QUESTION AND COMMENTS FOR ROBERT BASS

[SeanRuadh]

I must compliment Mr. Bass for doing as good a job as he does, picking from the hits of the '70s...
That said, I have always been troubled by the concept behind KEOM.
Since it is non-commercial, it doesn't have to cater to the lowest-common-denominator by playing the hits. Why can't the station serve a higher purpose. Why can't the music be chosen by a MUSICOLOGIST for its' artistic significance, rather than for the ##'s of $$'s it earned some record company?
Also, why can't the students be trained in news gathering and public affairs, since those are skills that could be applied in a broader sense in the broadcasting industry?
Sure, the pop music attracts people to the PSA's, but communication could be so much more than just :30 second announcements about community events.
That is all. Carry on.

 

[Robert Bass]

Sean,

First, I appreciate your comments.

I do consider myself a musicologist. I don't just look at chart positions and how much money songs earned in their heyday. As you may know, most stations playing old music, usually conduct audience participation surveys for music testing. KEOM does not enjoy that luxury, due to budget limitations and limited manpower. When I pick the songs, there is quite a bit of fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants involved, and I have picked quite a few duds along the way. My approach with respect to music selection, is similar to one of our former Music Managers, Bill Sherrard.

Bill's succesor was Andrea Galindo. Without sounding like a cheap shot, let me just say she made a mess of KEOM's music selection. She was turning it into more of a Hispanic, R&B format, and played a lot of unfamiliar music. I watched the ratings sharply and consistantly decline by almost 20,000 cume 12+ wise, when the transition from Sherrard to Galindo occured. Andrea either ignored or didn't understand that the format was supposed to be 1970's Top 40, and that hurt KEOM.

One of the primary reasons why ratings are used by KEOM, is to help ensure the format is hitting the audience demos. Although the overall numbers are quite good, considering the music decade limitation, there is no doubt in my mind the numbers could potentially double with the proper mix of 1980's music.

R

 

[SeanRuadh]

Well, o.k., if you're stuck in the '70's, how about Switched On Bach by Walter Carlos? Or maybe Birdland by Weather Report? How about Tall Buildings by John Hartford, or Icarus by Paul Winter? Could you play something from the Berlin Philharmonic's Beethoven Bicentennial series?
Eyes of the World by the Grateful Dead?
Just like a little spice helps flavor the stew, maybe a little something special might help KEOM.

 

[RADIO TRUTH]

On the issue of audio processing.....

There have been various radio stations, over the years, that have done decently in the ratings with minimal audio processing but, the majority of successful radio stations in music formats have tried to be as loud as possible, with as much compression as possible. I do realize that some female oriented music formats try to use less compression. The female oriented formats also emphasize bass response because females respond better to bass. Listen up and down the dial in any market and you will see that the majority of music stations use a good deal of compression and try to be louder than their competitors. If it didn't work, they wouldn't do it.

 

[RADIO TRUTH]

On the issue of ratings for KEOM.....

Since KEOM is an educational station and a public trust, ratings shouldn't matter. It's not like they can sell advertising. KEOM should be a training ground for high school kids who are in broadcasting and a venue for broadcasting high school sports. It is KEOM's responsibility to serve the public good rather than think about the size of their audience. If they don't serve the public good, some entity can challenge them for their license, if they prove that they can serve the public good better. Playing 70s or 80s music does not serve the public good because there are various other places to hear this music. Playing 50s and 60s music does serve the public good because it is not on-the-air anywhere. Even though ratings shouldn't count, playing 50s and 60s music would make the audience bigger because it would be the only place to get it. KLUV did not stop playing 50s and 60s music because it lost audience. KLUV stopped playing 50s and 60s music because ad agencies won't place ad buys for an audience over the age of 55, which is sad because baby boomers have more disposable income than any other demographic group. KEOM would be a much better radio station with a bigger audience playing 50s and 60s music and using some decent audio processing. Right now the audio on KEOM sounds flat and dead and the music can be heard various other places. There is nothing unique about KEOM's music.

 

[1Letterman]

The mistake some people make is thinking ratings and serving the public are mutually exclusive.

Also, how do you know how many of the public you're serving without ratings? Door to door questionairres?

 

[MikeShannon914]

>>"because females respond better to bass"

At least that's what Robert says! (shoulda capitalized "Bass" to make sure he knew you were talking about him personally. )

KEOM used to use some level of processing, as they would drive me crazy with the lows being "caught" by the limiter...no "punch" or anything would get past it.

