KZIZ is hardly "Smooth Jazz" at all. It's a mix of Kenny G, that "Haute Sauce" cut by Mindi Abair, and a bunch of burnt-to-a-crisp Smooth R&B (Sade, Anita Baker, Des'ree) cuts, as well as a few songs that are nowhere near smooth jazz (is "Treasure" Bruno Mars smooth jazz? I don't think so.)
I enjoy that Oasis station down in Albuquerque. That's what SJ should be. Leave the Kenny G to the "on-hold music", and place some groovy smooth jazz in the list. PD is Steve Hibbard who also owned the Jones Smooth Jazz network years ago (heard on 101.9 in Tri-Cities for a couple of years, 2006-08 before they put in Allen Kepler's network). Just the last 45 minutes they spun Paul Brown, Chris Standring, a Donald Fagen cut from the 80s, an early Luther Vandross cut ("Never Too Much"), Everette Harp and Down to the Bone. No Kenny G, no Bruno Mars, no Sam Smith.
Back to KHTP, I heard some really blowing statistics about the "Pop FM" in Reno. It was getting less than a 1 share! It seems no one cared about throwback Rhythmic AC. Wonder what it would be like if they went south on US-95 instead and ended up in Las Vegas. That might have gotten better ratings with all the generation-X folks working in the casinos and resorts. I wonder how a throwback Rhythmic AC would do here - ala the old Movin 92.5 years ago. I know they tweaked to CHR and is now #1. But I wonder what the ratings would be like if KHTP got rid of the rap and replaced it with Destiny's Child and Janet Jackson. There are way too many 2010s songs on the list.
-crainbebo
Have you ever thought of thinking how Entercom and Hubbard can get KHTP and KLCK, respectfully, up from crappy low 2s to 3s? 2.2 is what gets you in the "Stunt and Flip" business.
-crainbebo
They are trying, I know, but it's the same type of format on two different channels. They seem to be the "rookies" trying to beat or get close to the big guns like KQMV and KPLZ. Until Kent & Alan retire, that will be one of the popular women's FM morning shows in Seattle. The same with the one that Movin has, Brooke and Jubal. Although I know they are trying, there is still little reason to play the same Katy Perry song on 4 channels in a 15 minute span. That is why except for Warm 106.9 due to the Christmas music, I don't listen to much Seattle radio anymore. If I'm ever in Seattle, it's mostly KJAQ as they have a variety hits format, but it's getting a little bit old for me as well.
-crainbebo
Ford, your first point was well taken, I'm with you on that. So, outside of morning drive, why are stations telling their talent to cut back? Listen to Hot for an hour or so and here's what you'll hear, imaging after all but 1 or 2 songs per set and the jock only opening the mic once per set. Hey Casual Matt, are you still reading these boards? I'm noticing the exact same thing on KOSI in Denver, and iHeart killed off a good-sounding, though tracked, night show in Charlotte for a live show that doesn't sound nearly as good. What's going on?Okay, a couple things:
1. The music, and frequency of airplay really does not matter. Listeners want to hear "fun" and "entertaining" programming on their drive to work, work-day, or on their drive home. They want to hear personalities who can connect to the audience, make them feel important, and improve the day. Granted, the music can be repetitive, but its always been that way on commercial radio. Small community radio does exist however, and can be a nice contrast to what you hear in Seattle. KJAQ is a fine radio station, but I think they would actually be BETTER with talent, as jukebox radio is adored by some, and disliked by others.
2. I give a lot of credit to the KLCK morning show. I've seen the promos, its not really my taste, but the only way to gain the skill to host a morning show is to actually do it. Perhaps one day they will be able to compete with the "big guns" in morning radio. A major component of radio is investing time in patience in those who will eventually have the skills to pull of quality radio. The bottom line, you are not born with the talent to be just like Fitz in the Morning, Jubal, BJ Shea, etc. It takes time to hone your skills.
Ford, your first point was well taken, I'm with you on that. So, outside of morning drive, why are stations telling their talent to cut back? Listen to Hot for an hour or so and here's what you'll hear, imaging after all but 1 or 2 songs per set and the jock only opening the mic once per set. Hey Casual Matt, are you still reading these boards? I'm noticing the exact same thing on KOSI in Denver, and iHeart killed off a good-sounding, though tracked, night show in Charlotte for a live show that doesn't sound nearly as good. What's going on?
I'm sure that's part of it, but KQMV still allows their personalities to talk multiple times per set. There's got to be something else at work here.I may be giving you wrong information information (but since you asked, I thought I would give you an attempted response). It seems like the logs are pretty jam-packed at stations like KHTP (and others) with "hot" songs and spots what need to be featured. That leaves the on air talent with only the intro of songs to talk and hit the points that they need to cover within an hour. Stations like KHTP are very fast paced and you really can't delay the flow or you risk leaving something out.
Someone with more experience should weigh in on your inquiry.