Radio Station Policy Question...

[Rebafan]

Do radio stations that have their street team at an event geared toward the type of music specifically a fair leave before the show starts as to not take away attention from the show?

The Leathercraft Guild did a demonstration at The Valley Fair at the Saugus Speedway this weekend that I participated in on Sunday... COUNTRY day at the fair...

KKGO Go Country had a booth near the Main Stage, I was always on the run and didn't stop by, figured when I went to catch Juice Newton on the Main Stage I would say hello to the street teamers... little did I know but When I went to get something to drink an hour or so before the show .... They would be... KKGONE!

The fact I wasn't able to say hello did not disturb me as much as the stations exiting before the BIG country act was going on to perform... the ONLY country station clearly heard in "The Valley" had left the fair before anywhere near closing time... MORESO they had left before Juice Newton!!!

Perhaps some of you do not know who she is...
She has received a total of five Grammy nominations in the Pop and Country Best Female Vocalist categories.
She has been recording since 1975,
15 TOP 10 SINGLES POP & COUNTRY
10 MILLION RECORDS SOLD WORLDWIDE
Grammy: Best Pop female Vocalist
4 Grammy Nominations
CMA "New Female Vocalist Of The Year"
2 TIME BILLBOARD ALBUM ARTIST OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN VIDEO ASSOCIATION:"Best Video"
The "GIFT OF MUSIC" Award
Bammie: "BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Austrailian Music Medias Number One International Country Artist

A FEW of the songs that she is known for include:
Angel Of The Morning
Break It To Me Gently
They Never Made it To Memphis
The Sweetest Thing
Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me
Queen Of Hearts

I am VERY Disappointed in this action by our local station... Perhaps they don't know who she is, perhaps they don't work with her record label (get anything from them to support her) or perhaps they had other reasons for staying for other artists performances (Riders Of The Purple Sage performed earlier in the day) and for leaving before Juice Newton...

This was NOT a concert with an "opening act" etc. it was a fair with acts all day...
There was also an act performing AFTER Juice Newton so... IF their being there was going to take away from the ALL day performances on the main stage... why did they even show up?!?

If this is a regular practice, although as disappointment is a feeling I am entitled to it, I perhaps would not have been AS disappointed in the station leaving the venue.

Thanks for any input from those in the industry that would know what the policy and practice when doing a promotional event at a local fair.

 

[nmoore6676]

I would, if I were you, direct your inquiry to both KKGO (they do answer e-mails and faxes) and the Valley Fair. My guess would be that they might have left so as to not detract from the show, though how just having a booth should not have been a disturbance. If they were running a sound system, say playing their station, then turning that off should have been sufficient I would think.

Responses from others in the business though would also be interesting to see how they have handled similar events.

 

[Big E]

I dont think theres a policy exactly. It all depends on whats going on with the staff that day. Maybe they had other events and not enough staff to do it. Maybe it was a paid appearance (Sales Event). It could be there just cheap and dont want to pay their staff to stay longer. And quite possibly, they were told to leave by the fair personnel (It happens). Sending them an email might get a response, but I feel it will fall on deaf ears.

 

[recplayer]

Remember... stations don't just show up because they want to... they're getting paid to.. or it's part of a commitment to the client.. (who ever it is...) Lot's of times a station is only being paid or is only obligated to be at a event for a certain length of time. Calm down.... I don't think Juice Newton cares....

 

[djmimi]

How was she, BTW? I used to play her music when I did country radio (giggle giggle, if you know what I look like, it's pretty funny...)

 

[Rebafan]

Remember... stations don't just show up because they want to... they're getting paid to.. or it's part of a commitment to the client.. (who ever it is...) Lot's of times a station is only being paid or is only obligated to be at a event for a certain length of time. Calm down.... I don't think Juice Newton cares....

Juice Newton may not care, but I as a fan of hers do. I as a fan of country music care about the station NOT mentioning this event on the air perhaps bringing more fans to the fair promoting country music... and by leaving early not supporting the artists that are a part of the genre.

 

[Rebafan]

How was she, BTW? I used to play her music when I did country radio (giggle giggle, if you know what I look like, it's pretty funny...)

She was SPECTACULAR! After the show she signed autographs and CD's... did the whole meet and greet thing... gotta love that.

I was very impressed with her performance and perhaps that is why as a fan I was curious why her performance at the fair wasn't promoted and why the station had left before she went on stage. I was told that is the policy... but last year KKGO was at the Orange County fair until closing, and KFROG is at the Perris Fair from open to close...not sure what KHAY does in regards to the Ventura County fair as I haven't attended it.