I've been busy lately working on my new house, and KEOM's been playing constantly in the background for hours at a time for the last three weeks. I just don't hear the problems some of you are talking about. The mix is good, the breaks are predictable and short, the sound is awesome, and the talent is good enough for me. It sure beats 22-min stopsets, or that overplayed tired "voice" of Jack-FM, or the hedgy signal of The Bone, or infusions of country-crossover on KVIL.

I've been a faithful listener of KEOM's since 1986 or so, so I'm certainly more apt to defend them and their operation. I've also traded emails for years with Robert and understand the method to the station's madness...it IS well-thought and done for a reason. Sure, I don't embrace every single one of Robert's song selections, but KEOM's the ONLY station I can listen to for hours at a time and seldom ever have to surf around. If one song's a "dud" (to me,) I'm usually one song away from something I like. Of course, being a kid of the 70s, I'm a pushover for this stuff, and not too hard to please!

Understand, too, that Robert ran a successful 80s format on internet radio for several years, and applied his keen music programming skills to that decade as well. I think musicologist is an appropriate description.

Really, it all comes down to personal preference. KEOM's formatics and songs are not everyone's cup of tea, but then again, what station out there pleases EVERYONE or is meant to please everyone? I just hate seeing cheap shots taken at an operation that, in many respects, reminds me of how radio USED to be, and KEOM makes one of the most comprehensive efforts to be consistent, and mindful of the listener, and aside from the music, they do 'keep you in touch with your community' better than any station out there.

 

[Robert Bass]

Radio Truth,

Let me ask you a serious question. Have you ever looked at a modulation monitor while tuned to any given station in this market? The FCC rules specifically state that modulation is to be between 80 to 100 percent, no more and no less. Looking at KEOM’s signal on a MM reveals that KEOM’s modulation is within the rules. I’ve seen the modulation signal on quite a number of other stations in this market, and most of them exceed 100% modulation by up to 3%. So technically, the louder stations are breaking FCC regulation.

Also, when viewing KEOM’s signal against other stations, it is quite obvious a good deal of dynamic range is preserved on KEOM, whereas the mod monitor needles stick like glue at or above 100% modulation on a lot of the other stations.

As far as Dennis Hevron and James Griffin are concerned, the audio quality of KEOM is within FCC regulation, and still provides a clean signal. As I have stated before, I wholeheartedly agree with this philosophy, and KEOM’s listeners aren’t complaining about it. Suffice it to say, “That’s the way, uh huh; uh huh” we (as in everyone from staff to listeners) like it!”

In response to your license challenge, why don’t you just go ahead and do it? The music on KEOM by itself, is not the sole “community service” aspect of KEOM. It is actually the last item on the list! What KEOM does, as a whole, is community service. In other words, it is a combination of several ingredients that make KEOM a true public service, not one specific ingredient.

Marty: But Doc, I’ll crash into that movie screen!

Doc: Marty, you’re just not thinking fourth dimensionally.

Marty: Right, I always have a problem with that.

R

 

[Lancer]

I like KEOM. I'm either getting old or today's music just sucks. I'm a creature of habit so if I can hear a song & know the words, that's good enough for me. The over-processed stations wear me down quickly anyway.

Plus their eiffel tower looks cool. ;D

 

[JayDavis]

I for one would like to see later 70's music and 80's music played on KEOM. I asked that question in another thread, I just never found the answer from Robert.

Sorry you missed it, Jay. At some point KEOM will evolve to 70's & 80's, but at the moment there is no set timetable.

R

Thank you for answering my question. Hopefully, the change will be soon. Not that I dislike 70's music, just would like to see some 80's thrown in there as well.

Ahh, the 80's, that was a great year.

 

[davideduardo]

Let me ask you a serious question. Have you ever looked at a modulation monitor while tuned to any given station in this market? The FCC rules specifically state that modulation is to be between 80 to 100 percent, no more and no less. Looking at KEOM’s signal on a MM reveals that KEOM’s modulation is within the rules. I’ve seen the modulation signal on quite a number of other stations in this market, and most of them exceed 100% modulation by up to 3%. So technically, the louder stations are breaking FCC regulation.

FCC FM rules in 73.1570 state that modulation should not be less than 85% on peaks of frequent recurrence, and should not exceed 100% referenced to 75 kHz deviation on peaks of frequent recurrence (higher if there are SCA authorizations).

Depending on format, degree of processing, average modulation can be less than 85% as long as peaks get there... soft classical passages on a station wishing to preserve dynamic range are an example. There is no requirement to "reach" 100% ever... just to maintain a reasonably full modulation. The rule has a specific exception for all services whereby the 85% point may not necessarily have to be met to preserve dynamic range, avoid excessive loudness, etc.

