• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

Randy Dotinga writes about KOOL 99.3

S

SuperRadioFan

Interesting expansion of this station's playlist. When's the last time your oldies station played Brooklyn Bridge's "Worst That Could Happen"? That's what's they played a while ago. Also they played "Spanish Harlem" (the original version heh heh) and "More More More" Andrea True Connection. Now playing "Baker Street" (on the stream).
KOOL's Internet stream features real old time radio commercials... heard earlier Hershey Bar, H.I.S. and Hawaiian Punch (with a voiceover that sounded distinctly like Dan Ingram). The Internet stream BTW is delayed by approx 45 minutes from the over-the-air.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/06/15/entertainment/radio/61505125652.txt

http://www.koolsandiego.com/main.html
 
A couple of things about this:
First of all, Dave Mason is one of the most talented PD's, and I for one am disappointed that I did not have the chance to work for him.

Second, Star 100.7 was NEVER a rock station. From the start, it was a Hot AC/CHR hybrid, and later moved into the Modern AC format.

Third, I think that the reason why Oldies is being ditched is becuase it has been sold the wrong way. Programmers and Ad reps think of it in terms of "oldies" instead of what it really is, "Classic Top 40." It's a complete sound of its own, too often sold only to the so-called "baby boomers." The trouble is, that idea of oldies hasn't grown. They could have been playing music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and that would have been oldies too. Jack FM (and assorted names) does that. But I don't understand why to hear such music you need to put up with jockless jukeboxes, and liners like "don't make requests." Not bashing the Variety Hits format, but all people don't necessarily like that.

Too bad Mason is not a consultant, becuase I think he is one of the few who "gets it!"

IMHO.
> Interesting expansion of this station's playlist. When's the
> last time your oldies station played Brooklyn Bridge's
> "Worst That Could Happen"? That's what's they played a while
> ago. Also they played "Spanish Harlem" (the original version
> heh heh) and "More More More" Andrea True Connection. Now
> playing "Baker Street" (on the stream).
> KOOL's Internet stream features real old time radio
> commercials... heard earlier Hershey Bar, H.I.S. and
> Hawaiian Punch (with a voiceover that sounded distinctly
> like Dan Ingram). The Internet stream BTW is delayed by
> approx 45 minutes from the over-the-air.
>
http://www.nctimes> .com/articles/2005/06/15/entertainment/radio/61505125652.txt
>
>
> http://www.koolsandiego.com/main.html
>
 
I think he got it....I think he got it!


> A couple of things about this:
> First of all, Dave Mason is one of the most talented PD's,
> and I for one am disappointed that I did not have the chance
> to work for him.
>
> Second, Star 100.7 was NEVER a rock station. From the start,
> it was a Hot AC/CHR hybrid, and later moved into the Modern
> AC format.
>
> Third, I think that the reason why Oldies is being ditched
> is becuase it has been sold the wrong way. Programmers and
> Ad reps think of it in terms of "oldies" instead of what it
> really is, "Classic Top 40." It's a complete sound of its
> own, too often sold only to the so-called "baby boomers."
> The trouble is, that idea of oldies hasn't grown. They could
> have been playing music from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and that
> would have been oldies too. Jack FM (and assorted names)
> does that. But I don't understand why to hear such music you
> need to put up with jockless jukeboxes, and liners like
> "don't make requests." Not bashing the Variety Hits format,
> but all people don't necessarily like that.
>
> Too bad Mason is not a consultant, becuase I think he is one
> of the few who "gets it!"
>
> IMHO.
> > Interesting expansion of this station's playlist. When's
> the
> > last time your oldies station played Brooklyn Bridge's
> > "Worst That Could Happen"? That's what's they played a
> while
> > ago. Also they played "Spanish Harlem" (the original
> version
> > heh heh) and "More More More" Andrea True Connection. Now
>
> > playing "Baker Street" (on the stream).
> > KOOL's Internet stream features real old time radio
> > commercials... heard earlier Hershey Bar, H.I.S. and
> > Hawaiian Punch (with a voiceover that sounded distinctly
> > like Dan Ingram). The Internet stream BTW is delayed by
> > approx 45 minutes from the over-the-air.
> >
> http://www.nctimes>
> .com/articles/2005/06/15/entertainment/radio/61505125652.txt
>
> >
> >
> > http://www.koolsandiego.com/main.html
> >
>
 
