If I had the 8 p.m. to Midnight shift on WBZ ...

[radiotony]

While there is a good conversation going on about who should replace Paul Sullivan on WBZ, I thought I would chime in with an idea. If I was given the slot, here is what I would do:

On Monday through Thursday, I would continue with the serious, intellectual political and topical conversation going on during the time slot, with newsmakers, authors, other journalists, and other things, ala Jerry Williams, David Brudnoy and the like. There would be no yelling or talking down to people - but invigorating public discourse. It would also not only be limited to national conversation topics but regional and local as well.

Then, on Fridays, I would throw the audience a curve ball: I would book local musicians, artists, poets, film people, actors, and other things like that, as well as schedule guests promoting events and other things over the weekend. This would give folks the opportunity to promote creativity and good works in the listening area. This would feature both national and local talents. So, actors playing at the Schubert Theatre could stop by and chat or whatever.

And, of course, phone calls and everything else. Would it be harder to book than other programming but I think it would be pretty good radio.

 

[argytunes]

Tony...

I like your idea for Friday nights. Local musicians would be very cool!

However...I'd completely take a different programming direction if I was hosting a Monday-Thursday overnight show. [I'm currently shopping around my idea so I can't discuss it here]

To be perfectly...contining the pattern of talking with politicians, or complaining about gas, the president, the political parties, and the war...can send many people to bed with a headache or an ulcer! :

argytunes

 

[Neggy]

With a Presidential election on the horizon I can't see BZ wandering too far from the established winning format they have at night.

 

[faderraider]

It would be hard to get musicians in on Friday Nights I would imagine, Friday is the big night for clubs, etc.

 

[argytunes]

faderider...

You definitely have a point! Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays...whether it's for brunch, evenings or both...are usually the busiest days.

BUT...this is why digital recording can be very successful. The music and interviews with the local artists could be recorded in advance...tightened up with a little production studio editing...and could air at 11pm on Friday into Saturday.

Not only would the idea be a great PR tool for any band, small combo or single musical artist....it certainly wouldn't hurt WBZ's current (slightly confusing) programming image either?

Imagine.......one of Boston's most popular radio stations making an attempt to offer a different type of programming? WHAT A CONCEPT!

argytunes

 

[Infidel]

Remember how well "Taste of Boston" fared?

 

[SonicOverload]

Tony... great ideas.

 

[fieldmarshallcinque]

The average age of a clubgoer is 21-25, the average age of a WBZ nighttime listener is over 50.

Wrong station and format for this idea.

FNX is appropriate.

 

[cabradio]

Hi all...it's been a while since I visited this neck of the woods. Anyway...

Along with managing WXCT in Hartford, I was hosting 1p-3p Mon-Fri. And it's funny that "Tony" suggested such a formatical idea of bring in artists on Friday because that is what I started doing the last couple months of my show. My show was not a political one though...it was more infotainment. It was fun to switch it up a bit, and give local artists some exposure. I had the pleasure of having several in studio performances from several indy artists. So, personally, I think it's a neat idea.

 

[radiotony]

But they did that five nights a week. I think one night a week would be a good dose. As well, there would be multiple guests during the evening.

Remember how well "Taste of Boston" fared?

 

[radiotony]

Between Jan. 2005 and Dec. 2006, I was doing A&E guests five days a week on WKXL 1450. First, I was one 3 to 4 p.m. live, then, after a year, I moved to 6 to 7 p.m., recorded. I was host, producer, guest-booker, audio mixer, production person, etc., along with a lot of other duties at WKXL. It was an extremely difficult program to put together in Concord because there just isn't a lot to do. I was also barred from doing anything political, which was disappointing. But, the artists and musicians LOVED the time promoting their stuff so ...

For nine years, between 1993-1997 and 1999-2003, I was doing a weekly political/music show on WMFO 91.5 FM. I also subbed for Mikey Dee's "On the Town" numerous times during that time. I also did a Sunday morning interview program on WUNR 1600 AM in 1997.

Hi all...it's been a while since I visited this neck of the woods. Anyway...

Along with managing WXCT in Hartford, I was hosting 1p-3p Mon-Fri. And it's funny that "Tony" suggested such a formatical idea of bring in artists on Friday because that is what I started doing the last couple months of my show. My show was not a political one though...it was more infotainment. It was fun to switch it up a bit, and give local artists some exposure. I had the pleasure of having several in studio performances from several indy artists. So, personally, I think it's a neat idea.

 

[radiotony]

Actually, I think you're a bit off. I was at the ME/Downstairs a few months back and I wasn't the oldest person in the room [I'm 42]. If it could drive younger demos to WBZ one night a week, it might keep them around for the news. Plus, it isn't like there would be Marshall stacks blasting over the air. Most of the music guests would be acoustic and more than within WBZ's demo.

The average age of a clubgoer is 21-25, the average age of a WBZ nighttime listener is over 50.

Wrong station and format for this idea.

FNX is appropriate.