Thus a station could have an average modulation well below 85% even if instantaneous peaks frequently made excursions to or above 85%.

Stations with subcarriers have a formula based on subcarrier injection, and have a cap of 110% peak modulation based on the 75 kHz reference point for 100% modulation. If any of the stations you say have excessive modulation have SCA's, it is likely they are fully legal.

When looking at most modulation monitor meters, you have to be aware of the balistics of the meter itself, as it is generally impossible to "spot" very fast excursions of high or low modulation... the meter averages in a way, and that is why peak flashers are part of mod monitors and have been for 60 or 70 years. When you process enough to have no excursions below 85%, a look at a scope is warranted, because chances are that you will see nice examples of square waves, especially if a composite clipper is being used to achieve that density.

 

[Robert Bass]

You don't even need a scope to see the "square wave" image. You can clearly see it with audio editing software like Adobe Audition.

R

 

[CW]

Radio Truth,

Let me ask you a serious question. Have you ever looked at a modulation monitor while tuned to any given station in this market? The FCC rules specifically state that modulation is to be between 80 to 100 percent, no more and no less. Looking at KEOM’s signal on a MM reveals that KEOM’s modulation is within the rules. I’ve seen the modulation signal on quite a number of other stations in this market, and most of them exceed 100% modulation by up to 3%. So technically, the louder stations are breaking FCC regulation.

Actually, no (depends on WHOSE monitor you are using). The newer faster mod monitors would show them to be legal..and if their equipment is Type Accpeted then an inspector would not cite them. There arer also reasons to exceed 100% (as noted below).

BTW, the rules actually state:

Sec. 73.1570 Modulation levels: AM, FM, TV and Class A TV aural.
(a) The percentage of modulation is to be maintained at as high a
level as is consistent with good quality of transmission and good
broadcast service, with maximum levels not to exceed the values
specified in paragraph (b). Generally, the modulation should not be
less than 85% on peaks of frequent recurrence, but where lower
modulation levels may be required to avoid objectionable loudness or
to maintain the dynamic range of the program material, the degree of
modulation may be reduced to whatever level is necessary for this
purpose, even though under such circumstances, the level may be substantially
less than that which produces peaks of frequent recurrence at a level of 85%. (<--- not 80)
(b) Maximum modulation levels must meet the following limitations:

*****(I skipped the AM stuff) ******

(2) FM stations. The total modulation must not exceed 100 percent on
peaks of frequent reoccurrence referenced to 75 kHz deviation. However,
stations providing subsidiary communications services using subcarriers
under provisions of Sec. 73.319 concurrently with the broadcasting of
stereophonic or monophonic programs may increase the peak modulation
deviation as follows:
(i) The total peak modulation may be increased 0.5 percent for each
1.0 percent subcarrier injection modulation. <--reason for running over 100% is here
(ii) In no event may the modulation of the carrier exceed 110
percent (82.5 kHz peak deviation). <-- of course I have seen stations that run MORE (and get fined when caught)

(c) If a limiting or compression amplifier is employed to maintain
modulation levels, precaution must be taken so as not to substantially
alter the dynamic characteristics of programs. <---(HA!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Of course I find (c) above a joke.....how many FMs have we heard squashed or smashed by its processor???)

A good audio processor will produce consistent audio with music...but of course speech and phone calls will vary the audio but should NOT go over 100%......If you aren't running enough processing and the mod levels between voice and music are greater than 10db on average, you have too little in my opinion. People like to set the volume at one level and dont want to be fidgetting with it back and forth while listening (because they want to be doing something else with their hands).
As to modulation monitors, I find a difference in a number of them on the market today. The reliable 844s are legal but not fast enough to respond to peak readings with todays DSP processors. Some groups try to take advantage of this by squeezing every last % of mod out of the processor they can (heavy clipping, etc) and stay "legal"....but there is a way to stay balanced. Some PDs never get this idea and believe MORE is better or constantly fiddle with the processor...(or use a sister station's settings in another market...when they dont realize the STL, exciter, antenna, etc can change the audio response.....and settings alone are not the answer!)

Last time I listened to KEOM, there was a BIG difference between it and other stations....I had to run the volume quite a bit to get decent level over roadnoise, etc. and then switching back to other stations, DOWN the volume went or else I would loose a good BOSE speaker in the car! BTW my CDs (a lot of them Time Life 70s and 80s) are more consistent with audio, Robert...not to start an argument on audio processing on KEOM....but just a notable fact....I understand the reasoning but feel the audio could be more "leveled" than it is; people are used to it...Yes, even Bob Orban and Frank Foti will agree that women do not like agreesive processing (heck it gives me headaches!) BUT to maintain a decent S/N; and noise is the biggest issue in FM stereo w/mutlipath is a close compete in metro areas, you HAVE to process with maybe 10db or so or AGC (in my humble and professional opinion)...

