100.3 Urban AC Pirate

[NSPUNX]

You make a good point dumber, while I think it is a good idea I don't think it will ever happen. I just want to be clear that my objection is not against a "community based" station, I work at one. My objection is not against the "Urban AC" format either, I would be just as outraged and critical of a Punk Rock pirate station. I am also not against DIY radio, If it was legal I would run my own station. I have thought about starting a "part 15" station but I just don't feel it's worth it in my situation. If I lived in a large apartment building with a lot of people my age I might do it but I live in a pretty spread out neighborhood of mostly older folks who I don't think would have the same appreciation for some of the Music I prefer. Honestly, nothing would make me happier than to see "Touch FM" purchase a legal station, or rent time on one. Not only would an underserved format get some airplay, and some talented people would get work, it would remove a pirate from the airwaves. However I just refuse to support or accept an illegal pirate station regardless of what format it is.

 

[BRNout]

I don't think rapking would listen to a legal urban AC station because he apparently likes only pirate stations and jumps on the bandwagon of popular pirate stations

I don't think that's the case - Rapking is just applauding these pirates out of frustration with the local (legitimate) broadcasters and the lack of variety that they are currently providing to an increasingly diverse and vibrant metropolis. If there was a commercial Urban AC available in the market, you'd see a lot of these comments vaporize.

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it. Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

 

[rapking]

I don't think rapking would listen to a legal urban AC station because he apparently likes only pirate stations and jumps on the bandwagon of popular pirate stations

I don't think that's the case - Rapking is just applauding these pirates out of frustration with the local (legitimate) broadcasters and the lack of variety that they are currently providing to an increasingly diverse and vibrant metropolis. If there was a commercial Urban AC available in the market, you'd see a lot of these comments vaporize.

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it. Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

Well Said .

 

[rapking]

I don't think rapking would listen to a legal urban AC station because he apparently likes only pirate stations and jumps on the bandwagon of popular pirate stations

Here's an idea for you, why don't you start your own pirate station on 107.9, 106.7, 105.7, or any other Prudential frequency with a 10 watt transmitter in the Back Bay? It won't get busted because no one will be able to hear it. You can ask your friends at Touch 106.1 if you can borrow their transmitter.

I was a Long time Nash owned Urban A/C WILD-AM 1090 ( can you say Legal ) listener, Until Radio One F-- It Up ( and Act of 96 killed The Radio ). Here's an idea for you, Please Dont Think !

 

[MR. JAROME_CALVIN]

I don't think rapking would listen to a legal urban AC station because he apparently likes only pirate stations and jumps on the bandwagon of popular pirate stations

I don't think that's the case - Rapking is just applauding these pirates out of frustration with the local (legitimate) broadcasters and the lack of variety that they are currently providing to an increasingly diverse and vibrant metropolis. If there was a commercial Urban AC available in the market, you'd see a lot of these comments vaporize.

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it. Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

I agree as well

 

[mistermicrophone]

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it.

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

...it's not an "issue." Drugs and guns in the community are issues. The rising cost of gasoline is an issue. Not having the format you want on the dial may be a disappointment, but not an issue.

There are no In & Out Burger joints in the Boston area and I am not happy about that...but it's not an "issue."

 

[rapking]

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it.

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

...it's not an "issue." Drugs and guns in the community are issues. The rising cost of gasoline is an issue. Not having the format you want on the dial may be a disappointment, but not an issue.

There are no In & Out Burger joints in the Boston area and I am not happy about that...but it's not an "issue."

Bring Sonic to Boston ! NOW !

 

[Eli Polonsky]

Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

I'm not sure about that, but I also do believe that the format could be viable on a decent FM signal that covers the whole metro at least reasonably well. It would have to be run by an owner who is dedicated to the format on a personal level, because though I believe that such a station could sustain itself and keep financially afloat, there will always be other formats with more lucrative billings tempting the owners who just want the maximum bottom line.