I figured asking on these boards would let me know what the industry policy and procedures in working a fair were.
Writing KKGO is (at least for me) a waste of time and energy as a "thank you for writing listening" or "this is a business and KKGO does not divulge business information" doesn't give me information as to the "generic" overall radio policies etc. and to write with a complaint is usually taken as whining or the resounding platform of be happy for the country station you have ... support and promote without criticism etc...

 

[nmoore6676]

How was she, BTW? I used to play her music when I did country radio (giggle giggle, if you know what I look like, it's pretty funny...)

She was SPECTACULAR! After the show she signed autographs and CD's... did the whole meet and greet thing... gotta love that.

I was very impressed with her performance and perhaps that is why as a fan I was curious why her performance at the fair wasn't promoted and why the station had left before she went on stage. I was told that is the policy... but last year KKGO was at the Orange County fair until closing, and KFROG is at the Perris Fair from open to close...not sure what KHAY does in regards to the Ventura County fair as I haven't attended it.

I figured asking on these boards would let me know what the industry policy and procedures in working a fair were.
Writing KKGO is (at least for me) a waste of time and energy as a "thank you for writing listening" or "this is a business and KKGO does not divulge business information" doesn't give me information as to the "generic" overall radio policies etc. and to write with a complaint is usually taken as whining or the resounding platform of be happy for the country station you have ... support and promote without criticism etc...

Suggest you send your inquiry directly to Michael Levine. He has always responded to my inquiries and comments, re: Todd Baker (KKGO), John Zielger and Micheal Sage (KGIL). I know it won't change anything that has been done but I feel from the tone of the responses that they do care. I will say that comments sent to either of the stations' general comment e-mail boxes generated a stock response. I have communicated with Tonya Campos, Kane Biscaya, and Michael Levine all of whom were most gracious. Comments to KFI's Robin Bertolouci, in contrast, don't result in even an automated response which shows how much KFI and Clear Channel care.

 

[Rebafan]

How was she, BTW? I used to play her music when I did country radio (giggle giggle, if you know what I look like, it's pretty funny...)

She was SPECTACULAR! After the show she signed autographs and CD's... did the whole meet and greet thing... gotta love that.

I was very impressed with her performance and perhaps that is why as a fan I was curious why her performance at the fair wasn't promoted and why the station had left before she went on stage. I was told that is the policy... but last year KKGO was at the Orange County fair until closing, and KFROG is at the Perris Fair from open to close...not sure what KHAY does in regards to the Ventura County fair as I haven't attended it.

I figured asking on these boards would let me know what the industry policy and procedures in working a fair were.
Writing KKGO is (at least for me) a waste of time and energy as a "thank you for writing listening" or "this is a business and KKGO does not divulge business information" doesn't give me information as to the "generic" overall radio policies etc. and to write with a complaint is usually taken as whining or the resounding platform of be happy for the country station you have ... support and promote without criticism etc...

Suggest you send your inquiry directly to Michael Levine. He has always responded to my inquiries and comments, re: Todd Baker (KKGO), John Zielger and Micheal Sage (KGIL). I know it won't change anything that has been done but I feel from the tone of the responses that they do care. I will say that comments sent to either of the stations' general comment e-mail boxes generated a stock response. I have communicated with Tonya Campos, Kane Biscaya, and Michael Levine all of whom were most gracious. Comments to KFI's Robin Bertolouci, in contrast, don't result in even an automated response which shows how much KFI and Clear Channel care.

Thank you for the insight, I have also communicated with Tonya, Todd and Michael in the past I will follow up on your suggestion and appreciate the advice.
It may not change anything but may plant a seed for the future as to promotional ideas for country music, country artists and LA's ONLY country station.

 

[Shoot From Hip]

I think you're confusing policy with practice. And the above posters are correct-- there are often a myriad of reasons stations do what they do at remotes. Perhaps the promoter refused to buy advertising promoting the event. Perhaps something untoward happened to the street team at the event. Perhaps they were promised an interview with someone (maybe even Juice) that never materialized. Perhaps the street team screwed up. Perhaps they had more than one event the same day at limited resources. Perhaps they were not the "official" station of the event and were really just trying to do a "hit and run." Trying to turn a specific event in to a generalization is probably not going to get answers to the kind of questions you posed...so do as the poster suggested and call, email or write the station to express your feelings and see if you can get answers.

 

[Rebafan]

I think you're confusing policy with practice. And the above posters are correct-- there are often a myriad of reasons stations do what they do at remotes. Perhaps the promoter refused to buy advertising promoting the event. Perhaps something untoward happened to the street team at the event. Perhaps they were promised an interview with someone (maybe even Juice) that never materialized. Perhaps the street team screwed up. Perhaps they had more than one event the same day at limited resources. Perhaps they were not the "official" station of the event and were really just trying to do a "hit and run." Trying to turn a specific event in to a generalization is probably not going to get answers to the kind of questions you posed...so do as the poster suggested and call, email or write the station to express your feelings and see if you can get answers.