KZPS (back in 96-01) with the old 8200 and CEC 802D1 playing the same songs sounded great, had plenty of dynamic range and was perfectly legal and was MUCH louder than KEOM was...I constantly had to fiddle with my volume control when changing from one to the other (just my honest and personal opinion).

 

[Robert Bass]

I am at KEOM this afternoon, producing a football game. I flipped our Belar tuner to a few other stations. Based on the complete master mono Belar Mod Monitor (very fast response), KEOM is hitting right at 100%, with occasional peaks to 102%. Every other station I tuned, is averaging around 115% and peaking at 120% One of the stations was an exception, averaging at 120% with numerous peaks to 135%.

You be the judge...

R

 

[gettinbyagain]

Something to consider, IIRC, stations that run IBOC will wreak havok on older mod monitors. You need an IBOC compatible mod monitor to accurately measure these stations.

 

[Robert Bass]

In the grand scheme of things, it is my belief that KEOM is not as low in volume as some might believe. I have studied KEOM’s mod monitor, I have also run some non conventional tests at home, using my Tascam 122MKII’s true VU meters and also studying the wave form images using Adobe Audition. I am aware that my at-home tests are not up to par methods, but all of my tests using all of the preceding methods, appears consistant enough to validate the volume differences between KEOM and most of the other stations in this market are not as dramatic as some would like to believe.

I have also studied an entire hour’s worth of KEOM’s wave form signal via Adobe Audition, and there were no dramatic differences in consistency. While the image does reveal more peaks and valleys than some of the other stations, the average volume is not much different from stations like WRR and KERA.

In closing, based on all my tests, I believe KEOM’s overall average volume is not more than three dB, as compared to some of the louder stations. I believe KEOM’s signal is very close in volume, as compared to WRR. Yes I know the formats between the two stations are different, but the objective of maintaining a clean and open signal is the same.

R

 

[DFWPT]

I for one would like to see later 70's music and 80's music played on KEOM. I asked that question in another thread, I just never found the answer from Robert.

...At some point KEOM will evolve to 70's & 80's, but at the moment there is no set timetable.

R

Look for a major change to KEOM's programming and processing next September. Just a prediction.

 

[Robert Bass]

I for one would like to see later 70's music and 80's music played on KEOM. I asked that question in another thread, I just never found the answer from Robert.

...At some point KEOM will evolve to 70's & 80's, but at the moment there is no set timetable.

R

Look for a major change to KEOM's programming and processing next September. Just a prediction.

Yeah... KEOM goes to a 1920's through 1940's format, and does away with processing altogether. To compensate for the lack of processing, KEOM drops it's level way down, to match the pirate on 87.9. ;D

R

 

[MikeShannon914]

Surely the good Doctor will leave at the end of the regular term, like in MAY...and not drag out his retirement until September. Robert, you'll want the entire summer to make those changes and have them all in place by the time the new pack of broadcasting students come in during September...right? Will the first 80s song be "Pilot of the Airwaves"?

BTW, would you mind DUMPING "I'm Not Lisa"? Maybe a little Charlie Rich country ditty instead? "Behind Closed Doors" or "The Most Beautiful Girl" would be mucho better!! Edward Bear and "Last Song"s getting a little stale...thank you!

 

[Robert Bass]

Surely the good Doctor will leave at the end of the regular term, like in MAY...and not drag out his retirement until September. Robert, you'll want the entire summer to make those changes and have them all in place by the time the new pack of broadcasting students come in during September...right? Will the first 80s song be "Pilot of the Airwaves"?

BTW, would you mind DUMPING "I'm Not Lisa"? Maybe a little Charlie Rich country ditty instead? "Behind Closed Doors" or "The Most Beautiful Girl" would be mucho better!! Edward Bear and "Last Song"s getting a little stale...thank you!

Hey Mike... Whadda ya mean it will be in place by the next school year? I've already loaded 80s songs onto the system, and all. Heck we should do this in the spring... (I wish you could have been there the day Dr. G. asked me to delete them, when our audio server got full and crashed : )

I'll check on those songs for you, minus Behind Closed Doors. Dr. G. feels that one is inappropriate for KEOM. And it's probably time to rest some of the others. Of course I have my hands full already, trying to set up the Chris... errrr I mean Holiday Music for this year.

Haven't decided yet what the first 80's song that we will spin, yet. Anyone else want to post their suggestions?

R