This is a topic that has bugged me for some time now, perhaps because I don't know enough about them or why they are so scarce. Why is it that (with the exception of syndicated shows) specialty shows don't really exist anymore on many radio stations? I hear so many complaints about radio sounding rather bland these days with the same music played over and over again (and I do agree), so why aren't there any specialty shows to showcase music that is NOT played during regular rotation (and I'm not speaking about a noon mix or rush-hour mix that plays the same songs over and over)? Why can't there be a dance show (or chill, retro new-wave, etc...) on a CHR every Thursday from midnight-1 a.m. (for example)? or even 3 a.m - 4 a.m.? Would something like this really cause that much of a spike or dent or really any change in a station's ratings?
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Radio Specialty Shows
- Thread starter 2Son
- Start date
I think (and I stress the word "think") it has something to do with payola, which is prohibited by the FCC. The practice of paying for songs to be played on the air. In the 50's, some songs would be played over and over, because the dj's were getting kickbacks from the record companies. Now Billboard lists the top songs sold nationwide, and you can play those songs without getting into trouble. When commercial radio stations are playing songs that were or are on some sort of national playlist, they generally avoid problems with the FCC.
The CC empire found a way of exploiting the clause a few years ago and would not play certain songs listed on Billboard if the artist refused to perform at the CC-owned Cricket Pavillion and others owned by the conglomerate. As I recall, they got busted and paid a fine.
I've been wondering lately if it is legal to buy brokered time on a station, such as 1100Am in Phoenix, and play independent music as long as you keep announcing that the program is paid for by independent artists. There must be a reason it's not being done.
David Eduardo has owned radio stations in the past, and I bet he knows the answer, as do some others.
The CC empire found a way of exploiting the clause a few years ago and would not play certain songs listed on Billboard if the artist refused to perform at the CC-owned Cricket Pavillion and others owned by the conglomerate. As I recall, they got busted and paid a fine.
I've been wondering lately if it is legal to buy brokered time on a station, such as 1100Am in Phoenix, and play independent music as long as you keep announcing that the program is paid for by independent artists. There must be a reason it's not being done.
David Eduardo has owned radio stations in the past, and I bet he knows the answer, as do some others.
2Son said:
The truth is, they aren't PPM friendly. Listeners want a steady diet of the same thing. Boring to you and the listeners, but every time there is a monthly, time and again, the specialty stuff dies. I have to give credit to Mix on this one, I can't recall when the last time they had a specialty show or syndicated weekend show. So every time you turn on 96.9, they are consistent and playing what you expect from them, no deviations.
A
azenergyfan
Guest
I liked when the Peak on sunday mornings at Organic tracks I believe it was called. Great acoustic mix music and lots of variety. For some reason they moved it to sunday evenings and I believe they don't have it on the air anymore but haven't really searched for it latley.
Ironically, Bruce St James did a show pretty much about this exact same topic - regarding why radio was the way it was, and I don't know if he was speaking the truth or making things up (as people would believe because he's a conservative leaning talk show host), but (in my opinion) it made precise sense.
However, since I don't remember specifically what he said, verbatim, I'll just answer / say everything in my own words. Radio plays less music because people want familiarity, and it's easier to become familiarized with a smaller playlist of hits rather than a large playlist of music or playlist with mixshow time slots within them. Smaller playlists with more consistency also insures that it will be more likely that a familiar tune will be playing at whatever time the listener tunes in. It's easier to get a bunch of people to agree on 100 songs than it is to get people to agree on 1,000 songs. Most people listen to radio for short periods of time, and when they tune in, they want to hear something they love, or at least like and know, playing immediately (or else they'll seek another station that is doing so). It's similar to when you get into a car or some place and play a cd or mp3 player. That cd or mp3 player has a limited amount of tracks on it, but if you had the choice, you'd rather play that cd or mp3 player of specific familiar songs over and over anytime than play a cd of new songs you didn't know - especially if you're listening in route to somewhere. Why? Because you want what you like and know on demand and don't want to waste time "learning or discovering" tunes you might like. Radio is for the masses. Majority rules, and how people act/react & respond to certain things is also more important than what they say they want - when it comes to radio. It's all about what works in regard to sales & business first, and entertainment along with everything else is secondary.
As far as commercials; Some may wonder why anyone would play commercials when we know people hate that and may change the station, but wont use any time for some extra variety music. Well, commercials are played because basically media has no choice. It's "mandatory" for radio business survival. I'm sure radio stations would and would love to get rid of commercials if they could.
MIXSHOWS - IN MY OPINION
When it comes to mix shows and other certain sounds, I share the same enthusiasm. However, if many people in the business are just in it to get by or make a living rather than out of having a passion for the job, what do they care about a mix show when it's easier to just stick to basics 24/7? A mixshow takes more effort and having to set up & monitor more things...etc. If you're a programmer, you're most likely not going to go out of your way to do something optional that you don't necessarily care for, and it's only worse if your team is full of like minded people who couldn't care less about specialty programming. My thinking (and this was recently) was "wouldn't it be easy to find a dj that's willing to follow the rules for little to no pay at all?" However, now that I think of it, I could see the potential problem with doing such a thing.