Thank you for your post, you sure do fit the username
I appreciate your candor.
I am going to attempt to contact the station and see what information I receive in regards to this event.
Always good to get insight from outside sources.

 

[calguy]

Do radio stations that have their street team at an event geared toward the type of music specifically a fair leave before the show starts as to not take away attention from the show?

The Leathercraft Guild did a demonstration at The Valley Fair at the Saugus Speedway this weekend that I participated in on Sunday... COUNTRY day at the fair...

KKGO Go Country had a booth near the Main Stage, I was always on the run and didn't stop by, figured when I went to catch Juice Newton on the Main Stage I would say hello to the street teamers... little did I know but When I went to get something to drink an hour or so before the show .... They would be... KKGONE!

The fact I wasn't able to say hello did not disturb me as much as the stations exiting before the BIG country act was going on to perform... the ONLY country station clearly heard in "The Valley" had left the fair before anywhere near closing time... MORESO they had left before Juice Newton!!!

Perhaps some of you do not know who she is...
She has received a total of five Grammy nominations in the Pop and Country Best Female Vocalist categories.
She has been recording since 1975,
15 TOP 10 SINGLES POP & COUNTRY
10 MILLION RECORDS SOLD WORLDWIDE
Grammy: Best Pop female Vocalist
4 Grammy Nominations
CMA "New Female Vocalist Of The Year"
2 TIME BILLBOARD ALBUM ARTIST OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN VIDEO ASSOCIATION:"Best Video"
The "GIFT OF MUSIC" Award
Bammie: "BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Austrailian Music Medias Number One International Country Artist

A FEW of the songs that she is known for include:
Angel Of The Morning
Break It To Me Gently
They Never Made it To Memphis
The Sweetest Thing
Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me
Queen Of Hearts

I am VERY Disappointed in this action by our local station... Perhaps they don't know who she is, perhaps they don't work with her record label (get anything from them to support her) or perhaps they had other reasons for staying for other artists performances (Riders Of The Purple Sage performed earlier in the day) and for leaving before Juice Newton...

This was NOT a concert with an "opening act" etc. it was a fair with acts all day...
There was also an act performing AFTER Juice Newton so... IF their being there was going to take away from the ALL day performances on the main stage... why did they even show up?!?

If this is a regular practice, although as disappointment is a feeling I am entitled to it, I perhaps would not have been AS disappointed in the station leaving the venue.

Thanks for any input from those in the industry that would know what the policy and practice when doing a promotional event at a local fair.

Woah, no need to get so upset. As others have mentioned, there are many reasons why a station sends a street team to an event. Most of the time, they're paid to be there. Could be a client that wanted them there, or the station has a deal with the promoters. Most teams where I have worked never stay more than 2 or three hours. They frequently have other events to appear at and at times may have a jock with them if he's been paid to be there as well. Many performances are not promoted, no diss on the artist there either. There are so many explanations. So lesson learned, catch them while you can, but they didn't leave to diss you or the artist on stage, that I'm sure of. I'll bet KFROG was at the Perris fair because it was part of their deal, and that's the point, it's whatever they were contracted for.

By the way, Juice Newton is great, you were right about her!

 

[Rebafan]

Do radio stations that have their street team at an event geared toward the type of music specifically a fair leave before the show starts as to not take away attention from the show?

The Leathercraft Guild did a demonstration at The Valley Fair at the Saugus Speedway this weekend that I participated in on Sunday... COUNTRY day at the fair...

KKGO Go Country had a booth near the Main Stage, I was always on the run and didn't stop by, figured when I went to catch Juice Newton on the Main Stage I would say hello to the street teamers... little did I know but When I went to get something to drink an hour or so before the show .... They would be... KKGONE!

The fact I wasn't able to say hello did not disturb me as much as the stations exiting before the BIG country act was going on to perform... the ONLY country station clearly heard in "The Valley" had left the fair before anywhere near closing time... MORESO they had left before Juice Newton!!!

Perhaps some of you do not know who she is...
She has received a total of five Grammy nominations in the Pop and Country Best Female Vocalist categories.
She has been recording since 1975,
15 TOP 10 SINGLES POP & COUNTRY
10 MILLION RECORDS SOLD WORLDWIDE
Grammy: Best Pop female Vocalist
4 Grammy Nominations
CMA "New Female Vocalist Of The Year"
2 TIME BILLBOARD ALBUM ARTIST OF THE YEAR
AMERICAN VIDEO ASSOCIATION:"Best Video"
The "GIFT OF MUSIC" Award
Bammie: "BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Austrailian Music Medias Number One International Country Artist

A FEW of the songs that she is known for include:
Angel Of The Morning
Break It To Me Gently
They Never Made it To Memphis
The Sweetest Thing
Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me
Queen Of Hearts

I am VERY Disappointed in this action by our local station... Perhaps they don't know who she is, perhaps they don't work with her record label (get anything from them to support her) or perhaps they had other reasons for staying for other artists performances (Riders Of The Purple Sage performed earlier in the day) and for leaving before Juice Newton...

