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97.1 Stream - Technical Error or Deception?

N

Nu_Roo_2

The last time I was in Illinois, I was surfing the web and tried to listen to the 97.1 stream. I don't know if they still use this, but I've heard "streaming worldwide at mix971.net" in their sweepers.

Well, when you click Listen now, you are presented with this message in the pop-up: "To insure you hear the best audio possible, please enter your zip code and click the Continue button." Now, I don't know how they would actually use zip code to fine-tune the audio (!), but I figured this couldn't be a device to keep non-market people from streaming, given the way the zip code request is worded.

So I put in the Illinois zip. It played a few ads. Then an embedded Windows Media Player says "Playing," but it never actually plays. Tried again, same deal. Tried a Columbus zip and later a Cincy zip, and after the ads it played fine for both. Tried Illinois again, no go.

Can anyone wager a guess as to whether this is a technical error or deception? If it's the latter, I think 97.1 should be ashamed. This would go beyond everyday radio fibbing to a rub-your-face-in-it lie. Simply leaving out the "insure you hear the best audio" (probable) bull would've been OK. Or do people in Illinois prefer silence? (That's sure not what I would've guessed from my visits...) Nice way to tick off your loyal listeners (not that I'm one of those!!) who try to tune in while they're out of town..
 
I'd say it is deception, but if they said some thing like "We can only stream to those in Ohio Zip codes so please tell us what Zip code you are in", I'm sure the listener who is not in Ohio and wanted to listen would be quickly looking up an Ohio Zip code so they could listen. I'd say they are deceptive but doing so and trying not to be obvious.
 
Some stations have, in the past, chosen to limit their streaming only to zip codes within their local area.

Don't know if it's cheaper to do that, or what...but I am aware that it has happened.
 
I've encountered plenty of local-area zip restrictions for streams, but until now I've never seen such an unnecessarily misleading presentation. Stations should monitor little details like this, whether it's vendor or station-driven. They add up.
 
If I may interject....

I know of a radio station in Tyler, Texas (my hometown) that has limited the streaming to zip codes that are only within their MSA. Unlike this instance, they make no bones about the fact it's limited to ZIP codes in three counties. They require a credit card transaction ($5 and it goes to charity) in order to verify you live where you say you live.

www.ktbb.com

This instance sounds like they're being deceptively protective. Although I understand the premise behind doing this, I'd much rather the station be up front about it (like KTBB) as to have some stunt like this pulled on me.
 
Saga in Columbus uses the zip code "gate" trying to give only metro listeners easy access to the stream. Most people can figure out that you only have to put in the local zip for entry. Reasons why? Probably to save a few bucko's because the more that listen, the more it will cost you. No deception but not real great customer service.
 
Nu_Roo_2 said:
The last time I was in Illinois, I was surfing the web and tried to listen to the 97.1 stream. I don't know if they still use this, but I've heard "streaming worldwide at mix971.net" in their sweepers.

Well, when you click Listen now, you are presented with this message in the pop-up: "To insure you hear the best audio possible, please enter your zip code and click the Continue button." Now, I don't know how they would actually use zip code to fine-tune the audio (!), but I figured this couldn't be a device to keep non-market people from streaming, given the way the zip code request is worded.

So I put in the Illinois zip. It played a few ads. Then an embedded Windows Media Player says "Playing," but it never actually plays. Tried again, same deal. Tried a Columbus zip and later a Cincy zip, and after the ads it played fine for both. Tried Illinois again, no go.

Can anyone wager a guess as to whether this is a technical error or deception? If it's the latter, I think 97.1 should be ashamed. This would go beyond everyday radio fibbing to a rub-your-face-in-it lie. Simply leaving out the "insure you hear the best audio" (probable) bull would've been OK. Or do people in Illinois prefer silence? (That's sure not what I would've guessed from my visits...) Nice way to tick off your loyal listeners (not that I'm one of those!!) who try to tune in while they're out of town..
Click to expand...

Roo, you're not alone.

I'm in Illinois now, and I'm listening to the stream after putting in my home ZIP code. The same thing happened to me when I put in the Illinois ZIP code.

Now, we could speculate it might have something to do with the OSU loss to Illinois, but I'm trying to enjoy my vacation, thank you very much. :D
 
Sean Gilbow said:
Nu_Roo_2 said:
The last time I was in Illinois, I was surfing the web and tried to listen to the 97.1 stream.  I don't know if they still use this, but I've heard "streaming worldwide at mix971.net" in their sweepers.

Well, when you click Listen now, you are presented with this message in the pop-up:   "To insure you hear the best audio possible, please enter your zip code and click the Continue button."  Now, I don't know how they would actually use zip code to fine-tune the audio (!), but I figured this couldn't be a device to keep non-market people from streaming, given the way the zip code request is worded. 

So I put in the Illinois zip.  It played a few ads.  Then an embedded Windows Media Player says "Playing,"  but it never actually plays.  Tried again, same deal.  Tried a Columbus zip and later a Cincy zip, and after the ads it played fine for both.  Tried Illinois again, no go.

Can anyone wager a guess as to whether this is a technical error or deception?  If it's the latter, I think 97.1 should be ashamed.  This would go beyond everyday radio fibbing to a rub-your-face-in-it lie.  Simply leaving out the "insure you hear the best audio" (probable) bull would've been OK.  Or do people in Illinois prefer silence?  (That's sure not what I would've guessed from my visits...)  Nice way to tick off your loyal listeners (not that I'm one of those!!) who try to tune in while they're out of town..
Click to expand...

Roo, you're not alone.

I'm in Illinois now, and I'm listening to the stream after putting in my home ZIP code.  The same thing happened to me when I put in the Illinois ZIP code.

Now, we could speculate it might have something to do with the OSU loss to Illinois, but I'm trying to enjoy my vacation, thank you very much.   :D
Click to expand...

Hmmm, maybe you're on to something, Sean.  As I said, a Cincy zip did work, and that's certainly not in 97.1's listening area.  But you're right, lets not dwell on the painful loss to Illinois.  I actually graduated from that "school up north" (no, not Waldo Tech!), but somehow I managed to retain my Buckeye loyalties.  (Although sometimes when I see how over-the-top many OSU fans can go with the rivalry I start waffling.  It's a far bigger deal here than up there.)
 
Probably has to do with 100% stream in the area, and that would mean everything - outside possibly no commercials. Alot of stations do that.....
 
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