September radio ratings

[davideduardo]

They'll need a new PD to pull it off though, as the current PD historically does not touch anything remotely guitar rock unless the popularity has hit a threshold that makes it impossible to ignore (like Beggin). They would need a PD who actually would want to play guitar rock along with synthpop and indie.

You are missing how a PD programs music in a major market.

First, research shows the general format area based on testing a variety of formats using small samples of, perhaps 6 to 8 hooks for each. Such a test also determines the size of the format opening and the vulnerability of stations already partially filling that space.

When the format is picked, a large list (often two to three times the envisioned library size) of potential songs is made up, often using what is played in similar or partially the same formats in other cities. A standard OMT (Online Music Test) or AMT (Auditorium Music Test) is done to find the songs that are playable.

The PD does not pick the music. The listeners do. And in a group owned situation, the decisions will be made by a team, not one individual.

Heck, even back in the mid-60's when I owned a Top 40 station, we had a panel of two men and two women, one of each gender older and one younger (within the target) to pick our adds each week. Even though I owned the station, I was not stupid enough to think I could predict all on my own the songs we should play.

 

[macattack]

You are missing how a PD programs music in a major market.

First, research shows the general format area based on testing a variety of formats using small samples of, perhaps 6 to 8 hooks for each. Such a test also determines the size of the format opening and the vulnerability of stations already partially filling that space.

When the format is picked, a large list (often two to three times the envisioned library size) of potential songs is made up, often using what is played in similar or partially the same formats in other cities. A standard OMT (Online Music Test) or AMT (Auditorium Music Test) is done to find the songs that are playable.

The PD does not pick the music. The listeners do. And in a group owned situation, the decisions will be made by a team, not one individual.

Heck, even back in the mid-60's when I owned a Top 40 station, we had a panel of two men and two women, one of each gender older and one younger (within the target) to pick our adds each week. Even though I owned the station, I was not stupid enough to think I could predict all on my own the songs we should play.

I apologize if this sounds rude, because it's not supposed to, but how does this one programmer draw the same conclusion every single time regardless of which station he works for at whatever city he happens to be in? Other program directors I've researched tend to tweak their styles a bit, but WNYL's program director, from everything I can glean, never has done so.

 

[davideduardo]

I apologize if this sounds rude, because it's not supposed to, but how does this one programmer draw the same conclusion every single time regardless of which station he works for at whatever city he happens to be in? Other program directors I've researched tend to tweak their styles a bit, but WNYL's program director, from everything I can glean, never has done so.

Perhaps because he only takes jobs with a kind of music he personally likes.

Again, we are way beyond the time when an owner would hire a programmer and let them personally decide on the format. Today, the owner will generally know the format based on research and the corporate program staff and then hire a PD who is skilled in that particular format.

 

[Jeffrey]

WNBM 103.9 has such low ratings, it seems that Cumulus would have little to lose by flipping it to something else. Perhaps smooth jazz?

WNBM has the perfect format for it's primary coverage area. What else could get higher ratings? Plus they'll never get stellar ratings no matter what with a signal that has trouble penetetrating many buildings in Manhattan