Fl Classic Hits Formats

[John FL]

From the Westwood One Classic Hits website:

"CLASSIC HITS is a one of the most popular and best formats for delivering 35-54 Adults. The greatest pop, soul, and rock n’ roll from `70s, `80s, and early `90s. This format plays feel-good music, hosted by outstanding personalities along with fun daily features and weekend themes.

There was no indication that this is an outdated site as the copyright is 2023. While I tend to agree with the statement, it's also obvious the described music mix is not the stuff of the rock oriented formats. In their sample hour, Donna Summer, Prince, and Michael Jackson were among the artists.

They also included a breakdown of percentage of music based by era. 57% 80’s, 40% 70’s, 3% 90’s. I suppose that's the general idea and not hourly. The point is there are many variances in classic hits. We've seen them already discussed in this string from soft to hard hits.

As is the case with iHeart, I suspect Cumulus and their Westwood One "in house" programing offers a rock and variety type classic hits. In the case of Tallahassee's Gulf 104, that representative 10 song sample sounded quite dated to me. Pensacola's WJTQ Jet 100.7 was virtually all 80s rock and rock 'n roll. That station is almost always #1 in the market so that must be a good fit at this time. What the future brings...who knows?

Tallahassee is a highly diverse city. Perhaps a variety based classic hits format would make better sense. What I heard today was more like what rock-oriented classic hits stations sounded like 15 years ago. Maybe that's by design.

Still, it's good to see effort to be market specific. 107.9 WSRZ The Suncoast's Greatest Hits (Sarasota) plays the same exact music as our Treasure Coast station, WQOL. In the Naples/Ft Myers area, the format has had a tough time of it. iHeart appears resolved to give the format more of a chance. WOLZ 95.3 The Beach re-launched and re-branded with 80s only music.

Well, much changes and very quickly. It's 5 years I'm living on The Treasure Coast. When I arrived, WQOL was billed as oldies, they were Beatles intensive and the music was 60s and 70s. Today, there was one hour with 3 90s songs.

To think, it wasn't too long ago, there were those who were having a cow when classic hits added 80s titles to the playlist.

 

[gr8oldies]

From the Westwood One Classic Hits website:

"CLASSIC HITS is a one of the most popular and best formats for delivering 35-54 Adults. The greatest pop, soul, and rock n’ roll from `70s, `80s, and early `90s. This format plays feel-good music, hosted by outstanding personalities along with fun daily features and weekend themes.

There was no indication that this is an outdated site as the copyright is 2023. While I tend to agree with the statement, it's also obvious the described music mix is not the stuff of the rock oriented formats. In their sample hour, Donna Summer, Prince, and Michael Jackson were among the artists.

They also included a breakdown of percentage of music based by era. 57% 80’s, 40% 70’s, 3% 90’s. I suppose that's the general idea and not hourly. The point is there are many variances in classic hits. We've seen them already discussed in this string from soft to hard hits.

As is the case with iHeart, I suspect Cumulus and their Westwood One "in house" programing offers a rock and variety type classic hits. In the case of Tallahassee's Gulf 104, that representative 10 song sample sounded quite dated to me. Pensacola's WJTQ Jet 100.7 was virtually all 80s rock and rock 'n roll. That station is almost always #1 in the market so that must be a good fit at this time. What the future brings...who knows?

Tallahassee is a highly diverse city. Perhaps a variety based classic hits format would make better sense. What I heard today was more like what rock-oriented classic hits stations sounded like 15 years ago. Maybe that's by design.

Still, it's good to see effort to be market specific. 107.9 WSRZ The Suncoast's Greatest Hits (Sarasota) plays the same exact music as our Treasure Coast station, WQOL. In the Naples/Ft Myers area, the format has had a tough time of it. iHeart appears resolved to give the format more of a chance. WOLZ 95.3 The Beach re-launched and re-branded with 80s only music.

Well, much changes and very quickly. It's 5 years I'm living on The Treasure Coast. When I arrived, WQOL was billed as oldies, they were Beatles intensive and the music was 60s and 70s. Today, there was one hour with 3 90s songs.

To think, it wasn't too long ago, there were those who were having a cow when classic hitses added 80s titles to the playlist.

We had Westwood One Classic Hits in my market at one time, and it almost seemed like the PD was winging it with some of his personal favorites. There were odd song choices in fairly hot rotation, including "Him" by Rupert Holmes. In fact, we were in the wilds of Southwest Arkansas, heard "Him" at the top of the hour, and knew it was a WW1 Classic Hits affiliate. There were others.....they seemed to play mid-charters from 1980.

