Radioman100 said:
Chuck, I can understand why you as an LPFM guy wouldn't want to staff your operation around the clock. It would be financially devestating, but despite their assertions to the contrary, it would not be financially devestating to the average cluster in any rated Arbitron market. Unpopular with radio CEOs and stockholders? Yes, but it's the right thing to do for the industry and for listeners. Taking calls from listeners is operating in the public interest. Whether it's to answer a question about a spot they heard on your station, or they're asking what song played last, or what time the public service event you're promoting for the weekend starts, this type of stuff is important. If it's important enough to your listeners to call about it, there should be someone there to answer the phone.
I agree with you about the ability of a cluster to have someone at the station. It amazes me how many don't do that, even in big markets like Dallas. I also lament the loss of live people in broadcasting. Those personalities have contributed greatly to radio’s success. These days, even if someone is in the control room, they are often just reading liner cards. It is not the same thing. Be thankful that there are still a few personalities out there.
It is Saturday and I’m at the station right now. The phone has rung quite a few times this morning with calls wanting to know about a cat that was featured on our “Humane Society Pet of the Week." or what time the Cowboy game is on. Despite the fact that we don’t air the game, I gave the gentleman the information. Other people have called today just to talk or get off their chest whatever it is that’s bothering them. Christmas is a high stress time of year. I think I’ve only had one song request out of maybe 10 calls.
More frequently than not, people tell me that we are the only radio station in telephone book that actually answered the phone, especially at night or on weekends. They sometimes are very frustrated by that. In fact, it is difficult for many people to call a radio station because they don’t know how it is listed. Sometimes, it’s simply not in their particular local phone book. In this case, Tyler, Longview and Kilgore all have their own books. Most stations are not listed in all or any of them, or if they are, it’s under “XYZ Radio Group.” The public doesn’t know who “XYZ Radio Group” is, and even if they did, it wouldn’t do a lot of good, because the cluster was recently sold and now is listed as “LMNOP Media.”
Truthfully, we don't answer the phone either when nobody is here. I could call forward it, but instead choose to use an answering machine. Dealing with a drunk at 2 AM who wants to know “What day is Willie Nelson's birthday?” is not my cup of tea. Still, you'd think that other stations in the area would have someone around. I guess not.
The problem about asking your government to impose a regulation is they are likely to come up with something that is a "one size fits all" approach. The problem isn’t that simple. I would hope that Clear Channel, CBS, Citadel, Cumulus, etc could afford to man their stations over night, even if they are automated. I'm not sure that very many small broadcasters can do that. As Clouseau pointed out, requiring small stations to be manned at all times is a much bigger threat to the viability of those stations than IBOC poses.
Even though many of us are not wild about voice tracking, satellite delivery or even automation, the reality is it will be with us for a long time. It will be with us until someone thinks of a cheaper way to do it, or people simply stop listening to radio. In either case, I predict that will be a long time. I think it is best to accept it as a fact of life and figure out how to make the best of it.
A much more positive approach would be to fix the EAS System. That would be a lot easier, and everyone would benefit. Right now EAS relies on a daisy chain system of volunteers where just about anything can (and does) go wrong. The daisy chain could easily be replaced with a network of low tech VHF transmitters that were 24/7 accessible by local law enforcement and safety authorities. This could be operated by a central statewide dispatch center that is manned 24/7 by people who are paid and trained to properly use it. They in turn would have the ability to automatically interrupt the signal of any or all radio stations in a given area, or state wide, if that is what the situation merited. It could be very simple, but very effective. I would cheerfully participate.
