Could Dial Global be done commercial free?

[vchimpanzee]

I had this memory of someone saying Dial Global's standards format could be free on a station which ran no commercials of its own but ran the national commercials provided. Someone posted that Dial Global standards has music at all times other than station IDs or when the DJ isn't talking or playing back a caller, and commercials are inserted by the stations.

This brings up an interesting possibility: a noncommercial station is airing Timeless Cool and putting public service spots in place of commercials. The same could be done with Dial Global, except without the breaks.

 

[Bill Betten]

I called and inquired about it for our LPFM, $500.00 per month.

 

[publisher]

I called and inquired about it for our LPFM, $500.00 per month.

A local LPFM in Jackson, MS used Timeless for the bulk of its music programming before that format was discontinued. They have recently converted to a locally-produced format, which is strictly in the vein of true standards with very little AC mixed in. I wondered at the time if they would convert to Dial Global when Timeless ended or if that would be cost-prohibitive. Is $500/month ($6K annually) too pricey for LPFMs? Are you allowed to solicit underwriters to defray programming costs?

 

[radioboy]

Yes, LPFMs can utilize underwriting announcements.

If it were me I would produce my own locally-based format for a couple of reasons: First, the
true idea of LPFMs was to provide a service to underserved audiences; and second, while it might cost more
initially to set up, you are not confined to the mercy of a provider that may increase their prices or close their doors.

(I'm not saying you have to have live DJs 24/7. I'm advocating an in-house, locally-based format. Just in case folks read more into this than I'm saying).

 

[Apollo7979]

It can be done, but network spot closures would have to be reassigned on your automation as local breakaway points for your LPFM as you wouldn't be allowed to air the commericals.

Someone mentioned the economic viability of running a network format, but $500/month would be pretty reasonable depending on what kind of programming you would want to run with respect to the market the LP is in. The more interesting formats they carry are Drive FX, a dance format, and Americana/AAA formatted K-PIG.

If you want a lot of control over local content, you may want to give their Dial Global's "Local" formats a look over. They're basically the same as the 24/7 satellite format, but the automation is supplied to you and the jocks read liners and promos that you submit to them....for extra, you even get updated weather forecasts from the jocks as well.