 

[John FL]

We had Westwood One Classic Hits in my market at one time, and it almost seemed like the PD was winging it with some of his personal favorites. There were odd song choices in fairly hot rotation, including "Him" by Rupert Holmes. In fact, we were in the wilds of Southwest Arkansas, heard "Him" at the top of the hour, and knew it was a WW1 Classic Hits affiliate. There were others.....they seemed to play mid-charters from 1980.

I can't remember which channel, but one on SiriusXM has an obsession with "Him." Songs like that think they're cute with a line or two. Rupert Holmes' hit, "The Piña Colada Song" may have been interesting enough when it was new. But after all this time, we know how those two lovers wound up. Probably the all time song champ IMO is Jim Stafford's "My Girl Bill." The first time you heard, it may have brought a smile but it's like okay, we get it.

Speaking of memory lapses, I heard Maria Danza, a long-time 'voice' on Westwood One when I listened to Pensacola's 'Jet' yesterday. I swear I've heard her elsewhere, like Jacksonville. I looked up her bio and there's not much, at least in what I found, that shows the radio markets she's worked in. Maybe I'm dreaming it all but If anyone knows if she voiced in Jax, I'd like to know.

I came upon a station she VTs but it was the same bio and it doesn't say much. What caught my eye was to see another case that demonstrates the versatility of classic hits. While I realize this subject is Fl Classic Hits, I was rather surprised to find "Cool Classic Hits." This is a Cumulus station in Jefferson City, Missouri of all places. 97.5 KJMO. Here's a sample of the songs they featured today in order:

Livin' Thing - ELO
Up on the Roof - Drifters
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead
Donna The Prima Donna - Dion
I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren
Long Tall Glasses - Leo Sayer
Point of Know Return - Kansas
Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis
Love is Alive - Gary Wright
Spill The Wine - Eric Burdon & WAR
Baby, Now That I Found You - Foundations

Anyway, sorry for the digression but it adds to the point that classic hits can be just about anything you want it to be. More Florida Classic Hits posts to come. Happy weekend!

 

[ScottBurns]

I can't remember which channel, but one on SiriusXM has an obsession with "Him." Songs like that think they're cute with a line or two. Rupert Holmes' hit, "The Piña Colada Song" may have been interesting enough when it was new. But after all this time, we know how those two lovers wound up. Probably the all time song champ IMO is Jim Stafford's "My Girl Bill." The first time you heard, it may have brought a smile but it's like okay, we get it.

Speaking of memory lapses, I heard Maria Danza, a long-time 'voice' on Westwood One when I listened to Pensacola's 'Jet' yesterday. I swear I've heard her elsewhere, like Jacksonville. I looked up her bio and there's not much, at least in what I found, that shows the radio markets she's worked in. Maybe I'm dreaming it all but If anyone knows if she voiced in Jax, I'd like to know.

I came upon a station she VTs but it was the same bio and it doesn't say much. What caught my eye was to see another case that demonstrates the versatility of classic hits. While I realize this subject is Fl Classic Hits, I was rather surprised to find "Cool Classic Hits." This is a Cumulus station in Jefferson City, Missouri of all places. 97.5 KJMO. Here's a sample of the songs they featured today in order:

Livin' Thing - ELO
Up on the Roof - Drifters
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead
Donna The Prima Donna - Dion
I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren
Long Tall Glasses - Leo Sayer
Point of Know Return - Kansas
Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis
Love is Alive - Gary Wright
Spill The Wine - Eric Burdon & WAR
Baby, Now That I Found You - Foundations

Anyway, sorry for the digression but it adds to the point that classic hits can be just about anything you want it to be. More Florida Classic Hits posts to come. Happy weekend!

If I am not mistaken, Maria Danza, at one point, voice tracked at 98.5 The Beach in Melbourne.

 

[gr8oldies]

I can't remember which channel, but one on SiriusXM has an obsession with "Him." Songs like that think they're cute with a line or two. Rupert Holmes' hit, "The Piña Colada Song" may have been interesting enough when it was new. But after all this time, we know how those two lovers wound up. Probably the all time song champ IMO is Jim Stafford's "My Girl Bill." The first time you heard, it may have brought a smile but it's like okay, we get it.

Speaking of memory lapses, I heard Maria Danza, a long-time 'voice' on Westwood One when I listened to Pensacola's 'Jet' yesterday. I swear I've heard her elsewhere, like Jacksonville. I looked up her bio and there's not much, at least in what I found, that shows the radio markets she's worked in. Maybe I'm dreaming it all but If anyone knows if she voiced in Jax, I'd like to know.