Although I don't often agree with Garrett, I think he has it right about the whole "baby boomers" cliche ridden Oldies presentation. It is in serious need of a remake, or the format will die. think about it, that goofy Cool logo is hip to whom? Oldie consultants cut the format down to it's essence of Motown, Beachboys, Beatles, and one-hit wonders. It's poorly produced, the format doesn't seem to sound good or work well on Prophet, I've heard songs cut off, bad transitions etc. The jingles, image voice, liners are especially poor at the Clear Channel stations. They turned the format into a bargin basement operation.
 
> A couple of things about this:
> First of all, Dave Mason is one of the most talented PD's,
> and I for one am disappointed that I did not have the chance
> to work for him.
>
I am in total agreement here. Dave Mason is definitely a class act.

> Third, I think that the reason why Oldies is being ditched
> is becuase it has been sold the wrong way. *snip* too often sold only to the > so-called "baby boomers."

Again, right on the money. Look at who Dave talks to on the phone during the morning show: that certified financial planner and that dude from Nature B. Not exactly stimulating stuff. In fact these are actually commercials disguised as phone calls.
 
the format doesn't seem to sound good
or work well on Prophet


It will work as well (or as poorly) as its assembled:
GIGO (garbage in - garbage out)
Prophet/NexGen should have nothing to do with it.
<P ID="signature">______________
you're not a lawyer, are you?</P>
 
Well it's mostly garbage out pal. I've heard any number of CC's
oldie stations..they all seem to have the same problem. Now if
you listen to KRTH the audio tends to be cleaner and the segues
are flawless. Digital automation is certainly capable of handling
the format, but in traveling around the country I've noticed that
Clear Channel's "oldie" stations tend to have problems with the format
from a flow point of view. Songs get cut off. Just A-B 101.1 with 99.3
for awhile.



> the format doesn't seem to sound good
> or work well on Prophet
>
>
> It will work as well (or as poorly) as its assembled:
> GIGO (garbage in - garbage out)
> Prophet/NexGen should have nothing to do with it.
>
 
Re: KOOL 99.3

> The jingles, image voice, liners are
> especially poor at the Clear Channel stations.

Yow! I'M the image voice for Kool 99.3, and a lot of other oldies stations nationwide. Some Clear Channel..some not. Some really successful, and some not..This is really an individual station issue..The current popular spin on oldies seems to be to play ONLY well known, and totally established hit songs in order to be ultra-predictable..the problem is..they're not making them anymore. The only thing an oldies PD can do to widen the variety is either play songs less popular, or widen out the allowable span of years for songs..At several levels the PD runs into a wall from management. They used to hate that..but now..with Jack, the new radio savior..it's now hip to be unpredictable and anti-conventional radio.. So now the forward thinking, and more popular oldies stations are those that do what Jack is doing, but with older songs. Witness Kool 99.3..Dave has succeeded in making a very interesting to listen to radio station. At least from the variety standpoint. The listener is treated to a buffet of "oh wow" songs, mixed with well played and well liked hits. It's fun to hear, and can work if given a chance. CC would do well to allow Dave the lattitude to fine-tune this "new" oldies presentation..and perhaps apply it to a fresh approach to this format. Which, by the way will be back. these songs won't just die out, and the audience is still there for this music. Just try and watch an hour of network TV and NOT hear a spot with an oldie as a theme..

Additionally companies like Sirius are not just tossing more money out the door when they jump on the "Cousin Brucies" of the world to give thier oldies streams more credability. Dave Mason could very well become the new oldies guru for CC. First order of business is to play oldies but not call them "oldies"..What to call it? Couldn't tell you..but not oldies. It's not a cheeseburger..it's a beef-patty lunch sandwich, enhanced with a cheddar flavored dairy slice.

