhere else.. What/why/how I do things is specific to our audience. I've worked in commercial radio for 20 years and I know how to be a little more polished and smooth, as some might say.. but sometimes out here, its about the content more than anything.

My job is to understand my audience wants, needs, desires, dislikes and etc.. and deliver that and after 3 years here, I can say I'm doing a damn good job of understanding all of that. I wouldn't have gotten a raise and bonus last year if I wasn't doing a good job.

Nothing on this station is because I like it. Sure I might play my favorite Beatles tune or favorite 80s country tunes once in awhile, but outside of that.. its about the listeners.

Our audience loved Car Talk with Click & Clack the Tappit Brothers as much for the car repair advice as for the comedy. Distribution ended 9 years after new episodes last came out. I wanted to find a replacement because as much as people loved the comedy, alot of people out here are amatuer mechanics and hardcore advice would be useful. Thats why earlier this spring I debuted former WOR Host Ron Ananian's "The Car Doctor" show.

The majority of our audience likes music that encompases the "rock category", from oldies to classic rock to classic hits. But, there are some who don't or want something different sometimes... so I air Captain Adam's Yacht Rock show.

We expanded local programming this year from 5 to 7 hours a day!!! Find me a public station that has that much in one day and expands rather then removes?

In the process of adding local programming, we eliminated one hour of morning edition, entirely eliminated Fresh air and are down to half an hour of All things Considered. We added 2 hours a day of the BBC World Service.

When the river starts flowing again and threatens our communities with a flood, I'm there and on the air. When the state trooper called me and say "hey, water is just coming up over the bank near the south end of the runway", it was just after midnight.. I went on the air and announced it this year.

The year prior when our town DID flood, i was on the air at least 2x an hour 6am to 3pm as things were consntantly changing and let people know what was going on.

When we flew to some of our far flung FM Repeater stations (not translators), I got to meet one of our listeners. 65, a retired cook, no computer, no smart phone, has a tv, but much prefers radio because she has a personal conneciton, relationship and friendship with us. She is a perfect re,minder of what we do and why we do it.

All kinds of thigns that are only available on TV or internet end up on KSKO. Iditarod.com coverage, governor's state of the state addresses. coverage of major events done by other radio station

I broadcast School radio plays, high school graduations, I kinterview ALLLL sorts of visiting specialists, dignitaries, officials and guests.

I do this ALL myself on a day to day operational basis because its the right thing to do and the way radio, especially in a place like this should be done.

I don't owe anyone here an explination or defnese of what I do, but I thought I'd offer a few thoughts.

and the pièce de résistance? My Dxing hobby! I've made international news for it and been on tv because of it. Google "alaska Radio nerd"

 

[TexasTom]

You know what I find interesting? The complaints or jokes about what I do with KSKO. People talk about whats missing or wrong with radio and im doing it, but people find a reason to still kvetch,.

Yeah, I thought that was interesting, as well. People complain about the sameness of corporate radio, then turn around and criticize KSKO because it violates the norms of corporate radio. Historically, it does seem to me that stations in smaller markets tended to be musically broader than those in larger markets, and your market is about as small as it gets. And I suspect that for many of your listeners, alternatives such as streaming don't really exist, so you really do need to be a "something for everyone" station.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

Yeah, I thought that was interesting, as well. People complain about the sameness of corporate radio, then turn around and criticize KSKO because it violates the norms of corporate radio. Historically, it does seem to me that stations in smaller markets tended to be musically broader than those in larger markets, and your market is about as small as it gets. And I suspect that for many of your listeners, alternatives such as streaming don't really exist, so you really do need to be a "something for everyone" station.

At some point we do need to be a little something for everyone.. thats why we have a car repair show, a yacht rock show, a travel show, etc.

Starlink and internet streaming is becoming a bit of a thing out here. BUT.. that stuff will never provide what KSKO provides.. a local voice, local information.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

Yeah, I thought that was interesting, as well. People complain about the sameness of corporate radio, then turn around and criticize KSKO because it violates the norms of corporate radio. Historically, it does seem to me that stations in smaller markets tended to be musically broader than those in larger markets, and your market is about as small as it gets. And I suspect that for many of your listeners, alternatives such as streaming don't really exist, so you really do need to be a "something for everyone" station.

Plus, as i thought after i posted my first reply to you tom.. my job really is to know what listeners like, dont like, want, need... etc... and with such a small audience i have achance to really get to know all of that and what you hear on the air is a smorgasboard of what i know the listeners like, want need dont like etc

There's a reason i dropped a jazz program and a program called soul deluxe, which was like low key laid back club music.. my listeners dont like that kidna stuff

We still run an hour of locally automated jazz weekdays at 4am, and saturdays 4 to 6am with a classical tune or two per hour because we do have some early risers out here and i dont want anything too jarring or loud but i wanna keep it locally automated, and music.