Yeah, a common feeling here seems to be of frustration when the 80s infiltrate in to classic hits, but I say bring it on. 70s and 80s are my favorite eras for music, and it's neat to have them both on one station. I find the evolution of the format in to the 80s exciting. 60s I can do with or without but would still play a little on classic hits. WRIT/Milwaukee, WODC/Columbus, and even KLTH/Portland don't play any 80s either to my knowledge, all are Clear Channel. I wish I knew why their classic hits stations seem to resist the 80s so much. The 60s and early 70s tracks they play are so burned out.
I think classic hits shouldn't hesitate to play 80s material from Rod Stewart, Phil Collins/Genesis, Steve Winwood, Hall & Oates, The Police, Huey Lewis, Elton John, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper, Journey, Heart, etc. Any track from a big 80s film I'd be on as well (like 'Time Of My Life'). All compliment and flow with the 70s material very well, and a lot of these artists started in that era. I might hold back on some of the new wave, rock, and be somewhat selective with artists like Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson (post "Thriller"). "Forever Young", "Young Turks", "Time After Time", "You're The Inspiration", "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", "PYT", "Higher Love", "If This Is It", etc...all perfect fits for classic hits. Get on the ball, CC!
Seeing how the format has evolved on a lot of stations, as I said it seems that a lot of classic hits stations are picking up on the softer 70s and early 80s tracks that AC stations play/have played, as well. Seems like some of these soft 70s and 80s songs still have quite a bit of life left in them, yet. I think a time will come when classic hits is sleepier than AC, seeing how things are going with that format!