For those who say "it's been tried and failed", an adult Urban format has not been done properly on an FM signal in this metro. The attempt by Radio One on 97.7 was abysmal. I don't understand why a company that has had some success with urban programming elsewhere made such mistakes in this market.

Here's what I'd suggest for a viable FM Urban AC:

Keep the music ADULT at all times. No Hip-Hop and Rap. It's useless to try to compete with 94.5 for Hip-Hop, even with a more "authentic" urban approach. Let the kids listen to 94.5, and focus on the ADULT audience.

Program to serve Boston's Urban community, but not to limit itself to it. To make the station financially viable, it's appeal, and it's sponsors, must come from both within and outside of Boston's urban neighborhoods, and that means it would have to attract listeners out in the suburbs as well as in the city.

That could be accomplished with the right music mix. Adults of ALL colors like great Classic Soul. The old WILD-AM (before Radio One) when it was all Classic Soul was often pulling almost (occasionally above) a 2 share on a mediocre daytime-only AM signal. It could certainly do better on a decent 24/7 FM signal. That's because not only the inner city was listening, but it had listeners in the suburbs too.

Keep the music mix heaviest on Classic Soul of the '60s, '70s and '80s. There should also be included some more recent adult urban contemporary releases that fit the sound so that it's not entirely an oldies station and so that contemporary adult urban artists can be promoted, but limit them to no more than a few an hour at the most.

WILD 97.7's idea of a few hours of Rap/Hip-Hop in the evenings in between adult R&B shows was an unfocuced concept that couldn't have possibly worked to hold a consistent audience. Evenings should stay adult R&B with more mellower "slow-jams" and Classic Soul ballads (an urban version of an evening show similar to "Bedtime Magic" on conventional AC stations) and even a few "smooth jazz" tracks mixed in, during evening hours only.

Occasional or weekly public affairs shows, PSA's, and other occasional special public service features can be programmed toward issues relevant to the Boston urban community, but the bulk of the regular weekday musical programming would have to appeal to the Urban AC/Classic Soul audience out in the greater Boston area as well as within the city.

There's no way that a viable commercial Urban AC station could serve only Boston's urban neighborhoods. If some people object and say that this (hypothetical) commercial station isn't serving their area exclusively like the pirates purport to, they would have to realize that it's the only way that it can survive and serve them at all.

Of course, this is all idle speculation. There is no FM signal available for such a station. Also, it's difficult to say whether Radio One's attempt on 97.7, despite some seemingly poor programming ideas and a limited approach, actually "failed". They simply got an offer they couldn't refuse from Entercom a couple of years ago.

 

[rapking]

Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

I'm not sure about that, but I also do believe that the format could be viable on a decent FM signal that covers the whole metro at least reasonably well. It would have to be run by an owner who is dedicated to the format on a personal level, because though I believe that such a station could sustain itself and keep financially afloat, there will always be other formats with more lucrative billings tempting the owners who just want the maximum bottom line.

For those who say "it's been tried and failed", an adult Urban format has not been done properly on an FM signal in this metro. The attempt by Radio One on 97.7 was abysmal. I don't understand why a company that has had some success with urban programming elsewhere made such mistakes in this market.

Here's what I'd suggest for a viable FM Urban AC:

Keep the music ADULT at all times. No Hip-Hop and Rap. It's useless to try to compete with 94.5 for Hip-Hop, even with a more "authentic" urban approach. Let the kids listen to 94.5, and focus on the ADULT audience.

Program to serve Boston's Urban community, but not to limit itself to it. To make the station financially viable, it's appeal, and it's sponsors, must come from both within and outside of Boston's urban neighborhoods, and that means it would have to attract listeners out in the suburbs as well as in the city.

That could be accomplished with the right music mix. Adults of ALL colors like great Classic Soul. The old WILD-AM (before Radio One) when it was all Classic Soul was often pulling almost (occasionally above) a 2 share on a mediocre daytime-only AM signal. It could certainly do better on a decent 24/7 FM signal. That's because not only the inner city was listening, but it had listeners in the suburbs too.

