Ruining Radio Is Just Part of The Bankers' Plans to Re-Shape The World

[TheBigA]

BTW, I try not to eat at "Billions Sold." Nothing against Mickey D. I'd just rather eat at a good Buffalo corner pizza or restaurant. There's more personality and the food is always better.

But if that's what my listeners want, it's my job to deliver. I don't run radio stations for my own personal entertainment either. I do what I do for the audience. It's all about them. If they like music I don't, that's fine with me, as long as they listen. I'll play crappy music all day long. I can hear my favorite music any time I want at home.

 

[SirRoxalot]

So, you think people pass up better restaurants because they like McDonalds? When was the last time you dined at Mickey D's? I'd say that the analogy doesn't work because, given their druthers, most people would eat at a better place when the price is the same, and time doesn't matter. And, in radio, the price IS the same, and time doesn't matter.

There's a reason why Jack ain't in the top 5.

 

[TheBigA]

And, in radio, the price IS the same, and time doesn't matter.

But the music at each station is different. Stations that play the kind of music Jack plays typically aren't #1 stations, and their audience is on the higher end of the demo spectrum. So perhaps the listeners don't choose Jack because they don't like the music, not because of the presentation. A couple years ago, a group tried a country version of Jack. It didn't work. Country music listeners want DJs. So that format went away. But for adult hits, it works fine, especially a compliment to a traditional oldies station.

You don't compare McDonalds to an expensive restaurant. That's not a fair comparison. You compare McDonalds to Hardees.

But we were comparing McDonalds to local pizza. Price wise, that's pretty close. In my town, we have a local pizza place across from the McDonalds, and it's easy to see who does more business.

 

[jas2525]

And, in radio, the price IS the same, and time doesn't matter.

But the music at each station is different. Stations that play the kind of music Jack plays typically aren't #1 stations, and their audience is on the higher end of the demo spectrum. So perhaps the listeners don't choose Jack because they don't like the music, not because of the presentation. A couple years ago, a group tried a country version of Jack. It didn't work. Country music listeners want DJs. So that format went away. But for adult hits, it works fine, especially a compliment to a traditional oldies station.

You don't compare McDonalds to an expensive restaurant. That's not a fair comparison. You compare McDonalds to Hardees.

But we were comparing McDonalds to local pizza. Price wise, that's pretty close. In my town, we have a local pizza place across from the McDonalds, and it's easy to see who does more business.

NO, you compare McDoanlds to Jack-in-the-Box. Hardees you compare to Pizza Hut. KFC can't effectively be compared to Taco Bell because they are under the same roof and are manipulated as to not cannibalize each other. Besides, Wendy's is probably a better partner for comparison to KFC anyway.

Now Burger King, that's a different animal. Perhaps surprisingly, I would only compare that to Taco Bell in the East and Dell Taco out west. Checkers, on the other hand, defies comparison.

And what can you really say about der wienerschnitzel?

 

[SirRoxalot]

Here in Buffalo, we compare Mighty Taco to Taco Bell - and guess who wins, hands down? The local guys - by a LOT.

 

[chas108]

Chas, I enjoyed reading your screed and you made some good points, particularly about "putting listeners on the air," which relates (and reinforces) Rox's points about "who" does the work and who makes the decisions.

You clearly do the work and make the decisions. You do the work, contribute as an artist, performer, producer... and what you do, when you do it, directly relates to how well your daypart performs and how well your radio station performs. You take pride in your craft because it is a direct reflection of who you are as a professional and a performer.

In return for your expertise, using your skills, time talent, decision-making ability... all of which derive from your experience and desire to prove yourself... you get a paycheck because your employer values your expertise and contributions to the radio station when it sells air time to clients that want to reach listeners.

I appreciate your thoughts, JPB. I'm fortunate to be in Country, which requires personality to operate properly, plus it's a well-branded heritage station owned by a group that's rediscovered live & local. In fact our 7-Mid slot goes back to live tonight after 3 1/2 years of AudioVault. As a huge sports town, we do a lot of tailgating with a Flash Mic and a laptop...just like when we're at concerts. The PD's directive is clear: "Get a listener on the air every talk break". Result...non-stop party. Plus we're in the moment and local.

About a month ago, I talked to a certain former PD who made KB the station you and countless others listened to, the PD that created the magic that shaped your radio being, whether you listened to the morning guy, the midday jock or the (not ready for prime time) overnight guy. What JK has to say about radio these days would fill a chapter. And he certainly isn't living in the past. I got into a friendly argument with him (actually baited him just to hear him get revved up) and what he said about the state of radio today would make you laugh, think and p*ss you off because you'd know it to be the truth.

I've tried to register JK for these boards, which he's occasionally read (and always blames me for upsetting him), but he has no interest because he thinks that some of what he reads comes from people "who don't know sh*t from Shinola." The guy's voice is a bit tarnished, but his mind is sharp and his observations are pure gold.

Usually it was nights and weekends via skip wave when I lived in "Eastern America". In my current neck of the woods...it never came in very well.

I'd like to shake JK's hand someday and say thanks...but get the feeling he might respond "whatever for". Good to hear he's not living in the past. And to use your restaurant analogy, to hear JK's observations would be like dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House.

 

[heydaybegone]

NO, you compare McDoanlds to Jack-in-the-Box. Hardees you compare to Pizza Hut. KFC can't effectively be compared to Taco Bell because they are under the same roof and are manipulated as to not cannibalize each other. Besides, Wendy's is probably a better partner for comparison to KFC anyway.

Now Burger King, that's a different animal. Perhaps surprisingly, I would only compare that to Taco Bell in the East and Dell Taco out west. Checkers, on the other hand, defies comparison.

And what can you really say about der wienerschnitzel?

Jas...that's too funny! But you may have something there (related to radio anyway)