As someone who does not celebrate Christmas I think this music phenomenon hasn’t been discussed because most Christmas music played by radio is more secular with the more religious songs played more heavily on Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.
The word "format" is akin to those old sewing patterns few people use today to make their own clothes from cloth. A "format" is by nature a strict set of rules and boundaries.
And, as Storz and a long line of format music PDs and music directors have discovered, listeners want more of what they like. The die-hard McDonalds fanatic does not want that raw fish called "Sushi". And if he goes to McDonalds and they try to pawn it off on him (or her) they will not go back.
I knew that, but it seems like it has been used for a while now.
I normally skip over the performances, but I heard a lot of liked and ended up watching more than I had planned to. Who would have ever guessed I would like a duet between Chris Stapleton and Post Malone? I don't even like Chris Stapleton and yet for some reason I decided to watch the first performance. I didn't even know that was Post Malone.
I despise both. But they just don't sound like Christmas songs. I was introduced to Christmas music by my parents' album five and later album four and album three. I can link to what those are.
I've always liked Christmas music. Meaning real Christmas music.
I've never noticed any difference in recent years. The "holiday" playlist skews heavily toward songs about Santa, cold weather, reindeer and trees for its entire run. In fact, songs that should be put away after Christmas Eve (anticipatory songs such as "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Rudolph") are still in play on Christmas Day.
But a part of what makes that sort of DJ great, to those of us who enjoy that sort of radio, is the truly good ones can bond with the audience. They may be playing things they like and are passionate about, but it takes a truly savvy DJ to balance between taste and accessibility, knowledge and welcoming in the more casual fans. To be able to select your own music, and not skew too heavily to one style or era or favorite set of bands, does take a level of professionalism. Also, presenting with intelligence without being pretentious or condescending.
You can't build a business around a high quality product?
That first one is a staple on Soft AC, usually.
Over 55 White Men make up the vast majority of listeners to Right Wing talk. How is that viable for much longer?
Exactly. Randy Newman spoke often about how misunderstood the song was.
There are many radio stations, often in smaller markets that don't do research. Those are easy to spot when listening. They either can't or won't spend the money for it, and/or has an owner who puts together the music themselves and aims more to please their tastes, and not the audience's.
Dire Straits "Money For Nothing" is another example . Mark Knopfler is singing in the third person (like Newman does).