I came upon a station she VTs but it was the same bio and it doesn't say much. What caught my eye was to see another case that demonstrates the versatility of classic hits. While I realize this subject is Fl Classic Hits, I was rather surprised to find "Cool Classic Hits." This is a Cumulus station in Jefferson City, Missouri of all places. 97.5 KJMO. Here's a sample of the songs they featured today in order:

Livin' Thing - ELO
Up on the Roof - Drifters
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead
Donna The Prima Donna - Dion
I Saw The Light - Todd Rundgren
Long Tall Glasses - Leo Sayer
Point of Know Return - Kansas
Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed
Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me - Mac Davis
Love is Alive - Gary Wright
Spill The Wine - Eric Burdon & WAR
Baby, Now That I Found You - Foundations

Anyway, sorry for the digression but it adds to the point that classic hits can be just about anything you want it to be. More Florida Classic Hits posts to come. Happy weekend!

It's amazing how much staying power "Escape" has as outdated as it is. Newspaper personals have been gone since the 90s, and online services have photos, so the couple would know they were both attempting to cheat. I can't imagine "My Girl Bill" being played anywhere other than a Casey Kasem rerun.

 

[John FL]

If I am not mistaken, Maria Danza, at one point, voice tracked at 98.5 The Beach in Melbourne.

Thanks Scott. Funny, you always seem to make the perfect segue for what I want to talk about next. 98.5 The Beach deserves a spot in this string and I'll get to that upcoming.

The thing about voice artists is you swear you heard them from somewhere in your past. It happens with some commercials too. There was a format in Jax many years ago called "Groovin' Oldies. I seem to think she was a part of that. Then again, after a while, everything becomes a big blur.

 

[John FL]

As promised, it's off to Brevard County and WSBH (98.5 The Beach - The Space Coast's Greatest Hits). I'm somewhat familiar with this station as we have friends who live in the Viera area and on occasion we're up on Cocoa Beach. Local ratings have long shown The Beach as a highly popular station. I certainly can understand why. They do a terrific job in my opinion.

While I don't know the players involved with this station, in some respects I think you can draw comparisons to Flagler Radio that was discussed earlier. I suspect there are radio pros who have chalked up a lot of time in the business. Perhaps there was experience in a larger market and now it's all about enjoying working in radio without all the pressures of larger markets.

Orlando's 105.9 Sunny FM is heard in the northern 2/3 of Brevard. The Treasure Coast's WQOL can be heard decently to about Titusville as I recall in all my trips. I'm not sure if Orlando's WMMO makes it to Brevard as I've never seen that station in the local Brevard ratings, at least how I recall it. It doesn't matter. There's nothing like a good local station.

Similar to what we saw in Flagler and St. John's County, I see a super-serving the market scenario. Lots of local spots and a good number voiced by the jocks. There's national spots too. Good jingles and imaging. Personality radio as well without overdoing it. Since the last time I listened, WSBH has got some 90s titles in the mix. Time marches on.

It's good to see they engage in themed-weekends. It's something you'll see "Greatest Hits" type of classic hits often do. This weekend, they are doing an "Eagle Takes Flight" weekend obviously showcasing Eagles tunes. It's not always the same old same old either. They've dived into the "Hotel California" album for gems such as "Victim of Love."

They have a Valentine's promo going on that I sense is female-friendly. As we all know, the variety type of classic hits can do a decent job attracting female listeners.

It's also good seeing a small station in a small market stream their music. To give an idea what the station sounds like, here's a representative 12 song sample not including the weekend Eagles feature:

Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive
Groove is in the Heart - Deee-Lite
Affair of the Heart - Rick Springfield
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
You Can Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
To Be With You - Mr. Big
Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners

 

[ScottBurns]

As promised, it's off to Brevard County and WSBH (98.5 The Beach - The Space Coast's Greatest Hits). I'm somewhat familiar with this station as we have friends who live in the Viera area and on occasion we're up on Cocoa Beach. Local ratings have long shown The Beach as a highly popular station. I certainly can understand why. They do a terrific job in my opinion.

While I don't know the players involved with this station, in some respects I think you can draw comparisons to Flagler Radio that was discussed earlier. I suspect there are radio pros who have chalked up a lot of time in the business. Perhaps there was experience in a larger market and now it's all about enjoying working in radio without all the pressures of larger markets.

Orlando's 105.9 Sunny FM is heard in the northern 2/3 of Brevard. The Treasure Coast's WQOL can be heard decently to about Titusville as I recall in all my trips. I'm not sure if Orlando's WMMO makes it to Brevard as I've never seen that station in the local Brevard ratings, at least how I recall it. It doesn't matter. There's nothing like a good local station.

Similar to what we saw in Flagler and St. John's County, I see a super-serving the market scenario. Lots of local spots and a good number voiced by the jocks. There's national spots too. Good jingles and imaging. Personality radio as well without overdoing it. Since the last time I listened, WSBH has got some 90s titles in the mix. Time marches on.