This was NOT a concert with an "opening act" etc. it was a fair with acts all day...
There was also an act performing AFTER Juice Newton so... IF their being there was going to take away from the ALL day performances on the main stage... why did they even show up?!?

If this is a regular practice, although as disappointment is a feeling I am entitled to it, I perhaps would not have been AS disappointed in the station leaving the venue.

Thanks for any input from those in the industry that would know what the policy and practice when doing a promotional event at a local fair.

Woah, no need to get so upset. As others have mentioned, there are many reasons why a station sends a street team to an event. Most of the time, they're paid to be there. Could be a client that wanted them there, or the station has a deal with the promoters. Most teams where I have worked never stay more than 2 or three hours. They frequently have other events to appear at and at times may have a jock with them if he's been paid to be there as well. Many performances are not promoted, no diss on the artist there either. There are so many explanations. So lesson learned, catch them while you can, but they didn't leave to diss you or the artist on stage, that I'm sure of. I'll bet KFROG was at the Perris fair because it was part of their deal, and that's the point, it's whatever they were contracted for.

By the way, Juice Newton is great, you were right about her!

My emotion and passion for country music and for Juice Newton as a fan caused me to be disappointed and upset.
I know there are MANY reasons radio stations do things and bottom line is primarily the money, I guess I am used to a time when the people involved in country music did more to promote the genre. I guess for me looking at the changing demographics of Los Angeles I think that the people involved in country music have to go the extra mile to support and promote it as I saw what happened with KZLA and how Emmis said there weren't enough fans to support a station out here... If the fans don't know about a country event or performance by a country artist they can't support or promote it and a local country station in my opinion should be the foundation of getting the word out to fans about what is going on and not just via there website but also via the airwaves.
Them attending the event is more so in my opinion about promoting the station itself, them promoting the artist and local events having to do with country music is about promoting a genre some say is fading away in LA...

 

[BoardOp69]

As was previously mentioned, the station is not there to support an artist. They're there to promote themselves. Once the concert has started, the flow of traffic to the station booth wanes or disappears entirely, so it's money wasted to have street teamers standing around picking their noses.

 

[Rebafan]

As was previously mentioned, the station is not there to support an artist. They're there to promote themselves. Once the concert has started, the flow of traffic to the station booth wanes or disappears entirely, so it's money wasted to have street teamers standing around picking their noses.

You are correct, there is NO reason for street teamers to stand around, or in this case sit around and pick their noses...
KKGO was gone LONG BEFORE Juice took the stage....

Most booths at the fair see you walking past and say something to you, reach out to you, attempt to draw you in. Booth "street teamers need to interact with the fair/concert participants (when they just stand/sit in the booth waiting for people to come to them they get NO promotion done). You walk outside the booth as people pass by, pass out fliers and goodies... and they could have passed out fliers, fans etc as people filed in for the concert since their booth was directly near the entrance to the main stage where people would pass it on the way to see ANY of the shows playing there.

IF they took down the booth because they felt the show after Juice Newton wasn't worth staying for or they did not want to continue to sit in the booth with no visitors while Juice performed.. could the street team not have taken some bumper stickers and stayed at the fair on their own giving out bumper stickers, fans etc to the attendees, (especially the fans considering it was over 100 most of the day their)?

When the announcer at the main stage was talking about what was going on around the fair, they announced the Recycler Booth, The Santa Clarita City Booth, and the Budweiser Group. WANTING people to come over to the Home Arts Booth I walked up to the gentlemen at the sound board and said, when you make your next announcement can you let them know The Leathercraft Guild is doing a Leatherworking Demo all day if they would like to stop by and see the leathercrafters at work, 2 minutes later the announcement was made.... PROMOTION.... SUPPORT... if that is why a radio station or other booths not selling items go to a fair promotion is KEY in my opinion... BUT it is ONLY my opinion and others can and will disagree with me and they have that right... Bottom line is I believe KKGO made a mistake all around on this one...

 

[Big E]

You'll never understand why they did what they did, because you keep thinking that they actually care about country music. Radio after all is a business. And unfortuneatly, the all mighty dollar rules. Like many have said on this post already, there are way too many reasons why they left early. Until you remove yourself as a fan, you wont understand. The sad part of all this, you the listener, loses, and the radio stations (not all) dont really give a rip about you like they used to. Welcome to the sad state of radio. Just one persons opinion. :-\