As for Dave..kudos to him for not tossing in the towel, and at least trying something to garner new interest in his station. He is an absolute pro.

Sorry some of you guys don't like my style...I'll be the one eating hot dogs under the bridge.
 
Oldies Renamed

not call them "oldies"..What to call it? How about:
* All Time Hits
* Yesterday's Songs
* 45s
* Cool Tunes
* Classics


> > The jingles, image voice, liners are
> > especially poor at the Clear Channel stations.
>
> Yow! I'M the image voice for Kool 99.3, and a lot of other
> oldies stations nationwide. Some Clear Channel..some not.
> Some really successful, and some not..This is really an
> individual station issue..The current popular spin on oldies
> seems to be to play ONLY well known, and totally established
> hit songs in order to be ultra-predictable..the problem
> is..they're not making them anymore. The only thing an
> oldies PD can do to widen the variety is either play songs
> less popular, or widen out the allowable span of years for
> songs..At several levels the PD runs into a wall from
> management. They used to hate that..but now..with Jack, the
> new radio savior..it's now hip to be unpredictable and
> anti-conventional radio.. So now the forward thinking, and
> more popular oldies stations are those that do what Jack is
> doing, but with older songs. Witness Kool 99.3..Dave has
> succeeded in making a very interesting to listen to radio
> station. At least from the variety standpoint. The listener
> is treated to a buffet of "oh wow" songs, mixed with well
> played and well liked hits. It's fun to hear, and can work
> if given a chance. CC would do well to allow Dave the
> lattitude to fine-tune this "new" oldies presentation..and
> perhaps apply it to a fresh approach to this format. Which,
> by the way will be back. these songs won't just die out,
> and the audience is still there for this music. Just try
> and watch an hour of network TV and NOT hear a spot with an
> oldie as a theme..
>
> Additionally companies like Sirius are not just tossing more
> money out the door when they jump on the "Cousin Brucies" of
> the world to give thier oldies streams more credability.
> Dave Mason could very well become the new oldies guru for
> CC. First order of business is to play oldies but not call
> them "oldies"..What to call it? Couldn't tell you..but not
> oldies. It's not a cheeseburger..it's a beef-patty lunch
> sandwich, enhanced with a cheddar flavored dairy slice.
>
> As for Dave..kudos to him for not tossing in the towel, and
> at least trying something to garner new interest in his
> station. He is an absolute pro.
>
> Sorry some of you guys don't like my style...I'll be the one
> eating hot dogs under the bridge.
>
<P ID="signature">______________
Peace is the word, and the Voice of the Peace is THE station, 24 hours a day. (Tribute to the VOP 1540 which broadcast for 20 years in the Eastern Mediterranean)</P>
 
Re: KOOL 99.3

Jeff,
Very interesting take indeed!
I must say, I for one enjoy your input!

This could be an interesting new battle in the Variety Hits wars. I have a feeling the San Diego market will be one that will be watched closely!
Who will win? Jack? Kool?
Should be interesting! Heck, it already is...

> Yow! I'M the image voice for Kool 99.3, and a lot of other
> oldies stations nationwide. Some Clear Channel..some not.
> Some really successful, and some not..This is really an
> individual station issue..The current popular spin on oldies
> seems to be to play ONLY well known, and totally established
> hit songs in order to be ultra-predictable..the problem
> is..they're not making them anymore. The only thing an
> oldies PD can do to widen the variety is either play songs
> less popular, or widen out the allowable span of years for
> songs..At several levels the PD runs into a wall from
> management. They used to hate that..but now..with Jack, the
> new radio savior..it's now hip to be unpredictable and
> anti-conventional radio.. So now the forward thinking, and
> more popular oldies stations are those that do what Jack is
> doing, but with older songs. Witness Kool 99.3..Dave has
> succeeded in making a very interesting to listen to radio
> station. At least from the variety standpoint. The listener
> is treated to a buffet of "oh wow" songs, mixed with well
> played and well liked hits. It's fun to hear, and can work
> if given a chance. CC would do well to allow Dave the
> lattitude to fine-tune this "new" oldies presentation..and
> perhaps apply it to a fresh approach to this format. Which,
> by the way will be back. these songs won't just die out,
> and the audience is still there for this music. Just try
> and watch an hour of network TV and NOT hear a spot with an
> oldie as a theme..
>
> Additionally companies like Sirius are not just tossing more
> money out the door when they jump on the "Cousin Brucies" of
> the world to give thier oldies streams more credability.
> Dave Mason could very well become the new oldies guru for
> CC. First order of business is to play oldies but not call
> them "oldies"..What to call it? Couldn't tell you..but not
> oldies. It's not a cheeseburger..it's a beef-patty lunch
> sandwich, enhanced with a cheddar flavored dairy slice.
>
> As for Dave..kudos to him for not tossing in the towel, and
> at least trying something to garner new interest in his
> station. He is an absolute pro.
>
> Sorry some of you guys don't like my style...I'll be the one
> eating hot dogs under the bridge.
>
 