It's good to see they engage in themed-weekends. It's something you'll see "Greatest Hits" type of classic hits often do. This weekend, they are doing an "Eagle Takes Flight" weekend obviously showcasing Eagles tunes. It's not always the same old same old either. They've dived into the "Hotel California" album for gems such as "Victim of Love."

They have a Valentine's promo going on that I sense is female-friendly. As we all know, the variety type of classic hits can do a decent job attracting female listeners.

It's also good seeing a small station in a small market stream their music. To give an idea what the station sounds like, here's a representative 12 song sample not including the weekend Eagles feature:

Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive
Groove is in the Heart - Deee-Lite
Affair of the Heart - Rick Springfield
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon
You Can Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
To Be With You - Mr. Big
Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners

This is what my ideal Classic Hits station sounds like. I always liked the Beach. They have always been locally-focused. Unlike WQOL, at times, the listener knows that the Beach is part of the community.

 

[Battenkill50]

WMMO is sometimes heard here in Melbourne under enhanced conditions but not a regular....

kw - north Melbourne

 

[ScottBurns]

WQOL does pretty well into Melbourne, by the way.

 

[Battenkill50]

It does indeed. I'm usually tuned to WFIT or WQCS....

kw

 

[John FL]

This is what my ideal Classic Hits station sounds like. I always liked the Beach. They have always been locally-focused. Unlike WQOL, at times, the listener knows that the Beach is part of the community.

Florida does offer some interesting choices when it comes to classic hits. This little tour of the various markets has been eye-opening to me in a number of respects. I hope the readers are finding this the case too.

Speaking of eye-opening, I checked out WRBQ Q105 today and was very pleasantly surprised. In past conversations, I mentioned not caring much for Tampa and I think that made be biased to radio there. A 10 or 12 song recap just won't do. The songs would indicate like a 95% focus give or take on the 80s only. I tend to like more music from other decades in the mix, but I could listen to this station for sure.

As I looked at a lot of songs in their log, I couldn't help but feel deja vu. I sensed the flavor of WCBS-FM, WOGL, and even Miami's Y-100 WHYI from the early 80s in too many songs to mention. An excellent selection of music, some songs hard to find anywhere else as well.

There's a lot of personal favorites here. But because R.D. has posting limits, I wish I could have gone even further. Scott, you are so right about Q-105. I am impressed. I can see why you're a fan of WPLM in Mass too. I've streamed them still on occasion and especially like hearing some really fine music mixes not heard anywhere else.

Q105 earlier today:
12:58 PM Come On Eileen—DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
12:54 PM Simply Irresistable—Robert Palmer
12:50 PM STEPPIN' OUT—Joe Jackson
12:39 PM The Way You Make Me Feel—Michael Jackson
12:35 PM WORKIN' FOR THE WEEKEND—Loverboy
12:32 PM Venus—Bananarama
12:28 PM Always Something There To Remind Me—Naked Eyes
12:24 PM Faithfully—Journey
12:20 PM I CAN'T WAIT—Nu Shooz
12:09 PM We Didn't Start The Fire—Billy Joel
12:06 PM Centerfold—J Geils Band
12:02 PM Heaven Is A Place On Earth—Belinda Carlisle
11:58 AM Run To You—Bryan Adams
11:54 AM DON'T YOU WANT ME—Human League
11:50 AM I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW—Tiffany
11:39 AM Flashdance—Irene Cara
11:36 AM HARD TO SAY I'M SORRY—Chicago
11:32 AM Emotions—Mariah Carey
11:28 AM Owner Of A Lonely Heart—Yes
11:24 AM Hungry Like The Wolf—Duran Duran
11:20 AM Straight Up—Paula Abdul
11:10 AM Nothin' But A Good Time—Poison
11:06 AM Listen To Your Heart—Roxette
11:01 AM Young Turks—Rod Stewart
10:57 AM Walking On Sunshine—Katrina And The Waves
10:52 AM LET'S GO CRAZY—Prince
10:49 AM What About Love?—Heart
10:37 AM Head Over Heels—Tears For Fears
10:33 AM Beat It—Michael Jackson
10:28 AM CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING—Reo Speedwagon
10:25 AM Uptown Girl—Billy Joel
10:22 AM Rock Me Amadeus—Falco
10:18 AM Every Breath You Take—Police
10:06 AM (I Just) Died In Your Arms—Cutting Crew
10:03 AM Do You Believe In Love—HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
9:59 AM Here I Go Again—Whitesnake
9:55 AM Take My Breath Away—Berlin
9:52 AM Danger Zone—Kenny Loggins
9:48 AM Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go—Soft Cell
9:38 AM Never Gonna Give You Up—Rick Astley
9:34 AM Hurts So Good—John Mellencamp
9:30 AM One More Night—Phil Collins
9:26 AM Sweet Dreams—Eurythmics
9:23 AM Stop Draggin My Heart Around—Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty
9:19 AM Let It Whip—Dazz Band
9:08 AM If I Could Turn Back Time—Cher
9:04 AM Hold On Loosely—38 Special
9:01 AM Take On Me—A-Ha
5:56 AM Karma Chameleon—Culture Club
5:52 AM I Melt With You—Modern English
5:49 AM You Make My Dreams Come True—HALL & OATES
5:39 AM I'M STILL STANDING—Elton John
5:36 AM PAPA DON'T PREACH—Madonna
5:32 AM Magic—Cars
5:29 AM If This Is It—HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
5:25 AM Lean On Me—Club Nouveau
5:21 AM Born In The U.S.A.—Bruce Springsteen
5:10 AM Sexual Healing—Marvin Gaye
5:05 AM Here Comes The Rain Again—Eurythmics
5:02 AM Summer Of 69—Bryan Adams
4:58 AM 99 Red Balloons—Nena

