A station in Portland (95.5 KBFF) has switched to "next generation AC". The press release said it was exciting and mentioned core artists such as Pink, Katy Perry,and John Mayer.
On another board someone argued that it's not exciting because these artists can be heard on several other stations. Then someone countered that yes it is exciting and that every AC should point in that direction.
I disagree that every AC should point in that direction. ACs that are having success with the variety approach should not limit themselves with current artists. They indeed are played on several other stations in each market. Plus an AC will never out excite a CHR.
For at least the past 20 years there have been many different varities of warm ACs. Not too long ago the FRESH FMs were supposed to be the next big thing. But these brighter versions of ACs rarely if ever beat mainstream ACs, even in the most attractive female demos. They certainly don't out CHR the CHRs. Plus many markets have Hot ACs..so these stations get stuck somewhere between AC and Hot AC. No strong identity.
They really do play music that can be heard everywhere. Exciting to the programmer, but not the listener. They often end up being in or near last place
overall. The best they can hope for is an OK showing in women 18-49. These stations often change formats after a few years, I have seen this happen many many times, although I wish this station the best of luck.
That "every AC should point in this direction" comment really rubbed me the wrong way. So I am listening to an internet station called "mellow gold". It's the opposite of next gen AC (although not quite as extreme as WFEZ/Miami).
On another board someone argued that it's not exciting because these artists can be heard on several other stations. Then someone countered that yes it is exciting and that every AC should point in that direction.
I disagree that every AC should point in that direction. ACs that are having success with the variety approach should not limit themselves with current artists. They indeed are played on several other stations in each market. Plus an AC will never out excite a CHR.
For at least the past 20 years there have been many different varities of warm ACs. Not too long ago the FRESH FMs were supposed to be the next big thing. But these brighter versions of ACs rarely if ever beat mainstream ACs, even in the most attractive female demos. They certainly don't out CHR the CHRs. Plus many markets have Hot ACs..so these stations get stuck somewhere between AC and Hot AC. No strong identity.
They really do play music that can be heard everywhere. Exciting to the programmer, but not the listener. They often end up being in or near last place
overall. The best they can hope for is an OK showing in women 18-49. These stations often change formats after a few years, I have seen this happen many many times, although I wish this station the best of luck.
That "every AC should point in this direction" comment really rubbed me the wrong way. So I am listening to an internet station called "mellow gold". It's the opposite of next gen AC (although not quite as extreme as WFEZ/Miami).