2011 Predictions/Wish List

[2Son]

I'm simply saying such a station would have a better chance Today vs. 5 years ago. I know you can't be convinced....so Agree to disagree

I'm simply saying 5 years ago, today, or 5 years from now it isn't enough to sustain a station 24/7. I can be convinced, though...if you can create a 24/7 dance station or heavily dance-leaning CHR that blows away KISS, Jamz, and any other station in the market, I'm sold.

See, KZZP and Power 92 WERE those stations that were heavily dance-leaning back in the day (Power in the late 80-early 90's and again mid-90's), so why do you have such a difficult time believing that a dance-leaning CHR or hybrid would not succeed now? ...and why do you wish people would stop wishing for one? Were you even living in this market then?

In addition, stations were taking more risks with music then, so the audience was more exposed to different types of music. I think we're starting to hear a different sound from artists on Top 40/CHR now because there is a demand for something other than what we've been hearing for the past few years.

 

[Ford]

Obviously not to get rich, but to fill a void and create a large enough buzz to stick around.

And therein lies the problem. A business person doesn't seek to not get rich by filling a niche.

 

[DJ_Perry]

Then what do you consider every station that doesn't suceed at reaching at least a 3 share? That doesn't mean they are not profitable or can't survive. Perhaps they get the right local advertising to keep them alive as opposed to competing with corporate monsters.

 

[Ford]

why do you have such a difficult time believing that a dance-leaning CHR or hybrid would not succeed now?

Because it hasn't succeeded for the better part of a decade. I am of the opinion that after you've tried a business model for six or seven years and it has failed, it is time to move on.

...and why do you wish people would stop wishing for one? Were you even living in this market then?

1. I think people should be realistic.

2. Yes, and I have concluded that dance music is fine for a few songs or a specialty show, but not a 24/7 station.

In addition, stations were taking more risks with music then, so the audience was more exposed to different types of music.

I hate to break it to you, but it is not the job of radio stations to expose their listeners to new and exciting types of music. If this were the case, then experimental jazz stations, ambient, and singer/songwriter outlets would rule the airwaves. In an ideal world turning on the radio would lead to an eclectic mix of underground dance mixed with Austin City Limits and some old jazz guy's record collection.

No, the job of radio stations is to reflect the musical tastes back upon the majority of listeners.

 

[Ford]

That doesn't mean they are not profitable or can't survive.

Did Energy survive?

 

[DJ_Perry]

My argument is not to bring Energy back. There were flaws but believe it or not, the style of the format has evolved. I believe a similar format presented correctly (like 94.5 The Vibe in Vegas) on a better signal would tie with stations in the 2 share range (today, not yesterday when Energy was competing with Urban ruling the airwaves).

 

[2Son]

why do you have such a difficult time believing that a dance-leaning CHR or hybrid would not succeed now?

Because it hasn't succeeded for the better part of a decade. I am of the opinion that after you've tried a business model for six or seven years and it has failed, it is time to move on.

...and why do you wish people would stop wishing for one? Were you even living in this market then?

1. I think people should be realistic.

2. Yes, and I have concluded that dance music is fine for a few songs or a specialty show, but not a 24/7 station.

In addition, stations were taking more risks with music then, so the audience was more exposed to different types of music.

I hate to break it to you, but it is not the job of radio stations to expose their listeners to new and exciting types of music. If this were the case, then experimental jazz stations, ambient, and singer/songwriter outlets would rule the airwaves. In an ideal world turning on the radio would lead to an eclectic mix of underground dance mixed with Austin City Limits and some old jazz guy's record collection.

No, the job of radio stations is to reflect the musical tastes back upon the majority of listeners.

I never mentioned a 24/7 dance station in my last post. I mentioned a dance-leaning station. A dance-leaning station is more than just being "fine for a few dance songs", but doesn't necessarily need to only play dance. Can you answer me as to why there were times when Top 40/CHR stations sounded different in every market? Some markets had dance-leaning CHR's, some played more electro-pop/new wave, some played more rock, some played more alternative, some played more R&B, some were just vanilla-sounding. How was that reflecting the musical tastes back upon the majority when it seemed each market demanded something a little different? It may not have been a station's "job" to expose listeners to new and exciting music, but don't believe that some stations certainly didn't benefit from it when they did.

 

[average joan]

I heard Bruce Jacobs filling in for Garrett Lewis all week, my wish would be for KFYI to wake up and bring him back. Sharpe is a good fit for 2 hours in the morning, I am sorry but Broomhead just stinks.....bring Jacobs back to do afternoon drive, liven it up.

 

[Saladressing]

In regards to this thread, I've learned that there are corporate yes-people and vanilla statisticians who yearn for nothing more than the status quo, and a vanilla life. They call themselves "realists" but one must never forget that there was a time when air travel was "unrealistic," when electricity was "unrealistic." If the whole planet were composed of these people, there would be no music or art in the world whatsoever. This concludes my Will Smith motivational rant

 

[Ford]

Can you answer me as to why there were times when Top 40/CHR stations sounded different in every market?...How was that reflecting the musical tastes back upon the majority when it seemed each market demanded something a little different?

I would argue that, to some extent, Top 40 stations still sound different in every market. What works in San Francisco won't necessarily play well in Terra Haute. Likewise, what succeeds in Baltimore might not work here. What I don't understand is the seeming insistence on the part of dance advocates on this board that a dance (or dance-leaning) station not only could succeed in this market, but must be tried and tried again until it catches on because gosh darn it this market needs dance music. :

Every market is different, and the market (not "corporate yes-people and vanilla statisticians") determines what will and will not succeed on the radio. This market doesn't have any urban or urban a/c stations either, and it isn't because Majik 107 just didn't try hard enough.