> From LARadio:
>
> Intensive Music at STAR. KYSR has rebranded itself,
> "Today's Music Alternative." According to a station press
> release. "The new slogan highlights the recent resurgence of
> pop alternative music from new artists like James Blunt,
> Natasha Bedingfield and Daniel Powter, as well as
> established artists like Green Day, Nickelback and Train.
> Additionally, the station will offer a dramatically
> increased level of interactivity, providing listeners
> multiple opportunities to provide ongoing feedback on
> programming, artists, personalities and pop culture. For
> example, the station conducted a unique on-air music search
> this past Sunday that allowed listeners to vote for songs
> they want to hear on the radio. The results of the music
> search will be reflected in the station's playlist beginning
> today."
>
> "The next evolution of this format is here and Star 98.7
> will lead the way in Southern California," said KYSR pd Mike
> Marino. "This new generation of artists has joined the
> format's established artists in embracing the art of great
> storytelling in their music, and our listeners have told us
> they want to hear more of it. Star 98.7 will celebrate by
> featuring top artists from our playlist in signature live
> on-air Star Lounge performances every Monday in May."
>
> General manager Craig Rossi adds, "We're thrilled about the
> compelling new music coming out for our format, and the
> results of our on-air music search yesterday confirm that
> there's an audience for it. We're also seeing that the power
> has shifted to the listener when it comes to audio
> entertainment choices, so Star 98.7 is going to provide lots
> of opportunities for listeners to tell us what they want
> from their radio station. And, they can connect to very cool
> interactive features through
www.Star987.com web offerings
> like the Stripped Music performances, Videos on Demand,
> NEW!, The Star Music Store downloads and lots of other
> on-demand content."
>
> To emphasize the new music offerings, the station will
> broadcast without air personalities until further notice,
> but expect Lara Scott, Lisa Foxx and Jamie White to return.
>
Ok heres the first problem:
In what universe are James Blunt and Natasha Bedingfield considered "alternative"? pop or otherwise?..its just pop music, hot ac, chr-pop music, period. So when all is said and done they have rebranded themselves as a MODERN AC, which is what they should have been doing forever ago, I dont think Kevin Weatherly is shaking in his boots quite yet but good luck to them, its a good enough idea hopefully it works if they can bring some hipness to it and not just make it about soccer moms and day care.