Keep the music mix heaviest on Classic Soul of the '60s, '70s and '80s. There should also be included some more recent adult urban contemporary releases that fit the sound so that it's not entirely an oldies station and so that contemporary adult urban artists can be promoted, but limit them to no more than a few an hour at the most.

WILD 97.7's idea of a few hours of Rap/Hip-Hop in the evenings in between adult R&B shows was an unfocuced concept that couldn't have possibly worked to hold a consistent audience. Evenings should stay adult R&B with more mellower "slow-jams" and Classic Soul ballads (an urban version of an evening show similar to "Bedtime Magic" on conventional AC stations) and even a few "smooth jazz" tracks mixed in, during evening hours only.

Occasional or weekly public affairs shows, PSA's, and other occasional special public service features can be programmed toward issues relevant to the Boston urban community, but the bulk of the regular weekday musical programming would have to appeal to the Urban AC/Classic Soul audience out in the greater Boston area as well as within the city.

There's no way that a viable commercial Urban AC station could serve only Boston's urban neighborhoods. If some people object and say that this (hypothetical) commercial station isn't serving their area exclusively like the pirates purport to, they would have to realize that it's the only way that it can survive and serve them at all.

Of course, this is all idle speculation. There is no FM signal available for such a station. Also, it's difficult to say whether Radio One's attempt on 97.7, despite some seemingly poor programming ideas and a limited approach, actually "failed". They simply got an offer they couldn't refuse from Entercom a couple of years ago.

Well Said. Dumbass Radio One should had saw Nash Owned WILD-AM 1090 was doing great in this market. Radio One should had put Nash Run WILD on 97.7 ( Not WBOT or even more stupid crap, half WBOT, half WILD Format on 97.7 )

 

[mistermicrophone]

Urban AC can work in Boston. It may not ever be number one, but it would do ok and be perfectly viable. Besides, I do not see the likes of WAAF, WFNX, WZLX or WBCN at the top of the Arbitron book either. There's too much rock and too little variety in Boston.

An Urban AC (if done right) could do as well on one transmitter as WAAF does on two! ;D

I'm not sure about that, but I also do believe that the format could be viable on a decent FM signal that covers the whole metro at least reasonably well. It would have to be run by an owner who is dedicated to the format on a personal level, because though I believe that such a station could sustain itself and keep financially afloat, there will always be other formats with more lucrative billings tempting the owners who just want the maximum bottom line.

For those who say "it's been tried and failed", an adult Urban format has not been done properly on an FM signal in this metro. The attempt by Radio One on 97.7 was abysmal. I don't understand why a company that has had some success with urban programming elsewhere made such mistakes in this market.

Here's what I'd suggest for a viable FM Urban AC:

Keep the music ADULT at all times. No Hip-Hop and Rap. It's useless to try to compete with 94.5 for Hip-Hop, even with a more "authentic" urban approach. Let the kids listen to 94.5, and focus on the ADULT audience.

Program to serve Boston's Urban community, but not to limit itself to it. To make the station financially viable, it's appeal, and it's sponsors, must come from both within and outside of Boston's urban neighborhoods, and that means it would have to attract listeners out in the suburbs as well as in the city.

That could be accomplished with the right music mix. Adults of ALL colors like great Classic Soul. The old WILD-AM (before Radio One) when it was all Classic Soul was often pulling almost (occasionally above) a 2 share on a mediocre daytime-only AM signal. It could certainly do better on a decent 24/7 FM signal. That's because not only the inner city was listening, but it had listeners in the suburbs too.

Keep the music mix heaviest on Classic Soul of the '60s, '70s and '80s. There should also be included some more recent adult urban contemporary releases that fit the sound so that it's not entirely an oldies station and so that contemporary adult urban artists can be promoted, but limit them to no more than a few an hour at the most.