 

[davideduardo]

Mindy Lang, who was long the MD at the station, was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. No doubt, WOGL had influence on her because Magic played a lot of Motown, Soul & R&B in its time.

A programmer's youth has little to do with music selection. It's all done via music testing locally.

 

[John FL]

A programmer's youth has little to do with music selection. It's all done via music testing locally.

I stand by my comment. I also recognize the importance of music testing, especially when it's interpreted correctly.

Mindy Lang was not only M.D. at the old Magic 102.7 but she was Assistant Program Director. She certainly had influence at the station as she was part of management. She did all the things associated with her role such as scheduling the music, rotations, and even selecting 'new' songs for possible consideration. She also brought many oldies acts to S. Florida with a good percentage in the Motown/soul category.

What set Magic apart when it did the oldies format was their expansive specialty programing such as playing the entire station library when they aired A-Z. Many of the old CBS Radio stations did the same thing, including WOGL. It would often take nearly a week to play the entire library. This was over 1000 songs. It was not feasible to test every single one. That's where the "Philadelphia Sound" was most noticeable. These songs were not generally heard in regular programing.

She was one of the most transparent people I got to know in radio. Her station bio was an open book as she described the music she enjoyed when she was a child. The last time I spoke directly to her was in 2015. Of course, we talked about music. Mindy was at Magic for decades. Whether you liked or not liked Magic 102.7, especially when it was oldies, Mindy Lang played a big role in the station's musical lean.

 

[davideduardo]

I stand by my comment. I also recognize the importance of music testing, especially when it's interpreted correctly.

By the mid-80's, any corporate owned station was doing AMTs and using the results as a strict guideline. Magic was a Lincoln Financial station and played by the rules.

Mindy Lang was not only M.D. at the old Magic 102.7 but she was Assistant Program Director. She certainly had influence at the station as she was part of management. She did all the things associated with her role such as scheduling the music, rotations, and even selecting 'new' songs for possible consideration. She also brought many oldies acts to S. Florida with a good percentage in the Motown/soul category.

In that era, "oldies" Magic followed the heritage of Rick Shaw and his years at WQAM. Rick later did the first oldies format in Miami at WAXY, and used his own heritage and experience as well as some of the early WMYQ and even Y-100 influence to help program at that station. The PDs at 102.7 WMXJ were rather dependent on the heritage that Rick brought to the station, even if he was not the PD.

What set Magic apart when it did the oldies format was their expansive specialty programing such as playing the entire station library when they aired A-Z.

Those were trick promotions to get extended "remembering" of what one had listened to that were developed early in the Arbitron years of the 70's. Stations realized that people did not write in the ratings diary every time they listened, so specialty shows and clever names were uses. Across the street, "Mark in the Dark", "Cox on the Radio" and "The Madam" and other names and contests done at Y-100 were also intended to enhance the memory of listening.

None of those Magic specialty shows were original to Miami.

Many of the old CBS Radio stations did the same thing, including WOGL. It would often take nearly a week to play the entire library. This was over 1000 songs. It was not feasible to test every single one.

Sure it was. I researched over 1,200 songs in 1976 at WPRM in San Juan, a market that was not exactly at the forefront of new techniques. In Miami, at Y-100 and WHTT in 1980 we were even doing call-out on currents.

All you do to research a big batch of songs is to do two-day projects, where the same people come back both days and hear 500 to 600 hooks each time in two sessions that are about two and a half hours long, each.

That's where the "Philadelphia Sound" was most noticeable. These songs were not generally heard in regular programing.

It's fairly typical for specialty shows to go deeper in the tested library since people are "curious" to hear about the different songs due to promotion. And since those songs only get rare play, they have long rests. And, of course, such shows done on Saturday and Sunday evenings are aimed at market fragments, not the core, there are great liberties in what is played.

