Is live & local radio dead?

[rtruskey2]

I know this question is probably asked every day (maybe a slight exaggeration?), but seriously is live & local radio dead?

I hear about all these budget cuts on radio around the country, I've gone to many of the radio stations websites in Sacramento and notice only 3 working DJs listed on many of these station websites.

One of my go-to stations for a long time now has been The Eagle, and only three DJs are listed on the website (plus they still use Doug Thomas I think).

I just remember when the Eagle was great, it's definitely run a lot differently now. It just doesn't seem as engaging. Local radio in general doesn't seem as engaging anymore, with all due respect outside of a few contests and giveaways.

They might as well automate everything unfortunately. Lots of people are flocking to SiriusXM and other streaming services for music (I use Spotify from time to time).

I'm a younger radio listener but it's kind of sad to see what local radio is becoming, with all due respect.

 

[TheBigA]

I know this question is probably asked every day (maybe a slight exaggeration?), but seriously is live & local radio dead?

What station do you listen to? Obviously not Mix, KNCI or 98Rock. Look at this:

The Abe Kanan Show is live, local, and the most interactive radio show in Sacramento. It's the only show that gives away boomboxes and plays Prize Craps for concert tickets. Join the conversation LIVE at 916-909-0985, only on 98 Rock!

They might as well automate everything unfortunately.

Everything IS automated. Are you using a computer right now? Would you be willing to throw it and your phone away?

My take is this: If you want live & local radio, you need to listen. If you don't, it will go away. It exists in Sacramento right now.

 

[rtruskey2]

I'm aware everything is computerized, I just meant they might as well get rid of the DJs.

As I said above, one station I listen to is The Eagle, and while I'm aware these stations still have DJs, they've cut down the number of DJs they have and the number of hours these stations have DJs broadcasting live it seems like.

I also listen to 93.7 The River occasionally, most of their programming doesn't seem to be local. I think they broadcast iHeartRadio shows and make it seem like it's local or something.

 

[TheBigA]

I'm aware everything is computerized, I just meant they might as well get rid of the DJs.

What is a DJ? It's a disc jockey. Nobody plays discs anymore, so why do they need jockeys? From what I can see, there are lots of DJs.

Meanwhile, name for me all the live DJs on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.

As I said above, one station I listen to is The Eagle, and while I'm aware these stations still have DJs, they've cut down the number of DJs they have and the number of hours these stations have DJs broadcasting live it seems like.

Because the listenership has gone down dramatically, and there's no longer as much money for local staffs. The Eagle still has human DJs. They may not be in Sacramento. But there are more DJs on The Eagle than there are on Spotify. So that's the decision. Do you want hosted radio, or do you want on-demand music? Most people now are choosing on-demand music. That's why there's less money to spend on local DJs.

Everything changed thanks to the internet, PCs and cell phones. Our lives have all changed. Radio can't ignore those changes. The changes have affected their operating budgets. Meanwhile the cost to you hasn't changed one bit.

I also listen to 93.7 The River occasionally, most of their programming doesn't seem to be local. I think they broadcast iHeartRadio shows and make it seem like it's local or something.

You want a free personalized service that plays the music you want hosted by people talking about Sacramento. What's more important? The music or the local hosting? Because as I've shown, the local hosting is there, but they may not be playing the music you want. It's up to you.

Once again, in answer to your broad question, live & local radio is alive in Sacramento. You just have to make some choices.

 

[rtruskey2]

Ok ok ok lol. I never said anything about them not playing the music I want.

 

[K108 Sacramento]

If your over 54 years old, radio programmers don't know you exist and don't care if you're listening at all.

 

[davideduardo]

If your over 54 years old, radio programmers don't know you exist and don't care if you're listening at all.

If you are a outside the top markets, most stations don't get most of their sales based on ratings. If you are in an unrated market, it does not matter how old your listeners are as sales comes from results, not ratings and rankings.

 

[davideduardo]

I'm aware everything is computerized, I just meant they might as well get rid of the DJs.

Even going back to the early 70's a huge number of stations were "computerized" using early automation gear or using networks that sent programming already pre-programmed. Nothing new.

 

[TheBigA]

Going back to the OP in this thread, the station being criticized for lack of live & local talent is #1 in Sacramento. By almost 2 share points.

So it seems that the lack of live & local talent isn't much of an issue for the people in Sacramento.

Sacramento

Nielsen Audio PPM Monthly Ratings Sacramento (Market #30) Population: 2,121,900 Black: 172,800 - Hispanic: 468,500 Average Quarter Hour Share for

radioinsight.com

8.0

8.1

8.4

KSEG-FM

96.9 The Eagle

Classic Rock

Audacy

400,400

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

I was thinking certain formats like sports/talk and news/talk would have parts of the day like drive time or in sports/talk live games is where live and local would be in demand some of the time. But for music not sure given where we are now with music apps where anybody can make a playlist.

 

[rtruskey2]

Going back to the OP in this thread, the station being criticized for lack of live & local talent is #1 in Sacramento. By almost 2 share points.

So it seems that the lack of live & local talent isn't much of an issue for the people in Sacramento.

Sacramento

Nielsen Audio PPM Monthly Ratings Sacramento (Market #30) Population: 2,121,900 Black: 172,800 - Hispanic: 468,500 Average Quarter Hour Share for

radioinsight.com

I knew The Eagle was #1, so I guess maybe I should have already known it wasn't an issue but I just thought I'd bring it up.

I brought it up because, well it was an observation by me given all the cuts across the industry. As someone else pointed out, and I might have touched on it a little, people are also getting their music in different ways. I listen to radio, but sometimes I also stream.

I'm a younger person who listens to the classics primarily, and I just remember when the Eagle was more "interesting" when they had themed blocks (Cafe Rock for instance, Two Fer Tuesdays years ago, Woodsquawk). Unfortunately the old timers aren't there anymore like Bob Keller and Tom Nakashima, and I realize change is inevitable. It happens.

You all bring up good points though. I just thought I'd pose the question.

 

[TheBigA]

You all bring up good points though. I just thought I'd pose the question.

It's a fair question, and as I said, the answer is no. Lots of live & local radio in Sacramento.

I just remember when the Eagle was more "interesting" when they had themed blocks (Cafe Rock for instance, Two Fer Tuesdays years ago, Woodsquawk).

Unfortunately those things aren't really unique to Sacramento.

Sacramento has a great heritage for rock radio, going back to the legendary K-ZAP. You may know there's a group running a low power tribute station at 93.3 that you might enjoy



There's also this:

KZAP

The Top 40 stations in Sacramento were actually pretty daring. But, after November 8, 1968 all bets were off. Broadcasting from "high above Sacramento" on the 13th floor of the Elks Building,...

www.sacrockmuseum.org

 

[rtruskey2]

Sacramento has a great heritage for rock radio, going back to the legendary K-ZAP. You may know there's a group running a low power tribute station at 93.3 that you might enjoy

View attachment 11959

There's also this:

KZAP

The Top 40 stations in Sacramento were actually pretty daring. But, after November 8, 1968 all bets were off. Broadcasting from "high above Sacramento" on the 13th floor of the Elks Building,...

www.sacrockmuseum.org

Yes, I was aware of that and that is pretty neat. I've listened to it here and there on my phone or computer, I feel guilty at times I don't listen to it more.

The original K-ZAP was a little bit before my time actually, but my dad has told me that he loved listening to it.

 

[landtuna]

I also listen to 93.7 The River occasionally, most of their programming doesn't seem to be local. I think they broadcast iHeartRadio shows and make it seem like it's local or something.

I'm no longer in the Sacto market but used to listen to The River when I was (and even via stream when it was available). They had a great Oldies/Classic Rock playlist. But over the years they "updated" it with more current junk so I moved on. If I listen to the radio at all these days it is only while in the car (very infrequent) and is a digi-net jukebox. Very few commercials and no live talking heads. That is fine with me. If and when that disappears I will just plug in my memory stick and fire off my own personal playlist.

Ain't technology wonderful?

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Are there any major stations that DON'T do voice-tracking and are 100% live?

The other thing we see by studying social media is that some callers are fans of artists, not listeners to radio. So they're calling to promote their favorite artist, not to hear the song on the radio. The artists themselves promote that kind of behavior, telling their fans to "call your radio...

radiodiscussions.com

If there is anything on the radio thats live and local in Sacramento it would have to be KFBK News on AM and PM drive time, CapRadio News updates during all Things Considered, Morning Edition and Insight on CapRadio. We did a similar thread on this but on the national levels. I don't think its dead but its more confined to certain times and areas. Also in some cases KHTK Sacramento would air sports events is another case when they need to air something live at that time.

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Award-winning journalist Vicki Gonzalez hosts interviews with community leaders, advocates, experts, artists and more to provide background and understanding on breaking news, big events, politics and culture in the Sacramento region and beyond.

www.capradio.org

The Afternoon News with Kitty O'Neal - KFBK News Radio

Want to know more about Kitty O'Neal? Get her official bio, social pages and more!

kfbk.iheart.com

KFBK Morning News with Cristina Mendonsa - KFBK News Radio

Get the Latest Info!

kfbk.iheart.com

 

[Big D]

Pat Walsh also has hosted a live and local call-in show on KFBK weeknights 7-10 for years.

 

[Alan Smithee]

As far as I know, KDVS is still 100% live. If I were rich I’d give them money. It’s the only station I can stand to listen to, it’s always on in the car. It doesn’t come in well for me indoors and their TuneIn stream (which my receiver is equipped for) hasn’t worked in a while.

With The Eagle being #1, you’d think they’d be able to spend some money on personalities and stuff like that. Personally I’ve always thought any station that limits itself to old music is a waste of air space. You could potentially buy your own copies of all the songs they play and hear them any time, radio should introduce you to NEW music you haven’t heard before but might end up loving. I remember when The Eagle first started (they were previously KROY with a lame top 40 format, yes it was new music but it was industry-promoted crap, I don’t believe in being limited to playing only songs released as singles either), I didn’t think they would last a year but they’ve been around for more than 35 now AND #1 several times! Just happened to check them out a few days ago and was bored out of my mind. And if the music isn’t even hosted anymore, why not just listen to those songs online?

The new KZAP sounds live but everything is actually voice tracked a few days in advance. That’s mainly because it has no real physical location. The variety of songs could be a bit better but they seem to at least be trying, and play plenty of new music while avoiding all the played-out stuff like Hotel California. They seem to repeat some songs but I’m extra critical of that- I honestly wouldn’t play any song more than a few times a week, and never twice in the same day.

 

[vw86]

Personally I’ve always thought any station that limits itself to old music is a waste of air space.

So how do you explain all these markets where Classic Hits, Classic Rock and AC are the top billing stations?

 

[kwthom]

You could potentially buy your own copies of all the songs they play and hear them any time, radio should introduce you to NEW music you haven’t heard before but might end up loving.

Isn't that a dichotomy?

If people want to listen to 'old' music and not listen to 'new' music, why on earth would they change from their favorite 'Classic Hits' station?

I was with a friend Tuesday, jumped in his truck, and he's got an AC station on - and he's in his 70's. He's not listening to the music, it's simply noise...

Radio *used* to introduce people to new music - a LOT of social media influence does that heavy lifting today.

 

[rtruskey2]

Radio *used* to introduce people to new music - a LOT of social media influence does that heavy lifting today.

You pretty much said it. I'm not sure how many young people actually listen to terrestrial radio anymore when they want to discover "new" music.

I'm not speaking for all young people, but I think many discover it through streaming services like Spotify, or the iHeartRadio app perhaps. I know sometimes I do.

I'm 29 years old and listen to a lot of oldies or classic rock though but I dabble in some new stuff sometimes. The Eagle has been a legacy station in Sacramento for over 35 years (I think) so I get why it's #1. People like familiarity on the radio when it comes to music on the classic stations.