WILD 97.7's idea of a few hours of Rap/Hip-Hop in the evenings in between adult R&B shows was an unfocuced concept that couldn't have possibly worked to hold a consistent audience. Evenings should stay adult R&B with more mellower "slow-jams" and Classic Soul ballads (an urban version of an evening show similar to "Bedtime Magic" on conventional AC stations) and even a few "smooth jazz" tracks mixed in, during evening hours only.

Occasional or weekly public affairs shows, PSA's, and other occasional special public service features can be programmed toward issues relevant to the Boston urban community, but the bulk of the regular weekday musical programming would have to appeal to the Urban AC/Classic Soul audience out in the greater Boston area as well as within the city.

There's no way that a viable commercial Urban AC station could serve only Boston's urban neighborhoods. If some people object and say that this (hypothetical) commercial station isn't serving their area exclusively like the pirates purport to, they would have to realize that it's the only way that it can survive and serve them at all.

Of course, this is all idle speculation. There is no FM signal available for such a station. Also, it's difficult to say whether Radio One's attempt on 97.7, despite some seemingly poor programming ideas and a limited approach, actually "failed". They simply got an offer they couldn't refuse from Entercom a couple of years ago.

Ok, is what Touch-FM is doing right now, if run as a LEGAL operation, the answer? If they were on, say, 104.1, 92.9, 107.9 today, at this moment, running the current content they are right now, would they accomplish what Eli said they could?

 

[pauseone]

Interestingly enough, I see both sides of this argument. I cannot and will not endorse breaking the law as these pirates are doing. However, I also recognize the glee with which innovation is greeted. Particularly when a private party takes the initiative to fill a niche (that needs filling) when the big guys won't deign to do it.

What you're seeing here are people venting their frustrations with this unchanging issue. I don't agree with them, but nor can I blame them. It's about time that someone in Boston has the brains and the schnuts to break out of the box and program something different.

...it's not an "issue." Drugs and guns in the community are issues. The rising cost of gasoline is an issue. Not having the format you want on the dial may be a disappointment, but not an issue.

There are no In & Out Burger joints in the Boston area and I am not happy about that...but it's not an "issue."

Yeah, but this is a radio forum, madam, so there are no discussions about guns and drugs. Stop playing ignorant.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

Ok, is what Touch-FM is doing right now, if run as a LEGAL operation, the answer? If they were on, say, 104.1, 92.9, 107.9 today, at this moment, running the current content they are right now, would they accomplish what Eli said they could?

I think it would need some modification. The basic idea, some of the elements, music and programming could work, but it would need more formatting consistency, and they would have to broaden their appeal beyond only purporting to serve just the inner city as their exclusive listenership.

 

[mistermicrophone]

Yeah, but this is a radio forum, madam, so there are no discussions about guns and drugs. Stop playing ignorant.

Who's playing ignorant? Not having a radio format in a town is NOT an "issue." People breaking the law by putting a pirate station on the air is an ISSUE. A legal issue. BTW, feeble attempt at comedy, with the "madam."

 

[mistermicrophone]

Ok, is what Touch-FM is doing right now, if run as a LEGAL operation, the answer? If they were on, say, 104.1, 92.9, 107.9 today, at this moment, running the current content they are right now, would they accomplish what Eli said they could?

they would have to broaden their appeal beyond only purporting to serve just the inner city as their exclusive listenership.

That was my point. Using the positioner that includes "the essence of the black community" is NOT going to make it palatable to enough of the population to be successful, not to mention the limited advertiser appeal.

 

[pauseone]

Yeah, but this is a radio forum, madam, so there are no discussions about guns and drugs. Stop playing ignorant.

Who's playing ignorant? Not having a radio format in a town is NOT an "issue." People breaking the law by putting a pirate station on the air is an ISSUE. A legal issue. BTW, feeble attempt at comedy, with the "madam."

Fine, then limit the discussion to the issue of pirate radio and stop YOUR feeble attempt at comedy by bringing guns, drugs and in/out burger into the conversation.

 

[mistermicrophone]

Yeah, but this is a radio forum, madam, so there are no discussions about guns and drugs. Stop playing ignorant.