She was one of the most transparent people I got to know in radio. Her station bio was an open book as she described the music she enjoyed when she was a child. The last time I spoke directly to her was in 2015. Of course, we talked about music. Mindy was at Magic for decades. Whether you liked or not liked Magic 102.7, especially when it was oldies, Mindy Lang played a big role in the station's musical lean.

Obviously, the success of a music test lies in both the process itself and its implementation. But even in implementing, the guide is the test and not personal tastes.

In my own experience, when I had already had two absolute #1 stations in Puerto Rico, I did my first music test. For "fun" I took the first 100 songs on the list and scored them myself. I compared with the test results. About 15 of the songs I loved were, according to my listeners, absolute stiffs. Another 20 were below playability, and of the remaining 65, I was off by enough to have picked the wrong rotation category to place them on more than half. So much for "knowing the market" and "having an ear for the music" and the like.

In the 70's, computer music scheduling was new, having popped on the scene around 1980. Most corporate stations were using Selector and it took a lot of skill and knowledge to get it to do what was wanted... the reason why most PDs delegated scheduling to the Music Director. And scheduling and editing to get the best sets and flow was the main job of a music director who did not have to deal with currents and "Record Ducks" (a true Mimi Tannerism). And doing that job well was a huge skill in itself; Selector was so difficult that there were a number of consultants who helped stations set it up correctly, training the station music person in how to keep it running, how to implement a music test, how to build clocks for specialty shows and the like.

 

[John FL]

David, I very much appreciate your detailed reply in the prior post.

Music testing is a subject that has long interested me. It's probably one spoke, albeit an important one, in the wheel of success. There is something that has long bothered me and now is a good a time as any to get your take.

When Magic evolved into classic hits, there were PDs who were taking the station into a rock lean. While this is something that other markets were doing as well, Miami, as we know, is unique. Obviously, there was music testing. How the heck did the kind of title selections such as Rick Derringer's "Rock 'n Roll Hoochie Koo" ever pass muster in testing? There was a time that song was given a heavy rotation. It made no sense to me and apparently the audience agreed.

I would assume that a music test is only as good as the songs that are presented for participant consideration. Without rehashing a lot of what has been said over the years about Magic, I think we can all agree that it just didn't sound like a Miami station over time.

Per your comment about testing large amounts of songs, I have to wonder about the accuracy of that. I know I would get restless listening to 500 to 600 hooks in a testing session. But that's me. If you can attest that an environment like that provides accurate results, so be it. I'm just a bit skeptical.

 

[davideduardo]

David, I very much appreciate your detailed reply in the prior post.

Having worked with or consulted 8 stations in Miami (10 if you count Radio Martí as a Miami station), I love the subject.

Music testing is a subject that has long interested me. It's probably one spoke, albeit an important one, in the wheel of success. There is something that has long bothered me and now is a good a time as any to get your take.

When Magic evolved into classic hits, there were PDs who were taking the station into a rock lean. While this is something that other markets were doing as well, Miami, as we know, is unique. Obviously, there was music testing. How the heck did the kind of title selections such as Rick Derringer's "Rock 'n Roll Hoochie Koo" ever pass muster in testing? There was a time that song was given a heavy rotation. It made no sense to me and apparently the audience agreed.

Here is where a PD's preference comes in. If you want a rock flavored gold station, you don't test the Bee Gees and Barry Manilow. So you avoid the conflict by not inviting fans of them to the music test.

Always for a new format you recruit by using sample pods (sets of 3 to 5 illustrative hooks) to select participant (for an existing successful format just wanting an updating, you can just get heavy listeners to your own station).

But, if you want to drive the station to rock, you don't bring in people who liked K.C. and the Sunshine Band (Anything more Miami than that?).

The way it should be done (if a PD is wanting to modify the sound or find a new format blend) is to first test styles in an awareness-trial-usage (Called an ATU) test that does samples of multiple format variants in sample pods of a few typical-of-the-sound pods. You then find the biggest format variant hole in the market, which could have the core sound represented by Debbie Boone, Donna Summer or Iron Butterfly. Then you test a spectrum surrounding that core, and using a recruit that likes, for example, two out of three pods that each have a flavor that showed well in the ATU test; in other words, little prototypes of a number of different "sounds" of the same format, such as leaning to ballads, to rock, to rhythmic or to pop.

It's a lot more detailed than that, and requires extreme skill to interpret.

I would assume that a music test is only as good as the songs that are presented for participant consideration. Without rehashing a lot of what has been said over the years about Magic, I think we can all agree that it just didn't sound like a Miami station over time.