Re: KOOL 99.3

Jeff,
Slow on the uptake.... but we appreciate the nature of the comments.

Mason has been focussing on oldies for more than 30 years and certainly knows his stuff. Back at WSAY in Rochester, he picked things up when the station was not doing well.
I believe that he has the calm, mature ability to just stand back and L I S T E N to what the audience and the management are responding to.

I do know that he responds to the audience first and the management second.
WKRC in Cinci loved him. He was a breath of fresh air.

Not sure about how SD likes fresh air - but I bet Mason does.

He knows that KOOL is on borrowed time (dumb he is NOT). The question on the table seems to be - what will CC management do with him.

Do the folks in SD turn on to him like Cinci, OH and Rochester, NY and Endicott, NY and all the other places he has graced.

I guess that I sound like a promo for him - NOT. I just built his first radio studio.

I stood in the living room with Clay Aiken while he was practicing for AI - and told him that he had a slim-to-none chance of making the first cut, so my judgement can be questioned. However, I know what I like....

-Jim

> > The jingles, image voice, liners are
> > especially poor at the Clear Channel stations.
>
> Yow! I'M the image voice for Kool 99.3, and a lot of other
> oldies stations nationwide. Some Clear Channel..some not.
> Some really successful, and some not..This is really an
> individual station issue..The current popular spin on oldies
> seems to be to play ONLY well known, and totally established
> hit songs in order to be ultra-predictable..the problem
> is..they're not making them anymore. The only thing an
> oldies PD can do to widen the variety is either play songs
> less popular, or widen out the allowable span of years for
> songs..At several levels the PD runs into a wall from
> management. They used to hate that..but now..with Jack, the
> new radio savior..it's now hip to be unpredictable and
> anti-conventional radio.. So now the forward thinking, and
> more popular oldies stations are those that do what Jack is
> doing, but with older songs. Witness Kool 99.3..Dave has
> succeeded in making a very interesting to listen to radio
> station. At least from the variety standpoint. The listener
> is treated to a buffet of "oh wow" songs, mixed with well
> played and well liked hits. It's fun to hear, and can work
> if given a chance. CC would do well to allow Dave the
> lattitude to fine-tune this "new" oldies presentation..and
> perhaps apply it to a fresh approach to this format. Which,
> by the way will be back. these songs won't just die out,
> and the audience is still there for this music. Just try
> and watch an hour of network TV and NOT hear a spot with an
> oldie as a theme..
>
> Additionally companies like Sirius are not just tossing more
> money out the door when they jump on the "Cousin Brucies" of
> the world to give thier oldies streams more credability.
> Dave Mason could very well become the new oldies guru for
> CC. First order of business is to play oldies but not call
> them "oldies"..What to call it? Couldn't tell you..but not
> oldies. It's not a cheeseburger..it's a beef-patty lunch
> sandwich, enhanced with a cheddar flavored dairy slice.
>
> As for Dave..kudos to him for not tossing in the towel, and
> at least trying something to garner new interest in his
> station. He is an absolute pro.
>
> Sorry some of you guys don't like my style...I'll be the one
> eating hot dogs under the bridge.
>
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom