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"Commercial Free"=Zero right?
- Thread starter Hammer5
- Start date
Wild Wing underwriting announcement. No qualitative. No prices. No calls to action. The production, delivery, music, etc., can sound like a commercial. And, yeah, the Wild Wing production house did make the specially produced underwriting announcement sound like their regular commercial spots. The copy is different, although the differences may be subtle. They desired to have their underwriting announcement be as consistent as possible with their message on other platforms, given WXRY underwriting guidelines and vetting.
WMHK does the same thing. All of their underwriting is even more slick than what we produce (kudos to them-- Keep up the killer job guys!). WXRY uses WMHK as a guide because WMHK also presents non-commercial radio in a way that would be very familiar to folks that usually only listen to commercial radio. By contrast, SCERN/SCETV is not a good frame of reference because they are a state government agency that relies proportionately less on underwriting support than other non-comm outlets in the country and hew close to the traditional concept of "public" broadcasting.
WXRY has never stated it's not a business operation. Just like other non-comm entities such NPR, NC Public Radio, WGBH, Minnesota Public Radio (Check out Minnesota Public Radio... they are a multi-multi-million dollar organization), etc., we're in the business of broadcasting. We're just not doing what we do to earn profits distributable to shareholders. We are not a corporate conglomerate owned radio station. Instead of having to talk to San Antonio, Las Vegas, New York, or Atlanta, all you have to do is (figuratively) talk to the Barringer Building. We're always available by email to address issues, concerns, and run-of-the-mill questions ([email protected], if you need it).
For the audience of regular on-the street folks, who told us in interview after interview that they were bored with the current offerrings of well-researched corporate-guided playlists and promotions, WXRY signed on as the antithesis to what existed on the air at the time. Regular folks get it. We still get thank yous from folks that happened upon WXRY. Different attitude, distinct playlist, but familar presentation.
Every station needs to keep the lights on. We appreciate the support of Wild Wing, Free-Times, Capitol Places, Landmark, and our other underwriters in helping us do so.
Bugz: It's not a Arbitron trick. It's a marketing strategy in order to attempt to position against a competitor running 12-18 minutes of spots an hour. For commercial radio, they use the word "commercial free" to refer to the lack of commercials during a music sweep. Not that the average Joe makes that distinction or the finer distinctions between underwriting/commercial/promo/PSA announcements.
WMHK does the same thing. All of their underwriting is even more slick than what we produce (kudos to them-- Keep up the killer job guys!). WXRY uses WMHK as a guide because WMHK also presents non-commercial radio in a way that would be very familiar to folks that usually only listen to commercial radio. By contrast, SCERN/SCETV is not a good frame of reference because they are a state government agency that relies proportionately less on underwriting support than other non-comm outlets in the country and hew close to the traditional concept of "public" broadcasting.
WXRY has never stated it's not a business operation. Just like other non-comm entities such NPR, NC Public Radio, WGBH, Minnesota Public Radio (Check out Minnesota Public Radio... they are a multi-multi-million dollar organization), etc., we're in the business of broadcasting. We're just not doing what we do to earn profits distributable to shareholders. We are not a corporate conglomerate owned radio station. Instead of having to talk to San Antonio, Las Vegas, New York, or Atlanta, all you have to do is (figuratively) talk to the Barringer Building. We're always available by email to address issues, concerns, and run-of-the-mill questions ([email protected], if you need it).
For the audience of regular on-the street folks, who told us in interview after interview that they were bored with the current offerrings of well-researched corporate-guided playlists and promotions, WXRY signed on as the antithesis to what existed on the air at the time. Regular folks get it. We still get thank yous from folks that happened upon WXRY. Different attitude, distinct playlist, but familar presentation.
Every station needs to keep the lights on. We appreciate the support of Wild Wing, Free-Times, Capitol Places, Landmark, and our other underwriters in helping us do so.
Bugz: It's not a Arbitron trick. It's a marketing strategy in order to attempt to position against a competitor running 12-18 minutes of spots an hour. For commercial radio, they use the word "commercial free" to refer to the lack of commercials during a music sweep. Not that the average Joe makes that distinction or the finer distinctions between underwriting/commercial/promo/PSA announcements.
Regarding the New 92 slogan about "Commercial-free Country": It IS very mis-leading. I'm sure they're slapping themselves on the back for thinking up such a phrase that's supposed to make people think positively about them but again, with most hype, it back-fires on them at least part of the time. I have heard comments from folks to the effect "They say they don't play commercials but they do." That does nothing to strenthen the relationship with the product (New 92) and it's customers (the listeners). They would be better off re-wording it to "At least fifty minutes of New Country every hour." That way people wouldn't make them out to be liars. But they probably won't.
Interesting Al. It seemed folks used to never figure it out, and if they did, they didn't care because noone ever believed "The Best Mix" "The Most Music" "Your Number One for Music and Fun" and the like.
What else do you feel comes across as hypocritical or inconsistent on any (or my) station? I am chewing over the comments that started the thread and would love to throw your thoughts into the brian stew.
What else do you feel comes across as hypocritical or inconsistent on any (or my) station? I am chewing over the comments that started the thread and would love to throw your thoughts into the brian stew.
My short answer is I haven't heard anything misleading or confusing on WXRY and nothing else really stands out in my mind except the original thread here. But I haven't been paying close enough attention because I boycotted commercial terrestrial radio for awhile. I will say that on first blush, it seems that at least some stations have backed off from the hype and use of superlatives in promos.
PS I do like how WXRY has kind of thrown out the "rule book."
PS I do like how WXRY has kind of thrown out the "rule book."
Thanks. Wasn't fishing for compliments. But I'll take it. 
What turned you off about terrestrial radio? Any one thing stick in your mind?
I know that I find myself listening to XM not only to keep up with what other folks are doing, but because most commercial radio both in DC and SC are endless variations on the same theme. You have various flavors of AC/Hot AC, Urban, Country, and then a hit-based station that is generally a mix of AC/Urban.
I will say this. Columbia is pretty fortunate that there is slightly more variety than in most markets where everyone is going after the country or urban dollars.
What turned you off about terrestrial radio? Any one thing stick in your mind?
I know that I find myself listening to XM not only to keep up with what other folks are doing, but because most commercial radio both in DC and SC are endless variations on the same theme. You have various flavors of AC/Hot AC, Urban, Country, and then a hit-based station that is generally a mix of AC/Urban.
I will say this. Columbia is pretty fortunate that there is slightly more variety than in most markets where everyone is going after the country or urban dollars.
Dudefan,
I do have an easy answer for that one: The literal turn-off for me was the overblown hype and the mostly stale, unadventurous music. My musical tastes have progressed far beyond the usual radio station playlists. There are SO many awesome artists, that for whatever reason, commercial radio is ignoring.
I do have an easy answer for that one: The literal turn-off for me was the overblown hype and the mostly stale, unadventurous music. My musical tastes have progressed far beyond the usual radio station playlists. There are SO many awesome artists, that for whatever reason, commercial radio is ignoring.
Maybe they are saying "Commercial, free country" ;D
As long as they don't charge for it it seems like they might be within some kind of limits.
Or unless the US becomes unfree, then they might have to change it.
Man I feel all lawyered up now. ;D
Or unless the US becomes unfree, then they might have to change it.
Man I feel all lawyered up now. ;D
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