When it comes to higher variety and more specialty programming and deeper playlists, "no one will do it until everyone else does it, and does it successfully" -KDM7000 If it was more about entertainment and being edgy and had nothing to do with business and finance, then I could imagine things would be drastically different.
However, since I don't remember specifically what he said, verbatim, I'll just answer / say everything in my own words. Radio plays less music because people want familiarity, and it's easier to become familiarized with a smaller playlist of hits rather than a large playlist of music or playlist with mixshow time slots within them. Smaller playlists with more consistency also insures that it will be more likely that a familiar tune will be playing at whatever time the listener tunes in. It's easier to get a bunch of people to agree on 100 songs than it is to get people to agree on 1,000 songs. Most people listen to radio for short periods of time, and when they tune in, they want to hear something they love, or at least like and know, playing immediately (or else they'll seek another station that is doing so). It's similar to when you get into a car or some place and play a cd or mp3 player. That cd or mp3 player has a limited amount of tracks on it, but if you had the choice, you'd rather play that cd or mp3 player of specific familiar songs over and over anytime than play a cd of new songs you didn't know - especially if you're listening in route to somewhere. Why? Because you want what you like and know on demand and don't want to waste time "learning or discovering" tunes you might like. Radio is for the masses. Majority rules, and how people act/react & respond to certain things is also more important than what they say they want - when it comes to radio. It's all about what works in regard to sales & business first, and entertainment along with everything else is secondary.
As far as commercials; Some may wonder why anyone would play commercials when we know people hate that and may change the station, but wont use any time for some extra variety music. Well, commercials are played because basically media has no choice. It's "mandatory" for radio business survival. I'm sure radio stations would and would love to get rid of commercials if they could.
MIXSHOWS - IN MY OPINION
When it comes to mix shows and other certain sounds, I share the same enthusiasm. However, if many people in the business are just in it to get by or make a living rather than out of having a passion for the job, what do they care about a mix show when it's easier to just stick to basics 24/7? A mixshow takes more effort and having to set up & monitor more things...etc. If you're a programmer, you're most likely not going to go out of your way to do something optional that you don't necessarily care for, and it's only worse if your team is full of like minded people who couldn't care less about specialty programming. My thinking (and this was recently) was "wouldn't it be easy to find a dj that's willing to follow the rules for little to no pay at all?" However, now that I think of it, I could see the potential problem with doing such a thing.
When it comes to higher variety and more specialty programming and deeper playlists, "no one will do it until everyone else does it, and does it successfully" -KDM7000 If it was more about entertainment and being edgy and had nothing to do with business and finance, then I could imagine things would be drastically different.
...But even with all that said, I still can't help but to wonder sometimes why a mixshow couldn't at least be considered at specific times. After all, even a scheduled mixshow or specialty show falls under the category of "consistency" - IF things are done and kept up properly. People will know what to expect at certain times, and those who love and care for it will be attracted to the station (hence, potential new listeners that may stick around) and those who don't care for it wont be forever scared away because they are aware that the specialty show is only temporary, and will only be playing for a specific amount of time, at a certain time. There also comes this complaint & debate on whether or not people like their songs cut short. I guess the answer to this would be to just play the entire length songs in the mix, but then what do you do when you hit an exclusive, or quick mix track?
By the way, I love how I'm being fair and balanced with myself and giving two sides of the story, even though there is one side of it that doesn't feel good to me, and another side I prefer and would like to support, MUCH, MUCH more! 8)
By the way, I love how I'm being fair and balanced with myself and giving two sides of the story, even though there is one side of it that doesn't feel good to me, and another side I prefer and would like to support, MUCH, MUCH more! 8)
KDM nailed it - familiarity.2Son said:
Examples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashback_(radio_program)
http://www.beatlesradioshow.com/affiliates.htm
Observe the times programming such as this is put on-air. No rating worries - 'safe' radio. Cue up the files in the computer and let 'em rip.
Face it, PDs & GMs, sad to say, haven't been exposed to the 'less than safe' days of the industry. The 'suits' won't let them.
So, with that being said, I think all stations should mix on Sunday's, from 7-11am!
All the house and booty bass they can find! ;D
I do admit that one thing I love about UK radio is their freedom to do a lot of different stuff on one station, all week long!
All the house and booty bass they can find! ;D
I do admit that one thing I love about UK radio is their freedom to do a lot of different stuff on one station, all week long!
That's why I like Jonathan L (former KUPD, KUKQ, etc.): he had a specialty show with Virgin Vinyl and then Lopsided World of L. Now that he's overseas, the closest comparison in 2011 would be the local music show that's on one of the AM talk stations. (No, not that one.)
I think the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix has a show hosted by the bishop on the AM dial. That's a specialty show. Non-syndicated.
The, uh, moral of the story: Specialty shows are still here. But they're all on AM, not FM.
I think the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix has a show hosted by the bishop on the AM dial. That's a specialty show. Non-syndicated.
The, uh, moral of the story: Specialty shows are still here. But they're all on AM, not FM.
indieradioguy said:
Sponsored by St. Joseph's Hospital, no doubt. ;D
M
Mike Gaube
Guest
I do HEADBANGER'S HEAVEN every M-F 11p midnight on 93.3 KDKB. Neanderpaul and I have fun with it....
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