J
JohnRadioFan
Guest
Seasons Greetings!
It’s been an interesting year to say the least. It only seems like a few months ago that Cox Radio released its’ Cool 96.9 talent on Christmas day. While we all agree that business decisions are just a part of life, the vast majority of contributors to this board acknowledged that it was cold and heartless.
The business of radio is no different than the way most big business is run today. The powerful few make decisions that ultimately guarantee their survival at the expense of others. But contrary to what you may think, I’m actually pro-business in many respects. It’s the senior management of most companies that I have issues. Early in the year someone had commented that there are maybe 50 people or so who make the major radio decisions that become a way of life. If that is true, that’s a heck of a lot of power and influence. Even the US Government spreads decision making among 100 diverse senators and several hundred very diverse congressmen/women. And the reality is that when someone from the "Fab 50" makes a wrong decision, just like a wrong song on a play list, that decision perpetuates itself over and over again doing more harm than good.
The event of last Christmas became the foundation of many of the topics discussed on this board. The new KOOL FM and Renda’s slowness to respond to change or to correct mistakes were THE most talked about topics. As we now look back, I think we can agree that KOOL was doomed from the start. When we heard WKQL was coming back, many of us envisioned hearing many of the jocks return after non-compete ended and while we were dreaming, we were hopeful that Renda would put our Savannah friend back at the helm programming the station. With the exception of adding Tom Murphy, none of that happened. And the music and overall sound of the station was in a word a disaster. WKQL died about 3 years ago but at least many of us recognize just how wonderful it was to have while we had it.
But, in my opinion, I think the #1 topic is really the state of radio today. I think it is reprehensible that many radio stations close up shop at 7PM on Friday and stay that way until 6AM Monday. How does that serve the public? And to hear stations direct their audience to their websites to hear the latest news about tropical storms or any other newsworthy event is a disgrace. No doubt, this is a brainchild of “The Fab 50.” Sure it saves money, but radio is a public trust and many people turn to it when there aren’t alternatives. Apparently, renewing an FCC license is rarely challenged today based on serving the public.
I recall a few comments this past year regarding advertising and the fact that most stations do not make money on weekends and after 7PM weeknights. So, I think we can appreciate the decision to automate at those times. But I often think there should be some kind of compromise. Where are the broadcasters of tomorrow? I bet many aspiring young broadcasters would practically work for nothing to get experience. And a live, friendly voice or someone to let listeners know there is a severe traffic jam etc. at 10PM is surely better than hearing automation. Commercial radio seems to be calling it quits in advance of satellite radio. I would think, they would make strides to be more personality driven to set them apart from satellite radio. The lack of personality has continued to decrease my overall listening and I’m sure that applies to others too.
This board gives many of us an opportunity to voice opinions on a medium that we have strong passion. I enjoy reading the diverse opinions in here and I’m like a sponge – I love learning more about radio all the time. I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas, holiday season and New Year!
It’s been an interesting year to say the least. It only seems like a few months ago that Cox Radio released its’ Cool 96.9 talent on Christmas day. While we all agree that business decisions are just a part of life, the vast majority of contributors to this board acknowledged that it was cold and heartless.
The business of radio is no different than the way most big business is run today. The powerful few make decisions that ultimately guarantee their survival at the expense of others. But contrary to what you may think, I’m actually pro-business in many respects. It’s the senior management of most companies that I have issues. Early in the year someone had commented that there are maybe 50 people or so who make the major radio decisions that become a way of life. If that is true, that’s a heck of a lot of power and influence. Even the US Government spreads decision making among 100 diverse senators and several hundred very diverse congressmen/women. And the reality is that when someone from the "Fab 50" makes a wrong decision, just like a wrong song on a play list, that decision perpetuates itself over and over again doing more harm than good.
The event of last Christmas became the foundation of many of the topics discussed on this board. The new KOOL FM and Renda’s slowness to respond to change or to correct mistakes were THE most talked about topics. As we now look back, I think we can agree that KOOL was doomed from the start. When we heard WKQL was coming back, many of us envisioned hearing many of the jocks return after non-compete ended and while we were dreaming, we were hopeful that Renda would put our Savannah friend back at the helm programming the station. With the exception of adding Tom Murphy, none of that happened. And the music and overall sound of the station was in a word a disaster. WKQL died about 3 years ago but at least many of us recognize just how wonderful it was to have while we had it.
But, in my opinion, I think the #1 topic is really the state of radio today. I think it is reprehensible that many radio stations close up shop at 7PM on Friday and stay that way until 6AM Monday. How does that serve the public? And to hear stations direct their audience to their websites to hear the latest news about tropical storms or any other newsworthy event is a disgrace. No doubt, this is a brainchild of “The Fab 50.” Sure it saves money, but radio is a public trust and many people turn to it when there aren’t alternatives. Apparently, renewing an FCC license is rarely challenged today based on serving the public.
I recall a few comments this past year regarding advertising and the fact that most stations do not make money on weekends and after 7PM weeknights. So, I think we can appreciate the decision to automate at those times. But I often think there should be some kind of compromise. Where are the broadcasters of tomorrow? I bet many aspiring young broadcasters would practically work for nothing to get experience. And a live, friendly voice or someone to let listeners know there is a severe traffic jam etc. at 10PM is surely better than hearing automation. Commercial radio seems to be calling it quits in advance of satellite radio. I would think, they would make strides to be more personality driven to set them apart from satellite radio. The lack of personality has continued to decrease my overall listening and I’m sure that applies to others too.
This board gives many of us an opportunity to voice opinions on a medium that we have strong passion. I enjoy reading the diverse opinions in here and I’m like a sponge – I love learning more about radio all the time. I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas, holiday season and New Year!