Net Effect

[Andrew Kent]

Oh, and Radio-Realist said that:
"The NPR/PRI model is a throwback to a time before most people working in radio were alive, when radio stations broadcast 'programs', aka 'shows'."

Yeah, it's so true, and those of us who remember guys like Jean Shepherd know what truly original commercial radio sounds like. There's no one today who could do what he did, although Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon stories do keep small town America alive in the Shepherd tradition. And people old enough to remember radio drama and sitcoms were privy to a true art form that exists today in only a few novelty programs but, thankfully, can be purchased on old-time radio CDs.

If television is still the "vast wasteland" of Newton Minnow's day, then commercial radio, despite its resurgence in recent years, is no better and far less creative. But, like most of us agree, it's all about the ratings. Programmers are giving the masses what they want, so listeners are getting what they deserve.

 

[kaufcom]

those of us who remember guys like Jean Shepherd know what truly original commercial radio sounds like.

I agree with you on this. I remember listening to Jean Shepherd as a kid. I am not obsessed with politics. I always listened to Phil Hendrie, before he retired after radio owners started messing with his show (Hendrie is ardent supporter of President Bush.) My all time favorite show was the Bob and Ray. I was lucky enough to be living in New York when they did a three hour daily show, which I think, ironically, was on WABC.