Radio Station Websites

[Mickey37]

Just about every station has a website, some better than others.
Some stations have staffers whose only job is to keep these sites fresh and current. Others ask the talent and/or production staffers to do this.
Do you find radio station websites helpful?
Do you visit their sites to hear the air product, or is there another reason?
In your opinion, is a website an important complement to the air signal?

 

[jayradio]

First, I would like to say that I do enjoy radio station sites. Maybe it's because I've been a fan of radio my whole life and take an interest in what's going on. Second, the stations that audio stream make it easier to listen at work where, in some cases, traditional radios are not allowed. Lastly, and probably most important, web sites are another way way radio stations can bring in some all important advertising dollars. Although, being able to see what jocks look like so readily has taken the mystery out of radio. Remember wondering to yourself, "I wonder what he/she looks like"?

 

[ck dexter haven]

There are those who think it matters what announcers "look like" -- in terms of creating a real business out of the station web sites, that's honestly about the last thing that matters! Think realistically--the only way to make something out of station sites, business wise, is in creating regularity--just as PDs do with the on air product. The problem with relying on "what the jocks look like" is: once you've seen it, you're done. Why ever come back? So much for regularity...return visits. What would EVER make someone come back more than once to a radio station site--the stream? Maybe, but you can bookmark that. What else?

That's the key to unlocking all the Internet $$$ radio has as yet not touched.

 

[jockitch]

Aside from radio followers & those in the business who really constantly goes to station websites? I have noticed Oldies 103 requires you to register for some contest on the website as I heard a caller ask Karen Blake about how to qualify for a contest & Karen told her to log on. That's a good way to drum up traffic. I think websites have become a necessary evil. They may generate ad revenue but frankly some are so busy I just don't even see people even clicking on the ads. I mean frankly who is going to go out of their way to click on any ad?

Now myspace accounts are another matter & some are better indications of who you're listening to & what they may really be like. My opinion of those is they're fine if you use them for PR but some of the ones I've seen...let's just say if I were the PD you wouldn't be allowed to put the calls on your space.

As an insider I have to say when it comes to jocks websites & spaces are just one more extension of radio's self-stroking ego & overinflated concept of what the world really even cares about.

 

[Eli Polonsky]

What would EVER make someone come back more than once to a radio station site--the stream? Maybe, but you can bookmark that. What else?

Apparently many male-oriented Rock and Classic Rock stations think that having a "Babe Of The Day" bikini-clad model feature on their site helps. I don't really know why, because there are millions of sites where people can go to look at "babes" exclusively. Why bother looking at radio station sites if that's what you're looking for?

I used to think that WZLX showed a little class by NOT resorting to a "Babe Of The Day" feature on their website, as most other Rock and Classic Rock station sites I looked at nationally did. But, WZLX revamped their website a couple of months ago, and sure enough, they now have a "Babe Of The Day" feature like the rest.

 

[Lucylu]

Well, look at their morning show (or rather 'listen to'). From Laquidara to Sweeney to K&M; a slow ride down into generic slop, and I think their ratings when along for the ride down. Could Mark Hannon be a better example of the Peter Principle?

 

[Eli Polonsky]

Well, WZLX has one new feature on their website that I found useful. A link to [url]http://www.fueleconomy.gov[/url], the best cheap gas prices lookup site I've seen.

I just drove all the way from Somerville to Dorchester and back to fill up for $2.39.9 per gallon!! (Two stations on Dorchester Ave about a quarter to a half mile south of Fields Corner. An Irving station, and a Gibbs station a little farther down. Everyone came to the Irving first, which had a long line. There was no waiting at the Gibbs).