Really Bad Commercials push audiences away.

[fccfight]

OK, we know it is called "Commercial" radio, but it seems that every
8 minutes on BOSTON'S PROGRESSIVE TALK we are subjected to screechy commercials and really dreadful PSAs.

Today it really drove me batty. Scenario - at computer attempting to get work done - bad commercial comes on, turn AM 1430 down, phone rings, take call, forget about station, back to work, forget to tune station back up. 30 minutes go by. Walk by radio, turn volume up COMMERCIAL IS ON.

Try it sometime - you have a better chance of getting a commercial on
Boston's Progressive Talk (or worse) than receiving the content.

The point of radio is to get an audience so you can SELL commercials. There
has to be balance.

What gives? I've asked this question before, is Clear Channel running
AIR AMERICA/JONES as a "loss leader" to "prove" that it (Progressive talk)can't work in this market without giving it a fair shake?

<font color=red>[EDIT POLITICAL COMMENT]</font>

Smoke & Mirrors. Is Clear Channel part of this conspiracy to drive audiences away? Even hardcore fans are having a hard time staying tuned in to a poorly programmed station with great talk show hosts.

<font color=red>[EDIT POLITICAL COMMENT]</font><P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by cabradio on 09/27/05 01:50 AM.</FONT></P>

 

[WizardofProd]

> OK, we know it is called "Commercial" radio, but it seems
> that every
> 8 minutes on BOSTON'S PROGRESSIVE TALK we are subjected to
> screechy commercials and really dreadful PSAs.
>
> Today it really drove me batty. Scenario - at computer
> attempting to get work done - bad commercial comes on, turn
> AM 1430 down, phone rings, take call, forget about station,
> back to work, forget to tune station back up. 30 minutes go
> by. Walk by radio, turn volume up COMMERCIAL IS ON.
>
> Try it sometime - you have a better chance of getting a
> commercial on
> Boston's Progressive Talk (or worse) than receiving the
> content.
>
> The point of radio is to get an audience so you can SELL
> commercials. There
> has to be balance.
>
> What gives? I've asked this question before, is Clear
> Channel running
> AIR AMERICA/JONES as a "loss leader" to "prove" that it
> (Progressive talk)can't work in this market without giving
> it a fair shake?
>
> [EDIT POLITICAL COMMENT]
>
> Smoke & Mirrors. Is Clear Channel part of this conspiracy
> to drive audiences away? Even hardcore fans are having a
> hard time staying tuned in to a poorly programmed station
> with great talk show hosts.
>
> [EDIT POLITICAL COMMENT]
>
Virtually all commercials drive audiences away regardless of the product or agenda they are promoting.

 

[MrAl]

... Air America Place... I wait a few hours until the shows are archived... download it on my iRiver and I can listen to it anywhere in my house, in my car or while I'm out walking. Commercial free--no "Passing gas" PSA, no pop quizzes with either Mrs. Rich or Mr. Bonner, no advice from Dad... just talk...

 

[Infidel]

> OK, we know it is called "Commercial" radio, but it seems
> that every
> 8 minutes on BOSTON'S PROGRESSIVE TALK we are subjected to
> screechy commercials and really dreadful PSAs.

Part of the problem, for me, is that when they cut to traffic or news, it feels like they are going to commercial, when in fact they consider it part of the show. So the actual "talk" time is greatly reduced. Every time there's a caller who manages to last for more than two minutes, they always have to stop for a break. Say what you wil abous Stern, but at least he manages to keep the show going for a while, and saves all the commercials for a larger break.

And, they like to trick you by having the host read an impromptu advertisement rather than playing a taped spot. So when you're returning to the station after a 15 minute break, and you think they're finally done with the news, traffic and commercials, you think the show is back on. But you're wrong, it's a spot for Shom-a-knee (sp?), Perfect Smiles, the Countttttttertop Shop, Dr. Bruce Houttttton, etc.