A lot of errors have been made in Miami by PDs who don't understand that this is one of the few markets, like Honolulu, that are unique. By the 80's, they rhythmic influence created by the Cuban influence, enhanced by the Mariel boatlift, the growing Black community and the climate itself made the market very different... and those ethnic cultures flavored the whole market, increasing over the years.

Per your comment about testing large amounts of songs, I have to wonder about the accuracy of that. I know I would get restless listening to 500 to 600 hooks in a testing session. But that's me. If you can attest that an environment like that provides accurate results, so be it. I'm just a bit skeptical.

Almost all AMTs are 500 to 600 songs. You do some demographic and listening habit questions in the first half-hour, and then there are two one-hour sessions of 250 to 300 songs each. The hook for each song is about 8 seconds, so about 15 minutes per hundred songs with a moment or two between... around 45 to 50 minutes of music, a 20 minute bathroom and refreshment break, and another 250 to 300 songs.

Participants are paid to attend. By the later 90's when I was doing 6 to 8 tests a year in Miami, we were paying about $100 for a one night test (WAMR or WRTO) of nearly 600 songs In markets where I did up to 1200 songs on two nights, the "reward" might be $150 to $250, depending on the market (Fresno at the bottom, LA at the top).

A good test has a good, skilled moderator. I trained a former air talent who was numerous and did a fun kind of event. I had to do a lot of tests myself when I started, and played on the "dumb gringo" thing to get people to "show me the music you want to hear on the radio... because I don't known anything!" I also did a lot of the perceptual tests for personality shows on AM and FM in Miami, but all in Spanish.

 

[ScottBurns]

Florida does offer some interesting choices when it comes to classic hits. This little tour of the various markets has been eye-opening to me in a number of respects. I hope the readers are finding this the case too.

Speaking of eye-opening, I checked out WRBQ Q105 today and was very pleasantly surprised. In past conversations, I mentioned not caring much for Tampa and I think that made be biased to radio there. A 10 or 12 song recap just won't do. The songs would indicate like a 95% focus give or take on the 80s only. I tend to like more music from other decades in the mix, but I could listen to this station for sure.

As I looked at a lot of songs in their log, I couldn't help but feel deja vu. I sensed the flavor of WCBS-FM, WOGL, and even Miami's Y-100 WHYI from the early 80s in too many songs to mention. An excellent selection of music, some songs hard to find anywhere else as well.

There's a lot of personal favorites here. But because R.D. has posting limits, I wish I could have gone even further. Scott, you are so right about Q-105. I am impressed. I can see why you're a fan of WPLM in Mass too. I've streamed them still on occasion and especially like hearing some really fine music mixes not heard anywhere else.

Q105 earlier today:
12:58 PM Come On Eileen—DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
12:54 PM Simply Irresistable—Robert Palmer
12:50 PM STEPPIN' OUT—Joe Jackson
12:39 PM The Way You Make Me Feel—Michael Jackson
12:35 PM WORKIN' FOR THE WEEKEND—Loverboy
12:32 PM Venus—Bananarama
12:28 PM Always Something There To Remind Me—Naked Eyes
12:24 PM Faithfully—Journey
12:20 PM I CAN'T WAIT—Nu Shooz
12:09 PM We Didn't Start The Fire—Billy Joel
12:06 PM Centerfold—J Geils Band
12:02 PM Heaven Is A Place On Earth—Belinda Carlisle
11:58 AM Run To You—Bryan Adams
11:54 AM DON'T YOU WANT ME—Human League
11:50 AM I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW—Tiffany
11:39 AM Flashdance—Irene Cara
11:36 AM HARD TO SAY I'M SORRY—Chicago
11:32 AM Emotions—Mariah Carey
11:28 AM Owner Of A Lonely Heart—Yes
11:24 AM Hungry Like The Wolf—Duran Duran
11:20 AM Straight Up—Paula Abdul
11:10 AM Nothin' But A Good Time—Poison
11:06 AM Listen To Your Heart—Roxette
11:01 AM Young Turks—Rod Stewart
10:57 AM Walking On Sunshine—Katrina And The Waves
10:52 AM LET'S GO CRAZY—Prince
10:49 AM What About Love?—Heart
10:37 AM Head Over Heels—Tears For Fears
10:33 AM Beat It—Michael Jackson
10:28 AM CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING—Reo Speedwagon
10:25 AM Uptown Girl—Billy Joel
10:22 AM Rock Me Amadeus—Falco
10:18 AM Every Breath You Take—Police
10:06 AM (I Just) Died In Your Arms—Cutting Crew
10:03 AM Do You Believe In Love—HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
9:59 AM Here I Go Again—Whitesnake
9:55 AM Take My Breath Away—Berlin
9:52 AM Danger Zone—Kenny Loggins
9:48 AM Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go—Soft Cell
9:38 AM Never Gonna Give You Up—Rick Astley
9:34 AM Hurts So Good—John Mellencamp
9:30 AM One More Night—Phil Collins
9:26 AM Sweet Dreams—Eurythmics
9:23 AM Stop Draggin My Heart Around—Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty
9:19 AM Let It Whip—Dazz Band
9:08 AM If I Could Turn Back Time—Cher
9:04 AM Hold On Loosely—38 Special
9:01 AM Take On Me—A-Ha
5:56 AM Karma Chameleon—Culture Club
5:52 AM I Melt With You—Modern English
5:49 AM You Make My Dreams Come True—HALL & OATES
5:39 AM I'M STILL STANDING—Elton John
5:36 AM PAPA DON'T PREACH—Madonna
5:32 AM Magic—Cars
5:29 AM If This Is It—HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
5:25 AM Lean On Me—Club Nouveau
5:21 AM Born In The U.S.A.—Bruce Springsteen
5:10 AM Sexual Healing—Marvin Gaye
5:05 AM Here Comes The Rain Again—Eurythmics
5:02 AM Summer Of 69—Bryan Adams
4:58 AM 99 Red Balloons—Nena

John, thanks for putting it together. Q105, to me, is preferable to WQOL or WSRZ because Q represents a broader range of CHR of the 80s. While Q's playlist is still too tight and ignores too many songs, it offers more than most Classic Hits stations in the state. For comparison - and I have not researched this empirically - I would bet that Q's playlist is bigger and more diverse than WEAT-FM's. The other thing I prefer about Q105 is that there is still some focus on personalities. Yes, Mason Dixon was beached, but MJ in the Morning still has a lot of heritage in the market.

 

[John FL]

Having worked with or consulted 8 stations in Miami (10 if you count Radio Martí as a Miami station), I love the subject.

Here is where a PD's preference comes in. If you want a rock flavored gold station, you don't test the Bee Gees and Barry Manilow. So you avoid the conflict by not inviting fans of them to the music test.

Always for a new format you recruit by using sample pods (sets of 3 to 5 illustrative hooks) to select participant (for an existing successful format just wanting an updating, you can just get heavy listeners to your own station).

But, if you want to drive the station to rock, you don't bring in people who liked K.C. and the Sunshine Band (Anything more Miami than that?).

The way it should be done (if a PD is wanting to modify the sound or find a new format blend) is to first test styles in an awareness-trial-usage (Called an ATU) test that does samples of multiple format variants in sample pods of a few typical-of-the-sound pods. You then find the biggest format variant hole in the market, which could have the core sound represented by Debbie Boone, Donna Summer or Iron Butterfly. Then you test a spectrum surrounding that core, and using a recruit that likes, for example, two out of three pods that each have a flavor that showed well in the ATU test; in other words, little prototypes of a number of different "sounds" of the same format, such as leaning to ballads, to rock, to rhythmic or to pop.

It's a lot more detailed than that, and requires extreme skill to interpret.

A lot of errors have been made in Miami by PDs who don't understand that this is one of the few markets, like Honolulu, that are unique. By the 80's, they rhythmic influence created by the Cuban influence, enhanced by the Mariel boatlift, the growing Black community and the climate itself made the market very different... and those ethnic cultures flavored the whole market, increasing over the years.

Almost all AMTs are 500 to 600 songs. You do some demographic and listening habit questions in the first half-hour, and then there are two one-hour sessions of 250 to 300 songs each. The hook for each song is about 8 seconds, so about 15 minutes per hundred songs with a moment or two between... around 45 to 50 minutes of music, a 20 minute bathroom and refreshment break, and another 250 to 300 songs.

Participants are paid to attend. By the later 90's when I was doing 6 to 8 tests a year in Miami, we were paying about $100 for a one night test (WAMR or WRTO) of nearly 600 songs In markets where I did up to 1200 songs on two nights, the "reward" might be $150 to $250, depending on the market (Fresno at the bottom, LA at the top).

A good test has a good, skilled moderator. I trained a former air talent who was numerous and did a fun kind of event. I had to do a lot of tests myself when I started, and played on the "dumb gringo" thing to get people to "show me the music you want to hear on the radio... because I don't known anything!" I also did a lot of the perceptual tests for personality shows on AM and FM in Miami, but all in Spanish.

Everything you'd ever want to know about music testing but were afraid to ask. All this time...I was pretty clueless.

 

[davideduardo]

Everything you'd ever want to know about music testing but were afraid to ask. All this time...I was pretty clueless.

Any more questions? This is not a confidential subject, and at the peak there were perhaps two dozen companies doing music tests and other radio research projects.