Who's playing ignorant? Not having a radio format in a town is NOT an "issue." People breaking the law by putting a pirate station on the air is an ISSUE. A legal issue. BTW, feeble attempt at comedy, with the "madam."

Fine, then limit the discussion to the issue of pirate radio and stop YOUR feeble attempt at comedy by bringing guns, drugs and in/out burger into the conversation.

Seriously, dude (or dudette)?? The guns/drugs was to emphasize my point about what the difference between an issue and someone being unhappy. The In & Out Burger comment was to draw a parallel between two scenarios.

Both items of contention are relevant to my point about pirate radio. And what have you contributed to the conversation??

 

[Eli Polonsky]

Ok, is what Touch-FM is doing right now, if run as a LEGAL operation, the answer? If they were on, say, 104.1, 92.9, 107.9 today, at this moment, running the current content they are right now, would they accomplish what Eli said they could?

they would have to broaden their appeal beyond only purporting to serve just the inner city as their exclusive listenership.

That was my point. Using the positioner that includes "the essence of the black community" is NOT going to make it palatable to enough of the population to be successful, not to mention the limited advertiser appeal.

Exactly, however, the current "Touch-FM" doesn't need to reach outside of "the black community". As a small pirate, they ignore all kinds of fees that legitimate stations must pay, and who knows whether they pay any of their staff, so they have much lower overhead than a legitimate station, so they don't need to solicit sponsors beyond their immediate community. Also, their current signal really isn't very good outside of "the black community". It's really not strong enough to attract advertisers and listeners north of the South End or west of Jamaica Plain. It know that it can be heard farther, but it's weak and spotty.

If it was a legitimate full-power station, the programming could still serve "the black community" in essence, but it should not be limited only to it, and it should not be stated on-air as such to exclude all other areas and communities. I don't recall WILD (AM) in their heyday using polarizing liners identifying themselves as being exclusively the "black community" station. "The black community" knew that WILD was their station simply from the programming and the on-air sound, and they didn't turn off other listeners outside the city who happened to enjoy their programming either. Even the liner that Radio One used "The People's Station" didn't literally mean that it was a station only for certain people.

I believe that an Urban AC can work in the Boston market as I posted earlier, but I didn't necessarily mean Touch-FM the way it is now. They would have to be willing to drop the polarizing positioners and other such elements to make it a viable commercial Urban AC for the whole Boston market.

 

[nd2023]

Touch 106.1 serves "the black community" that resides in its 60 dBu contour.

The people running the station have a great format and community involvement, but unfortunately lack a license.

I think college station WRBB 104.9 out of Northeastern is mostly automation during the summer because there are not many students on the air. Touch could work a deal with them to provide a format and airstaff during the day when it's usually in automation. They already have a listener base at 106.1, that could be moved down to 104.9.

However, one problem is that Touch 106.1 is more powerful than WRBB.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

I think college station WRBB 104.9 out of Northeastern is mostly automation during the summer because there are not many students on the air. Touch could work a deal with them to provide a format and airstaff during the day when it's usually in automation. They already have a listener base at 106.1, that could be moved down to 104.9.

Would Touch be willing to go non-comm and drop the ads that they're running to legally broadcast their format on WRBB?

And, would WRBB want to work with the programmers of an active pirate station? If I was WRBB in that situation, I would insist that Touch shut off their pirate station before even considering to offer them any of their airtime. Otherwise, the Touch people could promote their pirate station on their temporary summer programs on WRBB, which would be illegal and could get WRBB in trouble.

 

[radiojay1]

Wow, I'm surprised no one commented on the demographics from www.city-data.com in my post. With 25% of the population black in Boston, how could an Urban AC (if programmed correctly) not work? That does not even include the African-American population in the entire metro area. The key is it needs to be done right, not just half-a$$ed like Radio One did with 97.7 WBOT and now with 1090 WILD. The station could work, it's just how much effort that is put into it that will make it work. African-American listeners can be the target audience, but the station should also reflect that non only African-Americans listen to soul and R&B.